Pokeweed.

De un vistazo

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Herbaceous perennial

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Up to 10 feet tall and 4 feet wide

Growth rate

fast

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 9

Bloom time

Summer

Cuidados

Pokeweed thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating a variety of conditions. It's a resilient plant that requires minimal care once established, though it can spread readily.

Watering

Water regularly when young; established plants are drought-tolerant.

Feeding

Generally does not require fertilization; can be fertilized lightly in spring if desired.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead growth and shape the plant.

Repotting

Rarely needs repotting due to its perennial nature; can be divided if overgrown.

Soil

Adaptable to most well-drained soils

Soil pH

5.5 to 7.0

Temperature

-23 to 32°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Drought tolerance

moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years

Deer and rabbits

moderate

Seguridad

People

Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Large doses can lead to more serious symptoms like convulsions and respiratory distress.

Pets

All parts of the pokeweed plant are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Children

This plant is highly toxic if ingested, and children are particularly at risk due to their smaller size. Keep children away from all parts of the plant, especially the berries.

Contact allergens

The sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

Pollen may cause respiratory irritation or allergic reactions in some people.

Edibility

All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the roots and seeds.

Cómo identificarla

• Large, upright, herbaceous perennial
• Deep green, alternate leaves
• Clusters of small, white flowers
• Dark purple to black berries
• Reddish stems, especially when mature

Height

1.8 to 3m

Spread

0.6 to 1.2m

Leaves

Green, deciduous

Flowers

White, 0.5 to 1cm

Fruit

Purple, Black, Late summer to fall

Problemas frecuentes

• Aphids — Small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap, causing distorted growth.
• Root rot — Fungal disease favored by poorly drained soils, leading to wilting and plant death.
• Leaf spot — Fungal or bacterial infections causing spots on leaves, often in humid conditions.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagation

Seed, Division

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Overwintering

In colder climates, the above-ground growth will die back in winter. Mulch the base of the plant to protect the root system. In milder climates, it may remain semi-evergreen.

In containers

Not well-suited for containers due to its large size and deep taproot; it prefers to grow in the ground.

Plant it in a sunny spot where its vigorous growth won't be hindered, and pair it with other sun-loving, relatively tough perennials.

Buenas compañeras

• Sunflowers — They share a similar preference for open, sunny locations and can tolerate a range of soil conditions.
• Coneflowers — These perennials also enjoy full sun and can help fill out the landscape around the more upright poke weed.
• Goldenrod — Goldenrods are excellent native companions that attract pollinators and thrive in similar sunny, open conditions.

Mantenla lejos de

• Shade-loving plants — Phytolacca americana requires full sun and will not thrive or may even be outcompeted in shady conditions.
• Plants requiring consistently moist soil — While it tolerates average moisture, it doesn't prefer constantly wet feet, which can lead to root rot.

Especies parecidas

• Pokeweed — Very similar in appearance and toxicity, often considered the same species or a closely related variety.
• Pokeweed — Another related species with similar characteristics, though typically found in different habitats.

Ciencia

Family

Phytolaccaceae

Genus

Phytolacca

Order

Caryophyllales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Eastern and central North America.

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

It thrives in disturbed soils, open woods, fields, and roadsides, often colonizing areas after the ground has been tilled or cleared.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, larval host plant, food source for birds

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds

Uses

ornamental, historical dye source

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

Is Phytolacca americana poisonous?

Yes, all parts of Phytolacca americana are toxic to humans and most animals, though birds can eat the berries.

Can I eat poke sallet?

While young shoots were historically eaten as 'poke sallet' after careful preparation, it is extremely risky and not recommended due to the high toxicity.

What are the symptoms of poisoning?

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, convulsions and respiratory issues.

Does it attract wildlife?

Yes, it's a valuable food source for many bird species and provides nectar for pollinators.

How do I get rid of it?

Due to its deep taproot, complete removal can be difficult; repeated cutting or digging is often necessary.

De dónde viene el nombre

The genus name 'Phytolacca' comes from Greek 'phyton' (plant) and Latin 'lacca' (lac, a red dye), referring to the red juice of the berries. The species name 'americana' simply indicates its origin.

Bueno saberlo

• Also known as poke sallet or poke weed.
• It's a very fast-growing perennial.
• Birds are generally unaffected by the toxins and eat the berries.
• The plant has a deep taproot that can be difficult to remove.