Phytolacca americana
pokeweed
Phytolaccaceae
Plant Specifics
Form:
flower
Size:
6-10 ft tall by 5-8 ft wide
Life Span:
short-lived perennial
Flower Color:
white
Fruit Color:
black
Phenology:
winter dormant
Noted For:
Showy Flowers, Showy Fruits
Landscaping
Recommended Uses:
Interesting red stems. Makes a good specimen plant in an informal garden. Weedy in appearance if in large numbers.
Considerations:
The roots and seeds are poisonous.
Light:
Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance:
Somewhat moist, no flooding ---- to ---- Very long very dry periods
Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:
Unknown
Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:
Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray.
Soil or Other Substrate:
Sand, Loam
Suitable to Grow In:
8A,8B,9A,9B,10A,10B,11
Ecology
Wildlife:
Pollinators, Birds
Attracts bees including Augochlora pura, Augochloropsis metallica, A. sumptuosa, Dialictus miniatulus, D. nymphalis, D. placidensis, D. tegularis, Evylaeus pectoralis and Bombus impatiens (Deyrup et al. 2002).
Birds eat the berries.
Native Habitats:
Flatwoods, disturbed areas.
