unknown berry 1 IMG_1643aw

Appears to be bittersweet with the yellow husks still on the berry patches. Growing on a vine that climbs up & around surrounding trees or bushes? I'm not sure if it's native to your area but  spreads quite readily thru birds eating the berries and passing the seeds. In some areas it's considered rather invasive and can choke out the host plant.

We were told, as children, that the berries were poisonous and the the name came from the last tastes you would ever have if you ate them - bitter & sweet. Not sure if only an "old wives tale" but never tried eating one!

Hope you enjoy your day,

Bob

I "Googled  "American bittersweet" to check out the "old wives tale"(TRUE!) but found out that there are 2 different  types - American and Oriental.

The American is considered threatened in some areas and has the berries only on the tips of the vine.The Oriental is considered "among the most invasive" and has berries along the vine. So from your photo it appears it would be of the Oriental variety.

I checked out your portfolio (great macros & birds BTW) and noted "Blue Woods flower" photos -  they're Bottle or Closed Gentian or at least the same family. I had to look them up myself this past summer as I took photos of  them growing  in The Moose River Plains of the Adirondacks and didn't know what they were.Sorry, but my grandmother always told us kids - if you don't know what it is  - look it up - back in the days of encyclopedias instead of internet :-)

Bob

Hi Bob,

Thanks for doing the research for me :)  You are right (I looked anyway) this is the oriental bittersweet. It was found on a friend's long rural driveway, probably choking some poor unsuspecting bush to death- but, pretty in the winter!

Of course we should look things up- sometimes I just don't have time - and since there are such great folks as yourself who follow up - why should I?  (kidding)

We love your pics of the Adirondacks. Not sure where Moose Lake is (I know- look it up) I spent some summers on Saranac Lake and V and I camped several times on Weller Pond. Do you know them? I also worked one summer at Ausable Hotel- near Keene Valley.

Thanks for your time and input. If you are interested in some free photo and low cost photo software which rivals PS, let me know and I'll give you links.

G