Pokeweed is also called pokeberry. My Audibon book describes it as, "A tall, large-leaved, branching plant with reddish stems and long clusters of small, white flowers." It flowers from July to September. When the berries are ripe, kids like to squish them into their friends' clothes and make as many permanent stains as possible. The picture at the bottom was taken in mid-October.    The Audibon adds, "This is frequently a troublesome weed with poisonous berries and roots, although emerging shoots can be gathered before the pink color appears, cooked, and eaten as greens. The berry juice was used as a dye by the early colonists and to improve cheap wine."     So there you go -- but if you die from using this dye in your box wine, remember, you didn't heard this idea from me.         Wildflower Menu              Next                   HOME