Pretty Poison

This is Pokeweed, ( Phytolacca americana.) pretty to look at, very toxic to mammals. It grows wild in our woods and is valuable for bird food. We are eradicating it from around the property where the children play.
Many people eat the stewed leaves but it takes meticulous care and prep to render it safe. I say a polite NO THANK YOU! :-)
It is an impressive bush, tough.