Phytolacca americana

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Phytolacca americana

Also known as: Poke root, Pokeweed

Images: Google Images

Plant Properties

Layer: Herb layer

Format: Smal

Height: 2.00 m

Width: 1.50 m

Growth Rate: Slow

Leaf: -

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Soil Moisture:
Moist

Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)

pH:
Acid Neutral Basic

Light:
Half shade, Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Fruit, Leaves, Kleur

Edibility:
(3)

Medicinal:
(3)

Features:
Insecticide

Description

Leaves of this plant must be cooked before consumption, and it is advisable to change the cooking water. The leaves are used in the same way as spinach. It is important to use only the young leaves, as they can become toxic as they age. Caution is essential due to the toxicity. The young shoots of this plant can also be cooked. They serve as a tasty alternative to asparagus. Sometimes the shoots are blanched before use or forced in cellars for an early harvest. The soft, bright interior of the stem can be rolled in cornmeal and baked. This plant is cultivated on a small scale in North America for its shoots, but caution is required due to the previously mentioned toxicity. The fruits of this plant can be cooked and used in pies. However, when consumed raw, they are toxic and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Even cooked fruits must be handled with care. The fruit is a berry approximately 12 mm in diameter and can be used as a red dye.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/08

End of Harvest: 31/10

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild	Description
Asimina triloba Papaw	Asimina triloba attracts beneficial insects that can help with pollination.
Arbutus unedoxaera Strawberry Tree	This plant provides shade, helping to retain moisture in the soil for Phytolacca americana.
Broussonetia kazinoki Kozo	The foliage of Broussonetia kazinoki helps to suppress weeds around Phytolacca americana.
Broussonetia papyrifera Paper Mulberry	Provides habitat for birds that may control pests in the garden.
Cudrania tricuspidata Silkworm Thorn, Storehousebush	Its deep root system can help break up compacted soil, benefiting Phytolacca americana.
Cydonia oblonga Quince	Cydonia oblonga can enhance the soil quality by contributing organic matter when its leaves drop.
Diospyros kaki Persimmon	Offers a windbreak, protecting Phytolacca americana from harsh winds.
Diospyros virginiana American Persimmon	Its fruit attracts various birds, which can help in seed dispersal.
Eriobotrya japonica Loquat	Provides a canopy that retains humidity around Phytolacca americana.
Ficus carica Fig	Provides additional shade, which can help protect the sensitive roots of Phytolacca americana from overheating.