what do you think of this plant?

the name should be phytolacca and it is considered a bit of an infestant, but I really like it, because the branches are red and after the berries fall off the stem which held them is like a bunch of small purplish/reddish tiny flowers which seem made of plastic.

compagniadelgiardinaggio-luciano59

 

A friend of ours gave us a small plant a couple of years ago and you are right in saying it can be a bit invasive,but we have found that the starlings that visit our garden love the berries and last week I saw a robin and a sparrow attacking the berries so I am willing to let it stay if it helps them survive.:D

I usually cut mine right back in the spring and then up it shoots again and we have the flowers and berries again in the Autumn/Winter time

 

I like it :thumb:, do you know if is it can be successfully grown from seed as I may have to find some :D

 

Hi Bilbo,ours have self seeded it'self already and we have already got tow other plants grwoing along the border.It is a pity you didn't ask that question last week as I spotted a seedling right in the seide of our house when i was walking up the drive last week and pulled it out as I didn't want it's roots going down into the house foundations

 

Also known as Pokeweed & Pigeon Berry.

 

Fab photos, Shiney.

So it doesn't induce vomiting, double vision, breathlessness etc etc in birds, then?

 

Thanks Shiney , let me know if you find any and we'll take it from there :thumb:

I've found seed for two varieties; americana and silberstein (a new variegated one);

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I'm really excited as after seeing Shineys pictures I found seed for Americana(3-10ft apparently) on Chilterns seed, bit of differing information about whether they need stratification, so sowed half the seed September in my unheated greenhouse and saved the rest for spring and guess what yesterday the first 2 seedlings started emerging:happydance:, obviously they don't need the cold to kick start them, hope they survive winter, but if they don't still have seed left, might bring them inside if it gets too cold.