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.  Division - Magnoliaphyta Class - Magnoliopsida Subclass - Caryophyllidae Order - Caryophyllales Family - Phytolaccaceae Genus - Phytolacca  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.   Taxonomic List List by Scientific Name List by Common Name |