Raspberry

Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

Size: 3-4′ canes usually in large swath of growth

Fruiting: July-August

Birds: late-Summer feeding of young such as red-headed woodpecker, robin, thrasher, and catbird.

Red Raspberry plants are broadly distributed throughout North America; most often found in open woodlands and streamsides growing from 3 – 5 feet tall. The juicy, red fruits ripen in July and August, and are very tasty to humans and birds. They are very low-maintenance plants, that prefer full sun to partial shade, and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions; though they prefer moderate moisture.

Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) has small, greenish-white petals that start appearing in late May to early June followed by their edible fruits appearing between July and August. They are most often found in forest or grove clearings, disturbed sites such as road crossings, woodland edges, or abandoned farm fields. The fruits are thought to be consumed by more that 150 species of birds and animals… including humans.

Mulberry

Mulberry (Morus rubra)

Size: 20-30′ tall/15-20′ wide.

Flowering:

Fruiting: mid-late June

Birds: summer nesting species, especially starlings, robin, blackbirds, rose-breasted grosbeak, waxwing, and some woodpeckers.

A very shade tolerant tree – often excelling in the understory of established farm groves, Red Mulberry produces an edible red-purple drupe that resembles blackberry. The fruit is used in jams and wines, and is relished by many wildlife species. Fruiting in June provides nesting catbirds, thrashers, and robins with a plentiful source of sweet fruit. Mulberry can tolerate a variety of moist soil conditions, and can even tolerate seasonal flooding.