American Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) on Sep 5, 2014
Submitter does not have a specimen
Description of specimen
2-4 ft high polkweeds (with lots of ripening berries) are growing along the fence on north side of the property
Commentary
Hi, Steve. Thanks for the email. At this stage, we've gotten so many pokeweed reports that we don't know what to do with them all: clearly this is not an 'early detection' species. We absolutely recommend folks manage them if they have them, and will happy consult. But citywide management is just beyond our reach. That said, we do have some interesting outreach material for getting the word out. Drop me an email if you want to talk more about that (mitch.bixby@portlandoregong.gov).
Hope you're well....
-Mitch
Mitch Bixby
Sept. 8, 2014, 9:46 a.m.
Remedy
American pokeweed is an herbaceous perennial plant—above-ground stems die back completely each year but below-ground roots remain and can be very large, allowing plants to persist for years. Therefore, the entire root must be killed or removed, although getting every root fragment every year is nearly impossible. Expect full eradication to take 3-5 years. Also, be aware that pokeweed can make you sick if ingested, with roots most likely to be fatal.
Management comments:
--Small infestations (few plants): If possible, dig entire root and throw in garbage, not compost.
--Medium to large infestations (many plants): Dig roots, if possible. If not, apply herbicide in spring to early summer shortly after plants appear above ground. Carefully check label recommendations for safe and legally allowable volumes of herbicide you can apply.
--In late summer and fall, plants will have purple to black fleshy fruits containing seeds. Herbicide application can be quite effective in late summer and early fall.
--In all cases, cut fruit-bearing stems and dispose of in the garbage, not compost. This prevents the berries from making new plants.
NOTE: Remember where the plant is! When it reappears in the spring, you can start working on it while the soil is still wet.
Hope you're well....
-Mitch
Mitch Bixby
Sept. 8, 2014, 9:46 a.m.