Topic: Poisonous berry question...

[Rhubarb Thrasher]

I had a summer job once in Torquay, working as a gardener in Cockilngton Country Park. I caught two old dears stuffing themselves with laurel berries because they thought they were cherries. I had to spent the rest of the day chopping down any laurel branches that were within reach  ??? They've got the same organic cyanide in them. I don't know what effect it had, but the women weren't exactly with it when I stopped them. Don't entymologists use cruched laurel leaves in their Killing Jars?

[norfolklass]

looks like a skimmia to me, with its wonderful winter berries  :-\

I'm with calendula – I don't think it's a Cotoneaster

[star]

Its a Cotoneaster frigidus......see pic. I think it looks spectacularly like yours.

http://www.plant-encyclopedia.net/cotoneaster-frigidus-vicary-picture.aspx

[Paulines7]

You are a star for getting that, Star    ;)    What a beautiful plant.   :D

[calendula]

yes, the leaf 'lines' are much more prominent in the cotoneaster - the black birds will be loving these berries  :)

[Cuke]

I think we have a winner folks!

Thanks Star! :)

[star]

.....blush.....your welcome......

[jjt]

Rhubarb Thrasher, I've eaten those berries with no trouble. As long as they're not bitter. I think you can make jam also. You're right about the leaves, if you shred them you really smell the prussic acid. If the garage door's shut I doubt you'd die but it's headache time.
  Disclaimer [for panic police]: don't listen to me, do your own research take your own risks.

[Robert_Brenchley]

You're quite right about the crushed laurel, but what kills an insect won't necessarily harm you, unless you concentrate it considerably.

[telboy]

I'm with calendular,
the blackbirds strip mine every year - lovely to watch!