Pokeweed in Grape Plantings
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Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is a broad-leaved perennial distinguished by its red stems and flower clusters. Leaves are 10 inches long and lance-shaped with smooth margins. Plants reach 8 to 10 feet and have a very large, deep taproots. Fruit grow in grape-like clusters and are a favorite among birds, which readily spread seeds.
Pokeweed seedling.
(Photo: John Strang, University of Kentucky)
Foliage and growth habit of older plants.
(Photo: Robert Videki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org)
Immature (green) and mature (purple-black) pokeweed fruit.
(Photo: Shawn Wright, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Cultivate or cut plants at the seedling stage.
- Apply glyphosate to cut stems.
