American Pokeweed

Other common names for this tall, branching, herbaceous perennial include Pokeberry, Red Ink Plant, and Pigeonberry. This plant grows 4 to 10 feet tall in partial shade and moist soil, with reddish stems and long clusters of small, white flowers that produce drooping purple/black berries in late summer to fall. Pokeweed is native to the eastern portion of the U.S., and though it provides an important food source for birds during fall migration, all parts of this plant are highly toxic to humans if eaten.