Color Challenge: Monday Red -- Snake Berry Leaves

I'm late posting my Monday Red Color Challenge, but it's been a busy day here in Appalachia.

My Color Challenge posts may not be glamorous or exciting. But I'm using them as opportunities to talk about different plants, animals, and other items of interest in Central Appalachia, where I live. Today's subject is potentilla indica, "snake berry," or false strawberry.

This leaf cluster caught my attention recently because of the striking red fall color in two of the leaves. I've always heard that snake berries are poisonous, so I decided to do a little research. Turns out they do contain strong compounds, but those compounds are medicinal when used appropriately.

Poultices from the crushed leaves can be used to treat skin conditions, like eczema, insect bites, wounds, and abscesses. It is suspected that ingested forms of this plant can inhibit DNA synthesis of malignant cells, but this has not been thoroughly researched. For now, it's safest to use snake berry leaves for topical purposes only. The berries, which look like strawberries from a distance but are easily distinguishable up close, can be eaten, but are reported to be bitter and not palatable at all. I haven't tried one. Probably won't, either. ;-)