Stay Safe In The Wild With This Guide to Poisonous Wild Berries

Identifying poisonous wild berries is crucial for staying safe while enjoying the outdoors. It can prevent accidental ingestion and severe health complications.

It’s always better to err on the side of caution and only eat wild berries if you’re 100% sure they’re safe to consume. Although berries may provide some calories and nutrients, the risks of getting sick outweigh any potential benefits. The adverse effects of diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea can lead to dehydration and other health issues. So, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and safety, even in the face of hunger. Don’t take any chances when it comes to your health!

General Tips for Identifying Poisonous Wild Berries

When foraging wild berries, knowing which ones are safe to eat and which are potentially poisonous is essential. You should never try berries that you don’t know! 

The below are general rules only, there are some exceptions to them. That being said, here are some general rules for identifying poisonous wild berries:  

• Look for white sap when you break a berry tree or shrub branch. This is an indication that it could be poisonous. 
• Beware of white, green, and yellow berries.
• Blue and purple berries are usually safe to eat.
• Red berries can be tricky; if they grow in clusters, it’s best to avoid them, but if they grow individually, they are probably safe.
• Use your nose! If the berry smells bitter, it’s best to avoid it. 

19 Poisonous Wild Berries

1. American Bittersweet

American Bittersweet has a woody vine and is native to North America. Known for its bright orange-red berries that are often used in fall decorations. The berries of this plant are toxic and can be harmful if ingested as they contain the alkaloid Celastrine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The toxicity is thought to be higher in unripe berries and seeds.  

Use this map to find out if Bittersweet is one of the poisonous wild berries in your area.  

2. Baneberry

Both the red and white baneberry are herbaceous perennial plants that produce clusters of small, shiny berries that are highly toxic. The berries typically resemble small pearls or beads. They contain several toxic compounds, including cardiogenic toxins, which can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and, in extreme cases, cardiac arrest. 

One of the distinguishing features of baneberries is their distinctive black dot or “eye” on each berry, which is a remnant of the flower. In addition, the leaves of baneberries are highly divided and toothed, with a similar appearance to the leaves of the herb parsley.

Use this map to find out if red Baneberries are one of the poisonous wild berries in your area and this map for white baneberries. 

3. Belladonna Berries (Deadly Nightshade)

Belladonna berry, also known as deadly nightshade, is one of the most poisonous wild berries in the world. The plant is a perennial shrub that can grow up to six feet tall and produces small, shiny, black berries that look similar to blueberries. Belladonna berries contain several toxic compounds, including atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. These can cause various symptoms, including dilated pupils, blurred vision, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and confusion. 

It’s important to note that all parts of the belladonna plant are toxic, not just the berries. The leaves, stems, and roots of the plant contain high levels of toxic compounds and should be avoided. Belladonna is often found in wooded areas, abandoned fields, and roadsides.

Use this map to find out if Deadly Nightshade is one of the poisonous wild berries in your area. 

4. Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster is a genus of flowering shrubs and small trees commonly found in gardens and parks. Several species of cotoneaster produce small, round berries, usually less than 1/2 inch in diameter and grow in clusters that are often bright red or orange and can be mistaken for edible berries, such as cranberries or currants. However, the berries of many cotoneaster species are toxic and should not be consumed.

The toxic compounds in cotoneaster berries include cyanogenic glycosides, which can release hydrogen cyanide when ingested. 

Cotoneaster leaves are usually small and oval-shaped, with a glossy, dark green colour.

Is Cotoneaster one of the poisonous wild berries in your area? Use this map to find out, and stay safe! 

5. Daphne Berries

Daphne is a genus of flowering shrubs that produce small, colourful berries that are highly toxic to humans and animals. The berries are usually bright red or orange and can resemble edible berries, such as currants or cherries. Daphne is known for its fragrant flowers that bloom in early spring, usually pink or white, making it a sought-after addition to many gardenes.

Daphne berries contain several toxic compounds, including daphnetoxin and mezerein, which can cause skin irritation, blistering upon contact, severe gastrointestinal distress and cardiovascular symptoms if ingested. The entire daphne plant, including the leaves and bark, also contain toxic compounds, making it imperative to exercise caution when handling the plant. The daphne leaves are usually dark green and glossy, with a leathery texture.

Use this map to find out if Daphne Berries is one of the poisonous wild berries in your area.  

6. Elderberry

Elderberry is a genus of flowering shrubs and trees that produce small, black, round berries. While elderberry berries are safe to eat when cooked or processed, raw berries contain toxic compounds, including a type of glycoside called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release hydrogen cyanide when ingested. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning are headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.

Use this map to find out if Elderberry is one of the poisonous wild berries in your area. 

7. European Spindle

The European spindle is a deciduous shrub that produces bright red, pink or orange berries. The berries of the European spindle are usually about 1/2 inch in diameter. They have a shiny appearance and a distinctive four-lobed shape. They’re highly toxic to humans and animals and should not be consumed. The toxic compounds in European spindle berries include alkaloids and cardiac glycosides, which can cause gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms.

The leaves of the European spindle are usually dark green, with a glossy texture and a slightly serrated edge. The plant is often used in ornamental gardens for its attractive foliage and berries.

Use this map to find out if European Spindle is one of the poisonous wild berries in your area. 

8. Holly

Holly is a genus of evergreen shrubs and trees that produce small, bright red berries. Holly is often used in holiday decorations, but it’s important to know that the holly plant and berries are highly toxic and should not be ingested. The toxic compounds in holly berries include saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiovascular and neurological symptoms.

The berries of the holly plant are usually about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter and grow in clusters. Holly is typically dark green, with a glossy texture and a sharply serrated edge. 

Use this map to find out if Holly is one of the poisonous wild berries in your area. 

9. Horse Nettle

Horse nettle is a flowering plant in the nightshade family that produces small, yellow or green berries. The berries are highly toxic because they contain solanine and solasodine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological and cardiovascular symptoms.

The berries are commonly about 1/2 inch in diameter and grow in clusters. The leaves of horse nettle are usually lobed or wavy, with a rough texture and spines along the edges. Horse nettle is often found in fields and open areas.

Use this map to find out if horse nettle is one of the poisonous wild berries in your area. 

10. Ivy Berries

Ivy is a common evergreen climbing plant native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Still, it is also found in many other parts of the world. The plant produces small, shiny black berries that are highly poisonous. The toxic compounds in ivy berries include saponins and falcarinol, which can cause gastrointestinal distress and respiratory and neurological symptoms.

Ivy berries are usually about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter and grow in clusters. The leaves of ivy are generally dark green, with a waxy texture and a pointed or lobed shape.

Use this map to find out if Ivy Berries are one of the poisonous wild berries in your area. 

11. Jerusalem Cherries

Jerusalem cherry is a plant that produces small, highly toxic, bright red or orange berries with a distinctive round shape. The poisonous compounds include solanine and solasodine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological and cardiovascular symptoms.

The leaves of the Jerusalem cherry plant are dark green and glossy, with a wavy or lobed shape. The plant is a small, bushy shrub that can reach up to 2 feet in height and is often grown as an ornamental plant.

Use this map to find out if Jerusalem Cherries are one of the poisonous wild berries in your area. 

12. Juniper

Juniper berries are generally not poisonous but can cause health problems if consumed in large quantities. The berries are typically used as a spice and herbal medicine. However, some people may experience adverse reactions to juniper berries, such as digestive upset, allergic reactions, or respiratory problems.

The juniper plant is a coniferous evergreen shrub or small tree native to many regions of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. The plant produces small, bluish-black or dark purple berries about the size of a pea. The berries are covered with a waxy coating and have a strong, resinous aroma. The plant is also easy to recognize, with needle-like leaves and a conical or columnar shape. 

Use this map to find out if Juniper is one of the poisonous wild berries in your area. 

13. Lily of The Valley

Lily of the Valley is a poisonous plant producing small, bright red berries. The plant is a small, herbaceous perennial often grown for its attractive, bell-shaped flowers. The berries are small and bright red, shiny, and waxy. They grow in clusters along the plant’s stem and are often hidden among the leaves and flowers.

The plant contains many toxic compounds, including cardiac glycosides, which can cause serious health problems if ingested, such as irregular heartbeat, seizures, and even coma or death. It’s worth noting that the leaves and flowers of the plant are also poisonous and should be avoided.

Use this map to find out if Lily of The Valley is one of the poisonous wild berries in your area.

14. Mistletoe

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that is a small, green shrub that grows in a ball-like shape on the branches of its host tree, like apple, oak, and pine. While it is commonly associated with holiday traditions and decorations, mistletoe berries are poisonous. They are small and white, with a waxy, translucent appearance. They grow in clusters along the plant’s stems and are often hidden among the leaves. The berries contain some toxic compounds, including phoratoxin and tyramine, which can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and even seizures or heart failure in extreme cases.

Use this map to find out if Mistletoe is one of the poisonous wild berries in your area.

15. Moonseed

Moonseed is a vine-like plant that produces downright poisonous berries. The berries contain a toxic compound called dauricine, which can cause several health problems if consumed, including gastrointestinal upset, seizures, and even death in severe cases.

The berries of the moonseed plant are small, dark purple or black, and have a distinctive crescent shape. They grow in clusters along the vine and are often mistaken for edible grapes. The plant is a woody vine with heart-shaped leaves that can also be poisonous if ingested.

Use this map to find out if Moonseed is one of the poisonous wild berries in your area.

16. Poison Sumac

Poison sumac is a highly toxic plant that can cause severe rash and other health problems if you come into contact with it. The plant is a small tree or shrub found in swampy areas and wetlands which can grow up to 20 feet high and has leaves with a distinctive feather-like shape. It also produces small white poisonous berries that grow in clusters. The berries contain a toxic compound called urushiol, which can cause skin irritation, swelling, and even breathing difficulties.

Use this map to find out if Poison Sumac is one of the poisonous wild berries in your area.

17. Pokeweed

Pokeweed is a poisonous plant native to North America. It can be found throughout the eastern and central parts of the United States. It usually grows in fields, along roadsides, and other open areas and can grow up to 10 feet high. The plant produces dark purple or black berries that contain toxic compounds, including saponins and phytolaccatoxin, which can cause gastrointestinal issues, heart problems, and even death in severe cases.

Identifying pokeweed berries is relatively easy, as they are a distinctive dark purple or black colour and grow in long clusters on the plant’s stem. The plant has a thick stem, often red or purple, and large leaves with a distinctive, elongated shape.

Use this map to find out if Pokeweed is one of the poisonous wild berries in your area.

18. Virginia Creeper

Virginia Creeper is a common plant found throughout much of North America. It is a climbing vine that grows on trees, fences, and other structures. It is commonly found in forests, along roadsides, and other open areas and can grow up to 50 feet in length. While the plant is not toxic, its berries are poisonous if ingested.

The berries contain oxalic acid, which can cause gastrointestinal issues and kidney damage. Identifying Virginia Creeper berries is relatively easy, as they are a distinctive blue-black colour and grow in clusters on the vine. The berries are round and shiny. The plant has a unique leaf with five leaflets, similar to poison ivy, but with smooth edges and a more rounded shape. 

Use this map to find out if Virginia Creeper is one of the poisonous wild berries in your area.

19. Yew

Yew berries are one of North America’s most toxic wild berries. They’re typically found in woodlands and forests, as well as in parks and gardens. They are evergreen trees that can grow up to 50 feet tall and are known for their dark green needles and red berries.

The berries are incredibly toxic and can cause serious health problems, including cardiac arrest. The berries are small, about the size of a pea, and are surrounded by a fleshy red covering that can appeal to animals and humans. However, the flesh of the berry is not the toxic part. It’s the seeds inside the berry that contain the poison.

Use this map to find out if Yew is one of the poisonous wild berries in your area.

The Bottom Line

It is imperative to be aware of the potential dangers of consuming poisonous wild berries and to exercise caution when foraging. Always ensure you can accurately identify the berries before consuming them. And while you’re out in nature, remember to check out our article on the best way to build a fire to stay warm and safe on your adventures.

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