American pokeweed
Family
PhytolaccaceaeScientific Name
Phytolacca americana
Other Common Names:
common pokeweed
inkberry
pigeonberry
pokeberry
pokeweed
Habit
This branching perennial herb grows in an erect stance, and can reach heights of 10 ft. The plant can be found flowering from mid summer through late fall. Once in the ground, the seeds can remain viable for up to 40 years before germination occurs.
Leaves
The cotyledons of seedlings are egg-shaped with purple tips. The cotyledons often have a reddish tint to the underside, and also around the petioles. The leaves of a mature plant are alternate and petiolated. These egg-shaped leaves are hairless, and grow from 3.5 to 12 inches in length.
Identifying Characteristics
Common pokeweed contains saponic glycosides, a compound that causes the division of white blood cells. The roots contain most of this chemical, making it the most dangerous part of the plant. The berries, however, contain no poisons, and are often eaten by birds.
Flower Seed Head
Flowers occur on long, slender racemes at the top of the plant. Individual flowers have 5 white or pink tinged sepals that grow up to 6 mm across.
Seed Fruit
The fruit of the common pokeweed are small, green berries that turn dark purple or black when ripe. These small berries contain a dark red juice that can be used as a temporary dye. The seeds are flattened, round, and glossy black.
Where Found
This plant can be found growing in open areas, fence rows, pastures, and along roadsides.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
pencil
Dominant Flower Color
white
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
round,
oval
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
Varies:
entire,
wavy
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
taproot
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb