AMERICAN POKEWEED, Phytolacca americana

You'll notice this perennial plant easily in the landscape, with its distinctive panicle of glossy berries that transition from pea green to vibrant purple.  They have simple, green leaves and electric red-purple stems.  They grow quite large in the wild, and are found growing in disturbed landscapes such as pastures, recently cleared areas, openings and edge habitats.  The Pokeweed's berries provide a bountiful food source for a number of songbirds, but are poisonous to humans and many other animals.  Therefore if you have snacking pets or small children roaming nearby. it would be advisable to remove.

Control: Pokeweed plants have extensive taproots, so removal requires deep digging (simply pulling the weed typically leaves behind partial roots that easily regenerate).  You can also remove seeds from mature plants before they spread, however this is only marginally effective.  If you need a hand controlling this weed or if you have any questions, don't hesitate to give us a call!