Plant Details

Phytolacca americana

Poke root, Pokeweed

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Common names

83 names · 38 languages
EnglishYour language
  • American Nightshade[2]
  • American Pokeweed[1][2]
  • American spinach[2]
+28 more namesShow fewer names
Other languages (37)
Dutch
  • Amerikaanse Karmozijnbes[2]
  • Westerse karmozijnbes[2]
French
  • Raisin d'Amérique[2]
  • teinturier[2]
  • Épinard de Cayenne[2]
Afrikaans
Alabama
Catalan
  • Raïm de moro[2]
Chinese (Simplified)
  • 垂序商陆[2]
Chinese (Traditional)
  • 垂子商陸[2]
  • 洋商陸[2]
  • 美洲商陸[2]
Croatian
Czech
  • líčidlo americké[2]
Danish
  • Amerikansk kermesbær[2]
Estonian
  • ameerika kermesmari[2]
Finnish
  • lännenkermesmarja[2]
Galician
  • Herba tintureira[2]
German
  • Amerikanische Kermesbeere[1][2]
Hebrew
  • פיטולקה אמריקאית[2]
Hungarian
  • alkörmös[2]
  • amerikai alkörmös[2]
  • karmazsinbogyó[2]
Italian
  • Cremesina[2]
  • Fitolacca americana[2]
  • Uva da colorare[2]
+1 more nameShow fewer names
Japanese
  • アメリカヤマゴボウ[2]
  • ヨウシュヤマゴボウ[2]
Kiowa
  • k'áábehíbéshee[2]
Korean
  • 미국자리공[2]
Lithuanian
  • Amerikinė fitolaka[2]
Miami
  • maamilaneewiaahkwia[2]
Mvskoke
Polish
  • Szkarłatka amerykańska[2]
Portuguese
  • Tintureira[2]
Romanian
Russian
  • Лаконос американский[2]
Seneca
  • o’sheä’[2]
Serbian
  • Винобојка[2]
Slovak
  • líčidlo americké[2]
Slovenian
  • navadna barvilnica[2]
Spanish
  • Hierba carmin[1]
  • Hierba carmín[2]
  • Uva de españa[2]
Swedish
  • amerikanskt kermesbär[2]
Thai
  • พิษลักษณ์[2]
Tunica
Turkish
  • Şekerciboyası[2]
Ukrainian
  • Багрина звичайна[2]
Sources & name notes (2)

Names recorded in our plant catalogue and botanical sources, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

Numbered references identify names recorded by an external source. Other names are from our plant catalogue.

[1] Catalogue of Life 2026-08-20 — Phytolacca americana L. ↗

Common names from World Plants, version 26.05, reproduced in Catalogue of Life 2026-08-20. License: CC BY.

Source records
  • Amerikanische Kermesbeere (DE); American Pokeweed (EN); Hierba carmin (ES) — VernacularName.tsv, line 148444; taxon 4HM9F.
[2] Phytolacca americana — iNaturalist taxon names ↗

Community-curated iNaturalist taxonomy; common-name attestation, not an independent botanical determination.

Source records
  • פיטולקה אמריקאית — results[0].names[1]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Cremesina — results[0].names[2]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Uva da colorare — results[0].names[3]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • raisin d'Amérique — results[0].names[4]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • teinturier — results[0].names[5]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Épinard de Cayenne — results[0].names[6]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Amerikanische Kermesbeere — results[0].names[7]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • American pokeweed — results[0].names[8]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • pokeweed — results[0].names[9]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • poke — results[0].names[10]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • pokeberry — results[0].names[11]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • inkberry — results[0].names[12]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Tintureira — results[0].names[14]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Raïm de moro — results[0].names[15]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • 垂子商陸 — results[0].names[16]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • 美洲商陸 — results[0].names[17]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Fitolacca americana — results[0].names[18]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Uva turca — results[0].names[19]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • common pokeweed — results[0].names[20]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Hierba carmín — results[0].names[21]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • ヨウシュヤマゴボウ — results[0].names[22]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • North American pokeweed — results[0].names[23]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • líčidlo americké — results[0].names[24]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • 洋商陸 — results[0].names[25]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Westerse karmozijnbes — results[0].names[26]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • 미국자리공 — results[0].names[27]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Vinobojka — results[0].names[28]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • 垂序商陆 — results[0].names[29]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Uva de españa — results[0].names[30]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Лаконос американский — results[0].names[31]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Amerikinė fitolaka — results[0].names[32]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • アメリカヤマゴボウ — results[0].names[33]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • ameerika kermesmari — results[0].names[34]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Kosiba — results[0].names[35]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Винобојка — results[0].names[36]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Szkarłatka amerykańska — results[0].names[37]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • amerikanskt kermesbär — results[0].names[38]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Amerikaanse Karmozijnbes — results[0].names[39]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Amerikansk kermesbær — results[0].names[40]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Shukara — results[0].names[41]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Cârmâz — results[0].names[42]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Rumeioara — results[0].names[43]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Virginian Poke — results[0].names[44]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Red Ink Plant — results[0].names[45]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • inkbos — results[0].names[46]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • karmosynbos — results[0].names[47]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • American Nightshade — results[0].names[48]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Cancer Jalap — results[0].names[49]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Cancer Root — results[0].names[50]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Chongras — results[0].names[51]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Common Pokeberry — results[0].names[52]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Garget — results[0].names[53]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Jalap — results[0].names[54]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Kermes Bush — results[0].names[55]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Pocan — results[0].names[56]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Pokeroot — results[0].names[57]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Red-Ink Plant — results[0].names[58]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Redweed — results[0].names[59]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Scoke — results[0].names[60]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Scoke Berry — results[0].names[61]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Shoke — results[0].names[62]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Herba tintureira — results[0].names[63]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • k'áábehíbéshee — results[0].names[64]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • พิษลักษณ์ — results[0].names[65]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • o’sheä’ — results[0].names[66]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • maamilaneewiaahkwia — results[0].names[67]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • amerikai alkörmös — results[0].names[68]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • alkörmös — results[0].names[69]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • karmazsinbogyó — results[0].names[70]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • navadna barvilnica — results[0].names[71]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Багрина звичайна — results[0].names[72]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • Şekerciboyası — results[0].names[73]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • lännenkermesmarja — results[0].names[74]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • osa — results[0].names[75]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • garnet — results[0].names[76]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • pidgeon berry — results[0].names[77]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • poke salad — results[0].names[78]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • poke sallet — results[0].names[79]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • American spinach — results[0].names[80]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • pigeonberry — results[0].names[81]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.
  • líčidlo americké — results[0].names[82]; taxon id 48599; Phytolacca americana.

General information

Scientific name: Phytolacca americana
Accepted name (Kew): Phytolacca americana L. View name reference ↗

Accepted in the cited Kew taxonomic treatment.

Sources [3] [4]
Botanical family: Phytolaccaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Phytolacca (WCVP v16).

Sources [3]
Also known as: Poke root, Pokeweed
Images: Google Images

Plant characteristics

Layer: Herbaceous
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 1.22–3.05 m

NC State landscape size range; converted from feet and inches. Size varies with site, age and management.

Sources [1]
Spread: 0.91–1.52 m

NC State landscape size range; converted from feet and inches. Size varies with site, age and management.

Sources [1]
Growth rate: Fast
Sources [1]
Foliage: Deciduous
Sources [1]
Growth habit: Creeping, Multi-stemmed

Whole-plant habit and form as described by NC State.

Sources [1]
Life cycle: Perennial
Sources [1]

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

USDA zones listed by NC State; winter survival does not establish reliable cropping.

Sources [1]
Soil moisture:
Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally Dry

Moisture and drainage conditions listed by NC State.

Sources [1]
Soil:
Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand
Sources [1]
pH:
Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Sources [1]
Light:
Full sun, Partial Shade
Sources [1]

Uses

Functions:
Insecticide

Description

Phytolacca americana is a perennial herb. All parts are poisonous, including its leaves, berries, stems and roots. Historical reports of prepared young leaves do not establish a safe home preparation method.

Sources [1] [2]

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/08
Harvest ends: 31/10

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. NC State Extension, North Carolina State University Phytolacca americana (American Pokeweed, Common Pokeweed, Garnet, Pidgeon Berry, Poke, Pokeberry, Pokeweed, Scoke) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
    Supports: DescriptionHeightSpreadGrowth rateFoliageGrowth habitLife cycleLightSoil moistureSoil textureSoil pHUSDA hardiness
    Relevant sections
    • Description: Description; Whole Plant Traits; Edibility; Poison Symptoms and Toxic Principle, where applicable
    • Height: Dimensions > Height; Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
    • Spread: Dimensions > Width; Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
    • Growth rate: Growth Rate
    • Foliage: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics
    • Growth habit: Habit/Form
    • Life cycle: Life Cycle
    • Light: Light
    • Soil moisture: Soil Drainage
    • Soil texture: Soil Texture
    • Soil pH: Soil pH
    • USDA hardiness: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

    Source checked on .

  2. Native Plant Trust; Go Botany Phytolacca americana (American pokeweed): Go Botany
    Supports: Description
    Relevant sections
    • Description: Facts and species identification characteristics

    Source checked on .

  3. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical familyTaxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 310045; name ID 2562802; Phytolacca Tourn. ex L.. Family column.
    • Taxonomy: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 310026; name ID 2562777; Phytolacca americana L..

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  4. Catalogue of Life Catalogue of Life 2026-08-20 — Phytolacca americana

    Taxonomic data from World Plants, version 26.05, reproduced in Catalogue of Life 2026-08-20.

    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: COL 2026-08-20, NameUsage.tsv line 939313, ID 4HM9F: Phytolacca americana L. (accepted).

    Source checked on .