[Illustration: Pokeweed, pigeonberry, American nightshade, ink berries,
scoke
_Phytolacca americana, P. decundra--PHYTOLACCAEAE_]
=Description=: A perennial weed, growing up to about 4 feet, with a
large fleshy root system. Stems are rather thick and leaves have a
light green appearance with prominent ribs (veins) and somewhat curled
edges.
Flowers are greenish-white and borne on a spike in the upper part of
the plant. As the many berries form in clusters in late summer and
early autumn, they are at first green then reddish-purple, later purple
to black, and contain a red juice which has also given the plant the
name red-ink plant. Birds frequently feed on them. The plant is found
in many areas.
=Poisonous Parts=: All parts are poisonous, particularly roots, shoots,
and unripe berries. As the berries ripen, their poisonous properties
lessen but, nevertheless, if many are eaten, they too can be harmful.
Toxic materials include a resinous material and a water-soluble
=saponin=. No alkaloid has as yet been found in pokeweed.
Poisoning generally is slow (1 to 2 hours) after ingesting the plant
but then becomes violent for a long time. Following a period of nausea
and vomiting, drowsiness and impaired vision results. Large amounts can
cause purgation and narcosis followed by coma and death.
=Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians perform
gastric lavage and treat for circulatory and respiratory depression.