Skip to main content

PLEASE NOTE:
"Poisonous" does not mean deadly. Some manifestations of toxicity are subtle. The dose, as always, determines if a plant is safe source of nutrients or a toxic hazard.

Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions

Simple keyword search (one or two words only)

 


BRIEF: Are pokeberries poisonous when injested by a child in small amount?


QUESTION:
If poke berries are ingested in a very small quanity by a small child is there a reason for concern? They weigh about 20 lb.each. When questioned they both said they didn't like the berries so they spit them out. And is pokeweed the same plant as what produces pokeberries and also picked and ate for greens in the spring or early summer.

ANSWER:

I think they should be fine are are far less likely to poison themselves in the future than kids without a similar negative experience. Yes pokeweed produces pokeberries and is picked for the greens, but ripe cooked berries don't seem to be as harmful as raw ones and the greens are boiled and drained at least twice before eaten. Otherwise people get pretty ill.