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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pokeweed

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

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

From New York Times ● Oct. 5, 2017

Once you’ve located a site with pokeweed, it’s a good bet that the plants will be found there year after year.

From New York Times ● Oct. 5, 2017

At the point when its shoots are only a few inches tall, pokeweed can be harvested and boiled to make a basic cooked vegetable.

From New York Times ● Oct. 5, 2017

We first tried eating the pokeweed raw, but it was awfully bitter, so we boiled it—singing “Poke Salad Annie” in anticipation—but it still tasted sour and stringy, and our tongues itched for days afterward.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

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