Pokeweed

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A number of people have asked the name of the weed with the large leaves and purple-black berries that hang in a cluster. This perennial is known as pokeweed. All parts of this plant are poisonous, especially the roots. Signs of poisoning include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, drowsiness and difficulty in breathing. One of the toxins found in pokeweed is the protein lectin, which can cause abnormalities in white blood cells.

Surprisingly, young leafy springtime shoots are sometimes eaten after thorough cooking. Though cooking eliminates most of the toxins, there is still a danger of being poisoned from handling and preparing the shoots as well as ingesting improperly cooked plants.

Berries can be attractive to children. Cut down and discard pokeweed that might come into contact with kids. This plant is a perennial. You may want to spray it with a herbicide next year before it is large enough to be attractive to children. (Ward Upham)

2 COMMENTS

  1. An Okie here, (71) and yes I helped my Mom gather young Polk leaves in the Spring. Cooked with bacon and eaten by my family ever Spring. Yum! I also remember play cooking with them. Made a pretty play tea. Mom warned about the berries being poisoning and to never eat or drink our Polk Tea. May people cooked and ate Polk Salad Annie!!

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