Pokeweed / Phytolacca decandra
Artist
Elizabeth (Bessie) Murray Tyler
(American, 1892 - 1980)
CultureAmerican
Dateca. 1934
MediumWatercolor and graphite
DimensionsOverall: 9 x 7 in. (22.9 x 17.8 cm)
Overall, Mat: 19 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. (48.9 x 36.2 cm)
Overall, Mat: 19 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. (48.9 x 36.2 cm)
SignedSigned lower right; dated July 15.
InscribedIt is a most familiar plant during autumn. The early shoots are much used as food and are boiled and eaten. They should be thoroughly cooked and not cut too close to the root because they will produce a serious result. An ointment made from the pokeweed is used in treatment of ringworm and rheumatism. Children like to make red ink from the berries. During the campaign of President Polk the leaves of the plant were worn by his admirers. Common from May to October. It ranges from Canada to the Gulf States. [edited transcription]
Credit LineMuseum collection
Object number41.45.92
Not on view
DescriptionPart of the Tidewater Wildflowers series, done as a WPA Project. Watercolor depicting Pokeweed.Label TextPokeweed / Phytolacca decandra, ca. 1934 Watercolor and graphite It is a most familiar plant during autumn. The early shoots are much used as food and are boiled and eaten. They should be thoroughly cooked and not cut too close to the root because they will produce a serious result. An ointment made from the pokeweed is used in treatment of ringworm and rheumatism. Children like to make red ink from the berries. During the campaign of President Polk the leaves of the plant were worn by his admirers. Common from May to October. It ranges from Canada to the Gulf States. Museum collection 41.45.92 Exhibition History"Tidewater Wildflowers: Watercolors by Bessie Tyler," Willoughby-Baylor House, Norfolk, VA, April 16, 2015 - March 6, 2016.
