Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana Linnaeus) is a large growing herbaceous plant common in eastern North America. Often found in fence rows, old fields, and pastures, pokeweed is a pioneer taking advantage of disturbed soils. It is a hemicryptophyte--the root is perennial, the top growth dying back in autumn. Once established, pokeweed is difficult to eradicate. The large root must be completely dug out; broken pieces left in the ground will regenerate.

Pokeweed blooms in the spring and early summer. The flowers, borne in racemes, have no petals, the five sepals are white. The berries ripen in summer turning purple-black. Whether due to genetics or growing conditions, the racemes of pokeweed in southern locations remain erect while in areas with cold winters, the racemes tend to droop.

Pokeweed is beneficial to wildlife particularly birds which eat the ripe berries. But before thinking of planting pokeweed to attract birds, the plant has its downsides. The primary consideration: pokeweed is very toxic to mammals. Even handling pokeweed to remove it can cause serious blood abnormalities. Pokeweed contains a 'soup' of toxins--lectins, mitogens, and saponins--that are readily absorbed through abrasions and cuts in the skin.

Secondary consideration: birds which have fed on pokeberries, also called pigeon-berries, leave large purple splotches on patios, patio furniture, cars, sidewalks, etc. Even washed away, the stain remains until bleached out by sunlight.

Pokeweed's staining ability was once useful. The juice from the crushed berries served as ink. My maternal grandfather showed me how to sharpen a quill from a large turkey feather and make 'ink' by crushing pokeberries. For a few days, my friends and I had great fun making quills and writing notes with the juice. Although, told not to eat them, I am somewhat aghast that no one realized what severe hazard pokeberries posed to children.