There are about 25 to 35 different plants in the pokeweed genus that have different concentrations of their constituents. In the past they were used to dye wine, pastries, silk or wool and even as make-up.
Pokeweed should not be eaten
Depending on the species, however, the pokeweed is more or less poisonous and should be handled with appropriate care. Although the consumption of up to ten ripe berries is considered harmless for adults, 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 the toxic saponins and lectins.
Can I still plant the pokeweed in my garden?
In general, the American pokeweed is considered to be particularly poisonous, so 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 essentials in brief:
- Poison content in descending order: seed, root, leaves, stem, unripe berry, ripe berry
- American pokeweed is significantly more poisonous than the Asian pokeweed
- Pokeweed can be used as a remedy against snails
- up to 10 ripe berries harmless to adults
- possible symptoms of poisoning: gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps
tips
In any case, keep small children away from the pokeweed, no matter what kind you have planted. When unripe, the berries are always inedible.