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
-
Protecting Michigan’s environment and wildlife through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Published on September 1, 2021
-
How to support children after one year of virtual learning
Published on March 17, 2021
-
MSU named Top 10 agriculture and forestry college in new report
Published on March 23, 2021
-
Is an internship right for you?
Published on July 6, 2022
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.