Phytolacca americana

Pokeweed

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Common Name:

Pokeweed

Plant Type:

Perennial

Flower color:

White

Foliage color:

Green

Sun (From 0 to 5):

3

Water (From 0 to 5):

2

Maximum temperature:

30°C

Minimum temperature:

7°C

Maximum height:

305 cm

Maximum width:

185 cm

Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) - Description

American Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is a large semi-succulent herbaceous perennial plant growing up to 10 feet (3 meters) in height. It is native to eastern North America, the Midwest, and the Gulf Coast, with more scattered populations in the far West. It is also known as Virginia poke, American nightshade, cancer jalap, coakum, garget, inkberry, pigeon berry, pocan, pokeroot, pokeweed, pokeberry, redweed, scoke, red ink plant and chui xu shang lu (in Chinese medicine).

Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) - Blooming

Blooms white or pink flowers, cup-shaped and petalless, followed by spherical dark purple berriers.

Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) - Growth

Grows best in full sun or partial shade. Works well in a border or in a woodland garden.

Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) - Planting

Sow seed in early spring at 55-64°F (12-18°C). Divide perennials in summer.

Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) - Pest

Some problems include leaf spots and virus mosaic diseases.

Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) - Interesting facts

The berriers of P. americana are extremeley toxic and can be fatal. All parts of Phytolacca cause stomach upset when consumed. In addition, plants extrude sap that can aggravate the skin upon contact.