images - left to right: A single flowering pokeweed plant was recently confirmed in a Mirrabooka WA garden, after being reported growing between pot plants. DPIRD Biosecurity Officer, Zara Matthews, with a large pokeweed plant previously found in Pemberton, is reminding residents in the South West and Perth metropolitan area to keep a lookout for pokeweed.
DPIRD Media Release 28 Nov 2024
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is reminding residents in the Perth metropolitan and South West areas to be on the lookout for the invasive plant pokeweed.
It follows a recent detection of the toxic plant in Perth’s northern suburbs, along with the start of DPIRD’s annual surveillance program in the South West.
DPIRD biosecurity officer Zara Matthews said a single flowering pokeweed plant was removed from a Mirrabooka garden, after being reported by a concerned resident.
“We ask residents and visitors of Perth and the South West to please keep a look out for pokeweed in your garden, local parks or natural areas,” Ms Matthews said.
“Now is an ideal time to identify the plant, which has the scientific name Phytolacca americana, as it will be in flower or showing its distinctive purple-black berries.
“Pokeweed, including its leaves and berries, is toxic to both humans and animals and should not be eaten or handled.
“If you find suspect pokeweed, take a photo of the whole plant and report it to DPIRD – do not collect the seeds, berries or leaves or remove the plant.”
Pokeweed is a declared pest, prohibited in WA and must be eradicated if found.
It looks similar to inkweed, which is widespread in the South West, but grows taller – up to 2.5 metres – and has larger leaves and drooping berry stalks.
It has bright green leaves up to 40 centimetres long on a smooth purplish stem, with white to magenta flowers that form in elongated clusters hanging from branches.
DPIRD inspectors have begun their summer surveillance in the South West, which is focused on areas where the plant has previously been found, including Balingup, Mullalyup, Bridgetown and Pemberton.
Suspect sightings can be reported to DPIRD using the MyPestGuide™ Reporter app or via the Pest and Disease Information Service on (08) 9368 3080 or email padis@dpird.wa.gov.au.
More information on pokeweed is available the DPIRD website.
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