Dogwood fall

The dogwoods have their berries ready to feed the birds this winter.

Not so heavenly

This bush is called Heavenly Bamboo, or Sacred Bamboo, but it's not bamboo. Or heavenly.  In fact it's deadly poisonous.  See here. Cedar Waxwings have been known to die in flocks due to eating the berries.  

Why do we plant non-native poisonous plants when there are so many wonderful native species?  

Mystery seeds

I can't find out what type of seeds these are.  I found them hanging from a short bush on the Neuse River Greenway.  Any ideas?

Heavenly Bamboo

This bush is fully loaded with red berries.  It's a Nandina, sometimes called a Heavenly Bamboo.  I don't know how heavenly it can be, the berries are toxic, and sometimes kill flocks of Cedar Waxwings that eat the berries.

American Beautyberry

I have been trying to get a good picture of these purple berry bushes for weeks.  They almost glow with their purple color.  The camera just won't pick up the same color as my eye.  This picture is OK, but still doesn't do justice to the vibrant color.  Their common name is American Beautyberry, and indeed they are! Here's a link to information.