Wild berries are much healthier than cultivated berries. Wild berries grow in natural conditions, are not treated with drugs, do not contain radionuclides and heavy metals. Wild berries provide a full range of minerals, vitamins and other beneficial elements. However, in the forest you can find not only, but also inedible berries. Let's take a closer look at which berries are inedible and why it is better not to eat such wild berries.
Juniper berries are inedible, and Cossack juniper berries can be very seriously poisoned
Juniper is an inedible berry
- Common juniper- evergreen large shrub or small tree up to 3 m high. The trunk is covered with grayish-brown scaly bark. Leaves are acicular, linear subulate, prickly, strongly spaced and collected in whorls of three. Flowers - in the form of a dioecious cone, blooms in June. The fruits are a juicy cone berry, in the first year of life they are green in color, ovoid, and in the second year, they are black and blue, spherical, with a shiny waxy coating, equipped with a three-ray groove at the apex. The size of the cone berries is 7-9 mm. Its pulp contains 2-3 greenish-brown triangular seeds, which ripen in the fall of the second year. Grows in soils with moderate or high humidity, prefers conifers, especially compound forests, occurs in clearings, glades, forest edges and clearings.
- Juniper daurian- a less common species, found in small groups or singly in some areas of the Khabarovsk Territory. Grows on rocky slopes, placers and rocks.
- The Siberian juniper is a densely branching shrub up to 1 m in height with shortened internodes, due to which the whorls of the leaves are much closer together. The leaves are shorter and wider and are pressed against the branches. The cones are larger and have a more pronounced bluish tint.
- Juniper Cossack- a widespread shrub with very thin twigs of the last order. The bark is reddish-gray, the leaves are rhombic, "tightly adjacent to the branches and to each other, on the convex side they have a fossa. Fruits are round-oval, up to 7 mm in diameter, brownish with a bluish bloom, contain 2-6 seeds inside. Poisonous!
Juniper berries are inedible
Juniper berries (cones) are not used in food, but they are used in the food industry in the manufacture of fruit drinks, sweets, gingerbread, beer and some alcoholic beverages, and needles and fruits are used for smoking meat products. Particular care should be taken with the Cossack juniper, since all parts of the plant are poisonous due to the content of a significant amount of poisonous sabin oil. Even small doses of this plant, taken internally, cause vomiting, diarrhea, and large doses - damage to the kidneys, central nervous system (loss of consciousness, convulsions, paralysis). Fatal outcome is possible.
Juniper as a medicinal plant
Juniper belongs to strong medicines and has long been used in folk medicine for a wide variety of diseases. Juniper was used for edema, diseases of the kidneys, urinary bladder, gallstone and kidney stones, malaria, gout, rheumatism, stomach diseases, pulmonary diseases (tuberculosis, bronchitis), and some skin lesions. In places where juniper grows, as noted, the air is particularly clean and healthy, and this is due to the fact that the plant emits strong phytoncides.
In modern medicine, the fruits of juniper are used as an antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and disinfectant, diuretic, diaphoretic, analgesic, stone-dissolving, choleretic, expectorant, digestive aid.
Harvesting of juniper cones is carried out in the fall during the period of full ripeness by knocking or shaking off on a tarp spread under a bush. The fruits are sorted, slightly wilted in the open air and dried in attics, in sheds or under a canopy. Stir frequently during drying. It is impossible to dry in stoves or dryers, since when the berries dry quickly, they lose their medicinal properties.
Elderberries - not poisonous, however - inedible
Elderberry red - an inedible berry
Elder - herbaceous, shrubby, woody plants growing in the temperate and subtropical zones. There are about 40 types. 11 species grow in Russia, in particular Siberian red elderberry - a medicinal and ornamental plant. It is a shrub with a height of 1.5 to 5 m. They are found in thin, coniferous and mixed forests with sufficiently moist soil, along the edges, shady slopes of ravines and river banks. The bark of the branches is grayish-brown. Leaves are opposite, unequally pinnate, compound, with 2-3 pairs of leaflets. In spring, the leaves take on a purple hue due to the increased content of anthocyanin. The flowers are small, at first greenish, later yellowish-white, collected in large panicle inflorescences, sticking upward.
Red elderberries are inedible
The fruits of red elderberry are bright red, fleshy in the form of berries with fleshy flesh and yellowish seeds. Leaves, bark and flowers have an unpleasant odor, and berries taste unpleasant. The berries are not poisonous, but they are not suitable for human food, although they are readily eaten by birds.
Elderberry red as a medicinal plant
In official medicine, elderberry has not yet found use, but in folk medicine it is used to obtain an analgesic, diaphoretic, antitussive, emetic, diuretic, laxative effect.
Buckthorn berries are inedible, but buckthorn bark has medicinal properties
Buckthorn is an inedible berry
Buckthorn is a plant in the form of a tree or shrub up to 4.5-5 meters in height. It is found in forest glades and clearings, loves wet places next to alder. Blossom begins in May - June and blooms all summer until September. Therefore, on one bush or buckthorn tree, you can see flowers, flower buds, green, red and black berries at the same time. Having met such a plant in the forest, even an uninformed person will immediately understand that it is a buckthorn.
Buckthorn berries are inedible
Buckthorn berries are inedible for humans, no one picks them up, and all of them remain for seeds. But buckthorn berries are a delicacy for a bear devouring them in large quantities. Buckthorn berries and birds willingly eat. They are the sowers of the buckthorn in the forest. Many people consider buckthorn fruits to be poisonous, this is due to their strong emetic and laxative effects.
Buckthorn as a medicinal plant
In addition, the bark has medicinal properties and is used in medicine. In medicine, a decoction or extract from the bark of kru-bus is used as a good laxative for spasmodic colitis and atonic constipation, for regulating the activity of the intestines, for hemorrhoids, rectal fissures, etc. Buckthorn bark is part of the gastric and laxative tea.
The bark is harvested in May - June, during sap flow. For medicinal purposes, it is forbidden to use fresh and just dried bark, which can cause harmful effects in the gastrointestinal tract. The bark is considered suitable for medicinal use after one to two years of storage.
Buckthorn bark and berries are of economic and industrial importance. In industry, buckthorn juice was previously used to make yellow and green watercolors. Due to the significant content of tannides in the bark, it is used for tanning leather.
First aid for poisoning with berries
The very first aid for poisoning with poisonous or inedible berries is to stimulate vomiting - this procedure will free the stomach from toxic contents. To do this, the victim needs to be given 2-4 glasses of water (activated carbon can be added to it - 2 tablespoons per 500 ml, salt - 1 tsp per 500 ml or potassium permanganate). The procedure will have to be carried out several times. If medicines are available, it is recommended to give the patient activated charcoal, tannin, as well as any laxative and heart remedy. If you have seizures, you will have to use chloral hydrate. If there is no first aid kit, you can give the patient black crackers, starch solution or milk. It will also not hurt to do an enema (if possible). The victim should be wrapped warmly and taken to a doctor.
Poisonous berries in pictures
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
An experienced tourist knows that you can pick and eat in the forest only those berries you are sure are safe for. Suspicious and unfamiliar ones, it is better not to touch them, because berries, like some mushrooms, can be poisonous. The use of poisonous berries may not be limited to banal food poisoning - many plants are so poisonous that death after eating them occurs within several days. But with the proper theoretical training, it is quite easy to learn to distinguish edible from dangerous.
How to distinguish poisonous from edible berries
It's about berries growing in our latitudes, in our forests. These are probably some of the most common dangerous berries.
Poisonous berries pictures, photos.
May lily of the valley
The well-known flowers give very poisonous berries containing dangerous glycosides. Eating these berries can lead to cardiac arrest, even in a healthy adult male. Lily of the valley berries are not particularly confused with anything, perhaps if only, with cranberries, lingonberries or dogwood. But the characteristic leaves of the lily of the valley and the small size of the flower make it difficult. So just remember - you don't need to touch the lily of the valley berries.
Rice. Lily of the valley and its poisonous berries
Wolf bast
Small red berries have a very characteristic feature - they grow directly on the stem of the plant, so they can only be confused with sea buckthorn. The differences are that ripe sea buckthorn is bright orange, and wolfberry is deep red. Plus, the sea buckthorn leaves are much more elongated. Also, sea buckthorn produces significantly more berries. But in the early stages, until the berries are ripe, it is quite possible to confuse these plants.
Photo. Wolf's bast - poisonous berries
Raven eye
Another dangerous berry found in our forests is the raven eye. The small black single berry can be easily confused with regular blueberries and blueberries. Such a mistake can become not very pleasant for a person, since several berries contain such a dose of saponin, which is enough to cause respiratory and heart rate arrest in a person suffering from cardiovascular diseases. A healthy person is likely to get off with vomiting and diarrhea. It is quite simple to distinguish this plant - its leaves almost always form an equilateral cross. Also, a lone berry is usually found on a similar cross. Although blueberries and blueberries are similar in shape, there are several berries on the bush at once, plus the leaves do not form a cross.
Photo. Raven eye
Belladonna (belladonna)
They contain atropine, which is widely used for medical purposes. They just contain too much of it, so when ingested, cardiac arrest and paralysis of the respiratory muscles are very possible. Small black berries can be easily confused with bird cherry, since the leaves of these plants are practically the same. But each belladonna berry is surrounded by a rather fleshy stalk. Bird cherry grows on thin brushes, on which there can be quite a few berries at the same time.
Photo. Belladonna
Red-fruited raven
All parts of the plant are poisonous. The most toxic are the fruits. Eating only two berries for a child can end in tragedy. But accidental poisoning with berries is hardly possible, the plant has an unpleasant odor, and the berries are very bitter. Signs of poisoning with berries of the red-fruited Voronets - nausea, dizziness, increased heart rate, severe upset of the gastrointestinal tract. Berries can be easily confused with viburnum and mountain ash. But these plants have bunches of berries hanging down, and in Voronets they stick out, resembling cones or cobs.
Photo. Red-fruited raven
Black nightshade
Rather, it can be attributed to the conditionally poisonous. Unripe berries and leaves of nightshade contain a poisonous substance - solanidin, which can cause severe poisoning. Poisonous solanidin is not destroyed even during heat treatment. But ripe fruits are not so dangerous, they can be used, but very carefully. You can confuse nightshade with bird cherry, since in both cases the berries grow on tassels. However, in the bird cherry, the brush is elongated and all the berries lie sequentially, and in the nightshade they stick out on their stalks practically from one point.
Photo. Black nightshade
Bittersweet nightshade
These berries can only be confused with viburnum, mountain ash or wild red currants. Here you need to look at the stalks - in the nightshade they are expressed in the form of a five-pointed asterisk. In addition, there are usually few berries in a bunch, which cannot be said about the plants mentioned above. Well, the main difference is purple flowers, which are often observed simultaneously with ripe berries.
Its shiny fruits look very beautiful and appetizing, on closer inspection they look like very small tomatoes, but poisonous, like all aerial parts. Poisoning is caused by solanine, the same that is found in the tops and "berries" of potatoes. In fully ripe fruits, however, the solanine disappears and they become harmless. The rest of the nightshade are also poisonous.
The first sign of poisoning in a person who has eaten bittersweet berries is dizziness. Usually, salivation, nausea and vomiting soon intensify, pain in the pancreas begins to bother, gradually spreading throughout the abdomen, diarrhea is possible. In severe poisoning, loss of consciousness is possible, symptoms appear indicating damage to the nervous system, heart, kidneys and blood.
Photo. Bittersweet nightshade
Bittersweet nightshade is a shrub with a curly long stem (up to 2 m, and more in favorable conditions), with a woody base.
Leaves are ovate-pointed.
Flowers - purple, in drooping racemes.
Blooms from late May to September.
Fruits - red, bitter-sweet, poisonous berries, ripen in June - October.
Nightshade red spread
Red nightshade is widespread in the European part of Russia, in the Caucasus, in Siberia and in the Far East along the shores of reservoirs, damp places, among bushes. It is often found in settlements, on the outskirts of villages, on the borders of vegetable gardens, on garbage heaps. Often, bittersweet nightshade is grown in personal plots as a decorative liana.
Poisonous parts of red nightshade
Leaves, stems and fruits are poisonous in nightshade. As the berries ripen, the poisonous properties of the berries of bittersweet nightshade, unlike black nightshade, do not disappear, since in addition to the poisonous glycoalkaloid solanine, which disappears when the berries ripen, there are other toxic substances, in particular solidulcin and dulcamarine.
Poisoning symptoms
Symptoms of poisoning with bittersweet nightshade are the same as when poisoning with other plants containing solanine and similar glycoalkaloids - abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, suppression of motor and mental activity, difficulty breathing, cardiovascular failure. First aid - gastric lavage.
Poisonous berries picture, photo - nightshade red
Belladonna
It is also known under the names belladonna, crassa, sleepy stupor, mad berry, mad cherry (Atropa belladonna) - a plant of the nightshade family. Perennial herb 1-2 m high with an erect thick green or violet-colored stem, forked-branched at the top.
The leaves are petiolate, broadly lanceolate, alternate, but close in pairs, and one is always much larger than the others.
Belladonna flowers are solitary, drooping, emerging from the axils of the upper leaves, bell-shaped, dirty purple (sometimes yellow) in color.
Blooms from June to late autumn.
The fruit is a shiny black-blue poisonous berry, flattened-spherical, juicy, sweet-sour, the size of a cherry.
Spreading Belladonna
Belladonna is widespread in the Crimea, the Caucasus, and the Carpathians. Occurs in clearings, forest edges, shady glades.
Belladonna's poisonous parts
All parts of the plant are poisonous. Poisoning more often occurs in children who are attracted to the poisonous belladonna berries that resemble cherries or grapes (even 2-3 berries of it can cause severe poisoning in a child). They, as well as in other parts of the plant, contain such very poisonous alkaloids as atropine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine, etc.
Poisoning symptoms
Signs of poisoning appear after 10-20 minutes. In case of mild poisoning, dryness and burning sensation in the mouth and throat, difficulty swallowing and speaking, palpitations. The voice becomes hoarse. The pupils are dilated, do not react to light. Near vision is impaired. Photophobia, flashing of flies before the eyes. Dryness and redness of the skin. Excitement, sometimes delusions and hallucinations. In severe poisoning, complete loss of orientation, sharp motor and mental agitation, sometimes convulsions.
Poisonous berries picture, photo - belladonna
Marsh calla
Marsh calla is a succulent thick-rhizome, creeping hydrophyte (a plant that grows half in water) 20-40 cm high with large shiny rounded-heart-shaped leaves (15-20 cm) on long petioles. The cob-shaped inflorescence is surrounded by a white (green on the reverse side), leaf-shaped blanket.
The fruits are juicy red poisonous berries, collected in bunches.
It blooms in May, June, the fruits ripen from the end of June.
Calla spread
The marsh calla is widespread throughout Russia in swamps and swampy shores of water bodies.
Poisonous parts of calla
The whole plant is poisonous, especially poisonous berries and rhizomes. Calla contains pungent saponin-like compounds, as well as volatile substances such as aroin with irritating properties.
Symptoms of calla poisoning
Nausea, vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, shortness of breath, tachycardia, convulsions. First aid - gastric lavage and laxatives.
Poisonous berries picture, photo - marsh calla
Euonymus
Euonymus is a deciduous shrub (sometimes a small tree) 3-4 meters high, with "classic" elongated leaves, small greenish nondescript flowers.
Euonymus blooms in May-June. The fruits ripen fully in September-October.
The fruits are beautiful bright pink four-part capsules containing usually black seeds inside, covered (sometimes not completely) with fleshy orange or red flesh. As they ripen, the bolls open.
Spread of Euonymus
Euonymus is found in the European part of Russia, in the Caucasus, some species grow in the Far East (up to Eastern Siberia), Sakhalin, Kuril Islands.
The poisonous parts of Euonymus
The spindle tree has everything - roots, bark, leaves, but the greatest danger is posed by poisonous berries, which attract with their bright appearance.
Symptoms of Euonymus poisoning
Eating poisonous euonymus berries in food causes vomiting and diarrhea, large doses of berries can provoke intestinal bleeding.
Poisonous berries picture, photo - euonymus
Privet (Wolf berries)
Privet is a genus of rather thermophilic shrubs of the olive family. Common privet is a deciduous shrub up to 5 meters high.
Leaves are simple, opposite. Inflorescences are white, similar to lilac flowers, also collected in panicles.
The fruit is a black berry. Privet blooms in May-July, after the appearance of leaves on it. Privet
The berries are poisonous, ripen in September-October and do not fall off for a long time.
Spread of Privet
On the territory of the former USSR, common privet is found in its natural form. The halo of its distribution is the southwestern part of Russia, the Caucasus, Ukraine and Moldova.
Poisonous parts of Privet
The leaves and berries of the plant are poisonous. The leaves are unlikely to be eaten by anyone, but the berries are quite similar to bird cherry.
Symptoms of Privet poisoning
After eating poisonous privet berries in 1-2 hours, diarrhea, colic, weakness, loss of coordination, convulsions occur, in severe cases, death is possible.
Poisonous berries picture, photo - privet
Elderberry herbal (smelly)
Elderberry is a herbaceous perennial of the honeysuckle family with an unpleasant odor, with a thick creeping rhizome, a thick furrowed (sometimes sparsely pubescent) stem 60-170 cm high.
Leaves with stipules, large (17-25 cm), pinnate of 7-11 pointed leaves, pubescent along the veins.
The inflorescence of herbal elderberry is an umbrella-shaped panicle. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, white or reddish. Herbal elderberry blooms in May - June.
Herbal elderberry fruits are black small berry-like drupes with 3-4 seeds and red juice. Elderberry herbaceous in August - September bears fruit.
Elderberry herbal spread
Elderberry is widespread in the southern part of Russia in the foothills and mountains, along the edges of forests and subalpine meadows. Often found as a weed.
Poisonous parts of Elderberry herbal
Elderberry herbal leaves and flowers are poisonous. Unripe berries of herbal elderberry are especially poisonous.
Symptoms of elderberry poisoning
The main symptoms of poisoning with herbal elderberry poisonous berries are dizziness, headache, weakness, sore throat, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting. Characteristic is the staining of the mucous membranes in blue as a result of the accumulation of oxyhemoglobin in the venous blood. Tachycardia is replaced in the later stages by bradycardia. Shortness of breath with a delay in exhalation is observed, convulsions are possible. Death occurs from respiratory arrest on the background of acute heart failure.
Poisonous berries picture, photo - herbal elderberry
Daphne, daphne
Daphne is a short bush called a wolf bast or wolfberry. In April, the twigs of Daphne, a meter and a half in height, are almost entirely covered with bunches of bright pink flowers, very similar to the color of lilac. A delicate peculiar aroma spreads from flowering plants. Daphne leaves are narrow, dark green. Poisonous berries - oval, first green, then red, ripen at the end of July-August.
Daffodil Spread
Daphne grows in the north of the European part of Russia, Western and Eastern Siberia, in the Caucasus. Prefers coniferous and mixed forests. It is also found in deciduous forests.
Toxic parts of the Wolfberry
The flowers of the wolfberry are poisonous. Inhalation of daphne pollen causes irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose and respiratory tract. Not only flowers are poisonous, but the whole plant. No wonder one of the names of Daphne is deadly wolfberry.
The bark of wolf bast is unusually bitter in taste and, when ingested, causes a burning sensation and a scratching sensation. Subsequently, blisters and ulcers form on the mucous membranes. Touching the wet bark of daphne, wolfberry, to the skin can lead to the formation of ulcers.
The juice of the leaves and poisonous berries of wolf bast is no less burning. It is extremely dangerous to get wolfberry juice in the eyes. This threatens the formation of hard-to-heal corneal lesions.
Wolf Bast Poisoning Symptoms
After eating poisonous berries, there is a burning sensation in the mouth, pain in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, weakness, convulsions are possible. But wolf's bast contains not only meserein, which strongly irritates the skin and mucous membranes, but also other toxic substances, in particular several types of coumarins, which cause increased bleeding.
Poisonous berries picture, photo - wolfberry
Raven spike-shaped black or Actea spike-shaped
Spiked crow is a perennial poisonous herb up to 80 cm high, with a thin branched stem, with large, on long petioles, twice and thrice feathery leaves. The edges of the leaves are coarsely serrated.
The flowers are white or cream, small, collected in a fluffy panicle.
The berries are green at first, black when ripe, glossy, large, oval-cylindrical with a well-visible trace of the perianth. The berries are collected in a brush.
Distribution of Voronets spike-shaped black
The spiky black crow grows in the European part of Russia, in the Caucasus, in Western Siberia, in Altai, but it is quite rare. Prefers shady, humid places in deciduous, coniferous and mixed forests. Usually grows in thickets of shrubs and trees. The spiky black raven does not like open spaces. Blossoms in May-June; berries ripen in July-August.
Poisonous parts of Voronets spiky
The whole plant is very poisonous. Particularly poisonous are the berries of the black spike-shaped crow.
Symptoms of Vorontsov spike poisoning
The sap of the plant irritates the human skin, up to the formation of blisters. And even a small amount of the pulp of a poisonous berry is enough to cause severe gastrointestinal upset.
Poisonous berries picture, photo - black raven
Red raven (red; spiky red)
Red raven is a perennial herb. Stems are thin, up to 70 cm high.
Leaves are usually thrice pinnate, serrated at the edges. Outwardly, the red-flowered raven is very similar to the spike-shaped raven, but differs from it, first of all, in the color of the fruits, slightly smaller berries, and also in the lighter color of the leaves.
Flowers are small, white, collected in a vertical brush-panicle.
The berries of the red-fruited Voronets are oblong-oval, medium-sized, at first green, whiten as they ripen, and then turn red. Located on a vertical brush.
Distribution of Voronets red-fruited
The red-flowered raven grows in coniferous and mixed forests, in the Far East, in Siberia and in the north of the European part of Russia.
Poisonous parts of Voronets red-fruited
All parts of the plant are poisonous. The most toxic are the berries of the red-fruited Voronets. Eating only two poisonous berries for a child can end tragically. But accidental poisoning with the berries of the red-fruited crow is hardly possible, since the plant has an unpleasant odor, and the berries are very bitter.
Poisoning symptoms
Signs of poisoning with berries of the red-fruited Voronets - nausea, dizziness, increased heart rate, severe upset of the gastrointestinal tract.
Poisonous berries picture, photo - Red crow
Raven eye
The raven eye is a very distinctive perennial plant. A low stem framed by spreading, usually four (less often, as in the photo, five) wide leaves, ends in one single nondescript greenish flower that blooms in July-June. Then the raven eye turns the flower into one berry, which turns black by autumn. The raven eye is also known as the cross-grass.
Spread of Crow's Eye
The raven eye grows in shady, humid places of coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests, throughout the temperate zone of Russia from Europe to the Far East. The raven eye is considered a medicinal plant, but it is better not to collect or use it yourself, since the raven eye is a poisonous plant.
Poisonous Parts of Crow's Eye
The raven eye berry, like other parts of the plant, is poisonous. The plant contains saponins and cardiac glycosides.
Crow's Eye Poisoning Symptoms
Poisoning with poisonous berries or other parts of the raven's eye causes irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, a sharp drop in heart rate to 60-40 or less beats per minute, heart rhythm disturbances, ventricular flutter and cardiac arrest.
Poisonous berries picture, photo - Lily of the valley
First aid for poisoning with berries
- Never pick or taste berries that you don't know.
- If you come to the forest with a child, then do not leave him unattended for a minute. Watch what berries he eats.
- If you have come to an unknown place for you and the nature is not entirely familiar to you, be sure to check with local residents, study the literature, browse the Internet and find out what poisonous plants are characteristic of this area.
- Poisonous berries are actually dangerous only for those who do not know them "by sight".
If you experience symptoms of poisoning such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, etc., seek immediate medical attention. While the doctor is going to you, do not sit idly by. Indeed, sometimes the arrival of an ambulance can drag on for more than one hour.
The most first aid for poisoning with poisonous berries consists in stimulating vomiting - this procedure will free the stomach from toxic contents. To do this, the victim needs to be given 2-4 glasses of water (activated carbon can be added to it - 2 tablespoons per 500 ml, salt - 1 tsp per 500 ml or potassium permanganate). In case of poisoning with poisonous berries, the procedure will have to be carried out several times. Of the medicines, it is recommended to give the patient activated charcoal, tannin, as well as any laxative and heart remedy. If you have seizures, you will have to use chloral hydrate. If there is no first aid kit, you can give the patient black crackers, starch solution or milk. It will also not hurt to do an enema (if possible). A victim of poisoning with poisonous berries should be wrapped warmly and taken to a doctor.
Earlier on the topic:
Those who live near the forest or have the opportunity to pamper themselves with the fruits that nature gives, it is important to have a good understanding of which berries can be eaten and which are not. What is grown in the country and in the garden usually refers to shrubs specially planted by people, because they are absolutely safe to eat, which cannot be said about wild plantings. Adults and children should be guided by what exactly grows in the forest area and which berries are the most dangerous to stumble upon in natural conditions.
What are the most dangerous in the world?
In order not to be poisoned by berries, being outdoors in any corner of the world, it is important to know which of them are edible and which are not. There is a list of the most dangerous representatives that are poisonous to humans and animals. For some, all parts of the plant are harmful, but for most, these are fruits, that is, berries. So, the most dangerous fruits around the world are the following berries.
- Wolf's bast. The shrub can live in mixed forests. Spring gives you the opportunity to admire the beautiful flowers that grow in inflorescences and are somewhat reminiscent of lilacs. Not only berries are dangerous in this plant. Staying near a bush for a long time can cause severe headaches, dizziness, and people prone to allergies will show all its symptoms: cough, runny nose, sneezing. Touching the bark of the plant is also dangerous, which can cause blisters. In the autumn, red berries with an elongated shape begin to set. The danger of these fruits is that they not only cannot be eaten, but also should not be touched at all.
- Nightshade black grows in the forest near water bodies and in ravines. The danger is posed by the unripe fruits of the plant. If the nightshade is fully ripe, it is recommended to use it in food due to the large amount of vitamin C.
- Kupena fragrant grows in coniferous and mixed forests, feels good on the edges and in the steppe zone. It grows a little more than half a meter, has almost black or red fruits, long and thin leaves and white flowers facing the ground. You cannot touch and eat the fruits; from contact with them, symptoms of poisoning immediately appear, accompanied by abdominal pain and dizziness.
- Euonymus Is a tall plant reaching two meters in height. Often grown as an ornamental shrub. The berries are red in color, outwardly they resemble red beads with a black dot, peeking out of pink flowers. The fruits are very fond of birds and are not dangerous for them, but a person should not eat them due to the risk of poisoning.
- Voronet Is a short plant (about half a meter) with elongated fruits of different colors: black, red and white. This is a very poisonous shrub, because it causes a reaction from contact with any part of it. Touching the foliage can cause inflammation with blistering.
- Buckthorn- grows mainly near water bodies. Black berries begin to ripen at the end of summer. When consumed raw, they cause a person to vomit. Properly used bark and fruits are good for constipation and gastric lavage.
- Berry yew often found in hedges as well as in nature. Berries are dangerous, which hide very toxic seeds behind an almost harmless outer shell. It is not worth staying near the plant for too long, as well as touching it, because wood, needles and shoots are also poisonous. The extraction of the yew berry can provoke the death of a person. Poisoning causes convulsion and paralysis, after which breathing stops.
- Arum spotted is a perennial plant with a fleshy stem and tuberous roots. The foliage completely falls off by the first days of autumn, leaving stems dotted with red berries with a dense skin. If you eat such fruits, a very serious state of intoxication occurs, which, without timely intervention, leads to death.
- Belladonna outwardly resembles a beautiful flower with bells of pale pink color. Inside the flowers, black berries ripen, which are very dangerous to humans.
- Snowberry grows on stony and calcareous soil, often hiding in partial shade. Outwardly, it looks like a shrub, generously covered with large white berries. You cannot eat them, they are poisonous, it is better to bypass the plant by simply admiring it.
This is just a part of the variety of plants, the berries of which are extremely dangerous to humans. In order not to stumble upon them, and even more so not to try, it is important to know the description and see a photo of a dangerous fruit. When going into the woods, it is important to arm yourself with important information and take a first aid kit in case of an emergency.
Description of harmful fruits in Russia
Each specific plant that has poisonous berries grows in a specific area. Having information about where to fear this or that shrub, you can protect yourself from unpleasant consequences. The names, colors of the berries will make it possible to avoid danger, and a list of plants in a particular area will help you get acquainted with the most dangerous representatives that you need to fear.
- Elderberry black and red- a shrub on which black or red berries grow. When ripe, they pose practically no threat and are used for wine, syrups and even preserves. Until the time when the berries are fully ripe, they contain many toxic alkaloids, therefore it is better not to approach them.
- Belladonna usually grows in forests, but you can also find it in clearings. Most often it can be found in the Caucasus, but the Krasnodar Territory and Crimea are also generously rich in this plant. Outwardly, it does not pose a threat, it has a lilac stem and bell flowers, which, after flowering, turn into blue berries. They also represent the main threat. If you eat such fruits, then after 10 minutes symptoms will begin to appear in the form of a burning sensation in the mouth, difficulty swallowing. Spreading further, the poison affects the heart, accelerating its work, causing hallucinations and problems with coordination of movements.
- Calla most often it can be found near swamps, the main distribution area is the Leningrad region. Distinctive features of the plant include single growth, the presence of a thick stem and large leaves, white large flowers. The most dangerous berries are those that have a red tint, but there is poison in the stems and in the roots. When a strong salivation appears, measures must be taken, because this is the first symptom that a poison has acted on a person, after which convulsions and shortness of breath appear. Plants are especially dangerous for the heart and digestive system. In case of damage to calla venom, a gastric lavage procedure and consultation with a doctor will help.
- Bittersweet nightshade has the appearance of a semi-shrub, which has a lignified trunk and curly lashes. Most often it grows in the Far East, the habitat is also Western Siberia and the surrounding territories. Red berries taste sweet, but with a bitter aftertaste. The ripening period begins in June and ends in October. In this plant, not only berries are dangerous, but also all other parts, the fruits are inedible both in ripe and unripe form. The main symptoms that occur with nightshade poisoning are dizziness, abdominal pain, vomiting, problems with physical and psychological activity, shortness of breath, heart problems.
The first thing to do after poisoning is to rinse the stomach.
- Raven eye Is a perennial that can be easily distinguished from other plants. A small stem is surrounded by four to five leaves, spread out in different directions. The raven eye blooms with a small green flower, which then turns into a berry that becomes black after ripening. The main habitat is the middle zone of Russia, the Moscow region and the territory that includes Europe and the Far East, the Urals, Tundra.
The plant can be harvested for medicinal purposes, but only knowledgeable people can do this, since all parts contain saponins and glycosides that negatively affect the heart. If poisoning with this plant is observed, a person has a disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, vomiting, low heart rate, malfunctions of the ventricles up to cardiac arrest.
- Honeysuckle forest common in wooded areas. A special feature is the red berries, which do not pose a threat to birds, but are completely unsuitable for humans. In case of poisoning with honeysuckle, digestive disorders, vomiting and diarrhea may occur, a person will feel unwell.
Knowledge of the local flora makes it possible to easily navigate the forest and other terrain, picking only healthy berries and bypassing the dangerous ones, preserving your health and well-being.
How to distinguish inedible?
There are a number of poisonous plants that can be confused with edible plants, which will lead to extremely disappointing consequences. This is because they look almost identical and without knowledge it can be difficult to determine the exact type of green space. Forest plants and shrubs that pose a threat can be located both in the forest itself and in the swamp, which expands the radius of danger. To find out which plants and berries belong to the category of those that cannot be eaten, it is important to understand how to distinguish between inedible and edible fruits.
Entering the forest, you can see an abundance of shrubs and other plants, the berries of which are not only not dangerous, but also bring tangible benefits to humans. Among them are blackberries, blueberries, drupes, strawberries, blueberries, cloudberries, junipers and many others.
However, there are plants that are very similar to the ones listed above, both in terms of the external features of the bush and in terms of fruit, therefore you need to prepare well before going to harvest in the forest.
To make sure that the fruits are safe, you can pay attention to such a nuance as eating them by birds. If there are pecked berries or bird droppings nearby, then the plant is most likely harmless, although there may be exceptions. If there are no such signs, it is worth continuing the observation. Often dangerous berries are disguised as useful ones. So, a raven eye can be easily confused with blueberries or blueberries. In this case, you should pay attention to the smell, which is often unpleasant, pungent, pungent in poisonous plants. Belladonna can also be confused with a simple cherry, as its fruits are also globular and dark red in color.
While in the forest, you can stumble upon a spiky black currant, which is very similar to an ordinary black currant, but a sharp and not too pleasant smell will become a distinctive feature, which should alert a person. There is also a red raven, which is similar to red currants, but differs in the same way - the presence of an unpleasant odor. The very dangerous black nightshade can be confused with bird cherry, because the fruits of both plants are on tassels, which can disorient an inexperienced person in the forest.
A distinctive feature will be the location of the fruits, which in the bird cherry are elongated on the tassel and are arranged sequentially, while in the nightshade almost all of them emerge from one stalk and diverge in different directions.
Bittersweet nightshade is very reminiscent of wild red currants, a bit like viburnum and mountain ash. In this case, you should pay attention to the stalks. The nightshade has a stellate structure and fewer berries, which distinguishes it from similar forest plants, which are usually rich in fruits. In addition, on the bush, you can see purple flowers, which you will not see either on currants or on mountain ash with viburnum.
It is possible to find similarities and differences between dangerous and useful crops in almost every case, therefore it is especially important to go into the forest consciously, understanding all the danger that excessive interest and carelessness can conceal.
To protect the children who have gathered in the forest, it is worth sending with them at least one adult who is well versed in the plantings of a particular area. The main rule that both adults and children must observe is do not touch and do not eat those fruits where there is even the slightest doubt that they are edible and useful. The presence of poisonous crops in the forest can not only cause significant harm to health, but also lead to death even from touching or inhaling the pollen of their flowers.
The ability to avoid danger and understand what is useful and what is not, will allow you to travel through the forest without much risk and with great pleasure.
For the most poisonous berries in Russia, see the next video.
Guys, we put our soul into the site. Thank you for
that you discover this beauty. Thanks for the inspiration and the goosebumps.
Join us at Facebook and In contact with
In nature, there is always a chance to stumble upon a poisonous plant. And if adults are likely to just walk by, then curious kids who want to taste everything could get hurt.
site reminds: many very dangerous plant species are grown as decorative and can be seen not only in the forest, but also on window sills and flower beds. Therefore, in the city it is also worth being vigilant.
Where occurs: In the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere; prefers damp places, swamps.
There are several types of buttercups, many of which are poisonous.
Where occurs: Temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, Australia.
The most common representatives are red and black elderberries. All parts of the plant are poisonous, and if you just touch the elderberry it is best to wash your hands. Interestingly, black berries are completely safe when ripe; they are used to make drinks and pies.
Why is it dangerous: Provokes headache, weakness, abdominal pain, and sometimes cramps. Heart failure and respiratory arrest are possible.
Where occurs: In tropical and subtropical regions. It is used in landscaping and is grown as an indoor flower all over the world.
A truly insidious plant that attracts with its pleasant scent and beautiful pink or white flowers.
Why is it dangerous: Contains cardiac glycosides that can change heart rate, cause vomiting, headache, weakness, and even death. There is a legend that Napoleon's soldiers unknowingly made a fire from oleander branches and fried meat on it. In the morning, some of the soldiers did not wake up.
Where occurs: In Europe, Asia and North America. Because of its beautiful purple, blue and yellowish flowers, it is grown in flower beds. It is a tall and prominent plant.
In the ancient world, it was used to poison arrows. Even bees can get poisoned if they take honey from aconite. By the way, delphinium is its close relative, and it is also poisonous.
Why is it dangerous: VERY poisonous plant. Causes abnormal heart rhythms, numbness of the skin of the face, hands and feet, darkening of the eyes and death. The juice penetrates even through the skin.
Where occurs: In North and Central America, Europe, southern regions of Russia.
Datura resembles potatoes or tomatoes, which is not surprising, because he is their close relative. It is an inconspicuous plant with thorny capsule fruits with black seeds inside. Its white flowers give off an intoxicating smell.
Why is it dangerous: Contains alkaloids that cause heart palpitations, disorientation and delusions. In severe cases, death or coma is possible. Shamans of many nations used this plant in their rituals.
Where occurs: In the temperate regions of Eurasia, one species exists in the United States.
Just a giant among the umbrella, which looks quite impressive, but it is better not to be photographed next to him.
Why is it dangerous: Some species contain furanocoumarins, which, when exposed to sunlight, cause painful burns. Therefore, if hogweed juice gets on your hand, wash it and protect it from sunlight for about two days.
Where occurs: Everywhere. It can often be seen on window sills, including in childcare facilities.
A huge number of species belong to milkweed, often they are very different in appearance: some look like cacti, others like flowers. Teach children not to touch unfamiliar plants, even if they are growing in pots.
Why is it dangerous: The juice leaves burns. Later, malaise, edema and temperature join.
Where occurs: Cultivated in Europe, Russia and the USA.
In many countries, rhubarb is used to make pies, salads and sauces. And many are not averse to just crunching the stem.
Why is it dangerous: Not everyone knows, but you cannot eat the leaves and the root of this plant, since they contain an incredible amount of oxalic acid and its salts. They can cause burning eyes and mouth, kidney problems, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Where occurs: In North Africa, Europe, southern Russia, Asia Minor, in some areas of North America.
It looks like a bush with black berries and pinkish flowers. Contains the alkaloid atropine, which causes pupil dilation. In the Middle Ages, drops of belladonna were dripped into the eyes to make the look more attractive. Now similar drops are used for eye surgeries.
