Does anyone know what kind of plant this is? We found it on a mountain
in north-central Maine. I assumed it was a juniper until I read that
juniper leaves are sharp and prickly, and the berries too bitter to be
eaten raw. The leaves of this plant were not prickly, and the berries
were sweet.
The Foraging Techniques of Downy Woodpeckers
10 hours ago
Joe Choiniere, director of Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary and naturalist extraordinaire, thinks this might be black crowberry, empetrum nigrum. After googling some images, I believe he is correct. The berry is indeed edible. Flavor is said be bland when raw, but pleasantly enhanced with cooking.
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