I've heard it said that the berries were used by native Americans as a fish poison... can anyone confirm that? Also, does anyone know to what extent the rather startling variegated form, 'Silberstein', comes true from seed? A few weeks ago I found another variegated form, with cream sectorial variegation, rather than the speckling of 'Silberstein'. It remains to be seen if its proves stable... I think this may be my first posting on this list, although I've been following the fascinating exchanges for some time. I'm a British garden writer now spending much of my time in PA. Graham Rice PA zone 5/6 GrahamRice.com > >In a message dated 8/15/2005 11:33:17 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, >jimmckenney@starpower.net writes: > >I have a friend who used to invite friends in each spring to try his boiled >pokeweed. There are those who say it's as good as asparagus. > > >The site I read said it needed to be boiled twice before it can be safely >eaten. >Jim's remarks about his childhood and pokeweed reminded me that we used to >gather the berries in a jar and let them make "ink" too. I always have some >pokeweed coming up here someplace or another. It can be a rather handsome >plant. >Bill Lee >_______________________________________________ >pbs mailing list >pbs@lists.ibiblio.org >http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/list.php