As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can tell you that brush cherry fruits are indeed edible. However, they can be quite messy if they fall onto hardscape areas such as patios or driveways. The small berries have a tendency to stain surfaces and can be difficult to clean up.
In most cases, brush cherry plants are regularly pruned to maintain their shape as a hedge. This frequent pruning prevents the plant from having a chance to produce berries. Therefore, if you are growing brush cherry as a hedge, you may not have to deal with the issue of messy berries.
However, if you do allow your brush cherry plant to grow freely without regular pruning, it may produce berries. These berries can be eaten, but they are not typically sought after for their taste. They are small and have a slightly tart flavor. Some people may find them enjoyable, while others may not.
It’s important to note that the edible nature of brush cherry fruits does not necessarily mean they are commonly consumed. They are not typically grown for their fruit production but rather for their attractive foliage and ability to form a dense hedge.
In my personal experience, I have grown brush cherry plants as hedges in several landscaping projects. I have found that regular pruning and maintenance of the plants significantly reduces the chances of them producing berries. This has helped prevent any messiness near hardscape areas.
To summarize, brush cherry fruits are indeed edible, but they are not widely sought after for consumption. Their small size and slightly tart flavor may not appeal to everyone. If maintaining a tidy hardscape area is a priority for you, regular pruning as a hedge is recommended to prevent the plant from producing berries.
