This is a marvelous plant. It blooms all summer in the poorest soil, even in the cracks of sidewalks; it closes when bad weather is coming, apparently in response to the change in atmospheric pressure; and it rescues French aristocrats from the guillotine.
In 1844, supporters of James K. Polk for president wore sprigs of poke on their lapels. It was a pun, you see. He won, so the plant bears some responsibility for the Mexican War. The plant is also known as inkberry, because the flowers are succeeded by black berries whose juice stains absolutely anything, and can indeed be made into a serviceable ink.
The distinctive arch of the stem marks this as a member of the borage or forget-me-not family. Virginia bluebells bloom in late April and early May in open woodlands and shady moist areas; these grew near the Trillium Trail in Fox Chapel.
In May these sky-blue flowers light up open woodlands in the stream valleys. These grew near the Trillium Trail in Fox Chapel.
In spring these charming little flowers pop up in open woodlands and shady areas. These grew near the Trillium Trail in Fox Chapel.
