Colorado’s diverse landscape, stretching from the eastern plains to the high peaks of the Rocky Mountains, creates microclimates that influence the variety of berries that can thrive there. The state’s varying altitudes and soil compositions—often alkaline and rocky—determine whether a berry species grows naturally or must be carefully cultivated. This guide explores both the rugged, native species found in the wilderness and the specific cultivated varieties that gardeners successfully grow despite the challenging local conditions.
Key Native Wild Berries
The Colorado wilderness is home to several hardy, edible berry species adapted to montane and foothill environments. One recognizable native fruit is the Serviceberry, or Juneberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), a cold-resilient shrub found in canyons and along streambanks. Its purple-red berries ripen in early summer, offering a flavor described as a blend between a blueberry and a subtle apple. High in iron and magnesium, Serviceberries are a staple food eaten fresh or cooked.
The Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is a native shrub or small tree distributed across the state. The dark red to black fruits grow in hanging clusters and are characterized by a distinct tartness that causes a puckering sensation. Due to their intense flavor, Chokecherries are rarely eaten raw but are a classic choice for making syrups, jellies, and wines. These fruits typically ripen later in the season, from mid-summer into early fall.
Wild raspberries and thimbleberries are often found in higher elevation forests. The Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) is a delicate, bright red aggregate fruit that appears in late July, notable for its large, soft, maple-like leaves. Due to its fragile nature, the Thimbleberry is often best consumed immediately upon picking. Wild Red and Yellow Raspberries (Rubus idaeus) are native and grow successfully in moist, well-drained areas up to 8,500 feet.
Common Cultivated Garden Berries
Growing berries in Colorado gardens requires overcoming the challenges of alkaline soil, intense sun exposure, and a shorter growing season. Cultivated Red and Yellow Raspberries are successful garden berries, thriving in well-drained soils, especially when organic matter is incorporated. Gardeners often choose fall-bearing varieties like ‘Heritage’ because they produce fruit on the current season’s canes, allowing for a harvest from mid-August until the first hard frost.
Strawberries are also a popular garden choice, particularly the June-bearing varieties, which produce a single, large crop in late spring or early summer. Successful cultivation often involves planting them in raised beds amended with compost to improve drainage and neutralize the high pH of the native soil. Currants and Gooseberries are also well-suited for high-altitude gardening, as many varieties can tolerate the colder temperatures and the region’s common soil conditions.
Blueberries require highly acidic soil, presenting a challenge for the Colorado gardener. To succeed, these plants must be grown in specialized containers or in-ground beds amended with peat moss to significantly lower the pH. Varieties such as ‘Northcountry Blue’ and ‘Bluecrop’ can flourish when provided with regular applications of acid-loving fertilizer and a consistent drip irrigation system.
Crucial Berries to Identify and Avoid
When foraging for wild berries, positive identification is a matter of safety, as several toxic species grow throughout Colorado. The White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda), also known as Doll’s Eyes, is a poisonous plant found in wooded areas. Its small, white berries, which feature a dark, pupil-like spot, contain toxins that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and potentially lead to cardiac arrest if enough are ingested.
Another group of hazardous plants belongs to the Nightshade family, which includes the Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) and the extremely toxic Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna). Deadly Nightshade produces small, black berries that can be mistaken for edible wild fruits. Consuming as few as two berries can be fatal to a child, emphasizing that no wild berry should be consumed unless its identity has been confirmed by an expert.