Need help identufying a plant (growing, front yard, spring, weed)

[johnsalazar]

Hello, this has been growing in my front yard for two summers last year it was about 3' tall this year its over 7' tall.

My wife says its a weed, I don't want to believe that can anyone help?

it seems to be a perennial as it completely dried out over the winter

thanks
john

file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/John/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg (broken link)

[Hollytree]

Could be common pokeweed especially if those racemes of berries turn purple.

[Towhee]

Yes, I agree. I am almost certain is is pokeweed, Phytolacca americana. Do a Google on it.

[johnsalazar]

its not terribly ugly and I read it attracts birds should I leave it or get rid of it?

thanks both for your help.

[Mary Ann789]

I have one and I like it. Many parts of it are poisonous to people. Pokeweed poisoning: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Some people make poke salad with young parts of plant, early in the spring when the poison I guess isn't too strong. I don't have enough guts to try that.

[North Beach Person]

It's pokeweed as others have said. The berries make for interesting leavings on your car after transitting a bird's digestive system.

[Elke Mariotti]

I agree, it's pokeweed. It's in my garden as well, and I found that if you don't keep it in check, with the help of the birds it'll be all over your garden
BTW, once the berries turn purple, many florists use it as filler for large (tall) bouquets - that's how I first discovered what it was

[andthentherewere3]

Pokeweed can be very hard to pull out after it's established roots. I battle it every year in my gardens.

[Towhee]

Around here it is only a problem in cleared areas, and it dies out when crowded and shaded. I have no problem with it. If it gets where I don't want it, and if the roots have got too deep to pull, I cut it down a few times and it gives up. The young greens are used for food here. They are boiled with bacon grease, similar to cooking spinach. Some say to pour out the first cooking water, others do not....The plant is said to be poisonous when older, but I know people who skin the stalks and cook them. Also the berries are said to be poisonous, but I know people who used to eat them and they are still here....with no ill effects. Of course, it pays to be cautious. Personally, I would rather eat lambs quarters.

[no kudzu]

anything cooked with bacon grease tastes good...................