Phytolacca americana
American pokeweed
An upright herbaceous perennial with oval or lance-shaped mid-green leaves, tinged with purple in autumn. White-pink flowers appear in racemes from mid-summer to early autumn, followed by crimson-black berries in autumn
Other common names
American nightshadecancer jalap
see morechon grass
coakum
cokan
crimson-berry plant
crowberry
dyer's grapes
garget
inkberry
pigeon berry
poke
poke root
poke salad
pokeberry
pokeweed
red ink plant
red weed
scoke
skoke
Virginian poke
Virginian pokeweed
Synonyms
Phytolacca decandra
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red | Pink White | Green | |
| Autumn | Pink White | Green Purple | Black Purple | |
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Phytolaccaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Harmful to pets if eaten (dogs) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Phytolacca are herbaceous perennials, shrubs or trees, with simple leaves, small flowers in erect or drooping spike-like racemes are followed by glossy, fleshy fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any fertile moist soil in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to virus diseases
Get involved
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