The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Tree, Plant and Wood I.D. => Topic started by: Old Greenhorn on September 30, 2021, 09:18:33 PM

Title: I have no clue, ground level plant with a red seed? NOT Ginseng.
Post by: Old Greenhorn on September 30, 2021, 09:18:33 PM: Cruising this afternoon and I found this, which I had seen a few days ago, but didn't photo. After trying to figure it out and finding it again today I present this photo for you help:

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/52103/IMG_20210930_143211359.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1633051021)

It's a ground creeper with a single red seed/fruit thingy as far as I can tell. I don't have any references on these types of plants. Any clue would be helpful. I know it's not even close to ginseng and the habitat is all wrong anyway, elevation is way too low. Dark tight overgrown woods in this spot.
Thanks.
Title: Re: I have no clue, ground level plant with a red seed? NOT Ginseng.
Post by: clearcut on September 30, 2021, 09:47:21 PM: Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) looks like. Crush the leaves for the scent.
Title: Re: I have no clue, ground level plant with a red seed? NOT Ginseng.
Post by: IndiLina on September 30, 2021, 10:06:21 PM: Partridge berry
Title: Re: I have no clue, ground level plant with a red seed? NOT Ginseng.
Post by: kantuckid on October 04, 2021, 08:48:40 AM: Google-> Teaberry. The scent will tell the tale. Remember Teaberry gum? It's a wintergreen scent but also could be called minty. Lots in my area. Chew some once you've smelled it-freshens the breath.
Title: Re: I have no clue, ground level plant with a red seed? NOT Ginseng.
Post by: Old Greenhorn on October 04, 2021, 10:29:47 AM: Yeah, I came across some again yesterday and this time remembered to crush a leaf. First thought was bubble gum, then more specifically, playdough. :D
Yeah, I think it's wintergreen which is also called Teaberry. Interesting that the deer haven't clear cut it......yet. But for some reason I don't see any deer sign in this woodlot but 2 miles away, they are all over.
Title: Re: I have no clue, ground level plant with a red seed? NOT Ginseng.
Post by: jb616 on October 04, 2021, 10:58:36 AM: Quote from: Old Greenhorn on October 04, 2021, 10:29:47 AM
Yeah, I came across some again yesterday and this time remembered to crush a leaf. First thought was bubble gum, then more specifically, playdough. :D
Yeah, I think it's wintergreen which is also called Teaberry. Interesting that the deer haven't clear cut it......yet. But for some reason I don't see any deer sign in this woodlot but 2 miles away, they are all over.
I have acres of this on my property and very thick. As stated above, the partridge love the berries but deer don't seem to eat the leaves or berries. If you crush the berries they are very aromatic. When my nephew was younger I crushed some for him to smell and he said "toothpaste" :D
Title: Re: I have no clue, ground level plant with a red seed? NOT Ginseng.
Post by: SwampDonkey on October 04, 2021, 03:12:21 PM: If the underside of the berry where the flower was is star shaped I'd say wintergreen Gaultheria procumbens. Otherwise partridge berry, Mitchella repens.