8 Native Plants You Can Eat, From Prickly Pears to Pawpaws

American Hazelnut

The American hazelnut is native to the Eastern and central United States, as well as Southern parts of Canada. This deciduous shrub is highly adaptable, prefers full sun, and thrives in various soil types.

“To ensure reliable nut production, it's best to plant at least three to five shrubs at least 10 to 12 feet apart,” says Angelika Zaber, a lawn care specialist at Online Turf. “Once established, they typically begin producing nuts within three years. These can be eaten raw or roasted. They're commonly used in baking, ground into flour, or made into delicious hazelnut butter.”

• Zones: 4 to 9
• Size: 10 to 15 feet tall x 8 to 15 feet wide
• Care Requirements: Full sun, various soil types
  

California Wild Rose

Native to California and other parts of the Western U.S., California wild roses prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun. They can tolerate some drought once established but benefit from occasional deep watering. The fragrant pink blooms are quite eye-catching and add real beauty to your garden.

“The rose hips are the edible part and can be eaten fresh or dried,” says Manny Barra, master gardener at TeachMe.To. “They're high in Vitamin C and have a tangy, slightly floral flavor. They're often used in herbal teas and as a natural source of antioxidants.”

• Zones: 5 to 10
• Size: 3 to 6 feet tall x 8 to 10 feet wide
• Care Requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil

Serviceberry

Native across the Northern U.S. and most of Canada, this multi-trunked tree or shrub is tolerant of various soils but grows best when it’s well-drained and slightly acidic. It prefers full sun to partial shade and will be drought-resistant once it’s established. The plant's sweet, juicy berries are rich in iron and copper.

“Eat them fresh, dried, or made into jams, syrups, and pies,” says Luay Ghafari, creator of and recipe developer at Urban Farm and Kitchen.

• Zones: 4 to 8
• Size: 15 to 40 feet tall x 15 to 20 feet wide
• Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained, slightly acidic soil
  

Pawpaw

Pawpaw is native to Eastern and Midwestern North America, from Southern Ontario down to the Southeastern U.S. This perennial shrub requires moist, well-drained soil and partial shade when young.

“Pawpaw prefers sheltered locations to avoid wind damage,” says Ghafari. “Also, it's not self-pollinating, so it's best to plant several to encourage cross-pollination.”

Its berries are best enjoyed fresh, blended into smoothies, used in baked goods, or made into ice cream.

• Zones: 5 to 8
• Size: 20 feet tall
• Care Requirements: Partial shade, well-drained soil
  

Manzanita

Manzanita is native to Western North America, and its name translates to “little apple” in Spanish— a reference to its small, round fruit. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. Once manzanita is established, it's drought-tolerant and doesn't require much water.

“The berries can be eaten fresh or dried, and they have a sweet yet slightly tart flavor—perfect for snacking or making into jams and jellies,” Barra says. “Some varieties can also be brewed into a delightful herbal tea that's rich in antioxidants.”

• Zones: 7 to 10
• Size: 10 to 12 feet tall x 10 to 12 feet wide
• Care Requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil
  

Black Raspberry

The black raspberry is native to Eastern North America, including the Northeastern U.S and Eastern Canada. It prefers well-drained, loamy soil with full sun exposure.

“It requires annual pruning to maintain productivity and can spread aggressively if not managed,” says Ghafari. “The branches do have thorns, so special care should be taken when pruning and harvesting.”

Black raspberries are best eaten fresh or dried. They can also be made into jams, syrups, and pies—or used in baked goods.

• Zones: 3 to 9
• Size: 4 to 5 feet tall x 3 to 4 feet wide
• Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained, loamy soil
  

Eastern Prickly Pear

This cold-hardy cactus is native to parts of the Eastern U.S. and Northeastern Mexico. It grows best with well-draining soil and full sun—though it can tolerate partial shade in warmer climates.

“The prickly pear is safe to eat once the outer spiky skin is carefully removed,” says Zaber. “The red, ripe fruit has a sweet, refreshing taste and can be eaten fresh or used to make juice and jelly. The seeds are also edible.”

• Zones: 4 to 9
• Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
• Care Requirements: Full sun; sandy, well-drained soil

Black Elderberry

Elderberry is native to Eastern North America, including the Great Lakes region, the Northeastern U.S., and down the Eastern seaboard. This perennial shrub prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun, and produces best with cross-pollination from another plant. 

“The berries must be cooked before consumption, as raw elderberries can be toxic,” Ghafari warns. “It’s best cooked into syrups, jams, and jellies.”

• Zones: 3 to 12
• Size: 6 to 12 feet tall
• Care Requirements: Full sun and well-drained soil