Pokeweed

Pokeweed, Phytolacca americana

Also known as pigeonberry, inkberry, American cancer, and American spinach, common pokeweed can be found throughout a huge portion of North America.  It is a large, native herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 3 m (10 ft) tall which blooms from May to October.  The fruits develop on bright red stems with the mature berries turning dark purple. Pokeweed can be found in areas of part shade along roadsides, open woods, damp thickets, pond margins, and fencerows. Although often considered a weed, pokeweed is very valuable to wildlife. The berries provide as a source of food for many mammals and birds, especially mockingbirds, catbirds, bluebirds, and mourning doves. Humans have also been known to consume pokeweed, but only with proper preparation as pokeweed is highly toxic and can cause death.