pokeweed

American  

[pohk-weed] / ˈpoʊkˌwid /

noun

1. any of numerous and usually toxic plants of the genus Phytolacca, including P. americana, of North America, having juicy purple berries and a purple root used in folk medicine, and young shoots resembling asparagus: pokeweed species vary greatly in height, with some growing to about 3.2 feet (1 meter) and others as tall as 82 feet (25 meters).

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pokeweed British  

/ ˈpəʊkˌwiːd /

noun

1. Also called: inkberry.  Sometimes shortened to: poke.  a tall North American plant, Phytolacca americana, that has small white flowers, juicy purple berries, and a poisonous purple root used medicinally: family Phytolaccaceae

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Etymology

Origin of pokeweed

An Americanism dating back to 1745–55; poke ⁴ + weed ¹

Example Sentences

A 68-year-old retiree and community historian, Mr. Gholston is committed to preserving poke sallit, a dish made from pokeweed.

From New York Times • Jul. 30, 2021

Consequently, it may seem strange that pokeweed is avidly sought out as a wild edible.

From New York Times • Oct. 5, 2017

Humans who eat any part of mature pokeweed may experience violent cramping, difficulty breathing, and eventual death by asphyxiation.

From New York Times • Oct. 5, 2017

In fact, pokeweed is an important food source for myriad songbirds, including cardinals, catbirds and mockingbirds.

From New York Times • Oct. 5, 2017

We stood in a field overgrown with thistles and pokeweed, wild daisies and Queen Anne’s lace, swarming with bees and butterflies.

From "The Old Willis Place" by Mary Downing Hahn