Can anyone identify this tree? (in Kentucky)
Jul 21, 2021 20:21:28 #
This is a huge tree in my Kentucky backyard. We have only lived here a few years and this is the first year it has produced berries? I'm wondering what it is and if these berries are toxic to humans and pets? Thank you for any help you can offer.
Jul 21, 2021 20:59:58 #
Red Sky At Night wrote:
This is a huge tree in my Kentucky backyard. We have only lived here a few years and this is the first year it has produced berries? I'm wondering what it is and if these berries are toxic to humans and pets? Thank you for any help you can offer.
My PlantNet app says "rum cherry" with 78% surety. It is also called Wild Black Cherry.
The berries are bittersweet and edible, but not the bark, leaves or twigs which contain a chemical that can produce cyanide.
Those parts are toxic to humans and wildlife.
Jul 21, 2021 21:17:10 #
From Wikipedia
Biochemistry
Autumn foliage
Like apricots and apples, the seeds of black cherries contain cyanogenic glycosides, compounds that can be converted into cyanide, such as amygdalin.[26][27] These compounds release hydrogen cyanide when the seed is ground or minced, which releases enzymes that break down the compounds.[clarification needed] These enzymes include amygdalin beta-glucosidase, prunasin beta-glucosidase and mandelonitrile lyase.[28] In contrast, although the flesh of cherries also contains these compounds, it does not contain the enzymes needed to produce cyanide, so the flesh is safe to eat.[29]
The foliage, particularly when wilted, also contains cyanogenic glycosides, which convert to hydrogen cyanide if eaten by animals.[30] Farmers are recommended to remove any trees that fall in a field containing livestock, because the wilted leaves could poison the animals. Removal is not always practical, though, because they often grow in very large numbers on farms, taking advantage of the light brought about by mowing and grazing. Entire fencerows can be lined with this poisonous tree, making it difficult to monitor all the branches falling into the grazing area. Black cherry is a leading cause of livestock illness,[citation needed] and grazing animals' access to it should be limited.
Biochemistry
Autumn foliage
Like apricots and apples, the seeds of black cherries contain cyanogenic glycosides, compounds that can be converted into cyanide, such as amygdalin.[26][27] These compounds release hydrogen cyanide when the seed is ground or minced, which releases enzymes that break down the compounds.[clarification needed] These enzymes include amygdalin beta-glucosidase, prunasin beta-glucosidase and mandelonitrile lyase.[28] In contrast, although the flesh of cherries also contains these compounds, it does not contain the enzymes needed to produce cyanide, so the flesh is safe to eat.[29]
The foliage, particularly when wilted, also contains cyanogenic glycosides, which convert to hydrogen cyanide if eaten by animals.[30] Farmers are recommended to remove any trees that fall in a field containing livestock, because the wilted leaves could poison the animals. Removal is not always practical, though, because they often grow in very large numbers on farms, taking advantage of the light brought about by mowing and grazing. Entire fencerows can be lined with this poisonous tree, making it difficult to monitor all the branches falling into the grazing area. Black cherry is a leading cause of livestock illness,[citation needed] and grazing animals' access to it should be limited.
Jul 21, 2021 21:52:34 #
flip1948 wrote:
My PlantNet app says "rum cherry" with 78% surety. It is also called Wild Black Cherry.
The berries are bittersweet and edible, but not the bark, leaves or twigs which contain a chemical that can produce cyanide.
Those parts are toxic to humans and wildlife.
The berries are bittersweet and edible, but not the bark, leaves or twigs which contain a chemical that can produce cyanide.
Those parts are toxic to humans and wildlife.
Thank you so much. I’m certain you are absolutely correct. Thank you.
Jul 21, 2021 21:53:08 #
cedymock wrote:
From Wikipedia br br Biochemistry br br Autumn f... (show quote)
Such valuable information. Thank you.
Jul 21, 2021 21:58:41 #
When I was a kid, we would shoot green cherries at each other out of Pea shooters. We ate a few of the ripe berries, usually on a dare. Nope, no one's eye was shot out.
Jul 21, 2021 22:21:30 #
kenArchi
Loc: Seal Beach, CA
Wow, I am still alive.
I use to eat these little berries in NJ.
They are very tasty and not overly sweet.
I use to eat these little berries in NJ.
They are very tasty and not overly sweet.
Jul 21, 2021 22:26:59 #
Jul 22, 2021 00:36:55 #
RowdyRay
Loc: MN
Definitely not Eldeberry. Those are more of a bush or shrub. Looks like what we'd call a chokecherry. Dad makes jelly, syrup and wine out of them.
Jul 22, 2021 08:01:20 #
kenArchi wrote:
Edleberry, they were good for my asthma(per my mother).
Don't think it's elderberry the berries do look similar.
Black elderberry | plant | Britannica
Jul 22, 2021 08:06:11 #
Jul 22, 2021 11:08:50 #
Jul 22, 2021 11:57:54 #
Red Sky At Night wrote:
This is a huge tree in my Kentucky backyard. We have only lived here a few years and this is the first year it has produced berries? I'm wondering what it is and if these berries are toxic to humans and pets? Thank you for any help you can offer.
Wild cherry…….
Jul 22, 2021 12:01:52 #
cedymock wrote:
Don't think it's elderberry the berries do look similar.
An awesome shot 💜💜💜
Jul 22, 2021 13:40:06 #
Red Sky At Night wrote:
This is a huge tree in my Kentucky backyard. We have only lived here a few years and this is the first year it has produced berries? I'm wondering what it is and if these berries are toxic to humans and pets? Thank you for any help you can offer.
Might be choke cherry 💫
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