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Rain, 7 days
33 mm
Season
Fall
Foraging around Fort Lauderdale
AI field guide · refreshed weeklyForaging in Fort Lauderdale: Early Fall Harvest
In season now
Sea Grapes (Coccoloba uvifera)
Where: Coastal dunes, beach berms, and salt-tolerant hammocks throughout the area
Dark purple-black grape-like drupes ripen now through October; eat fresh or make jelly. Clusters hang from distinctive round, leathery leaves on woody shrubs.
Look-alikes: Poisonwood berries are smaller, yellowish, and grow in clusters of three; sea grapes grow in elongated grape-like bunches.
Coco Plums (Chrysobalanus icaco)
Where: Coastal scrub, mangrove margins, and sandy hammocks near the shoreline
Small round fruits ripen dark purple-black; eat fresh or preserve. White or pink flowers precede fruit; oval leaves are glossy and dark.
Look-alikes: Inkberry holly berries are similar but glossy and grow singly on holly-type leaves; coco plums have smooth, non-serrated foliage.
Mulberries (Morus rubra, M. alba)
Where: Disturbed areas, fence lines, and open woods throughout Broward County
Elongated aggregate berries ripen dark red to black; eat fresh or dried. Lobed leaves and rough bark distinguish them; fruit resembles blackberry but grows on different plant.
Look-alikes: Pokeweed berries are round and grow in drooping clusters on herbaceous stems; mulberries grow on woody trees with lobed leaves.
Gregg's Mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum)
Where: Parasitic on oak, hickory, and other hardwoods in hammocks and residential areas
White waxy berries ripen now; traditionally used in small amounts for tea (use caution—see safety). Opposite leaves and jointed stems are diagnostic.
Look-alikes: True mistletoe (Viscum album) is not native here; local species are distinguished by white berries and jointed green stems.
Saw Palmetto Berries (Serenoa repens)
Where: Scrubby flatwoods, palmetto scrub, and disturbed sandy areas throughout the region
Dark blue-black drupes ripen September–October; used fresh or dried for herbal preparations. Fan-shaped fronds with saw-toothed petioles are unmistakable.
Look-alikes: Other native palmettos (Sabal species) have round, black berries but lack the saw-toothed leaf stems; saw palmetto's serrated petioles are diagnostic.
Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
Where: Moist hammocks, swamp margins, and disturbed areas throughout Broward
Waxy blue-gray berries ripen now; traditionally rendered for candle wax or used in tea. Aromatic narrow leaves and gray-barked stems are distinctive.
Look-alikes: Bayberry (M. pensylvanica) is rare here; wax myrtle's larger, more abundant berries and broader range distinguish it.
Coming soon
Calamansi (Citrus × microcarpa)
Small citrus fruits ripen October–November; tart and aromatic, used for juice and preserves. Cultivated and naturalized in residential areas.
Carambola / Star Fruit (Averrhoa carambola)
Yellow-gold fruits ripen October–December; sweet-tart, eaten fresh or juiced. Cultivated trees in yards and abandoned homesteads.
Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)
Orange fruits ripen late October–November; sweet and juicy, eaten fresh or preserved. Cultivated ornamental and naturalized in some areas.
Safety in this area
- Tick season peaks in warm months; check skin and clothing after foraging in scrub or hammocks. Lone star ticks and deer ticks are common.
- Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) grows in hammocks and disturbed areas; three leaflets, variable color. Avoid contact; wash thoroughly if exposed.
- Poisonwood (Metopium toxiferum) is common in coastal scrub and hammocks; causes severe dermatitis like poison ivy. Avoid entirely—do not touch or burn.
- Most foraging occurs on public land (state parks, preserves) or private property with explicit permission; trespassing is illegal. Always verify access before entering.
Foraging information is educational. Confirm every identification with a regional field guide or expert before eating anything wild.
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