Pokeweed – Phytolacca americana
Print
EmailPhytolacca americana
L.Phytolaccaceae (Pokeweed family)
MI Status
Native
Life cycle
Erect, branched tap rooted perennial.
Leaves
Alternate, hairless, broadly oval, lance- to egg-shaped with smooth to slightly wavy leaf margins.
Stems
Smooth, succulent, herbaceous, predominantly reddish and branched multiple times without a central stem, reaching up to 9 feet in height.
Flowers and fruit
Greenish white to pink flowers yield erect to nodding, hanging clusters of conspicuous, deep purple to black berries when mature. Berries are poisonous, and berry juice will easily stain.
Reproduction
Seeds. Often dispersed by birds.
Other Documents in this Series
You Might Also Be Interested In
-
Celebrating 100 years of Michigan State University Extension in Alcona County
Published on October 19, 2017
-
Seed Production Guide Curriculum for Malawi - A Farmer Field School Approach
Published on April 1, 2018
-
MSU Extension Farm Stress Program partners to connect farmers with mental health services
Published on April 14, 2020
-
Action Learning: Teaching Others to Engage with Learners
Published on April 1, 2018
-
Your farm and the Families First Act
Published on April 16, 2020
-
When flooding hits, MSU Extension is here to help
Published on April 17, 2026
Accessibility Questions:
For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.