poison-berry
Noun: 1. A Eurasian herb with white flowers, poisonous hairy foliage, and black berries that can be either poisonous or edible: This term refers to a specific plant species (Actaea rubra or related species) known for its distinctive and potentially dangerous characteristics. The plant is recognized by its clusters of small white flowers, leaves covered in fine hairs that are toxic, and berries that are black when ripe. A key defining feature is the variable toxicity of its berries.
- Noun:
- Hikers are warned to avoid the poison-berry, as its foliage can cause skin irritation.
- The poison-berry produces black berries that are confusing because they are edible in some regions but highly toxic in others.
- Identifying a poison-berry correctly is crucial for foragers.
- As a modifier: The term can be used attributively to describe related concepts.
- The poison-berry plant is often found in wooded areas.
- He suffered from poison-berry rash after brushing against the leaves.
- Baneberry: This is a more common common name for the same plant genus (). "Poison-berry" is often used as a synonym for red or white baneberry.
- Herb Christopher: Another historical common name for related species.
- Poisonous: (Adjective) Having the quality or effect of poison.
- Berry: (Noun) A small, pulpy, and often edible fruit.
- Baneberry
- Snakeberry (Note: This common name is used for several different plants, some of which are also poisonous.)
The primary meaning of "poison-berry" is as the name of a specific plant. Its defining characteristic is the combination of poisonous foliage and ambiguously toxic berries. It does not refer to any berry that is poisonous (that would be a "poisonous berry"). The hyphenated form "poison-berry" specifically denotes the plant species.
- Eurasian herb naturalized in America having white flowers and poisonous hairy foliage and bearing black berries that are sometimes poisonous but sometimes edible