How dangerous is pokeweed actually to humans? i heard it was. what does it look like?

Not very: Pokeweed contains two ingredients that may be toxic but it is also eaten as a food. The berries are used to make a red dye that has many uses. Interesting information can be found at http://en.Wikipedia.Org/wiki/phytolacca.

Toxic but OK boiled: Pokeweed is an interesting plant that can be toxic but also has potential medicinal uses.It irritates the GI tract but if the young leaves & stems are boiled properly the toxins are removed. It is used in folk medicine for cancer, rheumatism, dysentery, asthma & dermatitis. A good article with recipes and pictures is at http://varenya.Hubpages.Com/hub/the-pokeweed-beautiful-poisonous-and-useful.