Hi all
A slow day in plant news, I spent much of the day procrastinating my very late Christmas shopping this year. Arriving at the store a little later then I had hope, there was a fury of impatient shoppers and it was all a bit overwhelming. It seems that in a down turned economy Christmas still reigns supreme.
Amidst my procrastination today I found myself looking through old photos of my trip to Germany. One folder in particular held photos of my trips to various botanical gardens, and I came across a photo of a plant I’ve still yet to ID. I think I saw a small specimen of this at Government House this spring but for the most part I think it’s a rarity. Does anyone have a clue?
Strange berry textured flowers. !? UPDATE Identified! —-> Scroll Down
Identified by the botanical maniac Joseph @ Greensparrow Gardens, this is definitely a species of phytolacca. Due to the subpar quality of my 2008 photography I’m unsure which species it is. Phytolacca otherwise known as poke weed is poisonous to mammals, but not birds, and was once used as a dye and ink by aboriginals and pioneers. Considered to be a weed by some, this plant is rarely seen out here on the west coast and would make a welcome addition to my collection of oddities. Ah I feel so much better now, another question answered. Thanks Joseph!
4 Responses to Unidentified Plant
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I grew up in Southern Ontario, where I only saw sporadic occurences of Phytolacca. It is a pleasantly unusual plant. I think that it is mostly uncommon, not just because of it’s ability to reproduce (seedlings though numerous are easy to pull) but because it may have a severe phytotoxic effect on sensitive individuals and the fruit is very poisonous. Not the best garden plant for people with children. I’m sure that it’s toxicity is one of the reasons it’s not common. There are variegated forms which I’ve found at nurseries in Vancouver. It’s just a matter of time before someone gets hurt or the Nurseryman decides it’s not worth the hassle. However, I like it. Anyone; Enjoy-carfully!
Pretty odd looking, a plant only a plant lover could love. 🙂
an aside, I collected some Tagetes lemonii seeds, would you like some?
It looks a lot like the cultivar ‘Sunny Side Up” http://www.plantdelights.com/Phytolacca-americana-Sunny-Side-Up-Sunny-Side-Up-Perennial-Pokeweed/productinfo/9103/
Looks like Phytolacca to me. A lovely plant, but also a terrible weed around here (Michigan)