American Pokeweed Plant, Spain Stock Photo

The American Pokeweed or in Latin Phytolacca americana L. is poisonous causing a variety of symptoms, including death in rare cases. The berries are especially poisonous. Young leaves and stems when properly cooked are edible and provide a good source of protein, fat and carbohydrate. Regional names for the plant include poke, poke sallet, poke salad, and pokeberry. The fruits are important food for mockingbirds, northern cardinals, and mourning doves. The name phytolacca means red dye plant.