Pokeweed – Phytolacca americana
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EmailPhytolacca americana
L.Phytolaccaceae (Pokeweed family)
MI Status
Native
Life cycle
Erect, branched tap rooted perennial.
Leaves
Alternate, hairless, broadly oval, lance- to egg-shaped with smooth to slightly wavy leaf margins.
Stems
Smooth, succulent, herbaceous, predominantly reddish and branched multiple times without a central stem, reaching up to 9 feet in height.
Flowers and fruit
Greenish white to pink flowers yield erect to nodding, hanging clusters of conspicuous, deep purple to black berries when mature. Berries are poisonous, and berry juice will easily stain.
Reproduction
Seeds. Often dispersed by birds.
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