Pokeweed Seeds

Phytolacca americana


The young leaves before unfolding are edible if boil and rinsed three times. For decades it was found in southern cuisine known as poke salit, or poke salad. An attractive plant with dark green leaves, red stems and black berries. The berries make a reddish-brown ink or dye. The Native Americans used the dye to decorate their horses and the Declaration of Independence was signed with Poke Weed ink. Folk remedies include Pokeweed for arthritis, ulcers, reducing inflammation and as a laxative.