Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 3084022

Indian Pokeweed

Phytolacca acinosa

Also known as Asian Pokeweed, Lobe-fruited Pokeweed

Indian pokeweed is a robust, erect perennial herb featuring thick, reddish stems and broad, lance-shaped leaves. In summer, dense upright spikes of white flowers transition into clustered, dark purple-black berries with distinctly segmented lobes. Native to eastern Asia and widely naturalized in Europe, it thrives along forest margins, disturbed fields, and moist stream banks.

PerennialToxicBerry-bearing
Indian Pokeweed reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Karelj, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic
Predators
  • Thrushes
  • Pigeons
  • Starlings
ThreatsHabitat clearing in native range; aggressive weed management in introduced areas
HabitatsForest edges, stream banks, agricultural fields, disturbed ground
Life spanPerennial (10+ years via deep taproot)
Classification
  1. OrderCaryophyllales
  2. FamilyPhytolaccaceae
  3. GenusPhytolacca
  4. SpeciesPhytolacca acinosa
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Contains saponins and phytolaccatoxin; wild berries have toxic look-alikes, so never ingest any part.
Why it is dangerous
Contains phytolaccatoxin and triterpenoid saponins that induce intense vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and convulsions if ingested.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for upright fruit spikes bearing deeply segmented, glossy dark-purple berries on thick reddish stems.
What to do
Never consume wild berries or leaves, and wear gloves when removing mature plants from gardens.
Responsible observation
  • Safe Viewing: Enjoy the striking dark purple fruit clusters from a safe distance without harvesting.
  • Garden Containment: Deadhead flowers before seed formation to stop invasive spreading in introduced ranges.
  • Handling Precaution: Wear gloves when digging up or cutting back stems to avoid sap contact.
Related species
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