Biosecurity alert – pokeweed detected in City of Stirling
Toxic invasive plant pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) was recently detected in Carine and Mirrabooka.
Residents are urged to be on the lookout for this declared pest (C1 under the Biosecurity and Agricultural Management Act, listed on WAOL), which is poisonous to humans and livestock/animals and must be eradicated.
All confirmed pokeweed plants will be treated and removed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development biosecurity officers.
This invasive shrub can grow up to 2.5 metres tall, with large, bright green leaves, smooth purplish stems, clusters of white to magenta flowers and drooping bunches of deep purple-black berries in summer.
Pokeweed is commonly confused with a widespread weed called inkweed (Phytolacca octandra), which has flowers and fruit that are firm and tightly clustered (like a corn cob) and stand more upright like a spike.
If you think you have spotted pokeweed, record the location, date and time, take a photo if possible and report it via the MyPestGuide® Reporter app or online at mypestguide.dpird.wa.gov.au
You can also contact the Pest and Disease Information Service on (08) 9368 3080 or padis@dpird.wa.gov.au for identification and removal.
More information on pokeweed and other declared weeds is available on the DPIRD website.
