Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Phytolaccaceae

Genus:

Phytolacca

Species:

Phytolacca octandra

USDA Symbol:

PHOC

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

200 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

white, pink

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from thick taproot following fire or cutting.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

thrives in disturbed areas with good organic content

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best after cold stratification. Light may improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI