Phytolacca americana
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Phytolacca americana

pokeweed
pokeberry
pigeonberry
pokan
coakum
inkberry
redweed
bear grape
pigeonberry
poke

  family phytolaccaceae 
  genus phytolacca 

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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
 
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   
 
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.
 
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   
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.

Page 3621 of 4998

Last reviewed November 01, 2004   

 

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