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American Pokeweed

Phytolacca Americana

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Overview

Phytolacca americana, or Pokeweed, is a vibrant, herbaceous perennial growing 6-10 ft tall. It features pink stems, elongated green leaves, and striking grape-like clusters of dark purple berries in late summer. Caution is advised as all plant parts, especially roots and unripe berries, are toxic. Thrives in USDA zones 4-8, prefers full sun to part shade, and tolerates a variety of soils. Adds bold color but requires careful placement and management.

Sun Full, HalfWater MediumZones 2–11Type PerennialClimate Subtropical
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — Caution is advised as all plant parts, especially roots and unripe berries, are toxic
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — and striking grape-like clusters of dark purple berries in late summerAmerican Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — Phytolacca americana, or Pokeweed, is a vibrant, herbaceous perennial growing 6-10 ft tallAmerican Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — often reaching heights of up to 7 to 10 feet with a similar spreadAmerican Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — The berries are a magnet for birdsAmerican Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — With its striking seasonal changes and dynamic structureAmerican Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — Phytolacca americana can play a pivotal role in a native or wildlife-friendly garden design+36

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Medium
USDA zones
2–11

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Perennial
Family
Phytolaccaceae
Climate
Subtropical

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Photos (43)

American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — Caution is advised as all plant parts, especially roots and unripe berries, are toxic
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — and striking grape-like clusters of dark purple berries in late summer
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — Phytolacca americana, or Pokeweed, is a vibrant, herbaceous perennial growing 6-10 ft tall
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — often reaching heights of up to 7 to 10 feet with a similar spread
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — The berries are a magnet for birds
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — With its striking seasonal changes and dynamic structure
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — Phytolacca americana can play a pivotal role in a native or wildlife-friendly garden design
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — Thrives in USDA zones 4-8, prefers full sun to part shade, and tolerates a variety of soils
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — providing a valuable food source
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — white flowers in the garden
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the eastern United States
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — This species is notable for its impressive stature
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — perennial for full or half
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — white flowers which transition into deep purple to almost black berries
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — which can inject a bold statement into any landscape design
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — while beneficial to wildlife
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — Adds bold color but requires careful placement and management
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — which can grow up to 10 inches in length
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — green backdrop to your design.<br><br>Come late summer to fall
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — It prefers a well-draining soil but can adapt to a variety of soil conditions
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — perennial with white blooms
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — Phytolacca americana, or Pokeweed, is a vibrant, herbaceous perennial growing 6-10 ft tall; thrives in USDA zones
American Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) — keep in mind it thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9 and favors full sun to partial shade
Phytolacca Americana
Photographs by 10 contributors

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