Here in B.C., we are blessed with a number of tasty native berry crops, a few of which are described below
Oval-leaf Blueberry (Vaccinium ovalifolium)
Description: This erect, deciduous shrub, up to two metres in height, bears smooth-edged, oval-shaped leaves and inconspicuous flowers. Light blue, singly-borne berries are sweet and tasty.
Preferences: Moist, humus-rich soil. Full sun. Cold Hardiness: To Zone 3.
Evergreen Huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum)
Description: Reaching one to two metres in height, this excellent coastal landscape shrub features thick, glossy, evergreen foliage. Its pinkish-white, bell-shaped flowers are small but profuse. Blackish to blue in colour, the berries are deliciously tart.
Preferences: Well-drained, moist, acid soil. Full sun to partial shade. Cold Hardiness: To Zone 7.
Red Huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium)
Description: This erect, deciduous shrub, one to two metres high, bears small, oval leaves and greenish to flesh-coloured flowers. Its round, bright-red berries are tart and refreshing.
Preferences: Well-drained, moist, acid soil. Sun or shade. Cold Hardiness: To Zone 5.
Wild Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
Description: Woody, upright stems, one to two metres tall, bear compound, sharply toothed leaves and white-petalled flowers in small clusters. Though the red or occasionally yellowish fruits are smaller and rounder than commercial raspberries, many raspberry-lovers find them superior in flavour.
Preferences: Rocky, well-drained soil. Full sun to partial shade. Cold Hardiness: To Zone 4.
Black Raspberry (Rubus leucodermis)
Description: Reaching one to two metres in height, arching branches bear bluish-green, raspberry-like foliage with white undersides. Dark purplish-black berries have an unusual, slightly musky flavour.
Preferences: Rocky, well-drained soil. Full sun to partial shade. Cold Hardiness: To Zone 4.