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How to Get Rid of Pokeweed in Your Yard

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published December 20, 2024

Pokeweed, also known as dragon berries is an invasive species native to Northern America. Pokeweed is poisonous to humans, dogs and livestock. Even if it is not ingested, the plant can cause a terrible rash, so it is always wise to know how to get rid of pokeweed and keep it from coming back.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

How to Identify Pokeweed

Identification is the key to understanding how to get rid of American pokeweed. Specific characteristics make it indistinguishable from other plants. Pokeweed can be identified by its large, lance-shaped leaves and dark purple to almost black berries. The plant itself can grow up to 15 inches long. Another one of the most distinctive features is the smooth reddish-purple stem, which makes it easy to identify the plant when growing on your property.

How to Get Rid of Pokeweed

Pokeweed generally declines and returns to ground level every winter but comes back again every spring. The larger the plant, the more difficult it is to weed it out. Pulling the stem may cause it to snap off and there is the added danger of getting a terrible rash when dealing with the plant. Follow these methods to learn how to get rid of American pokeweed from your property safely and effectively.

Method 1: Manual Removal

If the pokeweed plant is still fairly young, wedding them out by hand is an effective option. Your goal is to remove the plant from the roots. This is easier when the soil is damp, so ensure that you water the soil near its roots for a more effortless removal. You can use a shovel to dig out larger plants, but you will have to dig deeply to uproot the entire plant, which can be quite extensive.

Caution

To protect yourself from a possible rash, always wear gardening gloves, full pants and long sleeves when handling pokeweed.

Method 2: Mowing and Cutting

In large areas where manual removal is impractical, mowing and cutting the plant is a rather effective strategy. Mowing must be done consistently throughout the growing season, as pokeweed can rapidly regrow from its roots. Early intervention is key, as once the flowers bloom and the berries grow, the seeds may be dissipated by wildlife or through the mowing itself.

It is also important to note that since only mowing and cutting the plant does not destroy the root system, pokeweed may not be eradicated completely and reappear during spring.

Method 3: Mulching

Applying a thick layer of mulch around the plants can help suppress pokeweed growth by smothering dispersed seeds and blocking sunlight. Using organic mulches made of bark, straw and finished compost is recommended, as they also add nutrients to the soil and help with desirable plant growth.

Method 4: Herbicides

If the above methods do not eliminate the plant, you need to treat it with a weed killer. Using a herbicide is the most effective way to get rid of a pokeweed plant, but it does come with some drawbacks. Herbicides like glyphosate and triclopyr are commonly used to eliminate pokeweed and are readily available in the market.

The most effective time to apply the herbicide is late summer and early fall. Always read the label instructions cautiously before using these herbicides. Avoid using them on a windy or rainy day to ensure precise application. Solutions of glyphosate and triclopyr may also run off your site and into waterways, harming wildlife.

Caution

Extreme caution should be exercised when handling herbicides, as they can harm humans, pets, wildlife and plants.

  • Protect yourself by wearing chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, full pants, a shirt with long sleeves, socks and shoes.
  • Wash hands properly after mixing or applying chemicals.
  • Clothes worn while mixing or applying should be separate from other laundry.
  • Ensure you avoid accidentally spraying your desirable plants with this chemical mixture.


Homeowners can learn how to get rid of pokeweed growing on their property by following the methods outlined in this article. These methods include a combination of manual removal, chemical use and cultural practices. With persistence and regular interventions, you can eliminate this invasive species and restore your landscape to a healthy, pokeweed-free environment.