Specimen record
Pokeweed
Phytolacca americana
Conservation note
All parts are toxic to humans. Handle with gloves. Label clearly as poisonous on all herbarium specimens.
Description
A large, robust native perennial that can reach 3 meters tall by late summer. The stems turn vivid magenta-pink as the season progresses and the drooping clusters of dark purple-black berries are conspicuous in autumn. All parts of the plant are toxic to humans, especially the root and mature berries. The berry juice produces a vivid magenta dye and was historically used as ink.
Identification tips
- 1Very large plant (1–3 m) with thick, smooth stems turning bright magenta-pink
- 2Long drooping racemes of small white-green flowers followed by dark purple berries
- 3Large alternate leaves, elliptical, 15–30 cm long, with an unpleasant odor when crushed
- 4Berries in drooping clusters, each berry a flattened sphere with about 10 segments
- 5Massive perennial root — plant dies back completely in winter
Specimen & preservation notes
Wear gloves — all parts are toxic, and berry juice stains permanently. Press a stem section with flowers or berries and a few leaves. Berry juice will stain pressing paper — place waxed paper between the specimen and blotting sheets. Label as toxic on the herbarium sheet.
Habitats
Collection calendar
| Wk | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||||||||
| 2 | ||||||||
| 3 | ||||||||
| 4 |
Collection notes
Season check
Observed bloom also extends into June and October.
Flowering records: 347 iNaturalist observations, Massachusetts · Nearby: 1932 observations within 25 km