![]() So, vacant or abandoned land, powerline cuts, roadside ditches will generally all grow pokeweed as long as there is enough moisture present. Pokeweed seeds will germinate best in disturbed soil. Invading every continent except Antarctica, it has a tremendous ability to self-seed. Sources Īlthough it’s native range is large, Pokeweed has also become invasive around the world. From Texas to Florida, North to Maine/Quebec, and then West to Wisconsin, Nebraska, Oklahoma. The native range of Pokeweed covers the Eastern United States and the Southern Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. While many historical medicinal uses were documented, so too were physiological problems from the consumption or production of drugs containing Pokeweed components.Juice from the poisonous berries can be used to make ink or dye.American settlers regularly used pokeweed medicinally to treat a variety of ailments.Pokeweed was listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia in 1820 until being removed in 1910 (most likely due to Pokeweed being toxic).Pokeweed is also invasive in California and Arizona where it has become naturalized.A vigorous self-seeder, Pokeweed has successfully invaded and colonized Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.Pokeweed was carried to Europe in the 1600’s and used to color wine.This generally isn’t a problem in vacant lots, but can be a nescience in backyard borders as children may mistake the toxic berries for grapes. And it can become aggressive if left unchecked and readily colonizes disturbed areas. It’s large size and prolific flowering also mean it will make many seeds. Mature Pokeweed in September, Southern Pennsylvania In fact, you could buy canned ‘poke’ up until recently in certain regional supermarkets. Īlthough toxic to humans and many mammals, both Native Americans and settlers valued the plant as a source of food and medicine. Scientifically known as Phytolacca americana, in late Summer it stands out with it’s dark red stems, large leaves, and clusters of dark purple berries that are beloved by birds. Pokeweed is one of the largest herbaceous perennial plants native to North America, growing up to 10′ tall by 3′ wide in full sun and moist soil. What Wildlife, Pests, and Diseases effect Pokeweed.This will be a complete profile on this unique native plant. It has a complicated history in that it is valuable to wildlife, has been used as food and medicine by Native Americans and settlers alike, and yet it is a highly toxic plant. It’s large size, mature reddish-purple stems and dark purple berries give it a unique appearance. Excerpt weed report on Phytolacca americana.One of the most distinct and overbearing plants you may encounter in late Summer is Pokeweed. Weed Control in Natural Areas in the Western United States, by the University of California Weed Research & Information Center. Contains a wealth of information on ecological management of agricultural and garden weeds. Ĭornell University’s Weed Ecology and Management website. Identification and control options for weeds common to turf, agriculture, and gardens in New York uses a very simple decision tree to identify your weed. Lesser celandine: Spring garden and lawn invaderĬornell University’s Turfgrass and Landscape Weed ID app.New Penn State resource for spring weed control in grass hay and pastures.Late postemergence herbicide options for soybeans.Fall Weed Seeds and Equipment Clean-Out Article.Toxicity Concerns For Forage After Frost.Ecoogical Weed Management Book Published.No-till Spring Weeds: Penn State article. ![]()
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