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
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
2.5鈥�4 metresTime to ultimate height
2鈥�5 yearsUltimate spread
1鈥�1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well鈥揹rainedpH
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鈥揻acing or West鈥揻acing or 贰补蝉迟鈥揻补肠颈苍驳
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Phytolaccaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
911爆料
911爆料 is the UK鈥檚 leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone鈥檚 life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.