Another plant with black berries for ID

Columbarius · #1 (**permalink**) 02-09-2011, 08:34 PM

Hi all,
My young granddaughter was found eating one of these berries - she's shown no ill effects but I'm keen to know what it is. They only moved into the house recently and have not yet worked out what's in the garden.

Apparently the shrub has long thorns, but the berries don't look like sloes to me.

Any identification much appreciated.

healfdan · #2 (**permalink**) 02-09-2011, 08:52 PM

Looks like Dogwood to me. Berries are not toxic but should not be eaten. Check out Dogwood Cornus sanguinea on the web for full details.

healfdan · #3 (**permalink**) 02-09-2011, 09:02 PM

Please cancel my last. On closer inspection I don't think it is Dogwood. Sorry for the confusion.

Columbarius · #4 (**permalink**) 02-09-2011, 10:03 PM

Thanks for the thought healfdan, but I don't think it's a dogwood either.

Further information: apparently it is multi stemmed, and about 10ft tall.

Dorts · #5 (**permalink**) 02-09-2011, 10:08 PM

Columbarius.
I'm finding it difficult to get a fix on your plant. It could be one of many garden 'ornamentals'.
Does the fruit have a stone or pips?
Dorts.

Columbarius · #6 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011, 08:16 AM

Hi Dorts,
Thanks for your feedback - yes it's certainly an ornamental.

The answer to your question is two pips - I guess that rules out the blackthorn family.

The good news is that Granddaughter is fine this morning - no ill effects!

C.

Dorts · #7 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011, 09:56 AM

I'm pleased to hear grandaughter is ok.
Probably have to wait for flowers next spring to ID your shrub.
Dorts.

Columbarius · #8 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011, 10:21 AM

OK thanks for looking. C.

poschiavanus · #9 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011, 11:34 AM

My impression is that this could be a Buckthorn, the leaves seem to have the veins curving parallel to the edge of the leaf, and suitably scalloped edges. This would fit with the thorns described. Leaves should be opposite. according to wikipedia the berries have 2-4 stones. Poland and Clement says the wood turns orange on cutting.

The native species Rhamnus carthatica is known as Purging Buckthorn because the fruits have can have unpleasant effects.

Hope this might assist in finding out what it is.

Hedera · #10 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011, 12:09 PM

I would agree this is R. cathartica - has all the characteristics. I note it is mildly poisonous as well, so it would be best to check with a local nursery and find out for sure.