These birds, unaffected by the toxin in pokeweed, eat the berries and disperse the seed as it passes through their systems.Įven when invasiveness is not a concern, its toxicity makes it potentially undesirable. It spreads rapidly via seed because of the impact of wild birds feeding on it. Pokeweed is invasive because it displaces native species when it grows outside of its natural area. It grows nearly everywhere disturbed ground exists, including roadsides. It may be found in pastures and fields, as well as open in thickets and open woods. Due to its adaptability, it is not only found in the wild but also in people’s backyards. The most important requirement of this plant is good drainage. It survives in full sun or partial light and average fertile soil, and it can also withstand moderate drought. Its distribution encompasses many USDA hardiness zones.Īlthough this plant flourishes on rich, uniformly wet soil, it is tolerant to a wide range of conditions. In addition to its native region, it can also be found on the West Coast and in New Mexico and Arizona. Pokeweed is most often associated with the southeastern United States, although it is native to the eastern half of North America (including the Midwest, and the South). California, but its presence in other western U.S. Poke salad, pokeberry, poke sallet, inkberry, Virginia poke (or simply poke), American nightshade, redweed, red ink plant, pigeonberry, and American spinach.Ĭurrently, pokeweed is on the invasive species list of only one U.S. The eastern half of North America, the Midwest, and the South Herbaceous perennial (some considered it a shrub because of its size) Pokeweed at a Glance Scientific (Botanical) Name Pokeweed is also known by other names like poke salad, pokeberry, poke sallet, inkberry, Virginia poke (or simply poke), American nightshade, redweed, red ink plant, pigeonberry, and American spinach. The plant is viable at the root level and comes back every spring. Winter only kills the above-ground growth. While this plant dies back to the ground after the first frost each year, it is a difficult weed to eradicate. Its young leaves and stems may be eaten after repeated blanching, but if not prepared properly it can cause a range of illnesses and even death in rare circumstances. In spite of serious safety concerns, people use this plant for swelling of the nose, throat, and chest, achy muscles and joints (rheumatism), skin infections, and various other conditions. Its berry is also used to make dye and ink in manufacturing. In foods, berry is used as wine coloring and as a red food coloring agent. The leaves, roots, and berries of pokeweed are used as medicine. It may be found in riparian areas, fence rows, oak forests, forest openings, forest borders, meadows, vineyards, parks, orchards, under power lines, cultivated fields, and ornamental landscapes. It is considered a pest species by farmers. Pokeweed is toxic to dogs, livestock, and humans thus it is wise to remove this weed if pets or children will be in the yard. Also in early summer, its huge size compared to other perennial weeds helps in its identification. It can be easily identified, specifically when its berries ripen to their distinguishing purple color in late summer. It also grows naturally in parts of Asia and Europe. Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) also known as American pokeweed, is an invasive, non-woody shrub that is native to the eastern half of North America, the Midwest, and the South, with more dispersed populations in the far West. Frequently Asked Questions About Pokeweed.
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