Hi, I am trying to identify this strange blueberry plant at my house in Central Illinois. It is easily 7-8 feet high, red stalks, and the grouping of the berries are strange. The berries eventually turn deep purple-blue and look like regular berries--are they edible? Thanks! Matt
Here are the pics I don't know why these didn't come through the first time...Oh, I didn't "insert the image." blueberry? ( photo / image / picture from mjb0123's Garden ) blueberry2? ( photo / image / picture from mjb0123's Garden )
I believe what you have is Phytolacca americana (American Pokeweed ) The berries are eaten by birds but are poisonous to mammals.....us. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pokeweed
I have spent days pulling that out of people's gardens in neglected areas! We have it at our cabin, and we let some stay and grow, because the birds do love those berries.
Yep... Pokeberries... or Polk Salad. The leaves can be eaten.. IF you know the proper way to cook them. I've never tried them... and have no intention to either! :-D