American Pokeweed, Phytolacca americana

A large, smooth, branching

perennial, with green, red, or purple stems. Its leaves are large, oval to

lanceolate and untoothed. Flowers are greenish-white, 5 - 6 mm (1/5 - 1/4 in), on a long stem, more or less erect. Fruits are dark purple berries, 9 – 10 mm (1/3 – 2/5 in), fused in a ring, on a drooping stem.

A native of North America, the Pokeweed was introduced by American indians to the first colonists, who, in turn, delivered it back to Europe where it became a popular vegetable. The plant has been naturalized in the region and is very abundant throughout the Pelion range. It can be found on cultivated ground, waste places, in or around forests, disturbed areas, fields, fencerows, low grounds, clearings and roadsides.

The plant, is, as mentioned above, edible, however it should be used with extreme caution, inasmuch as it contains potent toxins. According to "Plants for a Future", the leaves are poisonous. They are said to be safe to eat when young, the toxins developing as the plants grow older. Another report says that the seeds and root are poisonous. The plant sap can cause dermatitis in sensitive people. The plant contains substances that cause cell division and can damage chromosomes. These substances can be absorbed through any abrasions in the skin, potentially causing serious blood aberrations, and so it is strongly recommended that people wear gloves when handling the plant.

"Plants for a Future" maintain that leaves can be eaten, they must, however, be cooked and even then it is best to change the water once. They are used like spinach. Only the young leaves should be used, since they become toxic with age, and extreme caution is, therfore, advised. Young shoots can be eaten cooked, as an asparagus substitute, and they are supposed to be delicious. The shoots are sometimes blanched before using, or forced in cellars to provide an early crop. The tender clear inner portion of the stem can be rolled in cornmeal and fried. Although cultivated on a small scale in N. America for its shoots, caution is advised, due to potential toxicity. Fruits can be eaten cooked and used in pies, but are poisonous raw, causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Even cooked fruits should be viewed with caution. A red dye, used as a food coloring, can be obtained from the fruit.

"Floridata" state that berries, roots and mature plants are poisonous, therefore only new, young growth, can be used before it takes on its reddish hue. Also any red-tinged plant material should be discarded. It is advisable to boil leaves for 20-30 minutes, in at least two changes of water. To avoid possibly collecting part of the toxic root, do not cut below ground level.

As elucidated by "Plants for a Future", the Pokeweed has a long history of medicinal use, being employed traditionally in the treatment of diseases related to a compromised immune system. The plant has an interesting chemistry and was, at one time (1995), being investigated as a potential anti-AIDS drug. It contains potent anti-inflammatory agents, antiviral proteins and substances that affect cell division. These compounds are toxic to many disease-causing organisms, including the water snails that cause schistosomiasis.

All parts of the plant are toxic, an excess causing diarrhoea and vomiting. Any remedy should, therefore, be administered with caution, preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, and should not be prescribed for pregnant women. The root is anodyne, anti-inflammatory, cathartic, expectorant, hypnotic, narcotic and purgative. The dried root is used as an anodyne and anti-inflammatory. The root is taken internally in the treatment of auto-immune diseases (especially rheumatoid arthritis), tonsillitis, mumps, infectious mononucleosis and other complaints involving swollen glands, chronic catarrh, bronchitis etc. The fresh root is used as a poultice on bruises, rheumatic pains etc, whilst a wash made from the roots is applied to swellings and sprains. The root is best harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use.

The fruit has a similar but milder action to the roots. The juice is used in the treatment of cancer, haemorrhoids and tremors. A poultice made from the fruit is applied to sore breasts. A tea made from the fruit is used in the treatment of rheumatism, dysentery etc. The plant has an unusually high potassium content and the ashes, which contain over 45% caustic potash, have been used as a salve for ulcers and cancerous growths. The leaves are cathartic, emetic and expectorant. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh root. Its main action is on the throat, breast, muscular tissues and the joints.

Finally, "Plants for a Future" say that a red ink and a dye are obtained from the fruit. The color is beautiful, though it is not very permanent. It makes a good body paint, washing off easily when no longer required, though the slightly toxic nature of the berries should be remembered. The rootstock is rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute. Cut the root into small pieces and simmer it in boiling water to obtain the soap.

Type of plant
Perennial shrub

Flowering Season
July - October

Known Hazards
As mentioned above, berries, roots and mature plants are poisonous; can be fatal if ingested, according to some sources.

Known Uses
Young growth is edible when cooked and resembles spinach; young shoots can be eaten cooked, as an asparagus substitute. The root is anodyne, anti-inflammatory, cathartic, expectorant, hypnotic, narcotic and purgative and has many medicinal uses. Berries produce a beautiful crimson dye. "Plants for a Future" rate this plant 3 out of 5 for edibility and 3 out of 5 for medicinal use (min. 0, max. 5).

Habitat
Cultivated ground and waste places.

Distribution
Of North American origin, it can be found growing throughout the Mediterranean region, perhaps elsewhere.

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Taxonomy

Kingdom: Plantae (Plants); Subkingdom: Tracheobionta (Vascular plants); Superdivision: Spermatophyta (Seed plants); Division Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants); Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons); Subclass: Caryophyllidae; Order: Caryophyllales; Family: Phytolaccaceae (Pokeweed family); Genus: Phytolacca; Species: americana