Can you name this unusual ‘beast’?
Q
This strange beast grows wild in our gardens here in North East England. Any idea what it is?
Martin Conway, Darlington, Co Durham
AThe intriguing specimen is pokeweed or red ink plant (Phytolacca americana). Indigenous to an area ranging from eastern North America to Mexico, it has great character and presence.
Indeed, an established berrying clump makes a commanding feature in any garden. Leaves also develop pink autumn colour and parts of the plant have been traditionally used for dying fabrics.
Pokeweed is hardy through most of the UK, apart from very high, exposed and northerly areas, and it may suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Plants can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F)
Be warned, its blackish-maroon berries are highly toxic if ingested, so the plant should not be grown where young children play.