Edible snake berries have different health benefits like digestion, improved vision, energy boosting, etc. However, all types of these fruits are not safe to eat.
In this guide, we have discussed different types of snake berries; keep scrolling to explore all the facts about this fruit.
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All About Snake Berries - Types and Cautions
What are Snake Berries? - An Introduction
Identifying snake berries may be difficult if you don't know their traits and features. They have different varieties, as mentioned below, and all vary in appearance.
The common thing about all snake berries is their toxicity. Their name is also due to their effects similar to snake venom. The severe reactions of these fruits may result in deaths too.
Another reason for their name, snake berries, is their spending on the ground soon after their growth. The wines of most species look like a moving snake.
The snake berries originally belonged to Asian forests, but now these are also found in Canada and the U.S. The best way to prevent their side effects is to avoid them.
If you have any species of this poisonous berry in your garden, remove it immediately. It will protect your children and pets against the bad effects of poisonous snake berries.
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Types of Snake Berries
Different kinds of snake berries pose certain poisonous effects, so learning which type is edible and which one is inedible is important. Here is a brief description of all the basic types of snake fruit; learn them well for a safe experience with them while camping.
Potentilla Indica Snake Berry
P potentilla is the most common type of snake berry in the wild areas of North America. This plant has an Asian origin, but now it is a well-known berry in North American forests.
Due to its resemblance with the strawberry, the potential snakeberry is called the 'false strawberry.' Mostly, people use this fruit for medicinal purposes due to its exclusive benefits.
You will find the potentilla snake berry round and red with a rough outer texture. It's an edible type of snake fruit with a bitter, sour taste.
Solanum Dulcamara Snake Berry
Unlike the rough seeded outer texture of the potentilla snake berry, this type has smooth skin. Originally, these berries belonged to the Asian and European forests, but now these are common in North American forests too.
The fully ripened fruits of Solanum Dulcamara snake berries are bright red, while those unripe are green. It belongs to the toxic species of snake fruit, so avoid eating it to prevent any serious side effects.
Cristina Anderson
Actaea Rubra Snake Berries
Actaea Rhbra is also a toxic snake berry but less poisonous than Solanum dulcamara. The ripened fruit resembles the last category but has a snowy white crimson.
As these berries are also toxic, so avoid ingesting them. Eating them may result in food poisoning like vomiting or nausea.
Clintonia Borealis Snake Berries
The color of Clintonia Borealis snake berries may vary from light to dark, but the parent color of this fruit is blue. Almost all blackberries belong to this category of snake fruit.
The Clintonia Borealis fruit is mildly poisonous, but its leaves are safe to eat. If you eat the berries, you may encounter digestive discomfort.
Maianthemum Dilatatum
The Maianthemum dilatatum appears purple and white and is safe to eat. So, eating the fruit of this snake plant will not result in any digestive discomfort.
Originally, these berries came from Asian and North American forests. Maianthemum Dilatatum snake berries have other common names like 'false lily' and 'two-leaved Solomon seal.'
All parts of this snake plant, i.e., leaves, fruit, and roots, are edible. It has a sweet taste and is the most cooked type of berry fruit. You'll enjoy eating them.
Cristina Anderson
Are Snake Berries Poisonous?
Except for a few, almost all the snake berries are poisonous and inedible. If you unknowingly digest them, you may encounter certain digestion issues.
Maianthemum Dilatatum is the safest and most edible kind of snake berries, and you can eat its fruit or other parts. If you have to eat them, go for this type of berries.
The poisonous compound solanine in snake berries can result in digestion complications like vomiting, nausea, and other disorders. So, avoid eating the hazardous categories of snake berries.
If you ingest poisonous snake berry accidents, you'll need medical treatment. So, instantly contact any doctor.
Sometimes, the conditions may be too severe to handle. If you notice any swelling on the body, breathing shortness, or feel like losing consciousness, instantly call 911 for emergency medical treatment.
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Health Benefits of Edible Snake Berries
Though most types of snake berries are poisonous and inedible, however, some fruits, like Maianthemum Dilatatum, are safe to eat and have some health benefits. Eating such berries accompany the following health gains.
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Anticoagulation effects
- Antifungal effects
- Antiseptic effects
Don't Confuse Snake Berries With Wild Strawberries
Some people confuse wild strawberries with snake berries. Both these fruits are different and have exceptional traits.
Snake berries and wild strawberries have a close resemblance due to their similar appearance. However, the former has yellowish flowers and red deeds. At the same time, the latter one has white flowers and seeds embedded in the fruit.
Conclusion
Snake berries are commonly found in North America, Asia, the U.S., and Canadian forests. These poisonous compounds called solanine may pose serious allergic reactions upon digesting them.
It is good to learn all the facts about snake berries to prevent their side effects as much as possible. When you are on your camping trip, you may encounter and eat them. Avoid ingesting them to prevent their hazardous effects.
