#80: Fruits, Nuts, And Flakes

 It's that time of year, when the flowers of yesterday become the fruits of tomorrow. Or something like that. 

We got quite a few red elderberries this year. 

Bunchberries, which look like someone stuck dogwood flowers three inches in the ground, produce red berries as well. 

Red baneberries are pretty to look at, but are rather toxic. I think the birds can eat them without any issues, but they're best left alone by you and me. 

Baneberries also come in white--another common name for them is "Chinaberry" or "Dolls' Eyes". They're just as toxic as the red ones, some would say even more so. 

Also white are the Red Osier Dogwood berries--but the leaves are very different. While Baneberry leaves look a bit like parsley, these are more oval. 

The Water Hemlock resembles dill or Queen Anne's Lace, of which family they're a part of. Unlike those however, Water Hemlock is, of course, very toxic. 

Another relative, cow parsnip, has thicker stems  and much, MUCH larger seeds.  They, like the Water Hemlock, like damp, moist areas. 

Bonus! 

I was excited to find the wild hops this year. I was told we had them growing at the park. Not sure what species this is, but they make some interesting photographs.

And of course we can't forget the chokecherries! They're edible, but marginally. 

Thanks it for now!
Stay Tuned!

Aye,

Kraneia