Blueberries are a delicious summertime treat that we all know and love. These juicy berries are some of the most popular berries in the world. But did you know some berries look very similar to blueberries?
Today you will learn more about these berries, and find out which ones you should avoid.
Most Popular Blueberry Varieties
There are three main types of blueberries grown in the US. Depending on your region one of the blueberries below may do well in your garden.
Rabbiteye Blueberries
Probably the most common type of blueberry you will see on smaller farms is the Rabbiteye. These blueberries are the largest on this list, and some say the tastiest. Pick-your-own blueberry farms often feature these berries, and people flock to them during the harvest season.
Highbush Blueberries
The Highbush blueberries are largely grown commercially and are found in grocery stores around the nation. These berries are large and sweet, making them popular for baking. They are cultivated in many parts of the country, and more farmers are adding them to the list of crops they grow.
Lowbush Blueberries
Lowbush blueberries are not normally grown in the US. However, you will find them growing wild in the state of Maine. This type of blueberry grows close to the ground and is harvested in Canada and used for juices and jams.
Berries That Look Like Blueberries
Now let’s take a look at some berries that look similar to blueberries. You might run across some of these berries in the wild depending on what part of the country you live in.
Bilberries
Bilberries are much smaller than blueberries, but they have a dark purple color that some confuse with the color blue. This blueberry lookalike is tarter than blueberries, but they are high in healthy antioxidants.
Some people like to make jams and pastries out of bilberries, and they grow wild in many regions of the country.
Huckleberries
One of the most common berries that are mistaken for blueberries is the huckleberry. Huckleberries look very similar to blueberries, and they also taste the same.
Not many people can tell the difference between the taste of blueberries and huckleberries, but some say they have a slightly different flavor. Huckleberries are often baked into pastries and used to make jam.
These berries grow wild in many areas of the country and can be harvested at the end of summer.
Poisonous Berries That Look Like Blueberries
These imposters may look like tasty blueberries, but they are in fact toxic, and in some cases deadly. Make sure to pay close attention to these poisonous berries that look like blueberries.
Nightshade Berries
Nightshade berries can easily be mistaken for blueberries due to their texture and color. Due to the high levels of toxicity these berries contain, people have become sick and have even died from consuming nightshade berries.
If you are unsure which type of berry you have come across, it is better to leave it alone because it might be nightshade.
Pokeberries
One blueberry-like berry that should be avoided at all costs is pokeberries. These berries grow in clusters and have smooth skin that is similar to that of the blueberry.
When ripe, these berries are dark purple in color and if eaten, can cause death if consumed in large quantities. Pokeberries are very common in the southern part of the US and are often found growing on vacant land.
Moonseed Berries
Moonseed berries can be mistaken for blueberries because of their deep blue color. These berries can be identified by their moon-shaped seeds.
Blueberries, on the other hand, are normally round-shaped in nature. Moonseed berries are toxic, and you should avoid ingesting them.
Buckthorn Berries
Buckthorn berries can be confused with blueberries, but they can make you sick if you eat them. This plant is often grown as a shrub, however, if allowed to grow, it can reach up to 40-feet in height. Children and pets should avoid buckthorn berries due to the fruit’s toxic nature.
Berries that look like blueberries: Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different types of berries that can be mistaken for blueberries. Some of these berrΖies on the list are great for eating and baking, while others can potentially kill you.
So, when in doubt avoid eating any berry you are unsure about.
Related Article: Good Blueberry Companion Plants