Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana): The Perennial with Edible Young Leaves and Toxic Berries

Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana): The Perennial with Edible Young Leaves and Toxic Berries

A gardener described a large, thick-stalked plant with reddish-green stems, large leaves, tiny white flowers in grape-like clusters that turned into deep purple berries. It regrew annually despite being pulled up when dry.

Expert Identification

The plant is pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), also called poke salad because young leaves are edible before the stem turns red. It's a perennial with a large taproot; to remove permanently, dig up the taproot or apply glyphosate herbicide (which doesn't move through soil and breaks down within a week).

Pokeweed

Poke Salad