A coarse smooth perennial from 3 to 10 feet tall that is branched above. The leaves from 4-12" long are alternate, entire, lance-oblong to ovate on stalks from 0.4 to 2" long. The flowers are 0.25" wide and without petals, but have 5 greenish sepals and 5-30 stamens. Fruits are purple and juicy. Bloom time May-September and found in fields, fence rows and disturbed areas. The young leaves are eaten as a spring green, after cooking with 2 changes of water. American Indians used berry tea for rheumatism, arthritis and dysentery. The older leaves, stems, roots and seeds are poisonous.
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Yum!!! Not many people eat this any more, but it was pretty popular in rural America, especially when times were rough.
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