Fireberry Fruit Wild Edible Plants For Survival

Fireberry (Crataegus chrysocarpa) is a shrub or small tree that belongs to the hawthorn Genus. Fireberry is native to much of the northern half of the United States and Canada, but does extend its range down into New Mexico. Be aware that although it has quite an extensive range that doesn't mean it can be found everywhere throughout each state where it occurs.

Fireberry leaves are 1-1/2 to 2 inches long, ovate to round, with very shallow lobes above the middle and doubly serrate coarse teeth on the margins. The leaf underside is paler in color with fine hairs on the veins and sparse hair on the surface.

Fireberry fruit can be eaten raw or cooked after they ripen in late summer. The fruit is used for making pies and preserves. The fruits are small and are borne in clusters. Be warned that each fruit contains a few large seeds that you must not eat as they are poisonous. The Fireberry fruits turn red when ripe and then turn black when it is over-ripe.