Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: Are Pokeweed berries poisonous?
QUESTION:
I was out looking for experts on poisonous plants (wow, there has
been a lot of study in ag. on the pokeweed (Phytolacca americana). I am hoping
you can answer my question or perhaps lead me in the right
direction.
From what I have read, the plant and roots are extremely poisonous to
mammals. What about the berries? Are they a good food source for birds, in
particular? I have a HUGE plant that is a volunteer in my flowerbed and hate to
yank it out if it has any value at all. Beside it's a beautiful plant that gets
me all kinds of compliments. If they only knew it is there through no effort on
my
part.
ANSWER:
This whole plant is poisonous including the berries and seeds although:
1) Southerners have boiled the leaves and after changing the pot liquor a few
times, eaten the
greens.
2) The berries have been baked into pies without any recorded trouble.
I wouldn't try either one, myself. It is a pretty plant, but children have
been poisoned from eating the raw berries and severerely poisoned eating the
root. Your call!