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American pokeweed

Phytolacca americana

American pokeweed is a tall plant with big green leaves and purple berries. It grows in sunny areas and can be found in gardens and fields. Be careful, though, as the berries can be harmful if eaten!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The American pokeweed is a tall, stout plant with large, oval green leaves and sturdy, often reddish stems. Its small white-to-greenish flowers mature into distinctive drooping clusters of shiny, dark purple-black berries.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyPhytolaccaceaeGenusPhytolacca
American pokeweed
deciduous trait badgefruit_bearing trait badgemedicinal trait badgecolorful trait badge
American pokeweed

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

4/5 · High

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Its vibrant purple berries were once used to make ink and dye for fabric!

The name "pokeweed" comes from an Algonquin word meaning "blood," for its red berry juice.

Though poisonous to humans, many birds can safely eat its berries without getting sick!

Young pokeweed shoots are sometimes cooked, but only after boiling repeatedly to remove toxins.

Special abilities

Ability

Toxic Shield

American pokeweed produces toxins that deter most animals from eating its leaves and roots, helping it survive.

Ability

Seed-Spreading Feast

Its berries provide a safe, tasty meal for many birds, who then help spread its seeds far and wide!

Ability

Regrowth Power

American pokeweed regrows quickly from its deep, thick taproot after being cut, making it very resilient.

Measurements & details

Height
100-300 cm
Spread
100-200 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Summer-Fall
Edible
No
Toxicity
High
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Gathers nectar from its small flowers.

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Consumes its ripe berries and disperses seeds.

eats

Tobacco hornworm

Manduca sexta

Feeds on pokeweed leaves, showing toxin tolerance.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

4/5 · High

Do not eat any part of the pokeweed plant, as it can be very harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is American pokeweed?

100-300 cm

How wide does American pokeweed spread?

100-200 cm

How big are the flowers on American pokeweed?

0.5-1 cm

When does American pokeweed bloom?

Summer-Fall

Is American pokeweed edible?

No

Is American pokeweed toxic?

High

What is American pokeweed's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is American pokeweed pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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