Trees with red berries will add vibrancy to your garden in the bleakest months, and provide vital food for wildlife. Discover the best varieties to plant
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Trees with red berries will provide interest in fall and winter, adding joyful color when the rest of nature is winding down. However, some varieties will add an accent in the summer, and many have beautiful flowers in the spring, too.
There are trees with red berries to suit every garden setting, and the right choice will add seasonal impact to your backyard ideas.
‘Trees with red berries are decorative and offer visual interest, especially during the winter months,’ says Pete Smith, urban forestry program manager at Arbor Day Foundation. ‘Many of the berries can also be collected for consumption and provide valuable food for wildlife.’
Red berry trees add a splash of vibrant color and natural beauty to any landscape. The shades of crimson, scarlet and ruby stand out against backdrops of green foliage or white snow. Beyond aesthetics, many red berry trees provide food and habitat for birds and wildlife. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which types of red berry trees to plant in your yard or garden This photo guide covers some of the most popular varieties to help you identify and select the right ones
Common Types of Red Berry Trees and Shrubs
American Holly
The American holly is an evergreen tree that grows up to 50 feet tall. It has prickly glossy leaves and produces red berries during fall and winter. The berries provide food for birds and other wildlife after summer fruits are gone. American holly does well in USDA zones 5-9. It prefers moist acidic, well-drained soil and partial shade locations.
American Holly Tree with Red Berries
Photo by James Wheeler via Pexels
Winterberry
Winterberry is a deciduous shrub growing 3-15 feet tall. It produces white flowers in spring followed by vibrant red berries in late summer/fall. The berries persist into winter, providing great seasonal interest. Winterberry grows best in zones 3-9 and prefers part sun exposure and moist soil conditions.
Winterberry Shrub with Red Berries
Photo by Eberhard Grossgasteiger via Pexels
Barberry
Barberry shrubs grow upright with arching branches, reaching heights of 3-10 feet. They produce tiny yellow flowers in spring followed by oblong red berries in summer/fall. The thorny shrubs thrive in zones 3-8 and do well in full sun or partial shade. Regular pruning helps keep barberry compact.
Barberry Shrub with Red Berries
Photo by Simon Migaj via Pexels
Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster is a spreading deciduous shrub growing 3-6 feet tall. It flowers in late spring, producing white or pink blossoms. Small red berries follow in late summer/fall and often persist into winter. The shrub thrives in zones 3-7 and appreciates full sun exposure. Regular pruning helps maintain shape.
Cotoneaster Shrub with Red Berries
Photo by Simon Migaj via Pexels
Chokecherry
Chokecherry is a large suckering shrub or small tree reaching 10-25 feet tall. The white flowers bloom in spring, and shiny red cherries follow in summer. The astringent berries can be used to make jellies and wines. Chokecherry grows in zones 2-6 and tolerates both dry and moist soil conditions.
Chokecherry Tree with Red Berries
Photo by Simon Migaj via Pexels
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a small, flowering tree or shrub reaching heights of 10-25 feet. It produces white blooms in spring followed by red berries, called haws, in late summer/fall. Hawthorn is hardy in zones 3-8 and adapts readily to various soil types and conditions. The berries make tasty jellies and preserves.
Hawthorn Tree with Red Berries
Photo by Simon Migaj via Pexels
Serviceberry
Serviceberry is a lovely, early-flowering tree reaching 15-30 feet tall. White flowers appear in early spring, and red berries follow in early summer. The sweet berries are edible and enjoyed by humans and wildlife. Serviceberry grows in zones 3-9 and adapts to various soil types and light conditions.
Serviceberry Tree with Red Berries
Photo by Simon Migaj via Pexels
Euonymus
Euonymus are broadleaf evergreen shrubs reaching 3-15 feet tall. They produce insignificant greenish flowers in late spring followed by eye-catching red berries in fall/winter. Euonymus prefer full sun to partial shade and are hardy in zones 5-9. They thrive in average garden conditions.
Euonymus Shrub with Red Berries
Photo by Simon Migaj via Pexels
Red Chokeberry
Red chokeberry is a multi-stemmed, suckering shrub growing 6-10 feet tall. It produces white flowers in spring followed by clusters of bright red berries in late summer that often persist into winter. Chokeberry adapts readily to various soil types and light exposure. It is hardy in zones 3-9.
Red Chokeberry Shrub with Red Berries
Photo by Eberhard Grossgasteiger via Pexels
Sumac
Sumac is a large suckering shrub or small tree reaching heights of 10-15 feet. Female plants produce dense clusters of crimson berries in late summer/fall that persist into winter. The foliage also turns vibrant shades in autumn. Sumac is hardy in zones 3-8 and adapts to various conditions.
Staghorn Sumac Tree with Red Berries
Photo by Simon Migaj via Pexels
Pepper Tree
Pepper trees are fast-growing ornamentals reaching up to 50 feet tall. They produce small white flowers followed by pinkish-red peppercorn-like fruit. The aromatic leaves and berries have a spicy flavor when crushed. Pepper trees require warm climates and are hardy in zones 9-11.
Photo by Simon Migaj via Pexels
Choosing the Right Red Berry Tree
When selecting a red berry tree for your landscape, consider the following factors:
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Hardiness zone – Choose a variety suited for your region’s USDA zone. Select zone-pushing plants carefully.
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Mature size – Pick a tree that will fit the allotted space when fully grown. Account for spread as well as height.
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Growth rate – Faster growing varieties like pepper trees fill in quickly but require more pruning. Slow growers like holly gain size gradually.
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Soil and light – Match the plant to your site’s soil type, moisture and light conditions for best growth.
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Fruiting habit – Some berries persist while others disappear quickly. Choose according to seasonal goals.
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Maintenance needs – Factor in pruning, suckering, cleanup required for each variety.
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Wildlife value – Berry trees attract hungry birds but can make a mess on walks/driveways.
With proper selection and care, red berry trees make a gorgeous and lively addition to both ornamental and wildlife gardens. Just be prepared for the attention they bring from your feathered friends!
Chokecherry (Image credit: Akchamczuk / Getty Images)
The chokecherry tree – Prunus virginiana – is native to North America. ‘It’s a smaller tree with a dark red fleshy fruit that can be used to make jams, jellies, syrups and wines,’ says Smith.
Packed with antioxidants, chokecherries can be astringent when not fully ripe, although cultivated varieties are sweeter with a cherry-like flavor.
In spring and summer, the tree bursts with clusters of white flowers, making it attractive in the garden for much of the year.
Reaching up to 30ft, the chokecherry is a versatile tree that grows in zones 2-8.
Red chokeberry (Image credit: R Ann Kautzky / Alamy Stock Photo)
Not to be confused with the similarly named chokecherry, the chokeberry is a very different plant, though both are named for the effect the fruit can have on the palate.
Technically it’s an upright treelike shrub, and while common varieties are dark blue/purple, the red chokeberry – Aronia arbutifolia – is a stunning shiny ruby hue.
‘In the spring, they have gorgeous white flowers that eventually give way to the bright red berries in the summer months until late fall,’ says Jen Stark, gardening and home writer, and founder of Happy DIY Home.
‘Additionally, the leaves turn brilliant colors in the fall to give you multi-season interest. The berries are too bitter to eat raw, but you can use them in desserts or savory dishes to help balance out the flavor profile.’
This deciduous shrub gets between 6.5-13ft tall and has large leaves, making it one of the best trees for small gardens.
The American Mulberry (aka the Red Mulberry) is amazing
FAQ
What kind of tree has red berries?
Popular trees that have red berries in summer include cherry trees, mulberries and juneberries, while hawthorns tend to start developing berries in the summer.
What are the invasive trees with red berries?
The Japanese Barberry is a spiny shrub with red berries that can grow almost anywhere.
What kind of tree has berries that look like raspberries?
The berries themselves look like elongated raspberries and have an intense sweet flavor. Most are dark red or black when ripe but there’s also a white cultivar, which has a milder taste. Mulberries are native to Asia and parts of Africa but can be grown in many regions of the USA.
What bush has a cluster of red berries?
Red Chokeberry is a deciduous shrub known for its clusters of vibrant red berries that ripen in the late summer and persist through the winter. These berries are a valuable food source for birds, particularly thrushes, cedar waxwings, and robins.
What is a red berry tree?
A red berry tree is a type of tree that produces small red berries or drupes containing four seeds. These trees can grow up to 15m tall and are known for their dense, thorny habit, although they can also grow as a small tree with a single stem.
What do red berries look like on trees?
Red berries on trees often appear as tiny round red fruits that grow in dense clusters. They add attractive bright red colors to the shrub in the summer and fall. Other species of the tree / shrub produce black or white small round berries.
Which trees produce red berries?
Red berries are found on various types of trees, including both evergreen and deciduous species. Some well-known examples include cherry trees and hawthorn trees, which produce sweet or sour edible berry-like fruits. Let’s explore many kinds of trees that produce red berries in more detail.
How tall do red berry trees grow?
The red berry trees grow 40 to 60 ft. (12 – 18 m) tall, making them ideal for shade gardens. They prefer well-drained soil but can thrive in most soil types. Gumbo-limbo is a tropical tree easily identified by its unique peeling reddish bark and bright red diamond-shaped berries.
How do you grow a tree with red berries?
To grow a tree with red berries, choose a location with full to partial sunlight and sandy soil that drains well. This tree typically produces blooms in the early part of spring, which turn into berries by around June.
What wildlife do red berry trees attract?
Trees or shrubs that produce clusters of red berries also contribute a bright splash of color to the garden. Many fruit-producing trees and shrubs also attract beneficial wildlife such as crows, mockingbirds, starlings and migratory songbirds to the landscape as well. The berries from these trees and shrubs may litter sidewalks and driveways.