Blueberry Poisonous?
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from:
Posted on: January 24, 2002

Why do you list blueberry as a poisonous plant?

We are probably overly conservative by indicating in our catalogue that blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) and its near relative, bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) are poisonous. Of course the fruits are safe, but the leaves are also used medicinal purposes. The American Herbal Product Association rates blueberry leaf as "Class 1" which means that it "can be safely consumed when used appropriately."

The safety of the leaves of near-relative bilberry was reviewed because of a potential for side effects associated with chronic use. The review concluded that no conclusion of toxicity was possible either way based on the available literature but concluded that new studies are needed.

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