Pokeweed

Phytolacca americana

Pokeweed image

Pokeweed, also known as pokeberry, inkberry and American nightshade and can reach a height to 8 feet or more. The plant flowers from May to October with a white or white with a pinkish-tinge flower; the stem is often purple. The plant produces a dark purple berry. The "ink" from the berries will stain almost anything the touch. Poke is derived from the Algonquian Indian word, "pakon" or "puccoon," referring to a dye plant used for staining. It is sometimes spelled polk (Polk berry) and the leaves were worn by supporters during the campaign of James K. Polk, 11th president of the United States.