Blueberries are one of my favorite berries, and nothing is better that getting to eat freshly picked blueberries. Unfortunately, not everything that looks like a blueberry is actually a blueberry.
Before eating something that you didn’t plant yourself, check whether it’s actually a blueberry or one of these lookalikes.
Huckleberry
Huckleberries are small, edible blue berries that resemble blueberries. They grow in the wild and are popular with hikers and campers. Huckleberries are high in antioxidants and are a good source of fiber.
They grow on small shrubs that get up to 3′ tall and are commonly used in muffins, pie, cheesecake, syrups, and more. The berries themselves are between .2-.4″ in diameter.
Bilberry
Bilberry is a type of blueberry that is related to traditional blueberries. Bilberries are smaller than traditional blueberries, and their skin is a deep purple-blue color. Bilberries are found in Europe and North America, and they are used in jams, pies, and other desserts.
They are also sometimes called the “European Blueberry”. Bilberries are .25-.3″ in diameter and grow on small bushes.
Chokeberry
Chokeberries are a small, dark purple berry that grow in clusters. They are related to the blackberry and raspberry, and are high in antioxidants. Chokeberries are tart and acidic, and are often used in jams and jellies.
While edible, their high tannin content gives them an astringent taste that can make them unpleasant to eat. They are typically between .3-.5″ in diameter.
Acai Berry
Acai berries are a trendy berry that also resembles blueberry. They are a dark purple color and are about the size of a blueberry. Acai berries are a good source of antioxidants, which makes them a healthy choice for snacking.
They are most commonly used in juices and smoothies, but they can also be used in muffins, pies, breakfast fruit and granola bowls, and more.
Salal
Salal berries are edible, but their flavor is considered to be mediocre by most. The berries grow on shrubs in the Pacific Northwest and are often used to make jams, jellies, and wines.
They are around .25-.4″ in diameter and are a blueish-purple color.
Pokeberry
Pokeberries are a wild plant that somewhat resembles blueberries, but unlike blueberries, pokeberries are not edible. Pokeberries can be found in many parts of the United States, and they are often used to make dye.
The pokeberry bush can get up to 20 feet tall, but typically stays much smaller. The pokeberry bush has green leaves and white flowers. The berries are between .25-.4″ in diameter.
Buckthorn
Buckthorn is a bush that produces small berries sometimes mistaken for blueberries. Unlike blueberries, buckthorn berries are toxic and thus shouldn’t be eaten. (Not to be confused with sea buckthorn, which is a different plant that produces edible berries.)
Buckthorn berries are .2″ in diameter and are a dark blueish-black.
Black Currant
Black current is a berry that is often used to make jams, jellies, and syrups. It is also used in smoothies, yogurt, and ice cream. Black current is a dark purple berry that has a tart flavor.
Black currant are around .33″ in diameter, so are around the same size as certain types of blueberries. They grow on a bush that can get up to 5′ tall.
Serviceberry
The Serviceberry, also known as Saskatoon Berry, is a small tree or shrub that typically grows up to 10 feet tall, but depending on variety may get larger. It has a narrow, upright growth habit and produces clusters of white flowers in the spring. The fruit of the Serviceberry is edible and has a sweet, berry-like flavor. It is often eaten fresh, but can also be used in jams, pies, and other desserts.
Serviceberries have a blueberry-like appearance but only get .25-.33″ in diameter.
