Pigeon Berry

It grows well in sunny or shady conditions and can survive fire due to its ability to resprout from the roots.

It is used as a folk medicine and as food despite all parts being considered harmful. The folk recipes claim it is safe to consume if ‘properly prepared’ and the root is never eaten as it cannot be made edible.

The seeds are said to be very harmful, yet the berries are cooked into a jelly or pie with the seeds being strained out. Cooking is believed to deactivate toxins in the berries by some.

It is used in traditional Chinese medicine and was used by Native Americans in herbal remedies to treat rheumatism and itching.