When does Phytolacca americana bloom?

Pigeonberry blooms from June through September, producing small white flowers in elongated clusters.

What pollinators visit Phytolacca americana?

This native plant attracts bees, beetles, and flies with its summer blooms.

Where is Pigeonberry native?

Phytolacca americana is native to most US states from coast to coast, including the Southeast, Midwest, Northeast, and parts of the Southwest.

What growing conditions does Phytolacca americana prefer?

Pigeonberry is adaptable, tolerating partial sun to shade and various moisture levels from wet to dry soils.

Is American Pokeweed toxic to livestock?

American Pokeweed is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.

Is American Pokeweed HOA-friendly?

American Pokeweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

American Pokeweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phytolacca americana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Phytolacca americana (Pigeonberry) is a native forb blooming June through September across most US states. This adaptable plant tolerates various light and moisture conditions while attracting bees, beetles, and flies.

American Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) — Photo: Cbaile19 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

American Pokeweed is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

24"–96" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 35 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Pigeonberry is a tall native perennial that produces clusters of small white flowers from summer into fall, followed by dark purple berries. This robust plant can reach up to 8 feet tall and spreads moderately, making it suitable for larger landscape areas. The plant dies back completely in winter and emerges again each spring.

Growing American Pokeweed

Grow American Pokeweed in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 96 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Pokeweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Grows very tall and can appear weedy
Dies back completely leaving bare ground in winter
May spread aggressively and look uncontrolled

Wildlife value

The long blooming period attracts bees, beetles, and flies throughout the growing season. Birds enjoy the dark purple berries in late summer and fall.

Common questions

When does Phytolacca americana bloom?: Pigeonberry blooms from June through September, producing small white flowers in elongated clusters.
What pollinators visit Phytolacca americana?: This native plant attracts bees, beetles, and flies with its summer blooms.
Where is Pigeonberry native?: Phytolacca americana is native to most US states from coast to coast, including the Southeast, Midwest, Northeast, and parts of the Southwest.
What growing conditions does Phytolacca americana prefer?: Pigeonberry is adaptable, tolerating partial sun to shade and various moisture levels from wet to dry soils.
Is American Pokeweed toxic to livestock?: American Pokeweed is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
Is American Pokeweed HOA-friendly?: American Pokeweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow American Pokeweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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