Texas Wildbuds
Phytolacca americana var. americana
(American Pokeweed)
Phytolacca americana var. americana, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co. 3159
Phytolacca americana var. americana, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co. 3162
Phytolacca americana var. americana, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co. 3147
Phytolacca americana var. americana, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co. 0109
Phytolacca americana var. americana, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co. 0100
Phytolacca americana var. americana, Nails Creek Unit, Lake Somerville State Park, Lee Co. 07944
Phytolacca americana var. americana, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co. 0110
Phytolacca americana var. americana, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co. 3154
| Scientific Name | Phytolacca americana var. americana | USDA PLANTS Symbol | PHAMA3 |
| Common Name | American Pokeweed | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 531101 |
| Family | Phytolaccaceae (Pokeweed) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description | Habitat: Widespread; disturbed areas, open woods, wood margins, and clearings. Plant: Tall, bushy perennial 4 to 10 feet tall (Bastrop Park example here was much shorter, however, about 2-1/2 feet tall); reddish stems. Leaves: Stem leaves on petioles 1/3 to 2-1/3 inches long; lanceolate to ovate, 4 to 10 inches long, smooth edges. Inflorescence: Terminal racemes 5 to 12 inches long, drooping or lax; small white flowers with five petal-like sepals, and white stamens; no petals; green ovary in center; flowers at the tip co-occur with green berries further down. Fruit: Purple-black, 1/4 to 1/2-inch diameter when mature, pedicels longer than 1/4-inch. Bloom Period: July to October. References: "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston and Flora of North America. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Texas Status: Native |
Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County
© Tom Lebsack 2026
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