American Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) on Oct 12, 2015
Submitter does not have a specimen
Description of specimen
Pokeweed in planter strip along east end of Tilikum Crossing Bridge, near pedestrian boarding platform.
Commentary
Are TriMet employees and contractors trained in invasive plants? It is surprising to see a large Pokeweed plant in a planter strip near light rail boarding platform.
Reporter
Oct. 12, 2015, 2:46 a.m.
Hi, Heather. Thanks for the report. That's...an unusual circumstance. I'd be surprised if it was planted there intentionally, given how much birds seem to spread it around, but we'll try to swing by for a look.
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.
Reporter
Oct. 12, 2015, 2:46 a.m.
Thanks again. Feel free to followup directly if you've got other questions (mitch.bixby@portlandoregon.gov).
-Mitch
Mitch Bixby
Oct. 16, 2015, 7:39 a.m.