Milky or odd-colored saps. Berries or nuts in pods and bulbs Bitter or soapy taste Spines or small pointy hairs Pink, purple, or black spurs. Three-leaved growth pattern (like poison ivy)[1] X Research source vhttp://www. wilderness-survival. net/plants-1. php
Just because you see an animal eat a berry does not mean they are safe for humans, this is especially tempting if the animal is a mammal. The following advice is meant to give you guidelines, not hard rules. Never eat a berry you can’t identify.
Red berries are roughly 50% safe to eat, so some basic testing may show you what is safe and what isn’t. If they are in clusters – usually bad. Solo berries – usually okay. [2] X Research source In general, blue, black, and aggregated berries (ie. raspberries, blackberries, etc. ) are safe to eat. There are, however, some exceptions (Pokeberry, with its bright pink stalk and dark berries, is very toxic).
Only test one berry at a time. These tests are useless if you can’t tell which of the two berries is causing the problem. [3] X Research source
Even if you’re fine after 20 minutes, keep eating slowly. Pace the berries out over a long time to prevent any toxins from gathering and give you time to adjust or note problems. If the berry tastes terrible, then this is a good indicator that it may be poisonous.
Nausea Vomiting Dizziness Diarrhea Convulsions Blurred vision Cramps[4] X Research source
If you know a berry is safe, but are worried about pesticides, you can still rinse the berries off in clean water and eat them safely. [5] X Research source Chemical poisoning will often bring the same symptoms as poisonous berries. [6] X Research source
The berries are usually very bitter, making you unlikely to like them anyway. [8] X Research source
