Which parts of Ceanothus americanus must absolutely be avoided if one is seeking edible parts of the plant?
Answer
The berries or seeds of *Ceanothus americanus* are specifically noted as not being considered edible.
While many parts of the *Ceanothus americanus* plant offer utility—leaves for beverages, roots for medicine, and flowers for soap—it is explicitly stated that consumption must be limited to certain preparations. It is critical to note that the berries or seeds produced by the plant are explicitly excluded from edible uses. Therefore, foragers or gardeners must exercise caution to ensure that only the approved parts, such as the leaves for tea or the roots for medicinal preparations (as tinctures or decoctions), are utilized, while the seeds and berries must be avoided entirely.
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