On Jul 31, 8:45 pm, helco wrote:

snip The main seeds I'm worried about are pokeweed and
nightshade. So -- will pokeweed and nightshade (and clover) seeds
continue to ripen if they're still very green when the plant is cut?

helco
mleblanca wrote:
Oh, I wouldn't take any chances with that pokeweed!!
Some how one made it to the berry stage in my yard and
the birds love them. They ate them of course, and I have
had a zillion little pokies a-pokin' up all summer.
Bag up those berries and get them outta there.Compost
the stems only.

Emilie

Thanks, Emilie. I don't know if I'll bother with all the snipping -- I
dug up at least 30 of the pokeweeds. I'll just send them along to the
community yard waste recycling center, where I hope the mass and heat
will finish them off.

Billy Rose wrote:
Anti-rheumatic, stimulant, anti-catarrhal, purgative, emetic,
alterative, resolvent, deobstruent, detergent, antisyphilitic,
antiscorbutic, cathartic.

CAUTION: DO NOT EAT THIS PLANT RAW OR INADEQUATELY COOKED. POKE ROOT
SHOULD BE BOILED BEFORE EATING AND THE WATER DRAINED OFF AND DISCARDED;
BOIL IT AGAIN IN FRESH WATER AND DRAIN OFF THE WATER AGAIN. IT MAY THEN
BE EATEN.

Poke Root has a wide range of uses. Used as a remedy for use in
infection of the upper respiratory tract, removing catarrh and aiding
the cleansing of the lymphatic glands. Also for catarrh, tonsillitis,
laryngitis, swollen glands, mumps. It will be found of value in
lymphatic problems elsewhere in the body and especially for mastitis,
where it can be used internally and as a poultice. Poke Root also has a
use in rheumatism, especially where it is long standing. Care must be
taken with this herb as in large dosage it is powerfully emetic and
purgative. Externally as a lotion or ointment it may be used to rid the
skin of scabies and other pests.

CAUTION: In large doses Poke Root is a powerful emetic and purgative.
Combinations : For lymphatic problems it may be used with Cleavers or
Blue Flag.

Safety:

CAUTION: In large doses Poke Root is a powerful emetic and purgative. Do
not exceed the dosages recommended.

THE SEEDS, WHICH ARE PRESENT IN THE BERRIES, ARE POISONOUS AND SHOULD
NOT BE EATEN.

http://www.holistic-online.com/Herba...Herbs/h284.htm

To quote Emilie, Oh, I wouldn't take any chances with that pokeweed.
Life is complicated enough as it is.

helco