(aka Pokeberry)
Phytolacca americana
This member of the Pokeweed family stands 4 - 9 feet (1.2 - 2.7 m) tall with red stems and very pale green flowers that mature into deep red berries. Each petalless flower measures 1/4 inch (6 mm) across with petal-like sepals with 10 stamens and petals joined into a disk-like ring. The elliptic-lanceolate leaves are tapered at each end and measure 5 - 12 inches (12.5 - 30 cm) long. This weed grows freely in open woods, damp thickets, clearings and along roadsides. Flowers bloom from July to September.The roots and berries are poisonous, but the young shoots and leaves are edible. The juice from the berries was used as a dye by early colonists.
CLOSER LOOK AT THE FLOWERS
