pokeweed

this is phytolacca americana, of the phytolaccaceae family.


this plant has a vibrant red stalk once the flowers have turned completely to berries (which are black). you will notice that the stem is progressing from white to pink in the above picture. there is a period of time where the this plant stands out quite nicely against the late summer green in the forest. locally, these plants also tend to appear singly and are quite spread out.