The term “poky ball plant” generally refers to the berries of the Pokeweed plant, scientifically known as Phytolacca americana. This plant is common and widespread. It is a native herbaceous perennial that can grow quite large in a single season.
Identifying Poky Balls
Pokeweed is a distinctive plant that can reach significant heights, often between 8 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. Its stems are smooth and robust, often displaying a reddish or purplish hue as the plant matures. The leaves are large, bright green, smooth, and arranged alternately along the branching stems, sometimes reaching up to a foot long and 4 to 7 inches wide.
In mid-summer, pokeweed produces white or greenish-white flowers in elongated clusters up to 8 inches long. These flowers develop into green berries that ripen to a dark purple or black in late summer or early fall. These “poky balls” are round, shiny, 0.25 inches wide, and grow in drooping clusters that resemble grapes. Birds often consume these berries, which helps in spreading the seeds. Pokeweed commonly grows in disturbed soils, along roadsides, in garden edges, and in open woodlands.
Understanding Poky Ball Toxicity
All parts of the Pokeweed plant—including the berries, roots, leaves, and stems—are toxic to humans and many mammals. The roots contain the highest concentration of toxic compounds, followed by the leaves and stems. While the berries are generally considered less toxic than other parts, particularly when ripe, they still pose a risk, and green berries may be more poisonous. The plant contains saponins and oxalates, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation.
Ingestion can lead to various symptoms, typically appearing within six hours. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and excessive salivation. More severe cases, especially with larger doses or consumption of the highly toxic roots, can result in dehydration, headache, muscle spasms, low blood pressure, and in rare instances, seizures or respiratory issues. If ingestion occurs, contact a poison control center or seek immediate veterinary care for pets.
Controlling Poky Ball Plants
Managing Pokeweed plants is often necessary due to their aggressive growth and toxicity. Manual removal is effective for young plants; hand-pull them when the soil is moist to remove the entire root system. For established plants, digging out the large taproot is important to prevent regrowth, as cutting the plant above ground often leads to resprouting. Removing at least the top 3-6 inches of the root from the soil surface can minimize regrowth.
Cutting or mowing mature plants before the berries develop can help prevent seed spread. Consistent cutting can also weaken the plant over time. For persistent or large infestations, herbicides containing glyphosate or triclopyr can be used. Apply these when the plant is actively growing, typically from April to August, for best results. Organic herbicides, such as those containing vinegar, may only burn the foliage and are generally not effective on established plants.
Safe Handling and Disposal of Poky Ball Plants
When handling Pokeweed, take precautions to prevent skin irritation and accidental exposure to toxins. Wear protective gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection to avoid contact with the plant’s sap and leaves. The plant’s chemicals can potentially pass through the skin.
Disposing of removed plant material requires care to prevent spread or exposure. All parts of the plant, including berries, stems, and roots, should be bagged and disposed of with household waste. It is advisable not to compost Pokeweed material due to its toxic nature and the viability of its seeds. Discarding them properly helps limit new plant growth.