Is it safe to eat vegetables that were grown next to Pokeweed??

Sue
by Sue

I just identified a weed in my vegetable garden as Pokeweed. I'm in the process of removing it, but I'm now wondering if I should remove the tomato plants that were growing next to it and that touched its leaves?


  12 answers
  • It is considered a poisonous plant, especially the berries. I would check with your local cooperative extension about your tomato plants.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jul 26, 2021

    This is a tough question, the references vary on whether it is toxic or not and get down to specific parts of this plant. I would defer to the knowledge of a master gardener, which brings up another point, what do they use as a reference on this plant?

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Jul 26, 2021

    Hello. For the best local professional advice I would highly suggest contacting your cooperative extension. These offices are manned by volunteer master gardeners on site there waiting to answer the communities questions that know your local situation quite well.

    Master gardeners are required to volunteer back designated hours ( plus continuing education) each year to maintain MG certification -this community outreach and education is their goal.It is common to have a professional paid extension agent on duty on site as well.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Jul 26, 2021

    All parts of the plant are toxic, so use care (and gloves) when removing it. I didn't find anything about it affecting nearby plants, but, check with your local agricultural extension department office for peace of mind. Good luck!

  • If it were me, I would rather be safe and would just remove the tomato plants growing close to it. More than likely you'd be ok, but why risk it.

  • Maura White Maura White on Jul 27, 2021

    If you cook the vegetables that were near it, it may be helpful. This article may also help. https://www.saveur.com/poke-sallet/

    My father-in-law at it raw on purpose one time and profusely regrets it. He was sick all night near the toilet. It WILL clean you out!!

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jul 27, 2021

    Unsure about whether or not your tomatoes are safe. However, this article might help you with removal:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/pokeweed/controlling-pokeberry-plants.htm

  • Tegma Tegma on Jul 27, 2021

    If you could post a picture of the vase, we would be able to better tell you what you could do with it. Size & shape makes a big difference as to what you can do. If you post a pic, please list the dimensions of the vase as pics can often be deceiving. There are some amazing people posting epic vases on You Tube.

    • 17335038 17335038 on Jul 27, 2021

      Tegma,

      Your response about the vase came through under the wrong question.

      To delete here:

      Click the three little grey dots in the upper right hand corner of the comment, then click Delete Comment.

  • Annie Annie on Jul 28, 2021

    Tomatos should be fine

  • I would call the cooperative extension to speak to a pro. I wouldn't want to mess with that.

  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 04, 2023

    Agree with Kim call your local extension service and ask. I personally don't care for growing food next to something toxic.