American Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) on Mar 26, 2017
Submitter does not have a specimen
Description of specimen
It has currently died down, so I don't have pictures, but there are several large, well established plants.
Commentary
Hi, Hailey. Thanks for the report. We'll put this point on the map...feel free to get in touch with me directly if you need tips on getting rid of it (other than good old-fashioned elbow grease...). I'm at mitch.bixby@portlandoregon.gov.
Have a good week!
-Mitch
Mitch Bixby
March 28, 2017, 4:51 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.
Have a good week!
-Mitch
Mitch Bixby
March 28, 2017, 4:51 a.m.