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Description:
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Pokeweed
is a perennial herb with thick fleshy roots and smooth leaves and
stems reaching 3-9ft tall. The stems are reddish purple when mature.
The leaves are alternate with even edges. The leaves taper to a point
at the tips and taper to a point at the base. The flowers form drooping
clusters that are white or cream colored. The fruit is a dark purple
to black berry. Pokeweed is commonly found along roadsides, pastures,
and in empty lots. In the southeastern U. S., the young shoots of
pokeweed are commonly eaten. These young shoots are not harmful if
prepared properly. |
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Toxic
Part: |
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Roots,
leaves, and berries are considered toxic. |
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Toxin: |
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Glycoside
saponins and pokeweed mitogen |
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Symptoms: |
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Diarrhea
can occur within 4 hours of ingestion accompanied by nausea, vomiting,
and stomach cramps. Weakness and dehydration usually follow. In some
cases there is hypotension and an abnormally fast heart rate. Recovery
usually occurs within 48 hours. Fatalities have been reported in cases
that did not resolve within this time. |
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Treatment: |
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There
is no specific treatment other than supportive care for relief of
the symptoms. |
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References:
24, 82, 105, 109, 153
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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. |
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