Fall · September 8, 2026
City of Moncton, New Brunswick
Now
13°C · Clear
Today
16° / 10°
Rain, 7 days
15 mm
Season
Fall · frost in ~43 d
Foraging around City of Moncton
AI field guide · refreshed weeklyEarly Fall Foraging in Moncton: September 2026
In season now
Wild Blueberry (Lowbush Blueberry)
Where: Dry, sandy or rocky clearings, forest edges, and barrens throughout the region.
Small dark blue berries on low shrubs (15–30 cm tall); leaves are small, oval, and turn reddish in fall. Pick ripe berries by hand or use a berry rake in late August through September.
Look-alikes: Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is rare here but similar; both are edible, so no real danger, but true lowbush blueberry has smaller leaves and grows lower.
Caution: Wear long sleeves and check for ticks after harvesting in scrubby areas.
Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)
Where: Field edges, roadsides, disturbed ground, and open woodlands across the Maritimes.
Fuzzy red berry clusters ripen in late August–September; crush and soak in cold water for 15 minutes to make tangy 'sumac-ade,' or dry the berries for spice. Velvety branches are diagnostic.
Look-alikes: Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) has white berries and smooth branches; staghorn has red berries and hairy stems—never confuse them.
Caution: Avoid poison sumac entirely; it causes severe skin reactions. Learn the difference before harvesting.
Wild Grape (Vitis riparia)
Where: Thickets, fence rows, and woodland edges near water; common along the Petitcodiac River valley.
Small dark purple or black grapes in loose clusters; leaves are large and coarsely toothed. Eat fresh or ferment for wine; seeds are bitter, so spit them out.
Look-alikes: Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) has five leaflets and inedible blue-black berries; wild grape has three leaflets and true grapes.
Caution: Confirm three-leaflet pattern to avoid Virginia Creeper; neither is toxic, but Virginia Creeper berries are unpalatable.
Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum opulus)
Where: Moist woodlands, wetland margins, and shrubby areas throughout the Maritime region.
Bright red translucent berries in drooping clusters; persist through fall. Tart and firm; cook into sauce or jelly, or eat raw if you like the astringent bite.
Look-alikes: Guelder Rose (same species, European form) is identical and equally edible; no dangerous look-alikes in the region.
Caution: None specific; berries are safe when ripe.
Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)
Where: Disturbed areas, field margins, and roadsides; invasive but abundant in southern New Brunswick.
Small red or orange berries speckled with silver; mealy texture, tart-sweet flavor. Eat fresh or blend into smoothies; high in lycopene.
Look-alikes: No dangerous look-alikes; the silvery speckles are unique.
Caution: Invasive species—harvest freely to help control it.
Rose Hips (Rosa virginiana, R. acicularis)
Where: Field edges, roadsides, and open woodlands; native wild roses throughout the region.
Bright red or orange fleshy fruits; harvest after the first frost for sweetness. Remove seeds and hairs inside; dry for tea or make into syrup.
Look-alikes: All wild roses produce edible hips; no toxic look-alikes.
Caution: Wear gloves when handling; the fine hairs inside can irritate skin and throat if ingested.
Coming soon
Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea)
Small red berries on low evergreen shrubs; peak harvest mid-September to October in acidic bogs and heathlands.
Caution: Bogs can be wet and unstable; wear waterproof boots and watch for hidden holes.
Chestnut (Castanea dentata)
Spiky burrs split open in late September–October to reveal glossy brown nuts; roast or boil. American Chestnut is rare but occasionally found; more common is introduced Chinese Chestnut.
Caution: Do not confuse with Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), which is toxic; true chestnuts have thin, papery burrs with many fine spines.
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
Bright red berries and aromatic leaves persist through winter; crush leaves for minty flavor in tea. Peak harvest October–November.
Caution: Harvest sparingly; this low evergreen is slow-growing and easily over-picked.
Safety in this area
- Ticks are active through fall in tall grass and scrub; check skin and clothing after foraging, especially in the neck, armpits, and groin. Remove ticks promptly with tweezers.
- Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) grows as a low shrub or vine with three leaflets; causes severe skin reactions. Learn to identify and avoid it; wash immediately if exposed.
- Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is present in parts of the Maritimes; the sap causes severe phototoxic burns. Tall (1–2 m), white umbrella-shaped flower clusters, and huge leaves. Do not touch or brush against it.
- Private land: Always ask permission before foraging on private property. Crown land and public forests are generally open to foraging, but check local regulations and respect closures.
Foraging information is educational. Confirm every identification with a regional field guide or expert before eating anything wild.
The foraging note for City of Moncton, every week
One email, Sunday evening. Unsubscribe anytime.