American pokeweed
Phytolacca americana
The dark purple juice of its berries was used as writing ink during the American Civil War and historically as a dye for textiles and wine.
- Scientific name
- Phytolacca americana
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Caryophyllales › Phytolaccaceae › Phytolacca
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Forest edges, clearings, pastures, disturbed soils, and urban waste grounds.
- Diet
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
- Range
- North America, Europe, East Asia
- Size
- 1.5 to 3 meters (5 to 10 feet) tall
- Lifespan
- Perennial (rootstock can live for decades)
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Mowing, agricultural clearing, and herbicide application.
- Safe to approach?
- All parts of this plant, especially the roots, leaves, and mature berries, are highly toxic to humans and pets. Do not ingest. Wear gloves if handling to avoid potential contact dermatitis. If ingested, contact Poison Control or seek immediate medical attention.
Phytolacca americana , the American pokeweed or simply pokeweed , is a herbaceous perennial plant in the pokeweed family Phytolaccaceae growing up to 8 feet (2 meters) in height. It is native to the eastern United States and has significant toxicity.
Photo: John Tann, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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