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Photographer: Merel R. Black
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Family Phytolaccaceae
Phytolacca americana L. var. americana
American pokeberry, pokeweed
Phytolacca: from Greek phyto, "plant," and Latin lacca, "crimson lake," because of the color in the berries
americana: for America
Hazardous 
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| Status: | Native |
| Plant: | erect, perennial, 2'-9' tall, smooth forb branched toward the top |
| Flower: | white to pinkish, 5-parted, 1/4" wide; inflorescence a 4"-8" spike-like cluster (raceme) of stalked flowers; blooms July-Sept. |
| Fruit: | blue-black, juicy berry with smooth skin when ripe |
| Leaf: | stalked, lance-like to oval |
| Habitat: | moderate moisture; woods, disturbed sites |
| (Glossary) |
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