Pokeweed

Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District

Pokeweed
Phytolacca americana [C-value 1]
Pokeweed family (Phytolaccaceae)
Blooms mid-June - July

The native Pokeweed is common in our area. It prefers partial sun, moist conditions, and rich loamy soil. Habitats include moist meadows in woodland openings, woodland borders, abandoned fields, vacant lots and disturbed areas. This perennial is up to 8' tall, branching regularly with stems that are smooth, round and hairless. The alternate leaves can be large, up to 10" long and 4" across. Many of the stems terminate in narrow flower racemes, about 3-6" long and 1" across, cylindrical in shape, and often drooping, with numerous small flowers all around the flowering stalk on short pedicels. The flowers are about ¼" across, with 5 lobed white or pink sepals that flare outward. After the flowers fade away, fruits develop, about ¼" across, later becoming dark purple.

Pokeweed at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve July 11, 2013

Pokeweed at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve July 1, 2013

Pokeweed fruits at Subat Forest Preserve August 14, 2013

Pokeweed at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve August 13, 2013

Pokeweed at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve June 17, 2013 (early with blooms just emerging)

Pokeweed at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve October 29, 2014 (mature fruits and fall colors)

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