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What is this plant? #754066

Asked June 04, 2021, 7:45 PM EDT

My landlord doesn't know what kind of plant this is. I'd like to know what it is and if the berries are safe to eat.

Caroline County Maryland

Expert Response

Thanks for your question-

Are these berries from this spring or are these photos from another time of year?

It's better to assume that all berries are not edible. Very few native (and especially ornamental) produce fruits that can be consumed by humans. Even some of the edible fruits produced need to be handled before consumption (as in, cooked). I do not recognize this plant as being edible, and I would treat it as such.

-Mikaela

-Mikaela Boley, Senior Agent Associate Replied June 07, 2021, 8:46 AM EDT
Thank you for responding! The pictures I sent are from about a week ago. I swear earlier this spring, it smelled and looked like a honeysuckle. I know there are some invasive honeysuckles that produce berries like this and that they're poisonous. I'm sad they aren't edible and I promise I won't eat them!

Concetta

On Mon, Jun 7, 2021, 08:46 Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2021, 10:05 PM EDT

Concetta-

On a second look, it's possible that this is Nanking Cherry; especially if these pictures are from this May/June. Prunus tomentosa is technically edible, but I still would use caution.

Here is some information that may help you confirm the I.D:

Hope that helps!

-Mikaela

-Mikaela Boley, Senior Agent Associate Replied June 08, 2021, 9:28 AM EDT

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