Friday, October 9, 2015

Pesky Poisonous Pokeweed

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF7346_zpsmsfgisho.jpg


Pesky Poisonous Pokeweed

I have always been fascinated with this beautiful plant for many years.  The stems are a deep cranberry red color or a bright fuchsia.  The berries are the darkest purple/blue and look like they would be related to blueberries but THEY ARE NOT!  Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) is very poisonous!

Everything including the leaves, stem, stalk, berries & the root are poisonous & even deadly (when consumed).  It's not only dangerous to humans but also to livestock, dogs & cats.  However, birds love these berries. 




by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo 004_zpsrw44rdxs.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF7343_zpsdxsu3knt.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower


If you have any children or outdoor pets it is recommended to remove this plant from your property.



by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF7345_zpsfj5of6bp.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower


Every year I pull this pest and it returns the next year.  I have read that pouring boiling water or just vinegar (when in the sun) onto the plant will burn the leaves (I do NOT use Roundup so that is NOT an option for me).  (If you have any tips on ridding my garden of this pest please let me know - Thank You)



by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF7350_zpsll8lixhq.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower


Even though it's a pest it is beautiful to look at so ENJOY!



by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF7347_zpsnpuntdml.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower


and BE CAREFUL!



by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF7352_zpshxfq2sdu.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower



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2 comments:

  1. We have tons of those weeds around here! They really are so tough to get rid of.

    ReplyDelete
  2. We have so much of this growing in the woods. The birds seem to like it though! I wonder if goats will eat it? They like all the poison ivy types. Maybe you need goats! :-)

    ~L

    ReplyDelete

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