Pigeonberry
Phytolacca americana
Last reviewed: June 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.
Pigeonberry 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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 Pigeonberry
Grow Pigeonberry 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
Pigeonberry 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 Pigeonberry toxic to cats?
- Yes. Pigeonberry is listed as toxic to cats by the Cornell University Poisonous Plants Database (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Pigeonberry toxic to livestock?
- Pigeonberry 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 Pigeonberry HOA-friendly?
- Pigeonberry 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Pigeonberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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