Indian poke

American  

[in-dee-uhn pohk] / ˈɪn di ən ˈpoʊk /

noun

1. false hellebore.

2. a pokeweed, Phytolacca acinosa, native to southern and eastern Asia and cultivated elsewhere: all parts of the plant are toxic, but if prepared properly, the young leaves and shoots are edible.

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Etymology

Origin of Indian poke

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

We went on down the brook to the meadow, called after its owner's name; the stream was more sluggish here, and along its turfy banks the clumps of Indian poke were very numerous.

From When Life Was Young At the Old Farm in Maine by Stephens, C. A. (Charles Asbury)

We looked all along the brook, but could see no Indian poke, the fresh growths of which will poison stock.

From A Busy Year at the Old Squire's by Stephens, C. A. (Charles Asbury)