




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
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.





Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
4/5 · High
Snaps
177
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.
American pokeweed produces toxins that deter most animals from eating its leaves and roots, helping it survive.
Its berries provide a safe, tasty meal for many birds, who then help spread its seeds far and wide!
American pokeweed regrows quickly from its deep, thick taproot after being cut, making it very resilient.
Apis mellifera
Gathers nectar from its small flowers.

Turdus migratorius
Consumes its ripe berries and disperses seeds.
Manduca sexta
Feeds on pokeweed leaves, showing toxin tolerance.
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Poisonous organisms produce toxins that can cause harm when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through contact.
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
No aliases listed yet.
Danger
4/5 · High
Do not eat any part of the pokeweed plant, as it can be very harmful.
The easiest way to identify American pokeweed is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
100-300 cm
100-200 cm
0.5-1 cm
Summer-Fall
No
High
Perennial
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Jun 6, 2026
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May 31, 2026
Arrowmont School of Arts and CraftsPhoto attribution
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May 30, 2026
Bronson Park Historic DistrictPhoto attribution
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May 25, 2026
Spring Grove CemeteryPhoto attribution
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May 24, 2026
Compo–Owenoke Historic DistrictPhoto attribution
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