Phytolacca sp.
Family: Phytolaccaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Phytolacca sp. is a non-native California perennial in the Phytolaccaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Nicotiana: Pokeweed has dense flower spikes and purple berries; tobacco has tubular flowers and dry capsules.; vs Persicaria: Pokeweed grows to 10 feet with huge leaves; smartweed is typically low-growing with much smaller leaves.; vs Prunus: Pokeweed has herbaceous stems and berry spikes; cherries are woody with single-stoned fruits.; vs Amaranthus: Pokeweed has broad prominently-veined leaves; amaranth has narrower leaves with less prominent veins.; vs Rumex: Pokeweed has broad oval leaves and purple berries; dock has lance-shaped leaves and papery winged fruits.
Frequently asked questions
Is Phytolacca sp. native to California?
No. Phytolacca sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Phytolacca sp. belong to?
Phytolacca sp. is in the Phytolaccaceae family, genus Phytolacca.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.