Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is a native perennial plant commonly found in the eastern United States. It thrives in disturbed soils, such as fields, roadsides, and forest edges. Known for its striking purple stems and berries, pokeweed has a deep history of use by Native Americans and early settlers for food, dye, and medicine—though all parts of the plant except the fully cooked young shoots are toxic. Interestingly, the berries are a favorite food of birds, which help spread the seeds. Despite its toxicity, pokeweed plays an important role in local ecosystems and is a recognizable part of North American flora.