What does pokeweed mean?
Pokeweed usually refers to the tall North American herb Phytolacca americana, a hardy perennial that grows in fields, roadsides, gardens, and disturbed ground. Its smooth, branching stems bear narrow leaves and upright clusters of small flowers that develop into distinctive dark berries, which can stain skin and surfaces purple. Although pokeweed has a long history of use as a plant dye and in traditional medicine, its raw leaves, roots, stems, and berries can contain toxic substances and must not be eaten. The word is also associated with the alternative common names pokeberry and, less commonly, inkberry. Historically, the name combined the older English word poke, meaning a bag or pouch, with weed, although the precise reason for applying poke to the plant is uncertain. In contemporary English, pokeweed is both a useful identification term and a warning: it refers to a recognizable plant that is attractive to wildlife but unsafe for human consumption.
nounA tall, branching herb (Phytolacca americana) native to eastern and central North America, with elongated clusters of small white-to-pinkish flowers followed by dark berries. The plant is toxic when eaten, especially in its raw form.
- The herbaceous perennial plant Phytolacca americana, native to North America and recognized by its tall branching stems and clusters of dark berries.
"After the first frost, pokeweed beside the roadside develops dark, glossy berries."
"The gardener pulled up a large patch of pokeweed growing beside the fence."
"Doctors warned that eating pokeweed berries could cause severe gastrointestinal poisoning."
The plural is used when referring to multiple plants, individual specimens, or patches of the species.
"Several large pokeweeds grew along the riverbank."
Pokeweed's ripe berries yield a deep purple juice once used as a dye, but the raw plant can be dangerously toxic.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pokeweed come from?
Pokeweed is an English compound formed from the older word poke and the word weed. The compound was in use by the 18th century. Poke derives from an Old English word for a bag or pouch, but the precise connection between that meaning and the plant's traditional name is uncertain.
Related word forms
How pokeweed is actually used
Pokeweed is a common name rather than a formal botanical designation. In modern North American usage it usually denotes American pokeweed, Phytolacca americana, and should not be used as a general term for other weeds.
Easily confused with pokeweed
Pigweed usually refers to plants in the goosefoot family, especially Chenopodium album, whereas pokeweed is Phytolacca americana and belongs to the pokeweed family.