Pokeweed. A lot of people are asking about that particular plant this year.

Yes, there are certain plants that get attention when they either bloom or set berries. It won't be long and there will questions about Hearts a'Bustin (Euonymus americana).

This is definitely Pokeweed, Phytolacca americana. It is a native plant with a carrot-like tap root. Not necessarily a woodland plant, but it is obviously getting enough sun to do it's thing.

Thanks a bunch!!!

very young pokeweed's considered a 'salad green' around here, but by may, it's gone from astringent to toxic, I think. the berries release a serious magenta stain that can be boiled down for a permanent dye (I think salt keeps it pink, and maybe ammonia turns it more burgundy/purple?)

http://www.pioneerthinking.com/naturaldyes.html

it makes for great food for the bluebirds. I was going to irradicate it from the edge of my woods until I saw the bluebirds freasting on it. Now I leave some for them every fall.

I think I've seen these blooming in ditches and road-sides here lately....I've seen a lot of bicyclists pulled over eating/collected the berries, too. I assume it's the same plant.

Josh