Pokeweed - Phytolacca americana (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Toxic)

Pokeweed

Also known as: Poke sallet, Poke salad, Dragonberries

Although its berries look juicy and tempting, the fruits and the root of pokeweed are toxic and should not be eaten. Pokeweed is considered a pest species by farmers but is nevertheless often grown as an ornamental plant. Its berries can be made into pokeberry ink as well.

Scientific classification

Species

Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

1 m to 3 m

Plant Height

90 cm to 1.5 m

Spread

Green, Purple, Yellow

Leaf Color

2 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

Black, Purple

Fruit Color

White, Green, Pink

Flower Color

Green, Red, White, Purple, Pink

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Pokeweed

Attributes of Pokeweed

Growth Rate

Pokeweed's rapid growth peaking in spring and summer results in a swift increase in height, profuse leaf production, and accelerated flowering. This growth pattern is observed as a response to the plant's active growing season, exhibiting horticulturally significant characteristics that enhance its botanical appeal.

Distribution of Pokeweed

Distribution Map

Pokeweed is native to North America, where it grows in open areas and edge habitats. It has been introduced throughout much of the world as an ornamental but can become problematic when it spreads outside of gardens; it is listed as invasive in California and several European countries.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Clearings, woodland margins, roadsides, disturbed areas, pastures, thickets

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Environmental Protection Value

A food source for a wide range of wildlife.

Economic Value

The entire plant can be used as pesticide.

Garden Use

Pokeweed is a tall, herbaceous shrub with bright red stems and deep purple berries. It grows in disturbed areas and can be problematic because of its weedy growth habit and toxicity. If one chooses to use this plant ornamentally, it can be used as a border plant.

Symbolism

Freedom, extreme cleansing, purging, banishing

Interesting Facts

The fruit of the pokeweed is very attractive. The fruit is a depressed sphere, like the shape of a pumpkin. When ripe, the fruit is purple and black, hanging in clusters. If squeezed, red juice will come out, which children often used to paint their nails. Pokeweed is often planted in gardens for its attractive fruits that can have a beautiful visual impact.

Name Story

American pokeweed: The plant carries the word "poke" in its name because poke originates from the word "pakon" or "puccoon", meaning "dye plant" in the Algonquian Indian language. This refers to a type of natural dye collected from the plant. However, as it originates from the United States, its common name is pokeweed. Phytolacca americana berries actually look like a cluster of purplish black grapes. Although the berries are poisonous, the red dye extracted from the berries is very beautiful.

Inkbush: In early autumn, the plant bears clusters of enticing grape-like berries that are small and round. When the berries mature, they create a flamboyant, juicy, purplish-black layer. As people tend to use its berries to create dye, it is thus called the Inkbush.

Pigeon berry: Although its berries look as delicious as grapes, they are poisonous to humans, cattle and sheep. Many animals suffer from dyskinesia or even death after eating them. Only birds (such as pigeons) can consume it to curb starvation without the worry of the poison at all. Hence, it is also named Pigeon berry.

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Toxicity

Ingestion of any part of pokeweed is toxic to humans, causing symptoms like gastrointestinal distress and severe reactions such as convulsions and respiratory failure. Cats and dogs are also poisoned by pokeweed, exhibiting symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. Immediate veterinary care is necessary for both to prevent severe health issues and ensure recovery. Accidental ingestion, especially in children, is common due to attractive berries.

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Weed Control

Considered a weed by farmers due to its toxicity even in its native range, pokeweed is a tall (up to 2.5 m) herbaceous perennial plant that is harmful to mammals, including humans, livestock, and pets. Pokeweed has also spread invasively outside of its native range. It is found and considered a weed in the American west coast, Europe and Asia. In all of these areas, it prefers open edge habitats such as forest edges, cleared areas, fence rows, damaged pastures, and wastelands. Despite its toxicity to mammals, the berries are a very important food source for American migratory birds.

How to Control It

The best season to manage pokeweed is early spring, particularly before the plant gets to the mature, seed-bearing phase. Here are some methods for organic removal or control of this plant:

Hand Pulling: On spotting pokeweed in your garden, wear gloves and pull it out directly from the ground by firmly holding the plant at its base. The best time for pulling out is after a rainfall, when the soil is loose, enhancing the chances of extracting the full root system, hence decreasing its chances of regrowth.
Smothering: To prevent pokeweed from getting sunlight and eventually killing it, cover the plant entirely with a thick layer of mulch or a tarp. This method may take some time but is highly effective in weed control.
Using a Weed Torch: This is an interesting yet effective method. You can use a weed torch to apply quick bursts of heat to pokeweed's foliage and stems without setting the plant on fire. This will cause the plant cells to burst, leading to the plant's death.
Mowing: Since pokeweed is a perennial plant and relies on seeds for propagation, regularly mowing the area can prevent the seeds from maturing and falling to the ground.
Digging Out: Using a shovel, you can dig out the entire plant. Make sure to dig around the main root to ensure no roots are left, as this can encourage regrowth.

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Quickly Identify Pokeweed

Robust perennial, heights of 4-10 feet (1.2-3 meters)

Purple stem, up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter

Large ovate leaves, up to 12 inches (30 cm) long

White flowers in 8-inch (20 cm) racemes

Clusters of dark purple-black berries, 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter

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Care Guide for Pokeweed

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Pokeweed thrives in moist, fertile soils and prefers consistent moisture, balancing drought tolerance with hydration needs. It requires weekly watering, especially during its active growing season, and is primarily grown outdoors to benefit from natural rain patterns.

Propagation: Propagate pokeweed in Spring through sowing, noting its moderate difficulty. Success is indicated by new growth and robust shoots. To improve outcomes, ensure consistent moisture post-sowing.

Repotting: Planting pokeweed in nutrient-rich soil within a pot effectively regulates the growth of its taproot, promoting healthy development and management of space.

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Images of Pokeweed

Attributes of Pokeweed

Distribution of Pokeweed

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Pokeweed

Care Guide for Pokeweed

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