Miami, Florida

In season now

• Sea Grapes (Coccoloba uvifera)

  Where: Coastal dunes, mangrove edges, beach berms throughout Miami-Dade County

  Dark purple grape-like drupes in hanging clusters; sweet, slightly astringent, eat fresh or make jelly. Harvest when fully dark purple, usually late August through October.

  Look-alikes: Poisonwood berries (Metopium toxiferum) are smaller, yellowish-red, and cause severe skin reactions—avoid any berries on trees with three-leaflet compound leaves.

  Caution: Verify ownership before harvesting; many coastal properties are private. Wear gloves when handling to avoid contact with any poisonwood nearby.

• Cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco)

  Where: Hammocks, scrub, coastal thickets, and disturbed areas throughout South Florida

  Small dark purple to black drupes with thin flesh and large pit; mild, slightly sweet flavor. Eat fresh or cook down for preserves.

  Look-alikes: Inkwood berries (Phytolacca americana, rare in Miami but present) are larger, in upright clusters, and cause severe gastric upset—cocoplum berries hang in loose clusters on shrubs.

  Caution: Ticks are active year-round in South Florida scrub; wear long sleeves and pants, check skin after harvesting.

• Mulberry (Morus rubra, naturalized)

  Where: Disturbed sites, fence lines, edges of residential areas and parks

  Aggregate berries ripen from red to dark purple; sweet and juicy. Pick when fully dark; eat fresh or freeze for later use.

  Look-alikes: No dangerous look-alikes; immature red berries are simply unripe and less sweet.

  Caution: Verify public access; many mulberries grow on private property. Wear tick-check clothing.

• Seashore Mallow (Kosteletzkya virginica)

  Where: Salt marshes, brackish wetlands, and mangrove fringes around Biscayne Bay

  Young leaves and tender shoots are edible raw or cooked, with a mild okra-like flavor. Harvest tips in early morning; use within a day or two.

  Look-alikes: No toxic look-alikes in this habitat; mallow family plants are generally safe.

  Caution: Wear long sleeves and check for ticks after wading through marsh vegetation. Respect wetland boundaries and private property.

• Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis, naturalized)

  Where: Disturbed areas, fence lines, and edges of parks and gardens throughout Miami-Dade

  Wrinkled dark purple fruits with aromatic yellow pulp and small black seeds; eat the pulp fresh or strain for juice. Ripe when heavily wrinkled.

  Look-alikes: No dangerous look-alikes; unripe green fruits are simply too tart and seedy.

  Caution: Ticks congregate in tall grass and vines; wear protective clothing and inspect skin afterward.

• Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)

  Where: Scrub, hammocks, and disturbed areas throughout South Florida

  Small waxy gray berries used traditionally to make fragrant candles or tea; flavor is peppery and aromatic. Collect berries in small quantities for tea or craft use.

  Look-alikes: Poisonwood (Metopium toxiferum) has larger yellowish-red berries on trees with three-leaflet compound leaves—wax myrtle has simple, finely toothed leaves.

  Caution: Poisonwood is common in South Florida; learn to identify it before foraging. Ticks are abundant in scrub habitat.