Too often, when I search for new varieties of edible plants, I find resources that cater exclusively to vegetable gardening; which are, for the most part, annuals. When limiting the search to perennials, I find that most well known plants are deciduous, or tropical/sub-tropical. I decided to start a thread to share the few edible evergreens I've found with everyone, and to hopefully see the list grow.
All plants listed below are at least marginally hardy to zone 7. (*) Denotes that the plant is marginally hardy or requires shelter/winter protection.
Low Growing/Groundcovers:
Alpine Strawberry (Fragaria Vesca)
Sweet Violet (Viola Odorata)
Wintergreen (Gaultheria Procumbens)
Lingonberry (Vaccinium Vitis-Idae)
Clove Pinks (Dianthus Caryophyllus)
Hyssop (Hyssopus Officinalis)
*Corsican Mint (Mentha Requienii)
Sorrel (Rumex Acetosa)
Onion/Garlic/Chives (Allium Species)
Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum Nobile)
*Myrteola Nummularia (Cranberry Myrtle)
Cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon)
Thyme (Thymus Species) Special Note: thyme varieties are incredibly diverse in flavor and many are evergreen. I've found Rose scented, lavender, lemon, orange balsam, nutmeg, and common thyme.
Shrubs:
Salal (Gaultheria Shallon)
Evergreen Huckleberry (Vaccinium Ovatum)
*Tea Olive (Osmanthus Fragrans)
Silverberry (Elaeagnus Ebbingei)
*Chinese Tea (Camellia Sinensis)
*Gardenia (Gardenia Jasminoides)
*Coffeeberry (Rhamnus Californica)
Sage (Salvia Officinalis)
Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)
*Rosemary (Rosnarinus Officinalis)
*Holly Leafed Redberry (Rhamnus Crocea Ilicifolia)
Grape Holly (Mahonia Species)
*Bayberry/Wax Myrtle (Myrica Cerifera)
Trees:
*Yaupon Holly (Ilex Vomitoria)
Tea Oil Camellia (Camellia Oleifera)
*Bay Laurel (Laurus Nobilis)
Juniper (Juniperus Communis)
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia Grandiflora)
Pine Nuts (Pinus Species)
Japanese Chinquapin (Castanopsis cuspidata)
*Kousa Dogwood (Cornus Angustata)
*Bay Laurel (Umbellularia Californica)
Japanese Nutmeg Yew (Torreya Nucifera)
