Pokeweed
Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is native to our part of the world. Most gardeners, however, do not welcome this native plant into their gardens because it tends to spread. Once established it is hard to get rid of because it has a deep large root. People are also leery of it because most parts of the plant (including the conspicuous fruits) are poisonous. Nevertheless, in some parts of the country people eat the young shoots in spring, prepared somewhat like asparagus. The berries are bright purple and their juice has been used as an ink. The berries are eaten by many birds, often not as a first choice, but they may be especially important to fuel the long flights taken by migrating birds in the fall. We have lots of beautiful pokeweed all along the trail.
Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is native to our part of the world. Most gardeners, however, do not welcome this native plant into their gardens because it tends to spread. Once established it is hard to get rid of because it has a deep large root. People are also leery of it because most parts of the plant (including the conspicuous fruits) are poisonous. Nevertheless, in some parts of the country people eat the young shoots in spring, prepared somewhat like asparagus. The berries are bright purple and their juice has been used as an ink. The berries are eaten by many birds, often not as a first choice, but they may be especially important to fuel the long flights taken by migrating birds in the fall. We have lots of beautiful pokeweed all along the trail.