The small, white to greenish flowers hang in long drooping, grape-like clusters. Pokeweed commonly grows on recently cleared land, in open wood, barnyards, pastures, fence rows, and roadsides. They have apparently thrived in damp, cool places in the spring and summer. The berries are toxic . The greens are parboiled as a pot herb in parts of the country in which it is indigenous.
Some unproved uses are to treat chronic arthritis and constipation.
The berries contain a concentrated crimson juice that has been used as an ink, food coloring, and dye. The roots and berries have been used to treat inflammation and skin diseases. Pokeweed is a source of several chemical compounds used in cancer research. Some side effects are decreased heart rate, diarrhea, nausea, skin eruptions, and vomiting. This is a native American plant and had many medicinal uses among the Indians.