American Pokeweed Phytolacca americana 100 Seeds

Phytolacca americana, commonly known as American Pokeweed, is a robust, herbaceous perennial native to the eastern and central United States, often found thriving in disturbed habitats such as forest edges, roadsides, fields, and clearings. This striking plant can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet, developing thick, reddish-purple stems that branch widely and support large, alternate, lance-shaped leaves with smooth margins and a slightly glossy surface. In early to mid-summer, Phytolacca americana produces elongated racemes of small, white to greenish-white flowers, each with five petal-like sepals, which mature into clusters of shiny, deep purple to black berries by late summer and fall. These berries are highly attractive to birds, which aid in the plant’s widespread dispersal, though they are toxic to humans and many mammals if ingested raw. The entire plant contains potent alkaloids and saponins, especially concentrated in the roots, making it both poisonous and historically significant in folk medicine when carefully prepared. Phytolacca americana thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers rich, moist, well-drained soils, though it tolerates a wide range of conditions. Its bold structure, vivid coloration, and seasonal transformation—from green shoots to red stems and dark fruit clusters—make it a visually striking component of the landscape. Despite its toxicity, American Pokeweed plays an important ecological role as a late-season food source for birds and other wildlife, illustrating the complex balance between danger and sustenance found in many native North American plants.