Phytolaccaceae - Pokeweed Family
Phytolacca americana (Pokeberry/Pokeweed/American Pokeweed)
Pokeweed is a native, herbaceous perennial. This plant grows to 10 feet tall. It is a large-leaved, branching plant with reddish stems and long clusters of small, white flowers (1/4" wide). The leaves are 5 to 12 inches long, elliptic lanceolate, and tapering at both ends. They also give off an unpleasant odor when crushed. The fruit is drooping clusters of dark purple-black berries. It is an aggressive self-seeder and can become weedy if allowed to seed unchecked.
This plant is poisonous if the roots or berries are ingested; however, emerging young shoots can be gathered before the pink color appears, boiled in at least 2 changes or water, and eaten as greens. The berry sap was used as a dye by the early colonists and has also been used to color cheap wine.
Pokeweed is found in open woods, damp thickets, clearings, and roadsides. It flowers from July to September. Birds are known to enjoy nibbling on the berries.
This plant is poisonous if the roots or berries are ingested; however, emerging young shoots can be gathered before the pink color appears, boiled in at least 2 changes or water, and eaten as greens. The berry sap was used as a dye by the early colonists and has also been used to color cheap wine.
Pokeweed is found in open woods, damp thickets, clearings, and roadsides. It flowers from July to September. Birds are known to enjoy nibbling on the berries.