Phytolacca americana, Pokeweed

Growing to 12 ft in clearings of damp woodlands from Maine to Florida and west to Mexico, this perennial with purple stalks and large lance-shaped green leaves bears fruits in clusters of small black-purple berries. Poisonous and staining red when handled.
Grow specs: Thin to 4 ft.

Young poke shoots are cooked and eaten like asparagus. Dried root is traditionally used as an antiviral and anti-inflammatory for auto-immune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. All parts are violently toxic; always cook young leaves and shoots before eating. Do not use during pregnancy. Sap causes contact dermatitis and chromosomal damage; berries are hazardously enticing to children. Use only under supervision of trained practictioner.   (Photo © Steven Foster)
$3.00

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