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Questions and Answers: 2015

Question: I found a specimen of pokeweed in our vegetable garden. It was over seven feet tall before I found out …

• Question

  I found a specimen of pokeweed in our vegetable garden. It was over seven feet tall before I found out what it was and learned that it is toxic. My husband and I removed it. We were shocked to see how large the tap root was, as big around as a man's arm, more than four feet long, and the feeder roots went all through the vegetable bed. Most were as big around as a broom handle. My question: (Finally) Is the soil now contaminated from the toxic substances in the root system? Should we remove it?

  Answer

  Dear RoseMcDonald, the toxicity of wild plants is almost always exaggerated. This plant is poisonous if consumed in sufficient amounts, but please be aware that it is a well known and often eaten edible plant, especially in the southeastern United States (it is gathered as a spring green and the young shoots/leaves are eaten). Your soil is not contaminated with toxic substances. You can remove it or not (depending on your preferences). I find the plant quite beautiful and enjoy eating the early season greens (but it may not fit in with your plantings and plant uses). I hope this is helpful and wish you the best.