Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Mark Hutchinson, Hernando Chapter, FNPS
Photo by: Mark Hutchinson, Hernando Chapter, FNPS
Photo by: Mark Hutchinson, Hernando Chapter, FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

pokeweed

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Phytolacca americana

Family:

Phytolaccaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

flower

Size:

6-10 ft tall by 5-8 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

white

Fruit Color:

black

Phenology:

winter dormant

Noted For:

Showy Flowers, Showy Fruits

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Interesting red stems. Makes a good specimen plant in an informal garden. Weedy in appearance if in large numbers.

Considerations:

The roots and seeds are poisonous.

Availability:

Seed

Propagation:

Once you have one, others will follow from seed. It can also be transplanted from root stock.

Light:

Full Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Somewhat moist, no flooding ---to--- Very long very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray.

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Loam

Soil pH:

Suitable to Grow In:

8A,8B,9A,9B,10A,10B,11

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators, Birds

Attracts bees including  Augochlora pura, Augochloropsis metallica, A. sumptuosa, Dialictus miniatulus, D. nymphalis, D. placidensis, D. tegularis, Evylaeus pectoralis and Bombus impatiens (Deyrup et al. 2002).

Birds eat the berries.

Native Habitats:

Flatwoods, disturbed areas.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

Young foliage is eaten, and some people plant seed just to get the young foliage. But beware, older foliage and the roots and seed are poisonous. Beware, unless boiled with multiple water changes, even the young leaves could be poisonous. These greens have been called poke sallet, an old English term for cooked greens--not "poke salad."
Native Americans used the bright crimson juice to stain feathers, arrow shafts, and garments, and to decorate their horses.
The United States Declaration of Independence was written in pokeberry juice.

General Comments:

Interesting red stems. Makes a good specimen plant in an informal garden. Weedy in appearance if in large numbers and stems tend to split when branches get too heavy or in high winds.