Aconogonon phytolaccifolium
Pokeweed knotweed
(c) David Anderson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Aconogonon phytolaccifolium (Pokeweed knotweed) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by much larger stature, terminal panicle-like inflorescences, and non-glaucous leaves.
Pokeweed knotweed is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges, northern Coast Ranges, northern Sierra Nevada, and Mountain Provinces in meadows and moist rocky places at elevations of 1,500 to 2,800 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces white to green flowers in small clusters of 1 to 3 blossoms. Growing with robust erect stems 70 to 150 centimeters tall, it forms an upright, substantial presence in its habitat. Its lanceolate leaves are 5 to 15 centimeters long with scabrous margins, featuring distinctive brown ocrea (leaf sheaths) at the base of each leaf. The fruit is a shiny yellow-brown ovoid structure 4 to 6.5 millimeters long that often extends beyond the flower clusters.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by much larger stature, terminal panicle-like inflorescences, and non-glaucous leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Meadows, moist rocky places
Elevation: 1500-2800 m
California counties: Amador, El Dorado, Alameda, Alpine, Humboldt, Lassen, Mariposa, Placer, Sierra, Butte, Tehama, Trinity, Del Norte, Nevada, Plumas, Siskiyou, Fresno
Outside California: to Washington, Idaho, Nevada
Bloom period
Aconogonon phytolaccifolium blooms Jun-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Oxyria: Aconogonon has branching flower clusters; Oxyria has kidney-shaped leaves and flowers in simple spikes.; vs Bistorta: Aconogonon has loose, branching clusters; Bistorta forms dense, bottle-brush-like spikes.; vs Persicaria: Aconogonon has open, branching flower clusters; Persicaria forms tight spikes or heads.; vs Polygonum: Aconogonon is tall and upright in mountains; Polygonum is low-growing in disturbed lowlands.; vs Fallopia: Aconogonon grows upright; Fallopia climbs with heart-shaped leaves and winged fruits.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aconogonon phytolaccifolium native to California?
Yes. Aconogonon phytolaccifolium is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Aconogonon phytolaccifolium bloom?
Aconogonon phytolaccifolium blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Aconogonon phytolaccifolium grow?
Aconogonon phytolaccifolium occurs in Amador, El Dorado, Alameda, Alpine, Humboldt, Lassen, Mariposa, Placer and other counties, at elevations of 1500-2800 m.
What plant family does Aconogonon phytolaccifolium belong to?
Aconogonon phytolaccifolium is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Aconogonon.
What habitat does Aconogonon phytolaccifolium grow in?
Aconogonon phytolaccifolium grows in Meadows, moist rocky places.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.