Pokeberry, Poke
Phytolacca americana L.
Family : Phytolaccaceae
Longevity :Annual
Origin :Native
Season :Warm
Pokeweed is an upright plant that is 5 to 6 feet tall, but can reach a height of 10 feet in favorable conditions. It is found in moist areas of the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains. The stem is usually red and the leaves are arrow-shaped and about 9 inches long. The small pinkish or greenish-white flowers are found on a stalk and bloom from July to October. The stalk will hang down from the weight of the fruit once they have matured into small purplish-black berries. The root stock and berries of this plant are poisonous because of saponins found in the plant. Livestock symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, dairrhea, and death.
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