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This plant was found growing in Germany. I have never seen it before, reverse Google image search did not help either. Can you help me identify what type of plant this is?

Full view Flower Root

Thanks, looks like it is something like this:

http://pflanzen-enzyklopaedie.eu/stauden/amerikanische-kermesbeere-phytolacca-americana/#more-4034

Related question:

https://gardening.stackexchange.com/questions/2609/what-is-this-fast-growing-plant-with-blue-black-berries/2610#2610

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2 Answers 2

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This looks like some species of Phytolacca to me.

It's possibly Phytolacca americana, which is native to the US (in fact it's an enthusiastic 'volunteer' in my garden) but naturalized in Europe.

If you still have any in the ground, once they ripen, the berries are intensely purple and can be used as dye (or even eaten?)


Mark A. Nienaber & John W. Thieret. Phytolaccaceae. In: Flora of North America Editorial Committee, eds. 1993+. Flora of North America North of Mexico. New York and Oxford. (link goes to entry of P. americana)

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  • $\begingroup$ Seems like it is an invasive species that can prevent others from growing. $\endgroup$ Jul 12, 2014 at 16:01
  • $\begingroup$ It certainly grows very weedily here! $\endgroup$ Jul 12, 2014 at 20:01
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    $\begingroup$ Oreotrephes You have a garden, therefore you should get over to GL now and then. =) $\endgroup$
    – J. Musser
    Aug 12, 2014 at 13:01
  • $\begingroup$ It is a Phytolacca, but not americana, because the flowers stand upright. P. americana has hanging flowers. $\endgroup$
    – RHA
    Jan 21, 2017 at 20:13
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It is Phytolacca acinosa because the flowers grow upwards and the fruits are ribbed. Phytolacca americana has downward pointing flowers and smooth fruits.

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