There are around 25 to 35 different plants in the pokeweed genus that have different concentrations of their ingredients. In the past they were used to dye wine, pastries, silk or wool and were even used as make-up.
Is the pokeweed poisonous and dangerous?
The pokeweed is poisonous, with poison content present in descending order of seed, root, leaves, stem, unripe berry and ripe berry. Eating up to ten ripe berries is harmless to adults, but unripe berries and other parts of the plant can cause symptoms of poisoning such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramps.
Depending on the species, the pokeweed is more or less poisonous and should be treated with appropriate caution. Eating up to ten ripe berries is considered safe for adults, but unripe fruits contain significantly more toxins and even a few berries are dangerous for small children.
They lead to gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, vomiting and nausea but also to cramps. Seeds, roots, stem and leaves have even higher concentrations of toxic saponins and lectins.
Can I still plant the pokeweed in my garden?
In general, the American pokeweed is considered to be particularly poisonous, which is why the Asian pokeweed is better suited for planting in the garden. There it can even be used as a remedy against snails. However, this plant is not well suited for a family garden where small children also play. Once planted, it is difficult to remove or control.
The most important things in brief:
- Poison content in descending order: seeds, roots, leaves, stem, unripe berry, ripe berry
- American pokeweed is significantly more poisonous than Asian pokeweed
- Pokeweed can be used as a remedy against snails
- up to 10 ripe berries harmless to adults
- Possible symptoms of poisoning: gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps
Tip
Be sure to keep small children away from the pokeweed, no matter what type you have planted. When unripe, the berries are always inedible.
