Identification |
Genus
Phytolacca
Species
americana
Variety
Cultivar
Common names
pokeweed
pokeberry
pigeonberry
pokan
coakum
inkberry
redweed
bear grape
pigeonberry
poke
Family
PHYTOLACCACEAE
Specimen number
S8805
Data source
ColorNat p23;DyeFib p101;Poison p78
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Life cycle |
Life form
Terrestrial
Life cycle
Herbaceous perennial
Life span
3 - 10 years
Annual cycle
Not applicable
Stature
Herb
Growth form
Not applicable
Growth habit
Overall height
15'
Overall spread
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Climate |
Sunshine
Various
Water
Various
Optimal soil texture
Various
Acceptable soil pH
Various
USDA hardiness
Not classified
AHS heat zones
Not classified
Sunset climate zones
Not classified
|
Garden |
Suitable for gardens
no
Nursery
Unknown
Compost
no
Size at acquisition
Unknown
Garden location
Unknown
Garden notes
The berries of Phytolacca americana have been used in traditional fabric dyeing. A range of possible colors can be produced by Redweed (also known as bear grape, pigeon berry, poke, pokeweed, pokeberry, pigeonberry, pokan, coakum and inkberry) including red, pink, yellowish-red, rusty red and soft red.
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Special qualities |
Tolerates drought
no
Tolerates high humidity
no
Tolerates seaside conditions
no
Insect resistant
no
Disease resistant
no
Deer resistant
no
Best uses
Symbiosis
Attracts butterflies
no
Attracts hummingbirds
no
Autumn foliage
no
Colorful berries
no
Desirable qualities
Other interest
Other interest color
Other interest period
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Adverse factors |
Common pests
Poisonous parts
Roots
Berries
Whole plant
Poisonous indications
It can cause stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulty and convulsions leading to death.
Internal poison
yes
Dermatologic poison
no
Livestock poison
no
Mechanical injury
no
Hay fever pollen
Hay fever season
Adverse qualities
|
Herbal medicine |
Medicinal properties
Medicinal parts
Has medicinal uses
no
Do not self-administer
no
Do no use if pregnant
no
Legally restricted
no
Toxicity precautions
Medicinal notes
Can be fatal if taken internally. This whole plant is toxic. It is poisonous if ingested. It can cause stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulty and convulsions leading to death.
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Traditional uses |
Parts used
Traditional uses
Contemporary uses
Fragrance
Fragrance parts
Fragrance intensity
Fragrance category
Dye parts
Berries
Dye color
red,pink,yellowish-red,rusty red,soft red
|
Cultivation |
Propagule
Various
Pollination method
Planting style
Crop spacing
Row spacing
Cold frame
Planting period
Harvesting period
Frost tolerance
Heat requirement
Fertilizer
Typical
Time to harvest
|
Nutrition |
Is edible
no
Culinary uses
Nutritional value
Edible parts
Description of edible parts
Flavor / texture
|
Horticulture |
Horticulture notes
Phytolacca americana most likely originates from Eastern US.
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Herbarium |
Tag needs printing
no
Collection notes
Phytolacca americana is an herbaceous perennial. Blossoms appear in July and continue through September. Most often the flowers occur in either green or white.
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Page 3621 of 4998
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