Indian Poke (Phytolacca acinosa)

Family: Phytolaccaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Phytolacca acinosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - they must be cooked, and are then used as a spinach. Only the young leaves should be used since the leaves become toxic with age. The young shoots are used as an asparagus substitute. They have an excellent flavour. Root - cooked. — Leaves - they must be cooked, and are then used as a spinach.; Only the young leaves should be used since the leaves become toxic with age.; The young shoots are used as an asparagus substitute.; They have an excellent flavour.

Habitat & North American Range

Valleys, hillsides, forest understories, forest margins and roadsides at elevations of 500 - 3400 metres. It is also found in cultivated land houses, moist fertile lands and as a weed. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)