Report #699 - Report: American Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)

American Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) on Oct 17, 2010

Submitter has sample
EDRR Status: Population treated

Description of specimen

The plant has a pink stem with green leaves, and the berries are purple in color. There were two mature specimens with berries on them that i put into the yard debris canister. Several other plants are coming up in the garden in that particular spot.

Commentary

Mr. Peters,

First, let me apologize that it has taken me so long to reply to your Pokeweed report on the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline. Pokeweed is priority invasive in our area, and we are very concerned about its continued spread.

Since you are already controlling this species you are probably already aware of its invasive tendencies. Pokeweed is a relatively new garden escapee that we are seeing rapidly colonize the Portland Metro region. It has spread initially through the horticultural plant trade, and is now being widely dispersed by birds in our area. As a relatively new invader, our hope is to control this species before it becomes more widespread.

In a garden setting pokeweed can readily be controlled by digging or pulling. The plants are dormant this time of year, but come spring new plants will emerge, and again will be characterized by the bright magenta stems. One tool you may try for removing larger pokeweed plants is a weed wrench. We have some available at the Clackamas Conservation District for local landowners to use. A shovel also works well, but care needs to be taken to remove that taproot to prevent regrowth.

If you have questions about this species please feel free to contact me directly at the Conservation District. I am also including a link to the Four County CWMA's Pokeweed factsheet which may give you a little more basic information regarding this species. http://www.4countycwma.org/POKEWEEDfactsheet-rev28oct.pdf

All the best, and please feel free to contact me if you have additional concerns or would like assistance in controlling this species.

Sam
______________________________________
Samuel Leininger
WeedWise Program Manager
Clackamas Soil & Water Conservation District
221 Molalla Ave. Suite 102
Oregon City, OR 97045
503-210-6006
sleininger@conservationdistrict.org
www.conservationdistrict.org
______________________________________

Samuel Leininger
Dec. 21, 2010, 5:56 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.

American Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) on Oct 17, 2010

Description of specimen

Commentary

Remedy

Resources

Location

Expert Reviewer