Pokeweed

(Phytolacca americana)

Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana L.)

Identification: Flowers white, with 5 petal-like sepals, petals absent. Center of flower occupied by a central squat, ovate structure. Flowers on long flower stalks along the stem (a raceme). Fruit purple-black, in elongate clusters on a reddish fruit stem. Stem reddish. Leaves large, ovate-elongate. Plant 4 to 10 feet in height.

Distribution: Minnesota in the west to Maine in the east, southward to Florida and Texas.

Habitat: Pokeweed is a large weed found in damp areas such as damp fields, along streams, rivulets, and ponds.

Flowering period: July to September.

Similar Species: The large size, distinctive flowers and berries, and weedy habitat will easily identify this species.