New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx in Bronx County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Pokeberry
Phytolacca americana
"We have been using this plant for hundreds of years. We use the leaves to make a salve to cure rheumatism. The berries themselves are used to make pink or purple dyes. Many animals and birds eat the berries, but the berries, roots, leaves, and stems are all toxic to humans. This doesn't prevent some people from ingesting the tender spring leaves, though They pick the young leaves and then boil them at least two times to remove any toxins. The greens are then made into a traditional spring dish called "poke sallet."
Chenae Bullock (Shinnecock Nation Citizen)
Erected by New York Botanical Garden.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Horticulture & Forestry • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Science & Medicine.
Location. 40° 51.713′ N, 73° 52.556′ W. Marker is in Bronx, New York, in Bronx County. It is in New York Botanical Garden. It is on Bridge Trail west of Waterfall Trail, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 81 Bridge Trail, Bronx
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Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Oak (a few steps from this marker); Blueberry (within shouting distance of this marker); Old-Growth Forests: Pit and Mound Formations (within shouting distance of this marker); Thain Family Forest (within shouting distance of this marker); Common Spicebush (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Forest Conservation (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Thain Family Forest (about 300 feet away); Bronx River - Waterfall Overlook (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bronx.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 69 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 10, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
