Phytolacca americana

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Phytolacca americana

Phytolacca americana

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae, core eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Phytolaccaceae
Genus:	Phytolacca
Species:	P. americana

Binomial name

Phytolacca americana
L. (1753)

American Pokeweed, Phytolacca americana, is a large, shrubby perennial growing up to 8 feet in height native to eastern North America. The plant has a large white taproot, green or red stems, and large, simple leaves. White flowers are followed by purple to almost black berries, which are a good food source for songbirds such as Northern Cardinal, Brown Thrasher, and Northern Mockingbird.

Also known as American nightshade, Cancer Jalap, Coakum, Garget, Inkberry, Pigeon Berry, Pocan Bush, Poke root, Redweed and, Scoke, Red Ink Plant, , this plant is highly toxic to livestock and humans, and is considered a major pest plant by farmers. However, the leaves of young plants are sometimes collected as a spring green and eaten after repeated blanchings. The toxic substance in the plant is a triterpene saponin called phytolaccigenin, which causes hemagglutination. In addition, this plant is also cited as a medicinal plant by Plants For A Future.