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American pokeweed
Scientific Name: Phytolacca americana var. americana
Family: Phytolaccaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
American Pokeweed
American pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), also known simply as pokeweed, is a herbaceous perennial plant with a strong presence in North American landscapes. It's a plant with a rich history and interesting characteristics, but it's important to be aware of certain considerations.
Considerations for Pets
- All parts of this perennial contain saponins and oxalates which cause severe gastrointestinal irritation.
- Excessive salivation, vomiting, and inappetance/refusal of food could result from ingestion.
Considerations for Children
- Pokeweed poisoning occurs when someone eats pieces of this plant.
- The plant produces berries that may be attractive to children.
Scientific Classification
- Scientific Name: Phytolacca americana L.
- Family: Phytolaccaceae (Pokeweed Family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Status: Accepted
- Synonyms: Phytolacca decandra L.
- Alternative Scientific Name: Phytolacca decandra
Common Names
- American Pokeweed
- Great Pokeweed
- Pokeweed
- Pokeberry
- Red Ink Plant
- Pigeonberry
- Poke Salet
- Garnet
- Pigeon Berry
- American Nightshade
- American Spinach
- Inkberry
- Pokeroot
- Bear's Grape
- Raisin d'Amérique
- Skoke
- Crowberry
- Jalap
- Cancer-root
- Pocan
- Cokan
- Red Stem Pokeweed
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to eastern North America.
- Found in disturbed areas, fallow fields, fields, along fences, and in damp woods.
- Also grows in wastelands, meadows, edges of woods and waste areas in the southwestern United States.
- Has been introduced to other regions. Pokeweed was brought to certain regions from the southeastern United States.
Ecological Role
- Considered invasive in some regions.
- Potentially disrupts the migration patterns of certain bird species.
Morphological Characteristics
- Herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 8-10 feet (approximately 3 metres) in height.
- Large leaves.
- Stems are smooth, round, and hairless, varying from light green to brilliant red.
- Shiny purple berries are produced.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Berries are a food source for various bird species, including American Robins, Northern Mockingbirds, Mourning Doves, Gray Catbirds, Eastern Bluebirds, American Crows, Cardinals and Starlings.
Quirky Facts
- The name "pokeweed" is an adaptation of the American Indian name for the plant, "poke."
- Historically, Native Americans used parts of the pokeberry for medicinal purposes.
- The berries have been used as a source of red ink.
Additional Information
- USDA hardiness zones: 4-8.
- Further information can be found on the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) website.
- More information can be found on WebMD.