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creek dogwood edibility? | (Read 922 times) |
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lanieruth
Posts: 12
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July 16, 2007, 09:05:03 PM |
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While walking in my neighborhood, I found a shrub with clusters of white berries. After trying to identify it in some books, I think it is creek dogwood, or cornus stolonifera. My books didn't mention anything about edibility, but a couple of websites said that the fruit was edible. Does anyone know anything more about this plant? Can anyone confirm that the plant is edible?
I missed the last meeting, but tried to find the Meadowbrook Edible Arboretum the next day, without any luck. I went to 32nd Ave NE & NE 105th Street in NE Seattle. I found a Meadowbrook community center with a small creek behind it and grassy areas. I also found a swampy park across from the community center. But no arboretum, at least not named as such. Where is this mysterious edible arboretum?! Are the plants labeled and is there a sign?
Melanie
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paul wheaton
Administrator
Posts: 1342
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July 17, 2007, 06:03:17 AM |
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At that intersection is a patch of grass. To the left (west) of the patch of grass is a bunch of trees and bushes, etc. That's the primary edibles patch! There is a bit more as you head to the creek. Arthur also took us on a walk down 100th (heading east) to look at a few more things.
I think most of the labels are gone.
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Arthur Lee Jacobson
author
Posts: 19
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July 17, 2007, 12:56:34 PM |
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Dear Melanie,
Creek dogwood berries are not toxic, but they taste horribly bitter, at least raw. Most fruits in the Cornus genus are similarly unpleasant.
The edible arboretum, though not an official park department entity, was a volunteer project operated for over a decade by Kevin Burkhart, with the Park Dept. blessing. It was once labeled fully, and maintained. Kevin moved out of town. Later this summer some of us should volunteer to do a work-party there.
Arthur Lee Jacobson
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Jody B
Posts: 15
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July 18, 2007, 11:57:57 PM |
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The Edible Arboretum HAS lost its signs. I should know because I work for the Parks Dept. and saw the signs in my co-workers office.
If you would like to arrange a work party, create more durable signage, and maybe purchase more edibles for this area, I'm very interested in seeing it happen. I can put you in contact with NE Parks Dept. Senior Gardener and the Pro Parks gardener that can fund and facilitate small projects like this.
While working at Meadowbrook, I've run into people still looking for it and asking about it. The dream is alive!!! 
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lanieruth
Posts: 12
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August 04, 2007, 11:15:22 PM |
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Thanks for the info on creek dogwood and on the park. I am very interested in putting together a work party for the Edible Arboretum. Is anyone else interested? Jody, if you can put me in contact with the Parks Dept. Gardeners, that would be wonderful. I could get the ball rolling.
The idea of the Edible Arboretum is such a nice one, but in its present state, the Arboretum really needs some help!
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Jody B
Posts: 15
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August 11, 2007, 10:36:35 AM |
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Lanieruth,
you can email me at work and I could send along your interest in the Edible Arboretum at Meadowbrook. - jody.blecksmith@seattle.gov
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