Native Edible Plants in Georgia

 

Chickasaw plum fruit (Prunus angustifolia)

The interest in growing native plants and growing edible plants has a happy intersection point when you can grow both at the same time. I think the poster plant for this movement is blueberry (Vaccinium), a sun-loving native shrub that is widely cultivated for its fruit. With an open, sunny area that gets 5-6 hours of sun and has room for two bushes, almost anyone can grow this delicious fruit.

Blueberry fruit in my yard

I’ve written several blog posts about native edibles but they were not comprehensive. Someone suggested a straight list of plants to consider so here goes:

Fruits

• Blueberries (Vaccinium sp.) – full sun shrub, need two or more that are not identical. Read more here.
• Huckleberries (Gaylussacia) – part sun shrub, better fruit set with two or more.
• Raspberries and blackberries (Rubus) – full sun prickly shrub that suckers, better fruit set with two or more. Watch out for non-native species.
• Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) – groundcover plant in full sun to part shade.
• Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) – full sun large shrub that prefers good moisture.
• Plums (Prunus) – full to part sun large shrub or small tree.
• Paw Paw (Asimina triloba) – part sun tree that suckers, need two more that are not identical.
• Hawthorn, especially mayhaw (Crataegus aestivalis) – full to part sun tree.
• Serviceberry (Amelanchier) – full sun tree.
• Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) – part sun tree.
• Crabapple (Malus angustifolia) – full sun tree.
• Red mulberry (Morus rubra) – full to part sun tree.
• Grapes (Vitis sp. and Muscadinia rotundifolia) – vines that may need to be managed to stay compact or on specific structures.
• Viburnum – native shrub species in full or part shade, research carefully which ones are best.
• Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) – full sun shrub with fruits that can be used for jams/jellies.
• Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) – large full to part sun shrub with edible fruits.
• Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa) – prickly perennial with edible fruits.

 

Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa)

Nuts

• Hickory (Carya spp. except for bitternut  hickory) – large trees with sweet nuts.
• Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) – large tree with sweet nuts.
• Oaks (Quercus) – large trees with nuts that can be used for flour and other products. More ideas here.
• Walnut and butternut (Juglans) – large trees with edible nuts.
• American hazelnut (Corylus americana) – small tree or large suckering shrub.
• Chestnut (Castanea) – native trees that can produce nuts when not affected by blight.

 

American hazelnut (Corylus americana)

Herbs

• Beebalm and wild bergamot (Monarda) – full sun and part shade herbs with aromatic foliage for herbal tea.
• Onion (Allium canadense and cernuum) – herb used like chives (bulb is not large)
• Mountain mint (Pycnanthemum) – full sun herb with aromatic foliage.
• Violet (Viola sororia) – wildflower with edible flowers.

 

Common violet (Viola sororia)

Assorted edible roots/tubers 

• Groundnut (Apios americana)
• Sunchoke (Helianthus tuberosus)
• Wild sweet potato (Ipomoea pandurata)

Groundnut (Apios americana)

This is by no means a comprehensive list but rather a collection of some of the most common native plants when it comes to human consumption. Be sure to leave some food for the animals! 

Here are a few useful links that I came across while researching this post:

Edible Plants in North Georgia

Stalking the South's Wild Edibles

What to Forage for Food in Georgia