Strange plant with cerise stem

[Graye]

We have a strange (to me anyway) plant growing in our garden here in the Dordogne.  I don't actually have a plant book to check but can find nothing from an initial look on the internet.  Can anyone give me a clue as to what it is please?

At the moment it's about three feet tall with four separate stems.  These are very a bright cerise colour and not at all woody.  In fact we have had a mild frost and three of the stems have obviously been affected and fallen.  The leaves are bright green but flimsy - about the size and shape of a laurel leaf but much more delicate.  There were hard black berries growing rather like bunches of tiny grapes too but these have either fallen off and blown away or been eaten by birds.

Assuming I have done things correctly there may be an image included, otherwise please send a message and I will forward a picture.

[IMG]http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a192/MiriamOppenheim/DSCN0311a.jpg[/IMG]

Thanks

[andyh4]

Looks very like a fucschia.  The "hard black berries" are probably just the seed pods.

[chris pp]

I agree, Andy, and I don't think it was frost that knocked it over just like that at the base of the stems.

Chris

[Christine Animal]

It looks like my American Pokeweed, here's some of ours at a more advanced stage !

                                         

I had quite an embarrassing thread about it when I was still only a beginner on here, now we all know how to post a photo !

Exotic weeds

 

                              

[Graye]

Yes the American Pokeweed looks exactly right.  I've never seen anything quite like it before.  Presumably it will just grow up again in the spring.

[chris pp]

Brilliant, Christine, I've never come across the plant, how come it grows in your garden?

Chris

[Christine Animal]

I've no idea, but there's a lot of it.  It's not in a garden part, but in a rough sort of field part.  It's all gone withered and brown now, but it will be back next year!

 

[chirpy]

My wife states this is in latin also called phytolacca americana and to warn you that the black berries are poisonous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is a herbaceous plant.

[Cassis]

It also grows well in woodland and is a great foodsource for birds, according to my RHS A-Z Encyclopaedia.  As Ab says, poisonous - causes stomach upsets for humans and livestock, so not for places where there are inquisitive small fingers.

I don't suppose either of you would care to send me some seed?  I rather like the look of it and would like to try it.

Pretty please? [kiss] [kiss] [kiss]

[Christine Animal]

I will Cassis, if they haven't all rotted.  I'll have a look tomorrow, it's a bit dark now.

 

[Cassis]

Rotted's good for me, CA.  It's what I do to tomato seeds!  The seeds should still be okay, if they are still there.

Do you mind being called CA?

[Christine Animal]

No, not at all.   [6]   [+o(]   [:-))]   [kiss]   [:D]

 

[Christine Animal]

It's raining so hard, I haven't been able to get to the Pokeweed yet Cassis, but will keep you informed of progress.   [:)]

CA

 

[Christine Animal]

Well, there's a real "Autumn feel" to the Pokeweed (terrible photo, sorry!).  I'll have to get some seeds in and dry them out, then send you some if you email me your address Cassis.

                                                                 [IMG]http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a269/lavande/Pic204.jpg[/IMG]

 

[Cassis]

Thanks, CA, that's very kind.  Would you like some Astrantia Major in return?  I think I have some seed I collected kicking about somewhere.  If not, I'll find something else.

[Christine Animal]

You don't have to send me anything in return cher Cassis, it's a pleasure.

I had to have a look what Astrantia Major is.  It's common name is "Great Masterwort"   [:-))]  It does look lovely though, so if you do have any kicking around... many thanks.   [:)]

 

[Christine Animal]

Now it hasn't been raining so much I picked a few today Cassis, so they should be off soon.  It's funny because, probably due to the mild weather, there are even some fresh shoots on some of them.

 

[Cassis]

Thanks, CA - I have to say I haven't been doing much outside here recently.  Gorgeous yesterday - clear and windless - but suddenly foggy today and much colder.  I must have a hunt in the seed drawer for those A. Major seeds - PM me an address if you still fancy some.