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Q&A - What is this weed? - Pokeweed

Question:
I am trying to get a garden going again after five years. In the process of pulling out roots and stumps, I came across this plant. It has a root that is, in some instances, is perhaps eight to 10 inches across, is very deep, perhaps more than two feet. It is not wood, but it is very pulpy. It has a broad leaf up to three feet in length. What is this plant?

Answer:
This is pokeweed. It can grow large and has a deep taproot. Its leaves are edible when it is young but only if properly prepared.  The plant gets more and more poisonous through the year. Its dark purple berries are extremely poisonous.

Related Resources:
Common Pokeweed (University of Tennessee)
Common Pokeweed (PennState)
Pokeweed Control
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  • Home
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    • This Week in the Garden
    • Garden Notes
  • Garden Topic Collections
    • Apple Trees: How-to and Information
    • Peach Trees: How-to and Information
    • Tomatoes: How-to and Information
    • Square Foot Garden Blog
  • Resources
    • Soil Testing
    • Extension Publications
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    • Organic Gardening
    • Articles
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