pokeweed

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pokeweed

Phytolacca americana

Weed Characteristics

Other Names: inkberry, pigeonberry, pokeberry, common pokeweed, phytolaque d'Amerique, American pokeweed, poke, Virginia poke

Leaf Type: Broadleaf

Flowers: White, pink, green

Leaves: Ovate leaves with smooth edges; no hair

Life Cycle: Perennial

Large, egg-shaped leaves are smooth and shiny. New growth and stems are reddish. Fruits are purple and berry-like, arranged in clusters on long, arching stems. Large fleshy taproot. Can grow up to 10 ft tall. All parts are toxic. Dried plants often stand all winter.