What is this weed and how can I kill it? - Ask Extension
I have been told by a neighbor that this weed is poisonous and to use gloves when removing? I am wondering what I can do to kill it if I were to cut ...
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What is this weed and how can I kill it? #775822
Asked October 19, 2021, 2:09 PM EDT
I have been told by a neighbor that this weed is poisonous and to use gloves when removing? I am wondering what I can do to kill it if I were to cut it off, or is there another way I should be removing it? Thank you for your assistance.
Paula Vanderputte<personal data hidden>
Oceana County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Paula!
You have a specimen of Pokeweed. Perhaps if you are my age, you'll remember the old song by Tony Joe White about Poke Sallat Annie? This is the weed he was singing about!
Now is the best time to rid yourself of that pokeweed. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/there_is_no_better_time_than_fall_to_control_problem_perennial_weeds
How to eliminate it? https://extension.psu.edu/common-pokeweed-identification-and-management Glysophate is also known by it's trademark name, Roundup. If you remove the foliage, it will just return from the root next year. Glysophate is taken up by the foliage, and transferred to the root, which it kills, eliminating any "return visits" from the plant.
Pokeweed is, indeed, Poisonous. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/phytolacca-americana/
Good luck with eliminating your Pokeweed!
~Denise Nash, Master Gardener.
You have a specimen of Pokeweed. Perhaps if you are my age, you'll remember the old song by Tony Joe White about Poke Sallat Annie? This is the weed he was singing about!
Now is the best time to rid yourself of that pokeweed. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/there_is_no_better_time_than_fall_to_control_problem_perennial_weeds
How to eliminate it? https://extension.psu.edu/common-pokeweed-identification-and-management Glysophate is also known by it's trademark name, Roundup. If you remove the foliage, it will just return from the root next year. Glysophate is taken up by the foliage, and transferred to the root, which it kills, eliminating any "return visits" from the plant.
Pokeweed is, indeed, Poisonous. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/phytolacca-americana/
Good luck with eliminating your Pokeweed!
~Denise Nash, Master Gardener.
