Poke Root

(Phytolacca americana)

Phytolacca americana — American Pokeweed, Poke Root, or Inkberry — is one of the most powerful, dramatic, and botanically distinctive native plants of eastern North America. A large, fast-growing perennial of the family Phytolaccaceae, pokeweed is native to the eastern United States, from Maine south to Florida and west to the Great Plains, where it grows as a bold, striking plant reaching 6–10 feet in height, with thick magenta-red stems, large dark green leaves, and long racemes of small white flowers followed by deep purple-black berries that were historically used as ink — giving rise to the name “Inkberry.” Phytolacca americana has a long and well-documented history of use in the traditional botanical practices of numerous Indigenous peoples of eastern North America, including the Cherokee, Iroquois, and many others, and it was one of the most widely discussed botanicals in 19th-century American eclectic medicine. The root — the most potent part of the plant — has been used in traditional herbal preparations for generations. Pokeweed is also a beloved plant of American folk culture, celebrated in song, folklore, and the culinary tradition of “poke sallet” (young spring shoots, carefully prepared).

⚠️ Important: Please read all safety information below before purchasing or using this product.

The root contains a distinctive and potent array of phytochemicals including phytolaccine (a toxic alkaloid), phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccigenin (triterpene saponins — the primary toxic compounds), jaligonic acid, esculentic acid, phytolaccoside saponins, lectins (pokeweed mitogens — PAP, PAP-II, PAP-S), betacyanins (betanin, isobetanin — the pigments responsible for the deep red-purple color), tannins, resin, and formic acid. Available in Cut & Sifted and Powder forms.

Product Highlights

• Cut & sifted and powdered root of Phytolacca americana — Poke Root / American Pokeweed / Inkberry
• A powerful and historically significant botanical in Indigenous North American and 19th-century American eclectic herbal tradition
• Native to eastern North America — a bold, striking plant of forest edges, roadsides, and disturbed soils
• Contains phytolaccatoxin, phytolaccigenin, pokeweed mitogens, and betacyanin pigments
• Historically used as an ink source — the deep purple berry juice was used as writing ink in colonial America
• For use by experienced herbalists only — see safety information below
• Available in Cut & Sifted and Powder forms

How to Use

Poke root is a potent botanical with a long tradition of use in very small amounts in tincture preparations under the guidance of experienced herbal practitioners. For external use only unless working under the direct supervision of a qualified and experienced healthcare provider or clinical herbalist.

Tincture (External): Used in very small amounts in traditional topical preparations. Herbal Blends: Historically combined with other lymphatic botanicals in traditional eclectic formulas — for use by experienced practitioners only.

Available in Cut & Sifted (4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz) and Powder (4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz).

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

⚠️ Critical Safety Information: Phytolacca americana (Pokeweed) is a toxic plant. All parts of the plant — root, berries, leaves, and stems — contain toxic compounds including phytolaccatoxin and pokeweed mitogens. The root is the most toxic part. Ingestion can cause severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, and in serious cases, respiratory depression and death. Do NOT use internally without the direct supervision of a qualified and experienced healthcare provider or clinical herbalist. Do NOT use during pregnancy or nursing — pokeweed is a known uterine stimulant and is contraindicated in pregnancy. Do NOT use in children. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Wear gloves when handling the root. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control immediately (1-800-222-1222 in the US).