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Keeping the pokeweed

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Though we pull and poison such invasive weeds as poison ivy and greenbrier, the lowly pokeweed has found a place in our gardens. Its gently arching red stems and dark green foliage add interest to the borders of our yard. Pokeweed’s white blossoms are attractive, just like the pendulous berry clusters that attract many birds. Robins and mockingbirds are especially attracted to the pokeweed berries.
We take precautions when handling the pokeweed since it contains toxins. The grandchildren know to leave it alone. The birds, however, are immune to the toxins.

Eve Deibel
Denver | EnergyUnited

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