The sight of small, dark berries on a tree often sparks curiosity, but accurate identification is difficult. Many trees, large shrubs, and vines produce small, round black or deep purple fruits. This visual similarity means edible fruit can easily be confused with something highly toxic. Positive identification is necessary before considering consumption. This guide details the key features used to distinguish these plants and the most common tree species that bear small black berries.
Key Features Used for Identification
Observing the plant’s structure beyond the fruit is the first step in identification. A primary distinguishing characteristic is the leaf arrangement along the branch. Leaves that grow directly across from one another on the stem are considered opposite, while those that are staggered are classified as alternate.
The manner in which the berries are presented offers another significant clue. Berries may grow singly on a stem, in tight, flat-topped clusters known as cymes, or in drooping, chain-like arrangements called racemes. Bark texture is also a defining feature, especially on mature trees, ranging from smooth to deeply furrowed or scaly with prominent lenticels (small pores). Evaluating the overall growth habit—whether the plant is a true tree with a single trunk or a multi-stemmed shrub—is helpful in the initial stages of identification.
Common Edible Tree Species
One of the most widespread North American trees producing small black fruit is the Black Cherry (Prunus serotina). This tree is recognizable by its mature bark, which develops into dark, scaly plates often described as resembling burnt potato chips. Black Cherry leaves are finely toothed and feature an alternate arrangement on the stem.
The fruit is a small, dark red to purple-black drupe (a fruit with a single pit) that ripens in late summer or early autumn. These berries grow in distinctive drooping clusters, or racemes, which can be 4 to 8 inches long. The fruit’s flesh is edible and commonly used for making jellies, wine, and flavoring extracts. However, the leaves, twigs, and seeds contain cyanogenic compounds and should not be consumed.
Another tree often found with edible black berries is the Black Mulberry (Morus nigra). The berries of the mulberry are a multiple fruit, resembling a blackberry, and are generally sweet and juicy. These trees are known for their abundant harvests.
Common Toxic Tree Species
Several small trees or large shrubs with black fruit pose a significant risk if ingested. The Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is an invasive species often mistaken for a native tree or shrub in North America. This plant is characterized by its sub-opposite leaf arrangement, where the leaves may appear nearly opposite, and its twigs often end in a small, sharp, thorn-like tip.
Buckthorn berries are dark purple to black and grow in small clusters in the leaf axils, ripening in late summer. The berries are mildly toxic to humans, acting as a severe purgative and laxative. Cutting the bark of a buckthorn will often reveal a distinctive bright orange inner layer, which is a helpful identification feature.
Another toxic plant that grows as a dense shrub or small tree is the European Privet (Ligustrum vulgare), which is widely used for hedges. This plant has small, narrowly oval leaves that grow in opposite pairs on the stem. The fruit is a small, glossy black berry that persists into winter. All parts of the privet plant, including the berries, contain terpenoid glycosides. Ingestion of the berries can cause gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
General Safety and Misidentification
The fundamental rule of foraging is to never consume any wild berry unless its identity is confirmed by an expert. Misidentification is the leading cause of accidental poisoning, often involving non-tree plants that grow beneath the tree canopy. Many of these non-tree plants are woody or large enough to be confused with tree saplings or shrubs.
A common mistake involves Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), a large herbaceous perennial with bright purple-pink stalks that can grow up to 8 feet tall. Pokeweed produces clusters of dark purple-black berries that look similar to grapes. All parts of the plant are poisonous, and a handful of berries can be dangerous.
Another look-alike is Nightshade (Solanum spp.), a genus that includes woody nightshade and deadly nightshade. These plants produce small, shiny black berries that can resemble blueberries but grow on vines or low-lying plants. They contain toxic alkaloids that can cause severe symptoms.