So I apparently have a little Pokeweed problem. Being fully ignorant of the native plants of my yard (and of those planted by a previous owner), I have just allowed everything that looks somewhat unique grow to the heavens. I periodically go out and inspect, but not knowing what anything is, I've left most alone. Luckily I have a few bus pals who are knowledgeable, but that isn't always helpful when one cannot even describe what's growing. At any rate, I consulted my Audubon Society Field Guide to the Southeastern States and have learned that the giant beanstalk in my front ditch is Pokeweed (info from UofA with links to recipes!).
As you can see, the pokeweed (on the left) is overgrowing the canna (on the right). My guess is that I am supposed to chop down the pokeweed. I mean, it's a weed, right? But I do like the way it looks and the stalk is so big like it really is a beanstalk (you know, the kind you can climb). So does anyone out there have an opinion about it? Does it look awful? Will it eventually scare away the mailperson? Is it the safehouse for millions of chiggers? Does it matter because it will die by itself in the winter? These are the questions I need to answer.
As you can see, the pokeweed (on the left) is overgrowing the canna (on the right). My guess is that I am supposed to chop down the pokeweed. I mean, it's a weed, right? But I do like the way it looks and the stalk is so big like it really is a beanstalk (you know, the kind you can climb). So does anyone out there have an opinion about it? Does it look awful? Will it eventually scare away the mailperson? Is it the safehouse for millions of chiggers? Does it matter because it will die by itself in the winter? These are the questions I need to answer.
Pokeweed - nice flower or evil growth? Canna Lilly -- nice flower or .... ok, nice flower
Any advice will be greatly appreciated. But I'm inclined to keep the pokeweed. If for no other reason that this..... note: turn up volume and stand to dance.
"Poke Salad Annie" by Elvis Presley
Any weed with a song and a hipshake is good in my book.
Any weed with a song and a hipshake is good in my book.
I mentioned before that Edie is in one of her spells. All the cat websites say not to yell at her about it or make her feel bad (understandable, right... I know at least the same is said for PMS). Yet I am getting the feeling that she is starting to use it as an excuse to get away with all kinds of evil behavior (understandable, right... I know at least the same is said for PMS). For instance this morning, trying to be the dutiful wife, I swept the kitchen. Edie following me around groaning which sounded like, "yes I know you want to sweep up that pile now, but I want to lay in it and I'm in heat so I should be able to do whatever I want and weh weh weh." Since she can't read, I'm just going to type it.. BEE-AUTCH. You may think I'm being mean, but I've been holding her and petting her and saying lovely things about how it will all be alright soon.
I think it's time for early afternoon nap.
I think it's time for early afternoon nap.
5 comments:
You can cook poke weed. It is a tasty green. You just need a little bit of bacon grease and voila. Tasty treat.
Char
you definately don't eat the berries. they can make you sick... they do make a nice purpleish/pink dye or ink though. I used to make it whenever I'd find some ripe.
The young greens are best.
There are some medicinal uses, but I'm not going to list them here. My books recomend profesional supervision when using medicinally.
I second (or third) the eating of the pokeweed and the not eating of the berries. You can do the bacon grease thing (or ham) or if there are vegetarians about, just use olive oil and onions. Yum.
I forgot to mention in my earlier comment that the definition of "weed" is unwanted plant. So, if you want to keep it, it's not a weed.
Christina, I agree. I kind of like it right now. Not sure I will eat it. But I do plan to let it grow.
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