Phytolacca americana, Pokeweed, September 2007 Plant of the Month

Plant of the Month, September 2007

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Phytolacca americana

Alternate species and cultivars:

Phytolacca americana (shown)

Phytolacca acinosa (PB-18)

Phytolacca polyandra (also in the Perennial Border)

Extra notes and interesting information:

The seeds within the berries are highly toxic. Pokeweek poisonings were common in North America during the 19^th century.

Poke berries make a beautiful short-term purple dye.

Propagate from seed ; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse.

May be a noxious weed or invasive.

A patent has been filed to use poke toxins to control zebra mussels.

There is evidence of some anti-cancer effects of the plant.

References:

www.wikipedia.com
www.davesgarden.com

Common Name: Pokeweed

Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Phytolaccaceae
Height/Spread: 8-10 feet

Leaves: alternate with coarse texture with moderate porosity. They can reach 9” in length. Leaves are medium green and smooth.

Flowers: 5 regular parts with upright stamens and are up to 2-inches wide.
Bloom Time: Blooms first appear in early summer and continue into early fall.

Fruit: A shiny dark purple berry. Berries are pomes, round with a flat indented top and bottom. Berries are green, turning white and then blackish purple.
Growing Conditions:

Full sun or sun to partial shade.
Diseases/pests: Fungal spotting on leaves, leaf burn from desiccating winds.

Natural Range: Found in most of the United State except the Mountain States, Alaska and Hawaii.

Hardiness: USDA zones 6a – 10b
Location: Perennial Border (PB-15)

In partnership with the City of Bellevue

Phone:
Bellevue Botanical Garden, 425.452.2750
Bellevue Botanical Garden Society, 425.451.3755

Mail:
Bellevue Botanical Garden
12001 Main Street
Bellevue, WA 98005

Bellevue Botanical Garden Society
PO Box 40536
Bellevue WA 98015-4536

Bellevue Botanical Garden Society awarded
2005 Citation of Merit for an Organization
Presented by the Washington Recreation and Park Association

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