What is this plant?

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by Unregistered, Sep 22, 2003.

  1. all above ground stalks and foliage die off in winter. It regrows each year, starting in late spring with an enormous growth spurt about late July - growing to about 8 feet high - a large bush formation made of heavy stalks which are a rich fuschia color - the leaves are green with very light pink veins - almond shaped - by September, the ends of each branch produce beautiful clusters of a very dark purple berries (size of a small blueberry) - these clusters are very well structured on a little stem which aligns the berries in a conical pattern....anybody tell me what this is???
     
  2. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    While it would help if I knew your location, perhaps it is Phytolacca americana?

    Have a look at the photographs on the excellent Texas A&M University Vascular Plant Image Gallery - Phytolaccaceae web page. Let me know how it is different from that plant, if it isn't Phytolacca americana.

    Please note that if it is Phytolacca americana, although native to North and Central America, it is still considered a noxious weed by some jurisdictions. It is a weed in both China and Spain (from a quick Internet search).
     
  3. In Kansas and Missouri, I believe this is called an elderberry or boysenberry.
     
  4. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    I have my doubts that is either boysenberry or elderberry, based on the original description. Boysenberry would have been described as having raspberry-like fruit plus it has above-ground canes which persist from year to year. The latter point is also true of elderberry, which is a small shrub or tree that does not die back each year.

    Then again, confirmation or clarification from the original poster would be helpful! You may indeed be right.
     

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