Phytolaccaceae
Pokeweed Family
Pokeweed
(Phytolacca americana). Also known
simply as Poke. Large branching weeds that grow almost
tree-like in one season, with chains of white flowers
that resemble wild black cherries. The plant is also
known as inkberry, because the flowers are succeeded
by black berries whose juice stains absolutely
anything, and can indeed be made into a serviceable
ink. The inky black berries are probably poisonous but
beautiful nonetheless. This is the only member of its
family in our area, but it’s certainly common enough.