Translate this page:

Summary

Physical Characteristics

Phytolacca is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Leaves - they must be cooked, and are then used as a spinach[1, 2, 46, 51, 105, 183]. Only the young leaves should be used since the leaves become toxic with age. The young shoots are used as an asparagus substitute[2, 105, 183]. They have an excellent flavour[2]. Root - cooked[178]. Must be leeched first[179]. Only the white root of the white flowered form (if it exists![K]) should be eaten. See notes above.

References More on Edible Uses

Composition

Figures in grams (g) or miligrams (mg) per 100g of food.

Shoots (Dry weight)

274 Calories per 100g
Water : 0%
Protein: 31g; Fat: 4.8g; Carbohydrate: 44g; Fibre: 0g; Ash: 20.2g;
Minerals - Calcium: 631mg; Phosphorus: 524mg; Iron: 20.2mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Potassium: 0mg; Zinc: 0mg;
Vitamins - A: 62mg; Thiamine (B1): 0.95mg; Riboflavin (B2): 3.93mg; Niacin: 14.3mg; B6: 0mg; C: 1619mg;
Reference: [ 218]
Notes:

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

The root is antiasthmatic, antibacterial, antidote, antifungal, antitussive, diuretic, expectorant, laxative and vermifuge[176, 178, 218, 238]. The plant has an interesting chemistry and it is currently (1995) being investigated as a potential anti-AIDS drug[238]. It contains potent anti-inflammatory agents, antiviral proteins and substances that affect cell division[238]. These compounds are toxic to many disease-causing organisms, including the water snails that cause schistosomiasis[238]. The root is used internally in the treatment of urinary disorders, nephritis, oedema and abdominal distension[238]. Externally, it is used to treat boils, carbuncles and sores[238]. The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238]. All parts of the plant are toxic, this remedy should be used with caution and preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

References More on Medicinal Uses

The Bookshop: Edible Plant Books

Our Latest books on Perennial Plants For Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens in paperback or digital formats.

Edible Tropical Plants

Food Forest Plants for Hotter Conditions: 250+ Plants For Tropical Food Forests & Permaculture Gardens.

Edible Temperate Plants

Plants for Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests & Permaculture Gardens.

PFAF have eight books available in paperback and digital media.

More Books

PFAF have eight books available in paperback and digital formats. Browse the shop for more information.

Shop Now

Other Uses

A red ink is obtained from the fruit[57].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils[1], though preferring a moisture retentive fertile soil in full sun or partial shade[200]. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[233]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Often self sows when in a suitable position[200]. Cultivated for its edible leaves in India[1, 51]. It is said that there are two forms of this plant, one with red flowers that has a poisonous root, whilst another with white flowers that has a white edible root. This white form is said to be cultivated for its edible root in parts of China[178] (I wonder if this is a mis-identification for another species? It could also be P. esculenta, which according to one report is a synonym of P. acinosa esculenta and is said to have an edible root[K]). Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

Shop Now

Plant Propagation

Seed - sow autumn or spring in a cold frame[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. If you have sufficient seed, it might be worthwhile trying an outdoor sowing in a seed bed in early spring. Grow the plants on in the seedbed for their first year and plant them out the following spring. Division in March or October. Use a sharp spade or knife to divide the rootstock, making sure that each section has at least one growth bud. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Hebei Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Xizang Zizhiqu, Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Korea, Japan, Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Vietnam

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Petiveria alliacea	Guinea Hen Weed	Perennial	1.0	9-12	F	LMH	SN	M	0	4	3
Phytolacca acinosa	Indian Poke	Perennial	1.5	7-10		LMH	SN	M	2	3	1
Phytolacca americana	Pokeweed, American pokeweed, Garnet, Pigeon Berry, Poke	Perennial	2.0	4-8	F	LMH	SN	M	3	3	2
Phytolacca dioica	Bella Sombra	Tree	4.0	8-11		LMH	SN	M	2	0	1
Phytolacca dodecandra	Endod, Pokeberry	Shrub	4.0	10-12	M	LMH	FSN	DM	2	3	4
Phytolacca esculenta		Perennial	1.0	5-9		LMH	SN	M	2	2	1

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Phytolacca - Roxb.