Tropical Pokeweed

Phytolacca icosandra

Native to:
Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Peru, Puerto Rico, Trinidad-Tobago, United States, Venezuela

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Phytolaccaceae
Genus:
Phytolacca
Species:
Phytolacca icosandra
USDA Symbol:
PHIC

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
300 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun,Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
white, greenish-white

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Fall Color:
red, purple

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers fertile soils in native range