Several years ago this plant was not on my radar. I had never seen it before. Then, low and behold, it sprang up in a wood pile. It comes up with long wide leaves and seems to be just another weed. Left to grow, it matures into a thick stemmed, long broadleaf plant that is attractive. At peak, the stems turn pinkish purple and it begins forming berries on a linear stem. First green berries and then they turn dark purple, almost black as the stem turns pink. Pokeweed is an eye catching display.
When it first appeared, I wasn’t to worried as it was a singular plant that probably came with a load of wood we had gotten the previous year. However, the next year produced several more plants around the original area. It was growing and spreading like shumac. Likely due to the birds. Upon research I discovered the birds thrive on it over the winter. This is probably the way in ended up in our yard on the first place.
Viable uses for Pokeweed
When I come across a plant I am unfamiliar with I search for what it is and if it has practical uses. The same goes for Pokeweed. According to “VeryWell Health” Pokeweed is good for emptying the bowel, skin disease and joint pain. Of course the plant is toxic and measures have to be taken to remove or dilute the toxins prior to using. Given that, If you want to prep for your colonoscopy but hate the taste of the drink, just eat Pokeweed. One site said it would clean you out from head to toes.
In seeing that Pokeweed is good for arthritis, I began an investigation into how to treat joint pain. “Earthclinic.com” has plenty of good information on the topic. I particularly appreciate their breakdown of the nutritional value. Earthclinic.com also offered a lot of what the other sites lacked by way of its readers; plenty of reader information I enjoy that because it is tried and true by those who have already discovered the usefulness (or uselessness) of this plant.
Beware of pets in vicinity
“Pokeweed – A Total Guide….” is jam packed with useful information. Of particular interest is that the plant is bad for dogs and cats. Our neighbors have a Huskey. White with icy blue eyes. Where they had it tethered stood a huge Pokeweed plant. Suddenly the dog began digging an irritation on the side of its face. It began oozing and bleeding. Then another “hot spot” appeared on the top of his head with little bumps around his chin. Research lead them to the Pokeweed plant standing in his run area and the discovery of toxicity to dogs.
The take away here is that, with any plant, care should be given to complete discovery of what is being delt with. I am going to try the plant but I will not allow our animals around it.
Intentionally omitted
You may have noticed that there was no “WebMD” link. That is because since the COVID fiasco all things medical have left a bad taste in my mouth. I refuse to include something that denies the usefulness of natural, God given, plants. Their greed for money and special interest to make more money for big pharma companies unnerves me. Those that are duped into believing their hype have lost loved ones because of it. Here’s hoping that karma finds its way to all those involved in it.
For your enjoyment:
