American Pokeweed
Scientific Name: Phytolacca americana
Plant Family: Phytolaccaceae
Native Region: North America (Eastern and Southern United States)
Brief Description
A large, herbaceous perennial known for its magenta-red stems, large lanceolate leaves, and drooping clusters of dark purple berries. It can grow quite tall, taking on a shrub-like appearance.
Care Instructions
Generally treated as a weed, but if cultivated, it requires full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It is very hardy and requires little to no maintenance once established.
Medicinal Value
We do not currently provide medicinal value for plant identifications.
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours per day)
Watering
Moderate watering needs; prefers moist soil but is remarkably drought-tolerant once mature. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves.
Soil
Moist, loamy, fertile soil; pH 5.5 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Hardiness Zone
4 - 11
Growth Habit
Perennial herb; upright and branching growth. Can reach 6-10 feet in height with a similar spread. Very fast growth rate.
Bloom Season
Early summer to fall. Produces small white or greenish-pink flowers on long racemes, followed by purple-black berries.
Toxicity
High. All parts, especially the roots and mature berries/leaves, contain phytolaccatoxin. Toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and livestock. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.
Propagation
Primarily by seed, which are often spread by birds. Can also be grown from root cuttings.
Common Pests & Issues
Leaf spot and mosaic virus. Resistant to most pests due to its toxicity, though some moth larvae feed on it.
Similar Species
Look-alike for Elderberry (Sambucus), but Pokeweed leaves are simple (not compound) and the stems are herbaceous and reddish, whereas Elderberry stems are woody.
Interesting Facts
The juice of the dark berries was used to write letters during the American Civil War. The plant's name comes from the Powhatan word 'pocan' meaning 'red dye'.
Created At: 2026-05-07T20:04:57.607343