Pokeweed

Habitat:

Roadside verge

Notes:

Berries, when ripe can be used to create an ink which is reasonably long lasting. It makes an interesting fall lesson for science classes (carrying over into social studies and language arts), especially if it is possible to find a suitable feather from which you (teacher) or student can prepare as a quill. The strained liquid will last longer in a jar if a little bit of preservative (acetic acid, vinegar) is added.