Pokeweed / Chàkinkwèm / Pahkaan

The plump, dark berries that cover Chàkinkwèm in late Summer and Fall are beautiful and also extremely toxic. Yet, Indigenous communities have learned how to be in relationship with these plants.

From New York to Florida, the Haudenosaunee, Lenape, Rappahannock, Cherokee, and Seminole tribes have all recognized Chàkinkwèm for its medicinal properties and developed treatments to soothe arthritis aches and pains. The Lenape have also roasted the roots and made them into an ointment to treat chronic sores. And the Rappahannock have made an infusion with the roots and applied it to the skin to treat poison ivy.

The Pawnee have mashed the berries into a stain that has been used to paint horses, jewelry, and regalia. Inspired by this artistry, the BBG community painted with Chàkinkwèm ink and other native plant inks in a Native Roots Farm Foundation (NRFF) led workshop at Making Brooklyn Bloom this Spring. 

Learn more about the other native plants on “The Place Where Plants Grow - Enta Sakink Epëmawsiwikil” by clicking here and returning to the plant list.