Ability to Respond Total:8 / 25Ability to Respond = ( Ease of Response + Tools in Place )
Confidence:High
Confidence Notes:
Impact
Spread
Notes
Score
Spread Rate
Spread by seed production. Can form dense stands in some locations, but this is relatively rare statewide. Rated as Limited in Cal-IPC inventory.
2
Spread Amount
Inhabits the Central Valley, the coast from Mendocino to San Diego, and the Sierra Nevada mostly below 4,000 feet. Found in riparian areas, oak woodlands, fence rows, pastures, under power lines, disturbed sites and in ornamental landscapes.
3
Damage
Notes
Score
Ecological
Potential to outcompete native species.
1
Agricultural
Since pokeweed is poisonous, it can contaminate agricultural produce. Can be an issue along field edges and in perennial tree and vine crops. Can reduce forage to livestock.
3
Infrastructure
No known infrastructure damage.
0
Cultural
No known cultural damage.
0
Health
All plant parts, especially the roots, contain numerous saponins and oxalates and can be fatally toxic to humans and livestock when ingested raw or with improper preparations. The sap is a harsh skin irritant and cause a rash.
4
Benefit
Notes
Score
Ecological
The fruits are important food for mockingbirds, northern cardinals, and mourning doves and the flowers provide nectar for many insects.
1
Agricultural
Young leaves and stems when properly cooked are edible and provide a good source of protein, fat and carbohydrate. Extreme care must be taken to properly prepare.
1
Infrastructure
No infrastructure benefits.
0
Cultural
Native Americans had many uses for this plant. Everything from food, to treating arthritis, skin ulcers/sores, and making a dye or ink from the rip berry juice.
1
Health
Numerous accounts of medicinal uses including many minor ailments. Recent research has begun to examine the use of pokeweed for HIV and cancer.
2
Total
8
Ability to Respond
Ease of Response
Notes
Score
Detection
Mature plants are robust, herbacous perennnials that can be as tall as 10' making them easily to detect. Dormant plants can be much more difficult to locate. Newly germinating seedlings can be numerous but easy to identify.
4
Control
Established plants have a large fleshy taproot that can be difficult to remove and control. Seedlings are easily to control, however seeds can persist in the soil for 40 years.
