Identifying Trees with Red Cherry-Like Berries

As summer turns to fall, bright red berries appear on trees and shrubs, adding pops of color to the landscape. Some of these jeweled fruits closely resemble cherries. But looks can be deceiving when foraging. So what trees produce red cherry-like berries? And are they edible or poisonous? Let’s unravel the mystery of these common lookalikes.

Overview of Cherry-Like Berry Trees

Many trees and shrubs produce small red fruits that resemble cherries. Botanically true cherries belong to the genus Prunus. But several other plants grow red drupes (fleshy fruits with pits) that look similar.

Some red cherry doppelgangers are edible Others are toxic or bland and bitter Proper identification ensures you can safely enjoy wild berries, Key plants with cherry-like fruits include

• Chokecherries – Edible when fully ripe
• Nanking cherries – Edible ornamental berries
• Pin cherries – Edible but tart wild berries
• Holly berries – Toxic red fruits on an evergreen shrub

Let’s explore how to identify each species by sight and taste.

Chokecherry Trees

Chokecherry trees (Prunus virginiana) produce small red fruits that closely resemble cherries. Growing 15-30 feet tall, these understory trees thrive in prairies and woodland edges.

The leaves are oval with fine serrations on the margin. Clusters of fragrant white flowers appear in spring. By late summer, fruits ripen from green to red, eventually darkening to deep purple or black when mature.

Chokecherries taste astringent and bitter until fully ripe. The name comes from their ultra-dry, puckering flavor. Once dark, they become sweeter with hints of almonds or plums.

To identify chokecherries, look for:

• Red berries maturing to purple/black
• Tiny stone pit like cherries
• Oval, finely toothed leaves
• Small tree or large shrub shape

Though edible, eating too many unripe chokecherries can cause an upset stomach. Enjoy them cooked or processed into jellies.

Nanking Cherry Shrubs

Nanking cherry (Prunus tomentosa) is a multi-stemmed shrub reaching 6-10 feet tall. Originating in Asia, it earns its name from the city of Nanjing in northern China.

The leaves are oval with a pointed tip and prominently veined. Clusters of tiny white or pink flowers bloom early in spring, followed by bright red fruits around 1⁄2 inch diameter. The edible berries ripen in summer.

Nanking cherries have a distinct woody, cherry-like flavor. They tend to be tart when raw. Their bright color and small size make them ideal for preserves, baking, and juices.

Look for these clues to identify nanking cherry:

• Shrub growing to 10 feet
• Red, round, cherry-like fruits
• Oval leaves with prominent veining
• Horizontal notches on young bark

Pin Cherry Trees

Pin cherry or bird cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) produces tiny, red, rounded fruits on long stems. Growing 15-30 feet tall, these small trees thrive along forest edges and in partial sunlight.

The slender, smooth branches give pin cherry a distincive form. Leaves are oval and finely toothed. Showy white flowers appear in spring, followed by crops of 1⁄4 inch diameter red berries in summer.

The bright red “cherries” have a large pit and very tart, bitter flavor. The name pin cherry comes from their small, pin-like size. Enjoy them cooked or processed into preserves and wine.

Identify pin cherry by:

• Long, thin stems supporting each tiny fruit
• Small tree shape with smooth, reddish bark
• Tiny round red berries less than 1⁄4 inch wide
• Oval, finely toothed leaves

Holly Trees and Shrubs

Numerous holly species (Ilex genus) produce eye-catching red berries against dark, spiny foliage. These broadleaf evergreens include trees like American holly (Ilex opaca) and shrubs like winterberry (Ilex verticillata).

The leathery, spiny leaves persist year-round and make hollies popular ornamentals. Clusters of small white flowers on female plants form red, orange, or black berries on some varieties. The fruits ripen in fall through winter.

Important: Holly berries are toxic to humans. While beautiful, they should not be eaten. The leaves and seeds also contain poisons that cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when ingested.

Identify holly by:

• Shiny red or orange berries
• Dark green, oval, spiny evergreen leaves
• Tree or shrub growth habit

Safely Identifying Red Berry Trees

Many red-berried trees resemble cherries. When foraging, be 100% certain of a tree’s identity before sampling berries. As this guide illustrates, some cherry lookalikes are poisonous.

Consider growth form, leaf shape, bark traits, and fruit stems. Crush a leaf or cut a berry open to check the pit and flesh characteristics. Start with just a tiny taste of 1-2 berries to gauge flavor and texture.

Never eat any unknown berry before confirming it is safe. With attention to detail, you can discover and safely enjoy wild cherry doppelgangers flourishing in your region. Consult field guides or foraging experts if ever in doubt about a tree’s identity or berry edibility.

So embrace the thrill of red berry tree identification! When you can reliably recognize these plants in your landscape, you open up a bounty of wild edibles to responsibly harvest and savor.