London (change)
Today 19°C / 12°C
Tomorrow 18°C / 12°C

Talkback: A poke in the eye

in Talkback

Latest posts | New discussions | Hot threads | Forum topics
Help | Settings | Public profile
Reply
Related Article
A poke in the eye
One of the best looking plants in my garden this week is the Pokeweed. The spectacular berries are the shape of turbans and change in colour from bean green to burnished Ribena.
7 messages
Gardeners' World Web User
01/11/2007 at 12:51
It's only the *very young* leaves and *very young* shoots that are eaten. It is my understanding that older leaves and shoots are definitely toxic. Pat Meadows - who lives and gardens in the USA, but not in the South.
Gardeners' World Web User
01/11/2007 at 18:54
They sound wonderful. Anything this dangerous has to go in my garden. Where can I get one?
Gardeners' World Web User
04/11/2007 at 07:09
I first saw Pokeweed in Ford Abbey Gardens, Somerset & then again at Spetchley Park (nr Worcester) where I bought some seeds which I have yet to sow! The berries are definitely very striking & I look forward to growing it.
Gardeners' World Web User
05/11/2007 at 16:20
The plants should be relatively easy to find - check the RHS Plantfinder for a nearby nursery - there are about thirty listed in my copy. There are lots of other dangerous plants: I will return to the subject in the not too distant future...
Gardeners' World Web User
06/11/2007 at 19:39
Thank you for sorting out my questions about this plant! My husband and I had a lovely autumn walk the other day along the river Thouet by Saumur in the Loire Valley, where we have just moved. I saw this stunning plant growing wild along the path and had to pick some seeds. Had not yet had time to find out what it was, but now I will look forward to see what happens in spring.
Gardeners' World Web User
09/11/2007 at 14:45
I was given some of this plant several years ago and happily grew it and let it self seed. I later did some research on it when trying to find its proper name and have had to dig up every one. It is poisonous and should not be grown near cattle or horses and I have both in neighbouring fields.

I still find the odd one popping up now and again and I do miss it - pretty flowers in tight but frothy clusters and sumptuous dark beries when the fruits ripen and it's very hardy too.

Gardeners' World Web User
28/11/2011 at 18:30
I live in Serbia and my garden in full of Pokeweed. I have been pulling it up in hand fulls! However I did leave two plants one in the orchard and one in my shrubby area. Not ideal for a small bed. The locals poked at it with a stick and shrugged when I asked what it was. But I like it too! If my garden is anything to go by the Pokeweed is really good at self seeding. Watch out!
Your say
Terms and Conditions | Code of Conduct
email image
7 messages