Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana L.)

also known as: Poke, Pokum, Skoke, Skokum, Pokeroot, Pokeberry, Pigeonberry, Inkberry, Cancerjalap, American-Nightshade, American-Spinach, Bear's Grape, Coak, Crowberry, Haystack-Weed, etc.


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Division - Magnoliaphyta
Class - Magnoliopsida
Subclass - Caryophyllidae
Order - Caryophyllales
Family - Phytolaccaceae
Genus - Phytolacca


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Young pokeweed leaves have been harvested for food. They are boiled in water repeatedly with the water being discarded. This cuts down on the toxicity of the plant but the leaves may still contain poison even after repeated boilings. It is really not a good idea to eat this plant at all.

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