Turns out that "this plant" is American pokeweed -- Phytolacca americana.  So back home I went and got on the computer,  I hit the favorite sites.  First of all, I highly encourage you to go to our Statewide UC IPM (Integrated Pest Management) site and check out Pest Notes publication 74173 - everything is there with good pictures of the whole growing cycle.

 

So, here is the CliffsNotes® version of the answers to my daughter's question. Yes, it is poisonous, so DO NOT EAT ANY PART OF IT.  The phytolaccatoxin is found in ALL parts of the plant, especially the roots.  The sap will cause a nasty rash if it comes in contact with the skin. It is a perennial weed native to the eastern half of North America, and it is considered invasive outside of its native habitat.  It grows best in disturbed soil.  I have noticed it popping up in our valley the last couple of years while out walking. Our soils have been disturbed by the recent changes in our agricultural patterns out here, along with the ongoing tending to the land.  It seems like the crops are in a constant state of care until the winter, when everything rests.

 

Pokeweed spreads with the help of our friends, the birds.  Amazingly, it is not toxic to them!  The birds do what birds do; they eat the berries, and the seeds pass through their system to be excreted as viable

seeds.  The berries also fall from the plant and do what seeds do, they wait for the next growing season.  Each mother plant can produce up to 7000 seeds. And here's another amazing fact, the seeds can remain 

viable in the soil for UP TO 40 YEARS!  Lastly, after the plant dies back in the fall, new plants can spring up from the root mass in the spring.

 

Now, to answer the question originally asked of me, "How do we get rid of it?" Well, this weed grows quickly and establishes a large root ball, so it is best to get it out at first ID by digging it up by hand and getting the root.

Dig out as much of the root ball as possible by digging 3-6 inches into the soil.  In one season, the plant can grow up to 10 feet in height and have stems 4 inches thick!  Organic herbicides do not travel to the root system, so

they will not kill the plant.  Commercial weed killers applied directly to the cut stem end, and root mass may be needed.  (Follow the recommendations in the Pest Notes.)  One can also cut off the berry stems before the berries form.

Because of the toxicity of the plant, use full protective practices to avoid skin exposure.  Bag and dispose of the cuttings in the REGULAR TRASH.  The phytolaccatoxin does NOT break down in the regular composting process. Lastly, DO NOT BURN the cuttings.  The toxin is released into the smoke and can cause SEVERE airway reactions in people and animals.

 

Again. I encourage you to go to the Pokeweed Pest Note.  I hope that this weed doesn't spring up in your garden, but if it does, get rid of it ASAP!