Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Poke \Poke\, n. (Bot.)
   A large North American herb of the genus {Phytolacca} ({P.
   decandra}), bearing dark purple juicy berries; -- called also
   {garget}, {pigeon berry}, {pocan}, and {pokeweed}. The root
   and berries have emetic and purgative properties, and are
   used in medicine. The young shoots are sometimes eaten as a
   substitute for asparagus, and the berries are said to be used
   in Europe to color wine.