Pokeweed

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