Question
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Followup To
Question -
I found a plant in my gutter while cleaning it and it has little purple berries about the size of a holly berry. The trunk of the plant is red and the leaves are green with red edges. The berry's are extremely juicy sweet with a little tartness.
Do you have any idea what it is? It sure is beautiful. I have potted it and would like to know if it can be planted in my yard. We live in a very low soil area. Mostly rock here. Can't dig too deap in our yard.
Thank you for your help.
Stacy Bomba
Answer -
New plants found in gutters are always a suprise.



Plants with berries can be difficult because of


the wide variety.
Hi Scott,
Thanks for your answer but I found a picture of the plant. It's a Pokeberry. Very toxic!
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Phytoam.htm
I am sending the address for others to view. I am going to throw the plant away because I have curious children who might try to taste it.
Thanks again,
Stacy
With a red stem, reddish coloration and purple berries I am considering the possibility of Serviceberry (Amalanchier sp.) or possibly Elderberry (Sambucus sp.). The foliage description is more characteristic of Amalanchier.
Your description of the berries also leads me to believe Amalanchier as well.
I suspect planting in your yard should be fine. Typically plants found in gutters are deposited there by birds, therefore the plant is growing locally and should perform well. Gutters usually hold water so a low spot in the yard might be best.

Scot  

Answer
Stacy,

After reading your initial question my first thought was pokeberry but your description of the fruit led me to rule it out and I made my ID based on fruit flavors. You are correct pokeberry is toxic because of phenols and alkalids throughout the plant.


Scot