American pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana), is native to North America and can be found from Quebec, through New York and Florida to Mexico.
It is one of the most dangerous and difficult to grow weeds affecting the United States.. It has the ability to color a large surface at a very fast rate, due to its characteristic of growing quickly and spreading over a large area.
It is a perennial plant that grows in humid grasslands. usually on the sides of the roads. It is considered an invasive plant because it releases toxins through its roots that harm other plants, but it has great ornamental value which is why it is often grown in some gardens.
Features
It is a perennial which reaches a height of one meter to one and a half meters. Its roots, like its seeds, are poisonous and its smell is unpleasant.
The leaves are light green and have no lateral veins, and are densely hairy on the underside. The stems are semi-woody and reddish in color and can measure up to 30 cm. They have relatively short hairs on the underside.
The flowers are very pretty and striking, white or reddish, they appear from June to September, they grow in thin clusters. Each flower is composed of five petals, ten stamens and a pistil similar to the fruit of a grape. They grow green, but mature to a deep reddish purple.
Pokeweed fruits develop in the fall, the berries are bright red and turn black as the fall progresses.
At first glance they resemble blackberries, but they are poisonous and They are not edible for humans, Its juice has a very strong deep red color that was used to color sweets and wines. But, this is no longer allowed. however. The fruits are food for cardinals and mourning doves found in North America.
Care and maintenance
It is poisonous, with a toxic fruit, therefore, you must be very careful if you want to grow it.
Location
As for the location, it grows in both sun and partial shade, it is ideal to have it in a somewhat protected place. It is somewhat sensitive to frost, and prefers a warm place if you have it in the garden.
Land
Pokeweed can grow in almost any type of soil. Supports alkaline and light soils and It can withstand some drought. Once established it is difficult to eradicate.
Although it feels most comfortable in cool or moist soil and in a sandy, well-drained substrate that is rich in humus and nutrients.
The best way to control it is to use mechanical methods, such as manual extraction or mowing. Chemical herbicides can also be used, but this must be done with caution, as it is tolerant to many herbicides and chemicals can harm other plants.
Irrigation and fertilization
This plant needs a lot of water in the dry summer months, the soil must always be kept moist.
It is advisable to fertilize pokeweed during the growing season and every three or four weeks with subscription.
Pruning
In the case of pokeweed it is not necessary to cut it, but to prevent the ornamental plant from multiplying It is important to cut the inflorescences when they have wilted.
If you want to remove the plant from the garden completely you have to completely excavate the main root. To do so, it is very important to take precautionary measures and use appropriate gloves to avoid skin irritation.
Diseases and pests
It is a very robust and very strong plant with almost no major diseases or pests. Poisonous parts of plants especially the seeds keep pests at a distance.
Weed control on pokeweed
It is considered a weed by farmers due to the great toxicity of its fruits. In addition, when the seeds germinate, strong plants grow that can cast their shadow on nearby plants.
It also manages to spread quickly through superficial stolons, which allows it to quickly outcompete other plants in competition for light, water and nutrients.
This doesn't mean it kills all the other plants in the area, it simply takes away their light. These aggressive growth habits can cause It is a very frustrating and difficult weed to control.
Toxic fruits and poisonous characteristics
It is one of the few weeds that are toxic. The leaves and stems of the plant contain many toxic chemicals, including alkaloids, glycosides and terpenoids.
The leaves are especially toxic in early spring and the flowers in late summer. The ripe fruit is the most toxic of all, up to five times more toxic than the leaves.
The berries are toxic to both humans and animals.
animals, and They can cause rashes, nausea, and even death. Although all parts are toxic, the young seedlings and the most toxic fruit are the most dangerous.
The most immediate symptoms of pokeweed poisoning include: gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, stomach cramps and burning sensation in the mouth.
If larger amounts are consumed, serious symptoms such as anemia, seizures, and respiratory failure may occur. Children are more likely to accidentally eat it due to the attractive clusters of berries. and grows wild in many different environments.
It is an ornamental plant that combines very well with other striking and colorful plants, leafy or also on the edge of some trees. The fruits can be food for numerous birds in autumn and winter, And as for toxicity, it is better not to have it in the garden if children are playing.
Color removal
Although pokeweed is difficult to control and very poisonous, it has some uses. The berries of the plant contain a powerful red dye.
This dye is often used in the manufacture of paints, inks and other colored items. The berries can be picked and dried, then boiled to extract the color. The dye has great durability when applied at the proper pH.
Finally, in general, dangerous grass and difficult to control. The plant's aggressive growth habits can make it difficult to remove, and the fact that the plant is toxic makes it even more of a challenge.
However, the berries of the plant can be used to extract a powerful, long-lasting red color. With proper care and attention it can be a useful plant.