Hobbies And Interests
Blackberries
Wild blackberries grow over large parts of the United States, including Tennessee. Each "berry" of a blackberry is actually a collection of small berries clustered together. Blackberries grow in large bushes that may appear in groups, and they typically grow in lightly wooded areas or sunny clearings. Blackberry bushes produce fruit twice a year, in the spring and late summer. Wild blackberries often grow to a similar size as farm-grown blackberries.
Strawberries
Wild strawberries appear across Tennessee. Wild strawberries grow as small plants, low to the ground. Wild strawberries spread themselves widely, and often large groups of wild strawberries grow close to one another. Strawberries need sun, so often prefer areas such as large fields or forest clearings. Wild strawberries look similar to farm-grown strawberries, with the same distinct color and external seeds. However, wild strawberries are typically much smaller than farm-grown strawberries, which have been specially bred to grow as large as possible. Despite their small size, many times wild strawberries are sweeter than store-bought strawberries.
American Elderberry
The American Elderberry, while not commonly known, is an edible berry that grows in Tennessee. Elderberry plants grow in large bushes that can be as high as 20 feet. The berries themselves are edible when they ripen and turn purplish-black. They typically border streams, but also grow in forests or muddy areas. The berries are the only edible parts of the plant, and ripen from late July to September.
Blueberry
The Northern Bush blueberry grows natively in Tennessee, as well as other southern states, despite its reputation as a Maine plant. This variety of blueberry is the species commonly sold in grocery stores. Blueberries grow in bushes or thickets, and the berries themselves grow in small clusters of five to eight berries. The berries begin to ripen in July and are ready for harvesting a few days after they take on their blue color.