Pokeweed
Raisin d'Amérique
It is a large, herebaceous perennial growing up to 10 feet tall, native to eastern North America, Midwest, and the Gulf Coast.
It has a large taproot, green or red stems, and large simple leaves. Leaves can be up to 15" long. White flowers appear July to September, followed by purple to black berries. The berries have been used as a red dye for centuries. The plant dies back completely to the ground in winter.
It was used by American Indians to treat skin diseases and wounds as well as a dye.
Parts of the plant are toxic to livestock and humans.
Pokeweed was originally imported in France from the U.S. to make red dye for cloth and ink, as well as to color wine. It first arrived in Bordeaux and has now naturalized in Mediterranean countries where it can be invasive, eliminating competition and dominating where it spreads. It is classified as a plant plague by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
 |
| Blossoms just opening |
 | ||||
| Small stand behind a wall of Chateau Lacoste, 9.16.14 |
 |
| Growing through an arborbitae in Oppède le Vieux, 10.8.14 |
 |
| Fruits, Oppède le Vieux, 10.8.14 |
 |
| Rangy, branching form |
 | |
| Leaves and developing fruit, 10.8.14 |
 |
| Berries |
No comments:
Post a Comment