Pokeweed, ripe berries . . . (Phytolacca americana)  A native of North America.

Pokeweed is a beautiful and common native of Northeast America.
The deep purple berries (poisonous) slowly descend on
their red stalk as they mature during the latter months of summer,
changing from horizontal to vertical (as shown above). During
the 19th century, Pokeberry juice was collected and used as both a dye
and writing ink. Civil war soldiers are said to haver written their
letters home using a quill pen with the striking color of pokeberry ink.
Walt Whitman, who towards the end of the war served as a nurse
and helped wounded soldiers of both sides of the conflict compose
their letters, must surely have been familiar with this plant and the
ink made from it. Something to ponder on paths and trails as
late summer gives way to the chill of fall.

| compare with flowers & unripe berries of July Pokeweed |

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(Photographs were made Sunday, the 11th of September 2005)