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Pokeweed with ripe and unripe berries
Photo: Ohio State Weed Lab Archive, OSU,Bugwood.org

Pokeweed's root and leaves are the most toxic, but even the berries of the plant have caused vomiting, spasms, and even death in humans. It can also be a problem in pastures where it is toxic to cattle, sheep, turkeys, swine, and horses. However, birds are immune to the poisons in the plant and are a major factor in the plants dispersal. Pokeweed is rapidly increasing its abundance in urban areas, mostly in Portland, and is poised to continue moving outward if not controlled. Because of the danger of human poisoning, pokeweed should be eradicated when discovered, especially in gardens or areas where children may be tempted by its attractive berries. Unfortunately, Pokeweed is not the easiest plant to kill once it establishes. It has a very large taproot, growing up to the size of a bowling ball, and can re sprout from this root.

Identification

Pokeweed is a large herbaceous, perennial shrub that is very showy and hence very noticeable once you know what to look for. It has a smooth, stout, purplish stem that branches extensively and grows from 2-8 feet tall. The bright green, egg-shaped leaves are alternate on the stem and simple, with entire leaf margins. The white or green flowers form in elongated, clusters that hang from the branches. Flowers bloom starting in early summer and give way to >distinct deep purple berries with crimson juice by mid-summer to fall. The purple berries hanging from the bright green leaves seen late summer are the most distinguishing characteristic of pokeweed. Its above ground growth dies back every winter, but it has a tremendously large white fleshy rootstock that allows it to survive and regenerate each spring.

More Photos

http://www.invasive.org/search/action.cfm?q=pokeweed