Pokeweed Phytolacca americana
ABOUT
Commonly known as American pokeweed, this plant is characterized by its upright stems that are often pink or red at the bases. Its large, smooth leaves are simple and alternate, with pointed tips and entire margins, which means the edges of the leaves are smooth, without any notches or lobes. The foliage can sometimes display a reddish hue as the seasons change. American pokeweed flowers in elongated clusters known as racemes. These flowers are small, with five white to greenish or pink petals. They typically bloom in the summer, creating a delicate contrast with the robust foliage. After flowering, the plant develops berries that hang in clusters that resemble grapes but are not edible and are toxic to humans. The berries start out green and turn to a dark purple or almost black as they ripen. Each berry contains numerous small seeds. The roots of American pokeweed are large and fleshy but are also toxic and should be handled with care. As the plant matures, the stems can become quite thick and woody. The overall appearance of American pokeweed is of a robust and tall plant with striking features that attract both birds, which feed on the berries, and gardeners, who might appreciate its striking aesthetic, but always with caution due to its toxic nature.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Phytolaccaceae.
Synonyms
American Pokeweed, Poke Sallet, Poke Salad, Pokeweed, Pokeberry, Inkberry, Pigeon Berry, Scoke, Red Ink Plant, Garget, Chui Xu Shang Lu.
Common names
Phytolacca decandra, Phytolacca americana var. rigida, Phytolacca americana var. mexicana, Phytolacca americana var. arborea, Phytolacca rigida, Phytolacca icosandra, Phytolacca decandra var. quercifolia, Phytolacca octandra.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Phytolacca americana is pokeweed. Pokeweed is toxic to humans, and all parts of the plant, especially the roots, seeds, and unripe berries, contain poisonous substances including saponins and oxalates. If ingested, pokeweed can cause a variety of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and seizures. Severe poisoning can be fatal.
To pets
Pokeweed is also toxic to pets. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to symptoms similar to those in humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and weakness. Pets might also show signs of uncoordinated movement or convulsions. Consumption of pokeweed by pets can result in serious illness or be potentially fatal, and immediate veterinary care is recommended if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4-10 feet (1.2-3 meters)
Spread
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Wildlife Habitat: Phytolacca americana, commonly known as American pokeweed, provides shelter and habitat for various wildlife species, including birds and insects.
- Food Source for Birds: The berries of American pokeweed are a source of food for many bird species, particularly during fall migration.
- Dye Production: The rich, deep purple juice from the berries of American pokeweed has traditionally been used as a natural dye for fabrics and textiles.
- Traditional Uses: The young shoots and leaves of the plant have historically been consumed as a cooked green vegetable, called "poke sallet," after proper preparation to remove toxic substances.
- Ornamental Plant: With its striking berries and large stature, American pokeweed can be used as an ornamental plant in gardens, although care must be taken due to its toxic nature and potential to spread.
- Erosion Control: The extensive root system of American pokeweed can help in controlling soil erosion.
- Cultural Significance: American pokeweed has been a part of folklore and music, symbolizing aspects of American culture and rural life.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Phytolacca americana has been used historically to reduce inflammation.
- Analgesic: The plant has been used to relieve pain in various conditions.
- Immunomodulatory: It has been suggested to have effects on the immune system, possibly modulating immune responses.
- Lymphatic: Traditionally used to stimulate lymphatic system function.
- Antirheumatic: Used historically to treat symptoms of rheumatism.
- Antiviral: Some compounds in the plant are researched for potential antiviral properties.
- Emetic: It can induce vomiting to expel ingested toxins.
- Purgative: Used in traditional medicine to promote bowel movements and relieve constipation.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ink Production: The juice of Phytolacca americana berries was historically used as a red ink or dye.
- Folk Music Instrument: The large, hollow stems of Phytolacca americana can be crafted into temporary flutes or whistles.
- Animal Feed: The leaves (when cooked) may be used as fodder for livestock, though care must be taken due to potential toxicity.
- Ornamental Plant: Some gardeners value Phytolacca americana for its clusters of dark purple berries and reddish stems, using it as an ornamental plant.
- Weighting Agent: The roots contain a heavy substance that was reportedly used historically as a weighting agent for wines.
- Coloring Agent: The berries provide a natural coloring agent for food products, although their use is not widely endorsed due to potential health risks.
- Photography: Before modern photographic inks, Phytolacca americana berry juice was sometimes used as a photographic dye for monochrome photographs.
- Teaching Tool: Some educators use the plant's distinct features to teach botanical concepts such as plant anatomy and the lifecycle of berries.
- Environmental Indicator: The presence of Phytolacca americana can indicate disturbed soils, as it often thrives in these conditions.
- Craft Projects: The berries can be used for natural crafting dyes by those interested in traditional or eco-friendly art practices.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe American pokeweed is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe American pokeweed is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purification - Phytolacca americana, commonly known as the American pokeweed, is often associated with cleansing and purifying properties, perhaps because parts of the plant have been used for medicinal purposes to ostensibly detoxify the body.
- Protection - The American pokeweed is sometimes carried or placed around the home with the belief that it can ward off negative energies or spirits.
- Change - Due to its vigorous growth and ability to appear and proliferate rapidly, pokeweed can symbolize transformation and change.
- Determination - As a plant that can thrive in harsh conditions and return year after year, pokeweed can represent perseverance and resilience.
- Hidden Dangers - Because the American pokeweed is toxic if consumed improperly, it can be symbolic of hidden dangers or the dual nature of things that can be both beneficial and harmful.
WaterThe American pokeweed should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering may need to be increased during prolonged dry spells to maintain consistent soil moisture. Typically, applying 2 gallons of water per plant should be sufficient to reach the root zone. During the growing season, in hot and dry conditions, the amount may need to be increased. It's important to allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
LightAmerican pokeweed thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers a spot that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some shade, too much shade may hinder its growth. The ideal location is one where morning sun can dry dew from the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
TemperatureAmerican pokeweed is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 0 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal growth range is between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. While it can handle occasional spikes above this range, prolonged exposure to extremes can be stressful to the plant.
PruningAmerican pokeweed should be pruned to control its size and to remove any dead or diseased stems. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This plant can become quite large, so annual pruning may be necessary to maintain its shape. Removing spent flower stalks after the berries have dispersed can help prevent excessive self-seeding.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAmerican Pokeweed thrives best in well-draining soil with a pH range from 6.0 to 7.5. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand can provide the necessary nutrients and drainage. Always ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter.
RepottingAmerican Pokeweed typically does not require frequent repotting. It should be repotted when it outgrows its current container, which for a fast-growing plant could be every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingAmerican Pokeweed is quite adaptable to humidity levels and does not have specific requirements in this regard, therefore average room humidity should be sufficient for its growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with ample space to grow.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade in fertile, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cyclePhytolacca americana, commonly known as American pokeweed, begins its life cycle as a seed, often dispersed by birds who eat the berries of the plant. These seeds germinate in the spring, given adequate moisture and light conditions, emerging as seedlings with simple, ovate leaves. As the plant grows, it develops a large taproot and a robust herbaceous stem that can become woody over time, reaching up to 10 feet in height in favorable conditions. Throughout the summer, American pokeweed produces racemes of small white flowers, which are pollinated by insects and develop into dark purple-to-black berries by late summer to fall. These berries contain seeds that will perpetuate the next generation of pokeweed. In the winter, the above-ground part of the plant dies back, but the taproot can survive to resprout the following spring, completing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is through its seeds. Optimal timing for sowing pokeweed seeds is in the fall, right after maturity, or in the following spring after stratification. To propagate by seeds, collect ripe berries in late summer to fall and remove the seeds from the pulp. Because pokeweed seeds have a hard coat, they require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy; this can be achieved by planting the seeds directly in the ground in the fall or by simulating winter conditions by keeping the seeds in moist sand within a plastic bag in the refrigerator for approximately 3 to 4 months. After stratification, plant the seeds about half an inch deep (about 1.3 centimeters) in well-drained soil and in a location with full to partial sunlight. The seeds will germinate in the spring as temperatures rise.