Giant Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana): 'Godzilla' in a Michigan Yard

Giant Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana): 'Godzilla' in a Michigan Yard

A gardener called a massive plant "Godzilla." It appeared last fall, grew 2.5 feet before winter, no berries. This year it grew as big as a shed, with a baby bunny underneath. Small white flowers turn to black berries resembling blueberries; juice like purple ink; berries turn green to black overnight. The gardener tasted one (bland).

Godzilla

Expert Identification & Warning

Godzilla is pokeweed (Phytolacca americana). Do not taste strange berries. According to Venomous Animals and Poisonous Plants by Steven Foster, small children have died from eating poke berries (stomach cramps, vomiting, labored breathing, seizures, death). Toxic to all mammals (but not birds). The bunny shouldn't eat them either. It can grow 10 feet tall (6 feet common), one of the largest showy native eastern North American weeds. It doesn't spread aggressively; if no young children snack on berries, it's fine to leave and will be enormous each year.