eXtension

Berry Id

Asked October 7, 2019, 3:41 PM EDT

Hi! I pass this berry often and was wondering if you could tell me if it is edible? I am just curious! Also, I’m interested in learning to forage for wild berries and plants and especially mushrooms. Are there any programs that you know that teach this locally? I live in Hillsboro. Thanks!

ipdate- I researched and think it might be hawthorn. Can I make jam or jelly out of it?

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Washington County Oregon plant identification hawthorn

1 Response

Hi--you're right--this looks like common hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. And yes, you can use the berries or "haws" to make jellies and wine. It's considered a delicacy in the UK. To learn more about foraging in our neck of the wood, here are some great references:

Books:
Pacific Northwest Foraging: 120 Wild and Flavorful Edibles from Alaska Blueberries to Wild Hazelnuts (Regional Foraging Series)
Foraging Washington: Finding, Identifying, and Preparing Edible Wild Foods (Foraging Series)

If you are on Face Book, you can join one of the PNW foraging groups (search for "PNW foraging) and the Oregon Mycological Society (https://www.wildmushrooms.org/) for practical information and identification help.