Question
Mystery plant
I am an avid perennial gardener. In my shade garden, this plant has appeared and I don't remember planting it. I've tried to identify it using online sites but haven't had any success.I live in upstate NY (Catskills Region). Can you help?
AnswerHi Teresa,
Thanx for your question. The plant you showed in the picture looks like Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana). It is a common herbaceous weed that can grow to be a large shrub-like plant. It blooms white flowers and then has large clusters of purple-black berries. It can be very pretty but I can't stand them myself and try to discourage their growth on my property. All parts of the plant are poisonous however, the pokeweed has been used as food when prepared appropriately. It remains popular as a potherb in the South and in Appalachia. The plant is also used as a medicinal herb but because of its toxicity should only be handled and administered by a professional. I would pour some Roundup on that thing and get rid of it as it reseeds itself quite well thanks to cardinals, woodthrushes and other birds that eat the berries. I hope this helps.
Tom
