When I bought my house, I specifically bought one with a very shady backyard. It’s a large yard surrounded by tall oak trees, and I wanted the shade because of how hot it gets in the summer where I live. Unfortunately, this was before I got into gardening, so I didn’t realize that just a few years later, I’d be cursing the very trees that made me want the house in the first place.
Fortunately, I’ve done some research and discovered that there are all sorts of plants that can do fairly well in the shade, and even better if they can at least get a few hours of sunlight. If you have a yard that is shady due to trees, high fences, tall hedges, or large houses or buildings, I feel your pain. To help you out, I created a list of fruits that can grow in the shade.
Some of these shade-tolerant fruits might surprise you, and there are many you’ve probably never even heard of. While some of them don’t taste great eaten raw, you can still use them in jams, desserts, and many other recipes. Now let’s get onto the list. Here are 23 fruits you can grow in the shade.
Note: Most of these fruits still require at least a couple hours of sunlight, which is why you should measure sun exposure in your backyard.
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Black Chokeberries
Black chokeberries are small, dark fruits that grow on shrubs in North America. These shrubs are popular for their hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, including poor soil and partial shade. They also provide ornamental value with their spring flowers, vibrant autumn foliage, and clusters of shiny black fruit.
Chokeberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, making them a fantastic addition to a healthy diet. While too astringent to eat raw, they can replace cranberries or blackberries in recipes like jams, jellies, syrups, and baked goods. Their unique tartness also lends itself well to making juices and wines.
Black chokeberries do well with as little as 3–4 hours of sunlight a day.
Here’s how to grow black chokeberries.
Blackberries
Blackberries are a classic fruit that grows on thorny brambles, producing juicy, sweet-tart berries that are perfect for snacking, baking, or preserving. These vigorous plants are incredibly hardy and adapt well to a variety of growing conditions, including partial shade.
Blackberries are highly productive and versatile. Their berries are fantastic in recipes like pies, cobblers, jams, and syrups, and they make a great substitute for raspberries in most dishes.
While blackberries produce best in full sun, they can tolerate partial shade and still yield a good harvest with 4–5 hours of sunlight per day.
Here’s how to grow blackberries.
Chokecherries
Chokecherries are small, tart fruits that grow on shrubs. The plants are known for their ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions, including partial shade. They produce clusters of deep red to almost black berries, which are popular in traditional recipes and as a food source for wildlife.
These berries are worth growing for their unique flavor and versatility. While too tart to eat fresh, chokecherries are excellent in jams, jellies, syrups, and even wines. They can also be used as a substitute for cranberries in sauces and baked goods, offering a similar tangy punch.
Chokecherries can thrive with just 3–4 hours of sunlight a day.
Here’s how to grow chokecherries.
Currants (Red, Black, White)
Currants, available in red, black, and white varieties, are small, juicy berries that grow on compact, deciduous shrubs. These fruits are prized for their tart flavor and nutritional value, packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. The plants themselves are beautiful, and they thrive in cooler climates and shaded areas.
Red currants are perfect for jellies, sauces, and desserts, while black currants are often used in jams, syrups, and beverages like cordials or liqueurs. White currants, the sweetest of the three, are excellent for fresh eating or adding a mild tartness to desserts. They can also substitute for cranberries in many recipes, offering a similar tartness with a unique twist.
Currants can thrive with as little as 3–4 hours of sunlight a day, though more light will improve yields.
Here’s how to grow currants.
Crabapples
Crabapples are small, ornamental trees that produce tiny, colorful apples ranging in flavor from tart to slightly sweet. These hardy trees are incredibly versatile, thriving in a variety of conditions, including partial shade.
Crabapples are perfect for making jellies, sauces, and ciders, as well as for pickling or baking into desserts. Their tart flavor makes them an excellent substitute for traditional apples in recipes. They’re also a great source of pectin, which is essential for making jams and preserves from other fruits.
These trees can thrive with about 4–5 hours of sunlight per day.
Here’s how to grow crabapples.
Elderberries
Elderberries grow on shrubs that are both hardy and fast-growing, often reaching heights of 6–10 feet. The plants produce clusters of small, dark purple to black berries, which are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients.
The berries are highly versatile, commonly used in syrups, jams, wines, and herbal remedies due to their immune-boosting properties. They’re also great for pies and baked goods, and the flowers can be used to make teas, cordials, or fritters.
Elderberries are best cooked before consumption, as raw berries can be mildly toxic. Their tart flavor makes them a good substitute for currants or blackberries in recipes that call for a bold, tangy taste.
Elderberry shrubs thrive with as little as 3–4 hours of sunlight per day.
Here’s how to grow elderberries.
Goji Berries
Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are small, bright red fruits that grow on shrubs. These berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids, which is why they’re known as a superfood.
Goji berries are commonly used in teas, smoothies, soups, and trail mixes, offering a mildly sweet and slightly tart flavor. They can replace raisins or dried cranberries in many recipes and are just as nutritious when dried as they are fresh.
Goji berries only 3–4 hours of sunlight per day to produce a healthy crop.
Here’s how to grow goji berries.
Gooseberries
Gooseberries are small, round fruits that grow on thorny shrubs. They come in a variety of colors including green, yellow, and red, and have a tart flavor that sweetens as they ripen. The shrubs are compact, hardy, and highly adaptable, making them a great choice for gardens with partial shade.
These berries are ideal for pies, crumbles, jams, and jellies, and their tartness makes them a perfect substitute for rhubarb in recipes. They can also be eaten fresh when fully ripe or used in savory dishes to add a little tang.
Gooseberries thrive with just 3–4 hours of sunlight per day.
Here’s how to grow gooseberries.
Huckleberries
Huckleberries are small, round berries that resemble blueberries but have a more complex, tart-sweet flavor. These native North American plants grow on low, bushy shrubs and are great for cooler climates and partially shaded yards.
Huckleberries can be used in pies, jams, syrups, and baked goods, much like blueberries. Their tangy flavor also works well in savory sauces or paired with meats. Huckleberries are slow to grow and often take a few years to establish, but their hardiness makes them a great choice for patient gardeners.
These shrubs can grow and fruit with as little as 3–4 hours of sunlight per day.
Here’s how to grow huckleberries.
Japanese Wineberries
Japanese wineberries are small, jewel-like red fruits that grow on brambles with arching canes. They’re known for their glossy, translucent appearance and sweet-tart flavor. The plants are highly ornamental, with vibrant red stems and a covering of fine hairs.
These berries are perfect for jams, jellies, pies, and syrups. They can replace raspberries in most recipes, offering a unique tartness that balances well with sweet dishes. You can also eat them raw if you like.
Japanese wineberries thrive in partial shade, needing only 3–4 hours of sunlight per day.
Here’s how to grow Japanese wineberries.
Kiwi (Hardy Varieties)
Kiwi vines are vigorous climbers that produce sweet, tangy fruits. While the common kiwis require full sun, hardy varieties, such as Actinidia arguta (hardy kiwi) and Actinidia kolomikta (Arctic kiwi), can tolerate partial shade.
Hardy kiwis are versatile in the kitchen, perfect for eating fresh, adding to fruit salads, or blending into smoothies. They can also be used in desserts, jams, and sauces, just like traditional kiwis. The vines require a sturdy trellis or other support system, as they can grow rapidly and become quite heavy.
Hardy kiwis can thrive with just 4–5 hours of sunlight per day.
Here’s how to grow kiwi.
Lingonberries
Lingonberries are small, bright red berries that grow on low, evergreen shrubs native to colder climates. These hardy plants are closely related to cranberries and thrive in acidic, well-drained soil. Their glossy leaves and compact size make them a great choice for edible ground cover, especially in shaded or partially shaded gardens.
These berries have a tart flavor similar to cranberries, making them perfect for jams, sauces, syrups, and baked goods. They pair well with savory dishes like roasted meats and can also be used as a substitute for cranberries in most recipes. Lingonberries are prized for their high levels of antioxidants and vitamins, making them as nutritious as they are versatile.
Lingonberry plants require only 3–4 hours of sunlight per day and can thrive in partial shade.
Here’s how to grow lingonberries.
Lowbush Blueberries
Lowbush blueberries are small, hardy shrubs that produce sweet, flavorful berries. Native to North America, these plants are well-suited for cooler climates and are often found growing naturally in forested or rocky areas. Their compact size makes them an excellent option for ground cover in edible landscapes.
These berries are delicious eaten fresh and are perfect for use in pies, muffins, jams, and smoothies. They can also be frozen for long-term storage or dried for use in trail mixes.
Lowbush blueberry plants can thrive with just 3–4 hours of sunlight per day.
Here’s how to grow lowbush blueberries.
Mayhaws
Mayhaws are small, round fruits that grow on trees in the southeastern United States. Resembling tiny crabapples, mayhaws have a tart flavor and are often used for making jellies and syrups.
In addition to jellies and syrups, the fruit also works well in sauces, pies, and even wines. Mayhaws are an excellent substitute for cranberries in recipes that need a tangy twist. The trees themselves are low-maintenance and provide additional ornamental value with their spring blossoms and glossy foliage.
Mayhaws can grow and fruit with just 3–4 hours of sunlight per day.
Here’s how to grow mayhaws.
Medlars
Medlars are small, brownish fruits that grow on compact trees. Often considered an old-world fruit, medlars have a rich history and are known for their unusual ripening process, called “bletting,” where the fruit softens and sweetens after being harvested.
The fruit has a tangy, spiced flavor and a soft, almost custard-like texture once bletted. Medlars are perfect for making jams, jellies, and compotes and can also be used in baked goods or eaten straight from the tree when fully ripe. The flavor is similar to a mix of apples and dates.
Medlars can thrive in partial shade with 4–5 hours of sunlight per day.
Here’s how to grow medlars.
Mulberries
Mulberries are small, blackberry-like fruits that grow on trees. These fast-growing trees can thrive in many conditions, including partial shade, making them an excellent choice for gardeners with limited sunlight.
The berries are highly versatile and can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in jams, pies, and syrups. They also make a fantastic addition to smoothies and can substitute for blackberries in most recipes. Mulberries ripen over an extended period, providing a steady supply of fruit rather than a single harvest. This makes them great for snacking straight from the tree throughout the growing season.
Mulberry trees can produce fruit with just 4–5 hours of sunlight per day.
Here’s how to grow mulberries.
Pawpaws
Pawpaws are tropical-like fruits that grow on small trees native to North America. Often referred to as “America’s forgotten fruit,” pawpaws have a custard-like texture and a sweet flavor reminiscent of mangoes, bananas, and melons.
The fruit is delicious when eaten fresh or used in smoothies, puddings, ice creams, and baked goods. Its creamy texture and exotic flavor make it a great substitute for bananas or mangos in many recipes.
Pawpaws are highly shade-tolerant and can thrive with just 3–4 hours of sunlight per day.
Here’s how to grow pawpaws.
Persimmons
Persimmons are vibrant orange fruits that grow on beautiful trees. Known for their sweet, honey-like flavor, persimmons come in two main types: astringent (like the Hachiya) and non-astringent (like the Fuyu). Both types are highly versatile and can thrive in partial shade.
The fruit can be eaten fresh when fully ripe, dried, or used in a variety of recipes, including puddings, cakes, jams, and salads. Astringent varieties must be fully soft to enjoy their sweet flavor, while non-astringent types can be eaten crisp like an apple. Persimmons can also substitute for mangos or peaches in desserts and smoothies.
Persimmon trees need about 4–5 hours of sunlight per day to produce fruit.
Here’s how to grow persimmons.
Quinces
Quinces are fragrant, golden-yellow fruits that grow on small, ornamental trees. Known for their hard, tart flesh, quinces have been cultivated for centuries and were once a staple in European orchards.
While too tart to eat raw, quinces shine when cooked. They soften and develop a sweet, floral flavor perfect for jams, jellies, sauces, and baked goods. They’re also a classic ingredient in Middle Eastern and European cuisine, often used to enhance savory dishes. Quinces can replace apples or pears in recipes, adding a unique aroma.
Quince trees can thrive with just 4–5 hours of sunlight per day.
Here’s how to grow quinces.
Raspberries
Raspberries are a beloved fruit that grow on thorny canes, producing sweet, juicy berries in a range of colors, including red, black, yellow, and purple. These hardy plants are incredibly versatile and thrive in many climates.
Raspberries are delicious eaten fresh and are perfect for jams, pies, smoothies, and sauces. They can substitute for strawberries or blackberries in nearly any recipe, offering their own distinct, tangy-sweet flavor. The plants are relatively easy to grow and will reward you with a bountiful harvest each season.
Raspberries can tolerate partial shade, requiring just 4–5 hours of sunlight per day.
Here’s how to grow raspberries.
Serviceberries
Serviceberries, also known as juneberries or saskatoons, are small, sweet fruits that grow on small trees. These native North American plants are highly ornamental, with delicate white flowers in spring, vibrant fall foliage, and clusters of purple to blue-black berries in early summer.
The fruit has a flavor similar to blueberries with a hint of almond and is delicious when eaten fresh. It’s also ideal for pies, muffins, jams, and syrups and can easily replace blueberries in most recipes. Serviceberries are high in antioxidants and vitamins, making them a great addition to your diet.
Serviceberries can thrive with just 3–4 hours of sunlight per day.
Here’s how to grow serviceberries.
Sour Cherries
Sour cherries, also known as tart cherries, are small, vibrant red fruits that grow on compact, deciduous trees. Unlike their sweeter counterparts, sour cherries have a tangy flavor and are very versatile in cooking.
The fruit is ideal for pies, tarts, jams, and sauces. Sour cherries can also be used in beverages like cherry juice or homemade liqueurs. Their tartness makes them a perfect substitute for cranberries in recipes that call for a bold, tangy taste.
Sour cherry trees can thrive with just 4–5 hours of sunlight per day.
Here’s how to grow sour cherries.
Strawberries
Strawberries are small, juicy, sweet fruits that grow on low, sprawling plants, making them a favorite among gardeners and a staple in many home gardens. While most strawberry varieties prefer full sun, wild and alpine strawberries are more tolerant of shade and can thrive in gardens with limited sunlight.
Strawberries are incredibly versatile in the kitchen, perfect for eating fresh or using in desserts like pies, shortcakes, and tarts. They’re also excellent for making jams, smoothies, or syrups and can replace raspberries or blackberries in many recipes. Alpine strawberries, in particular, produce smaller, more flavorful berries that are perfect for snacking or garnishing.
Strawberry plants can thrive with just 3–4 hours of sunlight per day.
Here’s how to grow strawberries.
Final Thoughts
Growing fruit in a shaded yard might seem challenging, but as this list shows, it’s entirely possible to have a bountiful harvest if you grow the right plants. Whether you’re looking for classic favorites like strawberries and raspberries or more unique options like pawpaws and medlars, there’s a shade-tolerant fruit for everybody.
The key to success is choosing varieties that thrive with minimal sunlight and giving them the care they need to flourish. With a bit of planning and effort, you can turn even the shadiest corner of your yard into a productive and delicious oasis.
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