The pokeweed is a very decorative garden plant, but unfortunately it is also poisonous and very easy to reproduce. If you're not careful, you'll soon have a lot of pokeweeds in your garden and only a few other plants left.
How can you effectively combat pokeweed in the garden?
To combat pokeweed (Phytolacca) in the garden, remove young plants by pulling them out in early summer and dig up older plants with powerful roots. Prevent proliferation by immediately cutting off and removing wilted flower heads.
Because the pokeweed spreads very quickly and deprives neighboring plants of light to grow. Propagation occurs on the one hand through self-sowing, but also through massive root growth and new sprouting of young plants. Wherever the seeds touch the ground and get enough light, you will soon find a new pokeweed.
How do I get the pokeweed out of my garden?
If you want to tackle the pokeweeds, it's best to do so in early summer. If the roots are still young and tender, the pokeweed can be pulled out quite easily, especially if the soil is moist. Older plants with strong roots, on the other hand, usually have to be laboriously dug up. However, the roots grow quite deep into the soil and often form meter-long side shoots.
It makes sense to prevent or at least limit the spread of pokeweed right from the start. Since the plant sows itself and birds also distribute the seeds, you should ensure that no seeds are produced in the first place. Remove the inflorescences as soon as they wilt.
Can I use the pokeweed in any way?
As Phytolacca, pokeweed is used in homeopathy against rheumatic complaints, angina and flu-like infections. However, the plant is not suitable for self-medication. Although the Asian pokeweed is considered less poisonous than its American relative, it is still not advisable to consume it. However, you can use the roots to combat slugs.
The most important things in brief:
- very prolific
- including itself
- is spread by birds
- not easy to fight
- Immediately cut off wilted inflorescences - prevents the plant from going to seed
- uproot young plants in early summer
- older plants need to be dug up
- do not dispose of in the compost heap
Tip
If you want to prevent pokeweeds from spreading in your garden, then regularly remove the finished inflorescences before fruits with seeds can form.
