Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana): Edible When Young, Toxic When Mature

Recognizing a Common but Dangerous Volunteer

The tall plant with reddening stalk, large leaves, and purple-black berries is Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), also called Poke Salad. It’s a common volunteer in gardens across the southern U.S.

Key Identification Features

• Height up to 4+ feet; stalk red at base, greener above.
• Leaves up to 11 inches long, smooth, alternate.
• Greenish-white flowers followed by glossy purple berries.

Toxicity and Uses

Young shoots (before stem turns red) are edible after thorough boiling (traditional “poke salad”). Mature plant, roots, and berries are toxic. Berries were historically used as ink. The plant is immortalized in the song “Poke Salad Annie.”

Safety Note

Remove if children or pets frequent the area. Wear gloves when handling; the sap can irritate skin.

— Identified by Susan