A weed by another name (?)

[ElleDoesIt]

I would love some help in identifying a plant that has shown up in my garden. It stands over 6 feet tall and 2 feet wide on strong thick stalks 1-2 inches in width. I have a couple of stalks growing alone in full afternoon sun. There are a couple other stalks growing amidst some bearded irises which are much shorter (maybe due to competition?).

An attached image of some of the newer leaves and a flower is below. Does anyone have ideas as to the nature of this plant (weed or not, it's pretty so I've left it for now)?

[Newt]

Hi Elle,

Unfortunately you don't say where you live so I have no idea what weeds grow in your area.* Any pictures of the entire plant?

I'm leaving later today and won't be back for a week.* I won't have computer access, so if I don't respond, you'll know why.

Newt

[ElleDoesIt]

I'll be sure to take a picture of the full plant. I'm in Z-7b. Thanks! :)

[thanrose]

Google images for poke weed, Phytolacca americana. I think this is what you have.

The dark purple berries come along later, but the raceme of flowers looks right, the leaves and stems look right, the coloring at the upper tip of stem looks right.* You should see an increase in the red/burgundy color in the stems as the season wears on.

This is a poisonous plant, a weed if you will. There are uses for it (even edibility if you know what you are doing) but generally everyone will treat it as a weed. If your shoots are as big as this, may I ask if you moved in after last summer? There may be very large thick roots for the poke down among your irises. That will mean digging out the bed to remove the poke, but in my experience with irises, they like to be spread out a little every few years.

Use general precautions with removing it. I'd be barehanded, but since you don't have experience with poke, I'd suggest gloves and long sleeves. You can get a skin rash from it.

[ElleDoesIt]

I think you're right and we have a match!

I've actually removed the plants near the irises to eliminate competition. I've considered leaving the stalks that are isolated to see if birds will come. Reading on the toxic qualities is enough, however, for me to eliminate the plant before kids in the area get to the berries that are coming. My only hope is that the plant wasn't the one to attract all the great ladybugs in my garden. Hopefully they will stick around (I'm happily pest-free).

More images:

[ElleDoesIt]

Image:

[Newt]

I agree with Thanrose.* It looks like poke weed to me too.

Newt

[ElleDoesIt]

I cut down the stalks then dug up the entire root system (hopefully). It's good to know what I was dealing with. Thanks again!