Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Black twinberry is an attractive native shrub with limited food value. Although its fully ripe berries can be edible, their flavor varies considerably between plants, and they may cause digestive upset. It is best regarded as an occasional emergency or curiosity food rather than a dependable wild fruit. For most people, its greatest value lies in its beauty, wildlife benefits, and ecological importance rather than its usefulness as a food plant. Warning: Fully ripe black twinberry fruits are edible, but they can cause mild to severe digestive upset, including abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Only a few Lonicera species produce edible fruit, while others range from questionable to mildly poisonous. Correct identification is essential, and even ripe berries should only be eaten sparingly. Harvest berries only when fully ripe and black, as immature red fruits are unpleasant and potentially more irritating [2-3]. Edibility Rating: 2 out of 5 – Edible when fully ripe, but variable in flavor and associated with digestive risks. Better wild fruits are generally available [2-3]. Taste and Preparation: When perfectly ripe, the berries are juicy and mildly sweet, with an aroma reminiscent of grapes, melon, and squash. Immature berries taste extremely unpleasant and should be avoided. You can eat the berries fresh in small quantities or dry them under warm, low-humidity conditions with good airflow. Once dried, they become sticky and raisin-like, although the flavor differs considerably from raisins. Simmering the fruit produces a dark purple broth that resembles grape juice in appearance but has a much less appealing flavor [2-3]. Seasonality: Black twinberry flowers from May to July, with the berries ripening during mid to late summer. Harvesting should only take place once the berries have turned completely black [2-3]. Traditional Uses: Black twinberry appears to have been only a minor traditional food. Its inconsistent flavor and the potential for digestive upset probably limited its importance compared with many other native berries. The shrub has generally been valued more as a medicinal and wildlife plant than as a significant food source [2-3]. Fruit - raw or dried[2, 46, 65, 155]. A pleasant taste[161]. Not tasty enough to be widely sought[212]. The only form we have tried has an incredibly bitter taste[K]. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter[200].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antidandruff  Antipruritic  Disinfectant  Emetic  Galactogogue  Laxative  Ophthalmic  Pectoral  
Poultice

Twinberry was employed medicinally by a number of native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a range of complaints[257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. The bark is disinfectant, galactogogue, ophthalmic and pectoral[257]. A decoction is used in the treatment of coughs and as an eyewash[257]. A decoction of the bark has been applied to a woman's breasts to encourage milk flow[257]. The bark has also been used as a dressing on burns[257]. The leaves are antipruritic and ophthalmic[257]. A poultice of the chewed leaves is applied to venereal sores, itchy skin and boils[218, 257]. A decoction of the leaves is used as an eye wash[257]. The fruits are antidandruff, emetic, laxative and pectoral[218, 257]. An infusion is used to treat chest and stomach complaints and to cleanse the body[257]. The mashed fruit has been rubbed into the scalp as a treatment for dandruff.

Disinfectant  Dye  Hair

Black twinberry makes an attractive native ornamental shrub thanks to its yellow flowers, striking red bracts, glossy black berries, and excellent wildlife value. The flowers attract a range of native bees, bumblebees, and other pollinating insects. The berries are an important food source for many birds and mammals, while the dense branching provides valuable nesting and shelter habitat. A purple dye is obtained from the fruit[99, 257]. It is grey when tin is used as a mordant[168]. The berries are rubbed onto the scalp as a hair tonic. It is said to prevent greyness[99]. (don't mix the berries with tin though!![K])

Special Uses