Phytolacca americana
Phytolacca americana pokeweed
This large-leaved, weedy, branching perennial grows up to 3 m in moist forest openings and along roadsides. It is easy to spot when in fruit by its long, drooping berry clusters of dark purple. Otherwise, it is easy to identify by its stout, coarse, reddish stem. Many parts of this plant are poisonous, especially berries.
Habitat & Range
Edges of woodlands, fields, meadows and roadsides.
Present throughout the state.
Wetland codes
| EMP: | FACU |
|---|---|
| NCNE: | FACU |
Phenology
Flowers/fruits June to October.
Characteristics
Flowers greenish-white in long racemes, racemes droop when fruiting.
Fruit juicy berries of dark purple on drooping racemes.
Plant Codes
S-rank: No rank
G-rank: G5 (Secure)
Phytolacca americana pokeweed
Inflorescence
Early fruits
In the rain
Leaves and fruits
Plant form & habitat
Leaf and stem
Flowers
Fruit
Fruits upclose
Plant form & habitat
After flowering
Fruits and flowers
Common Names
pokeweed
American pokeweed
