Berry season is here!
Below is a guide to some commonly found berries, their scientific names, descriptions, and links to further information.
Huckleberry
Scientific Name: Vaccinium parvifolium
Huckleberries are small, round berries that can be red, blue, or black. They are similar in appearance to blueberries but have a more tart flavor.
In Campbell River: Red Huckleberries are super common here, and often right along trails such as in Beaver Lodge Lands & along the Quinsam River. Blue Huckleberries are also around – I’ve seen the blue version on the Ripple Rock Trail.
More Info: Huckleberry – Wikipedia
Salmonberry
Scientific Name: Rubus spectabilis
Salmonberries resemble raspberries and can be yellow-orange or red (often on the same bush). They are native to the west coast of North America and are known for their sweet-tart flavor.
In Campbell River, you’ll find them along trails — especially trails in moist areas along near rivers and streams.
To get a decent haul, you’ll need to wake up early as the birds tend to eat these quick as they mature.
More Info: Salmonberry – Wikipedia
Thimbleberry
Scientific Name: Rubus parviflorus
Thimbleberries are bright red when ripe and resemble raspberries. They are known for their tart flavor and are commonly found along roadsides and forest edges.
More Information: Thimbleberry – Wikipedia
Saskatoon Berry
Scientific Name: Amelanchier alnifolia
Also known as serviceberries or juneberries, Saskatoon berries are small, purple-blue fruits with an interesting flavor. I like cooking with them, and also dehydrating them into raisins.
Rather than in the woods, you’re more likely to find these at the edge of school fields, church landscaping, and in yards as they are often used as an ornamental on Vancouver Island.
More Information: Saskatoon Berry – Wikipedia
Himalayan Blackberry
Scientific Name: Rubus armeniacus
An invasive & delicious species, Himalayan blackberries produce large, sweet berries.
These plants are known for their aggressive growth and thorny canes.
More Information: Blackberry – Wikipedia
Trailing Blackberry
Scientific Name: Rubus ursinus
Our native trailing blackberries are smaller than their Himalayan counterparts and have a more delicate flavor. They grow along the ground along trails, in fields, and just about everywhere.
More Information: Rubus ursinus – Wikipedia
Berries to Avoid ☠️
While there are few deadly wild berries on Vancouver Island, there are some poisonous species that could cause an upset tummy, or worse.
So, don’t just assume a berry is edible!
For example:
⚠️ Red Elderberries are all over in Beaver Lodge Lands, the seeds inside the berries are very toxic and should be avoided.
⚠️ Black Nightshade berries are only edible when very ripe, and not for beginners.
Here is a list of other berries to avoid in BC.
Before trying a new-to-you berry, be sure to correctly identify the plant you have found them on!