01Nov,2023
This large member of the carrot family may have foragers thinking they hit the jackpot, and a big wild carrot is just below the surface. But in reality, this is a plant that is harmful to even touch.
The Canada moonseed is a climbing vine with grape-like leaves and clusters of grapey-looking fruits. These fruits are not grapes however, and are potentially fatal if eaten.
Horse nettle plants are dead and dry during the winter, but their fruits can remain plump and juicy
The pokeweed plant has some of the juiciest and most appetizing looking berries of late summer and early fall. But don’t be fooled by this alluring look. These berries are animal food.
This common vine seems to defy identification in some cases. Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) can look like a little weed when young.
Wild cherry trees (Prunus spp.) can produce a tasty cherry fruit, but these same trees can also be a source of toxicity. The wilting leaves of cherry develop a high concentration of cyanide.
Virginia creeper is a central and eastern vine species that often gets confused for poison ivy.
These small shiny black berries are one of the most dangerous look-alikes, resembling blueberries to the unobservant.
Several species of buckeye tree grow throughout the central and eastern United States. These native trees have nuts that are surprisingly poisonous.
The red berries of dogwood are eaten by birds, but should be avoided by people.