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American pokeweed
Scientific Name: Phytolacca americana var. rigida
Family: Phytolaccaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)
American pokeweed, also known simply as pokeweed, is a herbaceous perennial plant found throughout North America.
Considerations for Pets
- All parts of the pokeweed plant contain saponins and oxalates.
- Pokeweed poisoning can occur if pieces of the plant are ingested.
Considerations for Children
- Pokeweed poisoning can occur if pieces of the plant are ingested.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Phytolacca americana L.
- Family: Phytolaccaceae (Pokeweed Family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Synonyms: Phytolacca decandra L.
- Common Names: Pokeweed, Great pokeweed, Pokeberry, Red ink plant, Pigeonberry, Poke salet, Common pokeweed, Red stem pokeweed, Inkberry, Pokeroot, American nightshade, American spinach, Garnet, Poke, Skoke, Crowberry, Jalap, Cancer-root, Pocan or Cokan.
Distribution and Habitat
- American pokeweed is indigenous to eastern North America.
- It can be found in fields, along fences, damp woods, meadows, edges of woods, and waste areas.
- It's also reported to grow in wet or sandy areas.
- It has been introduced to regions outside its native range, like the Southeastern United States where it is native.
Ecological Role
- In some regions, American pokeweed is considered invasive.
- It has been noted to disrupt the migration patterns of certain bird species.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Pokeweed is a large, bushy, herbaceous perennial plant.
- It can grow up to 8-10 feet (approximately 3 meters) in height.
- The stems are smooth, round, and hairless, with colors ranging from light green to brilliant red.
- It is described as a semi-succulent plant with large leaves.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The berries are a food source for various birds, including American Robins, Northern Mockingbirds, Mourning Doves, Gray Catbirds, Eastern Bluebirds, Brown Thrashers, American Crows, Cardinals, and Starlings.
Quirky Facts
- The name "poke" is derived from an adaptation of the American name.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden: A community sharing tips and ideas for gardens, seeds, and plants.
- WebMD: Patient medical information for pokeweed.
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society): Provides information on Phytolacca americana.
- Native American Seed: A source to discover and buy American Pokeweed.
- Peterson’s Guide to Wild Edibles for Eastern/Central North America