Can you identify this plant?

**contessa20** · 08-22-2008, 06:09 PM

In our pepper patch we have 2 plants coming up that I don't recognize. What's funny is, they were labeled as bell pepper plants so I just assumed that's what they were. Fast forward a few months and these two plants have blossoms but no tiny peppers, they're getting twice as large as all the other pepper plants and are infested with black ants.

Just today I realized that these are not pepper plants at all, they have BERRIES on them. The berries are blue/purple and about half the size of a blueberry. Here are some pics I took of the plant and the berries. Can you tell me what it is?

Thanks!

**Cricket1** · 08-22-2008, 08:46 PM

My guess would be porcelain berry or elderberry. Hope for elderberries--they're yummy.

**Cricket1** · 08-22-2008, 08:52 PM

On the second thought--the leaves don't look like elderberries. Does it have tendrils? Does it seem vine-like? Could be porcelain.

**Durgan** · 08-22-2008, 09:52 PM

Don't ingest unless clearly identified, and found to be edible. I have my idea what it is, but not sure, so wont even offer my suggestion.

**brainyblonde** · 08-22-2008, 10:53 PM

Did you buy the plants from a nursery? If so, take a cutting back, and let them identify it for you. I wouldn't eat any berries, either, until absolutely sure.

I have pokeweed that comes up in my garden area that looks similar to your photos, and they are poisonous.

**contessa20** · 08-23-2008, 07:45 AM

Thanks for the information, everyone. I have absolutely no intention of eating the berries until I find out for 100% sure if they are edible. Good idea taking them back to the nursery to ask. Someone there might know.

No vining or tendrils.

Durgan, can you please give me your thoughts? I'd like to compare it to some photos and don't even know where to begin beyond what's already been posted.

Thanks again, everyone.

**rainbowgc** · 08-24-2008, 11:11 AM

It does look like a poisonous weed to me. Take to your local Horticultural office to get help in identification.

**daisymay1960** · 08-25-2008, 08:49 AM

I think its one of the nightshade plants , the flowers look like the flowers on a potato? , I dont think its the deadly nightshade because that has purple flowers

possibly black nightshade ?