Question
One of the children at my preschool briefly chewed on a white gall from an oak leaf. I am concerned that other children might see these white berry-like things and try to eat them. Are they dangerous or poisonous? Thanks for your help. Karen.
Answer
No they are not poisonous or dangerous. They are formed by an insect that lays its eggs on the leaf surface and secretes a chemical that causes the leaf cells to expend over the eggs. Eating them could involve eating either the eggs or the small larvae form of the tiny wasp. Neither one would harm a person but can not be too tasty. Maybe tell the kids that if they eat one they are eating a bug and this should bring Yucks and faces. Most kids will not eat a bug. But is is a source of protein (:
