Wild ForageCaution

Poke shoots (poke sallet)

Phytolacca americana

Also called: poke sallet, pokeweed

Traditional Appalachian spring green. Toxic unless harvested at exactly the right stage and prepared correctly.

Poke shoots (poke sallet): Whole plant — Whole plantPhoto: Lynn Harper · CC0 · source

Poke shoots (poke sallet): Root or base — Root or basePhoto: Photo by David J. Stang · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

Confirm EVERY point before you eat it

Young shoot emerging in spring from a large taproot, still fully green
Stem is smooth, thick and still green (no red or purple tint)
Smooth, lance-shaped leaves alternate along the stem
Last year's dried, purplish stalks with berry stems stand nearby

0 of 4 confirmed. If any point does not match, it is not this plant.

Warnings

Mature plants, red-tinted stems, roots and berries are toxic. Never eat them, and do not let children eat the berries even though birds do. The root is the most toxic part.
Boil in at least two changes of water, discarding the water each time.
Not recommended for children, pregnant people, or anyone trying it for the first time without an experienced guide.

In season

Only young shoots, picked before any red or purple color shows on the stem.

Habitat

Disturbed ground, fence lines, field edges, clearings.

Parts used

young shoots only

Preparation and use

Parboil, drain, rinse, boil again in fresh water, then fry or simmer like greens.

Harvest note

Wear gloves when handling mature plants.

Backpack Guide: Poke Sallet (Pokeweed Spring Shoots) — Traditional Appalachian Prep →

Educational reference only. Never eat a wild plant or mushroom based on a website or app. Confirm with an experienced forager, your local extension office, or a mycological club. Poison Control (US): 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 for severe symptoms.