Leaf type: Ovate, oval
Phyllotaxis: Alternate
Colour: Green with green to dark red stems
Life cycle: Perennial, deciduous
Leaf (upper side)
Leaf (underside)
Habitus & biology
From late summer onwards, when its berries are ripe, Phytolacca americana resembles a shrub. However, its shoots do not lignify, but die off in autumn. The deciduous herbaceous plant can grow up to three meters tall. It can be distinguished from its Asian sister by its more pendulous branches.
The leaf blades of the oval, ovate, or broadly lanceolate leaves can grow up to 30 centimeters long. They are initially light green and turn dark green at the end of summer. The stems vary in color from green to dark red.
All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Distribution & habitates
Its original range extends from the USA to Mexico. Phytolacca americana was introduced to some African, Asian, Australian, European, and South American regions, where it has successfully established itself (source).
In some cases, it has been and continues to be so successful that it has displaced native species and is considered an invasive species.
Botany
Phytolacca americana, which belongs to the Phytolaccaceae family, has many common names, such as American pokeweed, pokeweed, poke sallet, or pokeberry.
