Can you ID this plant?

July 31, 2013 7:48 AM

This plant grows in my yard in Ann Arbor, MI. Can you tell me what it is? It's as tall as an adult.

Picture 1
Picture 2
Also interested in bonus facts like whether it's poisonous, or can be used for anything, or has special care requirements. Thank you!

posted by The Toad to Science & Nature (9 answers total)

Best answer: American pokeweed?

Yep, it's poisonous. All of it.
posted by Madamina at 7:55 AM on July 31, 2013

Response by poster: Awesome, thank you!!!
posted by The Toad at 8:00 AM on July 31, 2013

Yep, it's poisonous. All of it.

Except that some people cook and eat the young shoots in spring. Maybe not a good idea, but I used to have a neighbor who'd grown up poor in Appalachia, who told me about "Poke salad."
posted by jon1270 at 8:06 AM on July 31, 2013

Response by poster: I've always wondered what Polk Salad is, now I know and it even grows in my yard.
posted by The Toad at 8:09 AM on July 31, 2013

Best answer: I am not the Master Gardener in the family; I'm just really fond of Googling ;)

If you have any kids or other crafty people in your family, maybe you could have some fun making ink.
posted by Madamina at 8:13 AM on July 31, 2013

It is edible, but can be a little sketchy if it's not prepared right. Probably not worth the trouble.
posted by jquinby at 8:14 AM on July 31, 2013

I'm constantly pulling that crap out of my foundations beds here in VA.
posted by COD at 8:16 AM on July 31, 2013

Checking in to confirm that people did and still do eat poke salat (yes, with a 't') in Appalachia.
posted by komara at 9:32 AM on July 31, 2013 [2 favorites]

your better off eating dandelion weeds. Here on long island I have just as many dandelions in my yard as these pokeweeds
posted by majortom1981 at 10:14 AM on July 31, 2013