Phytolacca americana
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| iPhytolacca americana | ||||||||
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 Phytolacca americana
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| Phytolacca americana L. (1753) |
American Pokeweed, Phytolacca americana, is a large, shrubby perennial ( up to 8 feet tall) native to eastern North America. The plant has a large white taproot, green or red stems, and large, simple leaves. White flowers are followed by purple to almost black berries, which are a good food source for songbirds such as American Cardinal, Brown Thrasher, American Mockingbird.
Also known as American Nightshade, this plant is highly toxic to livestock and humans, and is considered a major pest plant by farmers. However, the leaves of young plants are sometimes collected as a spring green and eaten after repeated blanchings.
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