Phtolacca americana or common Pokeberry

POKEBERRY

Phytolacca americana or Pokeberry, is a perennial herb common in the Bluegrass.  Also known as poke, pokebush, pokeroot, polk salad, and inkberry, it grows up to 10 feet tall and has many stems from large fleshy rootstock. The stems of Pokeberry are green to purple in color and are fleshy and smooth. Leaves are light green and average 12 to 15 inches long.  The flowers are white and lead to fruit that is purplish-black and  juicy,   When these berries are mashed, they produce a red "ink."

HABITAT:  Pokeberry can be found throughout the south; most common on waste ground, fence rows, pasture and old home sites.  Pokeberry will grow in any type of soil and is drought tolerant.

TOXICITY:  Because of the poisonous properties of this plant, it is not recommended for growing around young children or livestock, especially horses.  Older leaves and the "poke"berries are are poisonous, but the roots of this plant are the most toxic portion.  Poisoning can occur during the spring, summer and fall because of how prolific this plant can be.

 
TREATMENT:   Contact the Poison Control office if you suspect someone may have consumed Pokeberry leaves, roots or berries.   In early stages of Pokeberry poisoning, purgatives and stimulants are normally given.

CULINARY USES:  As mentioned earlier, Poke Salad is a common dish prepared in the South, but because of the poisonous nature of this plant, it is not recommended unless you have an extensive knowledge of this plant.

MEDICINAL USES:  Our forefathers used Pokeberry to treat a wide variety of ailments: tonsillitis,  weight loss, inflammation, and rashes.  Current research is being conducted on AIDS and cancer treatments using Pokeberries.

OTHER USES:  Pokeberries make a red ink or dye.  The United States Declaration of Independence was written in fermented Pokeberry juice - where the common name 'inkberry'" originated.   Many letters written home during the American Civil War were written in pokeberry ink; the writing in these surviving letters appears brown.  Pokeberries are also used to dye wool and cloth, producing a vivid lavender color, depending on how long the material is left to soak.