The duality of American pokeweed

Generally speaking, native plants are considered desirable since they support wildlife, can improve water quality while requiring less water themselves, are beautiful in the landscape, are generally more tolerant of climate conditions and soil types, and much more. However, from time to time a native species is not as appealing as others, and therefore, attempts are made to avoid it or remove it from the landscape. One example is the dreaded poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). A second example, and the one we will explore today in part because my mom asked me to, is American pokeweed (Phytolacca americana).