American Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) on Oct 3, 2014
Submitter does not have a specimen
Description of specimen
I am 100% certain on the identification. I see them regularly while walking the neighborhood.
Commentary
I'm wondering if there is anything else I can do to help people ID the plant without being too much of a nosy/bossy neighbor? Perhaps I could pass out some of the 4 county cwma pokeweed fliers?
Reporter
Oct. 3, 2014, 12:17 p.m.
Hi, Heather. Thanks for your email. I have this same concern about being a bit busybody-ish. If you're willing to leave a bit of literature (like the 4 County CWMA sheet), I think that's totally fine. Some folks love it and cultivate it, but I agree that, in general, most people aren't aware it's an issue. If anyone has questions, they are, of course, welcome to get in touch with me directly at mitch.bixby@portlandoregon.gov.
Thanks again for your email and for looking our for things!
-Mitch
Mitch Bixby
Oct. 9, 2014, 5:45 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.
There are many many many mature and juvenile Pokeweed plants in the neighborhood-- North of Prescott, South of Killingsworth, between 15th & 25th, in yards and parking strips. I suspect most homeowners mistakenly assume it's a volunteer ornamental.
Expert Reviewer
Mr. Mitch Bixby City of Portland - Bureau of Environmental Services (BES)
Reporter
Oct. 3, 2014, 12:17 p.m.
Thanks again for your email and for looking our for things!
-Mitch
Mitch Bixby
Oct. 9, 2014, 5:45 a.m.