Family: Phytolaccaceae
American pokeberry, pokeweed
Mitch Rosefelt
Michael Clayton
Etymology: Phytolacca: from Greek phyto, "plant," and Latin lacca, "crimson lake," because of the color in the berries
Plants: erect, perennial, 2'-9' tall, smooth forb branched toward the top
Leaves: stalked, lance-like to oval
Flowers: white to pinkish, 5-parted, 1/4" wide; inflorescence a 4"-8" spike-like cluster (raceme) of stalked flowers; blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: blue-black, juicy berry with smooth skin when ripe
Habitat: moderate moisture; woods, disturbed sites
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, perennial, 2'-9' tall, smooth forb branched toward the top
Leaves: stalked, lance-like to oval
Flowers: white to pinkish, 5-parted, 1/4" wide; inflorescence a 4"-8" spike-like cluster (raceme) of stalked flowers; blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: blue-black, juicy berry with smooth skin when ripe
Habitat: moderate moisture; woods, disturbed sites
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Native
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 1, Wetland Indicator = FAC- USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"
Michael Clayton
Emily J. Lain
Merel R. Black
Botanical Illustration
Merel R. Black
Mitch Rosefelt
Mitch Rosefelt
Emily J. Lain
Robert Bierman
Hugh H. Iltis
Michael Clayton
Botanical Illustration
Kurt Stüber
Botanical Illustration
Merel R. Black