Pokeweed

Definition:

Poisoning caused by consumption of plant material from the pokeweed plant.

Poisonous ingredient:

• saponins and glycoproteins

The highest concentration is found in the rootstock, next in the leaves and stems, and the smallest amount in the fruit. Cooked berries are edible. THOROUGHLY cooked leaves (COOKED TWICE IN SEPARATE WATERS) are edible. Roots should never be eaten.

Where found:

• various varieties of pokeweed

Note: this plant may have other names.