Chinese Pokeweed

Phytolacca polyandra has the more memorable English name of Chinese pokeweed. It produces white or pale pink flowers which slowly turn magenta-pink as the little fruits develop a glossy, dark purple. Although a welcome addition to the later summer border, the fruits are toxic, though birdlife seems unaffected, the droppings of which spread the plants about.

Beautiful flowers which turn to toxic fruit, a reminder, methinks, of the harpy of Proverbs 5:

For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.

Beware of pretty things that turn to poison; sin might bestow pleasure in the planning but there is only pain in the execution.