Poisonous Plants of Georgia
	The Herbarium of the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia

	Common Name: Scientific Name: Locoweed Astragalus spp. L.
				Family: Fabaceae
			Click on the photos to enlarge images and read a scientific description. This plant may be poisonous to both humans and animals. Please refer to the "Symptoms" section below for information regarding susceptiblity of animal species to poisoning.
		Description: Locoweed is a perennial herb with alternately arrange compound leaves. The flowers appear to have 5 lobes and may be purple to white colored. The fruit is a flattened pod. Toxic Part: The entire plant is toxic. Toxin: Some Astragalus spp. may accumulate toxic levels selenium and may contain nitro-containing glycosides. other groups of Astragalus species contain swainsonine and swainsonine N-oxide, indolizidine alkaloids, that cause locoism. Symptoms: Locoism is characterized by visual impairment, lack of coordination (a staggering gait), emaciation, and unpredictable behavior. Animals with severe symptoms of intoxication usually die. Less severe cases may resolve within one to two weeks. Treatment: The most effective disease management option is to restrict livestock access to this plant. References: 95, 121, 122, 151 This site is NOT a substitute for the advice of medical physician. Plant poisonings can, in certain cases, result in SERIOUS HARM AND EVEN DEATH. Please contact a physician or your local poison control center if you suspect any plant poisoning. A link to the Georgia Poison Control Center can be found on the "References and Links" page of this site.