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The pokeweed plant is a hardy perennial; it dies back completely during the winter, but the old stalk may persist. It comes back in the spring. The pokeweed plant grows as much as 10 feet tall and usually has branches. The large leaves grow alternately on the stem. The flowers are small and white. The fruit is a berry which is green when immature, but becomes dark purple when it is ripe. The berries are eaten by birds. The juice of the berries has been used as a dye; the juice is a potent staining agent.
The pokeweed plant is a good specimen plant for the edge of the wooded yard. During hot, dry weather the leaves may appear to be wilted. |
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| The mature stem is thick and lavendar colored. | The leaves are large, oblate, and prominently veined. |
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