Edible berry plants

[Jirka]

I am looking for suggestions for berry plants . . . my mind (like all my bushes and trees) thinks it is spring 

We had a few blackberry plants, but it seems only one is surviving. I was exploring elderberries as an option, but the berries (and other plant parts) must be cooked to be edible and with small grandkids that might try to sample berries . . . just don't want to go there.

What other berry plants will do well in Wrightwood? Want to have something edible and hopefully something native (?)

[dreamcatcher]

I have currants which I bought about 10 years ago for the birds to enjoy.  They are spreading and getting too close to my pear tree now so I am going to thin them out.  You're welcome to have the ones I dig up.

[Tall Trees]

The quality of the soil here in Wrightwood is of very poor quality and often referred to as Serpentine soil.  Many plant and tree species have adapted to the serpentine soils and thrive like the Jeffery Pines and Elderberries and Black Oaks.  Certain berries like Blue berries require acidic soils to thrive and most vegetable gardens do not produce in Serpentine soils.  Knowing the soil type and PH requirements for the plants you want to grow is essential for a successful planting.  Container planting and raised gardens are used very successfully for growing almost anything here in the village with the exception of fruit trees.

[Jirka]

Thanks, dreamcatcher. Just let me know when . . . I would love to have the currants.

I remember picking currants when I was a kid so my grandma could make currant jam. 

[Wrightwood]

These choke cherry pictures were taken in 2003 at Cabin Flat (there was plenty of bear scat nearby)

Nolena might chime in as she's harvested local berries many times.

[Jirka]

[Jirka]

O.K., I get it now . . . I found a video . . .  the seed is really a pit and easy to spit out. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv0kPCixwq4

[Nolena]

My friends and I harvested chokecherries last fall and made chokecherry syrup, which is very good on vanilla ice cream.
Elderberries are good, but the crops have failed the last 3 years.
Currants are good. I have several growing in my yard, and there are a lot of them in the forest.
You can grow several varieties of strawberries up here, with enough water and direct sunlight.
I have grown raspberries up here in direct sunlight with enough water.
Gardening in Wrightwood is challenging. We live on the north slope of the only east/west mountain range in North America.
Growing food here ain't for wimps. It's a lot of work.
Best of luck to you. P. M. for more tips. 

[tcaarabians]

I have a row of grapes. They're small with seeds. I invented a seed spitting contest for the grandkids.. which turned into a grape spitting contest.. which turned into throwing grapes at one another. Lots of fun. cheryl o7o

[dreamcatcher]

I sent you a PM about picking up the plants.