Poisonous Berries

Berries are small juicy fruits, which can be round or semi-oblong, sweet or sour, with seeds embedded in the flesh or aril. Though most berries are edible, some are known to be toxic in varying degrees. Some berries which are harmless to animals can be hazardous to humans, causing illness, injury or even death.

Pokeweed Berries
A pokeweed, also known as pokeberry or inkberry, is a perennial plant native to the North American continent. Pokeweed berries grow in bunches and become purple when they fully ripen. If crushed with bare hands, the hands turn purple. These berries contain traces of phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccigenin which are toxic for mammals. Consumption of pokeweed berries may lead to headaches, diarrhea and severe abdominal pain. If consumed in large quantities, these berries can lead to complications such as quickening of heartbeats and a feeling of giddiness or seizures, eventually leading to coma or death.

Actaea Pachypoda
Actaea pachypoda, a perennial plant from the Ranunculaceae family, is native to the eastern regions of North America. This herbaceous plant can grow up to 50 cm, and sports white flowers in a dense cluster. The actaea pachypoda berries, known as 'doll's eyes' are 1 cm in diameter. The entire actaea pachypoda plant, including the berries, are considered to be extremely poisonous to human beings. The cardiogenic toxins in these berries have a sedative effect on the cardiac muscle tissues. Therefore consuming these berries can lead to cardiac arrest, and eventually death of a person.

Yew Berries
Yew is an evergreen shrub, sporting soft bright green needle-like leaves, resembling a 'Christmas tree'. Yew berries are red in color. They look like capsules, and have a hard green stone in their center. Although the aril, the fleshy part, is not poisonous, the green seeds within are highly poisonous and bitter in taste. Eating yew berries can lead to severe abdominal pain, vomiting, breathlessness and dizziness. If consumed by children, it may affect their heart rate.

Holly Berries
Holly is one of the 600 species of flowering plants from the Aquifoliaceae family of flora. The bright red colored berries, hard in nature, are mildly toxic. Consuming these berries can lead to severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and make the person feel drowsy. Though they are poisonous for human beings, various species of birds and wild animals feed on them.

Ivy Berries
Ivy, also known as Hedera, are a species of evergreen creepers from Araliaceae family, native to some parts of Europe, Africa, Asia and Atlantic Islands. These creepers can climb to a height of 25 - 30 feet on trees as well as rocky surfaces. Ivy berries are small and black in color, ripening in late winter season. Although various species of birds feed on these, they are considered to be highly toxic for humans. These berries contain a polyyne, known as falcarinol, which can cause allergic reactions on consumption.

Other than these there are some berries which are relatively non-toxic, but can lead to complications if consumed in large quantities. Mistletoe berries found in parts of the United States and Europe, can lead to problems like stomach upset, if consumed in large quantities. These mouth watering fruits can sometimes tend to be very costly for the health, so if there is even the slightest doubt about them, they are better avoided. Its not a wise idea to risk the lives of yourself or your loved ones, just for the sake of being tempted by these colorful, but poisonous berries.