Pokeweed
Latin Name: Phytolacca americana
Identifying Characteristics:
- Seedlings may have reddish underside of leaf
- Alternate leaf pattern
- Tap root
- Produces white flowers from July into early fall
- Produces berries starting out as green, then turn to purple and almost black as they mature
- Mature plants have red stems
- Can grow up to 9 ft tall
Plant Longevity:
- Perennial
Where Commonly Found:
- Pastures
- Wooded areas
- Fence lines
- Waste areas
- Reduced tillage fields
- Rich, moist soils
Time of Most Concern:
- When berries are present
Compound that Causes Concern:
- Saponins, believed to be the primary toxic constituents, are present in the berry juice and other parts
- Saponins, which are glycosides, dissolve cell membranes and cause red blood cell breakage
- Saponins are bitter tasting
- Presence of two distinct components that are different in water solubility result in detergent-like characteristics, which causes foaming in water
- Other toxic constituents have also been identified including the alkaloid phytolaccine (in small amounts) and the alkaloid phytolaccotoxin, as well as a glycoprotein
Part of Plant Most Toxic:
- All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the roots, shoots, and unripe berries
- Toxicity of the berries decreases as they mature
Livestock Species Affected:
- Cattle
- Sheep
- Horses
- Goats
- Swine
Pasture, Stored Feed, Both:
- Pasture
- Not found in managed hay fields
Clinical Signs:
- Vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Spasms
- Thirst
- Impaired vision
- Respiratory paralysis
- Drowsiness
Amount Needed to be Consumed for Clinical Signs / Death:
- 10 raw berries can cause serious toxic effects in adult humans
- 2-3 raw berries can be fatal in children
- Ruminants are thought to be less susceptible to the toxic effects, likely due to action of rumen flora
Identifying Characteristics:
- Seedlings may have reddish underside of leaf
- Alternate leaf pattern
- Tap root
- Produces white flowers from July into early fall
- Produces berries starting out as green, then turn to purple and almost black as they mature
- Mature plants have red stems
- Can grow up to 9 ft tall
Plant Longevity:
- Perennial
Where Commonly Found:
- Pastures
- Wooded areas
- Fence lines
- Waste areas
- Reduced tillage fields
- Rich, moist soils
Time of Most Concern:
- When berries are present
Compound that Causes Concern:
- Saponins, believed to be the primary toxic constituents, are present in the berry juice and other parts
- Saponins, which are glycosides, dissolve cell membranes and cause red blood cell breakage
- Saponins are bitter tasting
- Presence of two distinct components that are different in water solubility result in detergent-like characteristics, which causes foaming in water
- Other toxic constituents have also been identified including the alkaloid phytolaccine (in small amounts) and the alkaloid phytolaccotoxin, as well as a glycoprotein
Part of Plant Most Toxic:
- All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the roots, shoots, and unripe berries
- Toxicity of the berries decreases as they mature
Livestock Species Affected:
- Cattle
- Sheep
- Horses
- Goats
- Swine
Pasture, Stored Feed, Both:
- Pasture
- Not found in managed hay fields
Clinical Signs:
- Vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Spasms
- Thirst
- Impaired vision
- Respiratory paralysis
- Drowsiness
Amount Needed to be Consumed for Clinical Signs / Death:
- 10 raw berries can cause serious toxic effects in adult humans
- 2-3 raw berries can be fatal in children
- Ruminants are thought to be less susceptible to the toxic effects, likely due to action of rumen flora
https://extension.psu.edu/common-pokeweed-identification-and-management
https://blogs.cornell.edu/weedid/common-pokeweed/
Beasely et al. Notes for Toxicology VB 320: A systems approach to veterinary toxicology. University of Illinois. 1994