The scientific name for pokeweed is derived from phytos, the Latin word for plant, and lacca, which refers to the deep reddish purple of the berries. The most frequently used species name, americana, refers to its native land. The less common species name, decandra, means "having ten stamens." The common name poke is a contraction of puccoon or pocan, which the Algonquin Indians of Delaware called the familiar wild plant.
A native perennial plant that can grow up to 10' tall, branching regularly like a small tree. The stems are smooth, round, and hairless, varying from light green to brilliant purplish red. The leaves are alternate on the stem, simple, entire, with long leafstalks. Flowers are borne in elongated clusters called racemes. The pronounced clusters of berries are green when immature and ripen to a dark purple or black. Reproduction is by seeds.
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| Pokeweed Berries Staff CDFA, California Department of Food & Agriculture, Botany Laboratory |
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| Pokeweed Flowers Brandeis University |
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| Solitary Pokeweed Leaf Auburn University |
Because of the danger of human poisoning, pokeweed should be removed when discovered. This is especially true if the plants are in hedges, gardens, and other areas adjacent where children may be attracted by clusters of berries.
Additional Information
Forage ID Library - University of Arkansas - Cooperative Extension
Poisonous Weeds in Horse Pastures - Rutgers Univeristy - NJAES
Pokeweed - Penn State University - PennState Extension
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service
