Pokeweed
Phytolacca americana
Plant Description
Unpleasant-scented green foliage, coarse red or purple tinged stems; flowers are erect to drooping raceme lacking petals, large fleshy crown and taproot.
Plant Details
| Life Forms | |
|---|---|
| Habitats | |
| ODA Listing | |
| Soil and Moisture Conditions | |
| Suggested Actions | |
| Shade Preference | |
| Mature Height | 6-10' |
| Distribution | native to Eastern US. Found in west coast states. |
| Control | Manual or mechanical control should ensure removal of taproot and fleshy crown. Pulling is only useful with small plants. Large plants can be dug up when soil is moist. For chemical control, follow all label directions. Consult an expert for advice. |
| Disposal Methods | Bag and seal ripe berries and dispose in landfill. |
| Reproduction and Spread | Reproduces by seeds (1500-7000 seeds/plant/year). New populations are spread by birds. |
| Introduced | Native to eastern US |
| Look Alikes | Knotweed and elderberry |
| Impact | Toxic to humans, livestock and wildlife when ingested raw or improperly prepare; can form dense stands if not managed. |
| More Info |
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