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Phytolacca americana

Image of Phytolacca americana

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Phytolaccaceae

Botanical Name

Phytolacca americana

Plant Common Name

American Pokeweed, Inkberry, Pokeberry

General Description

An immense perennial found in disturbed habitats and moist woodlands throughout most of the United States and southeastern Canada, pokeweed is occasionally grown as an ornamental, culinary, or medicinal plant.

Arising from a large conical taproot, the majestic, fleshy, purple-flushed stems of this hardy perennial are furnished with large, lance-shaped to oval leaves, which turn burgundy tones in fall. Erect spires of small, greenish-white to purplish-pink flowers appear in summer, with creamy-white berries following. The flower clusters droop as the pulpy berries ripen to black-purple. Mourning doves and other birds consume the fruits, disseminating the seeds of this common and often prolific garden weed.

This tough, adaptable perennial grows most lushly in moist, fertile soil in full to partial sun. Its imposing aspect and colorful berries suit it for large, naturalistic plantings where its weedy nature will not cause problems.

This plant poses possible health issues: see http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.info?p_psn=12&p_type=all&p_sci=sci&p_x=px .

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    4 - 9

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    4'-15' / 1.2m - 4.6m

  • Width

    4'-12' / 1.2m - 3.7m

  • Bloom Time

    Summer, Late Summer

  • Native To

    United States, Canada

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Very Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    White, Green, Light Pink

  • Fruit Color

    Purple, Ivory

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Burgundy

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Coarse

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Wildflower

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes