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.

Plant guide

Pokeweed.

Phytolacca americana

Pronounced fai-toh-LAY-kuh uh-MAIR-ih-kuh

Also known as American Pokeweed, Common Pokeweed, Inkberry, Pigeo, Poke, Pigeonberry, Poke, Pokeberry, Pokeroot

Pokeweed is a large, herbaceous perennial known for its striking appearance, featuring deep green leaves, clusters of white flowers, and dark purple berries. It's a fast-growing plant often found in disturbed areas, fields, and roadsides.

At a glance

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

Care

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

Safety

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.

How to identify it

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

Common problems

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.

Growing it

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.

Seed

Collect seeds from ripe berries in late summer or fall.
Remove seeds from the fleshy pulp and rinse them.
Sow seeds in a pot or directly in the ground in the fall or early spring.
Provide consistent moisture and a sunny location for germination.

Root Cuttings

In early spring, carefully dig up the plant and divide the thick taproot.
Cut sections of the root, ensuring each piece is a few inches long.
Plant the root cuttings horizontally or vertically in moist, well-draining soil.
Keep the soil consistently moist until new growth appears.

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

Grows well with

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.

Keep away from

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.

Similar species

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.

Science

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

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 7/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

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.

Where the name comes from

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.

Good to know

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.

Is your pokeweed looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.