Need help identifying some tree berries in my yard

[brucered]

We were outside playing catch today and notice a tree in our yard with some berries. We are located in Manitoba Canada if that makes a difference.

Dark colour, glossy skin, firm, grow in small bunches.

Here are some pics. We are hoping they are edible.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Thaumaturge]

I can't be certain... So.. I would verify from a local extension office if you have such a thing.
But they look like chokecherry bushes to me.

Do they have a relatively large seed compared to the fruit?

If they are, they make excellent jelly/syrup, but the seeds, bark, etc. can be toxic, so you have to make sure to remove them all.

http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_prvi.pdf

https://www.google.com/search?q=cho...AUoAQ&biw=1517&bih=758#q=chokecherry&tbm=isch

Canada Ag
http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/fruit/bla01s00.html#harvesting

 

[brucered]

^ Yes...large seed inside, much more so then the fruit.

 

[Thaumaturge]

They, really look like chokecherry to me. And I believe that's what they are, but I'd hate to give you advice that would make anyone sick, or worse... Like I suggested, if you have a local extension office, I'd check there.

And I've made chokecherry syrup, and boy, oh boy is it wonderful! Wish we had a good year for them, but it was a bad year around here.

Good luck!

 

[Capt]

That is the shrub called Buckthorn. It is an invasive species.

 

[brucered]

thanks guys and no worries Thaumatuge...we won't be eating them until we confirm 100% what they are.

it looks very close to a chokecherry bush to me, but then they look like buckthorn too.

we'll try to find someone locally who we can take a sample too before we ever thought of eating them.

 

[Thaumaturge]

Buckthorn berries are different. They cluster, but around the stem.

http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extnews/newsrelease/2004/090904/07makesu.htm

 

[Capt]

Buckthorn berries are different. They cluster, but around the stem.

http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extnews/newsrelease/2004/090904/07makesu.htm

I believe you are right. I didn't look close enough!

 

[brucered]

took the dog for a walk at the dog park, surround by some forest and there were hoards of these tress/berries there too.

 

[Thaumaturge]

If they're chokecherries, they are wonderful. They also make a good chokecherry wine... If you taste them straight though, you'll think ugh... Because they're really sour, and they'll make your mouth pucker.

 

[brucered]

If they're chokecherries, they are wonderful. They also make a good chokecherry wine... If you taste them straight though, you'll think ugh... Because they're really sour, and they'll make your mouth pucker.

awesome! if they are in fact, I'll have the kids try them first

 

[Ender78]

Mmmm I wonder what unsweetened chokeberry jelly would taste like? My mouth waters at the thought. (I like sour stuff).

 

[olschoolsteel]

While I lived in Montana locals would make all kinds of goodies from chokecherries. As an outdoorsman, I would find piles of black bear scat full of chokecherry seeds. I would find a good patch of it and stake it out during bear season.

 

[Thaumaturge]

Did you ever find out/verify if these were chokecherries?

 

[brucered]

Did you ever find out/verify if these were chokecherries?

Not yet. We will try to take a "bunch" to someone who can tell us and hopefully get o the bottom of this.

 

[john parker]

You might check here http://ontariowildflowers.com/main/species.php?id=2029.