May I suggest that, in the future, you do not sample any plant fruits BEFORE you find out that they are not poisonous? Many lovely berries are highly toxic to humans.

It just do happens that dogwoods ARE edible, though. Some species are even cultivated for their high quality fruit.

Again, find out before you taste!

Thanks :)
I'll be more careful next time.
And would you give me some examples of cultivated dogwoods that's for their friuts?Is Cornus Alba included,I wonder can such small berries served as fruits?I do see some birds eating them.

Thanks again!

Hui Gao

This I learned when I was a kid, because it holds true for the bulk of things where I grew up in Minnesota.

Berries red, have no dread.
Berries white, what a fright.
Berries blue, it's up to you.

Of course there are many, many exceptions.

Made mistake? Just call Jake.
What's he do? Buries you.

Al (ducking)

leftwood,
your "poem" is so sweet!
a small question,does " it's up to you" mean unclear?Just want to check this:)

Tapla,
does what you say also some kind of "country lyric" or something? :)

Hui Gao

That is exactly right Hui Gao. "Berries blue, it's up to you." means the berries could be poisonous or edible.

Tapla, I'm interested in the roots of that saying, too.

I just made it up. Actually, I thought I was on another forum where subject matter is usually a little lighter & there is more banter. It was only after I hit the send button that I realized where I was.

Al

I shuddered when I read....Berries red, have no dread". Red berries of the Jack-in-the-Pulpit and its relatives, although not poisonous, will burn your mouth and cause considerable pain. They are very attractive to children and it is no fun to deal with a screaming child, frothing at the mouth in terrible pain. Research before tasting unfamiliar fruits!

Yes, as I said, there are many exceptions Nandina. And I(and I hope no one else) do not recite it to any kids.