Unidentified berry

[Teresa Cline]

Can anyone identify this berry for me? This plant has really turned into a beautiful good sized bush but since I cannot identify it I am concerned about it being poisonous. The birds seem to love it but that doesnt necessarily make it safe, does it?Thanks

 

[Teresa Cline]

opps...here is the picture for the mysterious berries.

 

[Smiling JOe]

I wish I had a name for you. I have seen this plant throughout the south eastern USA. The berries make a great stain.

edit: after a quick search, it appears to be a Pokeweed.

 

[Smiling JOe]

From www.bio.brandeis.edu/.../Pokeweed/Pokeweed.html

Use and WARNING! Young shoots up to 6 inches are said to be good as an asparagus, a cooked green, or as a pickle. To eat, you have to boil the shoots for 20-30 minutes. To pickle the shoots, change the water multiple times and put in hot vinegar. WARNING: Roots, seeds, mature stems, and leaves are highly poisonous. DO NOT ACCIDENTALY EAT ANY ROOTS OR REDDISH SHOOTS!

 

[Teresa Cline]

thanks Smiling JOe.
I think I will get rid of it even though its beautiful.

 

[Smiling JOe]

The warning may seem extreme, but potato seeds can also be highly toxic and if you eat enough of them, they can kill you. ;-)

 

[Teresa Cline]

Potatoes seeds.....huh,,,thats good to know... next time I am having a Uell Gibbons moment I will remember this!

 

[Smiling JOe]

Potatoes seeds.....huh,,,thats good to know... next time I am having a Uell Gibbons moment I will remember this!

The toxicity of the potato seeds prevent birds from eating the seeds, thereby continuing the natural production of potatoes. ;-)

 

[rapunzel]

I once went to a Poke Salad Festival. Who knew that's what it was! We used to put the berries on the trampoline and jump on them when I was a kid. Poison, huh? Good to know.

 

[30A Skunkape]

I once went to a Poke Salad Festival. Who knew that's what it was! We used to put the berries on the trampoline and jump on them when I was a kid. Poison, huh? Good to know.

http://www.watersheds.org/nature/poke.htm