Winterberry (llex verticillata) Do not eat!
both photos by Jonathan Schechter
September 20, 2012

Winterberry (top photo) is now at her peak, the red berries glistening in wetlands and the edge of swamps. And the berries persist way  into autumn and often remain long after snow coats the land. The berries are tasty and good for many species of wildlife; humans are an exception. For us they are not edible.  The photo below is of autumn olive, an invasive species that is tasty and edible  and healthful for humans and wildlife. Never follow the old adage that red berries are OK to eat and white berries are not.
Exceptions are everywhere in the world of nature and nature is not always forgiving.
Stay with me in the woods and I most likely won't steer you wrong.

Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) Eat hearty!