Edible Native Plants You Can Grow in Pennsylvania

When most people think of landscaping, they picture lush lawns, colorful flower beds, and carefully placed trees. But what if your landscape could be both beautiful and delicious? In Pennsylvania, there are many edible native plants that can be grown right in your yard, offering fresh food, supporting local wildlife, and creating a more sustainable outdoor space.

Native edible plants have grown naturally in our region for thousands of years, making them perfectly adapted to Pennsylvania’s climate, soil, and seasonal changes. This means they require less maintenance and watering, resist pests and diseases better than many non-native species, and provide essential food and shelter for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. On top of all that, they offer you fresh, nutritious harvests right from your own backyard, a true win-win for both your landscape and your lifestyle.

Top Edible Native Plants for Pennsylvania

1. Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.)

Blueberries are not only delicious, but they also grow beautifully as shrubs in your landscape. They thrive in acidic soil and reward you with sweet, antioxidant-rich berries in summer. Bonus: their red fall foliage adds seasonal color.

2. Serviceberries (Amelanchier spp.)

Sometimes called “Juneberries,” these small trees produce blueberry-like fruit that ripens in early summer. The berries can be eaten fresh, baked into pies, or even made into jams. They also boast stunning white spring flowers.

3. Wild Strawberries (Fragaria virginiana)

Unlike store-bought varieties, wild strawberries are tiny but packed with intense flavor. They make a wonderful ground cover in sunny spots and will spread naturally over time.

4. Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

Known as Pennsylvania’s best-kept fruit secret, pawpaws produce custard-like fruit with a tropical flavor—think banana-meets-mango. These small trees prefer partial shade and can become a conversation piece in any landscape.

5. American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)

A hardy native shrub, the American hazelnut produces tasty nuts in late summer to early fall. They can be roasted, used in baking, or enjoyed as a healthy snack. Wildlife also loves them, so be ready to share!

6. Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

Elderberry shrubs produce clusters of small, dark berries often used in syrups, jams, and teas. They’re packed with antioxidants and thrive in moist soils, making them perfect for low-lying areas of your yard.

When growing edible native plants, it’s important to set them up for success. Start by choosing the right spot, taking into account sunlight, soil type, and drainage to ensure healthy growth. Many natives, like pawpaws, thrive when planted in groups, so consider placing them in pairs or clusters. Because these plants are already adapted to Pennsylvania’s environment, they usually don’t require fertilizers or pesticides, making them a low-maintenance and eco-friendly choice. And when harvest time comes, be sure to pick responsibly, leaving some fruit behind for local wildlife to enjoy.

Edible native plants bring together the best of both worlds: a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape and fresh, homegrown food. By planting blueberries, serviceberries, pawpaws, and other local favorites, you’ll be creating a yard that’s not only functional and sustainable but also uniquely Pennsylvanian.

If you’re ready to transform your outdoor space with native edibles, our team can help you design a landscape that’s as tasty as it is beautiful.