Poke Salad

I am usually one that is game to try just about anything that is deemed edible. There are very few things that I won't try at least once. It has to be pretty disgusting before I decline on a taste test especially when it is a plant. I do draw the line on Pokeweed, though. The plant is poisonous! What are you people talking about?? There is a way of cooking it that is called Poke Salad..why "salad" when it is cooked, I do not know. (Anyone recall a song called "Poke Salad Annie"?) It is said that the leaves are edible if..and that is a BIG If..the leaves have not started turning the least bit red and..IF..you boil it three times and discard the water each time and starting anew with fresh water. Sounds "iffy" to me! The whole plant is poisonous enough to make you wish you had never tasted it. The most toxic part is said to be the roots and then it works its way up the stem and then to the leaves and finally the berries. Sounds like one bad plant to me! It can cause anything from severe stomach cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, convulsions and death. Wait! Death? And they have Poke Salad Festivals? I think I will refrain from trying this..I am not so sure Pokeweed is edible no matter how many times I boil it!

I do however keep a few in the garden just for appearance. They have a habit of coming up randomly wherever birds happen to drop the seeds and yes, birds do eat the berries. I just happen to like the looks of this odd plant. The stem is a very bright reddish purple and the berries are almost black making it quite the standout in the garden this time of year. Most of the other blooms in my Fall gardens are either purple or yellow/orange.

I was extremely happy today on a walk in the woods near the creek. I found another wild persimmon tree that was loaded with the bright orange fruit. They were just out of this short person's reach so I shall head back in the morning with a step stool to gather a nice colander full. It sort of surprises me that the raccoons or the 'possums have not already scavenged this tree, too. Perhaps this is tree is supposed to be "my" tree! Then again, by the time I get back there in the morning, it might be stripped bare. I will also meander over to my uncle's old place to see if his tree has any fruit left hanging on the branches. He is supposed to come for a visit soon so perhaps I can save a few for him!