Phytolacca americana

SUMMARY

Sometimes referred to as Pokeberry, this fascinating native plant can look like a young tree sapling reaching heights up to 10′ tall! Clusters of small white flowers develop into black berries that are an important late-season food source for local wildlife. An enthusiastic grower (some might say, aggressive) pokeweed can be cut down only to reappear and spread further to form a dense shrub-like stand. Adaptable to a variety of growing conditions, it is often found in areas with soil disturbance or along fence rows.

DETAILS

Other Common Names: Pokeberry, Pokeweed, Bear’s Grape, Pidgeon Berry, Poke Sallet, Virginia Poke, Inkweed, Skoke

Family: Phytolaccaceae

USDA Zones: 4 – 8

Life Cycle: Herbaceous Perennial

Height: 4.00′ – 10.00′

Spread: 3.00′ – 5.00′

Sun: Full Sun – Part Sun

Soil: Low, Rich, Disturbed Soil, Well-Drained

Moisture: Medium

Bloom Time: July – September

Bloom Color: White

Uses: Naturalize, Back of the Border, Fence-row

Native Range: BONAP Map

Native Range Color Key: Dk. Green = Present in State and Native, Lt. Green= Present and Not Rare, Yellow = Present and Rare, Gold = Not Present in State, Teal = Present and Exotic, Cross-Hatched = Questionable Presence

NOTEWORTHY CHARACTERISTICS

Spreads enthusiastically; may overwhelm small landscapes
Produces large fleshy taproot 4″ – 6″ in diameter and can be over 12″ long
Long bloom time; flowers and fruit produced simultaneously on same plant
Green berries form July-September; berries ripen to black August-October
Seeds viable in soil 40-50 years
Moderately deer resistant
Black Walnut juglone tolerant
Toxic to humans, pets, and livestock if consumed

FAUNAL ASSOCIATIONS

Host plant for : Giant Leopard Moths
Nectar plant for: Hummingbirds, Bees, Flies
Berries for 15+ Species of Song Birds: Wood Thrushes, Cardinals, Catbirds, Bluebirds, Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Pileated Woodpeckers, etc
Seeds important winter diet for Mourning Doves
Food source for mammals: Deer, Opossums, Raccoons, Foxes, Bears, Coyotes, Mice, Squirrels

PESTS/DISEASES

Relatively disease and pest free. Occasionally affected by Mosaic Virus.

PLEASE NOTE: Like all native plants, Pokeweed is an important food source for many creatures. Some years they may be more affected by insects than others. However, these insects provide essential food for birds and other wildlife as part of a balanced, intricate food web. Instead of reaching for pesticides at the first sign of leaf damage, consider grabbing your magnifying glass or binoculars and observe what visitors are frequenting your amazing native plant!

A Word Of Caution

It is argued by some that one must wear gloves when handling any part of Pokeweed. However, there is generally no harm in physically touching the leaves or berries (consuming them is the problem!). That said, different people have different skin sensitivities. When handling any plant it is important to be cautious until you know how it will affect you personally.

Some people collect very young early spring leaves. These are boiled in multiple batches of water to try and minimize toxicity. The dish is called Poke Sallet (or Poke Salad). Please do not consume plants that you are not intimately acquainted with. Improperly prepared, this dish could have harmful side affects.

A CLOSER LOOK

The ideal habitat: Low lying sunny area where soil is disturbed every few years by spring flooding.

April 26, 2020 – Early spring leaves appear above ground. Heavy frosts caused the tips/edges to become papery thin and discolored. However, the massive taproot underground enables this hardy plant to rebound with ease.

Large leaves can be 7″-14″ long and 4″-7″ wide. Alternating along the stem, they are smooth and taper at both ends. We’ve observed plants with the largest leaves in areas that receive a lot of shade.

Strong succulent stems stand upright around 4.00′ – 10.00′ tall. They are smooth, round, and green in the spring. As the seasons progress, the stems slowly mature to bold pink hues.

*July 3, 2020 – Flowers form in clusters from mid-summer to autumn.*

August 18, 2020 – Green berries have developed where flowers used to be.

It is not uncommon to find flowers, unripe green berries and mature black colored berries on the same plant.

Mid-Late September leaves put on a showy autumn display. Some years flocks of birds may quickly strip berries from the plant. Other years, they may use them as a food source later in the season.

Crushed berries can be used to make dye. BERRIES ARE TOXIC- DO NOT EAT THEM! One pokeweed plant can produce 1,500-1,700 glossy black seeds annually.

DID YOU KNOW?

It is rumored that the berries from Phytolacca americana were used to make the ink that the Declaration of Independence was signed with. In reality, that important document was created with iron gall ink. However, some sources suggest the early drafts may have been penned with pokeberry ink.

COMPANION PLANTS

In order to provide the maximum benefit to pollinators, it is best to plan for a succession of blooms. This ensures that as one species fades, another begins to blossom. In this way, a constant source of nectar and pollen is provided from spring through fall. The following natives enjoy similar growing conditions to Phytolacca americana: