Unidentified Berry

[prl10777]

Hello, I live in Southwest Virginia and along a walk today I found these wild berries. I tried one, and they are sweet, and contain quite a few seeds. Can anyone identify them? I would like to use them if they are not poisonous. Also I didn't get a good pic of the stalk, but it is purple and is anywhere from 3-5 feet tall. Thanks for the help

[Shirley]

Without a better pic for id we can't really say for certain.. first thought was elderberries but they aren't particularly sweet.

If it's not too far away could you try getting a few more photos?

[prl10777]

I'll be taking a walk along the same trail tommorow, will get some better pics then.

[Ellendra]

Pokeweed. The berries are VERY poisonous!! One taste won't be enough to kill you, but please don't eat any more!

The young shoots in the spring (8 inches or less) can be boiiled in 3 changes of water and then eaten like asparagus.

As a trivia point, the Declaration of Independence was written using ink made from pokeweed berries.

[Ellendra]

Prl10777, I noticed you haven't posted anything since saying you'd be back on the same trail with that berry patch, I'm starting to worry that my warning might have been posted too late. Could you respond and at least let us know you're alive, and that you didn't go out and overdose on pokeweed berries?

[prl10777]

Yes I am okay, sorry I didn't respond before. I waited for response before picking or using these berries(I almost just went ahead and used them). I definitly will wait no matter what from now on after realising I could have poisoned my whole family.

Thanks for your concern,
April

[Ellendra]

Thank you!

[Shirley]

Phew! I'm glad to see you again