Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Tuesday - April 26, 2011
From: Sorrento, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Edible Plants
Title: Identification of a plant with bumpy red fruit
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a bush with red berry like pods on it. They are about 3/4 of an inch bumpy round with a big seed inside. The leaves are smooth and oval shape. Please let me know if it is poisonous or not, and what it might be. Thank YouANSWER:
This sounds like Arbutus unedo (strawberry tree). It is native to Europe. Here is more information from University of Florida IFAS Extension. It apparently is not poisonous since it is reported as being edible but not very flavorful. You can see more photos and find more information at this UBC Botanical Garden site and by searching on the internet using its botanical name.
More Edible Plants Questions
Edibility of non-native garlic sprouts from Brancburg, NJ
March 12, 2013 - I have regular garlic in my refrigerator. It had sprouts growing out of it so I put it in a cup of water. Now that the stems are large enough to put in food, my question is.. Is that part of the garl...
view the full question and answer
Information about mustang grapes
March 14, 2016 - We live in the Driftwood area. There is a native vine that looks like Mustang grape but never produces. A friend who is native to this area called it rat vine.
I miss my Mustang grape jelly. Is t...
view the full question and answer
Nectar from Lonicera sempervirens edible from Fairfax VA
June 01, 2011 - Is the nectar from Lonicera sempervirens edible?
view the full question and answer
Problems with blueberries from Kernersville NC
April 29, 2012 - My blueberry plants have no leaves or scrawny ones. I have 13 plants, 5 of them are like this.
view the full question and answer
Fruit or nut trees for land in North Carolina
March 30, 2010 - Mr. Smarty Plants
I have 70 acres of land in Claremont, NC and am looking for low maintenance trees, plants, vegetables, etc., anything I can grow so that this land doesn't sit unused. I am especial...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |