Pokeweed – A Total Guide To Uses, Control, Toxicity, History

Identification and Characteristics of Pokeweed

Lifecycle

As a herbaceous perennial, Pokeweed will emerge each Spring from the ground as young shoots. They rapidly grow through June and July and begin flowering. Full size should be achieved in August, and berries will begin to ripen then (and the stalks will generally redden).

Once frost occurs, flowering will stop. The plant will turn white-yellow and go dormant in Winter, leaving an almost un-mistakeable pile of stalks. The rootstock will then lie dormant until Spring returns and the cycle renews.

Stalk

Pokeweed will grow up to 10′ tall, but is often around 4-8′ (120-240 cm). It branches frequently up the stalk. The smooth stems of Pokeweed are light green to reddish-purple in color, hairless, and round. [1] The color changes as the stalk ages.

As the season progresses the stem will turn a red-purple color, usually coinciding when the berries turn ripe.

Leaf

Pokeweed leaves are light green in color, alternate on the stalk and very large, up to 10″ long by 4″ wide. They are lanceolate to ovate in shape, have smooth margins, and distinct veins. [1]

Flower

The stems of Pokeweed will have a raceme of small white to pink flowers tha are approximately 1/4″ diameter (6 mm). They are 5-lobed sepals (no actual petals, but the sepals resemble petals). [1]

Berries

After the blooming is complete, the pistils will develop (fruits) berries that are shaped somewhat like flatten spheres. Initially light green, as they ripen they turn a dark purple and contain 10 shiny black seeds. The unripe berries and seeds are very toxic. [1]

Flavor of the toxic pokeweed berries

Pokeweed berries are reported to initially taste sweet, followed by an acrid taste. [37] If Pokeweed grows in your area, make sure you instruct them to never eat the berries as they are quite toxic, especially to children [5].

Root system

The root system of Pokeweed is a deep tap-root. It is difficult to remove mature plants via digging. [1]

Identification Pictorial Guide

Invasiveness and control of Pokeweed

To control young Pokeweed plants and seedlings, pulling is an effective means of control as the root is generally still shallow. And it will be easier to pull in moist soil.

But for more established plants, repeated cuttings or herbicide is recommended. This most effective method I’ve found to control mature plants is to cut the stalk, and immediately spray the exposed stalk with Triclopyr (Brush Killer). This is effective because the extensive taproot is difficult to remove and stores much energy. So, cutting an established plant will just regrow itself quickly using carbohydrate energy that is stored in the root.

Herbicides that are effective of killing Pokeweed

Research has found that glyphosate is the most effective herbicide for controlling and killing Pokeweed, being between 80-90% effective. Glyphosate provided better control of Pokeweed than other common herbicides such as 2,4-D or dicamba, which were approximately 60% effective. [7]

I personally have had good success for spot treating mature plants by applying herbicide to freshly cut stalks and leaves late in the season, but before berries have ripened.

Toxicity of Pokeweed

All parts of Pokeweed are toxic. The main toxic principle is saponins, oxalic acid and phytolaccotoxin. Furthermore there may be alkaloids present in the plant. The root is the most toxic part [8] and consumption could be fatal. While older stalks, leaves, and berries are toxic to a lesser degree. Ingestion of the plant can be fatal. [9] I have found one recorded case of fatal poisoning of a child who at berries in 1961. [5]

Symptoms of Pokeweed poisoning

People who ingest Pokeweed initially experience a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. In several hours symptoms usually advance to some combination of the following:

• Abdominal cramps / pain / spasms
• confusion
• Diarrhea, bloody or watery
• Headache
• Hypotension
• Inability to walk
• Nausea
• Salivation
• Vomiting
• Weakness

*Sources [10][11]

In general, most people recover from these symptoms within 24-48 hours, but fatalities due to Pokeweed poisoning were recorded in the 1800’s. However, even when Pokeweed is prepared in the traditional way, poisonings have occurred. There was a case of 21 campers eating Poke Salad prepared by a counselor who was very experienced in the preparation. Despite his changing the water several times during boiling, all the campers experienced symptoms of poisoning and several needed hospitalization due to prolonged symptoms. [10]

In addition to improper preparation, there have been cases of Pokeweed poisoning due to misidentification of the plant. Generally this is people mistaking the root for parsnip or horseradish. [10] [12] [13] [14]

If you think you may have ingested pokeweed, you should call the poison control center. In the United States the number is 1-800-222-1222.

Pokeweed and skin

The sap of Pokeweed is a harsh skin irritant and is sometimes known as Pokeweed Rash. It has been documented for centuries that getting the sap on bare skin may cause a painful rash. Contact with ‘fresh juice’ of Pokeweed produces a burning and smarting sensation, and can severely inflame the eyelids should one rub their eye after contact with sap. [15] [16]

“the juice of the fresh plant, or a strong decoction of the root, applied locally may strongly irritate the skin, especially if tender or abraded”. – New Zealand Journal of Agriculture 1913

Sap may be absorbed through any open cuts or abrasions on skin. So, beware of of yourself before handling this plant. As skin may be irritated if you are allergic.

Many sources state to only handle pokeweed while wearing gloves. I have personally touched the bare stems and leaves of pokeweed plant without ever having an adverse effect (so apparently I’m not allergic). This is via pulling seedlings that germinated, or just hiking. However, one should avoid contact with sap, roots, or berries.

Treatment of Pokeweed Rash

In general, to treat Pokeweed rash wash the effected area thoroughly with soap and water. Do so as soon as possible. If symptoms persist, contact a doctor.

Growing conditions of Pokeweed

Sunlight Requirements

Pokeweed prefers full sun, which is six hours of direct sunlight per day. It does grow in partial sun (4-6 hours of sun), but will be much smaller in size (2-4′). [1]

Soil Requirements

For soil, Pokeweed will grow best in organically rich loamy soil, but can also tolerate clay and sandy-loam. The key is that the soil must hold moisture. [1] [2]

Moisture Requirements

The preference of Pokeweed is moist soil. Established plants can tolerate occasional drought though. When drought occurs the lower leaves may turn yellow.

Maintenance

If one wishes to cultivate Pokeweed, the primary maintenance will be cutting the plant back after Winter, and dealing with new plants. Pokeweed spreads by seed, and there will be lots of ‘volunteers’.

Fertilizer

Pokeweed should never require fertilizer. It is extremely efficient at photosynthesis and can get quite weedy even in inhospitable places.

How to Grow Pokeweed from Seed

Germinating Pokeweed seeds is fairly easy. Research by the US Forestry Service found scarified fresh seed can be germinated at 75F at relatively high germination rates (56%-90%). While unscarified fresh seed that underwent cold stratification for 5 months was found to have germination rates of 54% (sand) and 68% when stratified in sphagnum peat moss. [17]

Armesto et al. found that they could achieve an 80% germination on cleaned, but unstratified seed in approximately 10 days. Their process was to separate the seed from the pulp of the fruit, and rinse. Then, germinate the seed on the surface of a growing medium in 12h light / 12h dark cycle, along with a fluctuating temperature of 20/30c. [18]

So, what would a regular homeowner have to do? From a practical standpoint, to germinate Pokeweed seeds you should collect the seed from ripe berries in the Fall and clean them using a colander to remove berry pulp. Then, just scatter the seed on disturbed soil and walk on it outdoors in the Fall. This would ensure good contact with the soil, and allow the seeds to be exposed to light in order to break dormancy.

Remember – berries and seeds of Pokeweed are toxic. So wear protective gloves, and don’t handle berries/juice/seeds if there are any cuts or scrapes on your hands.

My experience germinating Pokeweed seeds

In late summer of 2022 I collected a number of berries. I used a common kitchen strainer to extract and rinse the seeds. During this, I wore rubber gloves to protect my hands from the juices. I’ve never had a reaction from Pokeweed, but I didn’t think I should bother taking a chance.

Based on my research, I figured I would try germinating fresh Pokeweed seed right away. So, I soaked the seed in water for a couple days, then surfaced sowed it outside in full sun in a large pot. And nothing happened from late Summer to Fall. I left the pot in place over the Winter, exposed to the elements.

I figured I would try Winter sowing Pokeweed in a more traditional manner, using a milkjug. (See guide for Winter Sowing with milkjugs here)

Again, I soaked the seed for 24 hours, then surface sowed it in moist potting soil in a milkjug. I placed this outside, fully exposed to the elements.

Come Spring, while all my other Winter Sown shrubs and jugs were sprouting left and right, both the seed sowed in a pot the previous Fall, and the milkjug were quiet….zero germination. But then Memorial Day arrived…..and poof! I got several seedlings in the pot I had sown the previous summer/fall with fresh seed.

But my seeds weren’t done – on June 1st I noticed several seeds in the milkjug finally decided to sprout. Please bear in mind that almost all other species I Winter Sowed had germinated by now.

Wildlife value of Pokeweed

Pollinators

The main pollinators of Pokeweed flowers are sweat bees (Halictid) and Syrphid flies who mostly visit for the nectar, but some collect pollen as well. [19] [20]

Birds

Pokeweed is especially popular to birds. Over 20 species of bird eat the dark ripe purple berries from Pokeweed. Now, the berries of Pokeweed are toxic, but birds and some mammals are immune. [21] [22] [23] [24]

Dogs and cats

Pokeweed is toxic to both dogs and cats. The bitterness of the plant will likely dissuade them from consumption. But none the less, you should keep your pets away from this plant.

Chickens

Research on Pokeweed effects of chickens has been mixed. One study found no adverse effects, while another found reduced growth rate, inability to walk, and finally death. [25] [26] [10]

Horses

In general, horses will avoid this plant if possible. But, should the plant be mixed into the feed, it is very possible to have poisoning to a horse. There has been a case of a pony that lived in a dirt paddock that was surrounded by Pokeweed. This pony became very poisoned from eating numerous pokeweed plants that grew within the paddock. [27]

Cattle

Research has been done on Pokeweed effects on cattle. It was found that they generally will avoid eating the plant, as it is quite bitter. But when mixed in with feed at high proportions, the cows reluctantly ate the feed and experienced many symptoms of Pokeweed poisoning. When at lower rates, it had no effect on their appetite or had any apparent physiological effects.[28]

Deer and other mammals

Deer and other herbivories avoid eating this plant due to its toxicity of the foliage. It has a bitter flavor, and it generally isn’t consumed.

The berries are also toxic, but are consumed by some animals such as fox, raccoon, and opossum. [21] So, it appears that the toxicity doesn’t effect all mammals. Furthermore, not all parts of the plant have the same level of toxicity, as has been observed over the years.

Where you can buy Pokeweed

Pokeweed is not typically sold in nurseries, as it isn’t a typical ‘garden friendly’ plant. I have never seen it for sale at any nursery. But, as a native plant, it is possible that it may be purchased at specialty nurseries that deal in Native Plants. You can find native plant nurseries near you on our interactive map. I would strongly recommend you contact them before showing up though, as I doubt this plant would be for sale.

However, there are many sources online claiming to sell pokeweed seeds. So, purchasing seed online and germinating it would be your best bet at obtaining this plant. You could also forage seed in the Fall, as the plant is very identifiable in late summer through early Fall.

Uses of Pokeweed

Edible uses of Pokeweed

For those readers who skipped the section on toxicity, I urge you to go back and read it. It is important for you to know that although there is a long history of people eating Pokeweed in poke salad and other forms, it is highly toxic. There are even cases where experienced preparers of Pokeweed have gotten poisoned. [10] So, be aware and know that I am providing this as informative only and assume no responsibility for your actions.

Both Native Americans and settlers ate Pokeweed. [29] [30] From the Wild Food Trail Guide by Alan Hall, the edible parts of Pokeweed are young shoots shorter than 6″ & young leaves can make a tasty cooked vegetable. They need to be pulled or cut off at ground level being careful to not take the root, as the root is bitter tasting, toxic and could prove fatal [9] [31]. Do not take shoots with purple color, and do not take mature stems.

You can cook the shoots like you would asparagus. But, you will need to boil and drain the leaves 2-3 times to get them tender as well as removing poisonous toxins. Once the water stays clear, then the leaves/shoots should be safe to eat.

Again, from “The Wild Food Trail Guide”, Shoots may be peeled and then fried in batter or made into pickles. To make pokeweed pickles, first blanch them and then cover with hot vinegar and pickling spices. [31]

An additional use by Cherokee Indians was to pick young leaves and dry them for future use. [32]. In fact there was a company in Arkansas that used to can Pokeweed leaves.

Winter supply of Pokeweed Shoots

Alan Hall also notes in his book “The Wild Food Trail Guide” that one may get a Winter supply of Pokeweed shoots. In a homesteading situation, this could be an interesting way to have fresh greens. After the first hard frost in Autumn, he states you can dig out roots of large plants in 6-8″ in length. Then simply pot them up and take them to your basement. Over the course of several months the roots will use their stored energy to continually grow new shoots. [31]

Medicinal Uses

Research has long been conducted on Pokeweed, possibly due to it’s history as medicinal for settlers. A lectin can be extracted from pokeweed that stimulates the division of B cells, plasma, and T cells to test immune response and antibody production. [33] Other research has been conducted into these mitogens and how they could be used to treat cancer. [34] [35] But this does not mean you should consume pokeweed to fight off cancer, as you would likely end up eating enough pokeweed to kill yourself.

Native American Uses

Over 20 uses of Pokeweed by seven different Native American Tribes have been documented. [29] I’m going to relay some of those uses below. I want to note and stress that Pokeweed is toxic. And I do not recommend you consume the plant unless you know what you are doing, and I assume no risk or liability for your actions.

That being said, some of the uses of Pokeweed by Native Americans include the following:

• Berries were used as medicine or made into wine
• Roots were used for rheumatism
• Poultice was used to treat swellings and ulcers/sores
• Infusion of root was used to treat eczema
• As previously described, young shoots were cooked and eaten as pot herb, while the root was known to be toxic, and thus avoided.
• The (toxic) roots were combined (in small doses & with special preparation) with sarasparilla and mountain grape to treat rheumatism, a stimulant, and ‘blood purifier’.
• Treatment for sores and swellings were made from the roasted roots, bittersweet, yellow parilla, and bark of elder by boiling in lard or tallow and combined with beeswax.
• Deocction of stems would be used to treat colds
• Leaves would be used to remove zits, pimples, and blackheads
• Berries used as dye or ink

*Sources [29] [32][36]

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