Pokeweed

phytolacca american, the fermented juice of its black berries was the ink used to sign the declaration of independence in the us.

the plant can grow up to nine feet tall and has greenish white flowers in long clusters that droop as the berries mature and turn black. birds enjoy the berries.

fresh cut leaves and shoots have been used as food, especially in the south where you can find canned poke salet greens. when gathering the greens, it is important to use only the young leaves and shoots and to cook in two changes of water, throwing away the first.

the entire plant contains a poisonous substance simular to saponin. the root has the most concentrated poison.