How do I get rid of Poke Weed?? - Ask Extension
I have a large Poke weed in my garden patch. There are also 2 plants that I planted that I don't want to kill. Is digging up the tuber of the of the ...
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How do I get rid of Poke Weed?? #582520
Asked July 22, 2019, 3:58 PM EDT
I have a large Poke weed in my garden patch. There are also 2 plants that I planted that I don't want to kill. Is digging up the tuber of the of the poke weed the only way to get rid if this ugly, pernitious plant?
Calhoun County Michigan
Expert Response
It is best to know how
to get rid of pokeberry plants to prevent ingestion by children. Small
amounts generally do not harm adults, but the plant is full of several
toxic compounds. The roots are the most toxic, but all parts of the
plant are generally unsafe.
Leaves increase in toxicity with maturity but the juvenile foliage has
been part of salads for generations.
To manually remove common pokeweed, dig deeply and get out
the entire taproot. Pulling is not successful as it leaves behind roots
that will regenerate. If you do nothing else, remove the fruits from the
plant before they spread. The plant can produce up to 48,000 seeds,
which remain viable in soil for 40 years. Birds seem unbothered by the
berry toxicity and enjoy the fruit, planting seeds wherever they are
excreted.
There are instances in which you may need more than just manual removal.
The use of an herbicide may be necessary as the taproot is fleshy and extends deep into the soil. Chemicals to control pokeweed work best when the plant is young.
Chemicals to control pokeweed to control pokeweed are
dicamba, 2,4 D, and glysophate. (Glysophate is the chemical in the produce RoundUp. You may have heard news reports claiming that this chemical causes certain cancers. So be advised.) As always, be sure to carefully read and follow all directions and measurements on the label.
The best way to apply chemicals without harming your surrounding plants is to either block your other plants with a cardboard box or a plastic tarp to protect the leaves while you spray the herbicide on the pokeweed; or, using a well-gloved hand, apply the chemical directly to the pokeweed leaves by hand. These chemicals act through the vascular
system and while it takes a while to see results, eventually the
chemical reaches the roots.
Whether you choose to hand pull or use an herbicide, be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves and avoid getting the spray on yourself. I am including the picture and link below simply to show you how large the roots can be and you will have a better idea of what you're dealing with.
