Differences between Pokeweed and Phytolacca americana

1. Plant Differences

American pokeweed is about 1 to 2 meters tall, with erect or spreading, cylindrical stems that are sometimes purple.

The stem of the commercial plant is erect, cylindrical, with longitudinal grooves, fleshy, green or reddish-purple.

2. Leaf Difference

The leaves of American pokeweed are large, oblong or ovate-elliptical, tender in texture, about 15 to 30 cm long and 3 to 10 cm wide.

The leaves of Shanglu are thin and papery, with elliptical, oblong or lanceolate-elliptical leaves, 10 to 30 cm long, 4.5 to 15 cm wide, with a sharp apex and a cuneate base that gradually narrows.

3. Flower Difference

The racemes of American pokeweed are erect, terminal or lateral, about 15 cm long, with a sharp apex. The flowers are white with a slight blush.

The racemes of Shanglu are terminal or opposite to the leaves, cylindrical, and the flowers are white.