Photo credit: MG Judy Weaver

Pokeweed is famous since 1968 when “Poke Salad Annie” was a popular song considered Swamp Rock. More than a piece of musical history, Pokeweed, Phytolacca americana, is either liked by some or disliked by others because it is invasive and toxic to humans, dogs, and livestock.

​

Pokeweed is spread by birds from the purplish berries it produces. Growth is rapid up to about 10 feet. The plant matures quickly, does not require the best soil, and survives without frequent water. Sounds like the perfect weed it really is, right? Despite pokeweed’s bad aspects, the shrub is admired by some because it attracts birds. Besides birds, pokeweed provides food for other wildlife such as squirrels, foxes, deer, even black bears. Apparently, these wild animals are immune to pokeweed’s toxins and they love to eat it. 

​

Photo credit: Tubifex CC BY-SA 3.0