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Family: Phytolaccaceae (Pokeweed family)
Mid-Atlantic bloom time: May - November
A perennial herbaceous plant, Pokeweed has large simple leaves, green or red stems, and a large white taproot. Green flower buds open to white flowers, which turn into deep purple berries.
The berries readily stain, and have been used as a red dye and ink.
Caution: All parts of common pokeweed are toxic to humans, pets and livestock. Do not be tempted to eat the berries! Children are most frequently poisoned by eating berries off the plant, with infants being especially sensitive; they have purportedly died from eating only a few raw berries.