pocan

2 definitions found

pocan - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Pocan \Po"can\, n. (Bot.)
     The poke (Phytolacca decandra); -- called also pocan bush
     .
     [1913 Webster]

  Poke \Poke\, n. (Bot.)
     A large North American herb of the genus Phytolacca
     (Phytolacca decandra), bearing dark purple juicy berries;
     -- called also garget, pigeon berry, pocan, and
     pokeweed. The root and berries have emetic and purgative
     properties, and are used in medicine. The young shoots are
     sometimes eaten as a substitute for asparagus, and the
     berries are said to be used in Europe to color wine.
     [1913 Webster]