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Black berry on shrub

by Vivian
(Acton, CA. 93510)

Black berries in my yard

Black berries in my yard

This plant has appeared in my yard among a bunch of mint. The berries are very shiny when ripe and about 1/4 inch in diameter. I think I have found the name but I would like a "second opinion". I think it is Black Nightshade. The article says it is delicious but the leaves are poison. The berries need to be boiled as they are bitter and another name for it is American Huckleberries. I want to make sure it won't poison me as I don't want to become a statistic. Thank you very much. Vivian

Comments for
Black berry on shrub

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Not a good idea
by: Linda

Don't even think about eating nightshade berries. There are a whole lot of sources that say these are highly poisonous and can site statistics. This isn't one to experiment with, and I'm saying that as a foraging enthusiast. Euell Gibbons used to joke that folks who didn't know wild edibles would sometimes think he just ate random plants he found in the woods, and then sat back to see if he died or not. I always check several reliable sources before I try a wild plant. And I don't feel a need to play with plants that are even questionably toxic.
I may be wrong but
by: Anonymous

I think it looks like a Viburnum, Highbush Cranberry bush.
Black nightshade
by: Moni

Vivian,
It is black nightshade and yes, the plant and green berries are poisonous. They contain a toxic alkaloid solanine. Web sites say you can eat small quantities of the ripe berries especially if cooked.
Animals do not eat this plant, so you should study it long and hard before deciding if this is something you want to eat.
Please be careful.

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