Pokeweed
© Susan Billetdeaux
Phytolacca americana
Family: Phytolaccaceae (Pokeweed Family)
Pokeweed prefers moist woodlands. It is also commonly found along roadsides. It grows from a thick taproot. The small white flowers are followed by dark purple berries. A fast grower, the broad green leaves and bright red stalks make the plant easy to identify. Plants happily sprawl on surrounding plants.
Caution: Almost all parts of pokeweed are poisonous when raw and can be fatal to humans. Although the fresh young shoots and berries are used in recipes, they must be carefully prepared.
- Scientific Name: Phytolacca americana
- Common Names: American Pokeweed, Great Pokeweed, Pokeweed, Pokeberry, Red Ink Plant, Pigeonberry
- Family: Phytolaccaceae (Pokeweed Family)
- Growth Habit: Perennial
- Height: Can reach 20 feet. Usually much shorter, around 5 feet.
- Leaves: Large spade-shaped
- Flowers: White
- Bloom Time: July through October
- Wildlife Benefits: Birds relish the berries.
