Phytolacca americana - Uses, Benefits & Common Names
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
americana
ID:
482730
Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 441 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000482062
Common Names
- Phytolacca americana
- American Phytolacca
- American Pokeweed
Searching for Phytolacca americana? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!
Find Suppliers & Request SamplesSynonyms
- Phytolacca decandra L. [unknown]
- Phytolacca americana americana [unknown]
Description
Phytolacca americana (also called American Pokeweed, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Phytolaccaceae family. It is an herbaceous perennial, typically reaching heights of 0.5–2 m tall. It grows in temperate climates in moist, well-drained soils in full sun. It is found in open woodlands, meadows, and roadsides.
Uses & Benefits
Phytolacca americana is used for ornamental purposes, as well as for medicinal and food purposes. It is also used to make paper, furniture, and musical instruments.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Phytolacca americana var. rigida (Small) Caulkins & R.E.WyattFlower, Seeds and Seedlings
Phytolacca americana has small, white flowers that are produced in clusters. The seeds are small, black, and egg-shaped, and the seedlings are dark green with a white line along the center of the leaves.
Searching for Phytolacca americana? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!
Find Suppliers & Request SamplesCultivation and Propagation
Phytolacca americana is a small, evergreen perennial that grows to a height of 10-15 cm (4-6 in). It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer in a cold frame. Cuttings should be taken in late summer or early autumn and rooted in a cold frame.
Where to Find Phytolacca americana
Phytolacca americana is native to North America and can be found in the United States and Canada.
Phytolacca americana FAQ
What is the natural habitat of Phytolacca americana?
Phytolacca americana is native to eastern North America.
What is the average height of Phytolacca americana?
Phytolacca americana typically grows to a height of 6-12 feet.
What is the average lifespan of Phytolacca americana?
Phytolacca americana has an average lifespan of up to 10 years.
Species in the Phytolacca genus
Phytolacca rivinoides, Phytolacca rugosa, Phytolacca sanguinea, Phytolacca octandra, Phytolacca thyrsiflora, Phytolacca meziana, Phytolacca americana, Phytolacca bogotensis, Phytolacca acinosa, Phytolacca dioica, Phytolacca dodecandra, Phytolacca icosandra, Phytolacca esculenta, Phytolacca japonica, Phytolacca tetramera, Phytolacca weberbaueri, Phytolacca goudotii, Phytolacca heterotepala, Phytolacca sandwicensis, Phytolacca heptandra, Phytolacca chilensis, Phytolacca cyclopetala, Phytolacca latbenia, Phytolacca polyandra,
Species in the Phytolaccaceae family
Anisomeria chilensis, Anisomeria coriacea, Anisomeria densiflora, Anisomeria fruticosa, Ercilla spicata, Ercilla syncarpellata, Phytolacca rivinoides, Phytolacca rugosa, Phytolacca sanguinea, Phytolacca octandra, Phytolacca thyrsiflora, Phytolacca meziana, Phytolacca americana, Phytolacca bogotensis, Phytolacca acinosa, Phytolacca dioica, Phytolacca dodecandra, Phytolacca icosandra, Phytolacca esculenta, Phytolacca japonica, Phytolacca tetramera, Phytolacca weberbaueri, Phytolacca goudotii, Phytolacca heterotepala, Phytolacca sandwicensis, Phytolacca heptandra, Phytolacca chilensis, Phytolacca cyclopetala, Phytolacca latbenia, Phytolacca polyandra,
References
The Plant List v1.1 record kew-2562777: Based on the initial data import
Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'L.' in the authors string.