I must comment on the most recent Flora column regarding the pokeweed plant. I really enjoy reading these columns, although most of the time I am totally clueless on the plant being discussed. Most of the plants discussed are omnipresent, but unfortunately go unnoticed by the masses except for the most discerning biology disciples.
However, when it comes to the poke plant, it is on my radar, yet hardly one I would ever call a favorite. It was pointed out to me early in my 20s by a man of the earth who could have written a book on edible plants. He told me then that the early leaves were edible; but later in the summer and early fall, when the plant was thick, tall and red, it was poisonous. The problem for me was that, even in the early days of the plant, it is bitter compared to the other readily available plants at the farmers’ market, and I have not been able to force myself to eat it. But I found it most interesting that the writer says that it is his favorite. I was happy that he pointed out that it is poisonous. I was under the impression that it is poisonous only in the later stages of the summer. I never noticed its flowers, so thanks for pointing them out. I have had over six-feet-tall poke plants in my yard. Thank you for all your Flora articles. It is a great educational service to our community.
Debbie Nichols
Chapel Hill