Wild Edible and Poisonous Plants 2004

Dining on the Wilds, wild edible plants for gourmet and survival
Survival tip &

Plant of the
month
Nutrition
Classes &
Outings
Wild Edible Plants.
Dining on the Wilds

This page is enjoyed by those interested in long term survival if regular food supplies are
cut off. Besides the survival food and wilderness survival aspects this study is of interest
to those into ethnobotany or botany and naturalists. If you even think about forage,
living off the land or homesteading you would enjoy this site. If you enjoy any of the
these activities you would find this an interesting place hunting, fishing, boy scouts, girl
scouts, Pathfinders, backpacking, hiking. Even homeschoolers and gourmet cooks have
enjoyed this course. We cover plants from the mountains to the desert, from your yard
and fields to the seashore and even into the sea. Even though this is tought in the
Southern California there a sections for plants that are not found here. This makes this a
valuable course in the Northwest, Rockies, Central, Northeast, Southern States and
Canada.
Books
Pathfinder
Links
John's Resume
Dining
on the
Wilds
"They are pulling the wool over your eyes.

The issue is the new 'Adventure Pass' initiated by the United
States Forest Service, and the victims are the taxpayers. "
California Assemblyman BRETT GRANLUND
"The government's decision to not prosecute violators seems to confirm
that the fee demonstration program is essentially a toothless tiger which the
public can eradicate." Tucson Weekly
NEW SHAREWARE spelling dictionaries in the books

section
http://www.edibleplants.com/ (1 of 4) [5/10/2004 2:44:08 PM]
Dining on the Wilds

Learning Nature through
Wild Edible Plants
and Ethnobotany
This set of pages will give you . . .
1. WHY? learn wild edible plants
2. DESCRIPTION of the video course
3. Table of contents
4. WHO made it?
Free!
Download
Netscape
5. OTHERS say
6. Cover (25KB)
7. How to ORDER
see for yourself

privacy
Copyright
1996, 2001
John Goude
JEG
Development
Dining on the
Wilds
Others say
I have thoroughly enjoyed

Takes you inside the classroom for an
Dining on the Wilds. The
interesting graphic slide presentation which
tapes have been a great
gives you a close-up look at the identification of help. They are very
many wild edible plants, herbs and mushrooms informative. ...
of North America.
Sincerely,
Come along on live field trips. Observe and
Susie Teague
enjoy plants in their natural habitat. Learn how Cedar Creek Nature Studies
to use these natural, nutritive items.
Taste the fun of a cooking class where unique
recipes are demonstrated. You are in for a
truly mouth watering treat.
Watch the fun as students bring family and
friends to a gourmet buffet where everyone
brings home made dishes containing at least one
wild ingredient.
Listen to student comments as to why they
enrolled in the class and why some have come
back repeatedly.
This video set is a unique, fun and educational

experience that your whole family will enjoy
viewing over and over again.
[Why learn wild edible plants?][Table of contents ] [About the presenters][Cover

25KB]
Dining on the Wilds

is brought to you by
Miriam Darnall-Kramer [18K]
Author of Wild Plants to Eat

correspondence course and 6
other related courses.
Co-author of Wild Plants to Eat
workbook and slide set.
Associate director of the former
International Wilderness Club.
Extensive classroom and field
experience teaching about wild
edible plants in 27 states,
Canada and Peru.
Listed in Who's Who in
American Women.
Secretary-treasurer of Forage
Ahead.
John Goude[16K]
Has studied wild edible plants for 28

years in 12 states.
Has taught wild edible plants in 7 states.
San Gorgonio Wilderness Assoc.
interpretive specialist, (on strike) in wild
edible plants. Hug-A-Tree and Survive
teacher
Rabbitstick rendezvous of Society for
Primitive Technology teacher.
President of Forage Ahead, a wild edible
plant enthusiasts club.
Has cataloged and cross indexed over
500 North American wild edible plants.
Served as president of Riverside
California Chapter of International
Wilderness Club.
[ Dining on the Wilds top ] [Reasons to learn Wild edible plants] [ Table of contents][
Cover25KB ]
Tell us what you think:

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Start Over
ThisSurvivalRingsite is owned by
John Goude.
Want to join theSurvivalRing?
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(Reset date July 1, 1997)

Copyright 1996-2001 John Goude
[email protected]
When E-mailing do not remove the anti spam * from the subject line.
If you would like to use something on this site please E-mail a request to use it. So far
almost all requests made before use have been granted. It is nice to know when we have
helped someone else get their message out.
Wild Edible Plant Acorns
Survival Tip
ACORNS
California black oak
Quercus kelloggii
Warning
Unprocessed acorns usually have toxic quantities of
tannin and may shutdown the digestive track. Proper
leaching removes the tannin making them a major wild
food item.
The most common steps in leaching are

shelling the nuts
removing the inner skin
grinding the nuts
cold water leaching allows the acorn meal to thicken
when cooked
Hot water leaching is faster and more common with
"modern" experimenters but does not thicken or act as a
binder (like eggs or gluten) when cooked.
California black oak acorns usually are harvested in
October to December
http://www.edibleplants.com/month/wepmonth.htm (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 2:44:10 PM]
A Method of Cold Water Leaching

Shell the acorns in your favorite way. Some suggestions step on them with hard shoes until you hear a pop
sound. Drive over them. Use a nut cracker (dried acorns are more brittle). Crack with a hammer or rock. Soak
them in water until they split open (about 2 weeks to a month).
Place about a cup of shelled nuts in a 1 quart blender and fill it with water. Jog the blender for 5 to 15 seconds at
a time to knock off the skins. Stop the blender and skim the skins from the surface when there are enough to
skim. Repeat the jogging and skimming until no more skins float to the surface.
Grind the nuts in the blender to a fine meal. The water will turn milky
white. Pour the nuts and water into a large container with a fine cloth
strainer (or 5 gal nylon paint strainer) through a sieve. The part staying in
the sieve needs to be ground again. The meal that stays in the cloth
strainer needs more leaching. The very fine sediment that goes through
the cloth thickens when it is cooked. When all the nuts are ground and
pass through the sieve, move the cloth strainer and meal to another
container of cold water and agitate the meal more fine sediment will cloud
the water. After letting it set for about 10 min. remove the meal from the
water and pour the water into the first container of murky water. Fill the
second container with water again and put the meal into the fresh cold or
warm water. The water may need to be change again.
Let the first container of murky water settle for 2 hours to overnight and
change the water but keeping the sediment. This water changing may
need to be done more than once. When the leaching water is poured off test for tannin by cooking equal amounts
of meal and taste for tannin (bitter after taste and/or dry feel to the mouth). Cooking brings out the tannin taste.
If there is no tannin taste pour the sediment into the strainer with the rest of the leached meal and let it drain. The
acorns are now leached
A c o r n Brownies
2 cups drained but wet cold water leached acorn flower
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup fruit juice concentrate or honey
1/2 cup water with
1 teaspoon baking soda
mix water and baking soda first then mix with other ingredients. Bake in a greased pan at 350F for 45 min. Cool
and serve
White man's wiwish

(wiwish is a Cahuilla name for acorn mush)
1 cup of drained but wet cold water leached acorn flower
1 cup water (some acorns need more some less)
1/4 to 1/2 teasp. Salt (to taste )
1/4 cup sweetener honey or fruit juice concentrate (optional)

Mix ingredients together and bring to a boil, or until wiwish thickens.
Because some search engines penalize for "over use of words"
"nuts" has been used in place of a c o r n s .
Order Home Books

Copyright 1996, 1998 John Goude
JEG Development [email protected]
Survival tip &

Plant of the
month
Nutrition
Classes &
Outings
Wild Edible Plants.
Dining on the Wilds

Canada.
Books
Pathfinder
Links
John's Resume
Dining
on the
Wilds

The issue is the new 'Adventure Pass' initiated by the United
States Forest Service, and the victims are the taxpayers. "
that the fee demonstration program is essentially a toothless tiger which the
public can eradicate." Tucson Weekly

section
http://www.edibleplants.com/dwvfram.htm (1 of 4) [5/10/2004 2:44:11 PM]
Dining on the Wilds

Wild Edible Plants
and Ethnobotany
4. WHO made it?
Free!
Download
Netscape
5. OTHERS say
6. Cover (25KB)
7. How to ORDER
see for yourself

privacy
Copyright
1996, 2001
John Goude
JEG
Development
Dining on the
Wilds
Others say

gives you a close-up look at the identification of help. They are very
many wild edible plants, herbs and mushrooms informative. ...
of North America.
Sincerely,
Susie Teague
brings home made dishes containing at least one
wild ingredient.
back repeatedly.


25KB]
Dining on the Wilds


Canada and Peru.
American Women.
Ahead.
John Goude[16K]

years in 12 states.
teacher
Wilderness Club.
Cover25KB ]

Required fields = *
Your name: *
Comments:
Submit Comment
Start Over
John Goude.

[email protected]
survival navigation
North by the moon

How would you find north?
The moon is a compass or more accurately a pointer to the north star. So if you can see the moon you should be
able to find north. There are two ways to do this.
On a fairly full moon you can see a crescent of shadows. The finger in the crescent points to the north.
When the moon is at a phase where you can see where the shadow starts you
can find north by making an imaginary line from the tips of the shadow to
the north star. Or where the north star is. If you notice how far this is at
night, you can measure this same distance in the day to find north
The moon rises about 52 minutes later each night. The entire cycle takes
about a month (29.5 days).
Dining on the Wilds home Copyright 1997 John Goude
http://www.edibleplants.com/month/survival.htm [5/10/2004 2:44:12 PM]
Wild Edible Plant Nutritional Table
Wild Edible Plant Nutrition (per 100 grams)
Name
(grams)
(mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg)
(I.U.) (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg)
Warning: Some of these plants have toxic parts or are toxic until prepared properly. (Cherry pits contain
cyanide. ) Before you eat any wild plant make sure of its identity and that it has been prepared properly.
Some people may have bad reactions to some plants (allergies etc.). This list has some that I have not seen
in any wild edible plant book yet. The cardinal edibility rule is "KNOW BEFORE YOU EAT". However do
not be afraid of wild edible plants, because it is a fascinating study, but please be wise and careful.
A * by a plant name means there is not agreement, among people who study wild edible plants, on the
edibility of this plant.
Alfalfa
medicago sativa
Amaranth
Amaranthus spp
Arrowhead
Sagittaria spp.
Asparagus
Asparagus officinalis
Bamboo
Bambusa spp.
Beechnut, American
Fagus grandifolia
Beggarticks
Bidens bipinnata
Blackberry
Rubus spp.
Blueberry
Vaccinium spp.
Burdock, Great
arctium lappa
Butternut
Juglans cinerea
52
6.0
0.4
12
51
5.4
--
--
3,410 0.13 0.14 0.5
162
42
3.7
0.8
313
74
5.6
--
411
1,600 0.05 0.24 1.2
65
107 5.0
0.3
13
165 2.6
--
729
--
1.60 0.40 1.4
20
2.2
0.2
21
50
0.6
183
900
0.16 0.18 1.4
26
27
2.6
0.3
13
59
0.5
--
533
20
0.15 0.07 0.6
568 19.4 50.0 --
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
33
2.8
0.6
111
39
2.3
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
58
1.2
0.9
32
19
0.9
170
200
0.03 0.04 0.4
21
62
0.7
0.5
15
13
1.0
81
100
0.03 0.06 0.5
14
89
2.5
0.1
50
58
1.2
30
180
--
0.25 0.08 0.03 2
--
6.8
--
--
--
--
629 23.7 61.2 --
http://www.edibleplants.com/wepnut_frames.htm (1 of 7) [5/10/2004 2:44:14 PM]
--
--
--
Cherry, Sour Red

Prunus cerasus
Cherry, Sweet
Prunus avium
Chestnut
Castanea spp.
Chicory
Cichorium intybus
Chives
Allium
schoenoprasum
Chufa, or Yellow Nut
Grass
Cyperus esculentus
Crabapple
Pyrus spp.
Cranberry, Large
Vaccinium
macrocarpon
Dandelion greens raw
Taraxacum officinale
dandelion greens,
cooked
Dayflower
Commelina spp.
Day Lily
Hemerocallis fulva
day lily buds, raw*
Dock
Rumex spp.
Dock, Curly
Rumex crispus
Duckweed
Lemna spp.
Elderberry, Common
Sambucus canadensis
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Filaree
Erodium cicutarium
58
1.2
0.3
22
19
0.4
191
1,000 0.05 0.06 0.4
10
48
0.9
0.2
15
13
0.3
130
60
0.02 0.02 0.2
194 2.9
1.5
27
88
1.7
454
--
0.22 0.22 0.6
--
20
1.8
0.3
86
40
0.9
--
420
4,000 0.06 0.10 0.5
22
27
2.7
0.6
83
41
0.8
--
--
--
0.10 0.06 0.5
32
--
311 4.4
17.2 59
155 2.4
--
--
--
0.90 --
68
0.4
0.3
13
0.3
110
40
0.03 0.02 0.1
46
0.4
0.7
14
10
0.5
82
40
0.03 0.02 0.1
11
45
2.7
0.7
187
66
3.1
76
397
14,000 0.19 0.26 --
35
33
2.0
--
140
42
1.8
--
--
11,000 0.13 0.16 --
18
43
2.3
0.4
210
52
--
--
--
--
--
42
2.0
0.4
87
176 1.2
24
170
3,000 0.16 0.21 0.8
42
2.0
--
87
176 1.2
--
--
3,000 0.16 0.21 0.08 88
28
2.1
0.3
66
41
1.6
338
12,900 0.09 0.22 0.5
119
21
1.5
0.3
74
56
5.6
--
--
1,385 0.06 0.08 0.4
30
18
2.1
0.3
142
--
--
--
560
0.06 0.13 0.6
72
2.6
0.5
38
28
1.6
--
300
600
0.07 0.06 0.5
36
31
2.9
0.5
114
54
2.9
--
338
1,566 0.12 0.15 0.7
34
--
2.5
--
--
--
--
--
--
7,000 --
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
88
Filbert, or Hazelnut
Corylus americana
Galinsoga, or Quick
Weed
Galinsoga parviflora
Garlic
Allium spp.
Grape, Concord
Vitis spp.
Ground Cherry, or
Husk Tomato
Physalis spp.
Hickory (nuts)
Carya spp.
Honewort, or Wild
Chervil
Cryptotaenia spp.
Horsetail, Common *
Equisetum arvense
Jerusalem Artichoke
(raw)
Helianthus tuberosus
Knotweed
Polygonum spp.
Kudzu (roots)
Pueraria lobata
Lamb's-Quarters
(raw)
Chenopodium album
lamb's quarters,
cooked
Leek, or Ramp
(bulbs)
Allium spp.
Mallow
Malva spp.
Mallow, High
Malva sylvestris
Maple (sugar)
Acer saccharum
634 12.6 62.4 209
337 3.4
704
--
42
--
--
1,120 0.11 0.27 2.1
30
0.9
--
3.2
0.5
245
45
137 6.2
0.2
29
202 1.5
19
529
trace
0.25 0.08 0.5
15
69
1.3
1.0
16
12
0.4
158
100
0.05 0.03 0.3
40
1.6
0.5
10
34
0.9
--
--
25
0.90 0.04 2.4
673 13.2 68.7 trace 360 2.4
--
--
--
--
--
18
2.0
0.1
81
45
1.8
490
488
0.15 0.20 0.5
60
20
1.0
0.2
58
93
4.4
--
--
180
--
50
77
2.3
0.1
14
78
3.4
--
--
20
0.20 0.06 1.3
64
3.6
0.3
150
48
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
113 2.1
0.1
15
18
0.6
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
43
4.2
0.8
309
72
1.2
--
--
11,600 0.16 0.44 1.2
80
32
3.2
--
258
45
0.7
--
--
9,700 0.10 0.26 0.9
37
52
2.2
0.3
52
50
1.1
347
40
0.11 0.06 0.5
17
37
4.4
0.6
249
69
12.7 --
--
2,190 0.13 0.20 1.0
35
28
3.6
1.4
90
42
3.7
--
--
1,989 0.17 0.29 0.5
24
--
143
11
1.4
14
242
--
--
348 --
7.1
0.46 --
--
--
--
0.07 5.6
--
--
Mexican Tea *
Chenopodium
ambrosioides
Milkweed *
Asclepias syriaca
Mint
Mentha spp.
mint Mentha sp., raw
Mugwort, Common *
Artemisia vulgaris
Mulberry, White
Morus alba
Mustard (greens)
Brassica spp.
mustard
greensBrassica sp.,
raw
bird's rape Brassica
rapa
Nettle, Stinging
Urtica dioica
stinging nettles, raw*
NEW ZEALAND
SPINACH (leaf)
Tetragonia
tetragonioides
Oak (acorns)
Quercus spp.
(dried acorns)
Q. lobata.
(dried acorns)
Q. garryana.
(dried acorns)
Q. douglasii.
(dried acorns)
Q. chrysolepis.
(dried acorns)
Q. agrifolia.
Calif black oak (dried
acorns)
Q. kelloggii.
42
3.8
0.7
304
52
5.2
--
--
1,210 0.06 0.28 0.6
11
--
0.8
0.5
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
32
3.0
0.7
194
48
3.8
179
1,296 0.13 0.16 0.7
64
32
3.0
--
194
48
3.8
--
--
1,296 0.13 0.16 0.7
64
35
5.2
0.8
82
40
1.5
--
--
1,284 0.15 0.16 3.0
72
53
1.7
0.4
30
32
3.7
37
152
--
23
2.2
0.4
138
32
1.8
18
220
5,800 0.80 0.14 0.6
48
23
2.2
--
138
32
1.8
--
--
5,800 0.80 0.14 0.6
48
32
3.6
--
252
62
3.0
--
--
1,355 0.12 0.29 1.1
118
65
5.5
0.7
--
--
--
--
--
6,500 --
--
--
76
65
5.5
--
--
--
--
--
--
6,500 --
--
--
--
19
2.2
54
46
1.6
159 795
4300
0.04 0.17 0.6
30
48
0.2
0.1
12
314 0.2
--
--
0.02 0.40 0.5
--
4.9
5.5
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
3.9
4.5
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
5.5
8.1
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
4.1
8.7
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
6.3
16.8 --
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
4.6
18.0 --
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
0.03 0.06 0.7
Pawpaw
Asimina triloba
Pecan
Carya illinoinensis
Peppergrass
Lepidium spp.
garden cress
Lepidium sp., raw
garden cress, cooked,
short time
garden cress, cooked,
long time
Persimmon
Diospyros virginiana
Poke (Cooked
Shoots)
Phytolacca
americana
Prickly Pear
Opuntia humifusa
Primrose-Willow
Jussiaea spp.
Purslane (raw Stems
and leaves)
Portulaca oleracea
purslane, stems &
leaves, cooked
Rape, or Field
Mustard
Brassica rapa
Raspberry, Black
Rubus occidentalis
Raspberry, Red
Rubus idaeus
Rice, Wild
Zizania aquatica
Sheep Sorrel
Rumex acetosella
Shephtrd's Purse raw
Capsella
bursa-pastoris
85
5.2
0.9
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
1.00 0.15 1.1
--
610 11.0 84.0 86
341 0.8
--
712
150
32
2.6
0.7
81
76
1.3
14
606
9,300 0.08 0.26 1.0
69
32
2.6
--
81
76
1.3
--
--
9,300 0.08 0.26 1.0
69
23
1.9
--
61
48
0.8
--
--
7,700 0.06 0.16 0.8
34
22
1.8
--
58
44
0.7
--
--
7,000 0.04 0.15 0.7
23
127 0.8
0.4
27
26
2.5
310
--
66
20
2.3
53
33
1.2
--
--
8,700 0.07 0.25 1.1
82
42
0.5
0.1
20
28
0.3
166
60
22
41
3.3
0.4
57
300 12.7 --
--
3,555 0.00 0.01 2.8
21
1.7
0.4
103
39
3.5
--
--
2,500 0.03 0.10 0.5
25
15
1.2
--
86
24
1.2
--
--
2,100 0.02 0.06 0.4
12
32
3.6
0.6
252
62
3.0
--
--
1,355 0.12 0.29 1.1
118
57
1.2
0.5
22
22
0.9
168
130
0.03 0.09 0.9
25
73
1.5
1.4
30
22
0.9
199
--
0.03 0.09 0.9
18
353 14.1 0.7
19
339 4.2
220
--
0.45 0.63 6.2
77
1.9
--
55
82
5.0
--
--
--
--
--
33
4.2
0.5
208
86
4.8
--
394
1,554 0.25 0.17 0.4
--
--
--
0.10 0.30 0.4
--
--
36
Sow Thistle,
Common
Sonchus asper
Soybean
Glycine max
Strawberry, Wild
Fragaria spp.
Sunflower (seed)
Helianthus annuus
Vegetable Oyster,
Salsify
Tragopogon
porrifolius
Violet (leaves raw)
Viola spp.
Walnut, Black
Juglans nigra
Watercress (raw)
Nasturtium officinale
Water Hyacinth
Eichhornia crassipes
Water Primrose
Jussiaea repens
Water Shield
Brasenia schreberi
Wood Sorrel
Oxalis spp.
Yucca (flowers)
Yucca aloifolia
20
2.4
3.1
--
--
400 35.1 17.7 226
546 8.5
--
1,504 6
0.66 0.22 2.2
37
21
164
60
0.03 0.07 0.6
59
0.7
0.3
0.5
93
21
35
1.0
2,185 0.70 0.12 0.4
560 24.0 47.3 120
837 7.1
30
920
50
2.00 0.23 5.4
--
89
1.4
0.2
48
50
1.4
--
--
--
0.04 0.04 0.3
10
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
8,200 -
628 20.5 59.3 trace 570 6.0
460
300
19
2.2
0.3
151
54
1.7
52
282
4,900 0.08 0.16 0.9
79
30
0.5
0.1
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
43
2.5
1.0
144
65
8.0
--
--
1,725 0.04 0.12 0.8
87
10
0.7
0.2
23
2.0
--
--
--
0.9
--
--
--
--
--
--
2,800 ---
33
3.1
0.2
47
73
0.5
--
--
10
0.22 0.11 0.7
--
--
--
0.03 0.03 0.3

--
--
0.14 0.09 0.6
Most of the data for this table comes from "Mother Earth News 7-8/86" and "Temalpakh".
LE FastCounter
210
--
---
Order Home Books

JEG Development
Wild Edible Plants Class
Wilderness Survival class March - April 2004
Wild edible plant classes April. - May. 2004
Maps
Agave festival April is sponsored by some friends of mine.
E-mail for custom survival and edible plant classes.(When E-mailing do not remove the anti spam *
from the subject line. )
I have done special classes and lectures for
schools, homeschool groups, church outings, search and rescue, sheriff's

posse, garden clubs, Pathfinder and scout groups, summer camps, outdoor
schools, etc.

Class Content:
Over 200 California Wild Edible Plants
Identification
Edible Parts
Habitat
Season
Nutritive value
Food preparation in field and kitchen
(In addition: edibility rules, basics for eating wild plants safely, primitive cookery, mushrooms, poisonous
plants, herbal usage of the wild edibles, and much more.)
Lectures
Slides
Displays
Class includes:
Demonstrations
"Wild" banquet
Food Sampling
Certificate of Achievement
two Field trips
Wild food cookery demonstrations
Instructors:
Miriam Kramer
is author of Wild Plants to Eat correspondence course, co-author of Wild Plants to Eat Workbook and slide
set, and is featured on the six-hour "Dining on the Wilds" video set. She was associate director of the former
International Wilderness Club, and has extensive classroom and field experience teaching about edible wild
plants in 30 states, Canada, and Peru. She was listed in Who's Who in American Women and similar
publications.
John Goude
has studied edible wild plants for 35 years in 16 states, has taught wild edible plants in four states, is a U. S.
Forest Service volunteer interpretive specialist, has taught at Rabbitstick rendezvous of Society of Primitive
http://www.edibleplants.com/wepclass.htm (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 2:44:16 PM]
Technology, President of Forage Ahead, a wild edible plant enthusiasts club, has cataloged and cross indexed
over 500 North American wild edible plants, was president of Riverside California Chapter of International
Wilderness Club, produced the six-hour "Dining on the Wilds" video set.
The following assistants and guest speakers add the fine touches to the Loma Linda class to make it an
exciting learning experience Doug Vonkriegelstein, Evie Roach, and Duke Petersen and others. .
Click on the map to browse

LOMA LINDA CLASS INFORMATION, CALL: E-mail
Date and Time: April 12 - May 17 (2 Sunday field trips) Monday, 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
Place: Loma Linda University Drayson Center, 25040 Stewart Street
Cost: $89 (includes textbook, handouts. food samples, etc.)
DIRECTIONS: Drayson Center is on Stewart St. about 2 blocks east of Anderson, (south of I-10) in Loma
Linda
Wilderness Survival Class

Date: March 1 - April 5, 2004
Time: Monday evenings, 6:30 to 8:30 + (plus 2 Sunday field trips)
Place. Loma Linda University Drayson Center
Cost: $65 includes materials
Survival concepts
Planing
Leadership skills
Class Content:
Navigation
Signaling
Weather
Shelter building
Fire building
Water purification
Primitive skills
and more
Instructor:
John Goude has been a Pathfinder leader for more than 30 years. He has tought wilderness survival at Camp
Cedar Falls, Rabbitstick, Winter Count Renezvous and SAR City (a major desert search and resue training
program). He is a certified Hug-a-Tree and Survive teacher. Most of all he has lived through real survival
situations and brought those with him back safeley.
HomeBooks
Malki agave harvest
Pictures
from
the
Second
Annual
Agave
Harvest
Digging the
agave with a
mountain
mahogany
digging
stick.
Digging sticks were also made from
Ironwood
Toyon
Oak
http://www.edibleplants.com/agavepics.htm (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 2:44:18 PM]
Malki agave harvest
After digging the

leaves are removed.
.
The leaves are also used

in the roasting pit to
keep dirt out of the
food.
This years dates are
April 29, 2000 10:00
am Dig
May 5, 2000 Start pit
backing
May 6, 2000 noon
Eating
For more information

and fees contact:
Malki Museum
11-795 Fields Road
Banning, CA 92220
909-849-7289
Agave Digging event
Malki Museum
HomeBooks
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Wild Edible Plant Books
Dining on the Wilds

Wild Edible Plant Books etc.
Edible and Poisonous Plants
of the Western States (flash cards)
Edible and Poisonous Plants

of the Eastern States (flash cards)
Nature Bound
Pocket Field Guide
Wild Plant Cookbook
A Taste
of
A Taste of Nature
Nature
Edible and Useful Plants of

California
Wild Edible Plants

of Western North America
Sea Vegetables:
Harvesting Guide & Cookbook
Berry Picker
http://www.edibleplants.com/books/wepbookm.htm [5/10/2004 2:44:20 PM]
Common Edible and Useful Plants

of the West
A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants

of Eastern and Central North
America
Peterson Field Guide 23
Oaks of North America
Temalpakh:
Cahuilla Indian knowledge and
usage of plants
Computer Spelling Dictionaries (shareware)
North Americn Plants
Bible
Wild Edible Plant cards
Edible and
Poisonous
Plants
Of The Western
States
This deck of plant identification cards by
Calvin P. Burt and Frank G. Heyl Lake
includes the more important edible(45) and
poisonous(9) plants of the Western States.
Full-color pictures combined with detailed
descriptions enable the collector to identify
these plants in their native habitats.
$7.95
Order Home Books
http://www.edibleplants.com/books/bookcards.htm (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 2:44:21 PM]
Wild Edible Plant cards
Edible and
Poisonous
Plants
of the Eastern States
This deck of plant identification cards by
Calvin P. Burt and Frank G. Heyl Lake
includes the more important edible(44)
and poisonous(8) plants of the Eastern
States. Full-color pictures combined with
detailed descriptions enable the collector
to identify these plants in their native
habitats.
$7.95
Order Home Books

Copyright 1998 John Goude
JEG Development
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Nature Bound Pocket Feild Guide for wilderness survival
Nature Bound Pocket Field Guide

by Ron Dawson
This is a large pocket size book (335 pages) on wilderness
skills, survival and first aid (80 pages) with most of the book
about wild edible plants(176 pages) and poisonous plants(76
pages). Each plant has a full page (4.5" X 5") description of
the plant and uses etc. and a full page color photograph of the
plant.
This book coveres 80 edible and 34 poisonous plants. There
are general preparation directions but no recipes.
ISBN 0-8163-1072-6
$13.95
Order Home Books

JEG Development
http://www.edibleplants.com/books/naturebound.htm [5/10/2004 2:44:21 PM]
Wild Plant Cookbook
Wild Plant
Cookbook
Bill and Bev Beatty shared this work with Bill doing
most of the writing and Bev the illustrations. It is a very
attractive book, written with philosophical insight and
combining nutrition, economy, good tasting recipes,
and fun. This book is a perfect resource for those
interested in good health and food self-sufficiency, who
want to know the vitamins and minerals our bodies
need and which wild plants contain them. 174 pages
87961-159-6
$8.95
Order Home Books

JEG Development
http://www.edibleplants.com/books/wpcook.htm [5/10/2004 2:44:22 PM]
Common Edible and Useful Plants of the West
Common Edible and

Useful Plants of the
West
by Muriel Sweet
Covers more than 100 plants in 64 pages. Each
plant has a good line drawing. There are no recipes.
Some plants in this book are not covered in other
books that I have found to be edible. Many books do
not fully cover the often edible cambium layer of
plants.
ISBN 0-87961-046-8
firsts $5.95
seconds $4.95
Order Home Books

JEG Development
http://www.edibleplants.com/books/sweet.htm [5/10/2004 2:44:22 PM]
Edible and Useful Plants of California
Edible and Useful

Plants of California
by Charltte Bringle Clarke
This book is a very good identification book that covers
more than 220 plants in 280 pages. It has very good line
drawings for most plants, with a section of color plates
of 48 plants. There are many recipes.
ISBN 0-520-03267-5
$14.95
Order Home Books

JEG Development
http://www.edibleplants.com/books/clarke.htm [5/10/2004 2:44:23 PM]

of Eastern and Central North America
Peterson Field Guide 23
by Lee Allen Peterson
Descriptions and illustrations of more than 370 edible wild plants
found in eastern and central North America, plus 37 poisonous
look-alikes
Over 400 drawings and 78 color photographs show precisely how
to recognize each species
14 habitats are described in full detail, with plants in each habitat
listed by season for easy collecting
Preparation directions for 22 different food uses, including cereals,
jams and jellies, teas, and many others
In my opinion this is the best for the east. It is the book I used
extensively when I lived in Michigan and Ohio, and studied plants
in surrounding states. This book has use symbols in the margin that
indicate the use of the plant.
ISBN 0-395-31870-X
$18.00
Order Home Books

JEG Development
http://www.edibleplants.com/books/peterson.htm [5/10/2004 2:44:23 PM]
Wild Edible Plants
Wild Edible Plants

of Western North America
A husband and wife team with Donald Kirk author and Janice
Kirk illustrator. Nearly 2000 species of wild edible plants found
in the western United States and in southwestern Canada and
northwestern Mexico are covered in 343 pages. Various
methods of preparing wild foods and careful warnings to avoid
poisonous plants are given.
This book is the most complete book for western North America
(west of the rockies). Its weakness is that the line drawings
sometimes try to cover more than one species in one drawing
thus making it hard to identify the plant with certainty. There
are no recipes. Overall this is the best for the west.
ISBN 87961-036-0,
Firsts $8.95
Seconds $7.95
Order Home Books

JEG Development
http://www.edibleplants.com/books/kirk.htm [5/10/2004 2:44:24 PM]

Howard Miller and Samuel Lamb had forestry careers, but
were
partial to the oaks. Their book has three major parts: history
and
uses of oaks, oaks of the East, and oaks of the West. Very
helpful
in identification are the keys for each section of oaks. The
authors
often trekked hither and yon in search of each species to
photograph the oak and its leaf, acorn, and bark.
Accompanying
each is an informative chapter of description, details of
identification, growth habitat, and excellent range maps.
They
mention ways each species is useful and unique from the
other
oaks. 328 pages.
ISBN 87961-137-5
$12.95.
Order Home Books

JEG Development
http://www.edibleplants.com/books/oaks.htm [5/10/2004 2:44:25 PM]
Sea Vegetables: Harvesting Guide and Cookbook
Sea Vegetables:
Harvesting Guide &
Cookbook.
Evelyn McConnaughey is author of this complete guide
to foraging and preparing highly nutritious sea
vegetables. Classification, where they grow, harvesting,
storage, tables of nutritional equivalents, protein
comparisons, and numerous recipes are given in her
book. Next time you have an outing to the coast, save
some money on your food bill and try nature's bounty.
244 pages.
ISBN 87961-151-0
$9.95.
Order Home Books

JEG Development
http://www.edibleplants.com/books/seaveg.htm [5/10/2004 2:44:25 PM]
Temalpakh: Cahuilla Indian knowledge and usage of plants ethnobotany
Temalpakh
Cahuilla Indian
knowledge and usage of
plants
Temalpakh means "from the earth". This book is an
excellent resource for how the Cahuilla Indian tribe
of southern California used plants. The range is
from San Bernardino Mountains south and from
inland areas to the Salten Sea. It covers uses of
more than 250 plants in 225 pages. It is not
intended to be an identification book.
$15.95
Order Home Books

JEG Development
http://www.edibleplants.com/books/temalpakh.htm [5/10/2004 2:44:25 PM]
Sweedish Berry Picker
Berry Picker
In the old days of Scandinavia
the bear was a very respected
animal and was closely
watched. The people noticed
how the bear picked berries and
made a device like a bears paw
to gather their berries too. Over
the years the materials have
changed but the principle
remains unchanged.
This berry picker can pick some
kinds of berries 2 to 10 times as
fast as normal hand picking. I
have found it to be good for
blue berries, rose hips, choke
cherries, hawthorn berries,
kinnikinnick
Was $29.95
$14.95 NOW HERE.
ORDER wild edible

plant and survival
books
Order HomeBooks
http://www.eee.org/bus/nature/dworder.htm
Copyright 1998 , 2001 John Goude

JEG Development
http://www.edibleplants.com/books/berrypicker.htm [5/10/2004 2:44:26 PM]
botanical name speller
Botanical name spelling dictionary

The plants of North america are numerous and have unusual spellings by the common English
vocabulary standards. Often one only reads the name making it harder to remember how it is
spelled. Being a creative speller anyway I decided to make this list of plant names so that my
spelling checker will stop bugging me about them.
This list is only for North America. It was not intended to have plant names from other places.
However it would have parts of names from other places
To use this list your spelling checker will need to:
Be able to have 4 custom dictionaries open at a time.
Custom dictionary size of up to 107 kb In this case about 10,000 words
Accept word lists in its custom dictionary
The following files are made from this zip file.
readme.txt installation instructions, etc.
family, sub species names,
famssp.dic
etc.
genera.dic genera names
speic1.dic species names a-l
speic2.dic species names m-z
2 kb
44 kb
69 kb
107 kb
97 kb
E-mail for a trial the zip file 103 kb ($5 if you keep it)
Please indicate if you can not have attached files in your return e-mail. If you do not have unZIP
software let me know.
Home
JEG Development
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botanical name speller
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Bible words speller
Bible spelling dictionary

The Bible has many words not found in most computer spelling dictionaries. Being a creative
speller anyway I decided to make this list of Biblical words so that my spelling checker will stop
bugging me about them.
This list is mainly for KJV, NKJV, NIV, ASV versions. It includes many of the common book
abbreviations too.
To use this list your spelling checker will need to:
Be able to have at least one custom dictionary open.
Custom dictionary size of up to 57 kb In this case over 6,000 words
Accept word lists in its custom dictionary
The following files are made from this zip file.
readme.txt installation instructions, etc. 2 kb
bible.dic
List of Bible words
57 kb
E-mail for a trial the zip file 21 kb ($5 if you keep it)
Please add "NO ATTACH" to the subject line if you can not have attached files in your return
e-mail.
Please add "NO ZIP" to the subject line if you can not unzip files.
The auto responder will e-mail the file back to you immediately if you can have attached files and
zipped files.
http://www.edibleplants.com/books/bible.htm [5/10/2004 2:44:27 PM]
Pathfinder helps
John Goude's Pathfinder stuff
[Honor patches]
[Experimental Internet honor] [Improved Edible Wild Plant honor]

My pathfinder friends
Home
Notice: This page is NOT official. The honors presented here are only recommendations from
someone who has been a staff member in Pathfinders for more than 20 years. If you like the
innovations you see please refer this sight to other leaders. If you have any suggestions or
comments please E-mail me.
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Pathfinder helps
This Pathfinders International Ring Site
is owned by John Goude.

Click for the
[Previous |Random |Next Site |Skip Next |Next 5]
Want to join the ring? Click here for info.
This Sabbatarian Webring site is owned by

Dining on the Wilds.
Sabbatarian
Next
[Skip Prev] [Prev] [Next] [Skip Next] [Random] [Next 5] [List Sites] Site
Ring
Want to join the Sabbatarian Webring?
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Pathfinder honor emblem s
Pathfinder honor emblems
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These took many hours to scan and edit. Please get permition before using these graphics on the
internet. My usual conditions are a scanning credit and a link to my home page. You have my
permition to use these for printing and displaying such as in Pathfinder fair boths.
[email protected]
Pathfinder Internet honor
(proposed) Internet Pathfinder

honor
1. Define the following terms in the context of the Internet: URL,
TCP/IP, HTML, homepage, site, hit (on a page), E-mail, browser, search engine, directory,
bookmark, surfing, animation, GIF, JPEG, background ,Internet Phones, FTP, HTTP,
Newsgroups, gopher?.
2. Write a page, without the aid of a HTML editor, using these commands properly
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>
<BODY>
<IMG SRC="..." >
<A HREF...>
3. What are frames, tables, and lists. Explain the differences between them. What are META
statements used for? There are many text formatting commands. Describe how to use some of
them. (H1-6, B, STRONG, I, EM, P, BR, HR)
4. Develop a personal homepage about yourself and your interests containing a graphic file and a
link to another file.
5. Participate in making or updating a homepage for your Pathfinder club, church, or school.
6. Do research on the Internet on a topic of interest to you using Search Engines and links and give
a report (oral or written) on what you found. Or visit 25 Internet sites of which 5 would be
church related. Give a report on the sites telling what you like or don't like about each site. Rate
them on design (organization, use of graphics, overall visual appeal, ease of use etc. ) and
content,
7. What are some dangers on the Internet? How can you avoid them? Discuss some ways that can
help protect you from those dangers.
8. For at least a month use E-mail to exchange messages with a pathfinder in another country.
SKILL LEVEL 2
(proposed) Advanced Internet Pathfinder

honor
1. Write a web site, without the aid of a HTML editor, of at least 3 pages in HTML using these
commands properly <HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>
<BODY>
<IMG SRC="..." > using GIF and JPEG files
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Pathfinder Internet honor
2.
3.
4.
5.
<A HREF...> for internal links, links to other files in your site and links to files in other sites.
The site should include frames, tables, ordered lists and unordered lists.
Use text formatting commands such as. (H1-6, B, STRONG, I, EM, P, BR, HR)
<META ...>
Install and setup, for use with an Internet service provider, a browser and E-mail program on a
computer.
Give a brief history of the Internet.
Make an animated GIF image and one using a transparent color.
What can be done to make GIF files load from the web faster.
When is it better to use:
a. JPEG image files
b. GIF image files?
Use FTP and news groups
SKILL LEVEL 3
Pathfinders homepage
E-mail John Goude

http://www.edibleplants.com/intrnthn.htm (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 2:44:47 PM]
Pathfinder Edible Plant Honor
Proposed modifications
Edible
Wild Plant
Honor
1. Identify in the wild 15 edible wild plants.
2. Identify in the wild or from pictures
5 trees and
5 shrubs which are edible.
3. Identify, prepare and eat
3 kinds of wild berries or fruits,
3 salad plants or seeds
3 potherbs,
2 tubers (or roots)
4. From two of the plants below, demonstrate at least one way how to prepare and eat that
plant, and explain how you can prepare the other parts.
5 parts of the cattail for food (root preparation required)
4 parts of milkweed
4 parts of daylily
3 parts of yucca
3 stages of a mesquite, or screwbean
acorns for food,
thresh and winnow seeds from plants such as lambs' quarters, amaranth, dock, or
grass;
other major wild edible plants in your area if none of the above are available
5. Tell a Bible or church history story that involves poisonous or wild edible plants or where
such knowledge would have been useful (2 Kings 4:38-41). Or find a Bible object lesson in
a wild edible plant.
6. The roots of what 2 water plants were dried and ground into meal by the Indians? Or name 2
wild plants used as staple food items buy the indigenous people of your area and tell how
they stored and prepared them.
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Pathfinder Edible Plant Honor
7. What is the cardinal edibility rule?

What is the general edibility rule for berries? List an exception.
[black and blue, red, and white]
What is the general edibility rule for plants with milky sap? List an exception.
8. Identify 3 poisonous plants in your area that no part can be made edible. Tell how you
would recognize water hemlock (Cicuta sp.) and poison hemlock (Conium sp.)? Tell why
mushrooms so very dangerous to eat?
Please give your feed back on this honor (roughly equivalent to a BSA merit badge). Could it be
taught in your area to 10 to 15 year olds?
Some have suggested that an advanced honor be made moving the threshing and poisonous plants
to an advanced honor
[Why Change]
[Answers]
Home
JEG Development
http://www.edibleplants.com/ewphonr.htm (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 2:44:47 PM]
Why change the Edible Wild Plant Pathfiner honor.
Why change
the Edible Wild
Plant Honor
The current honor teaches Pathfinders to do high risk activities. In the book Poisonous
Plants of California the statement is made that,
"Of all poisonous plants in California, toxic mushrooms cause the most serious
illnesses and nearly all the fatalities to humans."
Some mushrooms in the United States are so toxic that people have died from the
mushroom toxin transferred by a knife to edible plants. Do you really want to teach your
Pathfinder's to engage in the high risk activity of wild mushroom eating? I do not want to
be responsible for getting someone into something that could kill them or put them in the
hospital and have liver damage to live with for the rest of their life.
The current honor was written with only the eastern states in mind. Many of the required
plants do not grow wild in the west.
It is strange to beg a stranger to allow a edible wild plant class to dig up their prized
bed of day lilies. They often reply, "These gorgeous flowers are not wild! Go get
some real wild plants." Even in the east day lilies are not native they only grow
where they have been introduced.
There are many areas that milkweed does not grow at all. But yet the honor requires
it to be eaten.
This honor was originally written by someone I have great respect for, but he had studied wild
edible plants mainly in the east when he wrote it. Is it time to update this honor to be safe and less
regional ? How would the proposed changes effect those teaching it in the far north of Alaska and
Canada? I would like some feedback from there.
[Proposed Honor] [Official Version]

[Answers]
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Why change the Edible Wild Plant Pathfiner honor.
Home
JEG Development
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pathewpans
Edible
Wild Plant
Honor
Answers
4. From two of the plants below, demonstrate at least one way how to prepare and eat that plant,
and explain how you can prepare the other parts.
5 parts of the cattail for food (root preparation required), root, shoot, cattail, pollen, rhizome
4 parts of milkweed, (all parts are poisonous until cooked) young leaves, buds, flowers,
young pods
4 parts of daylily, tubers, shoots, buds, flowers
3 parts of yucca, flower stalk, flower, seed pod
3 stages of a mesquite, flower, green pods, mature pods
acorns for food
lambs' quarters, amaranth, dock, or grass; thresh, winnow the seeds, tender leaves and stems
can be eaten raw or cooked.
or other major wild edible plants in your area if none of the above are available
5. Tell a Bible or Church history story that involves poisonous or edible wild plants or where such
knowledge would have been useful. Or find a Bible object lesson in a wild edible plant.
Gen. 13:18 (ASV) And Abram moved his tent, and came and dwelt by the oaks of
Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built there an altar unto Jehovah.
Gen. 14:12-13 (ASV) And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom,
and his goods, and departed. 13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram
the Hebrew. Now he dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and
brother of Aner. And these were confederate with Abram.
Gen. 18:1 (ASV) And Jehovah appeared unto him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in
the tent door in the heat of the day.
(Do you think Abram ate the acorns? There is archaeological evidence that they were
eaten back then.)
II Kings 4:38-41 (NIV) Elisha returned to Gilgal and there was a famine in that
region. While the company of the prophets was meeting with him, he said to his
servant, "Put on the large pot and cook some stew for these men."
39 One of them went out into the fields to gather herbs and found a wild vine. He
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pathewpans
gathered some of its gourds and filled the fold of his cloak. When he returned, he cut
them up into the pot of stew, though no one knew what they were. 40 The stew was
poured out for the men, but as they began to eat it, they cried out, "O man of God,
there is death in the pot!" And they could not eat it. 41 Elisha said, "Get some flour."
He put it into the pot and said, "Serve it to the people to eat." And there was nothing
harmful in the pot.
Matt 3:4(NIV) John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt
around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. (Locusts are carob or a similar
bean pod.)
Lichens are an edible plant that is a blend of two plants depending on each other. So Jesus is a
blend of divine and human.
Luke 1:35 (NIV) The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the
power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be
called the Son of God.
John 1:1-5 (NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things
were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and
that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has
not understood it.
John 1:9-14 (NIV) The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the
world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the
world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did
not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name,
he gave the right to become children of God-- 13 (JEG) children born not of natural
descent, nor of their human decision or someone else's will, but born of God. 14 The
Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the
glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Most acorns are very BITTER and need to be washed of their bitterness before they are useful. So
we must be washed of our bitterness of sin to be useful to God.
Ps 51:2-3 (NIV) Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I
know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
Ps 51:6-7 (NIV) Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in
the inmost place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will
be whiter than snow.
Ps 51:10-13 (NIV) Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit
within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me 12
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13
Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.
Titus 3:4-7 (NIV) But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he
pathewpans
saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He
saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he
poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been
justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Cleavers stick to your clothes. That is how God wants us to stick to Him and to the good.
Rom 12:9 (ASV) Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to
that which is good.
Deut 10:20 (KJV) Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to
him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.
(NIV) Fear the LORD your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths
in his name.
Deut 30:20 (KJV) That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest
obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length
of thy days: . . .
(NIV) and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to
him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land . . .
Josh 23:8 (KJV) But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.
(NIV) But you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now.
Acts 11:23 (KJV) Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and
exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
(NIV) When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and
encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
See also Josh 22:5 , Deut 11:22 , Deut 13:4 (KJV)
Tumbleweed God blows the wicked like wind blows tumbleweed.
Ps 83:13 (NIV) Make them like tumbleweed, O my God, like chaff before the wind.
Isa 17:13 (NIV) Although the peoples roar like the roar of surging waters, when he
rebukes them they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like
tumbleweed before a gale.
This is a start but God has given you many more think up some yourself.
6. The roots of what 2 water plants were dried and ground into meal by the Indians? Or name 2
wild plants used as staple food items buy the indigenous people of your area and tell how they
stored and prepared them.
Cattail, arrowhead, bulrush
7. What is the cardinal edibility rule?
Positively identify every plant that you eat and know it is edible and how to prepare
it.
pathewpans
What is the general edibility rule for berries?. [black and blue, red, and white]
90% of black or blue berries, half of red berries, 10% of white berries are edible.
For berries the rule is
Black and blue are good for you.
Red use your head.
White don't bite.
Andrew Manthe
List an exception Raw poke berries (seeds) and nightshade berries and black and
poisonous,
Western snow berries are white and edible but if they are not ripe they are bitter and
give you a sore throat.
Symphoricarpos mollis poisonous Eastern snow berries will make you vomit.
Symphoricarpos albus
What is the general edibility rule for plants with milky sap?
Plants with a milky sap are usually not edible.
List an exception. Milk weed (cooked), dandelion, salsify, wild lettuce, figs, lettuce,
mulberry, etc.
8.Identify 3 poisonous plants in your area that no part can be made edible.
Tell how you would recognize water hemlock and poison hemlock?
Water and poison hemlock are in the carrot family both usually have purple spots.
Water hemlock has veins running to the notch of the leaves and has hollow roots that
often contain a yellow liquid.
Tell why mushrooms so very dangerous to eat?
Some people with PhDs in mycology (mushroom study) have been killed by
mistakenly eating poisonous mushrooms. Other people have died after eating food cut
with a knife that had not been washed after it cut poisonous mushrooms. The Bible
never mentions them as a food acceptable for people.
Survival Tip
ACORNS
California black oak
Quercus kelloggii
Warning
Unprocessed acorns usually have toxic quantities of
tannin and may shutdown the digestive track. Proper
leaching removes the tannin making them a major wild
food item.
The most common steps in leaching are

shelling the nuts
removing the inner skin
grinding the nuts
cold water leaching allows the acorn meal to thicken
when cooked
Hot water leaching is faster and more common with
"modern" experimenters but does not thicken or act as a
binder (like eggs or gluten) when cooked.
California black oak acorns usually are harvested in
October to December
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A Method of Cold Water Leaching

Shell the acorns in your favorite way. Some suggestions step on them with hard shoes until you hear a pop
sound. Drive over them. Use a nut cracker (dried acorns are more brittle). Crack with a hammer or rock. Soak
them in water until they split open (about 2 weeks to a month).
Place about a cup of shelled nuts in a 1 quart blender and fill it with water. Jog the blender for 5 to 15 seconds at
a time to knock off the skins. Stop the blender and skim the skins from the surface when there are enough to
skim. Repeat the jogging and skimming until no more skins float to the surface.
Grind the nuts in the blender to a fine meal. The water will turn milky
white. Pour the nuts and water into a large container with a fine cloth
strainer (or 5 gal nylon paint strainer) through a sieve. The part staying in
the sieve needs to be ground again. The meal that stays in the cloth
strainer needs more leaching. The very fine sediment that goes through
the cloth thickens when it is cooked. When all the nuts are ground and
pass through the sieve, move the cloth strainer and meal to another
container of cold water and agitate the meal more fine sediment will cloud
the water. After letting it set for about 10 min. remove the meal from the
water and pour the water into the first container of murky water. Fill the
second container with water again and put the meal into the fresh cold or
warm water. The water may need to be change again.
Let the first container of murky water settle for 2 hours to overnight and
change the water but keeping the sediment. This water changing may
need to be done more than once. When the leaching water is poured off test for tannin by cooking equal amounts
of meal and taste for tannin (bitter after taste and/or dry feel to the mouth). Cooking brings out the tannin taste.
If there is no tannin taste pour the sediment into the strainer with the rest of the leached meal and let it drain. The
acorns are now leached
A c o r n Brownies
2 cups drained but wet cold water leached acorn flower
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup fruit juice concentrate or honey
1/2 cup water with
1 teaspoon baking soda
mix water and baking soda first then mix with other ingredients. Bake in a greased pan at 350F for 45 min. Cool
and serve
White man's wiwish

(wiwish is a Cahuilla name for acorn mush)
1 cup of drained but wet cold water leached acorn flower
1 cup water (some acorns need more some less)
1/4 to 1/2 teasp. Salt (to taste )
1/4 cup sweetener honey or fruit juice concentrate (optional)

Mix ingredients together and bring to a boil, or until wiwish thickens.
Because some search engines penalize for "over use of words"
"nuts" has been used in place of a c o r n s .
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Dining on the Wilds
Dining on the Wilds

Wild Edible Plants
and Ethnobotany
4. WHO made it?
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Dining on the
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Others say
help. They are very
informative. ...

gives you a close-up look at the identification
of many wild edible plants, herbs and
mushrooms of North America.
Sincerely,
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brings home made dishes containing at least
one wild ingredient.
back repeatedly.
Dining on the Wilds

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Canada and Peru.
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John Goude.

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Dining on the Wilds links
Dining on the Wilds home

Wild Edible Plants etc. Links
These links are to sites of interest, not an endorsement of the authors or ideas of these pages.
Search Engines and web promotion
Does the Federal Government really have a surplus?

Write your Congress Representatives about it.
Wild Edible Plants
News letters
Wild Food Forum
Food Adventures - Edible Plants - Dr. John Kallas Ph.D.
"Wildman" Steve Brill New York naturalist
Back Country Rangers lists the edibles of the Sierras.
Cimarron Frontiers wild edible plants and biointensive gardening
School of Self-Reliance Christopher and Dolores Nyerges
NativeTech: Native American Technology Plant page
Country Life Herb discussion board
ANBG (Australian National Botanic Gardens)- Australian Aboriginal Trail
Aboriginal Plant Use in South-Eastern Australia
A Taste of Nature A book about common Wild Edible Plants
Naturegraph Publishers Print many fine books on nature wild edibles and American Indian ways.
pawpaws and persimmons
How's Pinenuts
My Wild Friends Free Food From Field and Forest
Edible and Medicinal Plants of Southern Illinois Belleville East High School
Southeastern Edibles J. T. Dabbs, III
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Data Bases and References

American Indian Ethnobotany Database
Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases
Plant name/range data base (USAgriculture) Plant names botanical, common, abbreviation, family,
range map, states
MPNADB:Medicinal Plants of Native America Data Base
UCMP Glossary of Natural History Terms, #8 Botanical Terms
Ethnobotany resources Seattle Public Library
Poisonous Plants pictures Cornell
California Black oak data/pictures
University of Wisconsin Virtual Foliage Home Page leades to very large gopher site of plant
pictures.
University of California Berkeley 20,000 images of California plants
Sources and information of native or wild plants

Native American Seed
RNGR USDA Forest ServiceReforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources
Wild Blueberry Association of North America
California Native Plant Society
CIEER Centre For International Ethnomedicinal Education and Research
CalFlora
Wilderness Survival.
BOSS Boulder Outdoor Survival School
SARBCSearch and Rescue Society of British Columbia - Lost in the Woods - The 9 Rules for
Survival
Hug-A-Tree and Survive
Survival bible 2001
Hoods Woods Wilderness school
Simply Survival northwest
Aboriginal Living Skills School, Cody Lundin
Mountain Man Survival
Early Technology links

Rabbitstick rendezvous
PrimitiveWays
Rabbitstick / Wintercount Pictures (+ other gatherings)
Boomerangs and links
The Paleolithic Diet Page of links
SPT Society of Primitive Technology with online articles
NativeTech:Native American Technology and Art
Tom Brown Tracking School
Hollowtop Outdoor Primitive School
Windsong Primitives formerly the TRIBE
Drop spindles Lollipops are handpainted handspindles
E-mail groups
Subscribe wild edible plants forageahead e-mail group Unsubscribe
Subscribe Southern California early technology e-mail group Unsubscribe
Tom Brown Tracker Mailing List
Primitive Skills Group
Appalachian Trail / Ice age trail / Pacific Crest Trail
Herbal resources and e-mail groups
ForageAhead Wild Edible plant Group
Herb links
Cedar Creek Nature Studies
Mountain misery the Indian medicine plant the herbalists FORGOT
Meydrech Family Herbal
Red sage interactive CD-ROM guide to medicinal plants.
Alternative Nature Online Herbal MANY links and resources
Herbs For Health
Mom`s Herb Kitchen
Mears' Candida Fighters
California School of Traditional Hispanic Herbalism
Home School
Moore Foundation
Home Study International
The Sycamore Tree Homeschool and Catalog
Home Education Network Radio
Home Learning Around Pittsburgh
Outdoor Links.
Hiking Las Vegas get away from all that artificial stuff
Alex's OutDoor LinXs
Canoe Saskatchewan
Outdoor Magazines.
Backwoods Home Magazine
Canoe & Kayak Magazine
Outdoor Online
GORP Great Outdoor Recreation Pages
Knot and rope work links.

I have taught so many people how to tie knots I must put in a few knot links.
Animated knots BSA 42 UK
Knots illustrated
Lashing
Ropeworks knots, hitches, splicing, lashing and rope making.
International Guild of Knot Tyers
Flip Flop Winch
Cool Nature and Science links

online book about the Star Date University of Texas
Aurora borealis Brought to you by (GEDDS) Geospace Environment Data Display System
Mars Pathfinder project
Tide Tables for USA
NOAA Tide Tables More compleate and complicated
Hawaii volcanos
History of Mathematics
Reeko's Mad Scientist Lab (for Kids) (optimized for greedy Microsoft)
Evolution
Darwinian Theory and Natural History
Experimental Support for the Design UC Santa Barbera
Book Excerpt by Phillip Johnson who has an interesting way of looking at this subject.
brush FIRE can be good (California Native Plant Society)
Preparedness
Pioneer Emergency Preparedness Supplies
Other links.
The Bottle Inn of Dorset England hosts The World Nettle Eating Championship
Viewers for Quality Television
Giardia lamblia
treating Hypothermia equipment
medieval collectibles
Desert SW USA
OCB Tracker Powwow's etc. (California Native News)
Frontier and Pioneer days of the American West
Jeff Davis Show and New World Order
World Wide Wilderness Directory
Information and
articles on a wide
range of outdoor
activities
San Gorgonio Wilderness Association

REI Home
Nature is calling road side stop
The Veg Web BoardCooking over a Campstove
Thermos Cooking (Kurt Saxon)
Cindy Renfrow Medieval cookingNatural History photographer's addressesGordon Thomas
La Sierra University
Loma Linda University
North American Pathfinders
Pathfinders
Boy Scouts of America
Maintaining a links page is a lot of work. If there are dead links here, please
let it be known.
Tell us what links (URL) we should evaluate to include here.
Link exchanges are preferred.
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Rabbitstick / Winter Count Rendezvous
Winter Count
February 10-16, 2002 and
February 16-22, 2003
Rabbitstick
September 15 -21, 2002
and
September 14-20, 2003
Come and celebrate our Rabbitstick! Join other potters, knappers, archers, atlatlers, felters,
trackers, foragers, drummers, basket makers, hide-scrapers, tanners, storytellers, fire dancers, and
many, many other primitive technologists and enthusiasts for 7 days of classes and fun on the
historic Henrys Fork of the Snake River.
Named after a simple tool used extensively by western natives and, in a modified version, by
aborigines all over the world, the rabbitstick leads the world as one of mans earliest and longest
lasting tools. As each ancient hunter would pass his knowledge and insights on to the younger
generations, so to have people come to our gatherings to share their lessons and insights with other
instructors and students. Come and experience the tradition! in Rexburg, Idaho
September 15 -21, 2002 and

Cost $245 now thru Sept. 1 $50 more after Sept. 1
Winter Count is a similar conference but is a dry camp (no river) about 50 miles from Phoenix
Arizona off Maricopa Rd.
February 10-16, 2002 and

February 9-15, 2003
Cost $245 Late registration or gate $50 more
No Drugs, Alcohol, or Pets
Fee covers Camping, 2 meals per day, and basic instruction.
Fee does not include project material fees that may range from free to $100.
Names of all people in your
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Rabbitstick / Winter Count Rendezvous
party"__________________________________________________________
Mailing Address:
______________________________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________
E-mail: ________________________________________
How will you be traveling to the site?
Walk Bus Drive Hitch Plane Other

What type of lodging will you be using?
Camper Tepee Yurt Truck/Van Hotel Anywhere

When do you plan to arrive?
Do you plan to use our shuttle from Idaho Falls?
(If yes, please send us your travel itinerary)
No
Yes
Cost: (Number of people in your party X $245 or $50 more if after Sept. 1)
Shuttle fee from airport (if applicable): Total due:
Check or Money Order enclosed

Charge credit card # _______________________________
Exp. Date: _____/_____
Signature: ____________________________________________________________
When completed, send form with check or money order payable to
Backtracks
P.O. Box 905,
Rexburg, Idaho 83440.
Upon registration, you will be sent additional information and travel instructions. Questions.' Call
us at (208) 359-2400.
Because this page is not sponcered or maintained by Bactracks the fees presented here are not
binding on the sponcer of the event or anyone else.
BOSS Boulder Outdoor Survival School Pictures of Rabbitstick by "Roadkill"
Brought to you by
E-mail Backtracks
Dining on the Wilds
E-mail JEG Development

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subject line.
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Mountain misery an herb for flue and virus illnesses
Mountain misery
Chamaebatia foliolosa
Mountain misery was used by the Indians of the Sierras as a
medicine for various diseases like flues, colds, coughs, etc.
Take one leaf cluster of 4 or 5 leaves and steep it in a cup of hot
water for 15-20 min. at the first symptoms of an illness.
Somehow drink the tea. Some have found it useful as aroma
therapy.
The first time I tried this plant, I had just come back from a
rendezvous and many people had an illness that started as a
fever and weakness progressing to a cough and laryngitis. I
noticed one day that I was coming down with the symptoms that
others had started with and been sick for more than a week. At
the rendezvous I had been trading Mountain misery and had
some left. So I made a cup of tea and drank it just before I went
to bed. That night I woke up feeling very hot. In the morning the
fever had left and I never did get the rest of the symptoms that
the others had gotten.
I have tried this remedy several times since then, and usually it
works but two times it apparently did nothing for me. It seems
to work better on respiratory system flues better than on digestive system flues. It has not worked on colds (a
respiratory infection without much fever or generalized aches).
The common name "Mountain misery" was given to this low growing plant because its resinous leaves leave
sticky resin on every thing they touch. Some people think the resin has an unpleasant medicine odor.
If you would like to try this ancient but potent Indian herbal remedy on your misery send $5 to:
Please make checks and money orders payable to JEG Development.
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Mountain misery an herb for flue and virus illnesses
Mountain misery
13378 California St.
Yucaipa, CA 92399
909-797-5912
[email protected]
When E-mailing do not remove the anti spam *

from the subject line.
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flip flop winch
Flip Flop Winch

Mors Kochanski taught me this one and gave his blessing to put it on the web. It is his
modification of a Finnish windless
In these pictures the logs have been shortened. In real life they should be as big as you can work
with. The lever is practical up to about 8 ft. or 2.5m long. The longer the winch log the more stable
this device is but too long makes it so stable you can not turn or flip it
Place the rope over the winch
log and under the lever log. The
lever is under the winch. Start
tightening the rope by moving
the lever pole like it is in the
next frame.
winch
flip.
Move the rope so that the
winding is done on one side of
the lever.
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flip flop winch
winch.
Continue flipping the winch
pole and winding with the lever
pole until you have winched
your load to where you want it.
If you are winching alone tie 2 keeper loops of cord around the lever and the rope so that
you can flip. If you have a helper one of you flip and the other winch.
Remember the winch is going to move toward the anchor at half the rate that the load does.
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John Goude resume
John Goude
12975 Second St.
Yucaipa, CA 92399-5605
(909) 797-5912
EDUCATION:
BS, Computing Information Systems, Loma Linda Univ. (La Sierra University)
AS, Engineering Physics, Loma Linda University(La Sierra University)
COMPUTER EXPERIENCE
Digital
VAX/VMS RSTS/E
P/OS
Data General AOS/VS
Harris
VOS
PC's
MS DOS Windows 3.1 Windows95/98
IBM
AIX
Languages:
HTML, VAX BASIC, Microsoft BASIC, Visual BASIC, C, Pascal, FORTRAN,

DIBOL, COBOL, Datatrieve, INFO, VAX11 Macro.
File Systems: RMS, FMS (Transcomm), DMS-500, CDD(Common Data Dictionary), PCFile
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Consultant
October 1990
to Present
Programmer Analyst
April 1990 to
September 1990
for JEG Development on MS-DOS, VMS, Windows 3.1,

Windows 95/98, using, BASIC, C, HTML, Word Perfect,
Word for Windows, etc. Installing, repairing and upgrading
systems. Designing and writing Web pages. Some clients
have been Digital Equipment Corp., L. N. Enterprises,
Anderson Scientific, Mother Natures Goodies, Peoples
Choice Foundation, etc.
for Briareus Corporation did software telephone support
for XENIX, AIX and IRIS General ledger systems. Designed
and wrote software enhancements. Software maintenance
over network.
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John Goude resume
System Manager
February 1988
to
September 1989
for Krupp/Taylor FCB did system generations on PDP11

network running RSTS and LINK, maintenance
programming on job costing. Reorganized backup routine.
Did user support for WORD-11, DIGICALC and business
systems. Automated the incentive program. Maintained the
PBX control key. Connected and traced communication
lines. Installed an Apple Talk network.
System Manager
for Alumni Association of the School of Medicine of
February 1987
Loma Linda University Inc. set up operations for a VAX
to
set up user terminals and accounts using WORD-11 and
February 1988
Acorn nonprofit corporation donor tracking software.
System Manager and Programmer for Loma Linda University managed a Data General
October 1984
MV4000 running AOS/VS, a Harris 100, a Data General
to
NOVA running MIIS (like MUMPS). Did system
February 1988
generations. Designed and programmed student information
package in INFO (a 4th GL). RS232 and centronics parallel
work. Designing and programming systems for survey entry
and analysis.
System Manager
and
Programmer Analyst
December 1980
to June 1984
System Manager
for H. H. Cutler Co. coordinated operations on the PDP11.

Customized and Maintained Accounts Payable and Fixed
Assets Packages using FMS (Transomm's). System Manager
for WORD-11 under RSTS/E, Team lead the development of
a data collection network using micros and the PDP.
Invented an improvement for TI810 printers. Performed a
system study to upgrade from a PDP11 to include ABLE's
Megabox and a VAX. Installed and debugged the Megabox
and coordinated the VAX installation. Did the system
generations.
Installed, maintained and tuned VMS, Datatrieve, COBOL,
BASIC, FMS (Forms Management System), Digicalc, CDD
(Common Data Dictionary), WORD-11 on a VAX running
VAX/VMS. Transferred the WORD-11 speck sheet
application to the VAX. Deciphered WORD-11 internals to
optimize the use of WORD-11 directories, standardized
RS232 lines, wrote security software for the modem lines,
maintained software on the VMS micro network, installed
and assisted users on MS/DOS computers. Interacted with
outside sales and service people.
John Goude resume
Programmer Analyst
July 1978 to
September 1980
PERSONAL DATA:
for Amos Press Inc. debugged an inventory package using

FMS (Transomm's File Management system). Redesigned
and rewrote it to interface with general ledger and job cost
accounting using BASIC-Plus and DMS-500.
Hobbies include backpacking, youth groups, crafts, 4X4,
wild edible plants, and nature study in general. Ham call
KE6VUB
Producer of "Dining on the Wilds" video course.
References Available on Request.

E-mail John Goude
When E-mailing do not remove the anti spam * from the subject line. Picture
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Forest Service Adventure Pass recreation fee demonstration program
The COURTS have ruled

Adventure Pass is discretionary (not
mandatory)
The court was ambiguous as to whether the rest of the recreation fee demonstration program being
discretionary.
Let's whet your kids appetite for spectator sports in the national forest. Click here to see what
smokeybear.com coloring book wants your kids to think are good forest activities.
US Forest Service
Adventure Pass
The US Forest Service in Southern California tells volunteers
You gave, NOW GIVE MORE!

They falsely announce to the world that volunteers are exempt
from the Adventure Pass and then tell them they must buy a
pass if they use the forest when off duty. Many volunteers are
just scraping by financially such as students, under employed,
etc., and would have to borrow the money for a pass, but the
bureaucrats can not see that problem because they sit behind a desk and draw a full time
government pay check. All they can see is the potential income from adventure pass sales to
volunteers and every one else. It is another example of BIG Government greed and a slap in the
face of people who freely give their time and personal resources to maintain the National Forest
and try to make it a nice place for everyone to visit. Perhaps being that this is just one of many test
programs, they are testing volunteers to see how much they will take before it hurts the rate of
volunteering. If volunteer programs fall flat where they pull this trick then they will know this
particular program will not work.
Did you know that many projects are done mainly by volunteer labor but the signs are set to make
one believe that the labor is paid for by adventure pass money.
Services that have been performed for decades now have signs on them claiming the service is
paid for by adventure pass money. For example: there is a trash dumpster at Therman Flats Picnic
area that has been there since the early 1970's that got an Adventure Pass Funding sign. (That
sign has been removed to prove this page untrue.)
One of the Forest Service web pages claims "The number of repeat violators of the Adventure Pass
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program is very low. Of 47,000 Notices of Non-compliance issued during the past year, about 30
individuals, or 0.07% are considered repeat offenders. These individuals have three or more
Notices of Non-compliance and have made no attempt to remedy the situation through payment of
fees." However they refuse to ticket me in my area because they know I will not pay. In other
words if they think you will not pay they will not ticket. This makes compliance appear to be
higher than it really is. I have seen a FS person giving out tickets and pass my vehicle (He had
heard me tell someone about the discretionary nature of the pass and commented about it to
them). I got no ticket and therefore no statistic either. I know other people that do not get tickets
anymore either. It seems that they have a list of do not ticket vehicles.
Most of the money collected goes to collections and enforcement. 20% goes to the treasury.
Each year the treasury gets 4% more of the take. So is the second year the treasury gets 28%.
That leaves about 12% of the fees to go to projects. The next year only about 8% will go to
projects. This is a very bad deal for the Forest Service and us tax payers. Now Congress has cut
from the FS budget the amount they collected from the demonstration fee. So they are no further
ahead than if there never was a fee. They can make it appear that they have more money and can
give "new" services because they cut back on waste somewhere else.
Since Congress has been cutting VERY DEEPLY into the Forest Service Budget especially since
1994 the Forest Service has been strapped for funds to the point of greatly increasing the danger of
disastrous fires. They are caught in the middle on this one. Is the answer to increase the cost of
volunteering?
Democrats George Miller (CA) and Earl Blumenauer (OR) are leading the charge to divert more of
your taxes from the Forest Service and charging you to go on your land. Another sneaky way to
increase taxes so that BIG government can get BIGGER to control you more.
Should you have to pay to inspect how your trustee is caring for your land?
Do you take care of your National Forest as if you were going to invite guests over?
It is my opinion that they would do better to charge market value or at least charge actual
costs for mining claims, grazing, and wood cutting and logging permits instead of almost
giving these away. (Oh yes, these funds go into a black hole and never return to this Forest
or any National Forest.) These fees are set by congress and the agency has no say in how
much they will charge. Perhaps a better way would be to have a minimum fee set by
congress and give the agency the option to charge as much more as their costs require.
We need to get congress to reinstate the Forest Service share in the budget so that they can
hire people instead of giving these people welfare and not letting them work. Congress
should mandate that all use and entrance fees stay in the government service that generated
the fee.
I think that if a volunteer gives 10 to 20 hours or more of non court ordered civil service
volunteer time the Forest Service should then grant that volunteer an unrestricted (usable
during off time) administrative pass or an adventure pass good for one year. Some other
worthy volunteers are search and rescue, sheriff citizen patrol, fire fighters etc. Many of
these volunteers have to buy most of their own equipment and training. Is it fair to expect
them to give more than they already are giving?
The president of a local search and rescue organization (All volunteers) informs me that they have
to pay the fee while training or searching for someone in the National Forest. The Forest Service
tells me through my congressman that they do not. Who do you believe?

Other search and rescue volunteers have told me "I'm with the Sheriff's Search and Rescue team
and am also irked at having to pay to hike in my call-out area. On searches and trainings we're
not supposed to have to have an Adventure Pass for the forest service to waive tickets. But, we
have to call them ahead and let them know so they won't do it (like they own the forest???)
"However, a lot of us like to do personal trail familiarization hikes in our call-out area and
adjoining call-out areas. For those we have to have the almighty Pass."
Do you want search and rescue to be familiar with the area when your child is lost?
Most of time I have gone in to get an administrative pass to prepare for a program or class field
trip, it has taken 30 to 40+ minutes to get the pass even though I called ahead. I still had to
arrange to go in to the office during office hours. (April 1999 was a very fast one it only took
about 5 minutes in the office.)
What can you do about it? Write e-mail to the Forest Service and your congressman is a good
start. You can print out and display protest art. The Forest Service claims to Congress that we
the people enjoy paying these new TAXES. Have you told your congress representative the level
of your GREAT joy in paying for this tax diversion?
(I do not necessarily agree with the opinions of any link.)

Tucson Weekly Said the fees are a toothless tiger.
DoI Report to Congress
Forest Service Report to Congress
New Forest Fee is Double Billing editorial by California Assemblyman BRETT GRANLUND
Parking on state highways in National Forests
Parking on state highways in National Forests Legislative Counsel opinion
"Adventure" Pass a Violation of California's Constitution?
HR786 Sponsored by Rep. Bono 106 congress bill will eliminate the fees in national forests
HR2295 Sponsored by Rep. Capps 106 congress bill will eliminate the fees in national forests and
allocate funds to the recreation budget.
E-mail links:
US Forest Service
US Congress members
Congressional E-mail addresses
E-mail House Committee on Agriculture
Congressman Jerry Lewis 40 CA

Other user fee (double tax) sites :
Fees for the Angeles National Forest
Free Our Forests
Free Our Parks & Forests
Wild Wilderness
Who owns the land of the National Forest?
This form does not send an e-mail message to me.
Tell The US Forest Service what you think

about:
Recreation Fee Demonstration
Your name:
Your e-mail address:
Comments:
Submit Comment
Start Over
Matt's Script Archive

Privacy Act Notice: Your name and email address are requested only so that the Forest Service can
respond to your comments. Providing this information is voluntary.
If you think that I am all wet in my protest in this experimental Adventure Pass issue, drop me
John Goude a line. When E-mailing do not remove the anti spam * from the subject line.
I have gladly served with the Forest Service as a Volunteer Interpretive Specialist for 5 summers
mainly leading nature walks for the general public and have given school programs during the rest
of the year. This means that at times I need to go into the National Forest when not giving a
program to prepare. Technically I am not on duty and need a pass. Very often things I use in a
program happen when I am in the National Forest not planning a program. As experienced
outdoors people know, one can not plan most of these types of encounters with nature. In my
thinking they make or break an interpretive presentation.
For example: One time I was backpacking on the Sugarloaf mountain in the San Bernardino
mountains. During the evening we were watching the stars and a very bright meteor went
streaking across the sky. It suddenly exploded and filled the moon less dark night sky with bright
light! Can such a story add to a star watch when there are meteors streaking across the sky? Can
you plan such an encounter with nature?

In the ceremony on 10/26/97 where they acknowledged the other volunteers including many of the
ones planning on not being present, the Forest Service decided to single me out and refused to
publicly acknowledge any of my volunteer time, of about 100 hours. After the ceremony I was
told it was because of my non public protest of volunteers having to buy Adventure Passes. Up to
that time I had kept my protest to be within the organization. I have now gone public with this
page because of this move on their part.
As the bumper sticker a fellow volunteer gave me says:
Can't see the forest for the fees

I invite you to check out the rest of my internet site for Dining on the Wilds. Copyright 1997,
1998, 1999
John Goude
Adventure Pass (Recreation Fee Piolot Project) protest art
Recreation Fee Pilot Project

Adventure Pass protest art
Click on the picture for a larger printable view.
The Forest Service threatened me with legal action unless I removed "Smokey the Bandit". So he
is no longer available.
Adventure Pass
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Adventure pass no pay
Print this page and hang on your mirror

when parking in "Adventure Pass" areas.
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National Forest Adventure Pass and state highways
Granlund's position confirmed on Nat'l Forest

Adventure Pass
from The Valley Messenger, November 1998, Vol. 25, No. 11 (used by permission)
Assemblyman Brett Granlund (R Yucaipa), announced that he has received a legal opinion from
the California Legislative Counsel that confirmed his position that California residents do not have
to have a National Forest Adventure Pass to park on the state highways right-of-ways within a
national forest.
Granlunds 65th Assembly District, including Big Bear City, Running Springs, Angelus Oaks and
other communities in and around the San Bernardino National Forest, has received hundreds of
telephone calls and a petition that contained more than 8,000 signatures from residents and visitors
complaining about the new unfair taxation.
The National Adventure Pass program requires a $5 daily, or $30 annual, pass for any vehicle that
is parked along the roadway to display the pass in their vehicle.
Granlund said the opinion stated: "The Forest Service of the United States Department of
Agriculture may not issue a citation for a violation of the fee provisions of the federal Recreational
Fee Demonstration Program for a vehicle that is parked on the right-of-way of a portion of State
Highway Route 38 within certain National Forests without displaying a National Forest Adventure
Pass, unless there are additional facts indicating that a recreational use of the forest has occurred."
The opinion gave an example that persons driving on State Highway 38 from Big Bear City en
route to the City of Redlands could have their vehicles break down on the state highway
right-of-way within the forest and leave the vehicles in order to search for assistance.
Another example Counsel Gregory cited was a person who might become drowsy while driving
through the forest, park his or her vehicle by the side of the highway and go for a walk in order to
stir himself or herself awake, all without leaving the highway right-of-way.
During this year's Legislative session, Granlund authored a resolution that requested that the U.S.
Congress rescind the Forest Service's authority to sell passes and issue $100 citations to violators
of the program.
Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 77 encourages the president and the Congress of the United
States to enact the Forest Tax Relief Act, authored by Representative Mary Bono. AJR 77. was
unanimously passed by the state Assembly and Senate and approved by the governor.
The opinion said that, at a minimum, any citation would need to include additional facts indicating
that a recreational use of the forest has occurred, such as: a statement that the alleged violator was
observed walking into the forest after having parked the vehicle.
Granlund said that .the opinion cited a similar case addressed by a federal court, (U.S. vs. Maris)
where the court held that merely driving through a national forest was not a recreational use.
Granlund said this opinion was valid on any state road through all national forest land and
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National Forest Adventure Pass and state highways
Highway 38 was only used as an example. He also said that it is the job of the Forest Service to
prove that a recreational use happened. To the best of his knowledge, the U.S. Forest Service and
the State of California have never signed any agreement on this issue.
"This fee program," said Granlund, "is a recreational pass and not a vehicle pass. It is the
obligation of the Forest Service to give citations to people not vehicles."
Adventure Pass
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Adventure Pass on State Highways: San Bernardino National Forest
Legislative Counsel of California

Highways: San Bernardino National Forest #16919
Dear Mr. Granlund:
QUESTION
May the Forest Service of the United States Department of Agriculture issue a citation for a
violation of the fee provisions of the federal Recreational Fee Demonstration Program for a vehicle
that is parked on the right-of-way of a portion of State Highay Route 38 within the San
Bernardino National Forest without displaying a National Forest Adventure Pass?
OPINION
The Forest Service of the United States Department of Agriculture may not issue a citation for a
violation of the fee provisions of the federal Recreational Fee Demonstration Program for a vehicle
that is parked on the right-of-way of a portion of State Highway Route 38 within the San
Bernardino National Forest without displaying a National Forest Adventure Pass, unless there are
additional facts indicating that a recreational use of the forest has occurred.
ANALYSIS
Section 315 of Title III of the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996
(P.L. 104-134; hereafter Section 315) requires the United States Secretary of Agriculture (hereafter
the secretary), acting through the Forest Service of the United States Department of Agriculture
(hereafter . the Forest Service), to implement, until September 30, 1999, a Recreational Fee
Demonstration Program (hereafter the demonstration program) on selected federal lands to
demonstrate the feasibility of user-generated cost recovery for the operation and main enhance of
recreational areas on those lands (Sec. 315(a) and (f)). Under the demonstration program, the
secretary is required to charge and collect fees for admission to, or for the use of, the selected
outdoor recreation sites (Se". 315(b)(l)) and to establish those fees based upon a variety of cost
recovery and fair market valuation me hods (Sec. 315(b)(2)). The fees are imposed in lieu of fees
charged under any other provision of law (Sec. 315(d)(2)) Eighty percent of the amount collected
under the demonstration program is required to be used for activities at the site from which the
funds are collected and 20 percent is required to be used by he agency that administers the site
(Sec. 313(c)(1)(A) and (3), and (c)(2)(A) and (B)).
The secretary is authorized to assess a fine of not more than $100 for any violation of the
demonstration program's fee provisions (Sec. 315(b)(5)). Section 261.15 of Title 36 of the Code of
federal Regulations (hereafter Section 261.15) makes it a crime, punishable by a fine of not more
than $100, to fail to pay any fee established for admission or entrance to, or use of, any national
forest site, facility, equipment, or service furnished by the United States. Thus, failure to pay a fee
imposed under the demonstration program is prosecutable as a violation of Section 251.15.
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The Forest Service has informed us that in the San Bernardino National Forest (hereafter the
forest), among other national forests in southern California, it has implemented the demonstration
program as the Southern California fee Demonstration Project (hereafter the project). Under the
project, fees are collected through the issuance of a "National Forest Adventure Pass" (hereafter
the pass). According to the official literature of the Forest Service describing the project, the pass
is issued as a daily pass for $5 or an annual pass for $30, and is required to be displayed on a
vehicle only when the vehicle is parked within the forest for recreational purposes. The Forest
Service enforces the fee provisions of the project by posting a citation on vehicles found not
displaying the pass in violation of the project's fee provisions.
The citation issued to enforce the project's fee provisions provides for identification of the issuing
officer, the alleged violator (hereafter the person), and the person's vehicle, describes the offense,
and provides a space for the officer to describe the location of the vehicle. The offense is described
in a "Description" section with two sentences that read: "This vehicle is not displaying a valid
National Forest Adventure Pass as required by the Southern California Fee Demonstration Project.
This Project is authorized by Section 315 of Public Law 104-134." A set of instructions provided
on the citation inform the person that he or she has 14 days to correct the violation and that failure
to correct may result in a fine of not more than $100. According to the instructions, the person may
correct the violation by re returning the notice to the project headquarters in San Bernardino with
(1) a daily pass, (2) certain evidence of possession of an annual pass, (3) the purchase price of a
daily pass, or (4) an explanation supporting the contention that the citation was issued in error.
An issue that arises at this point is whether a citation may be imposed for failure to display a pass,
in view of the fact that both Section 315 and Section 261.15 authorize punishment for failure to
pay certain fees, but not expressly for failure to redisplay a pass. In that regard, it has been held
that the power of an administrative agency to administer a congressionally created and funded
program necessarily requires the formulation of policy and the making of rules to fill any gap left,
implicitly or explicitly, by Congress (Morton v. Ruiz (1974) 39 L.Ed.2d 270, 292). If a court
determines that Congress has not directly addressed the pre issue question at issue, or that the
statute is silent or ambiguous with respect to the specific issue, the question for the court is
whether the agency's answer is based on a permissible construction of the statute (Chevron U.S.A.
v. Natural Res. Def. Council (1984) 81 L.Ect.2d 694, 703).
Nothing in either Section 315 or Section 261.15 prescribes the method for enforcing the fee
provisions of the demonstration program. Thus, applying the holdings set forth above, our view is
that any reasonable method of enforcing the fee provisions that is consistent with the purposes of
the demonstration program would be authorized. Because the literature distributed by the Forest
Service advises purchasers of the pass that the pass is to be displayed on the purchaser's vehicle,
we think that it is reasonable for the Forest Service to deem the failure to display the pass when
parked within the forest for recreational purposes to be rebuttable evidence that the pass was not
purchased and that, consequently, the fee was not paid. Accordingly, we conclude that the Forest
Service's decision to enforce the fee provisions of the project by requiring the purchase and display
of a pass is reasonable and, there ore, authorized.
However, citing a vehicle for a violation of the project's fee provisions when the vehicle is parked
on the right-of-way of State Highway Route 38 raises the question of whether probable cause
exists for that issuance. There is no provision of federal law that sets forth the standard of probable
cause for issuing the citations in question. However, the procedure and practice for the conduct of
is
proceedings involving petty offenses, such as a violation of the project's fee provisions, (*1)
governed by Rule 58 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure
(Fed. Rules Cr. Proc., Rule 58, 18 U.S.C.A.; hereafter Rule 58).
Under that procedure, a trial is authorized to proceed on an
indictment, information, or complaint, in the case of a
misdemeanor, or on a citation or violation notice in the case of a
petty offense (Rule 58(b)(l)). Thus, at the initial stage of
federal criminal procedure for petty offenses, a citation serves
the same function as a complaint; that is, it provides support for
the decision to continue prosecuting the alleged offense (see
Jaben v. U.S. (1965) 14 L.Ed.2d 345, 353). Therefore, we think
that the standards established for probable cause to issue a
complaint are applicable to citations.
The United States Supreme Court has stated that a complaint must
provide the affiant's answer to the magistrates hypothetical
question, "What makes you think that the defendant committed the
offense charged?" (Ibid.). The complaint is required to present
enough information to enable a judgment that the charges are not
capricious and are sufficiently supported to justify bringing into
play the further steps of the criminal process (Ibid.). At a
minimum, the complaint is required to follow the statutory
language describing the offense charged and relate the essential
facts constituting that offense (Bytes v. U.S. (9th Cir. 1964) 327
F.2d 825, 835).
The offense in question is utilizing the recreational facilities
of the forest without having paid the recreational use fee. The
essential elements of the offense are that (1) a vehicle has been
parked (2) within the forest (3) for a recreational purpose (4)
without displaying a pass.
When a vehicle is found parked without a pass on, for example, a
forest road, a campground, or a trailhead parking lot, the third
element listed above is supported by the reasonable inference that
the purpose for parking the vehicle at that location was to use
the recreational facilities of the forest.
However, in the case of parking within the forest on the
right-of-way of State Highway Route 38, which is a major artery
through the area, that presumption is much less supportable
because there are many possible alternative explanations for
having parked at that location. A person driving on State Highway
Route 38 from Big Bear City en route to the City of Redlands, for
example, with no intention of using the recreational facilities of
the forest, could have his or her vehicle break down on the state
highway right-of-way within the forest and have to leave the

vehicle in order to search for assistance. As another example, a
person might become drowsy while driving through the forest, park
his o her vehicle by the side of the highway, and go for a walk in
order to stir himself or herself awake, all without ever leaving
the highway right-of-way.
Therefore, it is our view that probable cause to issue a citation
is not present on the basis that the vehicle is parked within the
forest on the right-of-way of State Highway Route 38, because aha"
circumstance above does not support the element of the offense
requiring recreational use of the forest. We think that, at a
minimum, the citation would need to include additional facts
indicating that a recreational use of the forest has occurred,
such as, for example, a statement that the alleged violator was
observed walking into the forest after having parked the vehicle.
A similar question was addressed by a federal district court in a
recent case, where the court held that merely driving through a
rational forest area on a public highway was not a recreational
use of that area and was, therefore, not subject o the exaction of
the demonstration program's user fee (U.S. v. Maris (D.Or. 1997)
987 F.Supp. 865, 868).
In the Maris case, the defendants entered the Oregon Dunes
National Recreation Area of the Siuslaw National Forest by driving
on South Jetty Road, a public highway, en route to accessing
public coastal lands (Ed., at p. 866). There was no evidence that
the defendants used the forest in any way other than driving on
South Jetty Road to get through the forest to their destination
(ibid.). The defendants were charged with violating Section 261.15
by failing to pay, upon entering the national forest, the user
fees imposed under the demonstration program (Ibid.).
The district court construed the language of Section 315 as
granting authority that is limited to recreational use fees and
may not be extended to include imposing tolls for the use of
public highways that run through forest lands (Id., at p. 867).
The court also found that, in any case, imposition of those tolls
would be prohibited under former Section 932 of Title 43 of the
United States Code (hereafter Section 932) on South Jetty Road
because that rout was established prior to October 21, 1976 (Id.,
at pp. 867-868). Section 932, which remains in effect for those
rights-of-way existing prior to October 21, 1976, granted the
right-of-way for the construction of highways over public land not
reserved for public use and thus prohibits tolls on those
preexisting rights-of-way (Ibid.).
The facts in the question presented here are similar to those

present in the Maris case, that is, State Highway Route 38 is a
public highway and the activity in question is parking on that
highway at a location that is within the forest, an apparently
nonrecreational use of the forest that is similar to the one at
issue in the Maris case. We think that a court faced with those
facts, and nothing more, would find that parking on a public
highway on a location that is within a national forest is not
itself a recreational use for which a fee is authorized under
Section 315
Accordingly, it is our opinion that the Forest Service of the
United States Department of Agriculture may not issue a citation
for a violation of the fee provisions of the federal Recreational
Fee Demonstration Program for a vehicle that is parked on the
right-of-way of a portion of State Highway Rout 38 within the San
Bernardino National Forest without displaying a National Forest
Adventure Pass, unless there are additional facts indicating that
a recreational use of the forest has occurred.
Very truly yours,
Abel Munoz
Deputy Legislative Counsel
A "petty offense" is defined as, among other things, an
infraction for which the maximum fine is not greater than $5,000
(18 U.S.C.A. Secs. 19 and 3571(b)(6) and (7)). Because a violation
of the projects fee provisions is punishable by a fine o not more
than $100 (Sec. 315(b)(5); see also 36 C.F.R. 261.15), we conclude
that it is a "petty offense" under the Federal Rules of Criminal
Procedure.
(*1)
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Wild Edible Plants, food for Wilderness Survival and Disaster
WHY STUDY WILD EDIBLE PLANTS

1. SURVIVAL
If you were lost in the wilderness for a long time would you survive? With the current enthusiasm for
backpacking and wilderness living, there is an increased probability of people getting lost. If you were lost in
the wilderness would you starve? People have starved to death while tramping on hundreds of wild edible
plants. This could happen to anyone if they had no knowledge of what to eat in the wilds. Don't let this
happen to you!
2. DISASTER
If you were cut off by a natural disaster or civil unrest from getting food from the market, would you go
hungry? During war many people have survived from lack of their normal food because they knew about
wild edible plants. I know a German lady who ate many dandelions during World War II, and the Finnish
used cambium of trees to stretch their flour supply.
3. BACKPACKING and WILDERNESS OUTINGS

One way to cut down weight on that backpack trip is to depend on wild edibles for a portion of your food.
After days of dehydrated food--a fresh wild salad is a real treat! Do you really like MREs (meals ready to
eat) anyway? I find that looking for plant friends as I walk along keeps my mind active and makes the walk
even more enjoyable. While you are out there exploring, why not explore with your taste buds too. (note:
some wilderness areas and parks have strict restrictions on picking any plant. Check with the proper people
before picking plants.)
4. ECONOMY
With supermarket prices so high, wild edible plants can be a great budget stretcher, and who doesn't like
something free.
5. NUTRITION
Wild edible plants are so rich in vitamins and minerals that they have been called a tonic rather than a food.
Some of these plants are richer sources of nutrients than domestic plants.
6. ECOLOGY
You will become more aware of ecology which is discovering how the life cycle of plants relates to the life
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Wild Edible Plants, food for Wilderness Survival and Disaster
cycles of other plants and animals. Hopefully, you will also become a conservationist and perhaps even a
gardener.
7. HISTORY
You will have more appreciation for the Native American's old ways and want to help keep some of these
ways alive through the study of ethnobotany.
8. MEDICINAL
With herbal medicine gaining in popularity it is beneficial to learn not only the edible properties of a plant
but also its medicinal value. You might also find yourself in a situation where no doctor is available. Not
only is your health benefited but also your pocketbook!
9. VARIETY
So if you are tired of eating the same foods week after week wild edible plants can add a pleasant change to
your menu. You will have fun discovering a greater depth of food flavors as you eat more and more wild
edible plants.
10. GOURMET
Wild edible plants can be made into exotic gourmet dishes. If you want to do something different have a
"wild" party and invite your neighbors in. They will be amazed at how delicious your wild edibles can be.
11. HOBBY
Studying wild edible plants is a very fascinating hobby. With 300,000 plants in the world and 120,000
considered edible you won't run out of something to do for a long time. You will become attuned to the wild
plants that are edible and will look upon them as friends.
12. SPIRITUAL
Nature study is an excellent way to learn about the Creator and is very restful to the soul who will take the
time to listen to Him through the things He made.
Order
Home

JEG Development
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Books
Dining on the Wilds, wild edible plants a fascinating nature hobby and ethnobotany
Wild Edible Plants.
Dining on the Wilds

This page is enjoyed by those interested in long term survival if regular food supplies are cut off.
Besides the survival food and wilderness survival aspects this study is of interest to those into
ethnobotany or botany and naturalists. If you even think about forage, living off the land or
homesteading you would enjoy this site. If you enjoy any of the these activities you would find
this an interesting place hunting, fishing, boy scouts, girl scouts, Pathfinders, backpacking, hiking.
Even homeschoolers and gourmet cooks have enjoyed this course. We cover plants from the
mountains to the desert, from your yard and fields to the seashore and even into the sea. Even
though this is tought in the Southern California there a sections for plants that are not found here.
This makes this a valuable course in the Northwest, Rockies, Central, Northeast, Southern States
and Canada.

The issue is the new 'Adventure Pass' initiated by the United States
Forest Service, and the victims are the taxpayers. "
"The government's decision to not prosecute violators seems to confirm that the fee
demonstration program is essentially a toothless tiger which the public can eradicate."
Tucson Weekly
NEW SHAREWARE spelling dictionaries in the books section
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Dining on the Wilds

Wild Edible Plants
and Ethnobotany
4. WHO made it?
5. OTHERS say
6. Cover (25KB)
7. How to ORDER
Dining on the Wilds
Takes you inside the classroom for an interesting graphic

slide presentation which gives you a close-up look at the
identification of many wild edible plants, herbs and
mushrooms of North America.
Come along on live field trips. Observe and enjoy plants
in their natural habitat. Learn how to use these natural,
nutritive items.
Taste the fun of a cooking class where unique recipes are
demonstrated. You are in for a truly mouth watering
treat.
Watch the fun as students bring family and friends to a
gourmet buffet where everyone brings home made dishes
containing at least one wild ingredient.
Listen to student comments as to why they enrolled in the
class and why some have come back repeatedly.
This video set is a unique, fun and educational experience
that your whole family will enjoy viewing over and over
again.
Others say
tapes have been a great help.
They are very informative.
...
Sincerely,
Susie Teague
Cedar Creek Nature Studies
[Why learn wild edible plants?][Table of contents ] [About the presenters][Cover 25KB]
Dining on the Wilds


correspondence course and 6 other
related courses.
edible plants in 27 states, Canada and
Peru.
Listed in Who's Who in American
Women.
Secretary-treasurer of Forage Ahead.
John Goude[16K]
Has studied wild edible plants for 28 years in

12 states.
San Gorgonio Wilderness Assoc. interpretive
specialist, (on strike) in wild edible plants.
Hug-A-Tree and Survive teacher
President of Forage Ahead, a wild edible plant
enthusiasts club.
Has cataloged and cross indexed over 500
North American wild edible plants.
Served as president of Riverside California
Chapter of International Wilderness Club.
[ Dining on the Wilds top ] [Reasons to learn Wild edible plants] [ Table of contents][ Cover25KB
]

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Comments:
Submit Comment Start Over
John Goude.

[email protected]
If you would like to use something on this site please E-mail a request to use it. So far almost all
requests made before use have been granted. It is nice to know when we have helped someone else
get their message out.
Dining on the Wilds

Table of Contents
Six professional videos with views of over 300 North American wild plants
Tape 1
Type
Slide Set
Demonstration
Slide Set
Section title
Edible Wild Plants of the Yard
Threshing
Herbs
Interviews
Time
36:20
4:38
7:20
2:45
Tape 2
Edible Wild Plants of the Roadside and Meadows
Slide Set
Edible Wild Plants of the Northwest
Slide Set
Demonstration
Yucca
Lecture
Primitive Cooking
Field Identification Yard & Roadside
31:09
6:42
3:51
5:00
15:15
Tape 3
Lecture
Eating Wild Plants Safely and Edibility Rules
Edible Wild Plants of the Woodlands
Slide Set
Demonstration
Acorn Processing
Field Identification Mountains Spring
11:41
44:24
3:44
11:00
Tape 4
Slide Set
Demonstration
Slide Set
Demonstration
Edible Wild Plants of the Desert

But Prickly Pears have Spines
Edible Wild Plants of the Mountains
Utilizing Edible Wild Plants
29:55
3:08
11:24
16:27
Tape 5
Slide Set
Slide Set
Demonstration
Slide Set
Lecture
Edible Wild Plants of the Sea Coast

Edible Wild Plants of Wet Places
Cattails are the Supermarket
Poisonous Plants
Avoiding Plant Poisonings
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10:49
12:44
3:38
19:30
3:55
Field Identification Mountains Autumn
15:29
Tape 6
Slide Set
Slide Set
Demonstration
Edible Wild Plants of the Eastern and Central North America 36:34
Edible Wild Mushrooms
8:45
Eat Your Flowers too
9:00
Wild Banquet
7:43
[About the presenters]
Order
Home
[Cover 25KB]
Books
Copyright 1996-1998 John Goude [email protected]

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Dining on the Wilds plant list
Edible Wild Plants of the Yard

WARNING: A plant on the list just means that it is discussed on the video. This does not mean
that it is edible. Some plants in an edible list are toxic until prepared correctly or have toxic parts.
KNOW before you eat !
Dandelion
Plantain
Narrow leaf plantain
Clover
Grass
Wild oats
Foxtail barley
Curly dock
Sour dock
Dock
Sheep sorrel
Lady's thumb
Lambsquarters
Strawberry blite
Orach
Amaranth
Domestic Amaranth
Wild lettuce
Prickly wild lettuce
Sow thistle
Chickweed
Mustard
Winter cress
Wild radish
Shepherd's purse
Peppergrass
Mallow
Purslane
Filaree
Russian thistle
Plantago major
Plantago lanceolata
Trifolium, Medicago species
Avena fatua
Setaria SPP
Rumex crispus
Rumex
Rumex
Rumex acetosella
Polygonum SPP
Chenopodium album
Chenopodium capitatum
Atriplex patula
Amaranthus
Amaranthus
Lactuca tatarica
Lactuca serriola
Sonchus asper
Stellaria media
Brassica rapa
Barbarea
Raphanus sativus
Capsella bursa-pastoris
Lepidium virginicum
Malva neglecta
Portulaca oleracea
Erodium cicutarium
Salsola iberica, Kali tenuifolia
Remember, YOU are a caretaker of these plants.

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[Return]
Herbs
Yarrow
Chamomile
Purple cone
Gill over the ground .
Mullein
Yerba santa
Eucalyptus
Horsetail
Oregon grape
Yerba Buena
Bearberry
Ginkgo biloba
Mugwort
Mountain misery
Achillea millefolium
Matricaria chamomilla
Agustifolia purpurea
Glecoma hederacea
Verbascum thapsus
Eriodictyon califoricum
Eucalyptus SPP
Equisetum SPP
Mahonia (Berberis)
Satureja douglasii
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi,rubra,alpin
Ginkgo biloba
Artemisia
Chamaebatia foliolosa

[Return]
Edible Wild Plants of the Roadside and

Meadows
Cleavers
Stinging nettle
Watercress
Brooklime
Galium aparine
Urtica gracilis
Nasturtium officinale
Veronica americana SPP
Monkey flower
Chicory
Salsify
Queen Anne's lace
Fireweed
Evening primrose
Thistle
Milk thistle
Wild onions
Burdock
Milkweed
Jerusalem artichoke
Day lily
Vetch
Chia
California Bay
Sage (black/blue)
Horehound
Hottentot Fig
Ice plant
Tarweed
Sunflower
Wild aster/Oxeye daisy
Goldenrod
Pineappleweed
Chamomile
Mullein
Asparagus
Mimulus guttatus
Cichorium intybus
Tragopogon SPP
Daucus carota
Eqilobium angustifolium,
latifolium
Primula SPP
Cirsium SPP (31)
Silbum marianum
Allium
Arctium minus, lappa
Asclepias
Helianthus tuberosus
Hemerocallis aurantiaca
Vicia SPP
Salvia columbariae
Umbellularia californica
Salvia mellifera
Marrubium vulgare
Mesembryanthemum edule
Capobrotus edule
Madia glomerata, sativa
Helianthus annuus
Aster ledophyllus
Solidago missouriensis
Matricaria matricarioides
Anthemis SPP
Verbascum thapsus
Sagittaria SPP, Aspargus
officinalis

[Return]
Edible Wild Plants of the Northwest

Avalanche lily
Yellow bells
Bear grass
Strawberry blite . . . . . . .
Skunk cabbage
Devil's club
Clitonia
Twist stalk
Buffaloberry
Bunch berry
Mountain ash
Salal
Bearberry
Licorice
Erythronium grandiflorum ssp.

Fritillaria pubica
Xerphyllum tenax
Chenopodium capitatum
Lysichiton americanum
Echinopanax horridum
or(Oploanax h)
Clintonia borealis
Streptopus SPP
Shepherdia SPP
Cornus canadensis
Sorbus SPP (Pyrus)
Gaultheria shallon
Arctostaphylos
uva-ursi,rubra,alpin
Glycyrrhia lepidota

[Return]
Edible Wild Plants of the Woodlands

Violet
woodsorrel
Bracken fern
Wild ginger
Miner's lettuce
Lomatium
Viola purpurea, pedunculata SPP

Oxalis SPP
Pteridium aquilinum
Asarum SPP
Claytonia perfoliata (Montia)
Lomatium SPP
Brodiaea
Mariposa lily/fairy lantern/star
tulip
Lily
Solomon's seal
False Solomon's seal
Trillium
Shooting stars
Alum root
Waterleaf
Indian paintbrush
Horsetail
Spearmint
Peppermint
Pennyroyal
Coyote mint
Henbit
Field mint
Rose
Redbud
Sumac
Squawbush
Lemonade berry
Sugarbush
Manzanita
Wild strawberry
Raspberry
Thimbleberry
Blackberry
Blueberry
Serviceberry
Toyon
Currant
Gooseberry
Mulberry
Western snowberry.
Brodiaea pulchella
Calochortus nuttallii,gunnisonii
Lilium Pardalinum
Polygonatum SPP
Smilacina SPP
Trillium ovatum SPP (4)
Dodecatheon hendersonii
Heuchera SPP (28)
Hydrophyllum occidentale
Castilleja
Equisetum SPP
Mentha spicata
Mentha piperita
Hedeoma pulegioides
Monardella villosa
Lamium amplexicaule
Mentha
Rosa californica, arkansana
Cercis occidentalis
Rhus hirta,
typhina,glabra,copallina
Rhus trilobata
Rhus integrifolia
Rhus ovata
Arctostaphylos
Fragaria virginiana
Rubus Leucodermis
Rubus parviflorus
Rubus
Vaccinium occidentale
Amelanchier SPP (24)
Heteromeles arbutifolia
Ribes SPP
Ribes roezlii, velutinum
Morus SPP
Symphoricarpos occidentalis SPP
The eastern species

causes vomiting
(Symphoricarpos albus)
Barberry
Oregon Grape
Grape
Elderberry
Hawthorne
Hackberry
Pin Cherry
Sour Cherry
Holly leaf Cherry
Chokecherry
Indian plum
Cascara/coffeeberry
Deer bush
Aspen
Willow
Maple
Butternut
Hazel nut
Chinquapin
Digger pine
Sugar pine
Pinyon pine
White oak
Black oak
Live oak
Crataegus berberifolia
Mahonia (Berberis)
Vitis californica, SPP
Sambucus melanocarpa, mexicana
Crataegus SPP
Celtis douglasii, pallida
Prunus pensylvanica
Prunus cerasus
Prunus ilicifolia
Prunus virginiana
Oemleria cerasiformis
Rhamnus californics, purshiana
Ceanothus
Populus SPP
Salix SPP
Acer SPP
Juglans cinerea
Corylus cornuta, americana
Castanopsis
chrysophylla,sempervire
Chrysolepis sempervirens
Pinus sabiniana
Pinus lambertiana
Pinus
monophylla,quadrifolia,edulis
Quercus alba
Quercus kelloggii
Quercus chrysolepis

[Return]
Edible Wild Plants of the Desert

Prickly pear
Cholla
Opuntia SPP
Opuntia SPP
Ferocactus acanthodes,
Barrel cactus
Echinocactus
Lemaireocerus
Organ pipe/ apple/ saguaro cactus thurberi(organ)/Cereus giganteus
(Sagaro)
Ocotillo
Fouquieria splendens
Joshua tree
Yucca brevifolia
Yucca;
Yucca SPP
Nolina
Nolina bigelovii, microcarpa
Agave
Agave SPP (10)
Juniper
Juniperus SPP
Jojoba
Simmondsia chinensis
Desert willow
Chilopsis linearis
Palo verde
Cercidium floridum
Honey mesquite
Prosopis glandulosa
Screwbean mesquite
Prosopis pubescens
Ironwood
Olneya tesota
Catclaw/Acacia
Acacia SPP
Desert apricot
Prunus fremontii
Fan palm
Washingtonia filifera
Date palm
Phoenix SPP
Ephedra
Ephedra SPP
Cresote bush
Larrea divaricata
Bladder pod
Isomeris ardorea
Chuparosa
Beloperone californica
Apricot Mallow
Sphaeralcea ambigua
Wild parsley
Tansy mustard
Descurainia pinnata
Tumbling mustard
Thelypodiopsis SPP
Prince's plume
Stanleya elata, pinnata
Desert candle
Caulanthus crassicaulis
Black sage
Salvia mellifera
White sage
Salvia apiana
Blue sage
Salvia
Desert lavender
Hyptis emoryi
Indian paintbrush
Castilleja
Pincushion
Coryphanta vivipara
Blazing star
Desert lily
Coyote gourd
Desert sunflower
Buckwheat
Desert trumpet
Wild rhubarb
Liatris punctata
Hesperocallis undulata
Cucumrbita foetidissima
Eriogonum fasciculatum
Eriogonum inflatum
Rumex hymenosepalus

[Return]
Edible Wild Plants of the Mountains

Camas
Marsh marigold
Green gentian
Yampah
Bistort
Solomon's seal
False Solomon's Seal
Bitterroot
Balsam root
Fritillary
Sierra primrose
Snowplant
Orchids
Broomrape
Cow parsnip
Angelica
Sweet cicely
Honeysuckle
Sierra gooseberry
Dudleya or live forever . .
Soap plant
Camassia quamash, scilloides

Caltha SPP (20)
Frasera speciosa
Perideridia gairdneri
Ramalina bistorta
Polygonatum SPP
Smilacina SPP
Lewisia redvivia
Balsamorhiza
Fritillaria SPP (19)
Oenothera SPP
Sarcodes sanguinea
Habenaria SPP
Boschniaka SPP, Orobanche SPP
Heracleum lanatum, maximum
Angelica SPP
Osmorhiza SPP
Lonicera SPP
Ribes roezlii, velutinum
Dudleya saxosa
Chlorogalum SPP

[Return]
Edible Wild Plants of the Sea Coast

Nasturtium
Candy flower
Monkey flower
Sea rocket
Toothwort
Rock cress
New Zealand spinach
Red maids
Glasswort
Arrow grass
Saltbush
Sea blite
Ice plant
Coltsfoot
Pennywort
Redwood sorrel
Pitcher sage
Wild celery
Fennel
Wild rye
Madrone
Kelp
Sea lettuce
Tropaeolum majus
Montia sibirica
Mimulus guttatus
Cakile maritima, edentula
Dentaria SPP (4)
Arabidopsis Heynh
Tetragonia tetagonioides
Calandrinia ciliata
Salicornia subterminalis
Triglochin SPP
Atriplex SPP
Suaeda californica
Gasoul
Crystallinum(Mesembryanthemu
Petasites SPP
Rumex
Salvia azurea
Angelica lucida
Foeniculum vulgare
Elymus tritcoides
Arbtusus menziesii, arizonica
Alaria SPP
Ulva lactuca

[Return]
Edible Wild Plants of Wet Places

Water lily
Fragrant lily
Yellow Pond lily
Reed grass
Phragmites
Bamboo
Bamboo shoot
Sedge
Nutgrass
Bur reed
Bulrush
Calamus
Arrowhead
Indian rhubarb
Cattail
Brasenia schreberi
Nuphar lutea
Phragmites communis
Phragmites SPP
Arundinaria SPP
Arundinaria SPP
Carex (2000)
Cyperus esculentus, rotundus
Sparganium simplex
Scirpus SPP
Acorus calamus
Sagitarria latifolia
Peltiphyllum peltatum
Typha latifolia, angustifolia

[Return]
Poisonous Plants
Oleander
Jimson weed
California poppy
Castorbean
Poison hemlock
Water hemlock
Iris
Nightshade
Wild tobacco
Lupine
Nerium oleander
Datura SPP
Eschscholizia SPP
Ricinus communis
Conium maculatum
Cicuta maculata
Iris SPP
Solanum nigrum SPP
Nicotiana SPP
Lupinus SPP
Sweet pea
Scotch broom
Lantana
Dogbane
Death camas
Foxglove
False hellebore
Baneberry
Bleeding heart
Steer's head
Larkspur
Monk's hood
Buckeye
Morning glory
Crowfoot
English ivy
Mistletoe
Poison oak
Lathyrus odoratus
Cytisus scoparius
Lantana camara
Apocynum SPP
Zigadenus venenosus
Digitalis purpurea
Veratrum
Actaea rubra, pachypoda
Dicentra spectabilis
Dicentra uniflora, pauciflora
Delphinium SPP
Aconitum SPP
Aesculus californica
Ipomoea/ Convolvulus SPP
Ranunculus SPP
Hedera helix
Phoradendron SPP
Rhus SPP

Even though these are poisonous they have their place.
(Deer eat poison oak/ivy.)
[Return]
Edible Wild Plants of the Eastern and Central

North America
Pennsylvania and winter cresses
Pokeweed
Spiderwort
Jewelweed
Wild garlic/onion/leek
Barbarea
Phytolacca americana
Tradescantia
pinetorum,occidentalis
Impaties SPP
Allium
Water hyacinth
Pickerelweed
Saw palmetto
Cutleaf toothwort
Indian cucumber
Spring beauty
Dogtooth violet/trout lily
Hog peanut
Groundnut
Rue anemome
Wild potato
Jack in the pulpit
Greenbriar/Carrion flower
Sassafras
Wintergreen
Reindeer moss/rock tripe
Maple
Black walnut
Blueberries/huckleberries
Dewberries
Viburnam
Partridgeberry
Ground cherry
May apple
Persimmon
Pawpaw
Passion fruit
Eichhornia cassipes
Pontedria cordata
Serenoa repens
Dentaria lacineata SPP
Medeola virginiana
Claytonia SPP (20)
Erythronium americanum
Amphicarpaea bracteata
Apios americana
Anemonella thalictroides
Ipomoea pandurata
Arisaema atrorubens
Smilax SPP
Sassafras albidum
Gaultheria procumbens
Cladonia SPP Umbilicaria SPP
Acer SPP
Juglans nigra
Vaccinium occidentale
Rubus SPP
Viburnam SPP
Mitchella repens
Physalis SPP
Podophyllum peltatum
Diospros virginiana
Asimina triloba
Passiflora incarnata

[Return]
Edible Wild Mushrooms

In Poisonous Plants of California the statement is made that "Of all poisonous plants in California,
toxic mushrooms cause the most serious illnesses and nearly all the fatalities to humans. Those
who gather and eat mushrooms should use every precaution to ensure that their mushrooms are
correctly identified and known to be edible."
There is no simple test for recognizing toxic mushrooms. Do not listen to old wives tales such as
whether a piece of silver turns black when cooked with cooked with a mushroom. Examine very
carefully and when in doubt don't. There is an old folk saying that goes like this: "There are old
mushroom hunters, and there are bold mushroom hunters--but there are no old, bold mushroom
hunters.
deadly amanita
death angel
Puffball
Giant puffball
Morel
Half morel
Inky cap
King boletus
Oyster
Sulphur
Amanita SPP
Amanita phalloides
Lyoperdonn pyriforme
Mycenastrium corium
Morchella SPP
Morchella semilibera
Coprinus atramentarius
Boletus edulis
Pleurotus ostreatus
Laetiporus sulphureus

[About the presenters]
[Cover 25KB]
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Wilds
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[Dining on the Wilds top] Copyright 1996 John Goude
Dandelion
Survival Tip
Dandelion
Dandelions, now one of the most despised of plants, were first

brought to America by the Pilgrims because they had heard that
there was not enough food here to feed Europeans. The British
colony James Town nearly starved to death because "gentlemen"
do not do farm work. Word of this disaster got back to the
Pilgrims so they decided to bring European food and medicinal
plants that grow well there. Sure enough dandelions grow well
everywhere in America too.
Why did they choose the dandelion? Even though it has milky
sap there is no part of this plant that is toxic (unless it has been
poisoned with things like weed killer) (Many plants that have
milky sap are toxic.) One can eat:
Roots
Crown (where the leaves connect to the root)
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Dandelion
Leaves
Flower buds
Flowers
I have never known anyone who liked to eat the fluffy seed balls.
The leaves are somewhat bitter if picked at the wrong time of the year or the growing conditions are not right.
They are best if picked in the cool seasons or if they grow in the shade. They make a nutritious addition to a
salad. The salad will taste much better if there are non bitter greens in it too.
The roots are good cooked like carrots. Some peoples favorite way to eat them is to parch and grind them to
use instead of coffee. The bitters are thought to make it to be good for liver, gallbladder, spleen and kidney
ailments. Because of it's high iron content it is a good blood builder.
Some say the sap will remove warts.
Perhaps that is why the ancient languages called this plant the disorder (tarax)
modern botanical name Taraxacum.
Dining on the Wilds video course has much more information about Dandelions.
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http://www.edibleplants.com/month/dandelion.htm (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 2:45:04 PM]
remedy (ac) to make our
Wild Edible Plat Sept.
Survival Tip
Amaranth
Amaranth an annual grows up to about 6 ft [by
the royal measure of king George III], (2meters)
[for everyone else] with course alternating oval
pointed leaves. Often the tap root has a reddish
color. From the base of the leave stems grow
the seed spikes. The tiny black seeds are
surrounded by sharp bristly bracts which need
to be removed before eating See the threshing /
winnowing demonstration on video 1 of Dining
on the Wilds .
Amaranth or Lamb's
Quarters Seed Bread
3 1/2 cup flour (some ww good)
1/2 cup amaranth or lamb's quarters seed (put in
blender or grinder to make fine flour)
3 T honey or sugar
1 1/4 t salt
1 package quick rise yeast
3/4 cup milk, substitute or water
1/4 cup water
2 T oil or margarine
Combine 3 1/2 cups flour and salt in large bowl,
set aside. Combine milk, 1/4 cup water and oil
in sauce pan. Bring milk mixture to 125-130 F
degrees over low heat. Cool to lukewarm. Add
sugar and yeast. Stir in lambs quarters flour and
other dry ingredients adding to wet ingredients
slowly, mixing in enough remaining 1 cup flour
to make soft dough. On lightly floured surface
knead 4 minutes. Let rise 1 hour in covered
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Wild Edible Plat Sept.
bowl in a warm place. Push down and knead.

Make loaves or rolls. Let rise until double in
bulk and bake at 325o for 30-45 minutes.
--Ed Hackie, Dining on the Wilds Manual
In the spring and early summer cook the greens
as you would spinach. Or eat them in a salad.
amaranth seed heads
Please e-mail me your method of threshing and

recipes.
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Wild Edible Plant Chickweed
Survival Tip
Chickweed
Stellaria media
Is an annual herb with slender stems that are up to about a
foot long. It has smooth stems with 1 row of tiny hairs
growing in a row on one side of the stem that switches sides at
each pair of opposite (oval with a point at the end) leaves. The
flowers are small and white with 5 petals that are so deeply
notched that they look like 10 petals. The flowers open mainly
on sunny days. Chickweed likes to grow in moist shady soil in
the cool/cold seasons of the year. The sap is not milky. Some
people think it looks similar to the toxic sandwort.
Chickweed has a very mild taste but can be quite stringy;
so cut the stems in short lengths and enjoy a fresh wild
salad rich in iron and Vitamin C. It can also be cooked or
used to make a chickweed bread
2 cups of chopped chickweed leaves and stems.
cup minced onion
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons honey or fruit juice concentrate
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups wheat flour
cup warm water
1 packet yeast
Saut onion and chickweed until tender (not brown).
Dissolve honey and yeast into the warm water and then
the salt. Mix the yeast mixture with the sauted chickweed
and onions and slowly add the flour until the dough no
longer sticks to your fingers Form into a ball and let it rise
to twice its volume. Shape into loaves and let rise again.
Bake at 375F for 40-45 minutes.
Chickweed has been used to treat bronchitis, coughs,
colds, hoarseness., it has been used as a diuretic for
kidney and bladder problems. Many herbalists use
chickweed to help in weight control because they claim it
dissolves fat deposits and faty tumors.
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Wild Edible Plant Chickweed
Externally, it is used in the form of a poultice or ointment and applied to boils, ulcers and
abscesses. The fresh juice has also been used to dissolve warts and other skin growths.
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Dining on the Wilds Cover
cover painting by Gina Richmond
[How to order] [Dining on the Wilds]

Copyright 1996 2001 John Goude
When E-mailing do not remove the anti spam * from the
subject line.
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Wild Edible Plant, Purslane has omega-3 fatty acids
Survival Tip
Purslane
Portulaca
oleracea
Portulaca oleraceais a smooth
low growing succulent plant with reddish stems and underside of leaves,
alternate leaves. It has small yellow flowers which produce many sand size
black seeds. It often grows in gardens and fields as a weed. Make sure that
the purslane is well washed of dirt and grit (usually best to wash it in a bowl
of water). (Careful often this plant is the target of the herbicide in some
agricultural operations.)
One thing that makes this plant special is that the fat it does have contains
omega-3 fatty acids, which some research indicates is useful in preventing
heart attacks. Have you been scorning the plant that could keep your heart?
It has also been used to treat arthritis and inflammation.
"I have made a satisfactory dinner off a dish of Purslane which I gathered
and boiled. Yet men have come to such a pass that they frequently starve,
not from want of necessaries, but for want of luxuries." - Henry David
Thoreau
PURSLANE
RATATOUILLE
2 cups chopped purslane

1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 bell pepper
2 cups canned or fresh tomatoes
1-4 oz can of sliced mushrooms
Salt to taste
Sprinkle of garlic powder
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Wild Edible Plant, Purslane has omega-3 fatty acids
Soy sauce (optional)

Cook purslane, onion and pepper until tender. Add remaining ingredients
and simmer a few minutes. Rice can be added to the mixture if desired and
cooked for 20-40 minutes.
Replace the lettuce in any salad with fresh raw p u r s l a n e!
Texas Agricultural Extension Service
Zov's Lebanese Fattouch Salad with Purslane
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Salad from Violets
Survival Tip
Violets
Viola papilionacea
Violet leaves are an excellent source for vitamins A and C. Some have
8,200 IU vitamin A and 210 mg vitamin C per 100 grams.
I like them best in salads or used like lettuce in sandwiches. The leaves
and flowers make a salad beautiful and much more nutritious.
If you must cook them, you can use them like okra to thicken soup. Or
add them to omelets. Or try some old colonial favorites, candy them by
dipping them in beaten egg white and then into powdered sugar. Then set
them out to dry. Violet vinegar was made by soaking violet flowers in
vinegar.
Crushed violets have been used as poultices

for boils, swellings and many skin diseases.
The mountain violet Viola purpurea is also
called "johnny-jump-up" has a yellow front
and purple back is edible.
Pansies a botanicaly similar plant are also
edible, if they have not been poisoned with
pesticides.
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Salad from Violets
Warning
Violet roots and some yellow violets are emetic. (cause vomiting) African violets are mildly toxic. Violets with
deeply cut leaves, such as the Birdfoot violet Viola pedata, look very much like the toxic Larkspur Delphinium
or Monkshood Aconitum. The flowers are quite different so wait for the flowers to come out before eating
violets with deeply cut leaves.
Some violets are rare or endangered so make sure that the violets you eat are abundant.
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Wild Edible Plant Miner's lettuce.
Survival Tip
Miners Lettuce
Claytonia perfoliata
Former name: Montia perfoliata
C. parviflora
C. exigua
C. rubra
Is an annual herb with slender stems And bracts that usually completely surround the stem forming a disk it is in the same
family as purslane (see a later plant of the month) and in the same genus as the many springbeauties. Not all miners
lettuce is green. I have seen it in a purplish or brownish green. It ranges from Alaska to Mexico, California to South
Dakota, and is also found in New Hampshire .
Miners lettuce is named after the California gold rush miners who ate it to get their vitamin C to fight scurvy. Imagine
how thankful the miners were when this plant came up in the spring. The winter has just past and they all have red
bleeding gums and loose teeth. Many of them have sores that will not heal. Rejoicing that spring has come, feasting on a
salad of miners lettuce that cures them of those miseries brought on by scurvy. If they had only known about pine needles
and straw berry leaves they would have had plenty of vitamin C.
later in bloom
Miner's lettuce at its and going to
seed
best
Enlarged flower
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seeds are about

2mm across.
Wild Edible Plant Miner's lettuce.
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Wild Edible Plant Dec.
Survival Tip
Toyon
Christmas berry
California holly
(Heteromeles arbutifolia)
Toyon berries become ripe in late November or early
December are native to most of California. They can ripen
as early as September and can remain on the bush until
April. The berries are mealy and are almost tasteless. They
taste similar to a cheap very starchy cherry pie or an over
ripe mealy dry apple. They are something to eat that does
not taste bad in the winter though. They are in the same
class as their family member delicious apples not very good
and not very objectionable. I have tried making a jam from
these berries but it was not what I would call a great
success. It might have been better if mixed with a strong
tasting fruit like cranberries.
These bushes gave Hollywood its name because they grow
abundantly on the dry hills behind Hollywood California. In
my opinion Toyon is a much better bush to put in the
median strip of freeways than the deadly toxic, air
poisoning, introduced Oleander that Caltrans seems to love
so much. ( Some people are so sensitive to Oleander that
they can not live near it and remain healthy. ) Toyon is an
evergreen that makes a nice edible "child safe" decoration.
(Some toxic Christ mass decorative plants Holly, Mistletoe,
Poinsettia) [Please do not send e-mail saying Poinsettia is
not toxic. Poinsettia causes vomiting]
.
Notice the small barbs on the
leaves. The whitish pith of the
berries. This small leaf and berry
are at about X 2 magnification.
.
.
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Wild Edible Plant Dec.
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Honey? Mesquite
Survival Tip
Honey? Mesquite
Prosopis glandulosa
The first time I gathered and tried to eat Honey? Mesquite
was not good tasting. It was nauseatingly sour! Then I
found out that some trees (bushes) are that way. So that is
why even the horses didn't eat the beans before I got to them!
I had gotten them from a horse farm. Since then I have eaten
and enjoyed the pleasantly sour Honey Mesquite in a number
of ways.
To some Indian tribes they were such an important food item
they named the months by the stage of the mesquite. They
would eat the buds, flowers and pods. The bean pods ripen
between July and September. The seeds themselves are
VERY hard, so the pod is the part eaten.
One of the biggest destroyers of mesquite is the Beef
industry, because ranchers want the water to grow grasses for
the cattle. So they destroy these nutrition laden bushes. (This
industry has driven many other plants to near extinction
usually because of lack of knowledge.)
Mesquite Carrot Soup
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Honey? Mesquite
Serves Two to Three

by Jolene Allred
2 tablespoons butter 1 cup mesquite broth
3 cups sliced carrots
cup chopped onion 1 cup whole milk
1 large clove garlic, minced Fresh ground white pepper
cup water
In a large saucepan with a lid, melt the butter. Quickly saut
the carrot, onion, and garlic. Add the water, cover the pan,
and simmer until tender. Puree carrots in blender or food
processor. Return to saucepan. Add mesquite broth and
milk. Season with fresh ground white pepper. Heat. Recipe
is easily doubled.
Basic Mesquite Broth

(Wet Method)
This sweet, caramel-like broth is the basis for many delicious recipes.
4 cups broken mesquite pods 8 cups water
Place the broken mesquite pods in a large pot, cover with the 8 cups of water, cover, and boil for one hour. Cool.
Wring and tear the pods in the broth, stirring and mashing the sweet pith into the liquid. Or put one cup of the
pods and just a little of the broth into a food processor fitted with a steel blade and whirl until the pods are
shredded. Repeat until all pods are shredded. Return the material to the broth and stir. The object is to get as
much of the pulp into the broth as possible. Drain off the liquid and discard the fiber. Simmer the liquid
uncovered until reduced to 3 cups.
Texas Through Time, recipes using Mesquite Beans by John Igo
Ethnobotany Cafe Mesquite Connection
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Wild Edible Plat Cattails make good survival food
Survival Tip
Cattail
Typha agustifolia
Cattails are one of the most versatile and wide spread
wild edible plants that there are. They grow in desert
water holes, mountain ponds, roadside ditches, northern
swamps. The two main species that grow in America are
Typha latifolia and T. agustifolia. I have scanned the less
common T. agustifolia because I can get reasonable
amounts of it on my scanner. The T. latifolia is much
larger (3 to 5 meters tall [10 to 15 feet]) I understand that
a species even grows in Australia. Let us explore some of
the parts of this incredible plant.
At the very top is the stamenate or pollen part of the
cattail. It is good eating. Further down there is a distinct
break and the undeveloped seed or fluff part. The lower
part is good before it turns any brown. After any part of it
turns brown it is tough and fibrous. You can cook both
parts as you would cook corn on the cob. Some say it
tastes like the cob. When they are at this stage, some
people call them kittens tails.
To collect some pollen, cover the cattail with a large
plastic bag and beating the pollen out of the stamenate.
After beating the pollen out, you can cut the cattail
because the lower part is good for cooking yet. Often they
break while beating them. A little of the pollen can be
added to other flour to make bright yellow bread or
pancakes. This pollen is high in protein like most pollens.
The shoots of the cattail. can be yanked and eaten raw or
cooked. If you eat them raw, I recommend that you
sterilize them with Clorox or other pathogen killer.
Look at the cross section of a root. See the starch laden central core to the root. The outside
layer is entirely fiber. To get the starch from the fibrous core; first by pealing off the outside
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Wild Edible Plat Cattails make good survival food
layer and cutting away bruised parts where mud and sand have gotten into the root. Then tease
the fibers apart so they release the starch by pounding them in a mortar or by crushing and
teasing them in a bole of water The water becomes ropy and slippery. Let the starch settle out
and pour off the water and dry the starch and you have nutritious flower. When living off the
land I have just cooked the root cores and chewed the starch out of them.
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Survival poison oak/ivy
Poison Ivy / Oak Treatment

Toxicodendron (Rhus)
They have finally seperated poison oak/ivy/sumac into their own genus.
1.
Take Manzanita Arctostaphylos sp. branches, leaves, flowers, berries and all,
pack them tightly into a kettle
2.
Cover them with water and simmer for about an hour.
3.
Let the solution cool and remove the plant parts.
4.
Sponge the solution onto the Rhus rash. In a few hours the itching should have
gone away.
5.
Apply the solution 2 or 3 times a day until the rash is gone. For me it takes 3 to 5
days and without treatment it takes 3 to 5 weeks). It is important to get the rash as
soon as it starts. Once it does more damage the longer it takes to heal.
An Emergency Room MD (took the class Dining on the Wilds is based on) went to a
survival school. Someone there got Poison ivy on both sides of the body. The victim
wanted to treat it herbaly so He pulled out his Manzanita and the victim treated one
side with the Manzanita solution and the other side with Jewelweed. The Manzanita
side healed faster than the Jewelweed side.
Several Indian tribes used the Manzanita or uva-ursi leaves to treat poison oak.
A survival teacher friend of mine says oak bark works in the above method too. He
claims that it is the tannin that does the trick. Well good tanning to you if you get
poison ivy / oak. There is some evidence that Uva ursi Arctostaphylos uva-ursi works
well too.
BTW deer and goats like to eat poison ivy / oak. Therefore deer hunters must value
the Poison ivy /oak?
for some pictures go to
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Survival poison oak/ivy
Manzanita
Pacific Poison Oak
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Dining on the Wilds What others say
What others have to say about

Dining on the Wilds
Contents of this page:
Larry D. Olsen, Author "Outdoor Surviva1 Skills"
Mel and Becky Homeschoolers
Arthur Schwartz host of With Food Talk on WOR Radio
Natural Health magazine 7-8/96
Shooting Industry 10/96
Soldier of Fortune magazine.
Larry D. Olsen,
Author "Outdoor Surviva1 Skills"
"Dining on the Wilds" is a program designed to teach. I have reviewed the material and find it to
be extensive. informative and a pleasurable experience. The teachers seem to know what they're
talking about.
If you really want to 1earn about edible wild plants "Dining on the Wilds" will not only get you
started but will lead you to excellence in identification, harvesting and preparation of literally
hundreds of edible and useful plants in the wilds.
Signed,
Larry D. Olsen, Author "Outdoor Surviva1 Skills"
A Homeschooler
"It's amazing! Even our 4 and 6 year old children are learning faster than some adults by watching
Dining on the Wilds video set. Our homeschooler age 12 wants to make your course part of his
schooling. I'm confident our children could survive, if they had to, by dining on the wilds!"
Mel and Becky in Florida
Hi John:
Are you the same John Goude that produced the Dining on the Wilds video set? I recently
purchased them and find them a good resource.
--------------Best Regards,
Bo Gulledge
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University of South Florida

Arthur Schwartz, host of "Arthur Schwartz With Food Talk" and
"Sunday Food Talk" on WOR radio in New York
"Dining on the Wilds", It's an impressive presentation.
author of "Cooking in a Small Kitchen", "What to Cook When You Think There's Nothing
in the House" , and "Soup Suppers"
Natural Health magazine 7-8/96

"... the incredibly informative guide covers everything from foraging desert treats to identifying
poisonous plants."
Shooting Industry 10/96

"'Dining on the Wilds' teaches hunters to live off the land and to supplement their wild game meals
with wild edible plants."... "'Dining on the Wilds' could also be useful in a survival situation where
the only food available is what nature provides."
Soldier of Fortune magazine.

DINING ON THE WILDS
As a practicing roadside ruminant, it. is easy to spot writers who have read a couple "survival"
handbooks from those who routinely graze nature's veggie patch. Aside from the green things
stuck in their teeth, we mean.
Although we make light of it, knowing what you can eat in the wild and what will kill you is
serious business. It's not something you want to learn by trial and error when the time comes. It's a
skill best learned beforehand, from someone who knows.
The Dining on the Wilds video series of six tapes, complete with a syllabus and Wild Plants to Eat
workbook, is the best thing we've seen come down the pike that isn't actual field experience.
Presented by folks with excellent been-there-done-that credentials, the video series is lucid,
entertaining and sound education. It covers the full subject: wild edibles of the yard, roadside and
meadow, seacoast, wetlands, desert, mountains, mushrooms, poisonous plants, herbs; plus specific
treatment of the Northwest and Eastern and Central regions and demonstrations of such arts as
threshing and handling acorns, yucca, cattail, prickly pear and domestic flowers - more than 300 in
all.
We're admitted tool freaks, but when it comes to wilderness survival, knowledge is more important
than tools: Knowledge will never break, sink or be left at camp. And keeping your belly full is the
most important consideration.

[Dining on the Wilds (frame)] . [Dining on the Wilds (no frame) ]
Dining on the Wilds Miriam
Dining on the Wilds

Miriam Kramer
Miriam Kramer's edible wild plant ventures began in
1966 in Paducah, Kentucky. Miriam's late husband,
Jack Darnall, had been invited by their church to teach a
wilderness survival seminar. Since Miriam had taken
Botany courses and had a big interest in wild flowers
she was asked to teach the edible wild plant portion.
After that first wilderness camp the news spread like
wildfire and soon they were getting calls to conduct
camps all over the U.S. For a number of years they used
vacation time to teach the camps, but finally had to
devote full time to the project, and conducted camps
and seminars all over the U.S. and a few foreign
countries. Miriam has taught edible wild plants in 27
states as well as Peru and other faraway places.
Besides conducting week long camps and weekend
seminars they developed the International Wilderness
Club, made a 16 mm movie Prepare for the Storm,
published the Survivaling Journal and later the Come
Out publication. Together they wrote the Wilderness
Survival Manual and the Wild Plants to Eat Workbook,
and Miriam wrote the Dining on the Wilds Reference Manual. They also produced the popular
Wild Plants to Eat slide as well as the Mushrooms to Eat slide set. Miriam has also written 8
correspondence courses on edible wild plants, survival, herbs and natural remedies.
Besides being featured in newspaper articles, Miriam has had several articles published in journals,
and has been listed in "Who's Who in American Women" and several similar publications.
Early on Miriam decided there was a need to share the knowledge of the experts so with $25.00
she started a mail order book business, Outdoor Eduquip, which has been stated to have the most
complete inventory of books, visuals, and videos on edible wild plants, herbs, backpacking,
mountaineering, survival and country living available.
Miriam currently is the head teacher of a wild edible plant class for Loma Linda University. The
class has become very popular not only with the locals but with individuals coming from outlying
areas as far away as 100 miles. The class appeals to a large spectrum of people (ages 5-85) from
notable doctors to old ladies with walkers, and has had sessions of up to 65 in attendance.
[ Dining on the Wilds (no frams)] . [ Dining on the Wilds (frams)]
[ Cover 25KB ] Copyright 1996, 2003 John Goude
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Dining on the Wilds Miriam
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Dining on the Wilds John
Dining on the Wilds

John showing a friend how to eat Dudleya
Occupation:
Computer consultant
Education:
BS Computer Science
height 5' 11"

Single
Left handed
Other interests include:

4 X 4, Pathfinders (a church scouting type group), crafts, camping, hiking, cross country skiing,
inventing things, ham radio KE6VUB, whistling
When I was 6 my Mother fixing Lambs Quarters to eat and about had to use force to get me
to eat "those weeds". We also ate Giant puff ball mushrooms, Black walnuts, butter nuts,
hickory nuts, and mulberries etc. from our farm in Michigan.
When I was 9 we moved to Africa as missionaries. I remember her telling the grounds
people to mow a lawn. They replied "Oh no, madam, that is food!" We ended up eating that
food, "African spinach" (amaranth), and other foods that grew "wild".
When I was 12 we toured Europe. I remember eating stinging nettles and wild berries in
Finland and Sweden. The stinging nettle was another contest of the wills because I had been
reintroduced to them by the touch method.
In high school I joined the Outdoor Life book club and got every book they had on
wilderness survival. I had no mentor to help me learn the plants, so I didn't get very far in
learning them then. I also learned from biology class that boilogist didn't know what they
were talking about. In some areas I knew more than the teacher just by keeping my eyes
open and looking around.
In college I took a course called Wilderness Camping and Survival, became friends with
Harry Hails, who taught the edible plant portion and went all around the Southern California
with him looking for edible plants. One time we went on a camp out that Miriam Darnall
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Dining on the Wilds John
was leading.
I have studied and/or taught* wild edible plants for 31 years in several states, California*,
Michigan*, Ohio*, Arizona*, Nevada, Colorado*, Utah, Idaho*, Kentucky, Wisconsin,
Oregon*, Washington, New Mexico*, Colorado*, Arkansas*, Ontario*, New York,
Massachusetts*, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Missouri, Illinois ( Indiana, Minnesota,
West Virginia, Nebraska to a lessor extent).
I have taught at
outdoor schools
summer camps
church outings
U. S. Forest Service interpretive Specialist volunteer 5 years
Rabbitstick and Winter count rendezvous of Society for Primitive Technology a
group dedicated to keeping the knowledge of primitive skills alive.
I have been co-teaching it at Loma Linda University with Miriam Darnall-Kraimer for 10
years.

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Pathfinder links
John Goude's Pathfinder links
This page is links to pages of people who have served Pathfinders with me and to Pathfinders of
the clubs I have served in while I was there. If you have been in any of the clubs listed during the
dates listed please let me know your URL.
Corona, CA
Piqua, OH
Grand Rapids, MI
Loma Linda
Campus Hill, CA
Culver City, CA
Yucaipa, CA
1970-1977
1984-1985
1978-1980
1980-1984
1985-1987
1991-1992
1996-1998
1987-1989
1997-Present
Instructor, Counselor
Counselor
Director
Counselor
Counselor
Deputy Director,
Outdoor Activities Leader
Deputy Director
Deputy Director
Steve Timm SDAnet Moderator

Sam and Helen Young Family Schools Foundation
Home
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Pathfinder links
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The Debt To the Penny

Current
05/07/2004
Amount
$7,131,316,785,832.04
Current
Month
Savings Bonds
TreasuryDirect
Accounts and
Information
Savings Bonds Tools
Treasury Bills, Notes,
and Bonds
Auction Information
Electronic Services
The Public Debt
SLGS
Government Securities
Market Regulation
Resources
Site Map
Search
Forms
FAQs
Contact Us
Mailing Lists
About Us
05/06/2004
05/05/2004
05/04/2004
05/03/2004
$7,133,629,790,637.80
$7,127,985,763,866.20
$7,124,773,711,006.15
$7,105,796,969,042.55
Prior
Months
04/30/2004
03/31/2004
02/27/2004
01/30/2004
12/31/2003
11/28/2003
10/31/2003
$7,133,789,490,581.43
$7,131,067,950,647.32
$7,091,943,110,094.84
$7,009,234,605,728.06
$7,001,312,247,818.28
$6,925,065,499,881.34
$6,872,675,839,106.67
Prior Fiscal
Years
09/30/2003
09/30/2002
09/28/2001
09/29/2000
09/30/1999
09/30/1998
09/30/1997
09/30/1996
09/29/1995
09/30/1994
09/30/1993
09/30/1992
09/30/1991
http://www.publicdebt.treas.gov/opd/opdpenny.htm (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 2:47:52 PM]
$6,783,231,062,743.62
$6,228,235,965,597.16
$5,807,463,412,200.06
$5,674,178,209,886.86
$5,656,270,901,615.43
$5,526,193,008,897.62
$5,413,146,011,397.34
$5,224,810,939,135.73
$4,973,982,900,709.39
$4,692,749,910,013.32
$4,411,488,883,139.38
$4,064,620,655,521.66
$3,665,303,351,697.03
Law and Guidance

FOIA
Privacy and Legal
Notices
09/28/1990
09/29/1989
09/30/1988
09/30/1987
$3,233,313,451,777.25
$2,857,430,960,187.32
$2,602,337,712,041.16
$2,350,276,890,953.00
SOURCE: BUREAU OF THE PUBLIC DEBT

Looking for more historical information? Visit the Debt
Historical Information archives.
Updated May 10, 2004
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Contacting the Congress
Find Who
Represents
You In
Congress
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Congress
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Online Directory for the 108th Congress

Quiere ponerse en contacto con miembros del Congreso en Espaol?
Contacting the Congress is a very up-to-date database of congressional contact information for the 108th Congress. As of
April 6, 2004 there are 524 email addresses (of which 443 are Web-based email homepages), and 539 WWW homepages
known for the 540 members of the 108th Congress. More traditional ground mail addresses are available for all
Congressmembers.
Find your members of Congress by clicking
on your state on the map to the right or filling
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Click on the above graphic or your state name below:

[Alabama], [Alaska], [American Samoa], [Arizona], [Arkansas],
[California], [Colorado], [Connecticut], [Delaware], [District of
Columbia], [Florida], [Georgia], [Guam], [Hawaii], [Idaho], [Illinois],
[Indiana], [Iowa], [Kansas], [Kentucky], [Louisiana], [Maine],
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Contacting the Congress
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Information: April
6, 2004
Jersey], [New Mexico], [New York], [North Carolina], [North Dakota],

[Ohio], [Oklahoma], [Oregon], [Pennsylvania], [Puerto Rico], [Rhode
Privacy Statement: Be assured that we Island], [South Carolina], [South Dakota], [Tennessee], [Texas], [Utah],
do not keep any of your personal
[Vermont], [Virginia], [Virgin Islands], [Washington], [West Virginia],
information on-line in any way. This
[Wisconsin], [Wyoming]
information is gathered solely for the
purpose of establishing who represents
you in Congress and to allow you to
contact them electronically.
Submit It
Clear Form and Start Over
NOTE: The above map graphic and the client-side imagemap contained in this this HTML document are copyright 1997 Juan Cabanela. They and any derivative works may not be used in any
publication (including WWW-based publications) without the express written permission of Juan Cabanela.
Webpages on the Contacting the Congress website (including this one) are Copyright 2003 Juan Cabanela. Portions of this
webpage may have been generated by software licensed from Congress Merge and are Copyright 2003 Congress Merge. All
Rights Reserved.
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Wild Food Adventures - Edible Plant Expertise, Workshops, Publications
Edible Plants, Wild Foods and Other Foragables of North America. Expertise, Workshops, Training, Research, Curriculum Development, Newsletter.
John Kallas, Director. We take people into nature and show them how to use wild plants and other foragables for food. "Stalking the wild asparagus"
with...
Wild Food Adventures

Institute for the Study of Edible Wild Plants and Other Foragables
John Kallas, Ph.D., Director, Educator, Researcher
4125 N Colonial Ave, Portland, OR 97217-3338
Phone: (503) 775-3828 e-mail: [email protected]
You are here: http://www.wildfoodadventures.com
Wild Food Intensives
Wild Food Adventures

Provides expertise in wild edible plants through workshops,
expeditions, teaching events, presentations, outdoor guiding,
and outfitting anywhere in North America. Technical advising,
curriculum development, and custom research services are
also available. Emphasis is on the past, present, and future
uses of wild edible plants and other foragables. We also offer
publications: the Wild Food Adventurer newsletter, a national
publication on wild foods. The Wild Food Primer, a guide to
studying wild foods. And a bookstore complete with reviews
of the best books available.
Our Mission
Is to help people connect with the Earth, Earth culture, human
history, and the future through the study of edible plants in
http://www.wildfoodadventures.com/ (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 2:48:21 PM]
Areas of Expertise
Edible wild plants and other foragables of North
America. Wild foods of Native Americans. The
role wild foods play in recreational and
unplanned survival. Wild Gourmet Garden
Vegetables. Plant identification. Poisonous
plants. Sea vegetables. Processing wild foods.
Nutrition of wild foods. Research in these areas
is continually being conducted.
Wild Food Adventures - Edible Plant Expertise, Workshops, Publications
Help us
Communicate with You
If you want regular updates
on wild food events, books
and publications, E-mail us
leaving your name, mailing
address, and phone number.
If you'd like, also tell us why
you are interested in wild
edible plants.
natural settings. People who genuinely make these

connections will live more sustainable lifestyles and be better
caretakers of the environment.
Our mission is also to partner with and assist original North
Americans in their efforts to restore and revitalize traditional
foodways. Foodways involve the identification, collection,
transportation, processing, storage, retrieval, and use of
traditional wild foods. We strive to honor and preserve the
wild food knowledge, experiences, and wisdom of original
North Americans.
Edible Wild Plants and other Foragables Defined
Edible wild plants are wild plants with one or more parts that
can be used for food if gathered at the appropriate stage of
growth, and properly prepared. Foragables are natural objects
that cannot run off when you approach. They may include
edible plant and animal life.
Workshops and Rendezvous involve trips to a variety of

habitats. We visit city streets, parks, forests, mountains,
coastal habitats, farms, lakes, swamps and more. Some
times we look, sometimes we process foods, sometimes
we snack, and sometimes we feast. We always have fun
with wild foods!
Wild Edible Plant Keyword Descriptors:

Botany, ethnobotany, Native American Indian ethnobotany, wild edible plants, wild food plants, poisonous plants, adventure education, experiential
education, wilderness education, outdoor education, primitive living skills, primitive technology, prehistoric Earth skills, outdoor survival skills,
wilderness survival, edible cuisine, raw food, living food, wild cuisine, wild gourmet garden vegetables, volunteer vegetables, sustainability, sustainable
living, voluntary simplicity, simple living, wildcrafting, special forest products, permaculture, and deep ecology.
John Kallas, Wild Food Adventures

No part, content, illustration, or graphic from this site may be copied,
transferred, or reproduced without written permission.
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Foraging With the "Wildman"
Contact Wildman
Learn About
Foraging
with Naturalist
"Wildman"
Steve Brill
WILD FOOD!
LEARN ABOUT EDIBLE AND MEDICINAL
WILD PLANTS AND MUSHROOMS,
NATURE, AND ECOLOGY
With New York's Best-Known

Naturalist
"Wildman" Steve Brill
Caricature by
Marian Oken
Public Events
The 2004 Calendar
To Sign Up for a Tour
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School Curriculum
Birthday Parties
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References
Resum
Letters of Recommendation
Children's Letters
"Wildman" puts the bite on Japanese Knotweed
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Media
My Arrest
Press Clippings
TV Clips
Book Reviews
Wildman's Wedding
Wildman Radio
Public Access TV Show
For Sale
Books
Video Series
17-Power Loupe
Foraging
THE PURPOSE
of this hands-on
program is to learn about the
environment and get back in touch
with nature. By studying foraging
and nature, we enjoy our renewable
resources and reaffirm our
commitment to preserving and
rebuilding our ecological riches.
Here are all the resources you

need to learn about foraging...
Wild Plants
Wild Mushrooms
Cooking
Plant Recipes
Mushroom Recipes
GreenLinks
The Brillophone
Steve's Chess Games
Home
Contact Wildman
Check out the tour calendar

to attend field walks and
other events throughout the
northeast.
Get information about travel

directions, meeting places
and times.
Find out how to sign up and

what to bring.
Learn about the many

common, renewable, edible
and medicinal wild plants
growing in your
neighborhood.
Find out how you may safely

identify, collect, and use our
delicious, healthful wild
mushrooms.
Enjoy my tasty, innovative

vegetarian wild plant recipes
and mushroom recipes.
Arrange a private tour or

presentation for a school,
birthday party, camp, scout
troop, garden club, or library,
or to discover what's growing
on your property.
My resum provides
extensive background
information.
Letters of recommendation
from teachers and kids add
another perspective on my
background and work.
The press clippings page

supplies entertaining and
informative coverage by
diverse journalists.
Don't miss the hilarious press

and media coverage of my
arrest by undercover NYC
park rangers, for eating a
dandelion in Central Park!
Watch TV clips of my best

current and archival
appearances on local,
national, and international
news and talk shows, plus my
public access show.
Listen to radio clips from
news and talk show
appearances, plus archives of
my popular NY
environmental
listener-sponsored radio
series.
You'll also enjoy reading
excerpts and reviews from
my critically acclaimed
books, which you may
purchase, autographed (along
with other foraging items):
1. Identifying and Harvesting

Edible and Medicinal Plants
in Wild (and Not-So-Wild)
Places
2. Shoots and Greens

of Early Spring in
Northeastern North America
3. The Wild Vegetarian

Cookbook
4. Stalking
the Wild Dandelion
Watch excerpts of both my

videos series--Foraging with
the "Wildman," on sale now,
and The Wild Vegetarian
Kitchen , on sale soon.
If you're romatically inclined,

you'll love the articles about
my 2001 wild wedding to
Leslie-Anne Skolnik.
Like original, off-beat,

all-natural music, unusual
instrumentation, or jazz?
Then the Brillophone page is
for you!
Enjoy chess? Then check out

some of the best tournament
games from my
pre-"Wildman" days.
Finally, discover the best

related sites on the web, on
my GreenLinks page.
Happy Foraging!
"Wildman" Steve Brill
[email protected]
phone: (914) 835-2153
BackCountry Rangers Official Website
Studying Human Impact's

Effect On The Planet
folks have traveled to this destination!

Including you!
Sponsored by N1010 Productions
You are at: www.BackCountryRangers.com
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School of Self-reliance's Home Page
Home
Time-Timing
Activities
Wild Food
Articles
Otis' General Store
Features
Contact Us
School of Self-reliance
Click the above image to go to Christopher's current class and outing
schedule
The School of Self-reliance operates from Los Angeles, in the L.A. County
area of southern California. We research, test, teach / guide, and publish in all
aspects of self-reliance. We also sell useful products.
Outdoor skills include wild food foraging, primitive tools, and orienteering.
Home skills include recycling, conserving, sustenance-making, and gardening.
See our ebay auctions!

See eBay
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NativeTech: Native American Technology and Art
An internet resource for

indigenous
ethno-technology
focusing on the arts of Eastern
Woodland Indian Peoples,
providing historical &
contemporary background with instructional
how-to's & references.
...revising use of the term "primitive" with
respect to Native American Technology and Art
RTICLES
NATIVETECH NEWS
Click >>>> More Native News Sources
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Can't find it?

Try looking in the
Site Index
ALL GRAPHICS AND
TEXT ON THE
NATIVETECH WEBSITE
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NativeTech
BOOKPAGES
Article
Bibliographies
& Books to Buy
On-Line
Please visit my
personal page,
Waaban Aki
Crafting
NativeTech
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The New Countrylife.net
Search!
Select a Discussion
Make Countrylife Your Start Page!
Choose a board:
baking & cookery
classifieds
garden
herbs
home dairy
homesteading
livestock
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Click here for a complete list of

articles!
Cooking & Baking
How would you make the holidays
special on a budget if you were an
American au-pair in London?
Okay, maybe it's not a question
you ask yourself every day. But
there is an answer, and the
inimitable Mrs. Restino shares her
thoughts and story, along with
recipes. Click here
Picture taken by reader J. Beaverson

from Bowling Green, OH.
Submit your photos here: [email protected]
Learn How To:
Special Value on
Clear Lincoln Drape
lamps.
These new lamps have
the old style lox-on
burner/chimney and the
burner may be
tarnished. Save $40.
Special price $69.95.
(#C619203)
Click here.
Find Recipes
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Did you miss last month's machinery sale when thousands

gather to gawk, gossip, and trade on the Kidron auction
grounds? Don't worry, you can redeem yourself in two
days, on April 3rd. This opportunity won't arrive again
until August.
Don't forget our little "event calendar" over there on the
left-hand side of Countrylife.net for other upcoming
events and directions.
Meanwhile, the current newsletter is about spring, with
light articles from our writers on the character and
characters of this season.
Enjoy!
Michael Young
Editor-at-Large
P.S. -- For product-specific questions or if you need help
from Lehmans.com, please email [email protected].
---- Feature Articles -----------------After a hiatus, Sarah Matthess, our Irish correspondent
(we have connections everywhere!) pens us an update,
with a few notes on the character of country people. Click
here.
Spring, youth, and ... fishing in Texas. Carolyn Ellis sends
us more details on the country life as experienced by her
active clan! Click here.
"Suddenly we found ourselves, life-long inlanders, with
three weeks to sell our home, pack, tidy up loose ends,
Gardening
Introducing Rene Ammudsen, an
interesting new addition here. Rene
lives on an almost-deserted little
rocky island with her family,
where they help tend one of the
few remaining operational
lighthouses in Canada. Here, Rene
discusses the challenges of
gardening in such a rough
environment, and the benefits of
one particular plant, the Jerusalem
Artichoke. Click here
Growing & Using Herbs
You don't have to invest in store
bought stuff to make your home
smell nice. There are plenty of
'naturals' to do the trick. Marcy
Goldman returns with this article
on creating your own home scents.
Click here
Home Dairying
Mary Jane Toth is back, this time
with answers to your questions
about cheese-making. Soft cheese,
hard cheese, what kind of rennet
you should use (and what kind you
shouldn't use), and more; find your
answers! Click here
Odds & Ends
Spring, youth, and ... fishing in
Texas. Carolyn Ellis sends us more
details on the country life as
experienced by her active clan!
Click here
Raising Livestock
New (to us) writer C.J. Mouser
shares her humorous recent
experiences in the gilt (that's a
young female pig, for those of you
unwise in the ways of swine)
delivery room, complete with
haywire electric fences and
slumbering help. Click here
Old-time skills & crafts
The smart folks from Lehmanslife
tackle those practical problems of
self-sufficiency that the text books
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The New Countrylife.net
and travel sight-unseen to whatever lighthouse we were

assigned." So writes Rene Ammundsen, in the fascinating
story of how her family landed on a rocky outcropping in
the stormy North Pacific. Click here.
leave out. (Not that there is single

text book on "self-sufficiency".)
This month, Lehmanslife
subscribers discuss sock darning.
Click here
Off-the-grid
"Suddenly we found ourselves,
life-long inlanders, with three
weeks to sell our home, pack, tidy
up loose ends, and travel
sight-unseen to whatever
lighthouse we were assigned." So
writes Rene Ammundsen, in the
fascinating story of how her family
landed on a rocky outcropping in
the stormy North Pacific. Click
here
Find more articles, click here!

[Home]
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THE OFFICIAL EDIBLE PLANTS HOME PAGE
Internet Pizazz presents
A Taste Of Nature;
Edible Plants of the Southwest and
How to Prepare Them. 1994
Kahanah Farnsworth, author.
Introduction to the book
FREE recipe for edible native plants.
Orach Quiche la Greek!
(Be prepared to give your email address)
Edible wild plants are free food. You will be glad to know which
wild plants are edible if you spend long days camping,
backpacking, walking on hunting expeditions, or fishing trips.
Learn how to harvest wild plants while trapping, foraging or
roughing it. Edible flowers and edible roots can be eaten during
survival exercises, mountain climbing, rock climbing or even
river rafting! Edible plants are useful to many people who
engage in activities such as filming on location, photography,
reconnoitering, doing surveys and many other outdoor
activities! Edible parts of plants include flowers, roots, tubers,
leaves, fruit, nuts, shoots and even the occasional stem or
branch. [This website editor has even eaten wild plants while
dieting.]
This book tells you how to identify edible plants and provides gourmet recipes for native plants!
The author has illustrated the book with drawings for every plant. The illustrations are clear and
simple, making it easier to identify each plant. This book makes a wonderful gift for the person
who has everything- a birthday, holiday, or "anything" gift to make someone feel special.
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THE OFFICIAL EDIBLE PLANTS HOME PAGE
The information on these pages is provided as a free service in

the hopes that you will purchase the fine book "A Taste of
Nature" by Kahanah Farnsworth.
Disclaimer:
The production and promotion of these web pages is entirely the responsibility of Internet Pizazz
who holds the copyright. Any actions taken online are entirely the responsibility of Internet Pizazz
and no acts online are the responsibility of the author of the book, the hardcopy publisher or of any
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For more information and ordering, please contact:
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Email:[email protected]
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Jeannie and Berry's Native Plants Page: Pawpaws, Persimmons and Elderberries
Welcome to our home on the Web!

Between January 1997 and 1999 we had 6000 visitors.
Since January 14, 1999,
have visited our page.
SOME OF THE THINGS YOU'LL FIND HERE
Personal Information
Growing Pawpaws
Pawpaw Recipes
Persimmon Recipes
A Source for Pawpaw Pulp!!
Elderberry Recipes
Cherokee Inspired gourd art
...and an excellent book that includes pawpaws and persimmons Uncommon

Fruits Worthy of Attention
Personal Information
We've lived on these five acres in central Kentucky for thirty years with our
daughters, Abby and Molly. Abby and Molly have now graduated from the
University of Kentucky. We built our home out of stone found on this
property using a modified slip form method described in Helen and Scott
Nearing's The Good Life.
We're very happy with the outcome.
Incidentally, this book is an essential addition to your library if you plan for
or dream of a more self-sufficient future. We've also watched in amazement
as a bare piece of cow pasture has transformed into a veritable Eden
through our benign neglect.
http://members.aol.com/blaneky/ (1 of 5) [5/10/2004 2:49:50 PM]
We grow pawpaws, persimmons, elderberries and Mayapples for our own

enjoyment. We are interested, however, in developing a pawpaw orchard and
selling both fruits and trees. We've made some wonderfully delicious
pawpaw custards, ice creams and pies. We've also made an elderberry wine
that is reminiscent of Miers 44--only better. Please share your experiences
and recipes with us. Thanks
Top of the page
There's lots more Pawpaw information on the Web, and here are
three particularly good links:
Dr. Desmond Layne's Pawpaw Fact Sheet
Great New Pawpaw site from Kentucky State University
Pawpaw Narrative
If you want to talk pawpaws, elderberries, persimmons,

Mayapples or owner-built homes, here's how to reach us:
Home: Berry and Jeannie, Waddy, KY 40076
or
Feel free to drop us a
line, Jeannie and Berry
Growing Pawpaws
I have claimed in the past that it was a bad idea to buy bare rooted Pawpaw
trees from a nursery. I'd like to amend that advice. I just attended the
Pawpaw field day at Kentucky State University in Frankfort KY (10/21/99),
and had the pleasure of meeting Annie Black and Diana Lalani of Hidden
Springs Nursery in Cookeville TN. You can feel safe ordering bare rooted
pawpaws from them, as they are very knowledgeable, and take great care in
digging their trees. Contact them at Hidden Springs Nursery, 170 Hidden
Springs Lane, Cookeville, TN 38501. Another nursery that knows its
pawpaws is One Green World, 28696 S. Cramer Rd., Molalla, OR 97038-8576.
Ask for their catalog. Once you get your pawpaw, you'll need to protect it
from the sun for a year or two. Build a little lattice shelter; use the
translucent plastic protectors sold by some nurseries; or, prop a cedar or
pine on the south side of your new tree to protect it from intense sunlight. I
buy the cheapest three-legged tomato cages, and place them over the young
trees. I then put a white kitchen garbage bag over the cage and poke some
holes in the top to keep too much heat from building up. The tree will do
well in full sun after that second year.
Do you have some seed from a pawpaw you really enjoyed? Clean it well and
place in moist sphagnum peatmoss in a baggy in your refrigerator over the
winter. Never let the seed dry out. By late February or early March, the seed
will have been stratified long enough to sprout. The best pot to start your
seed in is a 12" length of 4" plastic sewer pipe. The plastic base of a 2 liter
soft drink bottle makes an excellent bottom for this pot. Fill the pot with
growing medium or top soil and plant the seed about an inch deep. The
reason you need this tall skinny pot is because when the seed sprouts it
sends down a ten inch tap root before you ever see anything. The seed itself
should stay in the soil while the first leaves emerge. These aren't cotyledons,
but true leaves. Usually, when the seed itself emerges from the top of the
soil, it means your pot wasn't deep enough, and the tap root pushed the
seed out of the soil. Don't expect to see anything for quite a while. Keep the
soil moist, and don't give up until almost September. The seed will sprout
sooner in a greenhouse, but always requires the four months or more of
stratification.
You found a patch that produces really fine fruit and you want to dig a small
sprout for transplanting? Most pawpaw patches consist of a parent tree and
many root suckers. Digging these root suckers is usually unsuccessful
because there isn't much of a tap root. Best wait for the fruit and plant the
seeds. Another unusual characteristic of the pawpaw is that it should be
transplanted when it is not completely dormant. This is because in the
dormant state, the root is also dormant (unlike most deciduous trees). If it's
wounded at all during the transplant, rot or disease will set in and the tree
will die.
Pawpaws aren't real easy to grow, but they're well worth the trouble both as
an ornamental and fruit tree.
Top of the page
Cherokee inspired gourd art

HERE ARE A COUPLE SAMPLES OF ABBY'S WORK. THEY MAKE
WONDERFUL AND UNIQUE GIFTS. SHE HAS LARGE AND SMALL GOURDS
AVAILABLE. THE DESIGNS ARE BURNED INTO THE GOURD AND
COLORED WITH ACRYLIC PAINT. I'LL SHOW YOU MORE AT A LATER
DATE.
Drop Abby
an email line: Gourd Art or, visit
her HomePage to see more
gourd art and learn more

about it.
Please, feel free to drop us an email

line: Jeannie and Berry
There is a person who sells

Pawpaw pulp...
And his name is Chris Chmiel. Chris, called "Dr. Pawpaw" around Albany,
OH, is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of pawpaw culture and
use. Here's what he says about his pawpaw pulp product: "I am selling the
1 pound bags for $4.50. The 2 pound bags are $8.00. I am also willing to
ship small quantities, because I have a better shipping system. I am also
willing to ship fresh fruit boxes of the pawpaws for $5.00 a pound, which is 4
to 6 fruit. Contact Dr. Pawpaw, with your questions and orders. If you want
the fresh fruit, you'd better contact him in August or September.

Top of the page
Pinon Penny's Pine nuts ,American Pinon Pine Nuts and their story
Goods From The

Woods
14125 Hwy C
Licking, Mo.
65542
Put your hands on the earth and
start working to heal.
Our Mission Statement:

tu ba be" - live high in
`pine nut tree (to be high, a pinon must be old growth)
NEW - Pinon Die off news
Pinus Monophylla-(pinon)or(pinyon)
Need more than 100 years to reach pine nut producing maturity.
Pinyon Pinon Pine Nuts | Wild Plant Nursery and Growers Goup | order-
page
The Pine Nut Season is over, but we getting our WILD/Organic

Certification for our farm and will some native plants for sale
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Pinon Penny's Pine Nut Work

SITE INDEX
I started working stop deforestation treatments on U.S. public

lands in 1999. Let me show you my public lands pinon pine nut
chronology. Look at the potential value of pinyon pine nuts
from public lands in the United States. Would you like to know
all about, which pines produce good pine nuts, or about the
native people used pinon pine nuts as a primary food source?
Maybe, you would like to know about cooking with pinenuts or
about food values for various pine nuts. If you are a raw food
consumer, we would love your input for the raw soft shelled pinon pine nut page.
We are getting a lot of requests for information on growing pinon or pinyon trees.
We will also soon have a page with research articles on pinon pine nuts. We would
also like to invite you to learn about bio-diversity and conservation using
non-timber forest products.
Prior to World War II, 8 million pounds of pine nuts came from
the Southwestern US. What happended to America's pine nut forests?
(History of US Pinon Pine Nuts and Public Lands) Pinon nuts represent
a healthy, sustainable use of your public lands in the Western United
States
[email protected]
Community Forestry, Wild Native Plant

Nursery Project - A Wildcrafter's Nursery
Growers Group
Bio-diversity conservation
We are a certified Wild Native

Nursery in Missouri. Soon we hope
to have our Organic Crops Certification
and Wild Harvest Certification. Forest
plants sold on this site, are harvested in a
respectful, responsible manner. We are
trying to help people find economic ways
to conserve private lands forests in

Missouri. Thanks to tremendous help
from Drs. Eric Jones, Rebecca McClain
and Katie Lynch, we received training,
support, consultation services,and
mentoring.
We are members of the National Network
of Forest Practioners. (HELP US RAISE
MONEY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Money
for NNFP.org!)
Seeds, Roots and Trees

Pecan Trees, Dogwood trees, witch hazel trees, hickory trees $4.99 each
Goods From The Woods

14125 Hwy C
Licking Mo. 65542 [email protected]
Wild Native Plants,

Wild Comfrey Root , Wild Blackberry Plants,Wild Strawberry Plants,Wild Grape plants, Heal All
Seed heads
Project funded in part by a Sustainable Agriculter Research and Eduction, producers grant.
SITE INDEX
This site has a lot of information please start here!!
Current Condition of Pinon Sytems
Public Lands and Pine Nut in The Southwestern US
Let's consider the role of biodivesity in forest

health and wild fire.
Page 1 Internal Link 3
Global Market for pine nuts

Pine Nut Information for Raw Food Community
History of US Pine nut Public Lands

growing pinon pinyon Pine Trees
Forest Work - Ozarks
Plants in Propgation
Roots, seeds and plants
UNDER- Developmen
Page 7
etters and Legal Actions - to create wiser use of our public landsLetter 2000
Letters 2001 Letters 2002
Letters 2003
Legal Actions
Mt. Wilson Appeals
Mt. Wilson Complaint
~~~Native Americans Letter TO BLM~~~

Back to the Top
This div should be at the bottom of the page.
Insert copyright information here.
Free Food From Field and Forest: Stories and Recipes
Edible Wild Plants
Click to learn more about "My

Favorite Plants"
Click here to learn about "More My

Wild Friends" (second in the
series).
Upcoming Events
To the order form
Two books available: "My Favorite Plants" and "More My Wild Friends"
With the success of "My Wild Friends"(out of print), Blanche has now released "More My Wild Friends" AND "My Favorite
Plants".
My Favorite Plants
NEW! "old" book revived Because several people have expressed their wish to own the now out of print "My Wild Friends",
I decided to excerpt the "best of the best" from that book into a "new" one, "My Favorite Plants". I extracted essays and
recipes on the plants I use the most.
If you missed the first book, here's a chance to get valuable information on plants such as nettle, chickweed, cattails etc.
Don't buy this book if you already have "My Wild Friends"; aside from a few new drawings and recipes, it's basically the same
book. But if you don't own "My Wild Friends", this just might be the perfect solution.
Cost: $17 (+.85 MA tax) + $5 shipping.
132 pps. 6"x9";
A perfect companion to "More My Wild Friends".
My Wild Friends is now out of print - see My Favorite Plants instead.
My Wild Friends
Free Food From Field and Forest
Written and illustrated by
Blanche Cybele Derby

Have you ever eaten black locust flowers, cattail buds, or stinging nettle leaves? These are just some of the common "weeds"
discussed in this book that are free, plentiful, and easy to prepare.
Using wild plants as food has become more popular, as people realize how tasty and nutritious they are. While this book is a
culinary adventure of exploring New England's fields and forests for unusual foods, web visitors from around the world will
http://www.tagyerit.com/freefood.htm (1 of 5) [5/10/2004 2:49:59 PM]
recognize "weeds" that may well have originated from their backyards.
My Wild Friends includes:
the author's personal stories and observations about her
favorite plants
over 100 beautiful illustrations
over 50 recipes
information on plant habitats, best parts to use, and best
times to harvest
extensive bibliography
264 pages; 6"x9"
comb binding so book lays flat
What people are saying about "My Wild Friends"

Review by Shannon Younger
"The other day a wondrous treat arrived in my mail box; a book titled My Wild Friends by list member Blanche Derby. I
have to say, I was charmed and enchanted almost instantly by this tome. The illustrations are all done by Blanche and harkens
back to the days of the turn of the last century when children's and young adult's books were complimented with artwork by
the likes of Arthur Rackam or Howard Pyle. My son, who is speech delayed, babbled on incessantly about the pictures,
wanting to know more about the scenes and the plants. The prints are creative, intuitive and very imaginative. They draw the
reader into the book. I caution you to look at each illustration with care though, because you will find additional allusions to
the plants hidden in the picture, some are very subtle and some not so subtle. Leave's and flower's motifs are repeated in the
design work. You will find references to several cultures in the artwork as well. The work is very delightful and whimsical,
and as you can see I am very enthusiastic about the entire book.
The text is useful and reads easily, and is a down right pleasure too! Blanche makes a point to tell the reader that this is not a
field guide. Ohhh Dear Blanche to my mind it is so much more though. Through Blanche's stories and pages I have learned
more about Ben Charles Harris, a wild edible plant author and guru from decades past. I had only known of him from books in
the library and now he is a real, 3-dimensional personality come to life.
There are many plants covered in the book. Organized by chapter per plant or grouping of plants in the case of edible flowers.
With each chapter the reader is introduced to the plant with a jewel of an essay, and I do mean jewel here, pun intended.
Blanche shows you many facets of each special plant friend. She weaves a story and sometimes she includes a special bit of
lore or legend, as well as giving the reader insights into why she finds this plant to be special. My personal favorite character in
the book is the "Orchard Cat" who made the Apple Orchard part of his territory. These chapters are sneaky, before you realize
it, you have learned or reviewed much information in a painless and enjoyable manner. She does cover several plants that one
does not often find in foraging books, along with the favorites. Best of all the reader will see these plant friends in a very
different light (more intimate view) after having read the book.
Blanche also gives tips on harvesting and preparing each plant for eating. I have tried several of her recipes already with things
available at the grocery store (we have about 6 inches of snow on the ground at the moment). The recipes are simple, easy to
prepare and very tasty. My children were able to help with the preparation and it became a family project, making this book a
good resource for homeschooling. The Cranberry (Apple) Bread was a big hit here! This was probably the easiest Cranberry
bread recipe I have ever made, and I am one of those people who wait all year long for cranberry season when these fruits are
available fresh in the market. Each chapter has at least one recipe and often there will be other ideas on preparation written into
the text. Also included with each chapter is a run down on basic information. This page appears at the very beginning of the
chapters and lists: Scientific Name, Family, Also Known As, Habitat, Parts Used, Season, and any Cautions. Blanche has
included a very useful bibliography in "My Wild Friends." Here I emphasize the word useful, because she gives a paragraph
description of what each book listed is about and what you can expect to find in the book information wise. She obviously
spent a goodly amount of time crafting this section of the book as well. It was nice to recieve a book with a penned and
personal note in the front cover, making the book all that more special. Blanche, bravo and a resounding "two thumbs up."
Thank you for hours of reading pleasure, learning and good eats. ..." Review by Shannon Younger, writing on the "Wild
Forager" list forum
To the order form
More My Wild Friends

Free Food From Field and Forest
Written and illustrated by
Blanche Cybele Derby
Do You Know.
what weed is a main ingredient in the national dish of Colombia?
what plant is an important part of an anti-cancer formula?
which flowers to use in a salad?
how to find spices for free?
that the oil from this plant is effective against PMS?
This supplement to My Wild Friends introduces a whole new group of common plants with uncommon stories to tell. More
My Wild Friends combines fascinating facts and recipes with information on plants that are plentiful and available. They have
much to offer and this book tells how they can be used to enrich our lives. Inside this book you will find:
the author's personal stories and observations about plants
over 40 detailed black and white illustrations
over 30 recipes
information on plant habitats, best parts to use, and best times to harvest
annotated bibliography
114pps., 6"x 9" $12.(+MA tax .60) + $5. Shipping
excerpt from "I'm a Crusader for This Invader" chapter:
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife recently published A Guide to Invasive Plants in Massachusetts, a booklet that
features 17 of the most problematic imported plants that threaten to usurp the territories of native plants and animals. Each
plant is illustrated with a beautiful color photo and description. Many of these are well-known intruders like bittersweet but
lesser-known culprits are also showcased. One of these is Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), an Asian shrub that was
introduced into this country in 1830. After being here for over 160 years, why is this plant now on the state's "hit list? ...
recipe from "Its Food! It's Medicine! It's Sheep Sorrel" chapter:
Sorrel Soup
2 cups uncooked sheep sorrel/wood sorrel leaves; (wood sorrel flowers are
o.k.)
1/2 cup sauted onions
Dash of pepper/nutmeg
3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 medium potatoes (optional)
Mix ingredients in saucepan and simmer until potatoes are soft.
This serves 3; the recipe can be doubled.
To the order form

Edible Wild Plants: Upcoming Events
WALKS/TALKS IN '04
--Join me in exploring the weeds around us! This list will be added to as the spring progresses. Check it periodically. All
events are in MA +free unless otherwise noted. For more info e-mail:[email protected]
Coming soon!! Watch for excerpts from my video Edible Plants: Wild and Tame on Easthampton, (and maybe
Northampton + Amherst) cable TV.
Thurs April 22: (Earth Day) Slide show, Goldthread Herbal Pharmacy, 267 Pleasant St Northampton; 6:30pm
Sun May 16: Show 'n tell Pioneer Valley Pond and Koi Club 94 Gillette Av. Spfld (not open to public)
Sat May 22: Walk @ Great Falls Discovery Center, Avenue A, Turner's Falls; 9:30am-11: 30 pm; $12 (snack included)
Sun May 23: Walk @ Fannie Stebbins Refuge, Bark Haul RD, Longmeadow ; 3:30-5:00 followed by a potluck in
Suffield CT.
(tentative date) Sat June 5 (raindate Sun June 6): Walk the Blueberry Patch, 1672 Main Rd W. Granville; 1-3
Sun June 13:Walk@ Spirit in Nature, Westhampton;1-3
Sat Sept 11:Walk@ Spirit in Nature, Westhampton;1-3
Artist and author Blanche Cybele Derby has supplemented her diet with wild plants for over thirty years. She has lectured and
led many wild weed walks, and writes about many edibles for her local newspaper. An enthusiastic practitioner of what she
preaches, she hopes that this book will inspire others to become more involved in the natural world. Click here to contact her
For ordering information, go to the order form
Other related links for you to check out
Edible Plants: Dining on the Wilds
Edible Wild Plant/Mushroom Walks and Courses
Edible Wild Plants by Melana Hiatt
Foraging and Ethnobotany Links Page
Foraging the Edible Wild
Foraging with the Wildman
Outdoor Eduquip - Educating & Equipping you to enjoy nature. Plant Sources of Life
Susun Weed Herbal Medicine - the Wise Woman Way
Wildcrafting with Ila.com/ an excursion through the bounty of the Great Smoky Mts.
Weeds and Wild Things by Barbara Hall
The Wild Foods Forum ... the key to using nature's foods ...
"Free Food from Forest" is hosted by TagYerit
1997-2004 Blanche Derby
Museum homepage
Edible and Medicinal Plants of Southern

Illinois
"Nature's pharmacy" or "nature's fruit market" may be the best way to
explain it. Long before there were modern medical centers or supermarkets,
the inhabitants of Southern Illinois survived by "living off the land." The
forests, wetlands, and grasslands of Southern Illinois are a rich source for
edible and medicinal plants. Imagine getting a fever or an infection and not
having a doctor to call or an emergency room nearby. The early inhabitants
had to be creative to prevent starvation or survive disease.
Many early inhabitants did not survive disease,
but occasionally some remedy would work to
ease suffering and would then be considered a
"medicine." Even after there were doctors, many
of the "medicines" used were derived directly
from plant products. The doctor would often
take extracts from plants with a mortar and
pestle to prepare powders, ointments, or pills.
Many plants are still used today, in some form,
to eliminate suffering.
The following rules MUST be observed when collecting and eating wild
plants:
Study with an expert or take the plant to an expert for proper

identification.
After positive identification of an edible plant, taste only a small

amount. This will prevent allergic reactions to previously unused plant
products.
The purpose of the information in the plant reports is not to recommend
http://www.schools.lth5.k12.il.us/bths-e/edibles.html (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 2:50:01 PM]
Museum homepage
or endorse herbal medication, self diagnosis or self medication. If you

are ill, seek the advice of a physician. The information is provided as
historic reference and not scientific fact.
Practice conservation. Never collect more plants than you intend to use
and never pick endangered or threatened plant species.
Avoid harvesting plants from polluted ground. Roadsides or areas along

railroad tracks are often polluted with herbicides or tainted with
chemicals such as lead or benzene. Be careful!!
Wash and cook all plants carefully.
The plants listed below have parts that are edible or may be medicinal. The
list will be updated regularly. Click on the plants that are underlined to read
more information about their uses.
Artichoke,
Jerusalem
Birch
Blackberries
Bloodroot
Blueflag, Iris
Burdock
Butterflyweed
Black Locust
Basswood, American
Black Haw
Cinquefoil
Cabbage, skunk
Carrot, wild
Cattails
Cherries, Wild
Black
Crabgrass
Chickweed
Chicory
Cleavers/bedstraw
Clover
Crabapples
Cranesbill
Cow-parsnip
Creeper, Virginia
Dandelion
Dewberry
Daylily
Dogwood, Flowering
Dog-tooth violet
Elderberry
Evening primrose
Goatsbeard
Ginger, wild
Goldenrod
Goldenseal
Grapes, Wild
Garlic, wild
Ground ivy
Gooseberry
Hazelnuts
Ginseng,
American
Hawthorn
Honeysuckles
Hackberry
Henbit
Hickory
Jimsonweed
Jack in the pulpit
Kentucky Coffeetree
Lady's slipper
Lamb's quarter
Lettuce, wild
Lilies, water
Lily, day
Sugar Maple
May apple
Milkweed
Mints/pennyroyal
Mullein
Mustard, black
Mulberry, Red
Ox-eye daisy
Pawpaw
Peppergrass
Purslane
Plantain
Persimmon
Pokeweed
Prickly pear cactus
Redbud
Museum homepage
Roses, wild
Sheep Sorrel
Self-heal
Sassafras
Shepherd's
purse
Snakeroot
Sorrels, wood
Spiderwort
Spring beauties
Star of
bethlehem
Soloman's Seal
Sunflower
Smartweed
Sumacs
Strawberry,
Wild
Tartarian
Honeysuckle
Thistle, bull
Touch me nots
Violets
Walnut
Willow
Witchhazel
White Oak
Yarrow
Yucca
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Specific Queries of the Phytochemical Database

[Queries indicated in green new queries that search the most recent version of the database]
Plant Searches
Chemicals and activities in a particular plant.
High concentration chemicals.
Chemicals with one activity.
Ethnobotanical uses.
List chemicals and activities for a plant.
Chemical Searches
Plants with a chosen chemical.
Activities of a chosen chemical.
List activities and plants for a chemical.
Activity Searches
Plants with a specific activity.
Search for plants with several activities.
Chemicals with a specific activity.
Lethal dose (LD) information for a chemical.
Search for plants/chemicals with one or more activities.
Search for plants/chemicals with a superactivity.
Ethnobotany Searches
http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/ (1 of 4) [5/10/2004 2:50:40 PM]
Ethnobotanical uses for a particular plant.

Plants with a particular ethnobotanical use.
Database References
Reference citations.
Browsable databases:
AceBrowser WebAce
EcoSys
Plant ecological ranges
AceBrowser WebAce
EthnobotDB Worldwide plant uses
AceBrowser WebAce
FoodplantDB Native American food plants
MPNADB
Medicinal plants of Native America AceBrowser WebAce
AceBrowser WebAce
PhytochemDB Plant chemicals
Documents
Dictionaries
Tico Ethnobotanical Dictionary.
Mini-Courses
Syllabus for Medical Botany Course taught by Jim Duke.
Other Databases of Interest

Taxonomic Databases
USDA Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN)
Medicinal and Poisonous Plants

U. Maryland
Moerman Database - U. Michigan

American Indian Ethnobotany Database
Plants and Cancer Treatments - U. Indiana

Cyberbotanica
Nutritional Databases
USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center
USDA - NCI Carotenoid Database
Food Composition Data
Med Access Nutrition Database
Nutrition Analysis Tool v1.1
Reference Database
AGRICOLA--plant genetics subset [ query | about ]
Other Links of Interest

The Cancer Chronicles
Serious Consideration of Alternative Ideas
Phytopharmacognacy
Phytochemistry and Pharmacognosy Research Group at Middlesex University
Non Timber Forest Products

.
WARNING
Send comments or suggestions on the content of these pages
to:
Jim Duke
Green Farmacy Garden
8210 Murphy Road

Fulton, MD 20759
or
Mary Jo Bogenschutz: [email protected]
Last updated: 28 April 2004
Looking for GDR?
Looking for GDR?

The ARS Genome Database Resource (GDR) was permanently decommissioned on April 15,
2002.
All resources formerly at GDR, including ACEDB databases, newsletters and documentation, are
available elsewhere. Check Google or other web search services for their current locations. Please
update your bookmarks!
Note that RiceGenes has been superceded by Gramene, a comparative database for the grasses.
The MapPop software package is available from Todd Vision at the University of North Carolina.
http://instruct1.cit.cornell.edu/courses/genome/?db=mpnadb [5/10/2004 2:50:42 PM]
UCMP Glossary: Botany

| Phylogenetics | Geology | Biochemistry | Cell biology |
Ecology | Life history | Zoology | Botany | Paleogeography |
adventitious roots -- A root that grows from somewhere other than the primary
root, for example, roots that arise from stems or leaves.
alternation of generations -- Life cycle in which haploid and diploid generations
alternate with each other.
anemophily -- Seed plants which are pollinated by wind are said to be
anemophilous.
angiosperm -- n. A group of plants that produce seeds enclosed within an ovary,
which may mature into a fruit; flowering plants.
anther -- The pollen producing tip of a stamen; part of a flower. More info?
antheridium -- The organ on a gametophyte plant which produces the sperm cells.
anthophyte -- A flowering plant, or any of its closest relatives, such as the
Bennettitales, Gnetales, or Pentoxylales.
apical meristem -- Group of cells at the growing tip of a branch or root. It divides
cells to create new tissues.
archegonium -- The organ on a gametophyte plant which produces the egg cell, and
nurtures the young sporophyte.
axil -- The angle formed between a leaf stalk and the stem to which it is attached. In
flowering plants, buds develop in the axils of leaves.
bipinnate -- Describing a pinnate leaf in which the leaflets themselves are further
subdivided in a pinnate fashion.
bisporangiate -- When a flower or cone produces both megaspores and
microspores, it is said to be bisporangiate. Most flowers are bisporangiate.
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss8botany.html (1 of 10) [5/10/2004 2:50:48 PM]
blade -- Any broad and flattened region of a plant or alga, which allows for
increased photosynthetic surface area.
bract -- Any reduced leaf-like structure associated with a cone or flower.
bryophyte -- Plants in which the gametophyte generation is the larger, persistent
phase; they generally lack conducting tissues. Bryophytes include the Hepaticophyta
(liverworts), Anthocerotophyta (hornworts), and Bryophyta (mosses).
carpel -- A unit of the pistil; it is evolutionarily a modified leaf.
cataphyll -- In cycads, a scale-like modified leaf which protects the developing true
leaves.
columella -- A small column of tissue which runs up through the center of a spore
capsule. It is present in hornworts, mosses, and some rhyniophytes.
compound leaves -- n. Leaves with two or more leaflets attached to a single leaf
stem.
cotyledon -- n. The "seed leaves" produced by the embryo of a seed plant that serve
to absorb nutrients packaged in the seed, until the seedling is able to produce its first
true leaves and begin photosynthesis; the number of cotyledons is a key feature for
the identification of the two major groups of flowering plants.
elater -- A cell or part of a cell which assists in dispersing spores. The elaters
change shape as they lose or acquire water, and they will then push against
surrounding spores.
embryophyte -- Synonym for the Plantae, as here defined. It includes all green
photosynthetic organisms which begin the development of the sporophyte
generation within the archegonium.
enations -- Flaps of tissue such as those found on psilophytes.
endodermis -- Literally "inner skin", this is a layer of cells which surrounds the
central core of vascular tissue, and which helps to regulate the flow of water and
dissolved substances.
entomophily -- Seed plants which are pollinated by insects are said to be

entomophilous.
epiphyte -- A plant which grows upon another plant. The epiphyte does not "eat"
the plant on which it grows, but merely uses the plant for structural support, or as a
way to get off the ground and into the canopy environment.
eustele -- When a plant's vascular tissue develops in discrete bundles, it is said to
have a eustele. See also protostele and siphonostele.
fiber -- Elongated and thickened cell found in xylem tissue. It strengthens and
supports the surrounding cells.
flower -- Collection of reproductive structures found in flowering plants. More
info?
fruit -- In flowering plants, the structure which encloses the seeds. True fruits
develop from the ovary wall, such as bananas and tomatoes, though not all fruits are
edible, such as the dry pods of milkweed or the winged fruits of the maple.
grain -- (1) The texture of wood, produced by the kinds of xylem cells present. (2)
The fruit of a member of the grasses.
guard cells -- Pair of cells which surround a stomate and regulate its size by
altering their shape.
gymnosperm -- n. A plant that produces seeds, which are not enclosed; includes
any seed plant that does not produce flowers.
gynostemium -- The central reproductive stalk of an orchid, which consists of a
stamen and pistil fused together.
habit -- The general growth pattern of a plant. A plant's habit may be described as
creeping, trees, shrubs, vines, etc.
herb -- Generally any plant which does not produce wood, and is therefore not as
large as a tree or shrub, is considered to be an herb.
heterosporangiate -- Producing two different kinds of sporangia, specifically
microsporangia and megasporangia. Compare with heterosporous.
heterosporous -- Producing two different sizes or kinds of spores. These may come
from the same or different sporangia, and may produce similar or different
gametophytes. Contrast with homosporous, and compare with heterosporangiate.
holdfast -- Anchoring base of an alga.
homosporous -- Producing only one size or kind of spore. Contrast with
heterosporous.
hypha -- n.Threadlike filaments that form the mycelium (body) of a fungus;
hyphae- pl.
inflorescence -- A cluster of flowers.
internode -- The region of a stem between two nodes, when there is no branching
of the vascular tissue.
lamina -- Any broad and flattened region of a plant or alga, which allows for
increased photosynthetic surface area.
leaf -- An organ found in most vascular plants; it consists of a flat lamina (blade)
and a petiole (stalk). Many flowering plants have additionally a pair of small
stipules near the base of the petiole.
leaf trace -- The strand of vascular tissue which connects the leaf veins to the
central vascular system of the stem.
leaflet -- In a compound leaf, the individual blades are called leaflets.
magnoliid -- Any member of the basal assemblage of flowering plants.
mannoxylic -- Wood in which there is a great deal of parenchyma tissue among
the xylem is called mannoxylic. Cycads and pteridosperms have mannoxylic wood.
Contrast with pycnoxylic.
megaspore -- In plants which are heterosporous, the larger kind of spore is called a
megaspore; it usually germinates into a female (egg-producing) gametophyte.
Contrast with microspore.
meristem -- Group of undifferentiated cells from which new tissues are produced.
Most plants have apical meristems which give rise to the primary tissues of plants,
and some have secondary meristems which add wood or bark.
merophytes -- Group of cells which have all been produced from the same initial
cell. Leaves and stems in particular are often built from specific patterns of
merophytes.
microphyll -- A kind of leaf, specifically one which has a single, unbranched vein
in it. Microphylls are only found in the lycophytes.
microspore -- In plants which are heterosporous, the smaller kind of spore is
called a microspore; it usually germinates into a male (sperm-producing)
gametophyte. Contrast with megaspore.
mycorrhizae -- Symbiotic association between a fungus and the roots or rhizoids of
a plant. More info?
node -- The region of a stem between two internodes, where there is branching of
the vascular tissue into leaves or other appendages.
ovary -- In flowering plants, the part of the flower which encloses the ovules. When
the ovary matures, it becomes the fruit.
ovule -- In seed plants, the structure which gives rise to the seed.
paleoherb -- Any member of a group of basal flowering herbs which may be the
closest relatives of the monocots. They include the water lilies, Piperales, and
Aristolochiales.
parenchyma -- A generalized cell or tissue in a plant. These cells may manufacture
or store food, and can often divide or differentiate into other kinds of cells.
perennial -- A plant which continues to grow after it has reproduced, usually
meaning that it lives for several years.
perianth -- The sepals and petals of a flower are together called the perianth;
literally "around the anthers". More info?
peristome -- A set of cells or cell parts which surround the opening of a moss
sporangium. In many mosses, they are sensitive to humidity, and will alter their
shape to aid in spore dispersal.
petal -- One of the outer appendages of a flower, located between the outer sepals
and the stamens. Petals often display bright colors that serve to attract pollinators.
More info?
phloem -- Nutrient-conducting tissue of vascular plants.
phragmoplast -- The cell plate formed during cell division.
phytomelanin -- a papery "sooty" black layer over the seed of plants in the
Asparagales, which includes agaves, aloes, onions and hyacinths. It is an important
character for defining the group.
pinnately compound -- Leaves which are divided up like a feather are said to be
pinnately compound.
pistil -- The central set of organs in a flower; it is composed of one or more carpels.
More info?
pith -- To severely damage the brain of a frog, also any central region of
parenchyma tissue within a plant stem.
pits -- Thin regions of the cell wall in xylem conducting cells. Their structure is an
important characteristic for recognizing different kinds of wood.
plasmodesmata -- Cytoplasmic connections between neighboring cells in plant
tissues.
platyspermic -- Having seeds which are flattened and disc-like. Contrast with
radiospermic.
plicate -- Folded like a paper fan, as in the leaves of palms, cyclanthoids, and some
orchids.
pollen -- The microspore of seed plants.
pollen tube -- In seed plants, the extension of the male gametophyte as it emerges
from the pollen grain in search of the female gametophyte.
pollination -- Process of transferring the pollen from its place of production to the
place where the egg cell is produced. This may be accomplished by the use of wind,
water, insects, birds, bats, or other means. Pollination is usually followed by
fertilization, in which sperm are released from the pollen grain to unite with the egg
cell.
pollinia -- A mass of fused pollen produced by many orchids.
protostele -- When a plant's vascular tissue develops in a solid central bundle, it is
said to have a protostele. See also siphonostele and eustele.
pseudoelaters -- Moisture-sensitive cells produced in the sporangium of hornworts.
pteridophyte -- Plant in which the sporophyte generation is the larger phase and in
which the gametophyte lives an existence independent of its parent sporophyte.
Pteridophytes are almost all vascular plants, and include the lycophytes,
trimerophytes, sphenophytes, and ferns.
pteridosperm -- An extinct group of seed plants which bore fern-like leaves.
pycnoxylic -- Wood in which there is little or no parenchyma tissue among the
xylem is called pycnoxylic. Conifers and flowering plants have pycnoxylic wood.
Contrast with mannoxylic.
radicle -- The end of a plant embryo which gives rise to the first root.
radiospermic -- Having seeds which are round or ovoid. Contrast with
platyspermic.
reticulate -- Interconnecting, like a network.
rhizoid -- n. A cellular outgrowth of a plant that usually aids in anchoring to the
surface and increasing surface area to acquire water or nutrients; found in mosses,
liverworts, and hornworts.
rhizome -- n. A horizontal underground stem, such as found in many ferns, where

only the leaves may stick up into the air; sphenophytes (horsetails and their
relatives) spread via rhizomes, but also produce erect stems.
root -- Usually the below ground portion of a plant. Contrast with shoot.
rosette -- A series of whorls of leaves or leaf-like structure produced at the base of
the stem, just above the ground.
secondary growth -- Growth in a plant which does not occur at the tips of the stems
or roots. Secondary growth produces wood and bark in seed plants.
sepal -- The outermost structures of a flower. More info?
shoot -- Usually, the above ground portion of a plant, bearing the leaves. Contrast
with root.
siphonostele -- When a plant's vascular tissue develops as a central cylinder, it is
said to have a siphonostele. See also protostele and eustele.
spermatophyte -- A seed plant.
sporangiophore -- A stalk to which sporangia are attached.
sporangium -- A chamber inside of which spores are produced through meiosis.
sporophyll -- Any leaf which bears sporangia is called a sporophyll.
stamen -- Part of a flower, the tip of which produces pollen and is called the
anther. More info?
stigma -- The sticky tip of a pistil. Or, the dense region of pigments found in many
photosynthetic protists which is sensitive to light, and thus functions somewhat like
a miniature eye.More info?
stipe -- A scientific term for "stalk".
stipules -- Paired appendages found at the base of the leaves of many flowering
plants.
stomata -- Openings in the epidermis of a stem or leaf of a plant which permit gas
exchange with the air. In general, all plants except liverworts have stomata in their
sporophyte stage.
streptophytes -- The clade consisting of the plants plus their closest relatives, the
charophytes.
strobilus -- A tightly clustered group of sporophylls arranged on a central stalk;
commonly termed a "cone" or "flower".
style -- The narrow stalk of the pistil, located above the ovary but below the stigma.
synangium -- A cluster of sporangia which have become fused in development.
tepal -- When the sepals and petals of a flower are indistinguishable, they are
referred to as tepals. Tepals are common in many groups of monocots. More info?
thalloid -- Plants which have no roots, stems, or leaves are called thalloid, such as
liverworts and hornworts.
tracheophyte -- Any member of the clade of plants possessing vascular tissue; a
vascular plant.
tree -- Any tall plant, including many conifers and flowering plants, as well as
extinct lycophytes and sphenophytes.
tuber -- An underground stem which has been modified for storage of nutrients,
such as a potato.
turgor pressure -- Force exerted outward on a cell wall by the water contained in
the cell. This force gives the plant rigidity, and may help to keep it erect. More info?
vegetative growth -- Growth of a plant by division of cells, without sexual
reproduction.
venation -- The arrangement and pattern of veins in a leaf.
whorl -- An arrangement of appendages, such as branches or leaves, such that all
are equally spaced around the stem at the same point, much like the spokes of a
wheel or the ribs of an umbrella.
wood -- A secondary tissue found in seed plants which consists largely of xylem
tissue.
xylem -- Water-conducting tissue of vascular plants.
Last updated:2004-04-20
Cornell Poisonous Plants Pages
Page has been moved or renamed. Please change your bookmarks.
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/plants.html [5/10/2004 2:50:52 PM]
Cornell University Poisonous Plants Home Page
This is a growing reference that includes plant images, pictures of affected animals and
presentations concerning the botany, chemistry, toxicology, diagnosis and prevention of
poisoning of animals by plants and other natural flora (fungi, etc.).
Search Poisonous Plants database by name, species affected, primary poison, etc.
Alphabetical listing of botanical names by genus and species
Alphabetical listing of common plant names
Toxic agents in plants
Species of animals commonly affected
Medicinal Plants for Livestock - Beneficial or Toxic?
Frequently asked questions about poisonous plants
Other Web sites concerning poison plants:

Indiana Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Pets
University of Illinois Plants Poisonous to Animals
University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Poisonous Plants Directory
A phytochemical database with plants ranked by chemical content.
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System
An American bibliographic database (alphabetized).
Many original images were provided by Dr. Mary C. Smith of the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine.
Additional images, text and web pages by Dan Brown and staff. The students of Nutritional Toxicology (Animal
Science 625) have also made large contributions through web pages created as term projects. The frequently
asked questions is a compilation of some of the questions we have received via email over the years. If you
have a question, please browse this list before asking.
Questions regarding content of these pages, contact Dr. Dan Brown
Home page: Animal Science at Cornell University
For problems or comments on this web page, contact the Animal Science Webmaster
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/index.html [5/10/2004 2:50:55 PM]
IHRMP-California Black Oak Characteristics
Purpose | Personnel | Oak Assistance | Publications | IHRMP Funded Research | Other Links
California
Black Oak
Characteristics
back to Californias Oak

Rangeland Species
Scientific name
Common names
Height
Mature Tree DBH (Diam. at Breast

Ht.- 4.5 ft. above ground)
Longevity
Sprouting
Acorn
Foliage
Shade Tolerance
Fire Tolerance
Elevation
Associates
Sites
General Notes
Scientific name
Quercus kelloggii Newb.
Common names
Black, California black oak
Height
60 to 90 feet
Mature Tree DBH (Diam. at Breast Ht.)

1 to 4 feet
Longevity
100-200 yrs., occasionally up to 500 yrs.
Sprouting
Excellent sprouter
Acorn
Matures second year; 1-1/2 in. long; thin cup over half the nut
http://danr.ucop.edu/ihrmp/black.html (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 2:50:56 PM]
Foliage
Deciduous; 5 in. long; 5-7 lobed; spiny leaf tips; dark
yellow-green above and pale yellow-green below
Shade Tolerance
Intermediate tolerance as seedling and intolerant as tree matures
Fire Tolerance
Very sensitive to cambium being killed in hot fires
Elevation
200 to 6000 feet
Associates
Most common with tanoak, madrone, mixed conifer forest species;, also with coast live oak,
interior live oak, and blue oak
Sites
More common on forest sites; found on moister hardwood rangelands; well-drained soils
back to Californias
Oak Rangeland
Species
General Notes
Protected by Forest Practice Act on timberlands; commercial properties for finished lumber
back to top | IHRMP Home | Purpose | Personnel | Oak Assistance | Publications | IHRMP Funded Research | Other Links
Copyright, 2000. The Regents of the University of California. University of California Integrated Hardwood Range Management Program, UC Berkeley.
For questions and comments, contact webmaster.
CalPhotos: Plants
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Native American Seed - Wildflowers and Native Prairie Grasses
http://www.seedsource.com/ (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 2:51:07 PM]
CELEBRATING ANOTHER SPRING...

Our annual spring "Grass Issue" catalog features a cover picture taken at the San Jacinto
Monument near Houston. Why? This year, Native American Seed will be working together with
the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife to restore the health and vitality of the unspoiled
prairie immediately surrounding this historic place. The rest of the story is told in the pages of the
catalog, so if you're not already on our mailing list be sure to send us an email with your name
and address.
Spring is the time to plant native grasses, whether you want to convert your lawn from
high-maintanence, water-guzzling exotics to low-maintenance, environmentally friendly natives or to begin restoring many acres of abused or overgrazed land. We've got all the materials and
expertise you need, either right here on the website or just at the other end of a phone call.
Featured This Month

Our Plant in Spring or Fall Mix is
a special blend of 14 perennials
including not just the colorful
Gayfeather shown here, but
some of the most beautiful
wildflowers that grow in our
region - Standing Cypress, Pink
Evening Primrose, Scarlet
Sage, Foxglove and Butterfly
Weed, to name just a few. Many
of these beautiful species can
also be used in cut-flower arrangements. Plant them
this year and be patient as they develop strong roots
in the soil, and enjoy their beauty as they flower for
years and years to come.
2002 Native American Seed Junction, Texas 1-800 728-4043 E-mail: [email protected]
Special Grass Mixes

If you're planning to establish native grasses in
your lawn or on your acreage, spring is the
time. Check out the Planting Tips in our
Gardener's Corner for an overview of what's
involved. Check the Grass Mixes and Native
Grasses categories in the SHOP pages. And as
always, you can give us a call if you need help
deciding what's best for your combination of
soils, temperatures and rainfall. Pictured Here:
Our Native Coastal Prairie Mix comes from a
conservation harvest we conducted on a sandy
Gulf Coast Prairie. If you have acreage near the Gulf that you want
to restore, it could be exactly the right mix for you.
Wild Blueberries - The Power of Blue
" Foods that Fight Aging

" Blueberries: A SuperFood
" Learn About Our New

Breakfast Berries" Campaign
" See Berry Burger Story (PDF)
http://www.acadia.net/wildblue/ [5/10/2004 2:51:11 PM]
Healthy and delicious, Wild

Blueberries have The Power of
Blue. Get your daily dose with
easy recipes.
Put the Power of Blue to

work for you with Trade
Advantages, Sources & Forms,
The Wild Blueberry
Association of North America
and more.
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The links in the navigation bar at left will take you into the main areas of California Native
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The old Events & Sales link in the navigation bar has been divided. Now clicking on
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The California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) wildflower collage contains photos from San Felipe by William R. Hewlett,
Antelope Valley by Sherry Ballard, Monterey County by Charles Webber, and The Pinnacles by Brother Alfred Brousseau. All
poppy photos courtesy of the Berkeley Digital Library.
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Scientific Societies
FAQ 1. What colleges offer undergraduate or graduate
education in the field of ethnobotany?
W. McClatchey, A. Paul, T. Flaster and V. McClatchey.

1999. An Evaluation of Educational Trends in Economic and
Ethnobotany.
Society for Economic Botany

2002 Annual meeting
[ Vol 55(2) ]
FAQ 2. What are some suggested readings or books

about Ethnomedicine?
more FAQ's coming soon...
International
Society of Ethnobiology
Society of Ethnobiology
[ Abstracts ]
[ Abstracts ]
Partners
Educational
Resources
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CIEER - Centre For International Ethnomedicinal Education and Research
Medicinal Plants
of Madagascar
Plantas Medicinais
CD-ROM
Mayan Ethnomedical
Encylopedia CD-ROM
Herbal Remedies
CD-ROM
Rainforest Researchers
CD-ROM
Tom Snyder Productions

[ CONTACT US | Call for Newsworthy Items ]
Copyright 1998-01. CIEER, Inc. All rights reserved. CIEER is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
Information on this site is provided for educational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other
medical professional.
You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication.
You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.
http://www.cieer.org/faqs.html (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 2:51:17 PM]
Calflora
Calflora provides information on wild California plants for conservation,

education, and appreciation.
Thank you for your support.
About Calflora
Why
Registration?
Why a Fee?
Welcome to Calflora, the on-line gateway to information

about
wild plants in California. The pioneering Calflora database
facilitates access to a wide array of information concerning
California native plants via simple, easy-to-use search
pages. Calflora serves the needs and interests of an
expanding user community, bringing together professionals,
scientists, educators, students and amateurs alike.
Job Announcement:
Executive Director
(1/30/2004)
Calflora strives to constantly improve. To serve its users

better, Calflora requires them to register. If you have not yet
registered, click on the Register as a User or Guest link
below. If you have already registered, click the continue to
Calflora link below to login.
Register as a User or Guest
I'm registered already, continue to Calflora
Behind the scenes... we're making big changes in the Calflora

database structure so it will be easier to make updates and add new
data. We're doing our best to keep the online system running
smoothly through this transition, but please let us know right away if
you find bugs: [email protected]
Many thanks to Brent Emerson for his help in

hosting Calflora at www.electricembers.net
http://www.calflora.org/ [5/10/2004 2:51:18 PM]
Fritillaria liliacea
1998 John Game
BOSS - The Boulder Outdoor Survival School
http://www.boss-inc.com/ (1 of 4) [5/10/2004 2:51:23 PM]
"A step beyond Outward Bound... We recommend BOSS."

- Men's Health Magazine
"**** (top rating) ...the place to go to gain primitive survival skills."
- The Ultimate Adventure Sourcebook
"...the BOSS program is in a league of its own..."
-Shape Magazine
"BOSS is consistently head above the others as the most rewarding survival school."
-Fielding's The World's Most Dangerous Places
"After roughing it with the BOSS, you'll be ready for just about anything...."
- Men's Fitness Magazine
Click here to read more from the media...
"Congratulations, BOSS! You exceeded my expectations! The course was challenging, inspiring, and educational.
Your instructors are top notch, the trip was well planned, and the scenery incredible."
- D. Williams, 7-Day Field Course alum
"The mosquito bites and the scratches are gone. The beard had been shaved, a few pounds have reappeared, but
the feelings I experienced are still growing and getting strongerI cant wait to return!"
- R. Baumann, 7-Day Field Course alum
"Ive taken other outdoor and survival courses, but the BOSS courses were the best. The instructors were excellent
and really cared about each participant."
- S. OConner, Survival Skills I, 7-Day Field Course,
Desert Navigator and Mountain Navigator alumna
"The course was a life experience that was the hardest thing I have ever done. It was an experience for my spirit like
very few things in our modern world it taught me basic lessons of life and nature. I cant wait to do more courses
with BOSS."
- J. Garey-Sage, 28-Day Field Course, Survival Skills I,
Mountain Navigator and Desert Navigator alum
Click here to read more from our alumni...
SARBC - Lost in the Woods - The 9 Rules for Survival
Lost in the Woods

The 9 Rules for Survival
SARBC
Search and Rescue Society of British Columbia
Lost in the Woods - The 9 Rules for Survival
by Gary O'Brien, SARBC
PREPARE YOURSELF and YOUR CHILD
Child survival needs adult assistance. You can help children learn what to do if they get lost in the woods, by
discussing and practicing the "Rules for Survival".
Nobody ever expects to get lost, but it happens. Hopefully, this information will insure a safe return of your child
should this misfortune ever occur.
The Rules are presented in a way which children can understand.
A definition of Survival:
Staying WARM and DRY, while waiting to be found.
1. Stay Together, DO NOT Separate - if with a friend or pet.
The reason for this rule is body heat. Cuddling up to a large dog or friend will help keep you warm. If with
a dog, do not let it run loose, it can help you more by staying close and providing heat and companionship.
2. Stay in one place or area. DO NOT WANDER!
http://www.islandnet.com/sarbc/litw3.html (1 of 4) [5/10/2004 2:51:25 PM]
This is the MOST important rule of them all. If you wander - We Can not Find You. One reason is that
people looking for you move very slowly while searching for clues. If you are out front running along, we
won't be able to catch up. Another reason for not wandering is the possibility of falling and hurting yourself
while travelling. Being lost and hurt could be tragic.
3. Keep Warm.
This rule means to keep warm with the clothes you are wearing. NEVER take any clothes off. Cover up all
the exposed skin you can. If you are wearing a sweater or jacket, do it up. Watch out for your shoe laces.
Branches have a tricky way of undoing them. The most important part of your clothing is a hat or
something that covers your head. Over 70% of all your body heat escapes through your head.
4. Find a Cozy Waiting Place, Not a Hiding Place.
A cozy waiting place means, a warm place out of the wind and rain but not a place where searchers can not
see you. Under a large tree is a good place.
5. Put Out Something Bright.
Put out something bright or make something to tell people searching for you where you are. Make a flag
using what you have, but Do Not Take Off Any Clothes to do so. Some suggestions are white paper,
money, hair ribbons, a strip from an orange garbage bag, etc. Spell the word "HELP" or "SOS" on the
ground using rocks and sticks or make a large arrow with them, pointing to where you are. Do anything to
attract attention!
6. Look Bigger For Searchers.
If possible, your waiting place should be near an open space. When you hear someone coming, move to the
middle of the clearing and call. Do Not Run in the direction of the noise. If it is an aircraft you heard, lie
down so the pilot has a bigger target to look at. Then wave with both your arms and legs, like making an
angel in the snow. Stand up immediately after the aircraft has passed, as the ground can be very cold.
7. Do Not Lie on the Bare Ground.
The only exception to this rule is the one above. Laying on the cold ground for a very short period of time,
attracting attention, is OK. Being in direct contact with the ground for any length of time is dangerous. The
cold ground can rob precious body heat from you. Build a mattress using available materials such as
branches, moss, leaves, etc. This mattress should be as thick as the mattress you sleep on at home! After the
mattress is completed, gather the same amount or more, of the same material and use it for the blankets.
This is called a survival bed.
8. Do Not Eat Anything you are not sure of.
Do Not eat any berries, mushrooms or anything else unless you are 100% sure what they are. Being hungry
is not too bad of a feeling compared with being violently sick. And remember, there won't be anyone there
to look after you. You can go without food for a long time, but you cannot go without water.
9. Stay Away from Large Rivers and Lakes.
You must have drinking water to survive, but be careful where you get it from. Do Not go near any large
bodies of water. Instead, drink from a water supply that is smaller than you are, so you can not fall in.
Another source of water can be found on leaves in the form of dew.
Back
Home Page | Index

Last Updated: Wednesday, November 01, 1995
by MCDPRI
Hug-A-Tree National Headquarters
Last Updated 9/23/98

HUG-A-TREE and SURVIVE is a non-profit organization that was started in San Diego,
California after a search for a nine-year-old boy who died in the local mountains. A group of the
searchers put together an assembly program designed to tell a simple story that will teach young
children very basic principles for staying safe in the wilderness. The story captures their interest
and is easily remembered.
History of Hug-A-Tree
http://www.tbt.com/hugatree/ (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 2:51:26 PM]
Frequently Asked Questions

The Program
Links to other Hug-A-Tree sites
Are you interested in:
scheduling a presentation to your group, or
becoming a presentor in San Diego County, or
starting a Hug-A-Tree program in your area?
For further information about Hug-A-Tree Headquarters, becoming a presentor, or Hug-A-Tree
activities in San Diego County, please send a SASE to Hug-A-Tree, PO Box 712739, Santee, CA
92072 USA.
1981-1998 Hug-A-Tree. All rights reserved.
http://www.tbt.com/hugatree/ (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 2:51:26 PM]
Hoods Woods wilderness survival videos are award winners
Hoods Woods
Become a REAL Survivor!
Hoods Woods Has been offering the best survival information on the Internet since 1992
when Ron grabbed the Survival.com domain name. The domain wasn't just a name either, it
described both a lifestyle and what Ron has been teaching and studying since the 1960's. A
lot of dirt has been slept in and a lot of time went into bringing you the material on this site.
We hope you'll enjoy it!
Ron and Karen Hood have filled this site with gobs of useful FREE Wilderness Adventure
information and resources. Our goal is to make this important information available to
everyone. One of our greatest pleasures are the hundreds of "Thank You" messages we get
from our video students, readers and visitors. We know that as you read the information on
these pages you will have questions and perhaps would like to share information. That is the
purpose of our forum. We invite you to join the Hoodlums group. You will discover a family of
great folks willing to share and learn and teach.
The Forum is FREE!
Click here to get your FREE 2004 Hoods Woods catalog !
Drop on in for a visit at our new ONLINE store !

WE WON!
Another Telly Award! Click here!
http://www.survival.com/ (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 2:51:29 PM]
News Flash!
Lots'a new stuff!!
A few thoughts about the
business of survival education.
Volume 3 - "Survival Kits" DVD is

Ready!
(and Re-edited)
Check out our PAL LED light!
ARE YOU PREPARED?

Deploying to the Middle
East?
Check Steve Doran's Article
Here!
Worried about the future?
Cave Cooking 4 is Ready!

Learn about "Messin' with Meat"
You NEED to read the articles in our

Library and join our FREE forum!
Readings
Emergency Prep Basics.
See the new "Hood Hunter"

Custom wilderness Blade
Can the Dependency

Preparation FAQs
Don't Panic CBR
Hoods Woods wins ANOTHER

Telly Award!
A new Hood joins the Family!

Read about it!
Check out our customer comments.
Why should you buy our videos? Click

here
Private Label DVD's Available

What does Sports Afield Magazine think
Read about it here
of our videos?
Read the Review Here!
Copyright 1998 Hoods Woods. All rights reserved

PRIVACY STATEMENT
Last Updated
05/05/2004
SIMPLY SURVIVAL - Enjoy Nature with Confidence
Welcome to SimplySurvival.com
Popular Store Item
This survival book collection

contains 4 of Gregory
Davenport's publications.
For over 20 years, Greg Davenport has conducted Leadership

Reaction Courses and Wilderness Survival Education programs.
Greg's finely honed unique approach to back country travel and
survival sets the standard for teaching modern and primitive
survival skills while advancing an individuals survival and
improvising mind.
Simply Survival
is the creation of
Greg
Davenport and
is based on his
many years of
teaching Global Survival and
wilderness experience.
To learn more about Greg's approach to survival click here.
Wilderness Survival
Wilderness Living
Surviving Cold Weather
Surviving Coastal &
Open Water
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for only
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For Testimonials from previous

Simply Survival students
please
click here.
Click to learn more
Sign up for our

e-News by
clicking here.
Simply Survival News
Nathan Jones, who represents Hydration Technologies (HTI),
recently demonstrated a new water filter that is sure to
revolutionize the water industry. The emergency water filtration
system converts any water source (no matter how filled with dirt or
biological pathogens) into pure drinkable water. It requires no
pumping, doesn't clog, and uses a re-hydration formula that
supplies much needed electrolytes and nutrients to the consumer. In
the photograph below, Nathan demonstrates the XPack water
filtration system using an extremely muddy water source. For more
information on this product, go to Hydration Technologies web site
http://www.simplysurvival.com/ (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 2:51:32 PM]
Want to know what Greg is

up to? Sign up here.
We have an extensive photo

gallery that covers our various
courses and programs.
SIMPLY SURVIVAL - Enjoy Nature with Confidence
Rick Arnold, an old friend and member of the Survival

Incorporated team, stopped by during a recent trip to Washington
State. Rick recently retired from the USAF SERE team and took a
position with Survival Inc's military sales team. He has some great
ideas and I am sure we will see great things from him in the future.
For more information go to the Survival Incorporated's web site.
2003 Simply Survival, ANEW, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Simply Survival.
P.O. Box 449 / 1551 Loop Road
Stevenson, WA 98648
Phone: 509.427.4022 | Fax: 509.427.4023
Click here to contact us via e-mail
http://www.simplysurvival.com/ (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 2:51:32 PM]
Aboriginal Living Skills School
http://alssadventures.com/ [5/10/2004 2:51:43 PM]
Home Page*
"just 'cause we're all created

equal, doesn't mean we have to
stay that way"
There have been
http://www.lookout2000.com/mtnman/ [5/10/2004 2:51:45 PM]
survivors pass through these parts.
Primitive Technology, Traditional Skills, and Hand-Made Tools
RESOURCES
| WORKSHOPS | FIRE | TOOLS | MUSIC | SKILLS | PLANTS | EVENTS | URBAN | GALLERY
The PrimitiveWays Book

The PrimitiveWays CD
Register for the 20th Annual Rattlesnake Rendezvous
held at Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness
May 28 - 30, 2004
Evidence of Ancient Campfires
Bare-Handed Basket
Black Dye
What's New
Visit the library on Franklin Street in the citiy of Mountain

View, California and the library on Forest Avenue in the city
of Palo Alto, California. PrimitiveWays has an exhibit of
primitive technology tools
and hunting implements in the lobby display case.
Thumb Loop Hand Drill Fire Kit
Become a Member of the Society of Primitive Technology
http://www.primitiveways.com/ (1 of 8) [5/10/2004 2:51:58 PM]
E-mail Questions Answered

(new additions weekly)
The PrimitiveWays CD
The PrimitiveWays Book
Recommended Books &
Magazines
Resources
Movies of Interest
(Entertainment, Educational, and
How-To videos)
Stores that Offer Resources for
Primitive Technology Projects
TRADING POST - items for sale
A $5 Friction Fire Starter Kit
Thumb Loop Hand Drill Fire Kit
Old Ways Workshops - 2004
KAHIKO Workshops of Native
Skills
MAPOM Spring Classes - 2004
Workshops
&
Classes
20th Annual Rattlesnake

Rendezvous,
Sunol-Ohlone Regional
Wilderness,
May 21 - 23, 2004
17th Annual Rabbitstick Primitive
Skills Conference: September
12-18, 2004
What to Teach Kids and Why
Sharing Old Ways With The
Young
Evidence of Ancient Campfires

Some Uses of Fire
Starting Fire
With a Lens Made From Ice!
The Egyptian Bow Drill
Fire-By-Friction: Materials of the
San Francisco Bay Region
Fire
The Two-Stick Hearthboard
Miracle of Fire-by-Friction
Making Fire with a Bow Drill
Fire Making
&
Primitive
Cooking
Making Fire with a Hand Drill

Fire-by-Friction with Damp
Materials
Spindle Extension for a Fire Bow
Drill
Fire-by-Friction Methods of the
Australian Aborigines
Smallest Bow Drill
Fire-by-Friction Set
Primitive Cooking
Adobe Horno
Bamboo Rice Cooker
The Secrets of the Sinew
Cordage Backed Bow
Making an Asiatic Composite
Bow
Making a Bow From a Sapling
A Foolproof Method for Bow
Tillering
Fletching By Hand
Arrow Straightening
Making an Atlatl from a Branch
Jiffy Arrow & Atlatl Dart Fletch
Using Duct Tape
Primitive Tools
&
Projectiles
Atlatl Dart Tuning

Atlatl Flexibility Analysis
Simple Atlatl Spear Thrower
Construction
Atlatl in Ancient Rock Art
Bamboo Clay Thrower
How to Make a Wooden Canoe
Paddle
Spears, Weirs and Traps
The Hoko Knife - A quick, simple
stone tool
The Stone Saw
The Scapular Saw
Antler Handle Knife
Scallop Baking Shells
Bone Flutes
Primitive Quail Call
Primitive Hand Made Reed Flute
Sycamore Membranophone
Musical
Instruments
&
Magic
Puniu - Hawaiian Knee Drum

Deer Hoof Rattle
Musical Instruments of Central
California
Random Thoughts on
Tradition vs. Technology
Primitive Crystal Light!
Weaving a Lauhala Mat

Processing Shark Skin into
Rawhide
Brain Tanned Buffalo Hides
Tanning a Fox Hide
Pelt Bag
How to Make a Rabbit Skin
Blanket
The Ties that Bind and Bindings
that Tie
What Knot to Use in a Primitive
Situation
Pomo Netting
Cordage Fiber Shredder Made
From Bone
Early
Technology
&
Traditional
Skills
Making Cordage By Hand

Introduction To Tule Ethnobotany
Pomo Tule Bittern
Klamath Twined Tule Visor
Paiute Tule Duck Decoy
Ajumawi Fish Traps
Inuit Thimble
Willow Rake
The Three-Stick Roycroft Pack
Frame
Making a Leather Knife Sheath
Steam Bending Wood
Log Ladder
Four Hour Kayak
How to Paint a Mammoth
Black Dye
Wilderness Grooming
Thirty Years in the Jungle!

Was Agriculture a Good Idea,
or an Act of Desperation?
Calendar of Harvesting and
Gathering
Coppicing
Bare-Handed Basket
Useful Plants of California (1)
Nature's General Store: The
Yuccas and Agaves
The Ti Plant Called Ki
Olona
Useful Plants
&
Shelters
Hemp Dogbane
Hawaiian Plants (a trip to the Big
Island)
Bull Whip Kelp
Fishing with Poisons
Fishing with Hawaiian Plants
Cattail Pollen Pancakes
Quiz: Can You Name These
Plants?
Thatched Ohlone Style House

How to Build an Igloo
Scout Pit
The Primitive Sauna
I Belong To This Country

(an Australian adventure)
Native California Fall Gathering
at San Luis Reservoir State
Recreation Area
Rattlesnake Rendezvous
Events
&
Primitive Trips
Australian Aborigine Flint

Knapping
Primitive Field Day at Stanford
University
Coyote Hills Knap-In and The
Gathering of Ohlone People
Winter Count
How to Make Your Own Steel
Knives
Folding Saw
Johnstone Tools
Hand-Made
Tools
&
Urban
Resources
Portable Shaving Horse

Urban Resources
Alternative Supplies for Urban
Dwellers
Wilderness & Urban Tips
Fire by Chemical Reaction
Photo Gallery I
Photo Gallery II
Gallery
&
Links
Photo Gallery III

The Info Super Highway Refugee
Interesting Links
RESOURCES
| WORKSHOPS | FIRE | TOOLS | MUSIC | SKILLS | PLANTS | EVENTS | URBAN | GALLERY
PrimitiveWays began in 1998 and is produced by

Dick Baugh, Bob Gillis, Norm Kidder, Chuck Kritzon, Ken Peek, and Dino Labiste.
The excerpts by Steve Watts (President of the Society of Primitive Technology)
summarizes our philosophy on practicing and teaching primitive technology.
E-mail your comments to "Dino Labiste" at [email protected], "Bob Gillis" at [email protected],
"Richard A. Baugh" at [email protected], "Norm Kidder" at [email protected],
"Chuck Kritzon" at [email protected], or "Ken Peek" at [email protected]
PrimitiveWays 1998 - 2004

All rights reserved.
No photo files on this website may be copied or reproduced without express written consent from the photographer.
No part of this website may be copied or reproduced without express written consent from PrimitiveWays.
Boomerang World
Hot Links to
Boom Pages
in:
Australia
Welcome to Boomerang World - Flight-Toy's Boomerang Home

Page with links to everything you need to know about the fascinating
world of boomerangs. This site is continually updated as visitors
provide new link information. The links to the left will take you to
web pages for specific geographical regions. If you have any links to
add (or find any broken links), please email Ted Bailey.
Asia/Africa
Canada
Europe
South America
USA
un-boomerangs
Important Boomerang Links

Boomerang Catalog | Boomerang Auction
Boomerang Software | Boom Links for Kids
Br. Brian Thomas Memorial | World Cup 2004
Back to:
Flight Toys
Miscellaneous Boom Info | Boomerang Calendar

Key Boomerang Throwing Contacts
Back to: Flight Toys | email Ted Bailey
http://www.flight-toys.com/boomerangs.htm [5/10/2004 2:52:01 PM]
Paleolithic Diet Page (Paleo Diet, Caveman Diet, Hunter/Gatherer Diet)
www.PaleoDiet.com - The Paleolithic Diet Page

What the Hunter/Gatherers Ate
Also see the www.PaleoFood.com Recipe Collection and the www.Foraging.com
Page
Index to Sections Below
Sites by Individuals
Educational Institutions
Media Reports
Associations/Organizations
Foraging and Ethnobotany <-- now on its own page.
Commercial Sites
Books
Food Vendors
Dehydrators
Food Science
Mailing Lists/Archives/Forums
Sites by Individuals
Introduction to the Paleolithic Diet is Ben Balzer's page. He is a family physician in

Australia. Probably the clearest introduction on the web.
Second Opinions is a site by Barry Groves, PhD. It includes many articles exposing dietary
and medical misinformation. A selection of them: The Nave Vegetarian is a long article
covering various diets with a focus on pointing out the fallacies of vegetarianism. The
Cholesterol Myth points out there is no evidence that eating cholesterol is bad. Does Animal
Fat Really Cause Cancer? points out that an examination of a couple of studies that came
out in July 2003 does not support the claims that media is making for them. Polyunsaturated
Oils and Cancer argues that polyunsaturated oils increase cancer risk. William Banting: The
Father of the Low-Carbohydrate Diet is a history of the first low carb diet, which was also
paleo.
Paleolithic Nutrition: Your Future Is In Your Dietary Past is an article Jack Challem wrote
for Nutrition Science News: April 1997.
An Interview with Ward Nicholson now has three parts on the web. Good overview of man's
diet over the past 65 million years. Long but highly recommended reading. First published
in Chet Day's "Health & Beyond" newsletter. Now part of a very comprehensive Beyond
http://www.paleodiet.com/ (1 of 21) [5/10/2004 2:52:06 PM]
Vegetarianism site. Every argument that your vegetarian friends use to avoid meat for health
reasons is debunked here.
Tamir Katz's Paleolithic Diet Information page has been put up by a medical student at
SUNY Stony Brook. He has a knack of clearly and directly explaning things. Excellent for
friends and relatives of paleo eaters who are wondering why you eat weirdly.
Neanderthin (Paleo) eating is Vad's page where he tries to sum up, super concentrated, what
this whole thing is about. Includes menus, weight loss, and more.
In On the Benefits of Ancient Diets Staffan Lindeberg discusses how the Western diet
causes health problems. Also an overview of his Kitava study. Staffan now has a home page
Utbildningarom prevention, though initially only in Swedish.
Living Longer, yes! But living well? by Dr. Anthony G. Payne is a general article that also
gets into a paleo diet.
A diet high in phytic acid, which can be found in whole grains (it's in the bran) and beans
like soy, is very detrimental for mineral absorption. Phytic acid strongly binds to minerals
like calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium to form insoluble salts, phytates, which precipitate
from the body. Staffan Lindeberg has written a summary on phytic acid.
Two common foods clearly are Neolithic and avoiding them is key to a paleo diet. Here are
link pages for avoiding them: Gluten-Free Page and No-Milk Page.
There are some disorders that can be controlled somewhat by using a paleo diet. Here are
link pages on three of them: Autism and Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
JoAnn Betten of the PaleoFood mailing list and I have collected many recipes at
www.PaleoFood.com. All have no grains, no gluten, no dairy, no beans/legumes, no refined
sugar, or other Neolithic foods.
Ashton Embry has an essay Paleolithic Nutrition and Multiple Sclerosis and another
Paleolithic Nutrition. He's the leading proponent on the Net for using dietary intervention to
control MS.
The Evolution of Human Nutrition by Barry Bogin is interesting reading which covers
themes like homo erectus and up to date findings, and the relation to nutrition.
In William Calvin's The Ascent of Mind, Chapter 8 he discusses why he thinks that the
Acheulian hand-ax (the oldest of the fancy stone tools of Homo erectus) was really a "killer
frisbee." He argues that natural selection for throwing accuracy, which requires brain
machinery, is the evolutionary scenario for bootstrapping higher intellectual functions.
There are many more articles about evolution and human development throughout William's
extensive site.
Pemmican: Recipes, Stories and Stores is a link page with more on this than you've seen
before.
Lynne Olver at the Morris County Library has assembled The food timeline, which gives
you the history of Neolithic foods. Includes paleo foods, like animal domestication and
when some foods where first noted in the literature.
Eating is an essay by Todd Moody.
The Meat, Leaves and Berries Page is a "paleo" like diet put up by Dan John. But dairy
products are allowed. Couldn't tell much, as many pages came up blank with ActiveX turned
off.
Dental Microwear Web Site is on the study of the microscopic scratches and pits that form
on a tooth's surface as the result of its use. See the page on references. Some are evidences
of past diet.
Mary G. Enig, Ph.D., an expert of international renown in the field of lipid chemistry, has a
Trans Fat InfoWeb Page. A simple introduction to trans fatty acids. Trans Fatty Acid Fact
Sheet is a short page listing the negative highlights of this food.
Factors that Inhibit Calcium Absorption is an article pointing out the non-paleo things we
do, mostly food related, that are negative for calcium absorption.
The Cholesterol Myths by Uffe Ravnskov, M.D., Ph.D. argues that too much animal fat
being dangerous is a myth. This is a collection of essays, complete with the critical
references.
The Cholesterol Myth is an article by Thomas J. Moore from his book, Heart Failure.
Argues that diet has hardly any effect on your cholesterol level; the drugs that can lower it
often have serious or fatal side effects; and there is no evidence at all that lowering your
cholesterol level will lengthen your life.
Dr. Joseph Mercola has an extensive web site on alternatives to traditional medicine. A
hodge podge of different things. On his Low Grain Guide To Health he has a few that are
relevant to paleo eating. At bottom take link to his Sugar Index Page. Also see The Health
Benefits of Grassfed Animal Products. Also see Low Grain and Carbohydrate Diets Treat
Hypoglycemia, Heart Disease, Diabetes Cancer and Nearly ALL Chronic Illness. Also see:
Caveman Cuisine by Sally Fallon and Mary G. Enig, PhD.
There is ample evidence that grain consumption is behind many cancers. Here is a quick
analysis of the connection.
Jack Challem has written Alpha-Lipoic acid: Quite Possibly the "Universal" Antioxidant
and meat is the best source.
paleofood.de is a site all in German, but PaleoFood.Info is their English version. Here is
Loren Cordain's Food Pyramid.
To Crack a Coconut tells how this is done in Thailand, without fancy tools, then gets into
pressing milk, and some recipes.
Cooking Clan of the Cave Bear Style! is a student experiment in boiling water in a skin pot
over a fire (or not...)
Aris Stathakis has a page How To Make Real South African Biltong - a traditional South
African dried meat.
Brett Saks, B.S., D.C. has a page The Adverse Effects of Wheat and Other Grains. Based on
his clinical experiences.
Chet Day sent a copy of the article by Robert Crayhon (Interview with Loren Cordain) to
the Rea Centre in London, a place claiming to be proponents of a paleo diet. You can check
out their counterpoint at Hunter Gatherer Paradigm Examined in New Light. It argues that
our ancestors were not big meat eaters. Argues that since men are the scientists that hunting
has been exaggerated out of proportion, and that gathering was the primary source of food.
Chet Day also asked some questions and created The Rea Center Interview: Paleo Nutrition,
Veganism, and More. Incredibly wordy with little content.
Philip Thrift has a page on Principles of Paleofitness. He follows NeanderThin and works
out daily before eating.
Blindness, Mad Cow Disease and Canola Oil by John Thomas points out the negatives of
canola oil.
The Venison Processing FAQ covers everything from choosing your target to recipes.
The Paleolithic Diet is Bob Hodgen's story of his experiences on NeanderThin. Includes
short explanation.
Krispin Sullivan has written The Lectin Report. A good place to start to learn about these
toxic proteins in Neolithic foods.
Aquatic Ape Theory is a site covering all links on the subject. (The theory argues that
humans evolved along the water's edge, but such evidence is now covered by the oceans.)
Buried in the middle of The Revised Metabolic Oncolytic Regimen for Effecting Lysis in
Solid Tumors one can find their diet recommendations for tumor control. It has a paleo diet
orientation. Protein is 35%, preferably Omega 3 rich. Carbohydrates (also 35%) are only
vegetables and fruit, no beans, bread, potatoes, or any grain. Then dietary and supplemental
forms of fat should provide 20-30% of (daily) calories.
WWW.PALEODIET.NU is a site in Swedish put up by Niclas Larsson. He has plans to
grow the site.
Aletheia Price has Edible Insects. Very comprehensive. Read the "About the Author."
Weird & Different Recipes is a page by Bert Christensen that includes several insect recipes
and other foods that a Paleolithic dieter may have eaten.
Zachary Huang has put up his Bug-Eating Page. Mostly pictures of people eating giant
silkworms and mealworms. Also see his other links.
Vad r Paleodiet? is a site in Swedish put up by Hans Kylberg.
[Ctrl-Home for Top, or Click Here]
Educational Institutions
The Paleo Diet is Loren Cordain's site. It promotes his book and also includes, for free
download, PDF files of all of his scientific articles on Paleo Diet.
Diet and Heart Disease. It is not what you think is a online course by Stephen Byrnes
covering the Lipid Hypothesis.
Cooking up quite a story: Ape, human theory causes evolutionary indigestion is an article by
William J. Cromie discussing the controversy over how long humans have been cooking.
Buried in a tutorial at The Institute For Ice Age Studies we find a section on Strategies for
Survival. Hunting and gathering start at Scheduling and Mobility.
Plant-animal subsistence ratios and macronutrient energy estimations in worldwide

hunter-gatherer diets.
Origins and Evolution of Human Diet is an academic web site devoted to discussion of
evolution and the human diet. Especially don't miss the articles on the conferences link! And
in them especially see the Boyd Eaton one!
Hunters and Gatherers Anthropology is a course taught by Raymond Hames at U. of

Nebraska. Includes lecture notes on the book The Foraging Spectrum which outlines the
important research issues, theory, and problems in hunter-gatherer research. His site has
many other sub-pages that shouldn't be missed.
How to Carve an Elephant is a chapter in Making Silent Stones Speak: Human Evolution
and the Dawn of Technology by Kathy D. Schick and Nicholas Toth (1993). A cute writeup
on some archaeologists that showed that a dead elephant can be carved up using the simple
tools that were available 1.5 - 1.9 million years ago.
Prehistoric Diet and Nutrition is a class at Indiana U. taught by Jeanne Sept, Professor of
Anthropology.
Plant-animal subsistence ratios and macronutrient energy estimations in worldwide
hunter-gatherer diets. by Cordain et. al. is an abstract of an analysis showing that whenever
and wherever it was ecologically possible, hunter-gatherers consumed high amounts
(45-65% of energy) of animal food.
The Changing Nature of Inuit Nutrition and Dietary Patterns by James H. Boschma III goes
into detail on the dietary patterns of the Inuit.
Cabrillo College's Anthropology Department has Monte Verde A Pre Clovis Site, which
among other things, discusses the foods these early Native Americans ate.
From the Neolithic Revolution to Gluten Intolerance: Benefits and Problems Associated
with the Cultivation of Wheat, by Luigi Greco, Department of Pediatrics, U. of Naples. A
history of gluten intolerance and why it is so common.
Investigation of the Role of Wild Plant Foods in Pre-Agrarian Europe is a project currently
being undertaken by Sarah Mason at the University College London.
Plains Archaic people discusses the hunter-gatherers of the American plains. These
PaleoIndians big-game hunters exploited a narrow-spectrum, focal resource base (one,
maybe two animal species depending on location - e.g., reindeer in north; limited range of
small game; few if any plants). Long and technical.
Underwater storage techniques preserved meat for early hunters demonstrates how
PaleoIndians living in the Great Lakes region at the end of the last Ice Age preserved meat
from large animal kills by storing it underwater.
Flints and Stones: Real Life in Prehistory is an exhibition at the Museum of Antiquities on
the world of the late stone age hunter gatherers in Britain. Only three pages are food related:
The hunter gatherer way of life is heavy on the tools used in Britain. Tasks and activities
around the home fire has some on food processing. Could you survive today as a hunter
gatherer? has pictures of collectable foods and you select whether it is edible or not. In three
parts: fungi, foliage, and nuts & berries. More than half of the options are poisonous.
Health Issues and Trans Fat by Mary G. Enig discusses how it was claimed in 1958 that
these were culprits in heart disease, but the edible oil industry quickly squelched this
information.
Do dietary lectins cause disease? is an editorial in the British Medical Journal which
suggests that lectins, which are high in cereals, potatoes, and beans, may be behind some
autoimmune diseases.
You Are What You Eat: New Theories About Rheumatoid Arthritis is a newsreport about an
article in the British Journal of Nutrition. The authors argue that their theory implicating diet
needs more research.
The Southern Greek Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic Sequence at Franchthi is a cave
where the deposits revealed what the occupants ate over the years.
Stone Age Habitats hasn't much to do with food, but there is mention of cooking hearths,
and a couple nice graphs. But for some reason the time lines are flipped.
Fattening cattle with corn changes the lipid balance and is clearly not the natural diet for a
grass eating cow. In Simple change in cattle diets could cut E. coli infection researchers
have found that when cattle were fed hay or grass for just five days before slaughter, much
less E. Coli cells were present in the animal's feces and virtually all surviving E. coli
bacteria were not acid-resistant and were killed by human stomach acid.
A Hunter-Gatherer Bibliography compiled by students of James W. Helmer Department of
Archaeology, U. of Calgary. 112K.
J. Ned Woodall, Department of Anthropology, Wake Forest U., teaches a course on
Problems with the Past: Controversial Topics in the Cultural and Physical Evolution of
Humans. Here is the reading list.
`First farmers' with no taste for grain is an article by Mike Richards on the use of meat in
ancient British Isles diets. The suggestion is that the Brits were depending primarily on meat
for their nutritition up to around 2000 B.C.
`Man the Hunter' returns at Boxgrove. Mark Roberts, the Director of the Boxgrove Project,
provides evidence that the hominids of the Lower Palaeolithic period did hunt their meat.
In sorrow shalt thou eat all thy days Peter Rowley-Conwy, Archaeology at the University of
Durham, argues that many hunter-gatherers never wanted to farm.
No carefree life for Mesolithic people. Hunter-gatherers worked much harder for their living
than has previously been thought, writes Rob Young.
Neanderthal bone chemistry provides food for thought. Using bone-chemistry analyses, a
team determined the Neandertals must have feasted on meat. Neanderthal diet at Vindija and
Neanderthal predation: The evidence from stable isotopes is the full text of the article.
Kristin D. Sobolik is Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Quaternary Studies at U. of
Maine. She has a home page listing her publications, many of which are on prehistoric diets.
Blueberries May Restore Some Memory, Coordination and Balance Lost with Age is a
study from Tufts U. which found that blueberries make rats feel young again.
Human Skeletons and Society in Prehistoric Italy basically shows how various ills increased
in the Neolithic age. The best parts are the graphs showing the disorders they found and how
they increased as the food become more away from a Paleolithic diet. This is the link to
infectious disease and childhood stress.
Loren Cordain, Ph.D. has his interests, awards, publications, etc. listed on a web page.
An abstract: Reducing the serum cholesterol level with a diet high in animal fat. by
Newbold HL.
Hunter/gatherers often eat grubs. Entomologists at the University of Iowa have created some
recipes based on insects, and insects can be bought via internet.
The Food Insects Newsletter site includes selected on-line articles from back issues.
Probably more paleo than most people can handle.
Bugfood! is by the U. of Kentucky Department of Entomology. Discusses insects as food
and insect snacks from around the world.
Nutritional Value of Various Insects per 100 grams is part of the Iowa State Entomology
site. Also see recipes and where to buy.
Media Reports
New road reveals Stone Age site which may provide evidence of fire in the British Isles
back between 250,000 and 300,000 years ago.
High-cholesterol diet 'doesn't increase stroke risk' reports on a study of 43,000 middle-aged
men. While it finds no correlation with stokes and fatty foods, they did not look for a
correlation with anything else.
Meat eating is an old human habit reports on an analysis of our ancestor's teeth that shows
we became meat eaters 2.5 million years ago.
Vilhjalmur Stefansson spent many years as an Eskimo among Eskimos. After a year
experiment eating only meat at Bellevue Hospital, he wrote about his experiment and his
years as an Eskimo in Adventures in Diet, a three part series Harper's Monthly Magazine,
November 1935 - January 1936.
In Chips means zits Loren Cordain blames today's refined foods, such as bread, rice and
cakes, for the pimples suffered by 95% of westernized teenagers.
Neanderthals' strong-arm tactics revealed discusses whether they threw spears or just used
them to stab animals.
Food for Thought, Dietary change was a driving force in human evolution is an article in
Scientific American that discusses our evolution in the context of diet.
In prehistoric cave, scientists use computers as their guide lists off the diet of some middle
Paleolithic era cave dwellers in Northern Israel.
Animal Protein Consumption Associated With Bone Density in Elderly Women. This isn't
really new. Herta Spencer back in the 80's showed that meat helped if an adequate amount
of calcium was consumed. Studies showing that protein was bad used isolated, fractionated
animo acids from milk or eggs.
In Bread blamed for short sight Jennie Brand Miller links the dramatic increase in myopia in
developed countries on childhood over-consumption of bread.
Meat Eating More Healthy in Prehistoric Times discusses the healthier fats in wild meat.
Loren Cordain's team compared the muscle, brain, bone marrow and fat of wild animals
with those of cattle.
The Caveman Diet by Jeanie Davis is an MSN article touting the benefits of grass fed bison.
Cave men diets offer insights to today's health problems, study shows. But, you have to eat
wild meat, which has a healthier ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids.
High 'Good' Cholesterol Level Lowers Stroke Risk is a news report highlighting that high
HDL is the only indicator of lower stroke risk. However, it fails to mention that a low-carb
diet is the only diet that increases HDL.
Neanderthals Were As Smart As Us reports on new research that reveals that Neanderthals
were not dumb, but had the technical and intellectual skills to put them on an equal basis
with modern humans.
Seafood Gave Modern Humans Edge reports that by studying the chemicals that remained in
the bones of the earliest modern humans, scientists discovered that their diet, included fish
and fowl as well as large mammals. The Neanderthals, on the other hand, only ate large
mammals, which became extinct. Also see Fishy clue to rise of humans.
Agriculture Is Bad for You is a Time Europe article pointing out that some dieticians
recommend we change our eating habits to resemble those of our ancestors. A pro-Paleo
article!
Coconut oil promises to be anti-viral agent reports on trials that have confirmed that coconut
oil has an anti-viral effect that reduces the viral level in HIV-AIDS patients to undetectable
levels.
The Soft Science of Dietary Fat is a summary of an article in Science Magazine reporting
that mainstream nutritional science has demonized dietary fat, yet 50 years and hundreds of
millions of dollars of research have failed to prove that eating a low-fat diet will help you
live longer. In fact, there are good reasons to believe high-carbohydrate diets may be even
worse than high-fat diets. Here is the original article.
Fatty Fish Protects Hearts of All Ages reports that those who consumed fatty fish even just
once a week lowered their risk of a fatal heart attack by 44% compared to the risk among
those who did not opt for the fish.
Homocysteine A Possible Risk Factor For Alzheimer's discusses an association between
Alzheimer's disease and moderately-elevated blood levels of the amino acid, homocysteine.
Homocysteine levels can be reduced by consumption of foods with folic acid and vitamin
B12, i.e. greens and meat.
Diabetics Improve Health With Very High-Fat, Low Carb Diet discusses a successful study.
Early Humans Had Woodworking Technology reports on finding evidence that humans
produced wood tools, possibly spears, 1.5 million years ago. This is a million years earlier
than previously believed.
Early Humans Ate Termites reports that ancient hominids had a taste for termites.
Harvard Magazine on Paleolithic Fast Food. By excavating a cave they found that animals
that move slower were eaten in the past and in later years ones that move faster were eaten.
The discovery of fire speculates that man controlled fire 1.6 million years ago.
Circumstantial evidence also suggests that they were cooking their food.
Insulin-Like Compound Predicts Stroke Risk states that insulin resistance (which is usually
caused by excessive carb intake, meaning that caused by normal intake of grains and sugar)
is a predictor (i.e. indicates increase risk) of strokes.
Go back to stone-age diet, says health professor is an interview with Loren Cordain.
New Human Ancestor? Two and a half million years ago a humanlike creature in what is
now Ethiopia raised a stone and smashed it down on an antelope bone to get at the marrow
and fat inside. This is the earliest known evidence of a stone tool used to butcher an animal.
New Species Of Human Ancestor. A more detailed version than the ABC News one. They
also ate catfish and horse. Note the bit about "high fat meat"!
Fossil find may be 'missing link'. A third page on 2.5 million year old fossil find in Ethiopia.
Olive oil 'reduces cancer risk' claims that using olive oil in cooking may prevent the
development of bowel cancer.
Scientific American has an interesting article about the ill effects of sugar and aging at:
AGE Breakers - Rupturing the body's sugar-protein bonds might turn back the clock.
Typically, the drug companies are trying to develop a drug to fight off the symptoms rather
than treating the cause of the problems with a proper diet.
A taste for meat argues that our ancestors three million years ago ate a lot of small mammals
that could be caught without tools. Published in Science Magazine (which requires a
subscription).
The Caveman Diet is the CBS story on 48 hours where they featured Ray Audette and the
paleo diet. Focuses on weight loss.
Modern Stone Age food is an article based on an interview with Boyd Eaton that appeared
in the USA Weekend insert magazine.
In What the Hominid Ate by analyzing carbon atoms in tooth enamel researchers challenge
the widely held belief that these 3 million year ago homnoids ate little more than fruits and
leaves.
The Electronic Telegraph had a 12-Aug-97 article "Barbecues are a thing of the past". Some
archaeologists from Liverpool University working in the Suffolk forest found what they
believe may be a hearth that is 400,000 years old. [Free registration required]
Revealing Anciet Family Ties is a chart of our human lineage. It is included as it has arrows
at the 2.5 million year mark showing when stone tools and meat eating were introduced. See
also: article introduction and main text.
Great Debate Builds the Rationale for Eating Meat is the story of how Dan Murphy debated
the PETA and the arguments he used. (You will need to scroll down a bit).
Eating Like a Caveman is a page written by Kathleen Doheny. She gives an overview of the
paleo diet, then tells of her experience of trying it for a day. Includes this quote by Loren
Cordain "If it's a fad, it's the oldest fad going."
Associations/Organizations
The International Network of Cholesterol Skeptics has a Discussion about the cavemens
diet. Has comments from many researchers, some familiar from elsewhere on this page. No
comments from Lorain Cordain, but much discussion and disagreement with him.
The Weston A. Price Foundation was set up by Sally Fallon and Mary Enig. Like the
Price-Pottenger Nutritional Foundation, with which they were previously affiated, it is not
completely paleo in its recommendations. But lots of good articles nonetheless. See The
Oiling of America. Also see Guts and Greast: The Diet of Native Americans. And what they
think of Loreen Cordain's The Paleo Diet. And many other articles.
A small subset of the people eating only raw foods are eating animal foods (RAF). And
some of them have put up a resource page for Raw Paleolithic Diets.
Protein-Rich Diets May Reduce Heart Disease Risk is a report on a prospective cohort study
showing higher protein intake is associated with reduced risk of heart disease among
women. Though this report is filled with politically correct commentary which was not part
of the study as published.
Food is part of the Vegan Straight-Edge site. The page is almost a resource page for
paleodiet, with the sole exception of the comments about meat and protein requirements. It's
quite interesting. Other pages at the site include: The origins of agriculture - a biological
perspective and a new hypothesis in which Greg Wadley & Angus Martin argue that the
shift to cultivation and animal domestication was due to the "comfort" derived from the
opioid peptides from gluten. And John Coleman's Opioids In Common Food
Products-Addictive Peptides In Meat, Dairy and Grains. (There isn't any evidence presented
that this is an issue with meat, but it is a vegan site!)
Paleolithic diet is a definition found in the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.
Nutrition Australia has a Q&A page on: I have read somewhere recently about a 'Paleolithic
diet'. What exactly is the 'Paleolithic diet'? Written as an introduction.
A hunting rights group has put up Eating Meat is Natural, written by Jim Powlesland. It
appears to be a summary from "The Paleolithic Prescription: A Program of Diet & Exercise
and a Design for Living".

Diet and the evolution of the earliest human ancestors is a study of jaw size and shape, tooth
size, shape, and wear patterns, which give clues as to what the earliest human ancestors ate
two to four million years ago.
Fatty Fish Cuts Risk Of Death From Heart Attack In Elderly is another study showing the
benefits of omega-3 fatty acids consumption.
Concerns Regarding Soybeans by Mary Enig and Sally Fallon discusses the negatives with
soy consumption. Abstracted from Health Freedom News, September 1995.
Soy Online Service is a New Zealand site dedicated to "uncovering the truth about soy".
Tragedy and Hype is a very comprehensive article on soy that appeared in Nexus Magazine.
Shows how the soy industry manipulated things to turn their toxic food into a health food.
Should we be Scared of Soy? covers the various health negatives of soy consumption.
Ray Peat's Newsletter has a web site with some sample articles. There are two articles of
interest to Paleodieters: "The Benefits of Coconut Oil" and "Toxicity of Unsaturated Oils".
When you click on them then select open. A Ray Peat coconut oil article also appears Dr.
Mercola's site: The Benefits of Coconut Oil.
Coconut: In Support of Good Health in the 21st Century by Mary Enig is an address she
gave to a Cocotech meeting. Long and gets into coconut oil's competition. Many references
at the end.
Review and Atlas of Paleovegetation. Preliminary land ecosystem maps of the world since
the Last Glacial Maximum (18,000 14C years ago).
American Scientist had an article on Chimpanzee Hunting Behavior and Human Evolution
by Craig B. Stanford in the May-June 1995 issue. It discusses British primatologist Jane
Goodall's observations.
Paleolithic Diet: How our bodies want to be treated. is a page from The Healing Crow, an
organization dedicated to bringing the aspects of mind, body, and spirit into our health.
The Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation promotes some Paleolithic nutrition concepts,
though they recommend dairy, a non-paleo food. Many good articles worth reading there.
Why I Am Not a Vegetarian by Dr. William T. Jarvis makes comments about the
"ideological" commitment to a diet that are at least as interesting as the comments about diet
itself.
Trans Fat Spells Double Trouble for Arteries points out that the popular trans fat is
unhealthy and not disclosed on food labels.
Desert Locust Recipes from the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Croque-insectes is all in French. The site is on insects, and cooking them is part of the site.
Foraging and Ethnobotany <-- now on its own page.

Commercial Sites
Was Agriculture a Good Idea, or an Act of Desperation? by Norm Kidder is an interesting

essay on evidence that hunter-gatherers sometimes became so good at getting food that they
settled down to form permanent communities. From the Primitive Ways site.
The Caveman's Banquet is Atkins' take on the paleo diet.
A Diet Solution Based on Evolution points out that most of the calories consumed today are
from foods that did not exist in the past, but then the article ends up with the politically
correct twist that saturated fats are bad. Mostly is a book report on Loren Cordain's The
Paleo Diet.
The Paleolithic Diet and Its Modern Implications is an interview with Loren Cordain, PhD
done by Robert Crayhon, MS. The same article also appears here: The Paleolithic Diet and
Its Modern Implications.
The Myths of Vegetarianism by Stephen Byrnes goes through many of the arguments that
vegetarians use and explains why they are myths. A must read for all vegetarians.
The Lectin Report explains the background on lectins and their connection to health
problems.
The Homocysteine Revolution is an interview with Dr. Kilmer McCully. High
homocysteine levels have been connected with heart disease. Folic acid (highest in leafy
green vegetables) and B12 (abundant in animal proteins) help keep homocysteine levels
under control.
In an interview with Mary G. Enig, Ph.D. She expresses clearly her well qualified opinion
that saturated fats are NOT the problem they are reputed to be. Over two pages: Health
Risks from Processed Foods and Trans Fats Part 1 + Parts 2 + 3.
Insulin and It's Metabolic Effects by Ron Rosedale MD deals with insulin as the "master
switch" for a large number of disease processes. Argues that low insulin is key for long
lifespan. Overly long.
Elson M. Haas, M.D. has written a nice summary of Types of Diets. Has sections on the
Paleolithic and 14 other diets. Put up by Healthy Net.
Dr Stoll's Sugar and Immunity is an article on the Leukocytic Index which shows the
devastating effect of refined carbohydrates on immunity.
The Skinny on Fat is an overview of the different types of fat and their uses in the body by
Dr. Michael G. Kurilla, M.D.
Jonathan Bowden, M.A. has a two part non-technical introduction to The Paleolithic Diet.
Why Americans Are So Fat by William Faloon blames a deficiency of conjugated linoleic
acid (CLA) for why we have become fat. CLA is found in beef and milk fat, both of which
are decreasing in our diets. In addition CLA is much lower in grain fed cows than in grass
fed ones.
Just Game Recipes has just what it says. Not all are paleo, but lots of good ideas for cooking
game.
The Australian Native Food Industry gets into Australia's unique edible plants and animals
that could form the basis for a substantial and sustainable industry.
Eskimo Ice-cream discusses food in the Inuit culture and includes some recipes.
Books
Note that prices at amazon.com are no longer the cheapest. Books can be purchase elsewhere for
less. The place I use is Books-a-Million, which is cheap when using their discount card. Now the
best advice is to shop around and not to automatically buy from amazon.com. One suggestion for
price comparison is BookFinder4U. Except it doesn't reflect free shipping deals. May even be
helpful in finding out-of-print books.
The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Food You Were Designed to
Eat is Loren Cordain's book. His publisher's page.
NeanderThin: Eat Like a Caveman to Achieve a Lean, Strong, Healthy Body by Ray
Audette is based on the ideas of paleolithic nutrition. The diet contains natural, unprocessed
carbohydrates and can be followed as a low-carb, moderate or high carb diet, depending
upon whether and how much fruit is used. The expanded hard cover edition can be found at
Amazon.com. Also see Amazon.com for many reviews on the out-of-print edition. A
paperback edition is now out.
Life Without Bread: How a Low-Carbohydrate Diet Can Save Your Life by Christian B.
Allan, Wolfgang Lutz. It is based on Dr. Lutz's work with thousands of patients in Austria.
It deals with the health issues connected to high carb consumption. It is basically an English
version and update of Dr. Lutz's 1967 book with the same title: Leben ohne Brot. He
recommends eating only 72 grams of carbohydrates, and an unlimited amount of fat. And
provides evidence as to why this is the healthiest diet. Read the review at Amazon.com by
Todd Moody.
Protein Power by Eades and Eades was a best seller for over a year. Now they have
published The Protein Power Lifeplan: A New Comprehensive Blueprint for Optimal
Health. It uses many paleo arguments for their diet recommendations. All easy to
understand. And also a Paperback Edition.
Meat-Eating and Human Evolution (Human Evolution Series) is a $70 book that address the
questions surrounding when, how, and why early humans began to eat meat. See and read
the sample pages.
Evolutionary Aspects of Nutrition and Health - Diet, Exercise, Genetics and Chronic
Disease is a compilation of articles showing how humanity's genetic makeup has been
directly influenced by nutritional selective pressures and how our present day diet may be
discordant with our stone age genome. The book is rather expensive, but the description on
the page is worth reading. One section is now entirely online! See Cereal Grains:
Humanitys Double-Edged Sword by Loren Cordain.
The book The Cholesterol Myths by Uffe Ravnskov, MD, PhD, is a much expanded version
of his web site. See reviews at amazon.com.
Lights Out: Sleep, Sugar, and Survival recommends a very paleo-like diet, and they also
make a good argument for electric lighting as a major contributor to modern health
problems. It's written in a very magazinish, overblown style, but the reasoning is overall
sound.
Starch Madness: Paleolithic Nutrition for Today by Richard L. Heinrich. Has a foreword by
Barry Sears of Zone fame. For Publishers Weekly and author's review see Amazon.com.
Diet Prevents Polio by Dr Sandler is a web site on a 50 year old book where he argues that
low blood sugar, due to a high carb diet, makes one susceptible to polio, and other viruses
and disease. He did research showing that a meat based diet, very low carb, keeps blood
sugar stable.
Survival of the Fittest is a "Darwinian Diet and Exercise Program" by Del Thiessen
providing nutritional and activity strategies. Notes our "Stone-Age" relatives were free of
the most common diseases of civilization. No reviews yet at Amazon.com.
Nutrition and Evolution by Michael Crawford and David Marsh explains how diet may have
shaped evolution. Heavy reading. See reviews at Amazon.com. Now unfortunately
out-of-print
The Carnitine Miracle by Robert Crayhon, M.S. The nutrient carnitine is abundant in red
meat. According to Crayhon carnitine helps balance blood lipids and blood sugar levels,
maximizes energy levels, increases endurance, eliminates discomfort in ketosis, promotes
burning of fat and building of muscle and increases overall well-being. See reviews at
Amazon.com.
Dr. Weston Price's book Nutrition & Physical Degeneration. puts to rest a lot of myths about
diet, dental, physical, and emotional health, and presents the strongest case for a
super-nutritious Native (or Paleo) Diet. His book outlines the conditions/causes for
exceptional health. A classic that was first published in 1938.
Diana Schwarzbein is another M.D. that has come to realize that low carb is what works.
See reviews at The Schwarzbein Principle. The book is based on her work with
insulin-resistant patients with Type II diabetes. She concludes that low-fat diets cause heart
attacks, eating fat makes you lose body fat, and it's important to eat high-cholesterol foods
every day.
From September to December, 1997, Robert McFerran posted draft chapters of his book,
Arthritis - Searching for the Truth - Searching for the Cure, to the Ask Dr Stoll Bulletin
Board. Includes his view of human history and its relationship to dietary needs.
Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the
Diet Dictocrat by Mary G. Enig, Ph.D. and Sally Fallon. The premise is the culinary
traditions of our ancestors, and the food choices and preparation techniques of healthy
nonindustrialized peoples, should serve as the model for contemporary eating habits.
However, they push whole grains and dairy, which aren't Paleolithic.
Arthur De Vany Ph.D. is writing a book called Evolutionary Fitness on "What Evolution
Teaches Us About How to Live and Stay Healthy".
The Stone Age Diet was written by Walter L. Voegtlin back in 1975. It is out-of-print.
However we have put up his Functional and Structural Comparison of Man's Digestive
Tract with that of a Dog and Sheep.
The Cambridge World History of Food encapsulates much of what is known of food and
nutrition throughout the span of human life on earth. Selected chapters are online.
Excerpts from Dismantling a Myth: The Role of Fat and Carbohydrates in our Diet by
Wolfgang Lutz MD. Covers various digestive disorders. See newer English edition above.
Peter D'Adamo's serotype diet book Eat Right 4 Your Type is in sympathy with the paleo
diet approach, at least if you are Type O.
Online books on the Hunza people: The Wheel of Health by G.T. Wrench, M.D. High Road
to Hunza by Barbara Mons. The Healthy Hunzas by J.I. Rodale.
Ishmael is the website of Daniel Quinn, who has written several popular books. He believes
that humans are just one of the species on earth and shouldn't keep increasing their
agricultural food supply, which just leads to increased population at the expense of other
species.
Ian Tattersall has written Becoming Human: Evolution and Human Uniqueness. In Chapter
One at the beginning their is a discussion of the diet about 40 kyr ago.
Barry Sears, Ph.D., has a couple books on his Zone Diet. Somewhat paleo in its orientation.
Zone Home is one of the sites on the diet.
Charles Hunt has written Charles Hunt's Diet Evolution. It is not truly a paleo diet, but more
of a low-carb diet. It's subtitle is "Eat Fat and Get Fit". The author is PR oriented and
studied up on the web and then wrote the book. Now out-of-print.
We Want to Live is a book by Aajonus Vonderplanitz. His basic philosophy is that (a) food
is to be eaten in a live, raw condition; and (b) a diet rich in raw fats and raw meats from
natural sources is essential to health. From the Planets is a book review by Ralph W. Moss,
and at Amazon.com there are reader reviews. The Live-Food Mailing List discusses the
concepts of this book.
Man Eating Bugs: The Art and Science of Eating Insects by Peter Menzel, Faith D'Aluisio
gets laudatory reviews at amazon.com.
Food Vendors
3-Corner Field Farm, on the border of NY and Vermont, sells grass-fed lamb.
Alaskan Harvest sells only fresh ocean caught fish, as well as range fed reindeer and
muskox.
American Grass Fed Beef sells beef meat, jerky, sticks, and bacon from Missouri. (Their
bratwurst and summer sausage are not paleo.)
Arctic Wild Harvest Company in Canada has several unique foods harvested from their
arctic wilderness.
Arizona Nut House has a variety of Nutcrackers for sale.
BisonCentral.com has lots of info on bison, plus a long list of places selling bison.
Callie's Organics is a home and office delivery business with a variety of organic and
specialty produce, and other organic foods. Warehouse is in the Bronx.
Conservation Beef is a group of ranchers selling grass-fed meat from Montana.
Cranberry Lane has coconut oil, palm oil, and the hard to find red palm oil. Scroll down.
Crowfield Farm sells bison meat. No mail order. Delivery from Rochester east to Lyons.
D'Artagnan has organic game and poultry, and wild mushrooms. Expensive.
Diamond Organics ships certified organic greens, fruits, mushrooms and sprouts throughout
the US.
eatwild.com has a page on Why Grassfed is Best! Contains a comprehensive list of suppliers
of grassfed meat in all 50 states plus Canada. Also, the "New Research" section is a good
database of citations on the benefits of grassfarming. And a book is for sale.
Fallow Hollow Deer Farm sells online naturally raised, grass fed meat, poultry and eggs.
Falster Farm in San Antonio, TX raises miniature Hereford cows, and sells pasture raised
poultry and eggs. Poultry are raised to order.
Farm To Table connects you to New York State farmers. Put in your location and it tells you
where farmer's markets are.
Fox Fire Farms in Colorado sells natural lamb, a true free range product raised on pasture.
Frank's Organics delivers to parts of Australia. Included are fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs,
meat, and dried fruit and nuts.
Frieda's sells specialty produce and markets over 500 items including exotic fruit, specialty
vegetables, dried fruits and nuts, mushrooms, squash, and a wide variety of Asian and Latin
foods.
Game Sales International is a direct importer of wild game meats, game birds, and specialty
foods.
Garden Spots Distributors, in PA, has some organic dried fruit. Nuts don't appear to be
organic. Apparently they carry organic produce, poultry and beef, but none of these appear
at the web site.
GourmetStore.com specializes in gourmet items, especially unusual and hard-to-locate dried
items. See a variety of chile powders, and roasted chestnut and hazelnut flours.
Grassland Beef sells grass fed beef. Raised and shipped from Missouri.
GreatBeef.com is a network of independent family farmers and ranchers. Use the site to
locate producers in your area.
The Gunthorp Farm raises pigs that have been pastured. They are in Indiana.
Hay Creek Stock Farm sells beef, pork, and lamb. Located in Minnesota.
Heartland Farms in Pakenham, Ontario sells grass-fed beef and other grass-fed farm
products. Local sales only.
Hills Foods Ltd sells organic meats, game meats, and specialty poultry; including
guaranteed wild (no grains) animal such as wild Arctic Caribou, alligator and muskox. They
also have some non-meat wild associated specialty items.
Homestead Products has a page on Grain Mills. While they don't get into nuts, the Country
Living Mill is a burr grinder and suitable for them.
Hunt's Black Walnut Cracker is for those with a walnut tree is their back yard. This is a
serious device.
Jaffe Brothers in California features an extensive line of organically grown and untreated
dried fruits, nuts, dates, seeds, and other select products.
Jamaican Gold is a premium hand made coconut oil. See story of how it is made.
K.C's Game Meat Market in Coldwater, Ontario raises elk, buffalo and deer on grass and a
small amount of grain.
Lasater Grasslands Beef sells truly free range beef.
Living and Raw Foods Resources list many resources for organically grown food.
Living Tree Community sells Organic Raw Almond Butter, organic nuts, and organic dried
fruit. Also has recipes section.
Lucy's Kitchen Shop sells almond flour.
Maine Coast Sea Vegetables Inc. offer four organically certified varieties: alaria, dulse,
kelp, and laver.
MacFarlane Pheasant Farm sells pheasant and a whole line of game meats.
McRoberts Game Farm offers a variety of exotic meats, such as llamas, elk, yak and
yak-crosses, white buffalo, Pere David Deer, miniature donkeys, and bactrian camels.
McRoberts Gourmet Foods has Yak Jerky by mail order, in addition to other yak products.
Meadow Raised Meats is an association of farmers in NY State that ship beef, chicken,
pork, veal, lamb, goat, and venison.
Mt. Banahaw Tropical Herbs in the Philippines offers unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil.
Mount Royal USA bills themselves as "The Venison and Game Meat Connection." All
farms feature farm-raised game using controlled diets that are free of steroids, growth
hormones and antibiotics.
Mountain America Jerky sells fresh made-to-order gourmet game meat jerky. No
preservatives - No MSG - No growth promoters or steroids.
The Natural Food Hub is a directory of many food vendors. They have a hunter/gatherer
attitude towards food. See information on natural foods. Also a nice collection of edible
wild plant and animal links. A site to spend time at.
Nature's First Law Online Superstore has organic sun dried fruit. See sun-ripened, raw,
organic olives and mangoes.
New West Foods has buffalo, ostrich, and wild game. Formerly Denver Buffalo Company.
Whether bison is grass or grain fed is not known.
North Hollow Farm in Vermont sells naturally grown beef and pork. Some corn is fed to
them.
Northstar Bison in Wisconsin sells totally grassfed "buffalo." Can order on the web for next
Monday shipping.
Nuts4U sells coconut flour, and other nut flours.
Omega Nutrition sells coconut butter and some nut oils.
Organic Kitchen, the organic foods resource for the web, maintains a long list of organic
food vendors.
Organics Direct in London UK has an extensive organic delivery service offering fruit and
vegetables.
Outlands Natural New Zealand Meat Products. Beef comes from cattle raised from birth to
bite, outside on ranches with evergreen pastures. Can be bought in Whole Foods stores.
Overseas Game Meat Export is an outfit in Australia that supplies Australian game meat
from the Outback to health food stores.
Peaceful Pastures sells by mail all the common farm meats. Site does not say that the diets
are not supplemented by some grain. E-mail asking this question was not answered.
Pinyon Pinenuts are collected in the wild by George & Penny Frazier. Site also has some
pinenut information.
Polarica, with a retail store in San Francisco, sells exotic meats and other gourmet foods.
Promofood International sells rendered goose fat and some other oils.
Coconut oil and palm oil are good for frying and are considered Paleolithic. Palm oil is best
for deep fat frying. Rainbow Meadow sells them on the web.
Really Raw Honey is totally unprocessed so it still contains pollen, propolis, honeycomb
and live enzymes.
Rehoboth Ranch in Texas sells grass fed beef and lamb over the web.
Rougie Rendered Goose Fat is tasty and recommended for cooking, as olive oil breaks down
at a relatively low temperature.
Sandhills Red Angus raises grass fed beef in Nebraska. While they sell cuts, they focus on
selling whole, half, quarter, and eighths of a beef.
Seattle's Finest Exotic Meats has all natural farm raised exotic meats from around the world.
Smoky Hill Bison Co. in Kansas sells many different cuts and boxes of bison meat. Grass
fed.
Southern Game Meat sells a brand of kangaroo meat internationally.
Special Foods! has lots of unusual flours. Some are paleo! Check out: malanga, yam, lotus,
water chestnut, and artichoke.
Starr Organic in Florida sells mail order citrus, mangoes, avocados, bananas, limes, and
lemons. Prices at site may not be current.
SunOrganic Farm has dried fruit, nuts, nut butters, and other foods.
Texas Bison Company sells grassfed bison meat.
Texas GrassFed Beef Company is a marketing alliance for cattlemen who raise beef on
grass. They sell beef by the cut in addition to bulk purchases. They also have lamb, goat,
pork and poultry. All products come from critters eating grass or legumes and some browse.
NO GRAIN!
The Little Canadian Meat Company sells beef raised without growth hormone implants,
digestive stimulants or antibiotics. Animals are grassfed and forage on certified organic
pastures. Available on the Ontario area.
Three Fork Creek Ostrich Ranch sells meat over the web.
Urban Organic delivers organic produce to the NY Metropolitan area.
The Valley Livestock Marketing Cooperative supplies grass fed beef, pork, lamb, veal and
chickens from Hudson Valley farmers. They will ship by mail, or you can pick it up.
VERMONTBEEF.COM sells pure Vermont pasture finished beef.
Paleolithic eaters avoid grains, but they do eat nuts and seeds. These can be ground into
flour for baking. Research finds that there are three types of grinders, but only one suitable
for oily foods, the burr grinder. Walton Feed has a good description of the types at Which
Grinder is Best For You?
Waterfall Hollow Farm sells pasture-finished beef raised on certified-organic pasture. Now
also selling pasture-raised chicken.
White Egret Farm is a family farm in Texas raising drug, and pesticide free goats, beef,
pork, turkeys, chicken, and guinea fowl. Ships direct to consumers.
Whole Foods Market carries pasture fed meats, and many other organic foods. Web ordering
and stores around the US under different names.
Y.S. Organic Bee Farms has totally pure, unprocessed, unfiltered, raw bee products.
Dehydrators
The Dry Store has the American Harvest GardenMaster Dehydrator. This is one of the two
leading choice for serious dehydrating. Can run with 30 trays.
The Excalibur Dehydrator Website includes a pitch for dehydrating foods and showcases
their dehydrators with square trays that slide in like a drawer, and not stacked like the round
ones. This is the other leading choice.
Excalibur Dehydrator has quite a bit of information on dehydrating, including its history,
along with a sales pitch to buy their high-end dehydrators.
Living Foods sells the Excalibur line. See View all Dehydrators.
The L'EQUIP Model 528 Food Dehydrator is a rectangular model that can have up to 20
trays. Has computer-controlled dehydrator sensor.
Has Dehydrators made from the finest birch plywood. Plus they have a book for sale.
The Harvest Saver is a compact, small volume drying system. They also have A Basic Look
at Dehydration which covers the technical aspects of dehydration from a commercial
point-of-view.
Food Science
Wild Side of the Menu is a three part site on wild game: Care and Cookery and Field to
Freezer and Preservation of Game Meats.
The National Food Safety Database lost its funding and it seems that only pieces now
remain. The Food and Nutrition Publications page has a couple of links to Fruit Freezing
and Home Drying in the General section. The wild game info is gone.
Drying and Curing Food points to articles from the Michigan State University Extension,
the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, and other sources.
USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference can be searched for all common foods.
The California Rare Fruit Growers has information on hundreds of different fruits.
Mailing Lists/Archives/Forums
The PaleoDIET mailing list is a RESEARCH oriented list. To get a subscription

questionnaire send a message to [email protected] with SUB PALEODIET
yourfirstname yourlastname in the body. Actual subscriptions are processed by the list
owner. Searchable archives of the mailing list are available.
The PaleoFOOD mailing list is a SUPPORT list for people trying to follow a Paleolithic diet
in today's age. The FAQ for the list is NeanderThin. See first link in the Book section. To
subscribe send SUB PALEOFOOD yourfirstname yourlastname in a message body to
[email protected]. Searchable archives of the mailing list are available. Also
see Other Archives.
The PaleoRECIPE mailing list is a RECIPE list is a companion list to the PaleoFOOD list.
To subscribe send SUB PALEORECIPE yourfirstname yourlastname in a message body to
[email protected]. Searchable archives of the mailing list are available.
CaveManFood is a Yahoo group on how to eat like our CaveMan ancestors. Light activity.
There is now a newsgroup called alt.support.diet.paleolithic that is independent of the

mailing lists. It is not very active.
A mailing list now exists on Evolutionary Fitness. To subscribe send SUB
EVOLUTIONARY-FITNESS yourfirstname yourlastname in a message body to
[email protected]. Searchable archives of the mailing list.
PADIET-L is an e-mail based discussion forum for topics relating to the origins and
evolution of human diet. Little activity. See list archives.
AV-Skeptics - Aajonus Vonderplanitz Skeptics provides a democratic forum for people to

deflate the exaggerated promises, fraudulent claims, junk science, invented evidence, and
humorous exploits of raw meat gadfly Aajonus Vonderplanitz.
Live-Food Mailing List for persons interested in learning about and experimenting with the
use of raw animal foods, and specifically, in the work Aajonus Vonderplanitz. It is
recommended that members of the list be familiar with Aajonus Vonderplanitz and his
book, "We Want to Live."
EatBugs is a Yahoo group on insect appreciation and eating them for lunch! Very light
activity.
Also see: GFlinks and GFmall and GFrecipes and PaleoFood and Foraging and
NoMilk
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"Why practice the skills of ancient man? Each time we breathe in the smoke of a fire created by rubbing
one stick against another, we breathe in the air of the dawn of all time. Each time we crack two stones
together, we rejoin the brotherhood of man and a past that unites us all. Learning is ever on the
increase, yet all we learn swirls together as it joins into and affects time forever. What we do with that
which we have learned can bless or curse future generations. Everything our hands do imprints upon
time forever. There are those in the past who knew this...perhaps, it is time we took the hand of time
gone by to learn what we have forgotten."
---Benjamin Pressley
Welcome to the Windsong Primitives website! If you're interested in primitive, survival or

wilderness living skills this is the place to be! Check here frequently for articles on skills, stories from
ancient cultures, links to other great resources and much more. Also, for what has been updated
recently, visit our What's New at WINDSONG PRIMITIVES web page. There is information below on
who I am, some of the magazines I write for and how to get in touch with me to inquire about classes
I teach, resources I have available and more. A link to my catalog of books is below. Click hereto
acquire information on how to acquire my complete, illustrated catalog of books, primitive hunting
weaponry and primitive items. You can also learn how to receive our text-only version of our catalog
via e-mail. If you have a suggestion or comment about this website or a question about any subject
relating to primitive, survival or wilderness living skills feel free to E-Mail me. Have fun visiting and
I hope I can be of service to you or your group.
----Benjamin Pressley
---WHAT'S ON THIS WEBSITE--What's New On This Web Site

WINDSONG PRIMITIVES WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Articles On Primitive, Survival and Wilderness Living Skills
Check here frequently for new articles!
Now Featuring:
Primitive Hunting Weaponry: Survival Weapons of Today
By Benjamin Pressley
Part 1: Blowguns
Blowguns were used by Native Americans and many primitive cultures and still are effective for hunting today!
Part 2: Throwing Sticks or Rabbit Sticks
Throwing sticks and boomerangs were used in every culture for hunting. This article tells you about the throwing
stick and its many uses.
Primitive Lighting Methods

Primitive and survival methods for making stone oil lamps, torches and more!
About Benjamin Pressley and WINDSONG PRIMITIVES
Books By Benjamin Pressley

Skill Presentations, Classes and Programs Available
The Ultimate Team Building Experience
What People Are Saying About WINDSONG PRIMITIVES' Classes,
Programs, Products and Books
How To Contact Us
Great Links
Original Stories, Thoughts and Poems By Benjamin Pressley
ABOUT BENJAMIN PRESSLEY AND WINDSONG PRIMITIVES:

Benjamin Pressley practices and teaches the skills of the past;
primitive, survival and wilderness living skills practiced for
generations by Native Americans and aboriginal peoples all over
the world.
"If you go back into anyone's past far enough, no matter where
your ancestry lies, your ancestors practiced these skills. So, in a
sense, it is the past that unites us all.
"These skills are of interest and use to many people for many
different reasons. Some are interested in how ancient peoples lived from day to day. Outdoors
enthusiasts are interested because these skills are also skills that would apply if thrust into a survival
situation with loss of modern gear. All find that learning and practicing these skills give them an
appreciation and enhances their enjoyment for what nature and the outdoors has to offer." (Benjamin
Pressley)
Benjamin Pressley has taught all ages in classes he now teaches through his school, WINDSONG
PRIMITIVES. Formerly he taught many classes through the organization he and a friend (Robert
Likas) founded, called TRIBE. TRIBE was a great success with a staff of people like Kim (his wife),
Robert Likas and Mike & Susan Jaiy Geno (Now of Ancient Whispers). TRIBE was a successful
network, school and a resource that brought together people practicing primitive skills all over the
U.S., with membership in Guam, Canada and New Guinea. TRIBE published a quarterly newsletter
that contained articles, news, events, resources and information for anyone interested in the skills of
the past. Benjamin Pressley was the Editor and Director. TRIBE has since had to disband. He has
taught and continues to teach at schools, civic organizations, Scouts,
Y-Indian Guides, Royal Rangers, YMCA, museums and historical
sites. He has written and self published 13 books on various primitive,
survival and wilderness living skills. He is also a writer for magazines,
such as: Backwoodsman, Wilderness Way and American Survival
Guide. Benjamin has been Staff Editor for Backwoodsman magazine
and the Southeastern U.S. Field Editor for Wilderness Way magazine.
He has played roles in instructional video curriculum and educational
television movies depicting life in our country between 1750-1790.
Back To What's On This Website /// Back To Top
WHAT WINDSONG PRIMITIVES HAS TO OFFER:

Benjamin Pressley is able to bring years of experience to your school, club, civic organization or
group. He is also available for personal instruction. Benjamin is able to offer demonstrations,
lectures, hands-on instructional classes and workshops of any length, whatever you have in mind. He
is able to offer instruction and presentation of primitive, wilderness living, survival, early American
(Historic, i.e. After Columbus), Native American (Historic and Prehistoric) and aboriginal skills and
crafts. Below you will find a list of some of the many things he is able to offer. He will be glad to work
with you to plan a program to suit your special needs. WINDSONG PRIMITIVES can connect you
with just about any program of instruction or presentation you have in mind. At this website you will
also find endorsements, a biography and information about Benjamin Pressley and WINDSONG
PRIMITIVES. Other references are available on request. Feel free to give us a call with any
questions you may have. Complete Media Package available on request that includes, endorsements,
references, fee schedule, as well as programs and classes available. Feel free to discuss any special
needs you may have in the area of skills presentation or financially.
CATALOG INFORMATION: Order WINDSONG PRIMITIVES' complete

catalog of books, primitive hunting weaponry and primitive items! To get your
WINDSONG PRIMITIVES' catalog, send $3.00 (Refunded as a credit on first order). International
please add $4.00, Canada please add $2.00. U.S. funds only. See Contact Information for address to mail
to.
Also available: WINDSONG PRIMITIVES' VIRTUAL CATALOG. A complete, text-only version of
WINDSONG PRIMITIVES' catalog mentioned above. This catalog is free of charge. Just type:
WINDSONG PRIMITIVES' VIRTUAL CATALOG in the subject of your e-mail and it will be e-mailed
to you in a reply as an attachment (239K). Also feel free to drop us a note in the message section of your
e-mail, if you wish. To request your virtual catalog now, just click here to e-mail us.
Aborigine: The earliest inhabitants of a continent or region.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
If you have a question regarding primitive, survival or wilderness living skills or wish to contact
Benjamin Pressley to order books or to do a class, program or presentation, you may write him at
WINDSONG PRIMITIVES at: 1403 Killian Rd., Stanley, NC 28164, USA. Make all checks, etc.
payable to Benjamin Pressley.
--or--
E-Mail Benjamin Pressley
Are You Tired Of People Making A Monkey Out Of You? Check Out These Web
Sites:
Scientific Papers on Many Subjects Regarding Early Earth and Early Humankind/////Origins of
Humankind/////Evolution?/////Archaeology/////Creation, Young Earth? Scientific?
SINCE OCTOBER 10, 1997...

This Web Site Created By Benjamin Pressley. For Your Web Site Design Needs Just Click Below
Lollipops! By Homespun Spindles
What would you like to

see?
Homepage
Lollipops!:
See the Lollies
Find a Lollie dealer
What makes a Lollie?
Registered Lollies
Worldwide
Dealer Inquiries
Welcome!
Educational:
Drop Spin Instructions
Dyeing
School Demos
Ask Stefie
Homespun
Spindles:
Lollipops are highly decorated, hand-painted, top-whorl handspindles and matching threading/sley
hooks. All Lollipops are handmade with hardwood. Lollipops come in several luscious "flavors".
(If you are confused at this point, and don't know what handspindles or drop spindles are, click here to
learn more about them.)
What started all this?

What's New?
Web Stuff:
E-mail us!
Favorite Links
Visit the Cyber Fiber
Mall
See our Awards
Looking for a retired Lollie? I'm in the process of updating the list.
Welcome to Homespun Spindles' web site. We take spinning seriously! Come on in, browse around and
make yourself at home. Along with our spinning tools, we aim to provide our readers with a good
spinning resource on the web. We've made a start of it by including some educational material here,
along with links to other web sites on fiberous topics. If you have any suggestions for things you'd like
to see on this site, please drop us an e-mail and we'll be happy to do all that we can. If you have a
favorite spinning site that you would like us to link, we'd love to - just let us know! If you have a request
for a spindle design, tell us! We love to hear from you! We hope you like our Lollipops and the
instructional materials that we've gathered together.
Thank you!
We'd love to hear from you!

http://www.handspinning.com/lollipops/ (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 2:52:26 PM]
Lollipops! By Homespun Spindles
Please Note - Several people have signed the guest book and asked questions - if I haven't gotten back to
you it's because there were problems with e-mail addresses. Please send me an e-mail using the e-mail
button below - I'm happy to answer your questions!
Please sign our guest book.
View our guest book
Visit the Cyber Fiber Mall

- a collection of fiber-related web sites.
In this site:
Lollipops:
[See the Lollies | Lollie Dealers | What makes a Lollie? |
[Registered Lollies | Dealer Inquiries Welcome!]
Educational:
[Drop Spin Instructions | Dyeing | School Demos | Ask Stefie]
Homespun Spindles:
[What started all this? | What's New?]
Other:
[E-mail us! | Favorite Links | Awards]
http://www.handspinning.com/lollipops/ (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 2:52:26 PM]
Herbal Medicine Internet Resources

Holistic Medicine Resource Center
(Updated: November 21, 2001)
Go to Herbal Medicine Discussion Groups. Go to Herbal Medicine Herb Databases
Back to Link Index. Back to Home Page. Go to Browse All Links.
Herbal Medicine Books from Amazon.Com
Scroll Down To:

Extensive Info / Organizations / Practitioner Databases / Web Forums / General Web Pages / Education /
Publications / Discussion Groups
Herbal Medicine WWW Links

Extensive Information & Meta-Directories
Chinese Herbal Information for Consumers, Students, & Practitioners at Acupuncture.Com
Chinese Herbal Sciences & Health Education Directory (Lots of useful articles & checklists)
Culinary Herb FAQ
East West Acupuncture & Herbology (Articles, Links, Forums, Courses) (Michael Tierra's
Web Page)
Health World Online Herbal Medicine Center
Herb News (from the Herb Research Foundation)
Herbal Hall (Rebuilding to its former excellence ... or at least it was rebuilding!)
Herbal Bookworm (Excellent Herbal Bookworm Reviews, What Is Herbal Medicine, etc.)
HerbNet Meta-Directory (Herb Vendors, Resources, Newsletter, Encyclopedia)
Herbwalk Herbal Community
Howie Brounstein's Herbal Treats (Articles & Links)
Henriette's Herbal Homepage (Articles, Classic Herb Works, Medicinal & Culinary Herb
FAQs & Links)
MedHerb.Com (Links and Resources on Herbal Medicine)
Medicinal Herb FAQ (good info and resources)
http://www.holisticmed.com/www/herbalism.html (1 of 12) [5/10/2004 2:52:32 PM]
"Modern Herbal" by M. Grieve Searchable Text
Southwest School of Botanical Medicine (Materia Medica, Manuals, FAQs, Images)
Susun Weed's Home Page - Articles, Workshops, Apprenticeships, etc.
Traditional Chinese & Western Herbal Medicine Links to Formula & Interactions Databases
Herbal Medicine Database Links @ HolisticMed.Com
Herbal Safety Issues Web Pages (Special Section)
Debunking the Debunkers (Short, but good article.)
Herbal Medicine and Hysterical Phytophobia
Institute of Traditional Medicine Herb Safety Articles (Detailed articles)
Safety of Herbs/Vitamins/Minerals (Dietary Supplements) -- Good Article!
Web Links to Additional Sites Related to Herb Safety
National/International Organzations
U.S.: American Botanical Council
U.S.: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia
U.S.: American Herbal Products Association
U.S.: American Herbalist's Guild
U.S.: American Society of Pharmacognosy
U.S.: Association of Native American Health Professsionals and Traditional Healers
U.S.: Herb Research Foundation
U.S.: Herb Society of America
U.S.: Institute for Traditional Medicine
U.S.: United Plant Savers (Protecting Medicinal Plants in the U.S. & Canada)
Worldwide: Herb Network
Worldwide: International Association for the Study of Traditional Asian Medicine
Worldwide: International Register of Consultant Herbalists and Homeopaths
Worldwide: Veterinary Botanical Medical Association
Australian Herb Society
Australian National Herbalists Association
Austrian Society for Phytotherapy
Canada: Ontario Herbalists Association
Canadian Herb Society
European Herbal Practitioners Association
European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy
German Society for Phytotherapy
Netherlands Association for Phytotherapy
Swiss Medical Society for Phytotherapy
United Kingdom Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine
United Kingdom College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy
United Kingdom: Herb Society of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom National Institute of Medical Herbalists
United Kingdom Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine
Practitioner Databases
U.S.: American Herbalists Guild Referral Search
U.S.: Herbalist Graduate Referral Page on HolisticMed.com
U.S.: Institute for Traditional Medicine: Chinese Medicine Practitioners (3+ years
experience)
Worldwide: Ayurvedic Medicine Practitioner Resources @ HolisticMed.Com
Worldwide: Chinese Herbal Academy Herbal Medicine Practitioner Directory
Worldwide: Health World - Find a Herbalist - Scroll Down & Click on "Herbalist" (U.S.,
Canada, U.K., Australia)
Worldwide: Oriental / Chinese / Tibetan Medicine Practitioner Resources @

HolisticMed.Com
Worldwide: Veterinary Botanical Medical Association Directory of Practitioners (Mostly

U.S.)
Australian National Herbalists Association Members List
Canada -- Ontario Herbalists Association Professional Members
Irish Herbalist Directory
Irish Herbal Practitioners Association Listing (Scroll down)
Swiss Medical Society for Phytotherapy Practitioners
United Kingdom National Institute of Medical Herbalists (Click on Find your nearest
Herbalist button)
United Kingdom College of Practitioners of Phytotherapists Member List
Web-Based Discussion Forums
American Herbalists Guild Forum
Medical Herbs Forum
PlanetHerbs Forum
Botanical.Com Message Board
General Interest Pages
Algy's Herb Page: Links, Greenhouse, Kitchen
Christopher Hobbs -- The Virtual Herbal
Japanese Herbal Medicine (Kampo) Web Page (FAQ, Theory, Cases)
Kombucha FAQ
Kombucha Center (Articles)
Kombucha Journal (Gunther W. Frank) (Articles, Links, Available in 28 Languages, etc.)
Kombucha Links & Internet Resources Site
Michael Moore's Preferred Herb Buyers Resource List
Padma AG -- Tibetan Medicine Herbal Preparations
Education & Training
U.S.: American Herbalist Guild Educational Guidelines
U.S.: Howie Brounstein's Classes & Apprenticeships
U.S. & Canada: Natural Healers: Comprehensive Educational Resources for Natural
Healing Arts.
U.S.: Rocky Mountain Herbal Institute (Lots of useful articles & checklists)
U.S.: Southwest School of Botanical Medicine - Michael Moore
U.S.: Susun Weed's Home Page - Articles, Workshops, Apprenticeships, etc.
U.S.: Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association Training Schools
Worldwide: Ayurvedic Medicine Educational Resources @ HolisticMed.Com
Worldwide: HerbNet Directory of Schools (U.S. and International)
Worldwide: Oriental / Chinese / Tibetan Medicine Educational Resources @

HolisticMed.Com
Australia & New Zealand School with Accredited Herbal Medicine Courses
Canada: Ontario Herbalists Association List of Canadian Schools that Teach Herbalism
Courses
European Herbal Practitioners Association Training Standards (includes Chinese,

Ayurvedic, Western)
United Kingdom National Institute of Medical Herbalists School (click on Training

Courses)
United Kingdom: Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine Affiliated Schools
Publications
Amruth: The Magazine on Medicinal Plants (India - Ayurvedic Medicine, Plant

Conservation)
Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism
British Journal of Phytotherapy
Canadian Journal of Herbalism
European Journal of Herbal Medicine
Fytotherapie (Journal of the Netherlands Association for Phytotherapy)
Herb, Spice, and Medicinal Plant Digest
Herb Network Newsletter
Herb Quarterly
HerbalClip (Reviews of research, regulation, marketing)
Herbal Collective
HerbalGram Magazine
Herb Companion
HerbNet Magazine online
Herbs: Journal of the Herb Society of the United Kingdom
Herbs at Home Magazine (official magazine of the Canadian Herb Society)
Herbs for Health
Journal of Natural Products (from the American Society of Pharmacognosy)
Journal of the American Herbalists Guild
Medical Herbalism: A Clinical Newsletter for the Herbal Practitioner
Robyn's Recommended Reading: Quartly Review of Literature Relating to Herbalism and

Phytotherapy
Zeitschrift fur Phytotherapie (Journal of the German Society for Phytotherapy)
Back to top of Herbalism Page. Back to WWW Link Index. Back to Home Page.
Herbal Medicine Discussion Groups

(Browse through all groups and join the groups that suit you!)
aboutherbs
Description
An interactive mailing list, talk about herbs, cooking with herbs,herbal crafts, medicinal
uses of herbs, recent studies on herbs,gardening tips, feel free to share and ask questions.
Exchage information on how to keep the planet clean and green, this is a friendly peaceful
list. We also discuss spiritual issues and connecting with nature issues also.
Subscription Instructions
To subscribe, go to the About Herbs discussion group web page (
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aboutherbs) and click on "Join This Group."
Additional Information
Bach Flower Remedies

Description
Bach Flower Remedies (aka Bach Flower Essences) are 38 flower and plant based remedies
that treat negative emotions.
To subscribe, go to the Bach Flower Remedies discussion group web page (
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/talkbach) and click on "Join This Group."
CherokeeHealth
Description
The focus of this place is to help the whole person through prayer, suggested herbal
remedies, and preventative care.
To subscribe, go to the Cherokee Health discussion group web page (
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CherokeeHealth) and click on "Join This Group."
ChineseHerbalAcademy
Description
A discussion group for licensed professionals and matriculated students in the field of
Chinese herbal medicine, as well as postgraduates from related disciplines, such as
pharmacology or Chinese philosophy.
To subscribe, go to the Chinese Herbal Academy discussion group web page (
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/chineseherbacademy/) and click on "Join This Group."
Culinary Herbalist
Description
This is the list for the gardening and use of culinary herbs
To subscribe, send email to [email protected] with the following in the body of
the message:
subscribe
None
HERB
Description
A mailing list for the general public and practitioners to discuss all aspects of Medicinal
Herbalism. Active list. Unmoderated.
To subscribe, fill out the subscription form at the following web page address:
http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/herb
None.
Herbal Remedies
Description
This List is for those who are interested in HEALING using "Nutrition", "Herbal
Remedies", & "All Natural" methods including Laughter. It is a forum whereby people with
any kind of physical problem can get their questions answered, and thereby take full
responsiblility for their own health using Naturopathic methods.
To subscribe, go to the Herbal Remedies discussion group web page (
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Herbal_Remedies) and click on "Join This Group."
Herb Students
Description
A list will attempt to assist students of traditonal Chinese herbal medicine in the studying
and understanding of this very large topic.
To subscribe, go to the Acupunture Guild discussion group web page (
http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/herb-students) and fill out the subscription form.
herbal-discussion
Description
This list is for the discussion and or just information of natural remedies, recipes using herbs
for health and just for pleasure.
To subscribe, go to the herbal-discussion discussion group web page (
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/a-herbal-discussion) and click on "Join This Group."
herbal-healing
Description
This list is for discussion of any form of herbal healing. How you use herbs and the healing
properties of the herbs.
To subscribe, go to the herbal-healing discussion group web page (
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/1herbal-healing) and click on "Join This Group."
herb-witches
Description
This list is intended to be a forum to discuss herbs and their magickal and medicinal
qualities and uses. Especially how they relate and intertwine. Discussion of any other
properties of herbs is also welcome.
To subscribe, go to the herb-witches discussion group web page (
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/herb-witches) and click on "Join This Group."
herb_kitchen
Description
A list for all lovers of herbs. We exchange recipes for cooking with herbs, and all kinds of
things you can do with herbs, including house, bath, beauty, health, decoration, oils,
vinegars, potporri, soaps, gifts, and tips on buying, preserving and growing herbs.
To subscribe, go to the Herb Kitchen discussion group web page (
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/herb_kitchen) and click on "Join This Group."
Homemade Medicinal Herbs

Description
Sharing information/ideas, etc. about herbs, natural health, well being, and anything you feel
is related to making our world a better place.
To subscribe, go to the Homemade Medicinal Herbs discussion group web page (
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homemade_Medicinal_Herbs) and click on "Join This
Group."
Kombucha Mailing List

Description
A mailing list for the general public to discuss the Kombucha medicinal "mushroom"
To subscribe, send email to [email protected] with the following in the
BODY of the message:
subscribe
Kombucha Mailing List Web Page.
Medicinal Herbs
Description
This list is for the discussion of medicinal herbs.
To subscribe, go to the Philippine Herbs discussion group web page (
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/medicinal-herbs/) and click on "Join This Group."
philippineherbs
Description
The purpose of this group is to discuss everything related to Philippine herbs. Many
indigenous herbs here in the Philippines are now becoming mainstream in herbal health,
such as papaya, banaba, lagundi, etc. Many herbs are also popular ingredients in natural
soaps and other personal care products.
To subscribe, go to the Philippine Herbs discussion group web page (
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/philippineherbs) and click on "Join This Group."
Phytopharmacognosy
Description
A mailing list restricted to healthcare practitioner, academics, and industrialists with
expertise in medicinal plants.
To subscribe, send email to [email protected] with the following in the body of the
message:
Join Phytopharmacognosy [your_name]
where "[your_name]" is your first and last name.
Archives and further information can be found on the Phytopharmacognosy Web Page.
UK Herbalist
Description
Discussion group is only for professional practitioners of Herbal Medicine in Europe.
To subscribe, send your resume to: [email protected].
Wise Woman Herbal

Description
Wise Woman Ways are those used by grandmothers and farmers wives, by Native American
women and desert midwives. They are the natural ways... the feminine ways of healing. The
list owner is a fourth generation Wise Woman who also specializes in herbal pregnancy
care.
To subscribe, go to the Wise Woman Herbal discussion group web page (
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WiseWomanHerbal) and click on "Join This Group."
Back to top of Herbalism Page. Back to Discussion Groups Index. Back to Home Page.
Yahoo! Groups : ForageAhead

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mikelob2003
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Account]
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ForageAhead Forage Ahead
Group Info
Members: 368
Category: Plants Founded: May 21, 2001
Members Only Description
Messages
Language: English
Forage Ahead e-mail group will discuss wild edible plants, animals,
Files
mushrooms; including identification, recipes, folklore,
Group Settings
Photos
wilderness living, wilderness survival etc..
Listed in directory
Links
Topics will include wild edible berries, nuts, roots, greens, flowers,
Restricted
Database
mushrooms,
insects,
marine
invertebrates,
and
any
other
animals
not
usually
membership
Polls
hunted
or
marketed.
Information
about
books
programs
and
classes
concerning
Posts from new
Members
wild edibles, including field guides, will be appreciated. Ideas on sperading the
members require
Calendar
word or marketing this information are helpfull.
approval
Promote
All members may
post
Most Recent Messages
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only
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Subscribe:
[email protected]
Unsubscribe: [email protected]
List owner: [email protected]
Yahoo! Sponsored Links
Seedland.com - Forage Seed Specialists: Information and sales of all types of
forage seeds for planting in the US.
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Forage on eBay: Find forage items at low prices. With over 5 million items for sale
every day, you'll find all kinds of unique things on ebay - the world's online
marketplace.
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http://groups.yahoo.com/group/forageahead/ [5/10/2004 2:52:34 PM]
A Journey to Health & My Auctions and Family!
The ads above are not put there by me, but by the service I use to make my web pages. Please page down a bit to see
similar items I have to offer...thanks!!
A Journey to Health
& My Auctions and Family!
Welcome to my home, health & auction pages! You will find helpful health information, articles,
discussion board, my auctions and personal family pages. After a long winter, trees and green are a
welcome sight, even if it is only on my home page until Spring leads to the full bloom of summer!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Claudia L. Meydrech, CN
Certified Nutritionist
Phone: 973-906-2948
Click Here to Send an Email
AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Messenger or Window's Messenger
Same Username for all above: ClaudiaLM
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View a Card ... Send a Card
http://members.tripod.com/~nutritionist/ (1 of 5) [5/10/2004 2:54:50 PM]
*CLICK HERE FOR MY NUTRITION & HERBS MESSAGE BOARD*

GALLBLADDER FLUSH or LIVER CLEANSE (High traffic page!)
DETOXIFICATION ~ CLEANSING FROM THE INSIDE
FASTING
ARE YOUR HERB OR VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS SAFE?
CLICK HERE to sign up for my occasional "HERBULLETIN" Newsletter.

Settings also allow for discussion, so feel free post your
health related questions, or reply to those sent by others.
I have been using herbs medicinally for about 17 years now. My favorite and almost-only source for
herbal products is Natures Sunshine Products. You can become a Member (No strings
attached...Promise!!) with a purchase of $40 at wholesale cost price, and then all future orders will
be at wholesale cost. Should this interest you, just click here to visit my personal Nature's Sunshine's
web site and explore a bit with no obligation to purchase. You will find key products broken down
into categories, or you may just click on the following to go directly to products for SEASONAL
ALLERGIES (Respiratory System), WEIGHT MANAGEMENT products like FAT GRABBERS or
CARBO GRABBERS, BOWEL HEALTH products like BOWEL DETOX, CIRCULATORY &
HEART HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS, COLD SEASON PRODUCTS, DAILY ENERGY AND
VITALITY SUPPLEMENTS, MEN'S HEALTH, WOMEN'S HEALTH, and much more so click
here for a visit!
Questions? Use the form at the bottom of this web page to send me an email, or click here.
FREE HEALTH ANALYSIS
NUTRITION & HERB LINKS:
OUR FAMILY'S JOURNEY TO HEALTH
USING HERBS ~ Questions & Answers
WEEDS n' SEEDS SWAP ~ Herb Gardener's Exchange

DISCLAIMER & FTC HEALTH CLAIM GUIDELINES
SUGGESTED READING - Click on the book to go to description, and use "back" feature on your
browser to return here:
Other Barnes & Noble Selections:

B&N Best Sellers
B&N Bargain Books
B&N Music Store
B&N DVD/Video Store
MY AUCTION "STUFF"
Still haven't joined the eBay Community? You're really missing a treat! Click on one of the links
below and see what it's all about!
~*~*~
PLEASE VISIT MY
EBAY AUCTIONS
*~*~* NEWS AND WEATHER *~*~*

Click on ticker if you see headline that interests you,
then use back feature on browser to return here:
Today at Heartlight...
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MY FAMILY
2003 picture of the family,

sorry we're a bit blurred :-)
*** FAMILY PICTURES!! ***
Our Son, the Artist (Mark)
Our Daughter, Heather
Our Yorkie Puppy/Dog Pictures (#1 most visited page!)
Come back and see the rest of the family soon!
OTHER MISCELLANEOUS LINKS:
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MANY LINKS - Herbs, Nutrition, Support, Environmental, Gardening
Reciprocal Links - Visit my Friends' Sites
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Reset form
Sometimes out of context, the verse

in the box below doesn't make a lot of sense.
Click on the NIV link in lower right for what I
hope will be a clearer explanation!
Today's Verse
Website Last Updated 4/26/04

Thanks for visiting!
Site created and maintained by

Claudia L. Meydrech, CN
Certified Nutritionist
1998-2003
~*~*
CreditReports.com
http://www.redsagetech.com/ [5/10/2004 2:54:52 PM]
Healthy Herbs
You are here: About>Health & Fitness>Healthy Herbs

Enter keyword(s)
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Healthy Herbs
From Juli Kight,

Your Guide to Healthy
Herbs.
Summers Top Ten
These are my picks for ten herbs
you should have available for
summer activities and travel.
Friday May 07, 2004 #
Spring Tonic Herbs
Spring is the perfect time to
renew your system with tonic
herbs!
Tonic Herbs - What do they do?
Chickweed - This abundant and
pesky little weed can be added to
your salads and used topically
for many skin conditions.
Healthy Salads - Add healing
greens to your plain lettuce
salads for added benefits.
Spring Cleansing - Gently renew
your body with these gentle
system cleansers.
Psyllium And Cleansing Herbs
Wednesday April 28, 2004 #
Recipes
Here are two new recipes for
you to add to your recipe boxes.
Flax / Peanut Butter Cookies
Super Sea Glow For Skin
Related:
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Healing Spaces With Herbs

Start creating your healing
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Thursday April 08, 2004 #
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Tuesday April 06, 2004 #
Hayfever
As spring rolls in and
temperatures rise, so do the
pollin counts! This guide will
help you select herbs and offer
suggestions to help reduce the
symptoms of this seasonal
attack.
Friday April 02, 2004 #
Selecting Herbs For Itchy Skin
The best way to relieve itchy
skin it by taking a multi-faceted
approach involving long and
short term remedies. This guide
helps you select the herbs you
need by category.
Wednesday March 31, 2004 #
Alteratives And Adaptogens
I used to get these two terms and
their uses mixed up. They are
herbs with common end goals
and can be used together for
obtaining good health.
Alterative
Adaptogen
Monday March 29, 2004 #
Phytochemicals Against
Cancer
Phytochemicals which are
readily available and easy to
consume are showing to be
preventatives against some
cancers.
Lycopene - Updated with a new
source found.
Polysaccharides
Sunday March 21, 2004 #
Maitake Mushroom
Maitake may be a mushroom for
you if you are worried about
cancer, cholesterol, blood
pressure and diabetes.
Saturday March 20, 2004 #
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Mears Candida Fighters
Mears' Candida Fighters

Anne Mears
Candida is a common yeast that can grow out of
2536 W. Birch St.
under certain conditions. It can cause digestive
San Bernardino, CA 92410
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control
problems, arthritis, and other degenerative disorders. It

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Copyright 1999 Anne Mears
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since 5/25/99
Founded
January, 1998
Charles R. Garcia,
Director
California School
of
Traditional
Hispanic
Herbalism
Our Purpose
Instructors and Important People
Schedule and Course Descriptions
Short-term Intensive Classes NEW!
Class Settings
On-Line Classes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Please read this FAQ if you are a college
student or instructor looking for
information, a researcher, or a potential
herbal student.
Information on Wildcrafting Herbs
How to Contact Us
Additional Interesting Links
Our Purpose
The California School of Traditional Hispanic Herbalism officially opened its doors in January of 1998, to teach and
preserve the healing traditions of the Hispanic curanderos and curanderas (folk healers) of California. Many of these
classes had been informally taught for two years prior to the creation of the school.
Although primarily offering classes in herbalism, the school also stresses an understanding of curanderismo, the
healing techniques and philosophies of Native-Hispanic California. The cross-cultural influences of European and
Asian herbs, as well as the use of native plants made California curanderismo a unique and potent healing medium.
These practices also include the use of intuitive diagnosis skills, psychoactive plants, ritual and magic.
Instructors and Important People

Charles (Chuck) Garcia
The director and primary instructor of the school, is a third generation curandero, having learned much of his skills
from his mother, Martha Garcia (who passed in 2001 at 84 years) who learned them from her father, Desidro
http://www.hispanicherbs.com/ (1 of 9) [5/10/2004 2:55:04 PM]
Navarro. Charles has treated and healed family, friends, and colleagues for almost two decades before going public
with his herbal practice. He continues to treat physical, emotional, and spiritual illnesses in the Hispanic and Anglo
communities of Northern California.
He has lectured on Hispanic Herbalism for the University of California Berkeley Joint Medical Program, the UC
Berkeley Urban Botany Program, California State University at San Marcos, the Oakland office of the American Red
Cross, the San Francisco Community Healthcare Consortium, On Lok Healthcare Services of San Francisco, the San
Francisco office of AmeriCorp, the Sonoma County Herb Festival, and most recently at the 2003 meeting of the
Wilderness Medical Society at the University of California, San Francisco and UC Davis. Chuck wrote a weekly
column for a newspaper in South Texas, and has contributed a chapter on herbal first aid to the textbook Wilderness
Emergency Care, by Steve Donelan. He was also a consultant for America's Most Wanted on the topic of Hispanic
witchcraft.
Chuck attended classes at the Pacific School of Herbalism where he still maintains a close association with the
director, Adam Seller. He recommends Adam's classes for those who desire to learn a strong western based medium
of herbal healing.
On his off time, Chuck enjoys writing poetry and camping in the Sierra while searching for medicinal plants.
Linda Garcia
Linda is Charles' wife of 25 years. A technical publications director, writer and editor, and Red Cross Instructor, she
is also the Computer Maven of the school while their daughter, Jennifer, has attended the University of Alaska,
Fairbanks. Linda created a power point slide presentation for Charles, and often accompanies him on his lectures.
For several years both she and her daughter have attempted to make Charles computer literate.
Jennifer Garcia
A 2003 graduate of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in theatre arts, Jennifer has kept her dorm mates and drama
crew physically and mentally healthy with numerous herbs and tinctures sent by her father to the Great White North.
She has also developed syrups and tinctures on her own using local Alaskan plants. A somewhat mysterious figure in
a long flowing wool cape, Jennifer has a sharp eye for diagnosis. She is currently editing a documentary on her
father's wildcrafting adventures while working in local community theatre.
Clara S.
Clara is a published author and aficionado of Mexican and Texas Hispanic cultures. She is also Charles' official
apprentice. Clara is currently learning curanderismo and developing her own clientele.
Sumitra R.
A transplant from the Pacific Northwest, Sumitra currently owns and runs a shop with her partner, providing
shamanic herbs, artifacts, tools, reference materials, and supplies to shamanic practioners of all faiths. She is Charles'
newest apprentice.
Ruth McConnel
An old family friend and long time student, Ruth is the official dye mistress of the school. A long time participant of
Renaissance Faire, Ruth has a background in the use of natural dyes as used during the Elizabethan era, as well as the
use of California Native plant dyes. She is a former volunteer for the US Park Service at Point Reyes National
Seashore.
Schedule
In-House Classes for Summer 2004
Traditional Hispanic Herbalism
Thursday evenings, June 17th
7:30 to 9:30
An easy five week informational course focusing on popular folklore cures, teas, infusions, decoctions, poultices,
wines, vinegars, concepts of illness, the hierarchy of Hispanic lay healers, and more. Students should be prepared to
taste teas, tinctures, wines, vinegars, and some healing foods. If possible, a weekend herb walk will be planned. This
class is a pre-requisite for the Hispanic Materia Medica class but can be taken concurrently. It is not a pre-requisite
for the Advanced Traditional Hispanic Herbalism and Magic, but is recommended.
$170.
The Hispanic Materia Medica
To be offered in the Fall
A five to six week course, depending on the number of herbs covered. As requested by many former students, the
Hispanic Materia Medica is an extensive list of Native, European and some Asian plants as used by Hispanic
folkhealers. Their uses in specific ailments, health maintenance and spiritual healing will be discussed. Traditional
Hispanic Herbalism and Magic or Advanced Traditional Hispanic Herbalism and Magic is a prerequisite for this
course. Students with a background in herbalism make take this course with the permission of the instructor.
$170.
Advanced Traditional Hispanic Herbalism and Ritual
Monday evenings, June 21st
An eight week course with a more hands-on approach. Students cover many of the same herbs discussed in
Traditional Hispanic Herbalism, but will make their own tinctures, salves, liniments, poultices, and plasters.
Emphasis is placed on combinations of herbs used for specific ailments such as pneumonia, asthma, COPD,
gynecological issues, mental distress, HIV, addiction, and tumors. This class will also cover cross-cultural herbal
influences, basic magical protections, cleansings, and spells.
$225.
Beginning Case Studies

Monday evenings, May 10th
7:30 to 9:30
An intensive five week course open to students who have taken or are taking Traditional Hispanic Herbalism,
Advanced Traditional Hispanic Herbalism and Ritual, or Materia Medica, or with the approval of the instructor.
Three to four actual cases will be introduced to students, covering physical, emotional, spiritual, and chronic
ailments. Students will develop treatments for each case, consult with each other, and discuss support treatments.
Case studies may include HIV, cancer, diabetes, emotional trauma, physical injury, gender issues, and geriatric
concerns. Four student minimum is required for this course.
$175
Payment Policy
At least two-thirds of the course fee is expected at the first class meeting. This is unfortunate, but too many students
have failed to meet their financial obligations. Complete payment is expected before the final class date. Please
make all checks payable to Charles R. Garcia.
Note: A $20 per class discount is available to any graduate of the Red Cross Wilderness First Responder class
or any student of the Tracker School.
INTENSIVES
These are focused treatments of particular aspects in Hispanic healing. They will be offered throughout the year
depending on weather and student interest. Private Intensives can be scheduled by groups and organizations.
Herb Walk and Lecture
A pleasant walk in Samuel P. Taylor State Park in Marin County.
Local herbs and edible plants will be identified and discussed.
Historical native uses will be covered. Bring lunch and water
bottle. Note that poor weather may result in the postponement of any
outdoor class. $10 per person.
TBA
Curanderismo: Hispanic Mysticism, Magic and Ritual
A popular topic in the advanced course, this intensive will explore in
depth the use of ritual, psychoactive plants, protection against spells,
dreamwalking, witchcraft, Catholic and Native cultural influences, and
the dangers inherent in this aspect of curanderismo. Not for the faint of
heart or those skeptical of the existence of evil. Four person minimum.
TBA
$25.00
HIV and Cancer Support

An intensive solely devoted to HIV and cancer support techniques. Topics include herbal support, diet, sexual issues,
and depression. Also the use of ritual to improve the emotional and mental state of clients. Four person
minimum. This class is dedicated to the memory of Ann Larricq, student, friend, and healer.
Sunday morning, July 11th, 10:30a.m. to 1:30 ?
$30.00
Traditional California Healing Plants and Medicine Making

A day of history and fun covering the use of many California healing and edible plants from various regions of the
state as used by Hispanics, natives, Anglos, and Chinese healers. Some remedies will be made by students. Five
person minimum.
TBA
$45.00
Supportive Bronchial Care Intensive

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, SARS, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, AIDS related TB: All these
conditions are increasing. Traditional herbal uses can help support the effectiveness of regular medical care and ease
various bronchial discomfort. The use of herbs, steams, food, and lifestyle will be discussed.
Saturday May 29th 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. $30 Four person minimum.
Intensive on Herbs and Survival

This course, originally created for earthquake and disaster training, will cover medicinal herbs available from
sidewalks, lawns, parks, and other urban settings. May cover some edible plants. Some first aid techniques will be
demonstrated. Will be held at Samuel P. Taylor State Park in Marin County, where students will identify healing
plants and use them in emergency scenarios. Bring a lunch. This class is recommended for students or associates of
the Tracker School, Red Cross Wilderness Emergency Response, or the Wilderness Medical Society. Note that poor
weather may result in the postponement of any outdoor class.
Saturday July 10th 10:30 am to 2:30 (?) p.m. $50 Five person minimum.
Intuitive Diagnosis and Tracking I
A one day class held outdoors at a nearby regional park. A picnic lunch should be brought. This class covers
deductive and intuitive abilities used by native healers. Techniques in tracking as used by Tom Brown jr. of the
Tracker School, will be used to increase observational skills. Mental exercises in visualization, empathy and
imagination will be taught. Psychoactive plants and dream walking will be but not emphasized.. Approval of the
instructor is necessary for this class. Note that poor weather may result in the postponement of any outdoor class.
Bring lunch. Three person minimum.
Sunday July 18th 10:30 to ?
$75
Class Settings
We understand that evening classes are difficult for working adults, so we have taken steps to relieve the stress by
teaching small classes at my home in Richmond in an informal, but informative, manner. Light refreshments are
usually served.
Outdoor classes are taught at nearby Wildcat Canyon Park or in nearby Marin County at Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
On-Line Classes
Due to numerous requests for a correspondence course, The California School of Traditional Hispanic Herbalism has
offered on-line classes since April, 1998. Lectures are sent to students weekly via e-mail. Questions and comments
are expected within four days for inclusion in the following lecture. Failure to respond to two classes in a row will
result in the student being dropped from the course. There are no refunds if a student is dropped. Classes are offered
continually through the year.
Currently offered classes are:
Traditional Hispanic Herbalism and Magic
Seven classes. History of California Hispanic herbalism. The hierarchy of lay healers. Poultices, teas, decoctions,
wines, vinegars, folklore, ritual, magic, poisons as used in healing, cultural concepts of illness, treatment of serious
ailments. Photo attachments of some herbs may be sent with the lecture.
$75
Hispanic Materia Medica
Five classes. A comprehensive list of native and European herbs, and their use in specific ailments. Some photos may
be attached to lessons.
$75
Hispanic Ritual and Magic

Three classes. In depth lectures covering history, ritual, witchcraft, the use of psychoactive plants and the dangers to
client and healer. Not for the faint of heart or those inclined to serious skepticism of the supernatural.
$60.00
Payment Policy for On-line Classes
Full payment is expected before the first lecture is sent. This is unfortunate, but many on-line students have not met
their financial obligations. Complete payment is expected before the end of the course. Please make all checks
payable to Charles R. Garcia.
Future Courses
Late Summer/Fall 2004
Intensive On Herbal Sweats, Steam Therapies, and Poultices
Of growing interest to many students, this class will address the use of sweating; its practicality and dangers in
dealing with a number of health issues. It will also cover the neglected use of herbal steams and poultices.
Anticipated cost: $45. Four student minimum.
Street Herbalism
A course only for those who will attempt to treat the homeless. Anticipated to take three weeks. Topics to be
covered...safety, bladder infections, skin conditions, bronchial conditions, drug and alcohol issues, sidewalk herbs,
mental illness, police interaction, self defense. Approval of the instructor is required for this course.
Intensive on Long-Term Survival Herbalism
Survivalism and survivalists are terms often misinterpreted by the public in general. Many social and religious
communities of the 1800's would have been branded survivalists in this day and age. This course focuses on the
growth of herbs, use, storage, and application of herbal remedies by those who are attempting a simpler and low
profile life-style for whatever the reason. Anticipated cost. $35. Five student minimum.
Outdoor Survival for the Outdoor Challenged (and Herb Lecture) I

Is the idea of sleeping outdoors terrifying to you? Can't get a propane stove to work, let alone cook on it? Is your idea
of camping staying at the local Motel 6? This is the class for you. Taught by Linda Garcia (with a complimentary
herb lecture by Chuck), this is a full day and overnight class at a local state park. For a variety of reasons, a
surprisingly large number of urban men and women cannot enjoy 24 hours in the outdoors . Deal with your doubts
and fears! Linda has trained and led numerous city-bred children, and no few adults, to enjoy the beauty of nature
through easy hikes, star gazing, and warm night fires. Weekends and 3 day holidays only. Anticipated cost: $50 per
person, plus camping fee for the park.
TBA Summer 2004
Supportive Bronchial Care Intensive

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, SARS, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, AIDS related TB: All these
conditions are increasing. Traditional herbal uses can help support the effectiveness of regular medical care and ease
various bronchial discomfort. The use of herbs, steams, food, and lifestyle will be discussed. TBA Summer.
Anticipated cost: $30 Four person minimum.
Special Classes
Special classes and lectures on various topics of Hispanic herbalism can be arranged for groups of five persons or
more. Please contact the school directly for details. A special class was recently arranged by the El Toro Creek
Garden Club of San Luis Obispo County on the history and use of native and introduced herbs to California. In 2002
a lecture was given to the Native American Students Association of UC Berkeley on the history of California
curanderismo.
A Word on Certification
Many herbal schools give certificates of completion or certification documents. In California this means literally
nothing, as the state does not recognize herbalism unless practiced in conjunction with Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Students who complete several courses at this school receive a small leather medicine pouch in recognition of their
efforts. Several former students have continued their education at other institutions, some are practicing healers, two
are doctors, most use what they have learned to help family and friends.
Contacting Us
E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone: (510) 233-5837 Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Regular Mail: California School of Traditional Hispanic Herbalism
2801 Lincoln Avenue
Richmond, CA 94804
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Over the years the same questions have arisen concerning classes, information on Curanderismo, and research
information. To save time, the most common questions and my answers are listed below.
1. Can you send me a catalog of classes, costs, and class dates?
No, I cannot. All the information concerning both current classes and online classes is on this
website. This includes scheduled topics, dates, costs, and payment policy. Please print these pages
for your convenience and future reference. The California School of Traditional Hispanic Herbalism
keeps costs low by NOT printing brochures and catalogs.
2. Why are classes so expensive?

They are not. They are some of the most reasonably priced classes in the United States.
3. Can you put me in touch with other curanderos and curanderas in my area?
I am sorry, but curanderos and curanderas do not usually network. I suggest you start with a local
Hispanic herb store, often called a yerberito or botanica for local references.
4. I am doing a research paper on curanderismo. Can you tell me what you know or where I can find
information on the topic?
I can tell you what I know if you are willing to take the time and be trained or sign up for my classes as I
have not yet written the definitive book on the topic. For an overview of the subject, I suggest you
read:
Infusions of Healing by Joie Davidow
Mexican-American Folklore by John O. West
Witchcraft Along the Rio Grande by Marc Simmons
Curanderismo: Mexican-American Folkhealing, 2nd edition, by Robert T. Trotter (though I

disagree with the methodology he uses in his studies)
Homegrown Healing: Traditional Home Remedies from Mexico, by Annette Sandoval
You can also peruse the extensive database at Baylor University School of Nursing for excellent
information concerning Hispanic folk medicine.
http://www.rice.edu/projects/HispanicHealth/Courses/mod7/mod7.html
5. Are you available for lectures?
Yes, I am, though I am no longer willing to drive several hundred miles on my own nickel to do it. Pay
for plane fare to and from, a hotel if it's outside of California, and a cup of coffee, and I would be more
than happy to lecture your class or organization.
6. Will you do health consultations over the phone or on-line?

No. It's unethical to diagnose a patient without actually seeing him or her and getting complete
background information--physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Additional Interesting Links

Pacific School of Herbal Medicine
http://www.pshm.org/
Michael Moore, School of Southwest Botanical Medicine
http://chili.rt66.com/hrbmoore/HOMEPAGE
Alternative Nature Online Herbal
http://www.altnature.com/
Tom Brown Jr., The Tracker School
http://www.trackerschool.com/
Earthwalk Northwest Inc.
http://www.earthwalknorthwest.com/
Wild Edible Plants and Ethnobotany
http://www.edibleplants.com/
Training in Wilderness Emergency Care
http://www.mindspring.com/~donelan/
Baylor University Hispanic Folk Medicine Link

http://www.rice.edu/projects/HispanicHealth/Courses/mod7/mod7.html
Mid-Atlantic Primitive Skills Group
http://www.mapsgroup.org
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Hiking Las Vegas: Hiking information for southern Nevada
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Canoe Saskatchewan - trip plans, outfitters, history, geology, archaeology
Saskatchewan Canada has one of the world's great wilderness canoe areas. Half of the
province is covered by forest and one-eighth is water. The Precambrian shield in northern
Saskatchewan provides the setting for an adventurer's paradise.
The information presented on these pages will help you appreciate this land and enable you
to come in person to enjoy it. Just remember that for thousands of years people have used
these portage trails, these campsites and these waterways, and we hope that future
generations may also be able to enjoy them.
To help you plan a Saskatchewan canoe

trip:
Routes & Trips
To learn more about our

waterways:
Archaeology
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Notes from Missinipe has been

updated 3 June, 1997
We invite you to browse through
our Gift Shop,
view the Paddlers' Gallery and read
trip diaries,
or visit our links to other Internet
sites to find related information.
Transportation to the North

Water levels
Events
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Climate/weather
Fire history &amo; present conditions
Wilderness Living
Environmental Ethics
Trip planning & preparation
Basic Wilderness First Aid
What to do when it rains and rains . . .
Bears and Other Critters
Resources: books, first aid courses,
wilderness programs
Outfitters
Churchill River Canoe Outfitters/Horizons
Unlimited
CanoeSki Discovery Company
Barrier Valley Lodge
Lafleur Outdoor Adventures
Rabbit Creek Outfitters
Theriau Lake Lodge
your own pictures and stories.

See the Table of Contents for a list
of all the pages on this site.
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Geology
Geological History
Geological Domains
Churchill River Study
Geological Definitions
Gold in the Rocks
Reading list
Native Lifestyle and Crafts
Lifestyle
Traditional Crafts
General History
History of Sasktchewan Waterways
Saskatchewan River History
Canoe Saskatchewan - trip plans, outfitters, history, geology, archaeology
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The poor mans ceramic knife sharpener

By Rick Brannan
There are few things more frustrating and
dangerous than working with a dull knife. In my
quest for a sharp knife, I have purchased many
different styles of knife sharpeners. From
whetstones to oilstones, fixed-angle sharpeners
to diamond dust-impregnated steels, I have
used them all and have spent hundreds of
dollars in the process. Which is why knife
sharpening has become big business. Some
sharpeners cost more than the knives.
But of all the sharpeners I have used over
the years, I have had the best results with the
ceramic sharpeners.
The tenuous hold of honesty in modern America
By John Silveira
I went to high school in Derry, New
Hampshire. Pinkerton Academy. Its most
famous alumnus is the late Alan B. Shepard,
one of the original seven American astronauts,
first to ride in the Mercury space capsule, and
the only one of those seven to walk on the
moon. I was a senior at Pinkerton the day
Shepard took his suborbital flight. The press was
there, too, looking for a story. I dont think they
knew what theyd find.
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Hardyville, USA
Heading for Hardyville Gulch
by Claire Wolfe
So I'm driving out of town when I see the strangest thing. There's Nat's old Dodge pickup parked at the
side of the road. He's roped his battered shooting bench in the bed. And there sits Nat himself with his
spotting scope nearby, his deer rifle at the ready, and a six-pack of Moose Drool beer. He's peering over the
rifle down the long, empty stretch of road that leads to Hardyville.
Naturally, I have to stop and find out what the heck is going on.
Previous Column - Miss Fitz' Guide to Guns, Part IV: Learning to save your life
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Gold Beach basketball celebrates American life by Dave Duffy
Amid all the terrorist threats and bombings in Europe and the Mideast, and amid Americas reprisals
against terrorists around the world, here in the little town of Gold Beach, Oregon, were getting set to have
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Brood X by Rev. J.D. Hooker
Though I was still in my early thirties at the time, I clearly remember fishing during the last big 17-year
hatch. At that time I'd simply gather up a large quantity of already dead locusts from where they'd fallen
around the tree trunks and, after threading a locust on to a relatively large #1-size hook attached to a tapered
leader, I'd flip-cast the bug into a shaded area right up near the bank. If I didn't get a strike within the first few
seconds, I'd give my rod a little twitch causing the bug to move only a couple of inches. This nearly always
triggered an actual attack by a frenziedly feeding fish.

Getting Logs by Dorothy Ainsworth
Attention: Would-be loggers. There have been changes in policy at the United States Forest Service and
the Bureau of Land Management. I have just found out that the procedure to obtain logs through the USFS or
BLM has changed drastically because of the NEPA (National Environmental Protection Agency). You can no
longer go into a ranger station like I did and simply get a permit to cut your own logs in a given area. Now you
have to go through a "process".
Ayoob on Firearms
Firearms handling refresher Part III: Rifles by Massad Ayoob
Always remember that training is a good investment in anything serious. Your local fish and wildlife
department, or your local gun shop, can probably steer you to certified instructors. So can the National Rifle
Association, at their toll-free number 1-877-NRA-2000. Jeff Coopers Gunsite has an excellent course they
call General Rifle, and Clint Smiths Thunder Ranch still offers the course that made Urban Rifle a byword
in training. Another good source is the Firearms Academy of Seattle where the pictures that accompany this
article were taken. I particularly recommend the rifle classes FAS offers taught by Georges Rahbani. The
graduates rave about the program.
Previously: Part I: Handguns, Part II: Shotguns
Recipe of the Week

from Backwoods Home Cooking
Succulent venison stew
From Our Seventh Year Anthology

Here are some cucumber pickles to make at home
By Olivia Miller
Preserving produce by pickling is one of the oldest and most delightful ways to save your summer
harvst for your winter table. The word pickle applies to any food preserved in brine and/ or vinegar, with or
without bacterial fermentation, and with or without the addition of spices and sugar.
Read this article
From Our Eleventh Year Anthology CD

Build this sturdy large-capacity food dehydrator
By Charles Sanders
Drying of food as a means of preservation has been around for a long time. Populations in suitably dry
climates all around the globe have dried meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables in times of plenty as a way to
provide for the leaner months of the year. My grandmother used to tell us of when she was a child, helping to
spread apple slices on the top of a tin-shed roof for drying. An aunt once described stringing fresh young
bean pods on a long heavy thread and hanging them to dry, coming up with what they called leather-britches
beans. Obviously, these were simple and imperfect food drying systems, but they do show ways in which
food can be dried at home.
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Featured Writer
Determined woman builds distinctive vertical log studio
By Dorothy Ainsworth
For a novice, there's no thrill like the tactile kinetic experience of driving a
16-penny nail home in three blows, then burying its head with two extra whacks for
no reason. There was evidence of beginner's overkill everywhere. Electrical cord
repairs looked like snakes that had swallowed gophers. A job wasn't finished until
all the nails were gone. There were no gimmicks or shortcuts in the learning
process. I sweated and strained and scarred. But the satisfaction of sawing a
clean square cut with a hand saw rivaled sewing a fine seam or baking a perfect
loaf of bread, and eventually the results became just as predictable.
More by Dorothy Ainsworth:

Never underestimate a woman
Start a post-construction cleaning business
Dorothy Ainsworth update: Out of the ashes
Make a quilt out of Levis
Dorothy Ainsworth makes her valiant comeback
A river rock shower
Build a log crib
Dorothy Ainsworth responds to critics

The Curious Guy and the Offended Woman
This coop is for the birds
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GunProof Your Children
Finding the best dog for the country life

By Anita Evangelista
Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens
Five building tricks for super strong framing

By Don Fallick
Herbal Tea Gardens
Southern cooking that doesn't just whistle Dixie

By Richard Blunt
365 ways to RELAX mind, body & soul
Everybody talks about lightning and yes, there

are things you can do about it
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The Self Reliant Homestead

Sex and Sins in the Cemetery
America's earliest First Ladies were fascinating

By John Silveira
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VIDEOS: These clips could save

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We've got some great capsize
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kayakers should know.
C&K NEWS FROM ALL OVER
Current Designs Moving to

Minnesota
May 3 Wenonah Canoe has
announced plans move construction
of its Current Designs brand of
kayaks from Victoria, B.C., to
Winona, MN, where it will build a
new 40,000-square-foot factory.
Late-Bloomer Boomer
A fifty-something
paddler tries his hand
at whitewater.
CURRENT ISSUES
Surfer Magazine
Surfing Magazine
SG Magazine
U.S. Qualifies 8 for Olympics

May 3 The K-4 team of Kathy Colin,
Carrie Johnson, Lauren Spaulding,
and Marie Mijalis, along with the
K-2 team of Rami Zur and Jeff
Smoke and the C-2 team of Jordan
Malloch and Nate Johnson each
qualified for the 2004 Summer
Games in Athens with their
performances in the Pan American
Championships, providing the US
with eight positions in the Athens
Games this summer. More Olympics
news below!
Destination Guide
04
Smoke Clinches Trip to Olympics
Classic North
American canoe
and kayak trips
Mijalis, Kayak Team Qualify
you have to do!
Snowboarder Magazine
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Gravity Games
Allagash Wilderness
Waterway, ME
Traveling in
19th-century style,
current-day canoeists
experience the
north-woods lore of Maine on one of
its most storied rivers.
Exploring the Oceans in a Kayak

May 3 Writer Jon Bowermaster met
adventures while kayaking along the
Tuamotu Archipelago, a chain of 78
islands north of Tahiti.
C&K Wins Two
Awards
Canoe & Kayak
Magazine won two
prestigious Maggie
Awards, which
recognize excellence in magazine
publishing west of the Mississippi
River.
I Dream of Fiji
This island nation is a
paddler's paradise, but
the warmth of its
people is what lingers. Slalom Kayak Team for Olympics is
Set
April 26It did not happen the way
they had exactly hoped, but Joe
FEEDBACK
Jacobi and Matt Taylor will both
return to Athens for their second
Olympic Games in whitewater
Vote in the Canoe & Kayak Readers canoe/kayak slalom.
Choice Awards
Vote now for your favorites in the
Canoe Museum Reopens
paddlesports world. Favorite kayak,
April 26> Next weekend, Canadians
favorite canoe, favorite place to
will be able to thrill again to the sight
paddle - it's all up to you!
of Pierre Trudeau's famous buckskin
jacket as the Canadian Canoe
Museum reopens its doors to the
public after financial difficulties
forced its closure last October.
Poll Results
Final Results from the Latest Poll
How did you learn to paddle? Total
Votes: 374
From my parents: 9%
From friends: 11%
From a paddling school: 5%
At summer camp: 8%
From a club: 5%
At school: 2%
Paid private instruction: 1%
On my own: 55%
C&K Links of the Week
NASA Earth Observatory, photos
from space:
earthobservatory.nasa.gov
Terra Server, maps and photos:
terraserver.Microsoft.com
The Kayak Building Web Ring:
www.guillemot-kayaks.com
Come-Back Kayaker
April 23 Carrie Johnson has left
woes in her wake, earning a trip to
Athens.
Reno Celebrates
Whitewater
Kayak races, free
clinics, live music and
a movie premier are
all part of the fun at
the grand opening of a new
whitewater park in Reno, Nevada.
April 21-Kayaker Sneaks to Win at
Trials
Rami Zur came up on the outside to
win a spot on the flatwater sprint
kayak team. Read more Olympic
tales below.
CALENDAR
April 30-May2 Cape Hatteras
Splash. Paddle like crazy. Eat like
royalty. Party like we don't have jobs.
www.caphatterassplash.org.
GEAR
Get Your Feet Wet

The right water shoes
will drain and dry
quickly, grip on wet
and slippery surfaces,
and keep your feet
safe from bumps and bruises along
the way.
More Great Gear
Check out more paddling gear
reviews from Canoe & Kayak
Magazine here.
WHERE TO PADDLE
Moisie River
Big-volume, black
with tannins, full of
boisterous rapids and
falls, Quebec's Moisie
River is an ideal
coming-of-age run.
More Destinations
Find more destination stories from
Canoe & Kayak Magazine here.
Canoe & Kayak also publishes four special paddling annuals: Kayak Touring, Whitewater Paddling,
Canoe Journal, and Beginner's Guide, as well as Paddlesports Business, a bimonthly trade
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42nd Brighton (Saltdean) Scout Group, UK
42nd BRIGHTON (Saltdean)

Scout Group, East Sussex, UK
Get Knotted!
Animated Knots for Scouts
You are visitor No:
to look at our knots.
(Add 530,000 for counter resets)

Knot
Size (Kb)
Bowline
17k
Clove Hitch
5k
Figure of Eight knot, Flemish

knot, Savoy knot
6k
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Fisherman's knot, Angler's knot,

English knot, Englishman's bend,
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Lark's Head, Cow Hitch, Lanyard

Hitch
4k
Reef knot, Square knot

Rolling Hitch, Magner's Hitch,
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10k
6k
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12k
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14k
Sheet bend, Flag bend, Common

bend
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Knot Welcome page

Troop Home Page
Copyright (C) Dick Ruck 1997
The Knotting Dictionary of Knnet

Start page
Knots:
Reefknot
Fisherman's Knot
Water Knot
Sheetbend
Lark's head
Round Turn
Timber Hitch
Fisherman's loop
Bowline
Prussick
Clove Hitch
Sheepshank
Jug Sling Hitch
Whipping
Round hitch
Slippery round hitch
Pile Hitch
Two Half Hitches
Buntline Hitch
Monkey's fist
Diamond knot
Simple Simon Over
Double Simon
Simple Simon Under
Vice Versa

"At the bright side of life"
Warning!
None of these knots is considered 'safe' for climbing! The main purpose of this page is
scouting, not climbing. Maybe in the future, I will add some other knots!
Credits:
Webmaster:
Jan Korpegrd [email protected]
Idea:
Samuel Korpegrd
Illustrations:
Andreas Joakimson, Jan Korpegrd
Sign Guestbook
Read Guestbook
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ROPE WORKS 1999
Gerald L. Findley, all rights reserved
Lashing
Lashings are used to join poles or spars when building pioneering structures. These structures can
be functional, such as tables, bridges, and towers or decorative such as gateways. The only limit as
to the type of structure is the imagination of the builder.
Correctly tied lashings in pioneering structures are essential for safety. When young people see an
interesting structure they charge up and over with no thought as to the soundness of the structure.
This places the responsibility for a safe structure directly on the builder.
The following topics about lashing are

covered in :
ROPE WORKS
Square Lashing
Diagonal Lashing
Tripod Lashing With Racking Rurns
Tripod Lashing With Plain Turns
Shear Lashing With Racking Turns
Shear Lashing With Plain Turns
Shear Lashing Quick
Round Lashing
Round Lashing West Country
Floor Lashing
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From the Gift Shop

Horsehead Nebula (IC
434)
Lying just
below the belt
of Orion, the
Horsehead
Nebula, as shown by this
McDonald Observatory
image, is actually two
nebulae, one lying in front
of the other. 8x10 inches,
color. (Tom Montemayor)
More Information
Copyright
1995-2004
http://www.stardate.org/ (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 2:56:11 PM]
Special Features
StarDate Online - Your Guide to the Universe
Informacin en espaol:
Site Map | Privacy
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Asahi Beer Natural Science Classroom
The
Asahi
Beer
Natural
Science
Classroom
http://gedds.pfrr.alaska.edu/aurora/ [5/10/2004 2:58:39 PM]
Geospace Environment Data Display System
Welcome to the
Geospace Environment
Data Display System
GEDDS Data:
Allsky images
(go to the real-time allsky display)
Meridian Scanning Photometer

College Digital Ionosonde
Magnetometer Plots
Inuvik FPS
High Latitude Monitoring Station
(HLMS)
Solar Activity
TEC measurements from 150 and
400 MHz satellite beacons
Data Plots
Data Access
The Aurora Color Television
Project
Asahi Presents: The Aurora
Other Sites:
Poker Flat Research
Range
The Geophysical Institute
The University of Alaska
Fairbanks
The GEDDS is a near-real time data

acquisition, distribution and display system
used in space weather now- and forecasting,
and for launching high-latitude scientific
sounding rockets. The rockets are launched
from Poker Flat Research Range about 30
miles north of Fairbanks, AK. The range is
owned and operated by the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, and is managed by the
faculty and staff of the Geophysical Institute.
This website is intended to provide
access to some of the GEDDS data.
Select a link at the left to pick the information
you want to investigate, or pick from one of
our featured data sets:
College Magnetometer
GEDDS Summary
Alaska Chain Magnetometers
East-West Chain Magnetometers
Northernmost Alaska Chain

Magnetometers
Click here for a complete list of GEDDS

Notices
http://gedds.pfrr.alaska.edu/ (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 2:58:44 PM]
Geospace Environment Data Display System
This page last updated Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 06:29 PM by Ed Hoch.
http://gedds.pfrr.alaska.edu/ (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 2:58:44 PM]
WWW Tide/Current Predictor - Site Selection
WWW Tide and Current Predictor
Tidal Height and Current Site Selection

Select a region here, then from that page, select a site for which to generate predictions. You will
get basic predictions and a form for customized predictions. Predictions take a few moments to
calculate, please be patient. Please see the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions list) if you cannot
find the site you want.
NOTE: Any site name ending in "Current" will generate predictions of current speeds; all other
sites generate tidal height predictions. There are many more locations for tidal height predictions
than for current speed predictions.
U.S. Upper East Coast (Maine through Virginia)
U.S. Lower East Coast (North Carolina through Florida Keys)
U.S. Gulf Coast sites (East to West)
U.S. West Coast sites (North to South)
Northern sites (except Japan) outside contiguous U.S. (East to West)
Southern sites outside contiguous U.S. (East to West)
Japan and nearby sites (North to South)
Alphabetic list of all tidal height sites (large 600KB page)
Alphabetic list of all current speed sites
Useful Links
Pictures and info about the server running this site.
FAQ (frequently asked questions) for this site.
Information on preselecting sites and options.
Usage statistics of this site.
Near-term official U.S. tide predictions, Explanation of tides and Tide glossary at
NOAA/NOS.
Realtime oceanographic observations at NDBC.
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WWW Tide/Current Predictor - Site Selection
Puzzled by something? Please check the Frequently Asked Questions list.

Send queries about the WWW interface to Dean Pentcheff at [email protected].
Send queries about the XTide program to David Flater at [email protected].
WWW Tide/Current Predictor: http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide
Dean Pentcheff, <[email protected]>
Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC 29208 USA
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Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) Homepage
[NOAA] [NOS] [PORTS] [Predictions] [Water Level Observations] [Benchmarks] [Tides Online] [Great
Lakes Online]
[Frequently Asked Questions] [Station Locator] [Publications] [About CO-OPS] [Products]
New Features:
Sea Level Trends

St. Charles Parish Water Level
Monitoring System
Air Gap- NOAA and the Maryland Port
Administration are pleased to introduce two new
sensors located on the Chesapeake City and Reedy
Point bridges to measure air gap. Air gap is the
distance between the bottom of the bridge and the
water surface.
Important Notice:
CO-OPS has updated to a new National

Tidal Datum Epoch (1983-2001). For more
information click HERE
The Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) collects, analyzes and
distributes historical and real-time observations and predictions of water levels, coastal currents and other
meteorological and oceanographic data. This is part of an integrated National Ocean Service program
http://co-ops.nos.noaa.gov/ (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 2:58:48 PM]
supporting safe maritime navigation, more productive water-borne commerce, and the needs of the
National Weather Service, coastal zone management, engineering and surveying communities. The Center
manages the National Water Level Observation Program and the national network of Physical
Oceanographic Real-Time Systems in major U.S. harbors. It conducts its programs through university,
industry, Federal and State partnerships as appropriate. CO-OPS resides within NOAA's National Ocean
Service.
Other Featured CO-OPS Web Sites
Important Notices
Epoch Update info,
database status,
selected Notices to
Mariners
What's New
Product
Descriptions
data, services and
information offered
on and off line
Frequently Asked
Questions
About
water levels, tides &
currents, their
measurement,
analysis and
prediction
** Privacy Policy **
CO-OPS
address, phone
numbers, location
map, mission,
personnel and
organizational setting
Development of these pages continues. We welcome your comments and suggestions for new
features at: Webmaster
Where Lava Meets the Sea, Kilauea Volcano, Hawaiì

[ TEXT ONLY ]
When Lava Enters the Sea
"Two mighty agencies in collision. Two antagonist and gigantic forces in

contact, and producing effects on a scale inconceivably grand!"
Types
Lava
Zones
"The atmosphere in all directions was filled with ashes, spray, gases...
while the burning lava, as it fell into the water, was shivered into
millions of minute particles, and, being thrown back into the air, fell in
showers of sand on all the surrounding country. The coast was extended
into the sea... and a pretty sand-beach and a new cape was formed."
T. Coan, minister in Hawaiì, 1841
Explosions and collapsing land endanger people

Such vivid descriptions and scenes of lava entering the sea along Kilauea's shoreline draw
millions of people to Hawaiì who are hoping to witness for themselves growth of new
land and experience the remarkable interaction of lava and water. Beautiful and stunning,
the explosive interaction can be dangerous to visitors who venture too close to a lava entry
point. Also, the new land created by lava entering the sea is unstable. Large areas regularly
collapse into the sea, usually triggering a series of stronger explosions and sending a wave
of scalding seawater onshore. Such explosions have hurled hot rocks and lava fragments
more than 100 m (330 ft) inland!
Unfortunately, the entry of lava into the ocean is difficult to observe from a distance
because it's often obscured by an energetic and acidic steam plume or by an abrupt cliff
above the entry point. This often invites visitors to jeopardize their safety by walking right
up to and over the point where lava enters the ocean. Activity that may appear stable and
non threatening can actually change without warning, leaving no time for escape.
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Photograph by T.N Mattox on September 23, 1993.
Lava entering the ocean is often hidden beneath a steam plume, which
may draw unwary visitors too close to the entry point for safety.
Why are lava entries so dangerous?
New land created by lava entering the sea looks like a stable platform that extends a few
tens to hundreds of meters into the ocean. We refer to this new land as a lava delta. But
what can't be seen is the loose pile of unconsolidated lava fragments underneath that
supports the new land. This pile of material can easily slide away when the growing delta
advances over a steep submarine slope. Areas the size of several football fields can
collapse into the ocean with little or no warning.
People standing on a growing lava delta during a collapse event can be swept into the sea,
splashed with scalding water, and hit by flying rock debris. Visitors to an active lava delta
at Kilauea Volcano are advised not to venture onto the new land. Entry points can only be
viewed safely from behind the former sea cliff and shoreline.
Hazardous activity near active lava deltas
Collapse of new land into the sea
Explosions at lava entry points
Waves send scalding water onto new land
Reference
Mattox, T.N, and Mangan, M.T., 1997, Littoral hydrovolcanic explosions: a case study of
lava-seawater interaction at Kilauea Volcano: Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal
Research, v. 75, p. 1-17.
The URL of this page is http://wwwhvo.wr.usgs.gov/hazards/oceanentry/

Contact: [email protected]
Updated: 18 June 2001 (pnf)
MacTutor History of Mathematics
The MacTutor History of

Mathematics archive
Biographies Index
Recently added features
History Topics Index
Changes to the archive to MARCH 2004

(including some new Hungarian and Latvian mathematicians)
Famous curves index
A new archive of Chinese mathematics
Mathematicians of the day

Search the archive
Help
Contact us
School of Mathematics
and Statistics
If the above menus do not work, go to the Non-JavaScript index
University of St Andrews
Scotland
Awards won by the

MacTutor History
of Mathematics archive:
See our Trophy Room for more details.

Created by John J O'Connor and Edmund F Robertson
JOC/EFR April 2004
The URL of this page is:

http://www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/history/index.html
http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/index.html [5/10/2004 2:58:57 PM]
Yes, it's true... Reeko's done it again.... His latest experimentation has left the lab in
ruins... This time the government radiation team has indicated that the damage is far too
great to repair and suggested a move to another location (in fact, they suggested a
remote location such as Siberia...).
Reeko and the crew set out on a mission to find a lab that was bigger, better, and faster
than before. And now we proudly present to your our new home, featuring more
experiments, more interactive games, and less sugar than the previous version. Step
right this way and discover for yourself how fun (and wacky) science can be...
Visit our new home here - http://www.spartechsoftware.com/reeko
http://home.flash.net/~spartech/ReekoScience/ReekoIndex.htm [5/10/2004 2:58:58 PM]
Reeko's Mad Scientist Lab - Educational Science Experiments for Childr...iments for adults, kids, children, science fair, and K-12 school labs)
Welcome to Reeko's Mad

Scientist Lab. Your source of
free science experiments for
parents, teachers, and children
of all ages. Kick off your shoes.
Pull up a chair. Make yourself
comfortable. Oh yeah, did we
mention that protective
goggles are required...
Is this Reeko? Reeko? You feeling OK
buddy?
Welcome!
Welcome to Reeko's Mad
Scientist Lab! Your source of
science and chemistry
experiments for parents,
teachers, kids, and children of
all ages.
Got a question or comment about our

science lab? Email Reeko and let him
know what's on your mind!
Principles of Floatation
(easy)
Ever wonder why a really heavy boat floats while a small rock sinks like
a... uhhh, rock? Have you noticed that while in the pool, if you stretch out
flat you will float but if you curl up in a ball you will sink? Grab your lab
coats and head for the kitchen sink - our first science experiment
demonstrates those puzzling floatation principles.
As you'll soon find out nothing is ordinary around

here. Be curious, explore
(place your cursor over
objects and click everywhere),
and above all - HAVE FUN!
In the Lab
IN THE LAB HOME...
About Reeko
FAQ
Safety Policy
Site Awards
Resources
RESOURCES HOME...
Book Reviews
Science Links
Lab News
Crazy Q&A
Slip sliding away... (advanced)
How would you like to have your very own hovercraft. You know - the
futuristic vehicle that travels on air hovering inches above the ground. We'll
grab your coats and head for the door. In this lab exercise we're fixing to
create a real, working hovercraft ... OK, so it's only big enough for a mouse
but then again, you don't have a driver's license so what'd you expect?
Capillary Action in Action
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(intermediate)
Glossary
Talk Back
TALK BACK HOME...
Feedback
Web Site Survey
Mad Scientist Comments
What if I were to tell you that I could make water flow uphill? Now wait,
don't leave yet - this is serious. This lab experiment will show you that what
goes up doesn't always have to come back down.
Fun Stuff
FUN&GAMES HOME...
Pot of Gold Contest
Mystery Puzzle
Riddle of the Month
Secret Lab Notes
Pop Quiz
Experiments
EXPERIMENTS...
Floatation
Hover Craft
Capillary Action
Air Pressure
Making Gas
Chemical Reaction
Light Refraction
Light Spectrum
Gravity
Inertia/Momentum
More Experiments...
Site Tips
Site is optimized for
Microsoft's Internet Explorer
4.0 and later and contains
extensive use of Dynamic
HTML (Netscape
optimization under
development)
Hold your cursor over the
images for little tidbits on
Reeko
Look for hidden science
tips throughout the site (try
clicking on the images)
IE 4.0 and above users Click on the red text- they're
science definitions!
Keep hands and feet
inside the vehicle at all times
Chemical reaction in action
(easy)
A chemical reaction is a process where one type of substance is chemically

converted to another substance. That fizzling toilet bowl cleaner is a
chemical reaction. The fire in your fireplace is another type of chemical
reaction. The smoke that comes out of Dad's ears when you break one of his
favorite golf clubs is a result of a chemical reaction. OK, so maybe Reeko's
stretching it a little with that explanation. This experiment demonstrates a
chemical reaction that's fairly common all around us (and we don't have to
go anywhere near Dad's golf clubs).
Look Ma' - no hands
(intermediate)
Remember the old soda-in-the-straw trick. You know, the one where you
put a straw into a glass of soda and then cover the end of the straw with
your finger. When you remove the straw from the glass the water stays
inside until you remove your finger. In this little scientist experiment we
apply this same principal to learn about something called pressure.
Look out! It's gonna blow!
(advanced)
Here's a popular experiment that's been around for years and has left
many kitchens in ruin (just kidding of course). In the volcano experiment
we build a real working volcano that actually mimics the properties of the
real thing.
Things aren't always as they appear
(easy)
Dazzle your friends. Impress your buddies. Confuse your Dad. Here we
create an optical illusion with a very basic scientific explanation.
Got a question or comment

about one of the experiments?
Have you found a really cool
experiment that you'd like to
share with the rest of the
world? Or, do you just want
to yak? Drop us a line!

[email protected]
More Info
Looking for more
experiments? Check your
local library (in the kid's or
science sections) for great
science books. Need some
suggestions? Try these.
The Kid's Science Book
(Robert Hirschfeld & Nancy
White)
My First Science Book
(Angela Wilkes)
The Science Book (Sara
Stein)
Science for Every Kid
(Janice VanCleave)
What? There's not a library
next door and don't feel like
walking 10 miles through the
sleet and snow (barefoot of
course). Check out Reeko's
Book Reviews and order
online directly from Amazon.
And don't forget to tell them
that Reeko sent ya'.
Try some of these other really
cool science sites and don't
forget to tell them that Reeko
sent ya'! (note: to avoid being
turned away, you may not
want to mention Reeko's
name until you're finished
exploring these sites).
Franklin Institute Science
Museum
The Mineral Gallery
WorldTime Interactive
Atlas
Space Shuttle
And if these still don't quench
that insatiable curiosity then
check out Reeko's Extensive
Science Link List.
Look out below!
(intermediate)
Let's say I'm standing on top of a tall building hanging over the edge
carefully balancing a bowling ball in one hand and a tennis ball in the other.
You're on the ground under me looking up (and probably covering your
head). Hmmm, something is not quite right here and some scientific
experimentation is definitely called for...
Now that you're good and warmed up with plenty

of momentum... (advanced)
Now we get to learn about a little principle called momentum (the speed or
force of something that is moving). Sometimes interesting things happen
when a totally motionless object gets in the way of a moving one. To
demonstrate - the next time dad finds out you've been in his toolbox again
and he's coming at you with that crazed look on his face. Rather than
running, flinching, or ducking in terror try freezing like a statue and see
how it freaks him out. Or better yet, try this experiment and see for
yourself.
Pop Quiz !!!
Did you work your way through all of the experiments? Did you find all of
the hidden tips and science facts? Take our Pop Quiz and find out how
'science savvy' you are. And we promise, no matter how you score - we
won't send Mom or Dad a report card.
What? You're still here?
That wasn't enough cranial stimulation for one session? You need more
experiments?!?! OK... You asked for it - through this door you can enter the
top secret, select little scientists only section of Reeko's Mad Scientist Lab
(Section F).
Do Cats have belly buttons?
Hey Reeko! I tried the

experiment and it didn't
work! Now what am I
supposed to do ?!?!? Follow
these Five tried-and-true
rules for guaranteeing a
experiment will produce the
results you are looking for.
Don't forget to Email Reeko
with your questions,
comments, and/or
suggestions. And check out
what others have said about
us (edited of course).
What is quicksand anyway? How come I can see through glass? Do

LifeSavers really spark when you chew them? Chimp, the lab monkey, is
back and available to answer all those weird science questions that have
been driving us crazy...
Did you find a hidden Pot of Gold?
Reeko has been receiving rave reviews on the new Pot of Gold contest so
he tore himself away from his latest genetic experimentation and sprinkled
more pots of gold around the lab! Join us on our search for the hidden Pots
of Gold and get your name added to the Pot of Gold Hall of Fame page!
Mystery Puzzle of the Month!
The results of Reeko's latest science escapades left him with a little free
time on his hands. So while the government radiation teams worked on the
lab cleanup, Reeko settled down to work on his newest online game for the
kids. The result - the Mystery Puzzle of the Month game. Get ready to
roam this site gathering the clues needed to solve this month's puzzle...
Home | In the Lab | Resources | Talk Back | Fun Stuff | Experiments | Glossary
Web page design by SparTech Software, copyright 1997-2004
Reeko's Science Word for the Day is - LED Light
little scientists have stumbled across this page...

Last Update: Monday, March 15, 2004 09:47:23 AM
Secret Message Below ( Decoder) (Instructions)

JUT'Z LUXMKZ ZU QKKV GT KEK UAZ LUX ZNK LURRUCOTM OZKSY - VUZY
UL MURJ, VAFFRK VOKIKY (ZNKE RUUQ ROQK YCOYY GXSE QTOBKY), GTJ
UL IUAXYK YKIXKZ SKYYGMKY...
Conflicts Between Darwinian Theory and Natural History
FIG O: Origin of the Phyla: Darwinian predictions
FIG P: Origin of the Phyla: Darwinian predictions
FIG Q: The origin of the phyla: the fossil evidence

The sudden appearance of between 50 and 100 disparate body plans with extremely low species
diversity supports the conclusion that neither gradual Darwinian evolution nor lower taxon-level
punctuations can account for the origin of the higher taxa and the major body plans.
FIG R: The origin of the phyla: the fossil evidence

The sudden appearance of between 50 and 100 disparate body plans with extremely low species
diversity supports the conclusion that neither gradual Darwinian evolution nor lower taxon-level
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punctuations can account for the origin of the higher taxa and the major body plans.
FIG 2A: Pervasive patterns of natural history and the origin of the phyla. Comparison of
Darwinian predictions (including punctuated equilibium)with the fossil data.
See also FIGURES O and Q above.
FIG 2B: Pervasive patterns of natural history and the origin of the phyla. Comparison of
See also FIGURES P and R above.
FIG 4: Pervasive patterns of natural history and the origin of the phyla. Composite comparison of
Return to Home Page
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MOLECULAR MACHINES:
Experimental Support for the Design Inference
Michael J. Behe
A Series of Eyes
How do we see? In the 19th century the anatomy of the eye was known in great detail and
the sophisticated mechanisms it employs to deliver an accurate picture of the outside world
astounded everyone who was familiar with them. Scientists of the 19th century correctly observed
that if a person were so unfortunate as to be missing one of the eye's many integrated features,
such as the lens, or iris, or ocular muscles, the inevitable result would be a severe loss of vision or
outright blindness. Thus it was concluded that the eye could only function if it were nearly intact.
As Charles Darwin was considering possible objections to his theory of evolution by natural
selection in The Origin of Species he discussed the problem of the eye in a section of the book
appropriately entitled "Organs of Extreme Perfection and Complication." He realized that if in one
generation an organ of the complexity of the eye suddenly appeared, the event would be
tantamount to a miracle. Somehow, for Darwinian evolution to be believable, the difficulty that the
public had in envisioning the gradual formation of complex organs had to be removed.
Darwin succeeded brilliantly, not by actually describing a real pathway that evolution might
have used in constructing the eye, but rather by pointing to a variety of animals that were known to
have eyes of various constructions, ranging from a simple light sensitive spot to the complex
vertebrate camera eye, and suggesting that the evolution of the human eye might have involved
similar organs as intermediates.
But the question remains, how do we see? Although Darwin was able to persuade much of
the world that a modern eye could be produced gradually from a much simpler structure, he did
not even attempt to explain how the simple light sensitive spot that was his starting point actually
worked. When discussing the eye Darwin dismissed the question of its ultimate mechanism (1):
How a nerve comes to be sensitive to light hardly concerns us more than how life itself
originated.
He had an excellent reason for declining to answer the question: 19th century science had
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not progressed to the point where the matter could even be approached. The question of how the
eye works--that is, what happens when a photon of light first impinges on the retina--simply could
not be answered at that time. As a matter of fact, no question about the underlying mechanism of
life could be answered at that time. How do animal muscles cause movement? How does
photosynthesis work? How is energy extracted from food? How does the body fight infection?
Nobody knew.
Calvinism
Now, it appears to be a characteristic of the human mind that when it is unconstrained by
knowledge of the mechanisms of a process, then it seems easy to imagine simple steps leading
from non-function to function. A happy example of this is seen in the popular comic strip Calvin
and Hobbes. Little boy Calvin is always having adventures in the company of his tiger Hobbes by
jumping in a box and traveling back in time, or grabbing a toy ray gun and "transmogrifying"
himself into various animal shapes, or again using a box as a duplicator and making copies of
himself to deal with worldly powers such as his mom and his teachers. A small child such as
Calvin finds it easy to imagine that a box just might be able to fly like an airplane (or something),
because Calvin does not know how airplanes work.
A good example from the biological world of complex changes appearing to be simple is the
belief in spontaneous generation. One of the chief proponents of the theory of spontaneous
generation during the middle of the 19th century was Ernst Haeckel, a great admirer of Darwin and
an eager popularizer of Darwin's theory. From the limited view of cells that 19th century
microscopes provided, Haeckel believed that a cell was a "simple little lump of albuminous
combination of carbon," (2) not much different from a piece of microscopic Jello. Thus it seemed
to Haeckel that such simple life could easily be produced from inanimate material. In 1859, the
year of the publication of The Origin of Species, an exploratory vessel, H.M.S. Cyclops, dredged
up some curious looking mud from the sea bottom. Eventually Haeckel came to observe the mud
and thought that it closely resembled some cells he had seen under a microscope. Excitedly he
brought this to the attention of Thomas Henry Huxley, Darwin's great friend and defender. Huxley,
too, became convinced that it was Urschleim (that is, protoplasm), the progenitor of life itself, and
Huxley named the mud Bathybius Haeckelii after the eminent proponent of abiogenesis.
The mud failed to grow. In later years, with the development of new biochemical techniques
and improved microscopes, the complexity of the cell was revealed. The "simple lumps" were
shown to contain thousands of different types of organic molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids,
many discrete subcellular structures, specialized compartments for specialized processes, and an
extremely complicated architecture. Looking back from the perspective of our time, the episode of
Bathybius Haeckelii seems silly or downright embarrassing, but it shouldn't. Haeckel and Huxley
were behaving naturally, like Calvin: since they were unaware of the complexity of cells, they
found it easy to believe that cells could originate from simple mud.
Throughout history there have been many other examples, similar to that of Haeckel,
Huxley and the cell, where a key piece of a particular scientific puzzle was beyond the
understanding of the age. In science there is even a whimsical term for a machine or structure or
process that does something, but the actual mechanism by which it accomplishes its task is
unknown: it is called a 'black box.' In Darwin's time all of biology was a black box: not only the
cell, or the eye, or digestion, or immunity, but every biological structure and function because,
ultimately, no one could explain how biological processes occurred.
Ernst Mayr, the prominent biologist, historian, and guiding force behind the neo-Darwinian
synthesis, has pointed out that (3):
Any scientific revolution has to accept all sorts of black boxes, for if one had to wait until all
black boxes are opened, one would never have any conceptual advances.
That is true. But in earlier days when black boxes were finally opened science, and
sometimes the whole world, appeared to change. Biology has progressed tremendously due to the
model that Darwin put forth. But the black boxes Darwin accepted are now being opened, and our
view of the world is again being shaken.
Proteins
In order to understand the molecular basis of life it is necessary to understand how things
called "proteins" work. Although most people think of protein" as something you eat, one of the
major food groups, when they reside in the body of an uneaten animal or plant proteins serve a
different purpose. Proteins are the machinery of living tissue that builds the structures and carries
out the chemical reactions necessary for life. For example, the first of many steps necessary for the
conversion of sugar to biologically-usable forms of energy is carried out by a protein called
hexokinase. Skin is made in large measure of a protein called collagen. When light impinges on
your retina it interacts first with a protein called rhodopsin. As can be seen even by this limited
number of examples proteins carry out amazingly diverse functions. However, in general a given
protein can perform only one or a few functions: rhodopsin cannot form skin and collagen cannot
interact usefully with light. Therefore a typical cell contains thousands and thousands of different
types of proteins to perform the many tasks necessary for life, much like a carpenter's workshop
might contain many different kinds of tools for various carpentry work.
What do these versatile tools look like? The basic structure of proteins is quite simple: they
are formed by hooking together in a chain discrete subunits called amino acids. Although the
protein chain can consist of anywhere from about 50 to about 1,000 amino acid links, each
position can only contain one of twenty different amino acids. In this way they are much like
words: words can come in various lengths but they are made up from a discrete set of 26 letters.
Now, a protein in a cell does not float around like a floppy chain; rather, it folds up into a very
precise structure which can be quite different for different types of proteins. When all is said and
done two different amino sequences--two different proteins--can be folded to structures as specific
as and different from each other as a three-eighths inch wrench and a jigsaw. And like the
household tools, if the shape of the proteins is significantly warped then they fail to do their jobs.
The Eyesight of Man

In general, biological processes on the molecular level are performed by networks of
proteins, each member of which carries out a particular task in a chain.
Let us return to the question, how do we see? Although to Darwin the primary event of
vision was a black box, through the efforts of many biochemists an answer to the question of sight
is at hand. (4) When light strikes the retina a photon is absorbed by an organic molecule called
11-cis-retinal, causing it to rearrange within picoseconds to trans-retinal. The change in shape of
retinal forces a corresponding change in shape of the protein, rhodopsin, to which it is tightly
bound. As a consequence of the protein's metamorphosis, the behavior of the protein changes in a
very specific way. The altered protein can now interact with another protein called transducin.
Before associating with rhodopsin, transducin is tightly bound to a small organic molecule called
GDP, but when it binds to rhodopsin the GDP dissociates itself from transducin and a molecule
called GTP, which is closely related to, but critically different from, GDP, binds to transducin.
The exchange of GTP for GDP in the transducinrhodopsin complex alters its behavior.
GTP-transducinrhodopsin binds to a protein called phosphodiesterase, located in the inner
membrane of the cell. When bound by rhodopsin and its entourage, the phosphodiesterase acquires
the ability to chemically cleave a molecule called cGMP. Initially there are a lot of cGMP
molecules in the cell, but the action of the phosphodiesterase lowers the concentration of cGMP.
Activating the phosphodiesterase can be likened to pulling the plug in a bathtub, lowering the level
of water.
A second membrane protein which binds cGMP, called an ion channel, can be thought of as
a special gateway regulating the number of sodium ions in the cell. The ion channel normally
allows sodium ions to flow into the cell, while a separate protein actively pumps them out again.
The dual action of the ion channel and pump proteins keeps the level of sodium ions in the cell
within a narrow range. When the concentration of cGMP is reduced from its normal value through
cleavage by the phosphodiesterase, many channels close, resulting in a reduced cellular
concentration of positively charged sodium ions. This causes an imbalance of charges across the
cell membrane which, finally, causes a current to be transmitted down the optic nerve to the brain:
the result, when interpreted by the brain, is vision.
If the biochemistry of vision were limited to the reactions listed above, the cell would
quickly deplete its supply of 11-cis-retinal and cGMP while also becoming depleted of sodium
ions. Thus a system is required to limit the signal that is generated and restore the cell to its
original state; there are several mechanisms which do this. Normally, in the dark, the ion channel,
in addition to sodium ions, also allows calcium ions to enter the cell; calcium is pumped back out
by a different protein in order to maintain a constant intracellular calcium concentration. However,
when cGMP levels fall, shutting down the ion channel and decreasing the sodium ion
concentration, calcium ion concentration is also decreased. The phosphodiesterase enzyme, which
destroys cGMP, is greatly slowed down at lower calcium concentration. Additionally, a protein
called guanylate cyclase begins to resynthesize cGMP when calcium levels start to fall.
Meanwhile, while all of this is going on, metarhodopsin II is chemically modified by an enzyme
called rhodopsin kinase, which places a phosphate group on its substrate. The modified rhodopsin
is then bound by a protein dubbed arrestin, which prevents the rhodopsin from further activating
transducin. Thus the cell contains mechanisms to limit the amplified signal started by a single
photon.
Trans-retinal eventually falls off of the rhodopsin molecule and must be reconverted to
11-cis-retinal and again bound by opsin to regenerate rhodopsin for another visual cycle. To
accomplish this trans-retinal is first chemically modified by an enzyme to transretinol, a form
containing two more hydrogen atoms. A second enzyme then isomerizes the molecule to
11-cis-retinol. Finally, a third enzyme removes the previouslyadded hydrogen atoms to form
11-cis-retinal, and the cycle is complete.
To Explain Life
Although many details of the biochemistry of vision have not been cited here, the overview
just seven is meant to demonstrate that, ultimately, this is what it means to 'explain' vision. This is
the level of explanation that Biological science eventually must aim for. In order to say that some
function is understood, every relevant step in the process must be elucidated. The relevant steps in
biological processes occur ultimately at the molecular level, so a satisfactory explanation of a
biological phenomenon such as sight, or digestion, or immunity, must include a molecular
explanation. It is no longer sufficient, now that the black box of vision has been opened, for an
'evolutionary explanation' of that power to invoke only the anatomical structures of whole eyes, as
Darwin did in the 19th century and as most popularizers of evolution continue to do today.
Anatomy is, quite simply, irrelevant. So is the fossil record. It does not matter whether or not the
fossil record is consistent with evolutionary theory, any more than it mattered in physics that
Newton's theory was consistent with everyday experience. The fossil record has nothing to tell us
about, say, whether or how the interactions of 11-cis-retinal with rhodopsin, transducin, and
phosphodiesterase could have developed stepby-step. Neither do the patterns of biogeography
matter, or of population genetics, or the explanations that evolutionary theory has given for
rudimentary organs or species abundance.
"How a nerve comes to be sensitive to light hardly concerns us more than how life itself
originated," said Darwin in the 19th century. But both phenomena have attracted the interest of
modern biochemistry. The story of the slow paralysis of research on life's origin is quite
interesting, but space precludes its retelling here. Suffice it to say that at present the field of
originoflife studies has dissolved into a cacophony of conflicting models, each unconvincing,
seriously incomplete, and incompatible with competing models. In private even most evolutionary
biologists will admit that science has no explanation for the beginning of life. (5)
The purpose of this paper is to show that the same problems which beset origin-of-life
research also bedevil efforts to show how virtually any complex biochemical system came about.
Biochemistry has revealed a molecular world which stoutly resists explanation by the same theory
that has long been applied at the level of the whole organism. Neither of Darwin's black boxes--the
origin of life or the origin of vision or other complex biochemical systems--has been accounted for
by his theory.
Irreducible Complexity
In The Origin of Species Darwin stated (6):
If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed which could not possibly have
been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory would absolutely
break down.
A system which meets Darwin's criterion is one which exhibits irreducible complexity. By
irreducible complexity I mean a single system which is composed of several interacting parts that
contribute to the basic function, and where the removal of any one of the parts causes the system to
effectively cease functioning. An irreducibly complex system cannot be produced gradually by
slight, successive modifications of a precursor system, since any precursor to an irreducibly
complex system is by definition nonfunctional. Since natural selection requires a function to select,
an irreducibly complex biological system, if there is such a thing, would have to arise as an
integrated unit for natural selection to have anything to act on. It is almost universally conceded
that such a sudden event would be irreconcilable with the gradualism Darwin envisioned. At this
point, however, 'irreducibly complex' is just a term, whose power resides mostly in its definition.
We must now ask if any real thing is in fact irreducibly complex, and, if so, then are any
irreducibly complex things also biological systems.
Consider the humble mousetrap (Figure 1). The mousetraps that my family uses in our home
to deal with unwelcome rodents consist of a number of parts. There are: (1) a flat wooden platform
to act as a base; (2) a metal hammer, which does the actual job of crushing the little mouse; (3) a
wire spring with extended ends to press against the platform and the hammer when the trap is
charged; (4) a sensitive catch which releases when slight pressure is applied; and (5) a metal bar
which holds the hammer back when the trap is charged and connects to the catch. There are also
assorted staples and screws to hold the system together.
Figure 1. A household mousetrap. The working parts of the trap are labeled. If any of the parts are
missing the trap does not function.
If any one of the components of the mousetrap (the base, hammer, spring, catch, or holding
bar) is removed, then the trap does not function. In other words, the simple little mousetrap has no
ability to trap a mouse until several separate parts are all assembled.
Because the mousetrap is necessarily composed of several parts, it is irreducibly complex.
Thus, irreducibly complex systems exist.
Molecular Machines
Now, are any biochemical systems irreducibly complex? Yes, it turns out that many are.
Earlier we discussed proteins. In many biological structures proteins are simply components
of larger molecular machines. Like the picture tube, wires, metal bolts and screws that comprise a
television set, many proteins are part of structures that only function when virtually all of the
components have been assembled. A good example of this is a cilium. (7) Cilia are hairlike
organelles on the surfaces of many animal and lower plant cells that serve to move fluid over the
cell's surface or to "row" single cells through a fluid. In humans, for example, epithelial cells lining
the respiratory tract each have about 200 cilia that beat in synchrony to sweep mucus towards the
throat for elimination. A cilium consists of a membrane-coated bundle of fibers called an
axoneme. An axoneme contains a ring of 9 double microtubules surrounding two central single
microtubules. Each outer doublet consists of a ring of 13 filaments (subfiber A) fused to an
assembly of 10 filaments (subfiber B). The filaments of the microtubules are composed of two
proteins called alpha and beta tubulin. The 11 microtubules forming an axoneme are held together
by three types of connectors: subfibers A are joined to the central microtubules by radial spokes;
adjacent outer doublets are joined by linkers that consist of a highly elastic protein called nexin;
and the central microtubules are joined by a connecting bridge. Finally, every subfiber A bears two
arms, an inner arm and an outer arm, both containing the protein dynein.
But how does a cilium work? Experiments have indicated that ciliary motion results from
the chemically-powered "walking" of the dynein arms on one microtubule up the neighboring
subfiber B of a second microtubule so that the two microtubules slide past each other (Figure 2).
However, the protein cross-links between microtubules in an intact cilium prevent neighboring
microtubules from sliding past each other by more than a short distance. These cross-links,
therefore, convert the dynein-induced sliding motion to a bending motion of the entire axoneme.
Figure 2. Schematic drawing of part of a cilium. The power stroke of the motor protein, dynein,
attached to one microtubule, against subfiber B of a neighboring microtubule causes the fibers to
slide past each other. The flexible linker protein, nexin, converts the sliding motion to a bending
motion.
Now, let us sit back, review the workings of the cilium, and consider what it implies. Cilia
are composed of at least a half dozen proteins: alpha-tubulin, beta-tubulin, dynein, nexin, spoke
protein, and a central bridge protein. These combine to perform one task, ciliary motion, and all of
these proteins must be present for the cilium to function. If the tubulins are absent, then there are
no filaments to slide; if the dynein is missing, then the cilium remains rigid and motionless; if
nexin or the other connecting proteins are missing, then the axoneme falls apart when the filaments
slide.
What we see in the cilium, then, is not just profound complexity, but also irreducible
complexity on the molecular scale. Recall that by "irreducible complexity" we mean an apparatus
that requires several distinct components for the whole to work. My mousetrap must have a base,
hammer, spring, catch, and holding bar, all working together, in order to function. Similarly, the
cilium, as it is constituted, must have the sliding filaments, connecting proteins, and motor
proteins for function to occur. In the absence of any one of those components, the apparatus is
useless.
The components of cilia are single molecules. This means that there are no more black
boxes to invoke; the complexity of the cilium is final, fundamental. And just as scientists, when
they began to learn the complexities of the cell, realized how silly it was to think that life arose
spontaneously in a single step or a few steps from ocean mud, so too we now realize that the
complex cilium can not be reached in a single step or a few steps. But since the complexity of the
cilium is irreducible, then it can not have functional precursors. Since the irreducibly complex
cilium can not have functional precursors it can not be produced by natural selection, which
requires a continuum of function to work. Natural selection is powerless when there is no function
to select. We can go further and say that, if the cilium can not be produced by natural selection,
then the cilium was designed.
The Study of "Molecular Evolution"

Other examples of irreducible complexity abound, including aspects of protein transport,
blood clotting, closed circular DNA, electron transport, the bacterial flagellum, telomeres,
photosynthesis, transcription regulation, and much more. Examples of irreducible complexity can
be found on virtually every page of a biochemistry textbook. But if these things cannot be
explained by Darvvinian evolution, how has the scientific community regarded these phenomena
of the past forty years? A good place to look for an answer to that question is in the Journal of
Molecular Evolution. JME is a journal that was begun specifically to deal with the topic of how
evolution occurs on the molecular level. It has high scientific standards, and is edited by prominent
figures in the field. In a recent issue of JME there were published eleven articles; of these, all
eleven were concerned simply with the analysis of protein or DNA sequences. None of the papers
discussed detailed models for intermediates in the development of complex biomolecular
structures. In the past ten years JME has published 886 papers. Of these, 95 discussed the chemical
synthesis of molecules thought to be necessary for the origin of life, 44 proposed mathematical
models to improve sequence analysis, 20 concerned the evolutionary implications of current
structures, and 719 were analyses of protein or polynucleotide sequences. There were zero papers
discussing detailed models for intermediates in the development of complex biomolecular
structures. This is not a peculiarity of JME. No papers are to be found that discuss detailed models
for intermediates in the development of complex biomolecular structures in the Proceedings of the
National Academy of Science, Nature, Science, the Journal of Molecular Biology or, to my
knowledge, any journal whatsoever.
Sequence comparisons overwhelmingly dominate the literature of molecular evolution. But
sequence comparisons simply can't account for the development of complex biochemical systems
any more than Darwin's comparison of simple and complex eyes told him how vision worked.
Thus in this area science is mute. This means that when we infer that complex biochemical
systems were designed, we are contradicting no experimental result, we are in conflict with no
theoretical study. No experiments needs to be questioned, but the interpretation of all experiments
must now be reexamined, just as the results of experiments that were consistent with a Newtonian
view of the universe had to be reinterpreted when the waveparticle duality of matter was discerned.
Conclusion
It is often said that science must avoid any conclusions which smack of the supernatural.
But this seems to me to be both bad logic and bad science. Science is not a game in which arbitrary
rules are used to decide what explanations are to be permitted. Rather, it is an effort to make true
statements about physical reality. It was only about sixty years ago that the expansion of the
universe was first observed. This fact immediately suggested a singular event--that at some time in
the distant past the universe began expanding from an extremely small size. To many people this
inference was loaded with overtones of a supernatural event--the creation, the beginning of the
universe. The prominent physicist A.S. Eddington probably spoke for many physicists in voicing
his disgust with such a notion (8):
Philosophically, the notion of an abrupt beginning to the present order of Nature is
repugnant to me, as I think it must be to most; and even those who would welcome a proof
of the intervention of a Creator will probably consider that a single winding-up at some
remote epoch is not really the kind of relation between God and his world that brings
satisfaction to the mind.
Nonetheless, the Big Bang hypothesis was embraced by physics and over the years has
proven to be a very fruitful paradigm. The point here is that physics followed the data where it
seemed to lead, even though some thought the model gave aid and comfort to religion. In the
present day, as biochemistry multiplies examples of fantastically complex molecular systems,
systems which discourage even an attempt to explain how they may have arisen, we should take a
lesson from physics. The conclusion of design flows naturally from the data; we should not shrink
from it; we should embrace it and build on it.
In concluding, it is important to realize that we are not inferring design from what we do not
know, but from what we do know. We are not inferring design to account for a black box, but to
account for an open box. A man from a primitive culture who sees an automobile might guess that
it was powered by the wind or by an antelope hidden under the car, but when he opens up the hood
and sees the engine he immediately realizes that it was designed. In the same way biochemistry
has opened up the cell to examine what makes it run and we see that it, too, was designed.
It was a shock to people of the nineteenth century when they discovered, from observations
science had made, that many features of the biological world could be ascribed to the elegant
principle of natural selection. It is a shock to us in the twentieth century to discover, from
observations science has made, that the fundamental mechanisms of life cannot be ascribed to
natural selection, and therefore were designed. But we must deal with our shock as best we can
and go on. The theory of undirected evolution is already dead, but the work of science continues.
This paper was originally presented in the Summer of 1994 at the meeting ofthe C.S. Lewis
Society, Cambridge University.
REFERENCES:
(1) Darwin, Charles (1872) Origin of Species 6th ed (1988), p.151, New York University Press,
New York.
(2) Farley, John (1979) The Spontaneous Generation Controversy from Descartes to Oparin, 2nd
ed, p.73, The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.
(3) Mayr, Ernst (1991) One Long Argument, p. 146, Harvard University Press, Cambridge.
(4) Devlin, Thomas M. (1992) Textbook of Biochemistry, pp.938954, WileyLiss, New York.
(5) University of Washington rhetorician John Angus Campbell has observed that "huge edifices
of ideas such as positivism never really die. Thinking people gradually abandon them and even
ridicule them among themselves, but keep the persuasively useful parts to scare away the
uninformed." "The Comic Frame and the Rhetoric of Science: Epistemology and Ethics in
Darwin's Origin," Rhetoric Society Quarterly 24, pp.2750 (1994). This certainly applies to the way
the scientific community handles questions on the origin of life.
(6) Darwin, p.154.
(7) Voet, D. & Voet, J.G. (1990) Biochemistry, pp.11321139, John Wiley & Sons, New York.
(8) Cited in Jaki, Stanley L. (1980) Cosmos and Creator, pp.56, Gateway Editions, Chicago.
Mike Behe received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Drexel University in 1974
and the Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Pennsylvania in 1978.
After doing postdoctoral work at the National institutes of Health he became assistant professor of
Chemistry at the City University of New York/Queens College.
In 1985 he moved to Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, where he is currently Associate
Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences.
Mike is married to the former Celeste LaTassa. They are members of St. Theresa Parish in
Hellertown, PA, where they are raising their six children: Grace, age 10; Benedict, 9; Clare, 7;
Leo, 5; Rose, 3; and Vincent, 1.
Look for Dr. Behe's new book published by the Free Press, Darwin's Black Box: The
Biochemical Challenge to Evolution.
CNPS Kid's Page #2 - Chaparral
Kid's Page #2
Chaparral and Fire
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The California chaparral is a plant community composed of small shrubs and

bushes that are adapted to fire. You can see the chaparral in the coastal mountains
around San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, San Jose and
other locations in the Coast Ranges, and also in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada
and Klamath Mountains. The chaparral consists of tall bushes and small trees
with dark green leaves. Most of the plants are less than ten feet high. When we
say that plants are adapted to fire, we mean that the plants actually need fire as
part of their lives, and that the plant species could die out if fire didn't occur.
Sounds a little strange, doesn't it? Why would plants have anything to do with
fire?
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A couple of sprigs of chaparral plants are shown below. These are of Manzanita
(or 'little apple' in Spanish because of the appearance of the fruit, which is not a
true apple), California Lilac (Ceanothus) which has beautiful blue. white, or lilac
blossoms in the early Spring, Chamise which has tiny white masses of flowers on
the ends of its branches of tiny green leaves, and Toyon (or Christmas Holly,
named because of the red berries that grow on the small tree around Christmas
time---it is the Holly in Hollywood).
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These plants usually have really stiff, tough little leaves...they are usually quite
shiny and look like they have a waxy covering. The leaves actually do have a
waxy covering, which seals in the water inside the leaf during the hot summer
months. The wax causes the leaves to burn really hot in a fire, like little candles.
Such waxy-leaf plants are called sclerophyls, and have sclerophyllous properties.
Try saying sclerophyllous three times and then wipe the spit off the screen!
Chaparral is found where the summers are long and hot, and where it might not
rain for half a year or more. The hillsides are covered by stiff bushes that grow
very close together, and you can't really walk through them without getting
scratched up. As the bushes get older and older, more and more dead wood and
leaves accumulate, until the chaparral can contain as much dead wood as living
wood. So now we have little waxy leaves and a dried out woodpile to think about
when we start talking about fires.
Fire can start in the chaparral because of lightning, or because of careless
smokers. The vegetation will usually be dense enough to allow a really big fire
after it is about 10 years old, and often very old chaparral (40 years old or older)
will have so much dead wood that flames will be taller than houses and can reach
right across streets.
Once fires start they can move across the hillsides very quickly. There is lots of
heat given off. One fire in 1994 produced the heat of five atom bombs in a single
hour. You sure didn't want to get in the way of that wildfire!
The waxy leaves and the dead wood cause a hot fire, and when it is over there is
not very much left to see. Just a few burned stumps and sticks, piles of ash, and
nothing apparently left alive. It is pretty depressing to look at.
So why was this good for the plants? How can dying in a fire help a plant? The
answer lies in the seeds of some of the plants, and in the special nature of the
blackened stumps of some of the others.
Now just imagine what it would be like to be a little seedling trying to grow under
all of the big plants if they were still there. Down on the ground it would be too
shaded for light to reach the new little leaves, and the big plants would gobble up
all of the water. The little seedling would probably die, and there would be no
room for it anyway.
After the fire there is space to grow, and there is water to drink and beautiful
sunlight for energy. You might guess that all of the seeds would have burned up
in the fire, but you would be wrong. In fact, the seeds may have been in the soil
for years, just waiting for the fire. These seeds have a special outer coat that
doesn't allow water to come in and cause the seed to sprout.
The fire causes the outer coat to break up. The cause is either the heat from the
fire, or chemicals from the smoke... maybe both.
The rain can then get into the seed, and up it sprouts into a world of wonderful
light. It is kind of like the parent plant knowing it is getting old and woody, and
deciding to get out of the way to make room for the kids.
The waxy covering on the parent's leaves often has another purpose, and that is to
burn with great heat. This might seem a little weird, but it is to make that the less
fire-protected seeds of other plants are killed, as they might have taken away
water and sunlight from the plant's own seedlings.
Some species of chaparral can sprout from their stumps. These bushes keep a lot
of energy in their roots, and after the top of the plant burns off, they simply sprout
new leaves and branches. In this way, some plants may survive many fires, and
could be hundreds of years old. Below we see a so-called "stump-sprouter" on the
left, and a "seeder" on the right.
And so the plant species continue, and soon the hillside looks like it did before.
The new sprouts and seedlings are really tasty for wildlife, and so life quickly
returns. And the plants grow, get old, there is a fire, the plants grow, get old, there
is another fire.....and on....and on....

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*Trafficz does not own this domain. Click Here to email the current owner of this domain name.
http://www.vqt.org/ [5/10/2004 2:59:28 PM]
FDA/CFSAN Bad Bug Book Giardia lamblia
U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition
Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms
and Natural Toxins Handbook
Giardia lamblia
1. Name of the Organism:

Giardia lamblia
Giardia lamblia (intestinalis) is a single celled animal, i.e., a

protozoa, that moves with the aid of five flagella. In Europe, it is
sometimes referred to as Lamblia intestinalis.
2. Nature of Acute
Disease:
Giardiasis is the most frequent cause of non-bacterial diarrhea in

North America.
3. Nature of Disease:
Organisms that appear identical to those that cause human

illness have been isolated from domestic animals (dogs and cats)
and wild animals (beavers and bears). A related but
morphologically distinct organism infects rodents, although
rodents may be infected with human isolates in the laboratory.
Human giardiasis may involve diarrhea within 1 week of
ingestion of the cyst, which is the environmental survival form
and infective stage of the organism.
CDC Case Definition

What is a "Case
Definition"?
Overview of Public Health
Surveillance
Normally illness lasts for 1 to 2 weeks, but there are cases of

chronic infections lasting months to years. Chronic cases, both
those with defined immune deficiencies and those without, are
difficult to treat.
The disease mechanism is unknown, with some investigators
reporting that the organism produces a toxin while others are
unable to confirm its existence. The organism has been
demonstrated inside host cells in the duodenum, but most
investigators think this is such an infrequent occurrence that it is
not responsible for disease symptoms. Mechanical obstruction of
the absorptive surface of the intestine has been proposed as a
possible pathogenic mechanism, as has a synergistic relationship
with some of the intestinal flora.
Giardia can be excysted, cultured and encysted in vitro; new
http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~mow/chap22.html (1 of 5) [5/10/2004 2:59:29 PM]
isolates have bacterial, fungal, and viral symbionts. Classically

the disease was diagnosed by demonstration of the organism in
stained fecal smears.
Several strains of G. lamblia have been isolated and described
through analysis of their proteins and DNA; type of strain,
however, is not consistently associated with disease severity.
Different individuals show various degrees of symptoms when
infected with the same strain, and the symptoms of an individual
may vary during the course of the disease.
Infectious Dose - Ingestion of one or more cysts may cause
disease, as contrasted to most bacterial illnesses where hundreds
to thousands of organisms must be consumed to produce illness.
4. Diagnosis of Human
Illness:
Giardia lamblia is frequently diagnosed by visualizing the

organism, either the trophozoite (active reproducing form) or the
cyst (the resting stage that is resistant to adverse environmental
conditions) in stained preparations or unstained wet mounts with
the aid of a microscope. A commercial fluorescent antibody kit
is available to stain the organism. Organisms may be
concentrated by sedimentation or flotation; however, these
procedures reduce the number of recognizable organisms in the
sample. An enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) that
detects excretory secretory products of the organism is also
available. So far, the increased sensitivity of indirect serological
detection has not been consistently demonstrated.
5. Associated Foods:
Giardiasis is most frequently associated with the consumption of

contaminated water. Five outbreaks have been traced to food
contamination by infected or infested food handlers, and the
possibility of infections from contaminated vegetables that are
eaten raw cannot be excluded. Cool moist conditions favor the
survival of the organism.
6. Relative Frequency of
Disease:
Giardiasis is more prevalent in children than in adults, possibly

because many individuals seem to have a lasting immunity after
infection. This organism is implicated in 25% of the cases of
gastrointestinal disease and may be present asymptomatically.
The overall incidence of infection in the United States is
estimated at 2% of the population. This disease afflicts many
homosexual men, both HIV-positive and HIV-negative
individuals. This is presumed to be due to sexual transmission.
The disease is also common in child day care centers, especially
those in which diapering is done.
7. Course of Disease and

Complications:
About 40% of those who are diagnosed with giardiasis

demonstrate disaccharide intolerance during detectable infection
and up to 6 months after the infection can no longer be detected.
Lactose (i.e., milk sugar) intolerance is most frequently
observed. Some individuals (less than 4%) remain symptomatic
more than 2 weeks; chronic infections lead to a malabsorption
syndrome and severe weight loss. Chronic cases of giardiasis in
immunodeficient and normal individuals are frequently refractile
to drug treatment. Flagyl is normally quite effective in
terminating infections. In some immune deficient individuals,
giardiasis may contribute to a shortening of the life span.
8. Target Populations:
Giardiasis occurs throughout the population, although the

prevalence is higher in children than adults. Chronic
symptomatic giardiasis is more common in adults than children.
9. Food Analysis:
Food is analyzed by thorough surface cleaning of the suspected

food and sedimentation of the organisms from the cleaning
water. Feeding to specific pathogen-free animals has been used
to detect the organism in large outbreaks associated with
municipal water systems. The precise sensitivity of these
methods has not been determined, so that negative results are
questionable. Seven days may be required to detect an
experimental infection.
10. Selected Outbreaks:
Literature references can be found at the links below.
Major outbreaks are associated with contaminated water systems

that do not use sand filtration or have a defect in the filtration
system.
MMWR 38(23):1989
In April 1988, the Albuquerque Environmental Health

Department and the New Mexico Health and Environment
Department investigated reports of giardiasis among members of
a church youth group in Albuquerque. The first two members to
be affected had onset of diarrhea on March 3 and 4, respectively;
stool specimens from both were positive for Giardia lamblia
cysts. These two persons had only church youth group activities
in common.
MMWR 32(50):1983
On August 8, 1983, the Utah Department of Health was notified

by the Tooele County Health Department (TCHD) of an
outbreak of diarrheal illness in Tooele, Utah, possibly associated
with a contaminated public water supply that resulted from
flooding during Utah's spring thaw.
Morbidity and Mortality

Weekly Reports
For more information on recent outbreaks see the CDC.
11. Education and

Background Resources:
Literature references can be found at the links below.
Loci index for genome

Giardia lamblia
Available from the GenBank Taxonomy database, which

contains the names of all organisms that are represented in the
genetic databases with at least one nucleotide or protein
sequence.
CDC Giardiasis FAQ'S
Frequently Asked Questions about Giardiasis.
FSIS Parasites and

Foodborne Illness Resource
page
Giardia duodenalis, cause of giardiasis (GEE-are-DYE-uh-sis),

is a one-celled, microscopic parasite that can live in the
intestines of animals and people. It is found in every region
throughout the world and has become recognized as one of the
most common causes of waterborne (and occasionally
foodborne) illness.
12. Molecular Structural

Data:
None currently available.
13. FDA Regulations or

Activity:
Bacteriological Analytical
Manual.
Current recovery methods are published in this FDA

methodology reference. The FDA continues to actively develop
and improve methods of recovering parasitic protozoa and
helminth eggs from foods.
CDC/MMWR
The CDC/MMWR link will provide a list of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports at
CDC relating to this organism or toxin. The date shown is the date the item was posted on
the Web, not the date of the MMWR. The summary statement shown are the initial words of
the overall document. The specific article of interest may be just one article or item within
the overall report.
NIH/PubMed
The NIH/PubMed button at the top of the page will provide a list of research abstracts
contained in the National Library of Medicine's MEDLINE database for this organism or
toxin.
AGRICOLA
The AGRICOLA button will provide a list of research abstracts contained in the National
Agricultural Library database for this organism or toxin.
[email protected]
January 1992 with periodic updates
Bad Bug Book
Foods Home | FDA Home | Search/Subject Index | Disclaimers & Privacy Policy | Accessibility/Help
Hypertext last updated by las/ear/dav 2003-JAN-07
A Hypothermia Treatment Technology Web-Site
A Hypothermia Treatment Technology Web

Site.
EQUIPMENT LINKS
"Rescuers have an important role in the first aid

medical treatment of victims"
World Congress on Drowning
Hypothermia treatment starts in the field by rewarming

(stabilizing) victims with equipment supplying warm
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core-temperature afterdrop.
RES-Q-AIR
The growing popularity of outdoor recreation, has resulted

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IV WARMER
ELECTRONIC
STETHOSCOPE
Research on hypothermia conducted at the University of

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the RES-Q-AIR to stabilize and begin warming in the field."
RECHARGEABLE
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HOME
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Contact Us:
Fax:
(413) 473-2907
Email:
[email protected]
2004 Events
If you want your event on the

calendar, either use the fax
Last updated Friday, May 07, 2004 Next update on or before May 14th, 2004
number above, or mail a copy to:
Please note - dates, times, etc are outside of
May 7th - 9th, 2004
my control. A powwow can be cancelled for
OCB Trading Post
10th Annual Northern and Southern
nearly any reason, including weather.
657 E Arrow Hwy #M
Winds
Pow
Wow
Information numbers are included and
Glendora, CA 91740
should be used for more information.
OCB Will Be There
E-mailing me about vender applications,
East Los Angeles College
complaints, directions, etc will likely be
1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez
ignored. I do not run these events, I only list
Monterey Park, CA 91754
them. I will be at the events that have OCB
Hours: Fri 7pm-10pm; Sat 11am-10pm; Will Be There listed on them, and possibly
other events as well. Feel free to stop by and
Sun 11am-6pm
thank me if you'd like.
Info: (323) 377-3523 Vendors: (323)

428-1666
May 8th - 9th, 2004

11th Annual Mariposa Pow Wow
Mariposa Fairgrounds
Hwy 49 So.
Mariposa, CA
M.C.- Art Martinez; Arena Director- J.R
Manuel; Head Man- Aaron Wright; Head
Woman- Marlene Johnson; Head BoyDustin Lemaster; Head Girl- Naomi
Ortega; Head Tiny Tot Boy- Christopher
Jones Jr.; Head Tiny Tot Girl- Libra
Alverez
www.visitmariposa.net/powwow/
Info: 209-742-2244
- Gary
If you'd like to advertise on this page, feel
free to contact me. We have a very high click
through rate, especially for American Indian
related businesses and supporters. On
average, one out of every ten visits to the
page results in a click through.
May 8th, 2004

Scorpion Contest Pow Wow
Farmington High School Gymasium
2200 Sunset AVE.
Farmington New Mexico
Gourd Sessions 11:00am & 6:00pm Grand Entries 12:00pm & 7:00pm Head Staff
TBA
[email protected]
Info: (505)324-0352 ext 1449
http://www.ocbtracker.com/index.html (1 of 27) [5/10/2004 3:00:13 PM]
May 14th - 16th, 2004

Redbird's Children of Many Colors Native American Intertribal Powwow
OCB Will Be There
Castaic Lake Recreation Area
At the Lagoon
32132 Castaic Lake Drive
Castaic, CA
(eight miles north of Magic Mountain on Interstate 5 in Los Angeles County)
Gourd Dancing, All dancers welcome, all drums welcome. Children's activities.
Arts, Crafts and Food! Educational exhibits.
Website: www.rebirdsvision.com
Info: (805) 217-0364
May 14th - 16th, 2004

24th Annual American Indian Arts Market and Powwow
DeAnza College
Events should be submitted no
less than six weeks before they S-Quad
begin, and submissions should 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd.
include a vender application as
Cupertino, CA 95014
well.
Open Gourd Dancing, Drum "day money" paid daily.
Submissions sent in may or may Website: www.deanzapowwow.org
not be posted on this calendar
depending upon my time, my
Info: (408) 486-TELL (8355)(ext 871 for general info, 872 for vendor info, 874 for
mood, the odd quirks in the
entertainment info.)
server and for just about any
other reason under the sun.
If you wish to yell at me for not
having an event listed, a problem
with an event listing, etc., the fee
is $75 per hour, three hours
minimum, payable in advance.
May 15th, 2004

Cal Poly Pomona 6th Annual Healing the Earth Powwow
Cal Poly Rose Garden
3801W. Temple Avenue
Pomona, CA
Traditional Powwow. Gourd dancing at 11am. All gourd dancers welcome. Grand
Entry at 12:00. Vendors contact Alex Hunter at (909) 869-6877.
[email protected]
Info: Call Audrey (909) 482-0985
May 15th - 16th, 2004
American Indian Cultural Days
Balboa Park
Park Blvd & Presidents Way
San Diego, CA
Info: (619) 281-5964
May 21st - 23rd, 2004
1st Annual Circle of All Nations Pow Wow
OCB Will Be There
The OutPost
34141 116th St
Pear Blossom, CA
Just south of Hwy 138 between Victorville and Palmdale
Hours: Friday 4pm-9pm; Sat 10am-9pm; Sun 10am-7pm

Info: Bobbi Sanchez (661) 994-3540; OutPost (661) 944-1200
May 22nd - 23rd, 2004
23rd Annual Medicine Ways Powwow
UC Riverside
Riverside, CA
$5 parking, all day - $1 per hour
All Drums and Dancers Welcome
Info: (909) 787-4143
May 29th - 30th, 2004
Chumash Interpretive Center Powwow
OCB Will Be There
Chumash Interpretive Center
3290 Lang Ranch Parkway
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Hours: Sat 10am - 8pm; Sun 10am - 6pm
Info: (805) 492-8076
May 29 - 30th, 2004
14th Annual Intertribal Powwow
Saddleback College
Avery Parkway
Mission Viejo, CA
Info: (909) 488-4284
June 4th - 6th, 2004
Standing Bear Pow Wow 2004
OCB Will Be There
West High School
Bakersfield, CA
Ming Ave Exit off I-99, west to Valhalla, right to High School campus on left.
Admission $5.00
For information: Gene Albitre (661) 589-8414 or (661) 589-3181
June 12th - 13th, 2004
9th San Luis Rey Intertribal Powwow
OCB Will Be There
San Luis Rey Mission Grounds
4050 Mission Ave
Oceanside, CA
All dancers & Drums welcome, contest dancing, peon games at dusk
Info: (760) 724-8505
June 11th - 13th, 2004
4th Annual Pow Wow Honoring Acorn Makers
West of Table Mountan Rancheria Casino
North-east of Fresno, CA
Chicken Dance Special $1,000, Men's Traditional Special $1,000. Princess, dance,
drum contests. Hand games, Indian crafts and great food!
Free admission; open to the public!
Info: (559) 822-2890
There will be no Tehachapi powwow this year, according to info number
July 2nd - 4th, 2004

Ninth Annual Pechanga Powwow
Pechanga Resort & Casino
45000 Pechanga Parkway
Temecula, CA
Info: 909)303-2523
Vendors: 323-344-9113
Free to the public, everyone welcome free parking, rv camping available. Contest
dancing, drum contest, all drums welcome fireworks on Saturday, head staff TBA.
July 16 - 18, 2004
9th Big Bear All Nations Powwow
Los Vaqueros Rodeo Arena
Off Hwy 38 and Zaca Rd
Big Bear City, CA
Music, dancing, arts and crafts, food
Info: Faye Roman (909) 790-1390
July 24th - 25th, 2004
9th Annual Vallejo Intertribal Powwow
Waterfront
Mare Island Way
Vallejo, CA
Open gourd dance, all traditional drums welcome, special invitation to women
drum groups
Info: (707) 554-6114
Vendors: (707) 552-2562
July 24th - 25th, 2004
Lake Casitas Powwow
OCB Will Be There
Lake Casitas
Ojai, CA
Hours: Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 10-5pm
Admission $10, under 13 $5. Weekend pass $15, parking $3 -- Free admission to
contest dancers, social dancers and family are asked to help support the powwow
and the dancers by paying for admission.
Info: (805) 496-6036
Lake Casitas (805) 649-2233
September 3rd - 5th, 2004
19th Annual Numaga Indian Days
Reno-Sparks Indian Colony
Hungry Valley Community
Eagle Canyon Dr & Fancy Dance Dr
Sparks, NV
Points system contest, dry camping, golf tournament, princess contest Host Drum:
Midnite Express; MC Denny Stanley; Arena Director Jerry Bear
General Info: (775) 425-0775
Vendors: Dan Thayer at above
September 24th - 26th, 2004
14th Annual Thunder & Lightning Powwow
Casino Morongo
Near Beaumont, CA
Contest dancing, ground dance

Info: (800) 252-4499
Sept. 24th - 26th, 2004
IIAC Annual Pow-Wow
Bishop, California
Bishop Paiute Reservation
Bishop, Calfornia
This is a contest pow-wow. The pow-wow also celebrates California Indian Days.
Open to the Public, bring own shade and chairs and plenty of water. No alcohol
and drug use allowed. Open admission.
Info: Call rena at (760) 872-2213
Sept. 25th - 26th, 2004
11th Annual Hart Powwow
OCB Will Be There
Wm.S.Hart Park
24151 N. San Fernando Rd.
Newhall, CA
Sat. 10:am to 7:pm
Sun. 10:am to 6:pm
Free admission!
http://www.hart-friends.org/event_pages/powwow.html
Info: 661/255-9295
Past Events for 2004:

Dec 31 to Jan 1, 2004
Red Road pow-wow
Fresno, Ca.
Info: 559-452-0620
January 2-3,2004
After the New Year Contest Pow Wow
Shonto Preparatory School
hwy 98/160
Shonto, Az
M/C-Dennis Bowen-Tuba City AZ;A/D-Lee Williams, Tempe AZ; Host Northern
Drum-Eagle Creek Singers, Dennehotso AZ; HeadMan/Lady-pick per session;
Grand Entry-Fri(Jan 2) 7 pm, Sat(Jan 3) 1 & 7 pm; Special Contest-Men's Grass
Dance Special and Drum Contest; Flag Ceremony and Veterans Give-Away
Info: 928/672-2652
February 14th - 15th, 2004
8th Annual Wildhorse Powwow
North Torrance High School
3620 W 182nd St
Torrance, CA
Directions: Off 405 freeway, exit Crenshaw Blvd. Make left at 182nd str, make left
at Yukon Hours: Sat: 11am - 10:30pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm Info: Jorge (562)
631-6327
February 14th, 2004
CIHA Monthly Powwow
Marshal Middle School

Doors open 6:30pm
Gym
Wardlow Road & Woodruff
Long Beach, CA
Happy Valentine's Day! There will be a special Potato Dance for couples with the
winners receiving dinner for two at Claimjumper.
Info: www.ciha.net
March 6th - 7th, 2004
2004 California Hethushka
Marshall Middle School
Wardlow and Woodruff
Long Beach, CA
Guest Singer: Henry Collins
Info: www.ciha.net
March 13th - 14th, 2004
CSULB 34th Annual Pow Wow
Upper Quad, CSU Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA
Pow Wow Hours: 11am-10pm Saturday, 3/13 11am-7pm, Sunday, 3/14
Head Southern Singer, Glenn Ahhaitty,(kiowa/comanche) Contest Dancing and
Hand Drum Contest. Dancers registration closes 2pm, Saturday. Gourd Dancing:
11 am Sat. & Sun. Grand Entry: 1pm & 7pm Sat.; 1pm Sun. This year's featured
artists include Silversmith Michael Rodgers (Bishop Paiute), Contemporary
Silversmith, Larry Pacheco (Laguna Pueblo), Dineh Silversmith Leroy Begay,
Contemporary Etched Pottery by Harrison Tom (Dineh), and Silversmiths Frank
and Darlene Chee (Dineh). Parking is free, and the campus is handicapped
accessible. It is strongly recommended that spectators bring folding chairs. Not
responsible for theft, loss, accident, injury or personal expenses. Absolutely no
alcohol, drugs allowed or overnight camping. With respect to our elders, no pets
allowed.
CSULB Campus Maps
CSULB American Indian Alumni Chapter
Info: (562) 985-4963
March 19th - April 4th, 2004
Play: Please Do Not Touch The Indians
A Native Voices at the Autry World Premiere
Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm; Saturday and Sunday Matinees 2pm; Special
Preview Thursday March 18th.
Tickets: General $15, members $12. For resevations call TicketWeb (866)
468-3399 or visit www.ticketweb.com. Visit www.autry-museum.org for more
information.
March 20th, 2004
12th Annual First Americans in the Arts Awards
Reception & Silent Auction 5:30-7:30pm
Dinner 8:00pm
Awards Presentation 9:00pm
After party begins after show and ends around 4:00am.
Millennium Baltimore Hotel
506 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Show & banquet tickets start at $125. Come out and see your favorite American
Indian actor or actress and cheer them on!
After party runs $40 per person, attendance at the show not required. (The
after-show tickets are discounted to $20 for those who have tickets for the
banquet/awards presentation.)
The First American in the Arts is the awards ceremony for American Indians in
television, film, music. Tickets: Donna Sanchez (323) 478-1784. For more
information, contact Anne Begay (310) 270-5388. Hotel reservations: (800)
245-8673
April 10th - 11th, 2004
6th Annual El Camino College Inter-tribal Powwow
OCB Will Be There
El Camino College
Track Field
16007 Crenshaw Blvd
Torrence, CA 90506
(Crenshaw Blvd and Redondo Beach Blvd
Hours: Sat 10am - 6pm; Sun 10am - 6pm
Admission Free, Parking $2.00 (Free with ECC Parking Pass)
Host Drums: White Cloud (Northern), Hale & Co (Southern)
Contest - Tiny tots, youth, teen, adult & Golden Age
MC: Mike Reifel; Head Man Dancer: Joe Allen
Info: (310) 710-5194
April 16th, 2004
18th Annual Spring Pageant
Auditorium
Sherman Indian High School
9010 Magnolia Ave
Riverside, CA
Hours: 6pm - 9pm
Info: (909)276-6009 x 364
April 17th - 18th, 2004
Humboldt State University Powwow
West Gym
Humboldt State University
1 Harpst Street
Arcata, CA 95521
Info: (707) 826-4994
April 17th, 2004
19th Annual Intertribal Powwow
Ira Hayes Stadium
Sherman Indian High School
9010 Magnolia Ave
Riverside, CA
Hours: 11am - 11pm
Info: (909)276-6009 x 364
April 17th, 2004
San Diego State University Contest Powwow
Montezuma Hall in Aztec Center
San Diego State University

5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182
Hours: 11am - 11pm
MC: John Dawson; Headman: Richard Parker Van Dyke; Headwoman Alanna
Sandoval
Host Drums: Green River (Northern); Glen Ahhaitty (Southern)
Free parking in structure 6; free admission
Info: (619) 592-6991
April 18th, 2004
Modesto College Powwow
East Campus Quad
Modesto Junior College
Modesto, CA
MC: Tom Philips; Head Man: CHarles Koshiway; Head Woman Lisa Holder
Host Drums: All Nation Singers (Northern); Roubedeaux Singers (Southern)
Free admission
InfoL (209) 575-6255
April 24th - 25th, 2004
Chumash Day Powwow and Inter-Tribal Gathering
OCB Will Be There
Malibu Bluffs Park
24250 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu Canyon Road and Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
Free admission, free parking
Native foods, Native American Arts & Crafts, Music, Story Telling, Children's
Activities. MC: Mike Reifel (Apache), Arena Director: Vic Chavez (Dine),
Headman Dancer: Randy Folkes (Chumash-Paiute), Headwoman Dancer: Kateri
Walker (Chippewa), Head Young Man: Jose Little Owl (Mohawk), Head Young
Woman: Corrina Inez Raas (Chumash-Apache), Head Goard Dancer: Saginaw
Grant (Sac-Fox), Northern Host Drum: West Coast Singers, Southern Host Drum:
Hale & Co.
Vendor Info Francine Greene: (310) 457-3006
General Info: (310) 456-2489 x 225
April 24th, 2004
12th Annual Ohlone "Big Time" Gathering and Pow-Wow
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
White & Lexinton Ave
Pomona, CA
Starts at 10am; new location this year - with grass!
Info: (909) 591-3117
April 24th, 2004
Indian Education Conference Powwow
Westin Hotel LAX
Los Angeles, CA
Hours: 6pm - 11pm
Info: Phil Hale (714) 962-6673; Vendor info: (530) 275-1513
May 1st - 2nd, 2004
12th Annual Mother Earth Gathering Traditional Inter-tribal Pow Wow
OCB Will Be There

Hesperia Lake Park
7500 Arrowhead Lake Road
Hesperia, CA
Info: (760) 244-5488
May 1st - May 2nd, 2004
19th Annual UCLA Pow Wow
UCLA North Athletic Field
Los Angeles, California
http://www.studentgroups.ucla.edu/americanindian/
Info: (310) 206-7513
Past events for 2003:

May 9th - 11th, 2003
Stanford Powwow
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Info: (650)725-6947
May 10th - 11th, 2003
9th Annual Northern and Southern Winds Powwow
Athletic field
East Los Angeles College
1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez (cross street Atlantic Blvd)
Monterey Park, CA
Sponsored by Iron Circle Nation and M.E.X.A. - All drums welcome! MC: Roy
Track, Lakota; Hours: 11am - 10pm Saturday, 11am - 6pm Sunday. Grand entry
12:30pm both days. Featuring intertribal dancing, indigenous music, food, arts &
crafts. Face painting, and Mother's Day Give-Aways! Bring your own chairs and
shading, no camping permitted.
Info: (323) 241-0747 Vendor Info: (323) 265-8753 Email: Meno Martinez [email protected]
May 9th - 10th, 2003
23rd Annual Augusta Powwow
Augusta, Georgia
Info: Bill Medeiros (706)771-1221
May 16-18, 2003
23rd Annual De Anza College Pow Wow
De Anza College
directions (408) 864-8355 ext.868
Cupertino, California
GRAND ENTRIES: Fri. 7 pm, Sat. 12 noon & 7pm, Sun. 12 noon POW WOW
HOURS: Fri. 7 pm to 11 pm, Sat. noon to 11 pm, Sun. noon to 5 pm ARTS &
FOOD HOURS: Fri. 5 pm to 10 pm, Sat. 10 am to 10 pm, Sun. 10am to 5 pm For
more information call (408)864-TELL (8355) then the following extensions
Getting to De Anza-ext. 868 What's a Pow Wow?-ext. 870 General
Information-ext. 871 Pow Wow Vendor Info-ext. 872 Pow Wow
Entertainment-ext. 874 Pow Wow Film Festival-ext. 875
May 16th - 18th, 2003

23rd Annual Powwow & Gathering
Tuscarora Nation of North Carolina
Maxton, NC
Admission $2.00, camping space available, limited seating available, vendor space
available. All drums and dancers welcome! MC: Keith Colston, Host Drum:
Falling Water, Guest Drum: Kau-Ta-Noh Jrs.
Info: Chief Leon Locklear (910) 844-3352
May 17th - 18th, 2003
23nd De Anza College Powwow
De Anza College
South Quad
21250 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
Contest powwow, food booths, craft booths
Info: (408) 864-5448
Website: http://www.deanzapowwow.org
May 16th, 2003
Medicine Ways Conference
UC Riverside
Riverside, CA
Info: (909) 787-4143
May 17th - 18th, 2003
Medicine Ways Powwow
Soccer Field
Riverside, CA
Hours: 11am - 10pm Sat, 11am - 6pm Sun. Craft booths, food booths
Info: Joel Beutel (909) 787-4143
email: [email protected]
web: www.nasp.ucr.edu
May 17th - 18th, 2003
15th Annual American Indian Culture Days
Balboa Park - Park Blvd and President's Way
San Diego, CA
Kumeyaay Bird Singers, Abel Silvas, Bill Neal, Aztec Dancers, Tracy Lee Nelson,
all drums welcome at the powwow. Hours 10am - 6pm, both days.
Info: (619) 281-5964
May 21th, 2003
American Indian Chamber of Commerce Monthly Meeting
(every third Wednesday)
11138 Valley Mall
Suite 200
El Monte, CA
Upstairs at the Bank of America building Meetings starts 6:30 potluck social, 7:30
call to order.
Info: (626) 442-3701 or (714) 898-6364
May 23rd - 26th, 2003
CIHA Spring Witayapi
Armed Forces Joint Training Center

Los Alimitos, CA
Info: Dianna (626) 339-4353
May 24th - 27th, 2003
18th Annual Casa de Fruita Red Road Powwow
May 24th - 27th, 2003
Grand Entry is Noon
Gates open at 9:00 Am until 12:00 AM
Contact: 831-425-4404
Website: www.indiancouncil.net
E-mail: [email protected]
May 24th - 25th, 2003
Chumash Intertribal Powwow
Oakbrook Park Chumash Interpretive Center
3290 Lang Ranch Parkway
Thousand Oaks,CA
Saturday 10am to 10pm
Sunday 10am to 6pm
[email protected]
Info: Bob Vann (805)492-8076
May 31 - June 1, 2003
3rd Annual Honoring the Lost Nation Intertribal
Eastlake (approx 20 miles east of Cleveland)
Erie Rd & Lakeshore Blvd
Eastlake, OH
Adm: $4 Adults. $1 discount w/donation of canned goods or blanket. No chg for
Elders or children. Drums & vendors by invitation only. Participant feed for drums,
dancers, vendors and volunteers. This is a NON-PROFIT event. ALL proceeds
benefit Native people!
Info: Call Bear Plummer @ 440-951-1028
Standing Bear Powwow
Bakersfield City College
Bakersfield, CA
Host Southern Drum: Hummingbird Singers, Head Man: Henry Allen, Head
Woman: Arlene Allen, MC: Saginaw Grant. Host Motel: Best Western Crystal
Palace Inn (800) 424-4900 - Mention Standing Bear Powwow Admission: 4.00
Info: Gene Albitre (661) 589-8414
22nd Annual Yuba-Sutter Powwow
Marysville, CA
Info: (530)749-6196
June 7th - 8th, 2003 -- DATE CHANGE
7th Annual Multi-Cultural Youth Powwow
Pioneer Park downtown
Reedley, CA 93654
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CONTESTS:
Watermelon Eating, Cake-walk, Over $500 in Raffle Prizes and Talent show
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC A SPECIAL INVITATION TO ALL GOURD

DANCERS ALL DRUMMERS, DANCERS, & TIPIS ARE WELCOME NO
DRUGS OR ALCOHOL ALLOWED ORGANIZED BY FOURWINDS LODGE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL ONEHAWK at 559 485-5036 or 559
338-0509 [email protected] or [email protected] To get to Reedleys
Pioneer Park: Take highway 99 to the Manning exit just south of Fresno, then go
east on Manning Ave, until you pass the Kings River bridge. At first stoplight
Manning will then become I Street, keep going on I Street to 8th Street and
turn left to the park. http://fourwindslodge.tripod.com
Info: 559 485-5036
June 13-15, 2003
3rd Annual Pow Wow
Table Mountain Pow Wow Grounds
Friant, California
Honor the Basketweavers
Northern Drum: The Boyz
Southern Drum: Bad Medicine
Drum Contest, 1st place $2,000; 2nd place $1,500; 3rd place $500
Contest pow wow, food, crafts!
Info: Crystal 559-822-2890
June 13-14,2003
American Indian Cultural Association of North Carolina 25th
Van Hoy Family Campground
Union Grove, North Carolina
Traditional Powwow - Southern Protocol This is a family oriented event
For more information contact Ed de Torres- (828)464-5579, email: exdt
@webtv.net
Traders contact- Karen Hoyt- (704)786-5705 email- [email protected]
June 14th - 15th, 2003
7th Annual Inter-Tribal Powwow
San Luis Rey Mission Grounds
4050 Mission Ave.
Oceanside, CA
All dancers and drums welcome! Food booths, arts and crafts booths, contest
dancing, opportunity drawings. Peon games at dusk!
Sponsored by the San Luis Rey Mission Indian Foundation.
Info: Carmen Mojado (760) 724-8505
June 14th - 15th, 2003 -- DATE CORRECTION
20th Annual Indian Fair
Balboa Park
San Diego Museum of Man
1350 El Prado
San Diego, CA
Info: (619) 239-2001
June 18th, 2003
11138 Valley Mall

Suite 200
El Monte, CA
Upstairs at the Bank of America building
Meetings starts 6:30 potluck social, 7:30 call to order.
Info: (626) 442-3701 or (714) 898-6364
June 20, 21, 22, 2003
Noongam Traditional Powwow
Dow's Lake
off Carling Ave and Preston
Ottawa, ON
Grand Entries: Friday 6 p.m. Saturday 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m.
Giveaway 5 p.m. Feast 6 p.m. All drum groups, dancers and native vendors are
welcome. no admission fees donations welcome at the gate, everyone is welcome,
bring your lawn chairs. for more information phone (613)786-1552,
e-mail:[email protected], website
address:www.noongam.50megs.com http://www.noongam.50megs.com and
email:[email protected]
Info: (613)786-1522
June 21 & 22nd, 2003
8th Annual Two Sisters Pow Wow
Regatta Field
Rte.113 Pawtucket Blvd
Lowell, Mass
Host Drum: Walking Bear Singers Hours: 10-5pm both days
[email protected]
Info: AnnMarie 978-459-7214
June 28th - 29th, 2003
19th Annual Tehachapi - Indian Hills Powwow
Indian Hills Campground
Tehachapi, CA
Arts and crafts, food. All drums and dancers are welcome.
Info: (661) 822-1118
June 27th - 29th, 2003
2003 California Basketweavers Gathering
Yurok Tribal Lands
off Hwy 101
Klamath, CA
Info (530) 478-5660
web: www.ciba.org
June 28th - 29th, 2003
4th Annual Big Time
Lake Sonoma
Warm Springs, CA
Info: (707) 837-8596 or (707) 838-1774
July 4th - 6th, 2003
Pechanga Casino Powwow

Pechanga Casino - Activity Field
Temecula, CA
Info: (888) PECHANGA
Contest powwow, arts and crafts booths, native foods.
July 4th - 6th, 2003
Three Rivers Powwow
13505 S Union
Manteca, CA
Info: (209) 858-2421
July 11-13, 2003
19th Annual Taos Pueblo Pow Wow
Taos Pueblo, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico
A contemporary contest pow wow held on the grassy fields a few miles from
historic Taos Pueblo. Arts and crafts vendors and a wide variety of food vendors to
be sampled! [email protected]
Info: Taos Pueblo Tourism 505-758-1028
July 12 - 13, 2003
Kateri Circle Powwow
14th Annual Powwow and Mass in honor of the Feast Day of Blessed Kateri
Tekakwitha
St. Joseph High School
2825 North Woodruff Ave
Lakewood, CA
Info: (323) 724-7688; Vendors: (323) 587-2096
July 16th, 2003
11138 Valley Mall
Suite 200
El Monte, CA
Info: (626) 442-3701 or (714) 898-6364
July 17, 18, 19, 2003
Nevada Indian Days Powwow
Churchill County Fairgrounds
Scheckler Road & Hwy 95 South
Fallon, NV
Competition Dancing, Men's Fancy Spotlight Special, Princess Contest, Gourd
Dancing, Native Arts & Crafts, Vendor applications please call or email.
Info: Francine Tohannie 775-427-2014 or 775-423-2949
July 18 - 20, 2003
8th Annual All Nations Powwow
Los Vaqueros Rodeo Arena
Hwy 38 off Zaca Rd.
Big Bear City, CA
Friday 6pm - 10pm, Saturday 10am -11pm, Sunday 10am - 6pm. Admission: Age
10 and over, $5; under 10, free; seniors, $3.

Info: Contact Faye Roman @ 909-584-7115 or 909-790-1390
July 19th - 20th,2003
12th Annual Lake Casitas Pow Wow
Lake Casitas
Lake Casitas Recreation Area
Ojai, CA
Contest pow wow, all drums welcome, camping, fishing, boating, M.C.Tom
Phillips. Head Staff TBA
www.goldcoastfestivals.com
Admission $10 adults, $5 children
Info: Dick (805) 496-6036
July 25th-27th,2003
Bitterroot Valley All Nations 10th Anniversary Powwow
BMX track/ driving range
4 miles south of Victor , MT. or 4 miles N. of Hamilton, MT. right along the Lewis
and Clark trail ( hwy.93)
Victor, Montana
Traditional and competition dancing, first 10 drums paid. All dancers and
drummers are welcome, We offer dry camping for dancers, drummers and vendors.
Food vendors and native American arts and crafts market. Please call for a vendor
application if you are interested in vending at our event
www.allnationsmt.homestead.com
Info: Beckie : (406) 363-5383
July 25 - 27, 2003
1st Annual Competition
La Ronge, Saskatchewan
Info: Call Rose (306) 425-2157, Doris (306) 425-3284 or Anne (306) 425-3645
July 26 - 27th, 2003
8th Annual Inter-Tribal Pow Wow
Vallejo Water Front
Mare Island Way
Vallejo, Ca
All drums and Dancers Welcome. Deadline for Vendor Apps, is July 1st, 2003.
Call 707-552-2562 for application.
rattlingleaf3juno.com
Info: 707-552-2562
Click here for general area map of Hawaiian Gardens powwow.

August 2 - 3, 2003
Hawaiian Gardens Friendship Pow Wow
Fedde Middle School (Baseball Field)
21815 Pioneer Boulevard, Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716
When : Saturday, August 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. & Sunday, August 3,
12:00 noon to 6 p.m.
Info: Cheryl McKnight 562 981-9157
August 2, 2003
San Jose's 3rd Annual PowWow
Roosevelt Park
901 E. Santa Clara St
San Jose, Ca
kEEPING THE tRADITIONS
all drums and dancers welcome for vendors contact: Marion Linton (408)
258-6226 e-mail: [email protected] volunteers needed for pre-event fundraiser
towards PowWow THIS IS A DRUG, TOBACCO, AND ALCOHOL FREE
EVENT!!
MC: Orvie Longhorn
AD: Gene Newman
Head man: Dale Sawyer
Head Woman: joyce Tovar
Northern drum: Mockingbird
Southern Drum: Drum & Feather
[email protected]
Info: Marcos (408) 244-7328
Aug. 2nd - 3rd, 2003
ALL NATIONS BIG TIME
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
3325 Adobe Road
Petaluma, Calif. 94954
Event starts at 10 A.M to 5 P.M both days. Fees are 16 and under Free, 17 yrs and
older $5.00. Many arts and crafts along with a hands on children's table.
Storytelling and flute music. Local Pomo Indian dancers, Sierra Maidu dancers and
the Willow Creek dancers. Food and drinks to buy. Call Petaluma Adobe for dance
schedules and all other info.
Info: 707-762-4871
August 7 - 9, 2003
siksika fair
siksika nation/THA FLATS
siksika alberta
siksika alberta canada
2003 siksika nation is more then welcome to invite you to our blackfoot nations
fair also known as the siksika nation powwow.There is going to be people from all
over the world and also VERY BIG prises for the competitions as up too 500 to
600 for the for the dancers and 700 to 5000 for the drumm groups or possibly
more.and there is also going to be rodio/handgames/specials/and rides so why dont
you come check this one out and lets all have a great time.
Info: (1403)870-9802
August 9th - 10th, 2003 ** NOTE DATE CHANGE **
8th Annual Big Time
Shingle Springs Rancheria
Hwy 50 east of Sacramento
Shingle Springs, CA
Free and open the public. Native dancers, vendors
Info: (530) 391-2540
August 16th - 17th, 2003
Thunder Motain Lenape Nation 5th Annual Native Ameican Festival
Saltsburg, PA
Join us for a Cultural Heritage Experience Proceeds Benefit Thunder Mountain
Programs & Land Purchase Grand Entry Noon both days-Dancing until 5 p.m.
Shop for Unique Gifts & Collectibles: Native Arts & Crafts Hear, See, Experience:
Traditional Drumming, Dancing & Singing Treat Your Tastebuds: Native Foods
Have Fun: Children's Activities & Dances, Public Participation Dances,
Storytelling Learn- Native American Heritage: Hands-on Living History Area with
Wigwams, Tipi, Reproduction Artifacts, Garden
[email protected] www.questpublish.com/thundermountain
Info: Call Pat (724)-459-5276
August 20th, 2003
11138 Valley Mall
Suite 200
El Monte, CA
Info: (626) 442-3701 or (714) 898-6364
August 22nd - 24th, 2003
34th Annual Southern California Indian Center Powwow
Orange County Fairgrounds
Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA
Info: (714) 962-6673
web: http://www.indiancenter.net
Aug 23 - 24, 2003
Honoring our Children Powwow
Ann Leavenworth Elementary School
4420 E Thomas
Fresno, CA
Cedar & Belmont, 1 block south of Hwy 180
Info: (559) 270-0649; vendors: (209) 477-5383
August 29th - 31st, 2003
Barona Powwow
Barona Ball Field, past Barona Casino
Lakeside, CA
Contest dancing, food booths, craft booths, camping
Info: (619) 561-5560
August 29 - 31, 2003
22nd Annual Stockton Labor Day PowWow
New Location: Edison High School, Soccer Field
1425 South Center Street
Stockton, California
"Honoring Our Native Traditions"
All drums & dancers welcome, contest dancing camping available free & open to
the public raffles & 50/50 drawings open gourd security provided THIS IS A
DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE EVENT!! NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST
ITEMS, PEOPLE, OR TRANSPORTATION COSTS
host northern drum: Painted Rock singerz
host southern drum: Hummingbird singers
master of ceremonies: tba
arena director: J R Manuel

head man dancer: Gary Middlerider Jr
head woman dancer: Rhiamreah Yazzie
head teen boy dancer: Frank Teller Jr
head teen girl dancer: Jeannette TwoBears Jimenez
specialty dancers: Grindstone dancers
e-mail: [email protected]
Info: Julie Jimenez (209) 477-5383
Sycuan Pow Wow
Sycuan Reservation
Alpine, CA
Contest dancing, food booths, craft booths, camping
Info: (619) 445-7776
Sept 6th -7th 2003
7th annual Traditional family Pow-wow
Lake Silverwood, Black Oak area
Highway 138
Hesperia, Ca
Saturday 12:00pm -9:00pm. Grand entry 12:00 noon. Dinner break 5:30,grand
entry 6:30pm Sunday 12:00pm-7:00pm. Grand entry 12:00 noon..This a family
event and we strongly encourage our young dancers. All drums, dancers and public
welcome!! Head staff TBA. Specials TBA
Info: (909) 887-6006
Sept. 6th - 7th, 2003
4th Annual Whispering 4 Winds Inter-Tribal People's Gathering
14243 Lynn Rd
Apple Valley, Calif.
Saturday 6th: 10am to 7pm Sunday 7th: 10am to 6pm
All drums and Dancers are welcome Public Welcome with fun for the entire
family. Gate Donation: $1.00 per person children 10 and under free with a
non-perishable food item for our community pantry.
moonspirit94 @msn.com or [email protected]
Info: Dee 760)247-9696 or Rosemary 760) 961-2181
Sept 13 - 14, 2003
Santa Ynez Powwow
Live Oak Campground
North of Santa Barbara, just south of Lake Cachuma
Santa Ynez, CA
Info: (805) 688-7997
9th Annual Precious Sunset Pow-wow
Recreation Point
Bass Lake
Bass Lake, CA
Arts and crafts, food, hand drum contest, princess contest, team dancing contest.
Camping available. MC: Wallace Coffey; Arena Director: Art Martinez.
Info: (559) 855-2705; fax: (559) 855-2695
September 17th, 2003

11138 Valley Mall
Suite 200
El Monte, CA
Info: (626) 442-3701 or (714) 898-6364
Sept 19 - 21, 2003
7th Annual Soboba Powwow
Soboba Casino
San Jacinto, CA
Contest Dancing, All Categories (some will be combined), Raffle grand prize:
$5,000, Spectator raffle $1,000 per day. Drum contest: $6,000 1st - $3,000 4th -Separate categories for northern and southern. $200 to first 10 drums to register,
$1,000 split for non-placing drums. Free swimming, free camping, open to the
public. Welcome all drums, gourd dancers, bird singers, peon teams.
Info: (909) 654-2765
4th annual competition pow wow
Moosomin Arena
Box 98, Cochin, Sask.
Cochin, Sask, CANADA
located 20 miles north of North Battleford Sask. Over $35,000.00 prize payouts.
Info: Lena or Bernadine at 1-306-386-2223
Sept 20 - 21, 2003
15th "Everything is Sacred Pow Wow Gathering"
Borchard Park
190 No. Reino Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA
MC, Brian Brightcloud, Headman Anthony Sanchez, Host Drum-Stronghold
Singers-Cree Nation, Lead Singer-Val Shadowhawk, Honored Guest-Mr. Joe
Morris, Sr. Navaho Code Talker, Arena Director, Dean Webster, Chicken Dance
Contest-Winner takes all!
Free Admission & Parking. More to be announced.
http://everythingissacred.com
Info: Call Richard (805) 493-2863
September 27-28
10th annual american indian pow wow & craft fair
William S. Hart County Park
24151 N. San Fernando Rd.
New Hall California
Princes contest ages 15-21
Honoring our Elders
M.C: Michael Aviles-S.Piaute/Shoshone
Arena Director: Victor Chavez-Dine
Head man: Randy Flokes (Tataviam Fernandeno/Paiute/shoshone)
Head woman:Nalin Zazueta-Flores (Yaqui/Tarahumara-Azteca)
Head young man:Jose Little Owl (Mohawk)
Head young Lady: Cathy Hummingbird Jemenez (Shoshone/Gabrieleno/Apache)
Head Gourd: Alex Villalva (Pima)
Northern Host Drum: Four Corners

Southern Host Drum: Rainy Mountain
Info: Mary Schultz (661) - 255 - 9255
September 26, 27 and 28
Bishop Paiute Tribe Annual Handgame Tournament
Tribal Gym
390 North Barlow lane
Bishop CA
All Handgame Players are welcome to come and compete for the guaranteed cash
and bragging rights for your tribe, last years reigning champs were the Fish Lake
Shoshones, This year will host yet another True Double Elimination, $175 entry
fee per team, 2 to 5 players per team, www.paiute.com
Info: (760) 872-1823
Sept 26 - 29, 2003
Thunder and Lightning Powwow
Casino Morongo
(off 10 fwy)
Cabazon, CA
Info: (800) 252-4499
Sept 27, 2003
NAHC Powwow
Sponsored by The Native American Health Center
Head Royce School
Oakland, CA
11am - 8pm
Contest Dancing
Info: Cathy (510) 535-4460 x 495, Lisa (510) 535-4462. Vendors call Brandon
(510) 535-4492 x 157
Sept 27, 2003
American Indian Day Gathering and Picnic
Whittier Narrows Regional Park
South El Monte
Community picnic celebrating American Indian Day in Los Angeles. Family fun,
games, music, food, and traditional events provided by UAII Circles of Care.
For more info: americanindianday.com or www.laindianhealth.com
Info: 213-481-2194
September, 26, 27, & 28, 2003
Tule River Band of Yokuts Present Porterville Pow-wow 2003
Porterville Fairgrounds
300 East Olive
Porterville, CA 93257
Over $20,000 In Prize Money, Dance Competition in all catagories, Cultural
Demonstrations, Gourd Dancing, Craft & Food Booths, and Drum Competion.
Vendor and Food Booths still avilable, contact Alison Hunter @ 559-788-6220 ext.
242
Admission $3.00-Adults, 12 and under free.
Grand Entry starting Friday @ 6pm
Sat. @ 1pm & 7pn
Sun. @ 9am
limited camping on site
Sponsored By: Tule River Tribal Council, Eagle Mountain Casino, Owens Valley
Career Development Center, City of Porterville, Porterville Unified School
District, Porterville Chamber of Commerce
Info: Tule River Tribe, 559-781-4271
September 26, 2003
23rd Annual Health Fair
Round Valley Indian Health Center,
Hwy 162 & Biggar Lane
Covelo, California
7:30 AM Free Registration Walk/Run
8:00 AM Walk/Run (Free t-shirts to participants)Health Fair officially opens
10:00AM to 3:00 PM Free Admission Special Guest Speaker: Sonny Landham
from the Movie "Predator" Traditional Dancers, Musical guests, Chicken/Steak
BBQ $2 adult $1 child, vegatarian options available. Senior Bingo, Games and
demonstrations, informational health, safety and prevention booths. Free Samples
This year we are celebrating 35 years of health services to our community, and
honoring our elders. This is an Alcohol Drug free event. Come and enjoy the day
with us. E-mail: [email protected] Info: Call Jan Scribner @ 707 983-6404
Ext 120
Oct 4 - 5, 2003
4th Annual Intertribal Powwow of The Eagle, Honoring Our Elders
Lancaster Park
Lancaster, CA
Info: Richard Cano (661) 435-0423
Oct 10 - 12, 2003
San Manuel Powwow
Cal State University San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA
Info: (909) 864-8933; Vendors: (909) 880-3938
October 10th - 12th, 2003
5th Annual Northern Lights Casino Thanksgiving Powwow
Prince Albert Communiplex
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
Info: (306) 764-4777
Website: http://www.siga.sk.ca/NorthernLights/AboutUS.aspx
Oct. 11-12, 2003
1st Annual Native American Intertribal Fellowship Powwow
William Carey International University
1539 E. Howard
Pasadena, CA
Info: Bryan BrightCloud 818/870-0000
Oct 17 - 19, 2003
Indio Powwow
Cabazon Powwow Grounds
Fantasy Springs Casino
Indio, CA
Info: (800) 827-2946 x 3017
Oct 18 - 19, 2003
10th Annual Gathering of Nations Powwow

Sponsored by Four Winds Inter-Tribal Council of Indian Wells Valley
Freedom Park
100 West California Street
Ridgecrest, CA
Competition dancing, $3500 total pot, Dancers must be registered by 11am
Saturday
Info: Max Yarbrough (760) 446-4749 or Chris Hunter (760) 375-3402
October 18th, 2003
Third Annual Native California Peoples FALL GATHERING
San Luis Creek Recreation Area
Highway 152, 27 miles east of Gilroy and 15 miles west of Los Banos
Los Banos, California
10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Only fee=$4 State Park Day Use Fee per Car. See on-going
demonstrations of how to make: baskets, fire, shell necklaces,soaproot brushes,
how to cook acorn porridge in a basket with hot rocks, and more. Featuring
California Indian Dancers, traditional Storytellers, traditional games, and a tule
boat race.
Eat Indian tacos or hamburgers and check out the Indian arts and crafts.
www.mutsunlanguage.com www.parks.ca.gov/events
Info: Jennifer (209) 826-1196 ext, 534
Oct 25, 2003
Haramokngna Hike-a-thon
Haramokngna Indian Cultural Center
Angeles Crest Highway and Mt. Wilson Rd in the Angeles National Forest
La Canada, CA
9AM to 1PM FREE to the public.
Join us to hike the mountain and raise funds for the Haramokngna history exhibit,
demonstration Gathering camp, and Ethnobotanic garden. Prizes, games, fun, and
more.
[email protected]
Info: Call Kat at 310 455-1588
October 25, 2003
1st American Indian Pow Wow
Faulkner Park
3 mi. North of Lindale
Lindale,Texas
Update Date has changed. from 10/11/03 to 10/25/03. Electricity is available
around Pavilion only so Food Vendors will be limied. Spaces with electricity
$45.00 without electric $40.00. Those needing power bring heavy duty extension
cords. Wooded area with small lake, camping allowed. Our people will provide
security. Contact Louise Bailey [email protected] or Pat Barbour
[email protected]
Info: 903 882 8380
Oct 25-26,2003
The Fresno Powwow has been cancelled

Fresno State Pow-wow
O'neil park on campus
5241 N Maple Ave
Fresno, Ca.
www.fourwindslodge.com
Info: 559-485-5036
October 24th-25th, 2003
This event has changed to a California Indian

Big Time, Friday and Saturday only
Festival of the American Indian Powwow
Placerville, California
(530) 647-0423
The Santa Fe Springs Powwow at Herritage Park is not being held this year.
November 8th - 9th, 2003
2nd Annual Veterans Gathering
Presented by NAVA - Native American Veteran Association
Legg Lake
Whittier Narrows Regional Park
(exit Santa Anita off 60 Fwy)
South El Monte, CA
Info: Mary Iron Elk (562) 984-5711 or Ron Blackwood (562) 925-7145
November 8 & 9, 2003
9th Annual Many Birds Pow Wow
Wickerd Farm
26852 Scott Road
Menifee Valley, CA 92584
"Bringing the People Back Together"
MC- Randy Pico, Luiseno
ND-Dancing Cloud SD- Strictly Southern; AD- James Red Bear, Oglala Lakota
Whipman- Ral Christman, Kumeyaay; HMD- Frank Eagle Plume, Yaqui; HWDJennifer Skyfeather, Aztlan; HYMD- Tyler; HYWD- Tekla Diaz, Luiseno; HGJerry Wilkerson, Cherokee/Choctaw; SA- Clay Two Bears, Oglala Lakota
ALL DRUMS, DANCERS & LODGES WELCOME; Traditional Style - No
Contest Dancing; Tipi Village, Arts & Crafts; NO ADMISSION FEE, Parking is
$4 w/ raffle ticket, bring your own chairs and shade!
Info: Julie Wickerd - 909-672-3020
2003 INTERTRIBAL MARKETPLACE
Traditional and Contemporary
American Indian Art Show
Friday, November 7 (Members Only) 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 8 (General Public) 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 9 (General Public) 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Southwest Museum Grounds
Los Angeles, CA
AMERICAN INDIAN ARTISTS MENTOR PROGRAM: Making Storytellers
with Barbara Moranda, Laguna Pueblo
Join us in a fun-filled weekend created to celebrate National American Indian
Heritage Month. The 2003 Intertribal Marketplace offers our guests one of the
most unique events in Southern California. Over 100 nationally recognized
American Indian and Canadian First Nations artists will sell and display their
work. Spend time with Featured Artist, Jimmy Ca Win Calabaza. Enjoy live
music, dance, storytelling, gourmet food, and artist demonstrations while the
children create their own works of art in the Childrens Craft Village. Parking is
available along Marmion Way or take the new Gold Line and exit at the Southwest
Museum stop.
Admission: $8.00 for adults; $6.00 for seniors and students; children 6 and under
are free. Show your Gold Line stub and receive $1.00 off your paid admission.
Info: 323-221-2164
Nov. 8, 2003
2nd Annual CIEA CVChapter/UC Merced Education Benefit PowWow
Yosemite Lake
Yosemite Lake Park, Lake Road
Merced, CA
The Central Valley Chapter of CIEA and UC Merced present the CIEA
CENTRAL VALLEY CHAPTER/UC MERCED SECOND ANNUAL
EDUCATION BENEFIT POWWOW
"Youth: Achievement through Native American Indian Education"
A Native American Indian festival, gathering, and celebration
10 AM to 10 PM
FREE ADMISSION PUBLIC INVITED
HEAD STAFF:Northern Host Drum- Jest 4 Fun,Southern Host DrumHummingbird Singers, MC- Val Shadowhawk, Whip Man/Arena Director- David
Wilson, Jr.,
Head Woman Dancer- Eileen Boughton,Head Man Dancer: Razzle Dazzle, Head
Girl Dancer: Jeannette "Two Bears" Jimenez, Head Boy Dancer: John "Li'l Bear"
De Anda, Jr.
Open Gourd All Drums Welcome
FREE PARKING
Authentic Native American Indian Arts, Crafts, and Jewelry,Raffle Prizes, 50/50,
Specialty Dances and Performances, Authentic Native American Indian Cuisine
Traditional Meal
Youth Activities Village
THIS IS DEFINITELY A DRUG-FREE AND ALCOHOL-FREE EVENT
Directions: Highway 99to Merced, X-it Highway 59 North, to Belleview (R.),
Lake Road (L.) to PowWow.
[email protected]
Info: Mike at 209.726.9620
November 14, 2003
Native Voices at the Autry Theatre Festival: Standing Up Stories by Julie
Pearson-Little Thunder (Creek)
Los Angeles, Califormia.
Directed by Marie Clements (Metis) 8:00 p.m. This family play explores how
Indian women extend their families by taking other women to be their adopted
relatives. The usually informal process of intertribal adoption is a lifelong
commitment to be there for the adopted relative, sharing the duties as well the
privileges of a family member. The stories include a young professional womans
relationship with her adoptive Yuchi grandmother, a Cheyenne woman who
rescues her adopted niece from an abusive relationship, and a Cherokee language
class, the night after 9/11. Wells Fargo Theatre Autry Museum of Western
Heritage 4700 Western Heritage Way Los Angeles, CA 90027 (323) 667-2000
These staged readings are free in the Autry Museums Wells Fargo Theatre.
Reservations are strongly recommended. To RSVP, please call 323.667.2000 ext.
354. Native Voices at the Autry is devoted to developing new works for the stage
by Native Americans and is made possible in part by grants from Wells Fargo, the
City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, the Los Angeles County Arts
Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, JPMorganChase, and the
Sidney Stern Memorial Trust.
Info: www.autry-museum.org, (323) 667-2000
November 15th, 2003
A Gathering of Californias Natives
Cal Poly Pomona Campus
3801 W Temple Ave
Pomona CA
57 South from 10, exit Temple
Noon11pm
Free Admission
Noon5pm, specialty and tribal dancing, storytelling
5-11pm Caliofrnia Bird Singes and Dancers
Feed for all participates
Parking is $4, adminssion is free
Info (909) 869-6877
November 15th16th, 2003
1st Annual Veterans Powwow
11201 Benton St
Loma Linda, CA
All veterans encouraged to attend, special honoring of women veterans.
Sat: 10am10pm, Sun 10am6pm
Info: Anna (909) 825-7084 x 2173 (after 4pm), Denise (909) 825-7084 x 2095
(before 4pm)
Vendors call Mary (562) 972-1140 after 9pm.
November 22nd - 23rd, 2003
High Desert Intertribal Gathering
OCB Trading Post will be there! Get a copy of the Tracker powwow list while
supplies last. Kennedy Middle School
1000 Armory Rd
Barstow, CA
Spirital Advisor: Robert Jacobo Sr, MC: Mike Martinez, Arena Director: Larry
Garcia, Head Man: Robort Jacobo Jr., Headwoman: Arlene Allen, Head Gourd
Dancer: Tom Gamboa. Northern Host: White Cloud Singers, Southern Host: Hale
and Co.
Gourd Dance 11am, Grand entry 1pm
Info: Dave (760) 985-5649 or Larry and Kay (760) 256-2983
Oodam Thanksgiving Powwow
Casa Grande, AZ
MC : Roy Track; Northern Drum: Short Bull, Southern Drum: Dark Horse w/ Sony
Deere
Sat: 10am Open Gourd, noon Grand Entry, 9pm Retire colors Sun: 10am Open
Gourd, noon Grand Entry, 9pm Retire Colors
Info: (520) 418-3007 or (520) 836-4723 Venders (520) 418-3007
November 29-30, 2003
Whaka Hey Native American Craft Show
5633 Ethel Way

Sacramento, CA
HOURS 10am-5pm SAT 10am-4pm SUN
HELD IN DOORS** RAIN OR SHINE** FREE HOURLY DOOR PRIZES,
FREE PENDLETON RAFFLE. ITEMS FOR SALE INCLUDE CLAY DOLLS,
BEADWORK, HAND PAINTED CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS, BEADS,
SHELL JEWELRY AND MUCH MUCH MORE. [email protected]
Info: CALL LILLIAN 916-422-0469
December 6th - 7th, 2003
Fedde Middle School
Baseball Field
21409 S Elaine Ave
Hawaiian Gardens, CA
Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-6pm
605 Fwy to Hawaiian Gardens exit (Lincoln/Carson Exit), East to Pioneer Blvd;
turn left (north) for one block then right on 215th. Right behind Hawaiian Gardens
casino.
Info: (562) 420-2641 x215
Vendors: Cheryl (562) 981-9157
December 6th, 2003
Second Annual NACC Powwow
Santa Rosa, California.
Info: (707) 544-3244.
December 6th, 2003
Fifth Annual Holiday Powwow
Oakland, California.
Info: (510) 208-1870.
December 12 - 14, 2003
29 Palms Band of Mission Indians December Powwow
Trump 29 Casino
Indio, CA
Info: (760) 775-3239
December 20th-21st, 2003
Shane Zotigh Memorial Powwow and Christmas Celebration
Dear Friends,
We regret to inform you that due to unforseen circumstances, the Shane D. Zotigh
Memorial Powwow and Christmas Celebration, sponsored by Prayer House
Outreach, has been postponed to a later date. Vendors' fees will be returned and all
funds raised and toys procured will be held in trust and will remain allocated for
the powwow only. We sincerely apologize for any inconvience caused and will
announce updated powwow information as soon as possible.
Yours Truly,
Asani Charles
PHO Board Member
www.geocities.com/phopowwow/christmas
December 20th, 2003
23rd Annual Community Christmas Powwow
Eagle Rock Recreation Center
1100 Eagle Vista Dr.

Eagle Rock, Ca
2pm-11pm; Gourd Dance at 2pm, Grand Entry at 6pm
Info: (626) 448-5661 or (626) 482-3549
December 20th21st, 2003
Pre-Christmas Arts & Crafts Sale
Casa Grande, AZ
Info: (520) 418-3007 or (520) 836-4723 Venders (520) 418-3007
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Government and there are possibilities to contact Representatives directly via email.
European Emigration
As an example of European mass emigration to America propelling the expansion westward during the 19th
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Research Areas
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America's Freedom Documents
The migration westward was driven by the pursuit of happiness, liberty, freedom and justice. Here is a fantastic
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The Jeff Davis Show
THE JEFF DAVIS SHOW

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This is our mission at The Jeff Davis Show. We refuse to stop, in fact over
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to be opened. I know this first hand- ten years ago, I was your average
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$20.00
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SAVING MONEY WITH A THERMOS BOTTLE
The Survival Foods And Gardening Section
SAVING MONEY WITH

A THERMOS BOTTLE
By Kurt Saxon
Many subscribers write that they will eventually buy all my books but
they can't afford them at this time. Many are students on limited
allowances. Some are on Social Security or pensions. Others are on
Welfare, as I was after an injury, when I got $86.00 per month in l969. I
paid $50.00 for rent and had only $36.00 left for food and incidentals.
Even so, I ate better than before. Prices were indeed lower then but,
surprisingly, the costs of the more basic foods have hardly changed.
For instance, 60 pounds of hard red winter wheat, the highest in protein,
minerals and vitamins, averages $8.00 (240 breakfasts at 4 cents each).
Brown rice, also higher in nutrition than white, costs $14.00 for 25
pounds. Also 200 servings since rice swells twice as large as wheat.
These are bought in bulk at any feed and seed store.
Wheat and rice are the staple foods of billions and, if prepared my way,
will fill you up, give you boundless energy; and cost nothing, if you
consider that the saving in gas or electricity will offset their purchase
prices.
I do not mean that wheat and rice, plain, is what I am asking you to live
on. When is the last time you have eaten a potato plain? I am simply
suggesting you process all your food in inexpensive, energy-saving ways
and eat better than you ever have for less than $10.00 per week. Then
you can not only afford all my books but many other things you have
wanted but had to do without because most of your food budget goes to
pay others to do what you should learn to do for yourself.
The thermos and the dehydrator are first steps in eating better for so
much less. As a Survivalist, you will have to understand food
http://www.kurtsaxon.com/foods005.htm (1 of 5) [5/10/2004 3:00:38 PM]
preparation or you might as well eat, drink and be merry in the short
time you have left.
A great factor which makes this practical and easy to understand is that
since it is by a man, it is basic, gut-level and moron-simple. You won't
even need to open a cookbook.
First the thermos. There are three kinds but only one is practical. Forget
the cheap, plastic ones lined with Styrofoam. These might cook oatmeal
and white rice but do not have the heat holding power you need. Silvered
glass thermoses are fine, but a bump will break them. Also, since you are
going to do actual cooking and will use a fork to remove the contents,
they will not hold up.
The only practical cooking thermos is the Aladdin Stanley. It is lined
with stainless steel, is well insulated and will keep steaming hot for up to
24 hours and holds a quart. It is also unbreakable, with a lifetime
warranty. It costs $22.00 at Wal-Mart or can be ordered through any
sporting goods store. It would save you its price in a few days. If you
have a family, get two or three.
Most foods cook at 180 degrees or more. We are used to boiling, which
is 212 degrees, and foods do cook faster, the higher the temperature. But
if time is not important, cooking at a lower temperature is even better as
most vitamins are not broken down. Thus, if you cook at a minimum
heat, you save nutrition.
A great factor in thermos cooking is the saving in the cost of energy.
Whereas it would take about two hours to cook whole-grain wheat or
nearly an hour to cook brown rice. Thermos cookery takes only five
minutes to cook anything. So it is indeed possible to save as much in
energy as you spend on the food. You can imagine the convenience of
thermos cookery in camping, which would save on wood, weight of food
carried, and no food odors to alert bears or enemies.
Thermos cookery is also an advantage to anyone living where he is not
allowed to cook. There are no cooking odors to tip off the landlord.
First, you need the thermos. Then you need a heat source. If you are in a
non-cooking room, buy a cheap, one burner hot plate from your local
Wal-Mart, Target, Sears etc. You will need a one quart saucepan. You
will also need a special funnel to quickly pour the pan's contents into the
thermos, plus a spoon or fork to help the last of the food into the funnel.
To make the funnel, cut off the bottom four inches from a gallon plastic
milk container. If you do not buy milk or cannot find an empty
container, go to your nearest laundromat. You will find in the trash
receptacle, an empty gallon bleach bottle. Use that the same as the milk
container but wash it until there is no more bleach odor.
The first step in thermos cookery is to fill the thermos with water up to
the point reached by the stopper. Empty the water into the saucepan and
make a scratch or other indelible mark at the water's surface inside the
saucepan. This will allow you to put just enough water in the saucepan,
as too much will leave food out and too little will give you less cooking
water.
Just to test how the cooker works, start with four ounces of wheat. You
do not need to buy 60 pounds. You can buy two pounds from your health
food store for about $.80 This would give you eight meals at 10 cents
each.
In the evening, put four ounces in your saucepan, plus a half-teaspoon of
salt to prevent flatness, even if you intend to sweeten it. Fill to the mark
with water. (If you have hot water, let the tap run until it is hottest. Tests
have shown that less energy is used in using hot tap water than in boiling
from cold.) Bring the contents to a rolling boil, stirring all the while.
This will take from three to five minutes.
Then quickly, but carefully, swirl and pour the contents into the funnel
and help any lagging matter from the pan to the funnel and into the
thermos. Cap firmly but not tightly, shake and lay the thermos on its
side, to keep the contents even.
Next morning open the thermos and pour its contents into the saucepan.
With four ounces of dry wheat, you will now have at least 3/4 pound of
cooked wheat and about a pint of vitamin and mineral enriched water. It
has a pleasant taste. Drink it.
You can now put milk and sweetener on it or margarine, salt and pepper,
etc. If you can eat the whole 3/4 of a pound, you will be surprised at how
energetic you feel for the next several hours. An added bonus is its high
fiber content.
Having tried the four ounce portion, you might next use eight ounces.
This will absorb most of the water. It is unlikely that you could eat a
pound and a half of cooked whole grain wheat. You can either divide it
and eat the other half for supper or if you are a family man, make it the
family breakfast food to replace the expensive brand.
If you have children, get them into the act by fantasizing they are
Rangers on a jungle patrol.
For lunch, prepare a few ounces of hamburger or other meat chopped
finely, plus chopped potatoes and other vegetables the night before.
After breakfast, put these and the right amount of water in the saucepan
and prepare as usual. At lunchtime you will have a quart of really
delicious stew. Since nothing leaves the thermos in cooking, as
contrasted to the flavor leaving stew cooking on the stove, you can
understand the better tasting, higher vitamin content of thermos stew.
Lunch and possibly supper should not cost you more than 25 cents if you
study the article on the dehydrator. Jerky and dried vegetable stew is
good and costs little.
The brown rice dishes could also be either a main course or desert.
Brown rice has a much greater swelling factor than wheat so four ounces
of rice will pretty much fill the thermos. You can put vegetables and
meat in it to cook or try a favorite of mine. It is four ounces of brown
rice, 9 cents; one ounce of powdered milk, 10 cents in a large box; two
ounces of raisins, 22 cents; one teaspoon of salt; some cinnamon and
four saccharine tablets. Cook overnight. This is 46 cents for 1 1/2 pounds
of desert.
With some experimenting, you can become an expert in thermos
cookery. If you are single and live alone, you could, conceivably, eat
nothing except what you cooked in a thermos. But if you are married,
and especially if you have children, don't push it. Even with the
economy of this system, it's not worth alienating your family. If your
wife doesn't like it, challenge her to make the food tastier and think up
some thermos recipes. You might also tell her the advantages of thermos
cookery.
For one thing, she would spend much less time in the kitchen. What with
the expected brownouts, she could do all the cooking in five, ten, fifteen
minutes, depending on how many thermos bottles she used. Another
important factor is that, especially during the heat waves, the home
would not suffer the added heat from the kitchen. This would also cut
down on the air conditioning costs.
A tip you may not have known is that the pilot light in a gas stove not
only raises the temperature in the kitchen but also accounts for a fourth
of all the gas burned in the stove. Matches are much cheaper. Turn the
pilot light off.
Be sure to get SURVIVOR Vol. 1 for a full course on inexpensive but
tasty and nourishing food, plus sprouting for green vegetables, soy milk,
tofu, etc.
[ Back ] [ Home ] [ Up ] [ Next ]
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Phone - 870-437-2999, Fax - 870-437-2973, Email - [email protected]
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United States senator commends LLUMC - LLUAHSC president

and chief executive officer B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS, recently received a
letter of commendation from US senator Barbara Boxer. [More]
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The NAD Pathfinder website for the 21st Century
Welcome to the official NAD Pathfinder

Website, your official online Pathfinder
Information Resource!
Find!
Advanced Search | Site Map
News Flash!
2004 NAD Youth Ministries

Convention Information
More Information ...
Maybe you've stumbled across this site and would like to know about
Pathfinders. Maybe you're a Pathfinder of Pathfinder staff member
interested in the upcoming North American Division Faith on Fire
International Camporee. The promotional resources (Promotional DVD |
Promotional Video | Brochures | Logo Kit) are now available from
Adventsource!
If you're a Pathfinder interested in learning more about Pathfinders through
the technological use of the web, and at the same time impress your
counselor with how much you know, check out our online Quizzes &
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Counselors can find up-to-date AY Honor Information, as well as
classwork requirements and tips for teaching Classwork.
Or, you might need outreach ideas that aren't the
"same-old-thing-we-did-for-the-last-five-years.
You'll also find News from around the North American Division
(remember that news happens where YOU are. Let us know what is
happening!)
For the clipart enthusiast, theres a growing collection of
Pathfinder-specific clipart & images.
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The NAD Pathfinder website for the 21st Century
50th Anniversary
Commemorative Coin
For Pathfinder staff, there's a growing

collection of honor resources to help
you teach. There will soon be
fundraising ideas that really work,
networking through online forums to
other talented pathfinder staff,
Continuing education for Master Guide,
Pathfinder Leadership Award, and
Pathfinder Instructor Award, as well as
online tests and games to help you teach
pathfinders.
Discover More. . .
Order Now!
Do you have ideas of what you would like to see here? Contact us!
Home | About Pathfinders |Honors | Classwork | Outreach | Quizzes & Games |

Staff | Resources | Images | Contact Us
Sponsored by North American Division Pathfinders ~ North American Division of SDA ~ 2000-2002
Website designed & maintained by Mark O'Ffill
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Please visit our site at http://www.scouting.org

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April 21, 2002
- FormMail 1.92 now out
SECURITY UPDATE!
Other sites by Matt:

FormMail.com
- hosted form processor
CGI Resource Index
- 3,000+ Perl Scripts!
PHP Resource Index
- 2,000+ PHP Scripts!
Web Hosting Index
- web hosting solutions
chumpsoft, inc.
- online survey software
Matt's Free Perl CGI Scripts

FormMail
Downloaded over 2 million times since
1997, this script sends the results of any
HTML form via e-mail to the specified
users. Works for multiple forms & users.
readme, faq, download, nms, ...
Free - v1.92 - April 21, 2002
phpQuestionnaire
A comprehensive web-based survey builder
that gives you complete control over the
look and feel of multi-page surveys with
detailed reporting.
readme, demo, ...
$199 - v2.1 - PHP 4 or Perl 5 & MySQL
Useful Web Resources:

Research Hotels and
Vacations
Free unbiased reviews,
articles and great deals ...
Guestbook
Allow users to sign in and leave their
name, contact and comments! Includes
ability to redirect users after signing, log
entries and e-mail upon new entries.
HostingMetro.com
readme, faq, demo, download, nms, ...
Cheap Cpanel web hosting
Free - v2.3.1 - October 29, 1995
as low as $3.99/month!
WWWBoard
A threaded discussion forum that allows
users to post new messages, followup to
Web Host Providers:
existing ones and more. Includes a basic
Best Web Hosting deal on
admin to maintain the board.
readme, faq, demo, download, ... the web for $7.50/mo
Free - v2.0A2.1 - January 7, 2000 Tired of looking around for
Web Hosting! Get
StartLogic s most powerful
Simple Search
Article Manager
Allows you to integrate a basic keyword
Coding all day?? Publish content fast. Easy ...
and boolean search program into your site interface lets non-technical users publish
so that users can search specified text and
content using a WYSIWYG editor. Risk iPowerWeb.com Quality &
Reliability are Important!
HTML documents.
free, 90-day money back guarantee
read more... 99.9% Uptime -24-7-365
Free - v1.0 - December 16, 1995
$299 $269 - v1.38 - February 11, 2004 LIVE Toll FREE Support.
$7.95/mo for 800 Megs, ...
iPowerWeb makes
Reselling Simple
Join Thousands of
entrepreneurs, webmasters
http://www.scriptarchive.com/ (1 of 4) [5/10/2004 3:01:20 PM]
Counter
Uses a C program to generate images on
the fly. You can set border size,
transparency, use an invisible count, and
more. Limited to counting one page.
readme, faq, download, ...
Free - v1.1.1 - January 11, 1996
Random Text
A program that randomly chooses a section
from a plain text file that contains a series
of phrases, quotes, lines of text, html tags,
etc.
Free - v1.0 - July 13, 1996
Free for all Links
Allow your users to add their own link to
specified categories. Running total of
number of links and time last link was
added are also displayed.
Free - v2.2 - July 16, 1996
HTTP Cookie Library
Allows you to easily use cookies by simply
calling on routines from within your scripts
to set, retrieve, compress, and modify
persistent cookies.
Free - v2.1 - December 26, 1996
Random Image Displayer
Allows you to configure a list of images
that can then be randomly displayed on
your web site as inlined images or even as
your page's background image.
Free - v1.2 - July 17, 1996
TextCounter
and web site developers
Display a text count of visitors to your web who are ...
pages. Includes: zero padding, file locking,
linking the count, displaying begin date and
counting multiple pages.
Free - v1.2 - May 10, 1996
TextClock
TextClock can show your visitors several
variations on the current time and/or date.
Choose what details to include and link the
date to any site.
Free - v1.0.2 - July 15, 1996
Random Link Generator
Random Link Generator allows you to
establish a link that, when clicked on, takes
the user to a random url pulled from a list
of URLs that you specify.
Free - v1.0 - July 30, 1996
Countdown
Implement a simple countdown to a
specific date in your web pages. Set the
countdown accurate to the second, minute,
hour, day, month or year.
Free - v1.2.1 - October 08, 1995
SSI Random Image Displayer
Similar to the basic Random Image
Displayer, this version allows you to
associate a specific link and alt text that
will appear with each image.
Free - v1.2 - September 30, 1996
Extras
Add-ons and modifications for the scripts
at Matt's Script Archive.
Snippets of Code
Small pieces of code which don't merit
their own page, but are useful.
Looking for more? The CGI Resource Index has over 3,000 CGI programs.
Matt's Free C++ CGI Programs
TextCounter C++
Display a text count of visitors to your web
pages. Includes: zero padding, file locking,
linking the count, displaying begin date and
counting multiple pages.
readme, faq, demo, download, ...
Free - v1.3.1 - June 24, 1998
TextClock C++
TextClock can show your visitors several
variations on the current time and/or date.
Choose what details to include and link the
date to any site.
readme, faq, demo, download, ...
Free - v1.0.3 - March 29, 1997
Other People's Free Perl CGI Scripts

Credit Card Verifier
Book 'em Dano
Check syntax of credit card numbers to
A very simple logging script that will tell
gain a first line of defense against
you where your users come from and what
randomly entered numbers. By: Spider
browser they used. By: Spider
readme, faq, download, ...
readme, download, ...
Free - v1.02 - July 1, 1996
Free - v1.01 - July 10, 1996
nms Project
This project was started by the London Perl Mongers with the goal of creating drop-in
replacements for the scripts found at Matt's Script Archive. These replacements have
been released under the GPL and Artistic License, allowing us to offer them to you.
Getting Help
Answers to the most commonly asked
questions about MSA and our scripts.
Readme Files
This is the documentation supplied with the
scripts found at MSA. A must read!
Help Center
Wonderful resources when installing, using
and modifying our scripts.
Working Demonstrations
See what MSA scripts look like in action.
Demos available for most scripts.
Current Sponsors, Great Products

Premier Web Hosting
Web Hosting Metro
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Additional Sponsors
TripAdvisor Hotels & Vacations
Premier Web Software

chumpsoft, inc.
InteractiveTools.Com
Special thanks to Dave Jackson at World Wide Mart for providing server space to MSA.
[ Linking to MSA | Advertising Opportunities ]
Matt Wright - [email protected]
1995 - 2002 Matt's Script Archive, Inc.
Internet Pizazz(TM) Promotion Team
From San Diego to Seattle, this professional team of

marketers, programmers, designers, and artists create
business successes online. Internet Pizazz uses the
Internet as a powerful tool for market research and
promotion. They understand what your business needs.
When you are ready to start a promotion campaign,
Internet Pizazz will use their extensive knowledge to
make the computers of the world serve your business!
Websites are like any other address or phone number, they must
be promoted if you want customer response.
The group that gives PizazzTM to Internet presentations are
eclectic and diverse. Independent contractors are free to choose
which projects they will devote themselves to. They like what
they do; they believe in the products and services of their
clients. Combining experience and creativity with honest
enthusiasim is one key to tremendous success. We'd like to
have the opportunity to consider the needs of your company.
Please email or call us.
Overview of our associates
Ads On-line
http://www.pizazz.com/people/ourteams.htm (1 of 5) [5/10/2004 3:04:49 PM]
Archetype
HMC
Infotainment Computers
Pacific Coast Software
Prevision Associates
Individuals by first name
Ads On-line
Ads On-line is an electronic publication in the San Diego area.
The business is an information computer bulletin board serving
the 619 and 760 area codes of southern California.
Archetype
Empowers your printed word!
Evaluation, editing, design, typesetting, laserprinting.
HMC
HMC consultants have been in the San Diego/Orange County
areas of California since the early 1980s. The personnel have
been involved in the computer industry since the early 1960s.
HMC has extensive background in hardware design, software
design and implementation, and overall system integration.
Some industries which have benefitted from the expertise of
HMC are clinical/pathology laboratories, retail point-of-sale,
manufacturing and distribution companies, and small business
organizations.
The primary strength of HMC is complete service to the client,

including recommendations, installation, training, programming,
and support services.
Infotainment Computers
Infotainment Computers specializes in Information and
Entertainment computer systems. The owner is an engineer with
years of high-tech design experience. Their philosophy of
selling is based upon doing what is best for the customer. The
service is so good that some word-of-mouth referrals are still
coming in years after the original customer made a purchase.
Pacific Coast Software

Pacific Coast software is a major web provider. We urge you to
see their site for yourself. The cutting edge technology running
on their servers defines the state-of-the-art for Internet
commerce systems.
Prevision Associates
Prevision Associates has decades of graphic design experience.
Corporate design and gallery art have been used and shown
world wide since the 1960s.
Individuals by first name

Julio- Market researcher and programmer.
Robert- Future projects research.
Roger- Marketing consultant.
Here's Roger's resume'
BSEE degree in electronic engineering.
16 years in the business of specifying and developing
computer systems.
Senior marketing specialist.
Professional affiliations:
Chairman of American National Standards Institute

(ANSI) X3A1-Optical Character Recognition and Bar
Code Print Quality.
Member of American Production and Inventory

Control Society (APICS)-San Diego chapter.
Engineering experience:
System/project engineering on industrial
process control systems, mini-computer
systems. A senior project quality assurance
engineer working with highly specialized
industrial computer systems and shared
processor data entry computer systems.
Developed marketing and sales training aids.
Made numerous national presentations and seminars
for VAR/Distributors.
Worked with end-users and VAR/Distributors.
Extensive experience in barcode and automatic
identification systems area.
Developed systems for industrial, retail, government
and hospital environments.
Developed programs for beta site testing.

Copyright 1995 - 1999 Internet Pizazz(TM) All Rights Reserved.
A Production of
PIZAZZ.COM (TM)
USA 760-942-0518
[email protected]
(Junkmail protected address
take out the 5 to email us.)
Get a free E-Mail Address
that has 'PIZAZZ!'
Click the other
button please!
Introduction to A Taste of Nature
A Taste of Nature;
Edible Plants of the Southwest and How to
Prepare Them.
1994 Kahanah Farnsworth
Contents of these web pages:

Introduction to the book This page.
Plant illustration, (image). This page.
Ordering information. This page.
FREE recipe will be sent to you by email, find out how to get it! Another page.
Return to The Official Edible Plants Home Page Home page.
Introduction"This handbook is designed to be user friendly. All of the edible plants were selected
for their availability, easy recognition, and usefulness. They are common throughout
the Southwest and similar plant communities elsewhere. Endangered edible plants
and edible plants which might be mistaken for poisonous plants are not included.
Recognizing the different plants and knowing their uses adds a new dimension to our
enjoyment of nature. It increases our appreciation of the great diversity of plants and
the uniqueness of each one. The beauty and usefulness of plants helps to enrich our
lives.
When you go foraging, please remember that we are gatherers and not destroyers. It is
usually necessary to harvest only a small part of a plant in order to use it. Most plants
will continue to grow and produce if they are left in the ground and only some of the
leaves or a portion of the stems are removed. If there are only one or two plants
growing in a location, please pass them by and give them a chance to propagate. It is
also important to know if your edible plant is growing in a healthy environment where
there are no chemical sprays, polluted water, or car fumes.
All of the recipes in this book have been eaten and enjoyed by people of all ages. If
you have a favorite recipe, but can't locate a specific plant, it is often possible to
substitute a comparable plant in its place."
http://www.pizazz.com/plants/introdtn.htm (1 of 4) [5/10/2004 3:04:50 PM]
This is what Orach looks like, if you click on the

image you will move to the FREE Orach Quiche
la Greek! recipe page. Please be prepared to give
your email address. To find out how to properly
identify Orach and find it in the wild, you would
do best to buy the book and study it. In fact, the
book makes a great addition to your daypack
while hiking or camping! With the knowlege in
this book you may never have to pay for salad
again. You don't have to ever be bored by Iceberg
lettuce again, these plants will put variety in your
diet and enhance your gourmet cooking abilities.
How to order this information-packed book:

$10.00 (US dollars) for the book.
$2.00 (US dollars) for shipping and handling.
$0.70 (US dollars) sales tax ONLY FOR CALIFORNIA SHIPMENTS.
"A Taste of Nature" Book
Shipping Dept.
14135 Ezra Lane
Poway, CA 92064
Mention the Internet and get a signed first

edition!
(Offer may end after all of the first edition are sold.)
Please allow up to 4 weeks for shipping, personal checks may have to clear first. For faster order
handling, send Postal Money Orders and send email to [email protected] with your postal
address to help the shipping department get it ready. (And be sure to remove the numeral 8 from
the end of the address before sending email. This is a defense against bulk email, also known as
junkmail or SPAM.)
Learn how to identify Orach, a wild edible plant.

Useful information which tells how to find and identify this plant is provided freely. Orach is a
wild plant which is good in salads, sandwiches, and quiche. You can get information which will
help you identify this edible plant and tell you where it grows. If you would like a FREE recipe for
Orach Quiche la Greek emailed to you, follow the link. Even if you don't want the recipe, you
can learn to identify Orach and find it in the wild.
Return to The Official Edible Plants Home Page
Disclaimer:
[email protected] Thank you! (And be sure to remove the numeral 8 from the end of the address
before sending email. This is a defense against bulk email, also known as junkmail or SPAM.)
This document and related documents and images are property of Internet Pizazz 1996 - 2001.
FREE RECIPE: Orach Quiche la Greek!
Orach Quiche la Greek!
Contents of this web page:

Features of the plant.
Facts about the plant.
Foods the plant is used for.
Have the FREE recipe sent to you by email.
Orach (Atriplex patula)

Features: Orach grows near water or in moist
locations, and is one of our favorite wild plants. It
can appear almost vine-like with its slender, fragile
1' - 2.5' long stems. Sometimes it grows upright,
other times it almost sprawls along the ground. Its
dark green leaves are halbert-shaped and grow
opposite each other along stems and branches. Orach
leaves resemble spinach both in appearance and
flavor. Smaller pairs of leaves spring up on short
stems at the juncture of the larger leaves and the
stem. Its green flowers are small and inconspicuous.
Facts: Orach is rich in iron, and extremely
nutritious. Because it is a member of the Saltbush
family, it is also slightly salty, and was a welcome
addition to the diest of many Native Americans.
Foods:
Raw: Orach is delicious eaten raw as a snack or in
sandwiches and salads, but when it grows near water
of unknown purity it should be well-washed before
eating.
Cooked: Orach can be steamed, boiled, stir-fried, or
added to omelets. It cooks quickly and should not be
over-cooked because it greatly reduces in volume.
Alwayse taste your dish first before adding salt.
http://www.pizazz.com/plants/quiche.htm (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 3:04:50 PM]
How to order this information-packed book:

$10.00 (US dollars) for the book.
$2.00 (US dollars) for shipping and handling.
$0.70 (US dollars) sales tax ONLY FOR CALIFORNIA SHIPMENTS.
"A Taste of Nature" Book
Shipping Dept.
14135 Ezra Lane
Poway, CA 92064
Mention the Internet and get a signed first

edition!
(Offer may end after all of the first edition are sold.)
Please allow up to 4 weeks for shipping, personal checks may have to clear first. For faster order
handling, send Postal Money Orders and send email to [email protected] with your postal
address to help the shipping department get it ready. Thank you! (And be sure to remove the 8
from the end of the address before sending email. This is a defense against bulk email, also known
as junkmail or SPAM.)
Here's how to get the FREE recipe for Orach

Quiche la Greek whether or not you buy the
book!
Send email to this address and use Orach Quiche for the subject line. No body message is
necessary for the automated reply. The recipe and a copy of this .htm page will be sent back to
your email address for your eating enjoyment! Send email to [email protected]* (And be sure to
remove the 8 from the end of the address before sending email. This is a defense against bulk
email, also known as junkmail or SPAM.)
Return to The Official Edible Plants Home Page
The information on these pages is provided as a

free service in the hopes that you will purchase
the fine book "A Taste of Nature" by Kahanah
Farnsworth.
Disclaimer:
[email protected] Thank you! (And be sure to remove the 8 from the end of the address before
sending email. This is a defense against bulk email, also known as junkmail or SPAM.)
This document and related documents and images are property of Internet Pizazz 1996-2001
Pawpaw Cookbook
There aren't a lot of recipes for the pawpaw out there- at

least that I've found. Euell Gibbon's book Stalking the Wild
Asparagus
has some pawpaw recipes, and is still the
best source for native plant info, lore and recipes. Another
excellent cookbook that contains pawpaw recipes is Mark
F. Sohn's Mountain Country Cooking.
If you've found or
developed a kitchen tested recipe, we'd sure appreciate
hearing about it. You will certainly get credit for your
contribution on our page or in a planned pawpaw
cookbook. Here are some recipes. Enjoy!
Pawpaw Recipes
Pawpaw Ice Cream Pie
Pawpaw Chiffon Pie
Pawpaw Bread
Pawpaw Cookies
Pawpaw Smoothie
Breakfast Drink
Pawpaw Cake I
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Pawpaw Cookbook
Pawpaw Cake II
Pawpaw Ice Cream Pie
2 cups strained pawpaw pulp
1 cup brown sugar
1 quart vanilla ice cream - softened
1 nine-inch graham cracker crust
Stir the brown sugar into the pulp until it is completely

dissolved. Now fold this mixture into the softened ice
cream. Pour this concoction into the graham cracker crust
and place in freezer. Remove from freezer about 30
minutes before serving.
Top of the page
Pawpaw Chiffon Pie (borrowed from Euell Gibbons'

Stalking the Wild Asparagus Quoted from pg 162 of the
book: In a saucepan, mix together 1/2 cup of brown sugar,
1 envelope unflavored gelatin and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir
into this 2/3 cup of milk and 3 slightly beaten egg yolks.
Cook and stir the mixture until it comes to a boil. Remove
from the fire and stir in 1 full cup of strained pawpaw pulp.
Chill until it mounds slightly when spooned. This will take
20 to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Shortly before the
mixture is sufficiently set, beat the 3 egg whites until they
form soft peaks, then gradually add 1/4 cup of sugar,
beating until stiff peaks form. Fold the partly set pawpaw
mixture thoroughly into the egg whites. Pour into a 9-inch
graham cracker crust...and chill until firm.
Top of the page
Pawpaw Bread
2 Cups sifted all-purpose flour
Pawpaw Cookbook
1 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup pawpaw pulp
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 cup chopped nuts (1/3 at least, should be black

walnuts)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift flour with soda and salt.
Cream butter. Gradually add sugar, creaming well after
each addition. Stir eggs and pawpaw pulp; blend
thoroughly. Combine milk and lemon juice and add dry
ingredients to pawpaw pulp alternately with liquids
beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Stir in nuts.
Top of the page
Pawpaw Cookies
1 1/2 cups mashed pawpaw pulp
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
Pawpaw Cookbook
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 cup chopped black walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Press ripe pawpaws through

food mill to obtain pulp. Sift together flour, soda, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar; beat in eggs. Add lemon rind,
flour mixture and pawpaw pulp. Fold in black walnuts.
Drop on greased cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
Top of the page
Pawpaw Smoothie (from Luisa Robles, graduate student at

the University of Maryland and pawpaw fan:
1/2 cup pawpaw pulp
1 cup yogurt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 pinch nutmeg
5 drops lemon juice
Blend everything together until smooth

Top of the page
Pawpaw Breakfast Drink, also from Luisa. She adapted this

from a drink she knew in Mexico by substituting pawpaw
pulp for bananas: Prepare one can of frozen OJ in regular
way. In a blender, mix about 1/2 cup orange juice with 2
cups pawpaw pulp. Blend briefly. Add the rest of the
orange juice and mix well. "It makes a great breakfast
when you are in a hurry, or a great snack between meals!"
Pawpaw Cake
2 1/4 cups cake flour (sift before measuring)
1/2 tsp baking powder
Pawpaw Cookbook
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 cup mashed pawpaw
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup yogurt or buttermilk
Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Cream butter and sugar. Beat eggs into creamed
butter-sugar mixture one at a time. Add vanilla and
buttermilk or yogurt to pawpaw. Add the flour mixture to
the butter mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the banana
mixture. Stir the batter after each addition until smooth.
Bake in greased pans in preheated 350 degree oven about
1/2 hour. When cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Top of the page
Pawpaw Cake II from the Sept 27, 1995 Frankfort State

Journal
1/4 C shortening
1 C sugar
1 1/4 C sifted all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 C mashed pawpaw pulp
1 beaten egg
1 tsp baking soda
Pawpaw Cookbook
1 tsp vanilla
Cream 1/4 cup shortening with 1 cup sugar. Add 1 well

beaten egg and 1 cup mashed pawpaw. Sift together flour,
baking powder and baking soda. Stir into the creamed
mixture. Add vanilla and pour into an 8 inch square pan or
two round layer cake pans. Bake at 375 degrees for 50
minutes. When cool, frost with cream cheese thinned with
milk or any simple white frosting. Decorate with pawpaw
slices.
Top of the page
Return to Home Page
Persimmon Cookbook
Persimmon Cookbook
This is a sampling of some of the persimmon recipes we've run across, and
we're providing them here by popular demand. Over the last several months,
the response to our homepage about Pawpaws, Persimmons, Elderberries,
etc has been somewhat overwhelming. While we emphasized Pawpaws and
recipes thereof, there has been strong interest in Persimmon recipes. Still
the best single source for native plant info, lore and recipes is Euell Gibbon's
Stalking the Wild Asparagus.
If you don't own it you should. Another
excellent cookbook containing persimmon recipes is Mark F. Sohn's
Mountain Country Cooking.
Finally, there are a couple of persimmon
recipe books that are only available from small independent publishers.
They are "Persimmon Recipes" by Dymple Green, available for $4 from
Dymple's Delight, Rt 4, Box 53, Mitchell, IN 47446 and, "Old Fashioned
Persimmon Recipes", available for around $4 from Bear Wallow Books,
7172 North Keystone Ave., Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46240. So
anyway, here goes. Hope you find something here you really like.
Persimmon Recipes
Fitzpatrick Persimmon Pudding
Marguerite Hager's Persimmon Pudding
Persimmon Cake
Persimmon Pie
Persimmon Cookies
Persimmon Whip
Persimmon Cream Pie
Heavenly Persimmon Ice Cream Pie
Brown County Persimmon Fudge
Persimmon Jam
http://members.aol.com/BLaneKY/persimm.htm (1 of 8) [5/10/2004 3:06:40 PM]
Persimmon Cookbook
The following four recipes work best with the Asian type persimmon:
Persimmon Marmalade
Jellied Persimmon Salad
Persimmon-Almond Loaf with Orange Glaze
Persimmon Bread
Fitzpatrick Persimmon Pudding
2 cups persimmon pulp

1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup evaporated milk (canned)
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch salt
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup cooking oil
Combine pulp, sugar and eggs. Stir baking soda into buttermilk. Add both milks to batter, then
add the dry ingredients. Last add the vanilla and oil. Transfer batter to an oiled 9-by-13-inch
baking dish or pan and bake in a preheated 325-degree oven one hour. This pudding will rise high
and, when cool, fall some. It breaks away from the pan.
Top of the page
Persimmon Cake

1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
Persimmon Cookbook
2 cups flour
1 tsp cinnamon
2 eggs
1/2 cup melted butter
Steam the persimmons just enough to loosen the seeds, but not enough to dissolve the skins. Run
them through a food mill to take out seeds and skins. Measure 2 cups. Put pulp in the large bowl
of mixer and mix the soda with it. Sift or stir together remaining dry ingredients. Add dry
ingredients, milk, eggs and butter to the persimmon pulp and beat five minutes at medium speed.
Turn batter into two greased and floured 8-inch layer cake pans and bake in a pre-heated
350-degree oven 60 to 70 minutes or until cake tests done. The cake will be a little chewy in the
center, but absolutely delicious; turn out of pans and cool layers thoroughly before frosting.
Persimmon-Caramel Frosting
1 cup butter or margarine
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup persimmon pulp
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
About 5 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 cup chopped nuts garnish (optional)
Melt butter in saucepan, Add brown sugar, and bring to boil. Add pulp and spices;boil again,
stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and add enough confectioners' sugar to make desired
consistency for spreading. Beat several minutes, and frost cake. If desired, press chopped nuts into
sides of icing while still soft.
Top of the page
Persimmon Pie
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1 Tbs cornstarch
Cinnamon to taste
1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
Combine egg, milk, sugar, salt, cornstarch, cinnamon and pulp. Pour mixture into pie shell and
bake in a preheated 450-degree oven 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake 50 to 60
Persimmon Cookbook
minutes longer. Serve with whipped cream.

Top of the page
Persimmon Cookies
1 cup persimmon pulp

1 cup nuts
1 cup raisins
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 tsp soda, dissolved in pulp
2 1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 egg
Cream shortening and sugar. Add egg, soda and persimmon pulp. Add dry ingredients, nuts and
raisins. Drop with teaspoon on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes in 350-375 oven.
Makes approx. 90 cookies.
Top of the page
Persimmon Whip
1/2 cup persimmon pulp

2 env unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 Tbs honey
2 tsp Lemon Juice
1 1/2 cup persimmon pulp
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs whites, beaten stiff
Put 1/2 cup persimmon pulp into the top of a double boiler. Sprinkle gelatin over it an let it soak
for 5 minutes. Heat over boiling water; stir until gelatin is dissolved. Remove from heat. Add
honey, lemon juice, remaining persimmon pulp and salt. Pour into a bowl and cool. Refrigerate
until almost set. Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. Pour into serving dish and refrigerate several
hours until it is set. Yields 6 servings.
Top of the page
Persimmon Cookbook
Persimmon Cream Pie

Beat 2 eggs with 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 tsp salt. Add 2 cups milk or cream, 1
cup persimmon pulp, 2 tablespoons melted butter and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Pour into unbaked
pie shell. Bake in very hot oven (450) 10 minutes, reduce temperature to 350 and bake 30 minutes
longer. Let cool before slicing.
This recipe is from the Northwoods Nursery catalog (27635 S Oglesby Rd, Canby OR 97013).
Top of the page
Heavenly Persimmon Ice Cream Pie
1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened

1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups Cool Whip
1/2 cup slivered almonds
Spread ice cream in graham cracker pie shell and shill in freezer. Combine pulp with the 1
1/2 cups sugar, salt, spices and vanilla. Fold in 1 cup Cool Whip. Pour mixture over ice
cream in pie shell. Cover with foil and freeze 4 hours. Remove from freezer and garnish
with remaining 1/2 cup of Cool Whip and almonds..
Top of the page
Brown County Persimmon Fudge
1 cup persimmon pulp

6 cups sugar
2 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup butter (or margarine)
Combine pulp, sugar, milk and syrup in large sauce pan. Cook slowly 1 1/2 to 2 hrs until mixture
reaches soft ball stage or (230 degrees F) Cool to lukewarm. Stir often. Add butter. Beat well.
When mixture begins to thicken, stir in 1 cup chopped nuts. Spread in buttered 8 1/2 x 13 inch
pan.
Top of the page
Persimmon Cookbook
Persimmon Jam (From the Ortho Canning Book - 1982 and sent to us by M. Schoewe)
4# (about 10 very large) persimmons (these are obviously Oriental Persimmons)
4 c sugar
Cut persimmons in half & scrape out the pulp. Put pulp through a food mill to puree. Measure out
4 c. pulp. Put pulp & sugar into a pot & stir well until thick - about 30 minutes. Keep below
boiling point or the jam will become bitter
Ladle jam into jars & seal with melted paraffin or process. The jam will thicken after it cooks.
Top of the page
Persimmon Marmalade
1 quart peeled persimmons
1 c water
Juice of 1 lemon
Sugar
Combine persimmons and water. Boil to a thick pulp, add juice of lemon and cup of sugar to each
quart of pulp. Boil 10 minutes longer. Pour into sterilized jars and seal.
Top of the page
Marguerite Hager's Persimmon Pudding

This new recipe was sent in by R. Dennis Hager from Maryland. It looks great.
2 cups milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 1/2 cups self-rising flour
2 eggs
1 cup melted butter
Blend ingredients well, adding butter last. Pour in greased 9 x 12 pan and bake at 350 F for 1
hour.
Dennis says, "This pudding is very rich. It keeps well and the flavor continues to develop. It is
best when 2-3 days old. The crust has a great flavor. The next time I make it, I'm going to try
Persimmon Cookbook
smaller pans, so there will be more crust!"

Top of the page
Jellied Persimmon Salad
1 small package orange gelatin

1 cup hot water
1 Tbs lemon juice
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
Dissolve gelatin in hot water. Add persimmon pulp and lemon juice. Cool, then fold in celery.
Pour into oiled ring mold or individual molds and chill
Top of the page
Persimmon-Almond Loaf with Orange Glaze This recipe and the next one for
Persimmon Loaf were sent to us by Andi in California (Thanks Andi) "Fragrant and fruity, this
persimmon loaf is my variation on an old-fashioned date tea bread. With its sweet and nutty
flavors, it is a favorite of both children and adults for brunch or for lunch with chicken salad.
Orange Glaze makes a perfect topping for this quick bread..."
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
2 large ripe persimmons (about 1 pound)
8 Tbs ( 1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 C sugar
1 large egg
1/4 C sour cream
2 tsp almond extract
1 C dried apricots or peaches, chopped
1/2 C toasted sliced almonds
First, adjust an oven rack to the middle shelf and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter
an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch loaf pan. Second, sift together the flour, baking
soda, baking
powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg into a mixing bowl. Set aside.
Next, peel the
Persimmon Cookbook
persimmon and scoop the flesh into a medium-size mixing bowl.

Mash with a
fork. Set aside. Now, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and
sugar at medium
high speed until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until thoroughly combined. Add the
persimmon pulp, sour cream, and almond extract. Blend at low speed to combine the
ingredients. The mixture will look curdled. Add the sifted flour mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, and
beat at low speed until the batter is smooth, stopping occaisionally to
scrape down the sides of
the work bowl with a spatula. Fold in the chopped apricots and toasted almonds. The batter will
be very dense and sticky. Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake until a toothpick
inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean, about
one hour. Cool the bread in the pan on
a rack for about 20 minutes before unmolding.
Unmold and spread with Orange
Glaze.
Orange Glace
2 tsp cornstarch
1/2 C fresh orange juice
1/2 C thawed frozen orange juice concentrate
1 1/2 Tbs unsalted butter
2 Tbs confectioners' sugar
1/2 tsp almond extract
Top of the page
Persimmon Bread
1 C persimmon pulp
1/2 C chopped persimmon
1/2 C butter
1 C sugar
2 beaten eggs
1 3/4 C flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 C nuts
Mix together butter, sugar and eggs. Sift together dry ingredients except baking soda, which you
add to persimmon pulp. Add persimmon pulp. Fold in dry ingredients. Add chopped persimmon
and nuts. Pour into buttered 8 x 11 inch pan and bake 45 minutes at 325 degrees, or until
toothpick inserted in middle of loaf comes out clean. Andi says this is very good.
Top of the page
Elderberry
Though Jeannie and I don't claim to be experts on the

elderberry and its uses, we have enjoyed the fruit for many
years. Over the past several weeks there have been many
email requests for recipes as people have discovered the
ripening berries. Well this list is far from exhaustive, but
it's a start. Hope you find something you can use.
Elderberry Jelly
Elderberry Jam
Elderberry Pie
Gleckler's Elderberry Pie
Elderberry Wine
Julie's Wine #1
Julie's Wine #2
Elderberry Ice Cream
Elderberry Ice Cream Easy Method
Sure-Jell Elderberry Jelly
http://members.aol.com/BLaneKY/elderberry.htm (1 of 6) [5/10/2004 3:06:47 PM]
Elderberry
6 quarts or 3 lbs elderberries

2 lemons
Remove stems and crush. Place in saucepan. Bring to boil slowly until
juice starts to flow. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 15 minutes. Place 3
layers of damp cheesecloth or jelly bag in large bowl. Pour prepared fruit
into cheesecloth. Tie cheesecloth closed, hang and let drip into bowl until
dripping stops. Press gently. Measure juice. If necessary, add up to 1/2
cup water for exact measure. Ingredients are now:
3 C juice
1/4 C fresh lemon juice
4 1/2 C sugar
Stir Sure-Jell into juice and add lemon juice. Bring mixture to full rolling
boil. Add sugar quickly. Return to full boil and boil exactly one minute,
stirring constantly. Immediately fill jars and seal.
Top of the page
Elderberry Jam from the Ball Blue Book

2 quarts crushed elderberries
6 C sugar
1/4 C vinegar
Combine berries, sugar and vinegar. Bring slowly to boiling, stirring
occasionally until sugar dissolves. Cook rapidly until thick. As mixture
thickens, stir frequently to prevent sticking. Pour, boiling hot, into
sterilized jars. Adjust caps. Yield: about 3 pints.
Top of the page
Elderberry Pie
1 recipe Plain Pastry or frozen pie crust
2 1/2 C stemmed elderberries
Elderberry
1/2 C sugar
1/8 t salt
2 T flour
3 T lemon juice
Line a piepan with pastry. Fill with elderberries. Mix sugar, salt and
flour; sprinkle over berries. Add lemon juice. Cover with top crust.
Bake in very hot oven (450 degrees) 10 minutes, reduce temperature to
moderate (350 degrees) and bake 30 minutes longer. This recipe is from
the 1950 Culinary Arts Institute Encyclopedic Cookbook.
Top of the page
Gleckler's Elderberry Pie

This recipe was sent in by Marianne Gleckler of Metamora, Ohio. It's her
husband's grandmother's recipe, and "it's very good."
3 C elderberries
3/4 C white sugar
1/4 C brown sugar
1 T vinegar
1/4 t salt
4 T corn starch or tapioca pudding mix (I use pudding mix)
Pat with butter
Makes a 9 inch 2 crust pie
Top of the page
Elderberry Wine
This wine is very much like a cream sherry. These are the ingredients for
1 gal wine.
Elderberry
3 1/2 lbs. elderberries

3 lbs. sugar
7 pints water
Sherry or all-purpose wine yeast
Nutrient
Crush the fruit in a plastic pail and add one quart of boiled water that has
cooled. Mix well.
Crush one Campden tablet and dissolve the powder in about 1/2 C warm
water and mix with fruit pulp. Leave the mixture in a cool place for 24
hours, stirring twice during that time. Strain through fine muslin or other
similar material and squeeze gently but not too hard. Discard fruit pulp.
Boil 1 lb of sugar in 2 quarts water for 1 minute and allow to cool. Mix
this with the juice and return the lot to the plastic pail. Add yeast and
ferment for 10 days.
Pour off the top wine into a gallon jar, leaving as much of the deposit
behind as possible. Boil another 1 lb of sugar in 1 C water for 1 minute
and when cool add to rest. Plug the neck of the jar with cotton or install a
fermentation lock and ferment in a warm place for 14 days.
After this, boil the last 1 lb of sugar in the remaining cup of water for one
minute; cool, add to rest. Refit lock or cotton and leave in warm place
until all fermentation has ceased.
Rack into sterilized wine bottles and cork. Try to wait at least six months
to drink.
Top of the page
Elderberry Ice Cream from John Kennett ([email protected])

"First pick your elderberries. The easiest way is to snip off whole
bunches, and then strip the individual berries off using the prongs of a
fork at your leisure. I picked about half a carrier bag of bunches, which
came out to a big saucepan of berries.
Elderberry
Put the berries into a saucepan with a little water, a sprinkling of sugar
and the juice of half a lemon. Go steady on the sugar, you can always add
more later if you need to.
With a lid on the saucepan, gently simmer for about 45 minutes, or until
the berries have gone very soft. Leave to cool, and then push the berries
through a sieve, discarding the pips that remain. This will leave a rich
elderberry syrup. Taste it, and add more sugar if required. As a guide I
had about a pint of syrup at the end.
Whip half a pint of double cream until it stands in peaks, and in a
separate bowl whisk two eggwhites until they are stiff enough to tip the
bowl upside down. This can be quite a feat with a hand whisk!
Fold the cream, eggwhites and elderberry syrup together gently, until the
whole mixture is a uniform lurid purple. Pour into a suitable freezer
container - I used a pyrex glass bowl. Then stick it into your freezer."
Elderberry Ice Cream from Natalie with a quick method for freezing.
([email protected])
1 small bath towel
1 gallon-sized zipper seal bag
2 sandwich-sized zipper seal bags
1 1/2 cups rock salt
25-30 ice cubes
Desired amount of milk, half and half, or cream
Desired amount of sugar
Elderberry syrup (from recipe above)
"Mix milk, half and half, or cream with desired amount of sugar and
syrup. (I find that the best ice cream comes from half and half topped
with a LITTLE BIT of whole milk. Skim milk turns out runny with small
Elderberry
ice chunks, and both light and heavy whipping cream don't freeze well,
and become more of a 'mush') A tall cup or medium bowl and a spoon
works well.
Once well-blended, pour into sanswich-sized bag, and seal. Place this bag
inside the other sandwich-sized bag, and seal.
Place ice cubes and rock salt into gallon-sized bag. The ice cubes should
occupy about 1/3 of the bag. Place sandwich bags inside bag containing
rock salt and ice, and seal. Wrap in towel and shake vigorously for 4-5
minutes. (You may want to take turns with a friend. My arms sometimes
get tired from all the shakin'.)
When ice cream has thickened, remove sandwich bags, and scoop (or
pour) into bowls. Double bagging the ice cream keeps rock salt from
falling into the bag and getting the ice cream salty. Yuck!" Natalie goes
on to say you can try other flavors with this method. Thanks Natalie.
Top of the page
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Paperback: ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.75 x 8.75 x 5.50
Publisher: Perseus Publishing; Reprint edition (April 1992)
ISBN: 0201608200
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Editorial Reviews
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN%3D0201608200/jeannieandberrysA/104-4840923-3809543 (1 of 5) [5/10/2004 3:06:54 PM]
I love it! From Publishers Weekly

Reich's is indeed a "worthy" addition to the gardening reference shelf,
packed with information not readily found elsewhere. The author, a
1 2 3 4 5
contributor to Horticulture and The New York Times , writes
gracefully and knowledgeably about more than 20 fruit species easily
grown in North America's temperate climate. Gardeners tired of the
Edit your ratings
same old apples and pears will relish the prospect of growing such
exotic fruits as the maypop, a cold-hardy passionfruit, the enticingly
Favorite Magazines!
fragrant clove currant and the diminutive but intensely flavorful
alpine strawberry. Part of what makes these fruits worthy of attention
is that they are surprisingly easy to grow; they require far less
spraying and pruning than their more commonly cultivated cousins,
and--best of all for Northern gardeners--they demand some degree of
winter cold. Reich provides detailed information, leavened with
anecdotes and quotes from sources ancient and modern, on each
Explore our new
Magazine Subscriptions fruit's cultivation, propagation, harvest and use, plus a list of cultivars.
Appendixes cover botanical nomenclature, how to plant, propagate
store.
and care for the fruits and, last but not least, where to purchase them.
Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to
an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
I dislike it
From Library Journal

This delightful book describes 19 fruits including maypops, pawpaws,
medlars, jujubes, and Asian pears. Fruits were selected for being at
home in a temperate climate, tasting good to eat out of hand,
requiring minimal upkeep, and possessing ornamental beauty. For
each, the compact, authoritative, and interesting text offers history,
description, propagation, harvest, uses, and cultivars. A precise
vocabulary--"frugiverous, frass, bletting"--sparkles in a clearly
written text that is never overly... read more --This text refers to an
out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Write an online review and share your thoughts with other
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
A taste teaser! I want to get these plants!,
September 11, 2000
Reviewer: OTMAR E VARELA P from New Orleans, Louisiana
USA
This book is, first of all, a wonderful read. It is full of historical notes,
very interesting to this nonbotonist, and is fully researched. Advances
have been made since it was written, and perhaps some of the
suppliers given in the back are no longer with us; but a good web
search will remedy that. It describes the flavors, scents, and
appearence of the fruits in succulent detail. Since I have read it, I have
been buying and trying to get friends to buy the various fruits listed. It
is torture not being able to go out and buy jujubes, gumis, hardy kiwi,
pawpaws, and all the rest of the children of Pomona that are here
delineated. A wonderful book, full of charming oddities and wit.
Was this review helpful to you?
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K.State University Land Grant Program: Pawpaw Information Web Site
Pawpaw Information Web Site

Frankfort, Kentucky
Pawpaw
Links
Personnel
Pawpaw Workshop
Pawpaw Video
Pawpaw Research at
Kentucky State
University
Reports and
Publications
Pawpaw Program
PowerPoint
Presentations
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Planting Guide
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and Nutritional
Information
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Audio & Video
Kentucky State University has the only full-time

pawpaw [Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal] research program
in the world as part of the KSU Land Grant Program.
Pawpaw research efforts are directed at improving seed
and clonal propagation methods, developing orchard
management recommendations, conducting regional
variety trials, understanding fruit ripening processes,
developing fruit storage techniques, and germplasm
collection and characterization of genetic diversity. KSU
also is the home of the PawPaw Foundation, a nonprofit
organization dedicated to the research and development
of pawpaw as a new fruit crop.
Conferences &
Events
http://www.pawpaw.kysu.edu/ (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 3:07:16 PM]
2nd International
Pawpaw Conference
Proceedings
Grower budgets
Organic Production
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The PawPaw
Foundation
Pawpaw
Bibliography
Health: Pawpaws
and Parkinsons?
Links to other
Pawpaw web sites
Links to other
horticultural and
botanical sites
Grape Research at
KSU
The USDA National Clonal Repository for Asimina

spp.
Since 1994, Kentucky State University has served as the
USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository (NCGR),
or gene bank, for Asimina spp. (pawpaw), as a satellite
site of the NCGR repository at Corvallis, OR. There are
over 1,700 accessions (trees) from 17 states that are
planted on 8 acres at the KSU farm. We are attempting
to evaluate the genetic diversity contained in wild
pawpaw populations across its native range so that
unique material can be added to the KYSU repository
collection; this potentially rich source of useful genetic
traits will be used in breeding efforts.
Top photo of flower and cluster taken on April 24, 2004 by Kirk Pomper. Lower photo of single cluster pawpaw by Scott Bauer.
Questions about pawpaws? Contact Dr. Kirk Pomper at:

[email protected] or telephone # 502-597-5942
|Top| |KSU Home Page| |KSU Land Grant Page| |CV of Kirk W. Pomper|
Visitors since November 13, 2003:
Updated May 05, 2004
Webmaster: Stella Mountain
Pawpaws a.k.a. Paw Paw Trees
I wrote this article for my local Audubon newsletter a couple of few years ago.
Jump down to lots of Pawpaw links.
Pawpaws: A Paw for You and a Paw for Me

The Autumn birding hike of October 10th was not very productive in terms
of birds. However, during the course of the hike, several of the participants
got their first introduction to the Pawpaw, Asimina triloba. The name of this
plant is sometimes spelled Papaw - and in that form is often confused with
another fruit that sometimes goes by that name, the Papaya, Carica papaya.
(The latter is in a totally different family than our Pawpaw, and can only
grow in tropical areas.)
Our Pawpaw, which grows as far north as New York and southern Ontario,
out west as far as Nebraska and Texas, and south to Florida, is known by
several other names including the American Custard Apple, the West
Virginia Banana, and the Indiana Banana. There are about seven other
members of the genus Asimina, all growing in the southeastern U.S.
The Pawpaw made some headlines in 1992 when it was reported that a
Purdue University researcher had isolated a powerful anti- cancer drug, as well as a safe natural
pesticide from the Pawpaw tree. The substances are said to be primarily found in the twigs and small
branches. The researcher, Jerry McLaughlin, revealed that it was because of some childhood
experiences with eating the fruit that he had a feeling that there was something biologically active in the
plant.
In the book, Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World, one
finds the Pawpaw fruit called "...a natural custard, too
luscious for the relish of most people. The fruit is
nutritious and a great resource to the savages."
Millspaugh, in American Medicinal Plants, describes
the fruit as "soft, sweet and insipid, having a taste
somewhat between that of the May-apple and the
banana, tending to the former." The Peterson Field
Guide mentions that the seeds, along with being an
emetic, have narcotic properties.
As late as the early 1900's,
fishermen in the Ohio valley were using strips of the inner bark for stringing
fish. They likely learned this use from the Indians, who used these bark strips to
make fabric and nets. It is also thought that the Indians may have been
responsible for extending the range of the Pawpaw far beyond its natural
growing area.
Closer to home, a West Virginian and DC resident, Neal Peterson, has been
conducting a Pawpaw research study for the past eight years at the Western
Maryland Research and Education Center near Keedysville. He has 600 trees
planted on the Center's property and has been evaluating the fruit from the individual trees with an aim
to choose the ten "best" trees in his orchard in order to begin producing the most tasty Pawpaws
http://www.fred.net/kathy/pawpaws.html (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 3:07:18 PM]
possible. Peterson hopes to bring Pawpaws to the mass market.

Note: October, 1997: I found a listing for Paw Paws on the NCSU Poisonous Plants of North Carolina
Page. Apparently some individuals cannot eat them without severe stomach and intestinal pain.
-- Kathy Bilton
Note: Pawpaw Flower picture by Will Cook

Note: Another green fruit that can be found in some places along the canal - this one in late fall - is the
Osage Orange. These fruits are about the size of baseballs and look like brains.... Some aver that they
keep spiders away. There are a lot of these trees in the Antietam Campground area of the C and O Canal.
(Mile 70 or so)
Pawpaw Links
| Distribution Map for the Pawpaw | Good Paw Paw Page from CRFG | Barry Glick
Article |
| Paw Paw Links from U.C. Davis | Kentucky State University Pawpaw Research
Project |
| Alta Vista Search for Asimina triloba | The Paw Paw Tunnel Page |
April 16, 2001 NPR Story - Return of the Pawpaw -- Fred Kight reports from
Athens, Ohio, on the comeback of the pawpaw, a green-and-yellow fruit native to North America,
but with a tropical flavor. Some say it could be a replacement crop for farmers no longer growing
tobacco. (3:42)
Must the Rare and Historic Paw Paw Tree be Destroyed?
Purdue University's New Crop Server Pawpaw Page
Midwest Fruit Explorers Pawpaw Page includes nice picture of the fruit
Brooklyn Botanical Garden Nice close-up of flower
Forest Service
Mrs. Grieve's Herbal Entry for Pawpaw
King's American Dispensatory Entry for Pawpaw
Plants For A Future - Database Search Results
Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly - Its only larval host is Paw Paw - with pictures.
Pawpaw shows promise in fighting drug-resistant tumors
Pawpaw Page from Ohio Public Library Information Network "What Tree is It? Page
Article from Athens paper about Chris Chmiel
Jeannie and Berry's Pawpaw Page
Neil Peterson's Pawpaws Page
A passion for pawpaws - article with recipes in Sept. 18, 2003 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Ohio Pawpaw Festival (September) and the Ohio Pawpaw Growers Association
Pawpaw article from Wikipedia
Pawpaw Information page - includes the Pawpaw song
Pawpaw Info on the Georgia Wildlife Federation Page
Will Cook's Pawpaw Page
Study Finds Pawpaw a Tasty Fat Substitute in Baked Goods

| Return to Canal | Return to Yankauer | Go to the Paw Paw Tunnel |
Talking Leaf Gourds and More
Thank you for stopping by, and thanks to previous visitors for their support. Because of you, I have
been able to go BANNER AD-FREE! Stay tuned for more updates and improvements! Also, I
am now once again taking orders for gourds!
Big updates are ongoing! In Progress: easy on-site ordering, better organized
gallery, more pictures, and more info. Feel free to Email Me anytime. And please
check back soon to see more new stuff!
CLICK HERE to go straight to the first design gallery!
Keep reading to learn a little bit about my gourd art.
NEW! Free E-Postcards of Gourds! Choose from one of several original art gourds from this site
and send it to a friend or loved one as a free e-postcard with your own personal message! There are
Halloween, winter, and holiday cards available now, and more to come soon! (Also, in response to a
few requests, this flag postage stamp design is available as a pin or magnet. See bottom of this page.)
About my gourd art

Gourds grow on vines and harden over winter to a hard, wood-like texture.
They have been used by cultures all over the world for many purposes,
including water-carriers and rattles. They are also a popular medium for
many kinds of artists, including American Indian, American folk, and
modern.
My art gourds range in size from tiny to huge. They are grown on my
parents' farm in rural central Kentucky, and I clean them, burn my designs
into them with a woodburner, paint them, mostly with watercolors so the
natural textures can show through, and coat them with an acrylic varnish to
protect the art.
My mother began our family gourd art tradition, and got me started doing mostly
Cherokee and rural designs. I began selling them at craft fairs, and started my
website in 1996, to share my gourds and information with visitors and sell some
unique pieces in the process.
My Cherokee gourds often incorporate traditional designs, symbols, or motifs.
Most also have some writing on them in the Tsalagi language (using Sequoya's
Syllabary), whether it is simply "Tsalagi" or a longer message. Several tell
traditional stories and myths in pictures and words, like "Grandmother Spider
and the Sun". Many are more personal, mixing traditional designs or motifs with
other kinds of images. One example of this is "People of Today" , which illustrates
a quote by Chief Wilma Mankiller.
I do many other kinds of designs as well,
including nature, rural scenes, green man,
seasonal, butterfly,ducks and loons, horses, cats,
cardinals, and other animals, celestial (sun and/or moon), grape and vine, chili peppers,
http://www.angelfire.com/ky/Cherokee/index.html (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 3:07:22 PM]
harvest/autumn leaves, wind zephyrs, flowers, and American Indian designs other than
Cherokee. I can also handle a lot of different requests. I've even done cutom pieces
from pictures of people's houses, pets, even family members, so feel free to email me.
I also make lots of items out of gourds, including baskets, birdhouses, ornaments, wall
hangings, pins, magnets, and hair barrettes. If you wish to make an order, simply
choose the motif you want and the kind of gourd item. You can give me more specific
requests in the comments section of the order form, whether you choose to pay with a
credit card using my secure PayPal feature, or pay by check or money order using the
print and mail form.
Please take a look around and enjoy your visit. I will always try to be adding more
gourds and pictures. If you would like to see some examples of my work, head on to the
Design Gallery page. And let me know if I can help you with something.
Many people have asked me about crafting gourds themselves. Please see the gourd info page for some general
information. Here are two books that you may also find helpful:
Also check out my parents' site

on pawpaws, persimmons, elderberries,
and other native plants
The flag stamp design is available as a pin for $15 and a magnet for $10
Print-and-Mail order, or Add Pin to Cart or Add Magnet to Cart to pay using a credit card.
Go on to my gourd art page!

Following a WebRing? See the links, rings, and awards page!
These pages and the gourd artwork that appears on them 1996-2002 Abby Lane.
Welcome to Integration Acres - Specializing in Native Foods
Thanks for stopping by Integration Acres. We've just unveiled our new site, and hope
you'll enjoy browsing around. We will be adding new features as they are developed.
Feel free to shop around in the Products section, where you'll find all sorts of pawpaw
and spicebush products. If you would like any additional information, please feel free
to email me, Chris Chmiel. Hope to hear from you soon.
http://www.integrationacres.com/ [5/10/2004 3:07:26 PM]
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Amazon.com: Books: Mountain Country Cooking: A Gathering of the Best Recipes from the Smokies to the Blue Ridge
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Sohn's unusual book offers a guided tour to the food of Appalachia,
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Stalking the Wild

Asparagus by
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potatoes, nuts and beans, pork, tomatoes, and apples are all staples,
with sorghum used for sweetening. Recipes include Corn Sticks and
Slick Dumplings, Bacon-Potato Soup, and Sorghum Pie. But this is
not just a cookbook, for there are stories and anecdotes, lengthy
discussions of recipe origins, history and lore, and more. A book that
will be as much fun to browse through as to cook from, this is
recommended for most collections.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Although it contains recipes for old-fashioned fried chicken, cream
gravy, apple turnovers, and cornbread, this is not your usual country
cookbook. It is a sampling of the culinary heritage of nine
Appalachian states that celebrates the homegrown fruits of mountain
soil and the labors of mountain cooks of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s.
Sohn's love for Appalachian cookery comes across clearly in the
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This book is a rip-off, February 4, 2004
Reviewer: Billy Turnbull from Pikeville, KY USA
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native of Oregon. Very bland recipes and very bland presentations.
Avoid at all costs.

would be better spiral-bound-, September 30,
2000
Reviewer: tomorrows_heirlooms (see more about me) from
Fallbrook, CA USA
I love cook books. I am a reader and veritable connoisseur of

cookbooks. But, to be honest, if one is to really cook out of a
cookbook, would author(s) henceforth please chose to have their
works spiral-bound; maybe even with coated pages? This removes
their book off the 'coffee table' (HardBack editions??) and brings it
into the kitchen, where a cookbook belongs. Thank you for listening.
Now I have to get back to my PawPaw Pie.

GRANDMOTHER'S SECRETS REVEALED!, January
7, 2000
Reviewer: A reader from Beech Bluff, TN United States
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the recipes which I have tried so far have resulted in dishes that were
like a taste of the past. I highly recommend this book to any displaced
Southern mountaineer longing for a taste of home. You won't regret
it!
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Stalking the Wild Asparagus by Euell
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Cornell Poisonous Plants Database
Search on the following fields:

Search
Scientific Name:
Clear fields
This database of photos was started by Animal Science faculty and staff at
Cornell University as a public service. Some of the information has been
put together by students in the Animal Science 625 course. Please let us
know if you find any errors or misidentifications and we will get them
corrected as soon as possible.
Common Name:
Primary Poisons:
The images are copyrighted. They can be used in teaching, downloaded,

and copied, provided it is in an educational setting and proper attribution is
provided. Alteration of images in any form is restricted.
Species Most Often

Affected:
IMPORTANT: This database of poisonous plants is correct to the best of our knowledge. However, just because a plant is
NOT listed does not mean that it is NOT poisionous to a certain species. A good rule of thumb: if you have any doubt
about a plant, assume it is poisonous!
Return to: Poisonous Plants Main Page
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/db2www/plants.d2w/input [5/10/2004 3:08:52 PM]
Cornell Poisonous Plants
View Common name list

Abrus precatorius
Aconitum spp.
Actaea spp.
Aesculus spp.
Agrostemma githago
Alphabetical listing of botanical names by genus and species
Aleurites fordii
Allium spp.
Amanita spp.
A. muscaria
A. pantherina
A. verna
Amaranthus spp.
Amsinckia intermedia
Apocynum spp.
Argemone mexicana
Arisaema spp.
Asclepias spp.
Astragalus and Oxytropis
spp.
This series of web pages was created by professors, staff,

graduate and undergraduate students at Cornell University.
Some of the research was done for the AS625 class projects.
All comments and suggestions are welcome.
These web pages are only meant to be informative. Neither
Cornell University nor the author(s) of this site endorse or
recommend the use of these plants. There are many poisonous
plants and substances which are not represented here. Please
do not assume that a specific plant is ok just because it is not
listed. These pages are copyrighted. Unauthorized duplication
is prohibited.
List of Scientific and Common Name Equivalents
Atropa belladonna
Brassica spp,
Caltha palustris
Cannabis sativa
Centaurea solstitialis
Chelidonium majus
Chenopodium album
Return to: Poisonous Plants Homepage

Cicuta spp.
Claviceps spp.
Conium maculatum
Coronilla varia
Convallaria majalis
Daphne spp.
Datura spp.
Delphinium spp.
Dicentra spp.
Digitalis purpurea
Equisetum arvense and
other spp.
Eupatorium rugosum
Euphorbia spp.
Fagoypyrum esculentum
Festuca arundinacea
Gelsemium sempervirens
Glechoma spp.
Halogeton glomeratus
Helleborus niger
Hyoscyanmus niger
Hypericum perforatum
Iris spp.
Laburnum anagyroides
Lantana camara
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/alphalist.html (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:08:56 PM]
Lathyrus spp.
Leucothoe axillaris and
Leucothoe davisiae
Linum usitatissimum
Lobelia spp.
Lotus corniculatus
Lupinus spp.
Medicago sativa
Melilotus alba and
Melilotus officinalis
Menispermum canadense
Nerium oleander
Nicotiana spp.
Onoclea sensibilis
Ornithogalum umbellatum
Papaver spp.
Pieris japonica and other
spp.
Pinus ponderosa
Prunus spp.
Pteridium aquilinium
Quercus spp.
Ranunculus spp.
Rheum rhaponticum
Ricinus communis
Robinia pseudoacacia
Rumex spp.
Sambucus canadensis
Sanquinaria canadensis
Saponaria spp.
Senecio spp.
Solanum spp.
Sorghum spp.
Symplocarpus foetidus
Taxus cuspidata
Tetradymia spp.
Toxicodendron diversiloba
Toxicodendron radicans
Toxicodendron vernix
Trifolium spp.
Triglochin maritima
Urtica spp.
Vicia spp.
Veratrum californicum
Wisteria spp.
Xanthium strumarium
Zigadenus spp.
View Common Name List
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/alphalist.html (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:08:56 PM]
View Botanical name list

Aconite
Alfalfa or Lucerne
Alsike Clover
Angel's Trumpet
Arrowgrass
Baneberry
Alphabetical listing of common plant names
Belladonna
Birdsfoot Trefoil
Black Locust
Bleeding Heart
Bloodroot
Bouncing Bet
Bracken Fern
Buckeye
Buckwheat
Buffalo Bur
Buttercups or Crowfoot
Castor Bean
Celandine
Christmas Rose
This series of web pages was created by professors, staff,

graduate and undergraduate students at Cornell University.
Some of the research was done for the AS625 class projects.
All comments and suggestions are welcome.
These web pages are only meant to be informative. Neither
Cornell University nor the author(s) of this site endorse or
recommend the use of these plants. There are many poisonous
plants and substances which are not represented here. Please
do not assume that a specific plant is ok just because it is not
listed. These pages are copyrighted. Unauthorized duplication
is prohibited.
Cocklebur
Corn Cockle
Corn Lily, False Hellbore
Cow Cockle
Creeping Charlie
Crown Vetch
Cherries, Black Cherry, Bitter
Cherry, Choke Cherry, and Pin
Cherry
Daphne

Death Angel Mushrooms

Death Camas
Death Cap Mushrooms
Destroying Angels
Delphiniums
Devil's Trumpet
Dock
Dogbane
Doll's-eyes
Downy Thornapple
Drooping Leucothoe
Dutchman's Breeches
Elderberry
Ergot
Fly Agaric
Fiddleneck
Flax
Foxglove
Golden Chain or Laburnum
Great Lobelia, Cardinal Flower,
and Indian Tobacco
Ground Ivy, Creeping Charlie, and
Gill-over-the-Ground
Groundsels
Halogeton
Henbane
Horsebrush
Horse Chestnut
Horse Nettle
Horsetail
Irises
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Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Japanese Pieris
Jessamine
Jimsonweed
Johnson Grass
Klamath Weed
Lamb's Quarters
Lantana, Red Sage, Yellow Sage,
or West Indian Lantana
Larkspurs
Lily-of-the-Valley
Locoweed
Lupine
Marijuana
Marsh Marigold or Cowslip
Mayapple and Mandrake
Mexican Poppy
Milkweed
Milo
Monkey Agaric Mushrooms
Monkshood
Moonseed
Mountain Fetterbush
Nightshade, Black Nightshade or
Deadly Nightshade
Oak Trees
Oleander
Onions and Chives
Panther
Panther Cap Mushrooms
Pigweed
Poison Hemlock
Poison ivy
Poison oak
Poison Sumac
Potato
Poinsettia
Pokeweed
Ponderosa Pine
Poppies including Opium Poppy
Prickly Poppy
Ragworts
Red Clover
Rhubarb
Rosary Pea
Saint Johns Wort
Senecio
Sensitive Fern
Sierra Laurel
Skunk Cabbage
Squirrel Corn
Snow-on-the-Mountain
Sorghum
Spurges
Star-of-Bethlehem
Stinging Nettle
Sudan Grass
Sweet clover
Sweet Pea, Tangier Pea,
Everlasting Pea, Caley Pea and
Singletary Pea
Tobacco and Tree Tobacco

Tung Oil Tree
Vetch, Hairy Vetch, Narrow-leaved
Vetch, Purple Vetch and Broad
Beans
Water Hemlock or Cowbane
White Clover
White Snakeroot
Wisteria
Wolfsbane
Yellow Star Thistle
Yew
Toxic Agents in Plants

ALKALOIDS
Indole Alkaloids ( Beta-carbolines etc.)
Indolizidine
Piperidine
Polycyclic Diterpene
Pyridine
Pyrrolizidine
Quinolizidine
Steroids
Tropane
Tryptamine
ALCOHOLS AND KETONES
Alcohols
Diacetone alcohol
Diethylene glycol
Ethanol
Ethylene glycol
Methanol
Propylene glycol
Ketones
Cicutoxin
Tremetone
Treratol
CARBOHYDRATES
Oligosaccharides
Beta-glucans
Pectins
Raffinose
Simple Sugars
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Favism
Fructose
Galactose
Lactose
Sucrose
Xylose
CHELATING POISONS
Nitrates
Nitrites
Oxalates
Phytates
GLYCOSIDES
Calcinogenic Glycosides
Carboxyatractylosides
Cardiac Glycosides
Coumarins
Furocormarins
Glucosinolates (Goitrogenic Glycosides)
Isoflavones and Coumestans
Nitroglycosides (Nitropropanol Glycosides)

Ranoculins
Saponins
Vicine/Covicine
LIPIDS
Fatty Acids
Cyclopropenoid fatty acids
Erucic acid
Fluoroacetate
Glycolipids
METALS
Heavy Metals
Copper
Mercury
Selenium
Arsenic
Lead
Iron
MYCOTOXINS
Aflatoxins
Citrinin
Fungal Tremorgens
Lupinosis
Ochratoxins
Patulin
Rubratoxins
Sporidesmin
Stachybotyrotoxins
Trichothecenes
Zearalenone
PHENOLIC TOXICANTS
Cinnamic Acid
Fagopyricin
Gossypol
Hypericin
Pterocin
Resoricinol
Urushiol
Tannins
PROTEINS AND AMINO ACIDS
Allergens
Amylase Inhibitors
Enzymes
Lipoxidases
Thiaminases
Tocopheroloxidase
Lectins
Abris
Concanavalin
Ricin
Robin
Plant Cytoplasmic Proteins
Polypeptides
Amino Acids
Nutrient
Leucine
Methionine
SMCO
Tryptophan
Non-nutrient
Arginine analogs
Canavanine
Indospecine
l amino D proline
dihydroxyphenylalanine
Lathyrogens
Mimosine
RESINS
SESQUITERPENE LACTONES
VITAMINS
Vitamin A
Vitamin D metabolites
MISCELLANEOUS
Ipomemaron - mycotoxin?
Alsike Poisoning - mycotoxin?
Red Maple Poisoning (similar to Brassica induced anemia)
Plant Carcinogens
N-Propyl Disulfide (similar to Brassica induced anemia)
Questions regarding content of this page, contact Dr. Dan Brown
Return to: Cornell Poisonous Plants Home Page

Return to:Alphabetical List of Poisonous Plants
Cornell University Poisonous Plants - by animals affected
Plants of special concern to these species:
Humans
Livestock
Ruminants
Cattle
Goats
Sheep
Non-ruminants
Horses
Poultry
Swine
Pets
Cats
Dogs
Iguanas
Rabbit
Unique adaptations by some animals to toxins in their environments

Return to: Poisonous Plants Home Page
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/anispecies.html [5/10/2004 3:09:02 PM]
Medicinal Plants for Livestock
This series of web pages will attempt to answer some basic questions about the safety and efficacy of
some medicinal plants. More plants will be added as information is available. Please read the introduction
before reading about the plants.
Website Contents
Introduction
Plants
NEWMelinis minutiflora (Molasses grass)
NEWPetiveria alliacea
NEWPortulaca oleracea (Purslane)
Compounds in some plants
Other Resources and the references for this web site
Introduction to Medicinal Plants for Livestock
The idea of using medicinal plants to treat livestock is not new. Many of the active ingredients in
chemically manufactured drugs were originally derived from plant compounds (e.g., the
pyrethroids). Also, in many developing countries, medicinal plants are still being used on a regular
basis. (The use of plants and traditional methods for treating animals is called ethnoveterinary
medicine .) There is a renewed interest, especially in developed countries, in using plants to treat
livestock, pets, and humans. Why?
Many people believe that plants are less toxic and safer than manufactured drugs.
Many people believe that plants are more natural than manufactured drugs.
Medicinal plants can be made at home and are less expensive than manufactured drugs.
In developing countries, medicinal plants often are more accessible than manufactured drugs.
The big questions are: Are medicinal plants effective for livestock? Are they really safe? Of the
hundreds of plants used in ethnopharmacology, very few have been researched for their efficacy
and toxicity. In the U.S., medicinal plants for humans are registered with the Food and Drug
Administration. Medicinal plants for livestock currently are not sold on a wide scale in the U.S.
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Medicinal Plants for Livestock
Based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations, medicinal plants for livestock must meet
the same stringent requirements as other animal drugs if they are to be registered and approved for
use in food producing animals.
Just because medicinal plants for livestock have not been registered, does not mean they are not
accessible. How can you know or decide if a medicinal plant is safe or toxic for your livestock?
Click on the plants list to learn about what is known and not known about a few plants used in
ethnoveterinary medicine.
When reading about the plants please remember that:
There is incomplete toxicity information on most of these plants;
There is incomplete efficacy information on most of these plants; and
The toxic dose and potentially effective dose could be very close.
Return to Table of Contents
This series of web pages was created by a graduate student at Cornell University. All comments
and suggestions are welcome. If you would like to add to this medicinal plant database, please
e-mail Webmaster.
WARNING: These web pages are only meant to be informative. Neither Cornell University nor
the author of this site endorse or recommend the use of these plants.
Return to: Medicinal Plants Homepage
Poisonous Plants Homepage
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/medicinal/index.html (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:09:04 PM]
Simple keyword search
1 - Can I use a picture off of your website?

2 - Need more information about Umbellularia californica?
3 - Are oak trees poisonous to goats?
4 - Are African Violets poisonous to dogs?
5 - Is Agave americana a poisonous plant or am I allergic to it?
6 - Is alfalfa hay causing the welts on my horse?
7 - Is Aloe Vera toxic to rabbits?
8 - Is Amaryllis poisonous to humans and housepets?
9 - Are immature apricots as poisonous as mature apricots?
10 - What is the most poisonous substance in Argemone mexicana?
11 - Need more information on these plants...
12 - How do avocados affect horses?
13 - Can the azelea cause previously normal canine sperm to become abnormal in morphology?
14 - Are these substances toxic?
15 - How do I get rid of knot weed or bamboo?
16 - Is bamboo toxic to dogs?
17 - Which poisonous plants are in the Bay area of California?
18 - Are these berries poisonous?
19 - What could have caused my rash?
20 - Can black eyed susans hurt horses?
21 - Does black locust wood affect horses?
22 - Can a black walnut stump poison a garden?
23 - My sister took too high a dose of bloodroot. What will that do to her?
24 - Is Bogainvillea poisonous to horses?
25 - What kind of plants would cause the symptoms of anti-freeze poisoning?
26 - Is bougainvillea poisonous to rabbits?
27 - Is bougainvillea poisonous to dogs?
28 - Can I have some information on Brayera anthelmintica?
29 - Why is brocolli poisonous?
30 - Has a scientific analysis ever been made of Buckeyes?
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31 - Would these common houseplants be poisonous to my pet rabbit?

32 - I have a huge bush that causes rashes. How do I get rid of it?
33 - Have you ever heard cattle dying from eating buttercup?
34 - Are buttercups dangerous to horses?
35 - Are buttercups dangerous to horses?
36 - How can we figure out which of these plants are native to California?
37 - DO you have information on California laurel?
38 - Do you have any information on a plant called
39 - Do you know who canavanine was named after?
40 - Are Cape Murtle and Pampas Grass poisonous to horses?
41 - Is too much carotene bad for you?
42 - Should I be concerned about the castor bean plant in my yard?
43 - What is wrong with my cat?
44 - Does this cat food have toxic elements in it?
45 - Please explain the difference between asteracae and compositae.
46 - Is mother-in-law tongue poisonous to cats?
47 - How does Spathiphyllum affect cats?
48 - Are my evergreens poisonous?
49 - My dog ate something and had a bad trip...
51 - Has any of your research on nematicidal effects been published?
52 - Are any of these plants poisonous to horses?
53 - Are cherry trees poisonous to ponies?
54 - I need information on some plants...
55 - Could chimphilla pills have caused muscle and nerve pains?
56 - Could you give me some information on Colchicum Autumnale (Meadow Saffron)?
57 - Could you help me identify this vine?
58 - Do you have any information on creeping indigo?
59 - I need information on creeping indigo...
60 - Could you help me find a website on the critical effects and target organs for non-carcinogens?
61 - Is Crown Vetch safe to feed to horses?
62 - Do cycads pose a risk to livestock?
63 - I have some questions pertaining to cynogenic glycosides...
64 - Are Leyland Cypress trees toxic to horses?
65 - Can your dairy intake cause a deposition of calcium?
67 - Is Death Parasol the same as Death Cap?
68 - Is Golden Dew Drop poisonous?
69 - Are acorns toxic to dogs?
70 - Are Pieris Japonica plants poisonous to dogs?

71 - Could you help me find some information on plants poisonous to dogs?
72 - Are there any poisonous plants that could create these symptoms in my dog?
73 - What is in the domperidone?
74 - What could cause these horses to drool?
75 - Is dumbcane toxic to humans?
76 - Why are these elk dying?
77 - Are elderberries poisonous to humans?
78 - Are elephant ears poisonous?
79 - Is Mountain Laurel poisonous to elk?
80 - Do you know where I can get up to date information on the natural form of ellagic acid?
81 - Could you explain the toxicity of erucic acid to humans?
82 - Are you aware of any species of eucalyptus that may be toxic to domestic/wildlife?
83 - I would like some advice regarding FA analysis of feeds...
85 - Can fescue grow in Florida?
86 - Is there an additive that I can put in feed for treating and preventing the effects of fescue?
87 - Are these plants toxic?
88 - Could you tell me an additive I can give to my animals to treat fescue poisoning?
89 - Can the cold weather kill off Fiddleneck?
90 - I need some information on Fiddleneck...
91 - Could Laurentia longiflora be responsible for my fish dying?
92 - Could tannins toxify salmoni fisheries?
93 - Can flax seeds be poisonous to horses?
94 - Are the any poisonous weeds in Florida?
95 - Do you have any information on Poison wood?
96 - Can you give me some advice?
97 - What do you know about formic acid and fallow?
98 - Is alfalfa toxic once frost hits?
99 - Is the Fuschia plant poisonous to dogs?
100 - Is garlic poisonous to dogs?
101 - Should we give selenium to our buck(goat)?
102 - Can you help me identify the symptoms associated with toxic Echium species?
103 - Do you know where I can find a 4-H goat group for my daughter?
104 - How susceptible are goats to laurel poisoning?
105 - Can you use Rumensin to control ketosis?
106 - Do you know of any plants that kill gophers?
107 - Do you have any information on gossypol?
108 - Are Ficus tree leaves poisonous to baby guinea pigs?

109 - Do you have any information about heart worm disease?
110 - What are the physical differences between water hemlock and
111 - Are Hibiscus poisonous to horses?
112 - Are there any poisonous plants that can cause death in dogs, horses or humans without symptoms?
113 - Do you have any information on hoary allyssum?
114 - Are hog pellets poisonous to horses?
115 - Can you help me figure out what kind of plant I have here?
116 - What should I do about my Holly bushes?
117 - Could you give me some information on Hollyhock?
118 - Is my tree poisonous?
119 - Are Burford holly berries poisonous?
120 - Is honeysuckle poisonous?
121 - Are acorns poisonous to horses?
122 - Can horse nettle poison the meat of beef cattle?
123 - What could cause these horses to drool?
124 - Are Chephalara plants and Philodendra plants poisonous?
125 - Why are companies who sell house plants not required to place a warning on the containers?
127 - Could hydrangea make my dog puke?
128 - What plants are safe for my iguanas?
129 - Can you help me find information on these plants?
130 - Can you tell one poison rash from the other?
131 - Are Jade plants poisonous to children?
132 - Are these plants poisonous?
133 - Is St Johns Wart poisonous to humans?
134 - Can give me some advice?
135 - Could you give me a list of landscape plants that are toxic to horses?
136 - Could you tell me if these landscaping plants are poisonous horses?
137 - How dangerous are lantana berries?
138 - Do you have any information on Laudanum?
139 - Do you have any information on Laurentia longiflora?
140 - A few questions regarding your webpage...
141 - What can I do for my horse?
142 - Do you know anything about lolium temulentum?
143 - Could mandrake fruit make my wife get pregnant?
145 - Can marigold leaves be poisonous to a canary?
146 - How does experimental data compare with poisoning cases?
147 - Do you have a picture of Meadow Saffron?

148 - Is this normal?
149 - Do you have plans for a goat milk stand?
150 - Are mimosa trees toxic to horses?
151 - Are the seeds of Mimosa Pudica poisonous?
152 - How long does it take for a goat to recover from mistletoe poisoning?
153 - Is mistletoe toxic to cattle?
154 - Is Mountain Laurel toxic to horses?
155 - Can you give me some information about human exposure to Monkshood?
156 - Do you have any information on Monstera deliciosa?
157 - Could you tell me the scientific name of this plant?
158 - Is the plant in my backyard poisonous?
159 - What is the most poisonous part of these plants?
160 - What is the most poisonous plant in the world to humans?
161 - Is this mushroom poisonous?
162 - What kind of a poisonous bean could you put in a soup?
163 - Do you have any information on Sting Nettle?
164 - Could Niacin be used in some drug-related way?
165 - What could be the problem here?
166 - Are there any plants that cause death in dogs, horses or humans without symptoms?
167 - Can you help me find some non-toxic plants for a horse arena?
168 - What could have caused these blisters?
169 - Could pine needles poison my goat?
170 - Should I move my horse away from the oak trees?
171 - Could you give me more information on oleander?
172 - Are Oleander plants harmful to horses?
173 - What type of poison is present in oleander?
174 - Can you give me some information about Oleander?
175 - Is Oxalis regnellii poisonous?
176 - Do you have any information on a plant called Hogswart?
177 - What is in avocado that kills parrots?
178 - Could you give me some information about Peace lilies?
179 - Could you tell me if Peace Lily is poisonous?
180 - Could you give me some information on the toxicity of the peace lily?
181 - Is this peace plant toxic?
182 - Have you ever heard of poison sumac being used as a filler in peet moss?
183 - Need macro and microscopic identification of Atropa belladonna.
185 - What kind of reaction should I look for in a baby who chewed a philodendreon leaf?
186 - Would you please enlighten me as to the existence of such an alkaloid phytoerythrin?
187 - Are pine trees harmful to horses?
188 - Do you know of a pink form of Delphinium tricorne?
189 - Is Plumeria rubra poisonous to cats?
190 - Do you think that my dog is going to get worse?
191 - Is the Poinsettia poisonous?
192 - Where can I get photos of poisonous plants for field identification?
193 - Do you know where I can find poison ivy extract?
194 - Are crassula (jade plants) poisonous to humans?
195 - Are the same plants that are poisonous to humans, poisonous to animals?
196 - Is poison ivy only poisonous to humans and primates?
197 - How does one kill the poison oak plant?
198 - Do you have any information on Poison Parsnip?
199 - I need some information on poisonous plants...
200 - Do you know of any oral medication to prevent Poison Ivy?
201 - Could you give me some information about the toxicity of these plants?
202 - Are these plants really poisonous?
203 - Is there any way to prevent your horse from eating poisonous plants?
204 - Are poke berries harmful to humans?
205 - Are pokeberries poisonous when injested by a child in small amount?
206 - Could you give me some information on California Pokeweed?
207 - Are Pokeweed berries poisonous?
208 - Are ligustrum hedges poisonous?
209 - Is the Royal Robe Potato Bush poisonous?
210 - Could you give me some information about the toxicity of Solanum crispum?
211 - Is Scindapsus aureus hazardous to the public?
212 - Could you answer a few questions about the Precatory pea?
213 - Could 800 IU of vitamin D harm a fetus?
214 - Could your intake of dairy cause psuedogout?
215 - What could cause this condition?
216 - What do you think about my reaction to pyrachantha?
217 - Do you have any information on the pyrus, prunus and malus genus of trees?
218 - Can you answer a few questions about rabbits?
219 - What do you know about parasite transmission from rabbit feces?
220 - Where can I find information on rabbit history?
221 - Does Cornell have a price list for the resources available to 4-H rabbit project leaders?
222 - Does Ragwort exist in the US or Canada?

223 - Could You give me some information on toxicity of Alsike and Red Maple?
224 - Can Red Tip plants cause cancer?
225 - How does a person reverse the damage done by Vitamin A toxicity?
226 - Is it possible for ricin to be absorbed through the skin and cause death?
227 - How does is Ricin different than a bacterium?
228 - I am looking for information reguarding ricin...
229 - Could Ricin be used by terrorists?
230 - I need some information about Ricin...
231 - Could you tell me some more about the Castor Bean plant?
232 - Could you answer some questions about powdered Ricin for me?
233 - How should I reference some information I took off of your website?
234 - I need some information about the Rosary Pea for a book...
235 - Are roses harmful to dogs?
236 - Do you know of a list that compares the plant toxicity in horses and ruminants?
237 - Are you familiar with the toxins in a Russian Olive Tree?
238 - Are Sambucus canadensis and Sambucus nigra similar?
239 - What are the most poisonous plants on earth?
240 - Do you have any information on the toxicity of vitamins?
241 - Could Selanium poisonimg cause these symptoms in my horse?
242 - Can you get Selenium poisoning from drinking too much milk?
243 - Does this situation seem reasonable?
244 - Is the Shamrock plant harmful to cats?
245 - Can you give me some information about sheep sorrel?
246 - Can you send me a list of plants toxic to sheep?
247 - What could be wrong with my goats?
248 - Could eating one small bad mushroom poison me?
249 - Do you have any information on SMCO?
250 - Could vitamins cause a loss of taste and smell?
251 - How is Ricin different than Elapid snake venom?
252 - Dou you know why my dog is acting this way?
253 - Could you help me out with some information about Hemlock?
254 - Dou you know if solanine can cause joint inflamation?
255 - Do you have any experience working with Euphorbia sominalensis sap?
257 - Is the a way to manage sorghum sudan grass to eliminate its poisonous effects?
258 - Does docweed cure poison ivy?
259 - Are these plants, indigenous to S.D., poisonous to humans as well as livestock?
260 - Could you give me some more information about Spartium Junceum?
261 - Can you tell me if spathiphyllum are poison to children and pets?
262 - Is Spathiphyllum poisonous?
263 - How to treat Steely Wool Syndrome in sheep?
264 - Could you give me some information on these succulents?
265 - Could you send me some information about swainsonine?
266 - I have a question reguarding sweet grass...
267 - Are sycamore leaves poisonous to horses?
268 - Are snowberries toxic through the skin?
270 - Could you answer some questions for my book?
271 - Could I have some more information on Tartago tea?
272 - Do you have any information about California Pokeweed?
273 - What do you think about using tobacco or garlic to get rid of worms in goats?
274 - Which part of the tomato plant contains the Tomatine?
275 - Is Tomatine considered to be one of the solanum-type glycoalkaloids?
276 - Are tomato plants poisonous?
277 - Is it dangerous to take this many vitamins?
278 - Could you please tell me if the following plants are hazardous?
279 - Are liriope, bottlebrush and ficus benjamina considered toxic to animals?
280 - Can I plant these trees near my horses?
281 - What is poisonous about tung oil?
282 - Could you provide me with some information about Tung Oil?
284 - Why is U. Dioica classified as a toxic plant?
285 - How to make sure your horse is getting enough Vitamin E and Selenium?
286 - Can crown vetch be harmful to horses?
287 - Are the berries from a viburnum dentatum Chicago lustre poisonous?
289 - Could you give me some information about toxicity?
290 - Should I be concerned with taking this much vitamin D?
291 - What are the symptoms of vitamin D toxicity?
292 - Can vitamin E be toxic?
293 - Can vitamin B be toxic?
294 - Have you ever heard of vitamin D being related to deafness?
295 - Do you know of any plants that can cause the vocal chords to be paralyzed?
296 - Could you give me some information concerning vomitoxin?
297 - Do you have any information about warfarin toxicity, necropsy findings, and specimen collection?
298 - Are the tannins in my well water dangerous?
299 - Are these wildflowers toxic?
300 - Are willow branches poisonous to rats?

301 - What woods make good wood fiber for horse footing?
302 - Is there some type of wood that would cause a skin rash?
303 - My daughter made tea from some unknown yellow bell shaped flowers...
305 - Could a tea named Yerba de meite cause a positive drug test?
306 - Are any of the following plants poisonous to children, horses or dogs?
307 - What plant has the common name of Zebra Plant, and could it have caused Leukemia?
309 - Please elaborate on degrees of poisonous plants.
310 - Is Tonka bean flavoring poisonous?
311 - Is there any danger in cutting and burning Nerium Oleander?
WARNING: These web pages are only meant to be informative. Neither Cornell University nor the
author of this site endorse or recommend the use of these plants.
Indiana Toxic Plants
Indiana Plants Poisonous to Livestock

and Pets
Cooperative Extension Service, Purdue
University
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Rebecca J. Goetz, writer, extension assistant
Thomas N. Jordan, extension weed scientist
John W. McCain, extension weed scientist
Nancy Y. Su, assistant
Sources and Additional Readings
http://vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/cover1.htm (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 3:09:13 PM]
Botanical texts: Kingsbury, Eshleman, Meuncher, Arena, and

Radcliff
Veterinary texts: The Merck Veterinary Manual, poisonous plant
booklets for IL, KY and NY, Current Veterinary Therapy for Small
Animals, Large Animals and Equine
Veterinary Journals: Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Record, J.
of the American Veterinary Medical Association, J. of Range
Management, Modern Veterinary Practice, Compendium for the
Practicing Veterinarian, J. of the American Animal Hospital
Association, and others
Disclaimer! This material is for informational

purposes only, not as a guide to home
treatment. Contact a veterinarian or poison
control center in any case of suspected
poisoning! This is a work in development. We
would appreciate any feedback or suggestions
you might have. Please contact the School of
Veterinary Medicine Webmaster.
How would you like to search the database?
By alphabetical plant listing
By toxicity rating
By species affected
By botanical type
Picture Index
Plants Toxic to Animals, Introduction -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
PLANTS TOXIC TO ANIMALS

About this database:
This database was created in order to assist the University of Illinois veterinary students in
identifying common plants that are toxic to animals. This database brings together information
available in library books, plants grown in the Poisonous Plant Garden, mounted specimens of
plants, and the reference notes for a toxicology course (VB320) which is taught during the fall
semester each year.
Although the VB320 notes address toxic plants found in all regions of the U.S., only the species
most commonly found in the midwestern states are covered in this database. Common house plants
are also included as opportunities arise. All of the books employed were found in the University of
Illinois Library system. In particular, the booklet, Illinois plants poisonous to livestock by L.R.
Tehon, C. C. Morrill, and Robert Graham provided the basis for the database structure as well as
additional text information for food animals. This database will be revised or updated as time and
resources permit. Photographs, unless noted otherwise, are originals taken in the Poisonous Plant
Garden for this project.
The plant lists represent the entries which we hope to complete sometime in the future. Plant
entries can be selected from either the common name list or the scientific name list of plants. A
description of the database structure and the entries is also available.
The initial funding for this project was received from the University of Illinois Educational
Technology Board and the University of Illinois Library Research and Publications Committee.
Additional funding was received from Dr. Florence Dunbar.
Many thanks are due to Dr. Val Beasley for the use of his reference notes, to Zhenguo Zhang and
Mary Shultz, Graduate Assistants for the project, and to Bryan McGoldrick, veterinary student and
1995-96 Curator of the Poisonous Plant Garden.
Comments and suggestions are appreciated. Please address them to Mitsuko Williams, University
of Illinois, Veterinary Medicine Library.
http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/intro.htm (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:09:14 PM]
Plants Toxic to Animals, Introduction -- Vet Med Library, UIUC

Toxicology Homepage
Veterinary Medicine Library
UIUC Library Gateway Homepage
Comments to:M. Williams
Updated on: 9-24-1999
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High-Low Chemical query
Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical

Databases
High-Low Chemical query
This query displays either a HI-LOW or just a list of plants containing a particular chemical.
Enter the chemical name in the box below (e.g. tyrosine) or select the Chemical link to choose
from the list of chemicals in the database.
Chemical:
(required)
View only the top 40 plants with quantitative data.

Check to include plants without quantitative data.
Submit
Clear Form
WARNING
Send comments or suggestions:
Jim Duke
Green Farmacy Garden
8210 Murphy Road
Fulton, MD 20759
or
Mary Jo Bogenschutz: [email protected]
Written - September 1994
Last updated - 10 March 1998
http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/highchem.html [5/10/2004 3:09:35 PM]
Introduction
Interactive
Canadian Poisonous
Plants Information
System
All poisonous plants by Botanical name

All poisonous plants by Common name by
Derek B. Munro
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sitesBiological Informatics Specialist
Introduction
Interactive search
All poisonous plants by Common name
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites
Disclaimer
Copyright
XML output (for application developers)
Franais | Contact Us | Help | Search | Canada site

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Home
Date modified: 2003-02-06
Important Notices
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FDA/CFSAN - FDA Poisonous Plant Database
FDA Home Page | CFSAN Home | Search/Subject Index | Q & A | Help

CFSAN/Office of Plant and Dairy Foods
September 2003
FDA Poisonous Plant Database

DISCLAIMER
The information in this database is intended only for scientific exchange. It has not been approved by the
United States Food and Drug Administration for publication nor does it have any official status. The
information is continually increasing and being modified; it is neither error-free nor comprehensive.
Information herein is in the public domain. Any copyrighted or privately owned material inadvertently
included will be removed as soon as possible.
For information or concerns about the toxicity of plants, contact the local Poison Control Center in your area.
A directory of these is available from The American Association of Poison Control Centers.
( http://www.aapcc.org/ )
For a poisoning emergency, call 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911.
Search the FDA Poisonous Plant Database

Enter a term or exact phrase (e.g. a plant name). All records containing that text will be displayed.
Use of common terms such as 'poison' or 'plant' will generate a large number of "hits"
SEARCH
CLEAR
Enter search term:
(search is not case-sensitive)
This database contains references to the scientific literature describing studies of the toxic
properties and effects of plants and plant parts. Records are displayed in List Format as
the following example indicates:
46. AUTHOR(S): Yeong, M. L.; Wakefield, S. J.; Ford, H. C.

TITLE: "Hepatocyte membrane injury and bleb formation following low dose comfrey
toxicity in rats."
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~djw/plantox.html (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:09:41 PM]
FDA/CFSAN - FDA Poisonous Plant Database
CITATION: 1993 Intnatl J Exp Pathol, 74 (2), 211-217

FDA #: F24387 || GRIN: 36020
FAMILY: Boraginaceae || LATIN NAME: --COMMON NAME: comfrey || STANDARD NAME: Symphytum officinale L.
Notes:
This searchable database replaces the static pages of bibliographic information and the vascular plant
list previously available.
Fields are Author(s), Title, Citation, FDA Document #, GRIN Reference, Family, Latin Name,
Common Name, Standard Name.
The database contains approximately 49,600 records.
Common search terms such as 'poison' or 'plant' can generate a large number of "hits".
If the number of records found by the search is more than 600, you will be asked to provide a more
restrictve search term.
--- indicates there is no entry in the database.
An entry form for a new search is included at the bottom of each output page.
CFSAN Home | CFSAN Search/Subject Index | CFSAN Disclaimers & Privacy Policy | CFSAN
Accessibility/Help
FDA Home Page | Search FDA Site | FDA A-Z Index | Contact FDA
FDA/Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition
Hypertext updated by frf February 25, 2004
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The mission of the Department of Animal Science is to discover and disseminate new knowledge about the biology and management
of domestic animals; apply this knowledge to benefit society through the efficient, humane, and environmentally responsible use of
animals for food, companionship, and recreation; and educate students for careers in animal biology and management. More about
the department...
For general questions about animals, please use your favorite web search engine, or you might try visiting the
Cornell Vet School
For Animal Science Department information, contact Alan Bell, Chair and Professor [email protected]
at Morrison Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
"This web site has been selected as one of the Net's finest informative
and is included in StudyWeb(TM) 's listing of educational links."
NOTE: The material on this web server was developed & works best with Netscape 3.01 and up, including support for frames and
javascript. Monitor resolution of at least 800x600 is recommended. (1024x768 is even better.)
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/ansci.html [5/10/2004 3:09:48 PM]
View Common name list

Abrus precatorius
Aconitum spp.
Actaea spp.
Aesculus spp.
Agrostemma githago
Aleurites fordii
Allium spp.
Amanita spp.
A. muscaria
A. pantherina
A. verna
Amaranthus spp.
Apocynum spp.
Argemone mexicana
Arisaema spp.
Asclepias spp.
Astragalus and Oxytropis spp.
Atropa belladonna
Brassica spp,
Caltha palustris
Cannabis sativa
Chelidonium majus
Chenopodium album
Cicuta spp.
Claviceps spp.
Conium maculatum
Coronilla varia
Convallaria majalis
Daphne spp.
Datura spp.
Delphinium spp.
Dicentra spp.
Digitalis purpurea
Equisetum arvense and other spp.
Eupatorium rugosum
Euphorbia spp.
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/left_frame.html (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 3:10:46 PM]
Festuca arundinacea
Glechoma spp.
Helleborus niger
Hyoscyanmus niger
Iris spp.
Lantana camara
Lathyrus spp.
Leucothoe axillaris and Leucothoe davisiae
Linum usitatissimum
Lobelia spp.
Lotus corniculatus
Lupinus spp.
Medicago sativa
Melilotus alba and Melilotus officinalis
Nerium oleander
Nicotiana spp.
Onoclea sensibilis
Papaver spp.
Pieris japonica and other spp.
Pinus ponderosa
Prunus spp.
Quercus spp.
Ranunculus spp.
Rheum rhaponticum
Ricinus communis
Rumex spp.
Sambucus canadensis
Saponaria spp.
Senecio spp.
Solanum spp.
Sorghum spp.
Taxus cuspidata
Tetradymia spp.
Toxicodendron diversiloba
Toxicodendron radicans
Toxicodendron vernix
Trifolium spp.
Triglochin maritima
Urtica spp.
Vicia spp.
Wisteria spp.
Xanthium strumarium
Zigadenus spp.
View Common Name List
Cornell Poisonous Plants Collection
Scientific Name: Aconitum spp.

Common Name: Monkshood, Aconite, or Wolfsbane
Species Most
humans, cattle, goats
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: leaves, roots, all
Primary Poisons:aconitine
Questions pertaining to Aconitum spp.:
Can you give me some information about human exposure to Monkshood?
This image is copyrighted. It may be used in teaching, printed, downloaded, or copied, provided it is in an educational setting and proper attribution is
provided. Alteration of this image in any form is restricted.
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/db2www/plant_indiv.d2w/PHOTO?keynum=2 [5/10/2004 3:10:48 PM]
Scientific Name: Medicago sativa

Common Name: Alfalfa or Lucerne
Species Most
cattle, chickens, humans, sheep
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: all
Primary Poisons:canavanine, saponins
Scientific Name: Trifolium spp.

Common Name: Alsike Clover, Red Clover, White Clover
Species Most
horse, cattle
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: all, leaves
Primary Poisons:nitrate
Scroll down for more images.
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Questions pertaining to Trifolium spp.:

What could cause these horses to drool?
What could cause these horses to drool?
Do you know of a list that compares the plant toxicity in horses and ruminants?
Are sycamore leaves poisonous to horses?
Compare and contrast plants toxic to horses and ruminants.
How do you identify an Alsike clover?

Scientific Name: Datura spp.

Common Name: Jimsonweed, Downy Thornapple, Devil's Trumpet, Angel's
Trumpet
Species Most
cattle, humans, horses, goats
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: flowers, leaves, seeds
Primary Poisons:atropine, scopalamine, and hyoscyamine
DTWA000I: Net.Data detected an internal error [IBM][CLI Driver][DB2/6000] SQL0007N

The character "%" following "SE('%Devil's Trumpet" is not valid. SQLSTATE=42601.
Scientific Name: Triglochin maritima

Common Name: Arrowgrass
Species Most
cattle, sheep
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: all, leaves, flowers
Primary Poisons:taxiphillin, triglochinin
Scientific Name: Actaea spp.

Common Name: Baneberry, Dolls Eyes, White Cohosh, Snakeberry
Species Most
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: roots, sap, berries
Primary Poisons:protoanemonin
Scientific Name: Atropa belladonna

Common Name: Belladonna or Deadly Nightshade
Species Most
humans, goats
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:atropine and scopalamine
Questions pertaining to Atropa belladonna:

Need macro and microscopic identification of Atropa belladonna.
Scientific Name: Lotus corniculatus

Common Name: Birdsfoot Trefoil
Species Most
cattle, sheep
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts:
Primary Poisons:CN tannini
Scientific Name: Robinia pseudoacacia

Common Name: Black Locust
Species Most
horses, cattle, humans, poultry, sheep, goats
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: bark, leaves, seeds
Primary Poisons:robin, phasin
Questions pertaining to Robinia pseudoacacia:

Does black locust wood affect horses?
Scientific Name: Dicentra spp.

Common Name: Bleeding Heart, Squirrel Corn, Dutchman's Breeches
Species Most
cats, cattle, humans
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:isoquinolone alkaloids

The character "%" following "%Dutchman's Breeches" is not valid. SQLSTATE=42601.
Scientific Name: Sanquinaria canadensis

Common Name: Bloodroot
Species Most
goats
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts:
Primary Poisons:
Questions pertaining to Sanquinaria canadensis:

My sister took too high a dose of bloodroot. What will that do to her?
Scientific Name: Saponaria spp.

Common Name: Bouncing Bet and Cow Cockle
Species Most
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: seeds
Primary Poisons:saponins
Scientific Name: Pteridium aquilinium

Common Name: Bracken Fern
Species Most
horse, cattle, sheep, humans, swine
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:prunasin, ptaquiloside, thiaminase
Scientific Name: Aesculus spp.

Common Name: Horse Chestnut, Buckeye
Species Most
humans, cattle, goats
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: fruit
Unknown, possibly saportins, narcotic alkaloids, or
Primary Poisons:
glycosides.
Questions pertaining to Aesculus spp.:

Has a scientific analysis ever been made of Buckeyes?
Scientific Name: Fagoypyrum esculentum

Common Name: Buckwheat
Species Most
horses, goats
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts:
Primary Poisons:
Link to web page(s):/plants/buckwheat.html
Scientific Name: Solanum spp.

Common Name: Common Nightshade, Black Nightshade, Horse Nettle,
Buffalo Bur, Potato
Species Most
cattle, humans, rodents, sheep, horses, goats
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: leaves, immature fruit
Primary Poisons:soladulcidine,solanine
Questions pertaining to Solanum spp.:

Can horse nettle poison the meat of beef cattle?
Does this situation seem reasonable?
Scientific Name: Ranunculus spp.

Common Name: Buttercups or Crowfoot
Species Most
cattle, goats, horses
Often Affected:
Scientific Name: Ricinus communis

Common Name: Castor Bean
Species Most
all
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts:
seeds
Primary Poisons: ricin, albumin
Link to web page(s):/plants/castorbean.html
Questions pertaining to Ricinus communis:

Should I be concerned about the castor bean plant in my yard?
Do you know of any plants that kill gophers?
What is the most poisonous plant in the world to humans?
Is it possible for ricin to be absorbed through the skin and cause death?
Could Ricin be used by terrorists?
I need some information about Ricin...
Could you tell me some more about the Castor Bean plant?
Could you answer some questions about powdered Ricin for me?
How should I reference some information I took off of your website?
What are the most poisonous plants on earth?
How is Ricin different than Elapid snake venom?
Scientific Name: Chelidonium majus

Common Name: Celandine
Species Most
cattle, humans
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: roots
Primary Poisons:isoquinoline alkoids
Scientific Name: Helleborus niger

Common Name: Christmas Rose
Species Most
humans
Often Affected:
Scientific Name: Xanthium strumarium

Common Name: Cocklebur
Species Most
cattle, humans, rodents, swine
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: seedlings, seeds
Primary Poisons:carboxyatractyloside
Scientific Name: Agrostemma githago

Common Name: Corn Cockle
Species Most
poultry, cattle, humans, goats
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:githagin
Scientific Name: Veratrum californicum

Common Name: Corn Lily, False Hellbore
Species Most
sheep
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts:
all
Primary Poisons: cylcopamine
Link to web page(s):/plants/veratrum.html
Questions pertaining to Veratrum californicum:

Could Laurentia longiflora be responsible for my fish dying?
Do you have any information on Laurentia longiflora?
Could you tell me if Peace Lily is poisonous?
Could you give me some information on the toxicity of the peace lily?
Is this peace plant toxic?
Dou you know why my dog is acting this way?
Scientific Name: Glechoma spp.

Common Name: Ground Ivy, Creeping Charlie, and Gill over the Ground
Species Most
horses, goats
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: leaves, stems
Primary Poisons:unknown
Questions pertaining to Glechoma spp.:
What could have caused my rash?
Can you tell one poison rash from the other?
What could have caused these blisters?
Have you ever heard of poison sumac being used as a filler in peet moss?
Do you know where I can find poison ivy extract?
Is poison ivy only poisonous to humans and primates?
Do you know of any oral medication to prevent Poison Ivy?
Does docweed cure poison ivy?
What would happen if you were exposed to a poisonous plant?
Scientific Name: Coronilla varia

Common Name: Crown Vetch
Species Most
horse
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts:
Primary Poisons:
Questions pertaining to Coronilla varia:
Is Crown Vetch safe to feed to horses?
Can crown vetch be harmful to horses?
Scientific Name: Prunus spp.

Common Name: Wild Cherries, Black Cherry, Bitter Cherry, Choke Cherry,
Pin Cherry
Species Most
horses, cattle, moose, sheep, swine, goats
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: seeds, leaves
Primary Poisons:amygdalin, prunasin
Scientific Name: Daphne spp.

Common Name: Daphne
Species Most
cats, dogs, humans
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: berries, all
Primary Poisons:mezereinic acid anhydride
Scientific Name: Amanita spp.

Common Name: Monkey Agaric, Panther Cap, Death Cap, and Death Angel
Mushrooms
Species Most
all
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: cap?
Primary Poisons:toxalbumin
Questions pertaining to Amanita spp.:
Is Death Parasol the same as Death Cap?
Scientific Name: Zigadenus spp.

Common Name: Death Camas
Species Most
all
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: all, bulbs, leaves, flowers, pollen
Primary Poisons:zygacine
Questions pertaining to Zigadenus spp.:

Scientific Name: A. verna

Common Name: Destroying Angels
Species Most
all
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:ibotenic acid and muscimol
Scientific Name: Delphinium spp.

Common Name: Delphiniums and Larkspurs
Species Most
cattle, humans, goats
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:alkaloids delphinine, ajacine, and others
Scientific Name: Rumex spp.

Common Name: Dock
Species Most
cattle, sheep
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: leaves
Primary Poisons:soluble oxalates
Questions pertaining to Rumex spp.:

Need macro and microscopic identification of Atropa belladonna.
Scientific Name: Apocynum spp.

Common Name: Dogbane
Species Most
horses, cattle, humans, sheep, cats, dogs, goats
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: rhizome
Primary Poisons:apocynamarin
Questions pertaining to Apocynum spp.:

What type of poison is present in oleander?
Is Plumeria rubra poisonous to cats?
Scientific Name: Leucothoe axillaris and Leucothoe davisiae

Common Name: Drooping Leucothoe and Sierra Laurel
Species Most
goats, sheep
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: leaves, nectar
Primary Poisons:andromedotoxin
Scientific Name: Sambucus canadensis

Common Name: Elderberry
Species Most
cattle, humans, goats
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: leaves, twigs, roots, unripe fruits
Primary Poisons:sambunigrin
Questions pertaining to Sambucus canadensis:

Are elderberries poisonous to humans?
Are Sambucus canadensis and Sambucus nigra similar?
Scientific Name: Claviceps spp.

Common Name: Ergot
Species Most
all
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: fungus
Primary Poisons:indole alkaloid
Scientific Name: A. muscaria

Common Name: Fly Agaric
Species Most
all
Often Affected:
Scientific Name: Amsinckia intermedia

Common Name: Fiddleneck
Species Most
horses, swine, cattle
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:intermedine, lycopsamine
Questions pertaining to Amsinckia intermedia:

Which poisonous plants are in the Bay area of California?
Can the cold weather kill off Fiddleneck?
I need some information on Fiddleneck...
Scientific Name: Linum usitatissimum

Common Name: Flax
Species Most
cattle, sheep
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:cyanogenic glycoside
Questions pertaining to Linum usitatissimum:

Can flax seeds be poisonous to horses?
Could you give me some information about the toxicity of these plants?
Are these plants really poisonous?
Are these wildflowers toxic?
Scientific Name: Digitalis purpurea

Common Name: Foxglove
Species Most
cats, cattle, dogs, goats, horses, humans
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts:
flowers, leaves, seeds
Primary Poisons: cardiac or steroid glycosides
Link to web page(s):/plants/digitalis.html
Questions pertaining to Digitalis purpurea:

Could you answer some questions for my book?
Scientific Name: Laburnum anagyroides

Common Name: Golden Chain or Laburnum
Species Most
cattle, dogs, horses, humans, swine
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: pods, seeds, all
Primary Poisons:cytisine
Scientific Name: Lobelia spp.

Common Name: Great Lobelia, Cardinal Flower, and Indian Tobacco
Species Most
humans, goats
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:lobelamine, lobeline
Scientific Name: Senecio spp.

Common Name: Senecio, Groundsels, and Ragworts
Species Most
horse, cattle, goats, sheep, human
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:jacobine, seneciphylline
Questions pertaining to Senecio spp.:

Does Ragwort exist in the US or Canada?
Scientific Name: Halogeton glomeratus

Common Name: Halogeton
Species Most
sheep, cattle
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:soluble oxalates
Scientific Name: Tetradymia spp.

Common Name: Horsebrush
Species Most
sheep, cattle
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:
Scientific Name: Equisetum arvense and other spp.

Common Name: Horsetail
Species Most
horse
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts:
Primary Poisons:
Questions pertaining to Equisetum arvense and other spp.:

How can I get rid of this horsetail (equisetum arvense)?
Scientific Name: Iris spp.

Common Name: Irises
Species Most
cattle, humans, swine
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: rhizomes and rootstocks
Primary Poisons:irisin, iridin, or irisine

1 Abrus precatorius - Rosary Pea
2 Aconitum spp. - Monkshood, Aconite, or Wolfsbane
3 Actaea spp. - Baneberry, Dolls Eyes, White Cohosh, Snakeberry
4 Aesculus spp. - Horse Chestnut, Buckeye
5 Agrostemma githago - Corn Cockle
6 Aleurites fordii - Tung Oil Tree
7 Allium spp. - Commercial Onions, Wild Onions, Swamp Onions, and Chives
8 Amanita spp. - Monkey Agaric, Panther Cap, Death Cap, and Death Angel Mushrooms
9 A. muscaria - Fly Agaric
10 A. pantherina - Panther
11 A. verna - Destroying Angels
12 Amaranthus spp. - Pigweed
13 Amsinckia intermedia - Fiddleneck
14 Apocynum spp. - Dogbane
15 Argemone mexicana - Prickly Poppy or Mexican Poppy
16 Arisaema spp. - Jack in the Pulpit
17 Asclepias spp. - Milkweed
18 Astragalus and Oxytropis spp. - Locoweed
19 Atropa belladonna - Belladonna or Deadly Nightshade
20 Brassica spp, - Rape, Cabbage, Turnips, Broccoli, Mustard
21 Caltha palustris - Marsh Marigold or Cowslip
22 Cannabis sativa - Marijuana
23 Centaurea solstitialis - Yellow Star Thistle
24 Chelidonium majus - Celandine
25 Chenopodium album - Lamb's Quarters
26 Cicuta spp. - Water Hemlock or Cowbane
27 Claviceps spp. - Ergot
28 Conium maculatum - Poison Hemlock
29 Coronilla varia - Crown Vetch
30 Convallaria majalis - Lily of the Valley
31 Daphne spp. - Daphne
32 Datura spp. - Jimsonweed, Downy Thornapple, Devil's Trumpet, Angel's Trumpet
33 Delphinium spp. - Delphiniums and Larkspurs
34 Dicentra spp. - Bleeding Heart, Squirrel Corn, Dutchman's Breeches
35 Digitalis purpurea - Foxglove
36 Equisetum arvense and other spp. - Horsetail
37 Eupatorium rugosum - White Snakeroot
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/db2www/plants.d2w/list (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 3:13:59 PM]
38 Euphorbia spp. - Poinsettia, Spurges, Snow on the Mountain

39 Fagoypyrum esculentum - Buckwheat
40 Festuca arundinacea - Tall Fescue
41 Gelsemium sempervirens - Jessamine
42 Glechoma spp. - Ground Ivy, Creeping Charlie, and Gill over the Ground
43 Halogeton glomeratus - Halogeton
44 Helleborus niger - Christmas Rose
45 Hyoscyanamus niger - Henbane
46 Hypericum perforatum - St. Johns Wort, Klamath Weed
47 Iris spp. - Irises
48 Laburnum anagyroides - Golden Chain or Laburnum
49 Lantana camara - Lantana, Red Sage, Yellow Sage, or West Indian Lantana
50 Lathyrus spp. - Sweet Pea, Tangier Pea, Everlasting Pea, Caley Pea and Singletary Pea
51 Leucothoe axillaris and Leucothoe davisiae - Drooping Leucothoe and Sierra Laurel
52 Linum usitatissimum - Flax
53 Lobelia spp. - Great Lobelia, Cardinal Flower, and Indian Tobacco
54 Lotus corniculatus - Birdsfoot Trefoil
55 Lupinus spp. - Lupine
56 Medicago sativa - Alfalfa or Lucerne
57 Metilotus alba and Melilotus officinalis - White and Yellow Sweetclover
58 Menispermum canadense - Moonseed
59 Nerium oleander - Oleander
60 Nicotiana spp. - Tobacco and Tree Tobacco
61 Onoclea sensibilis - Sensitive Fern
62 Ornithogalum umbellatum - Star of Bethlehem
63 Papaver spp. - Various Poppies including Opium Poppy
64 Phytolacca americana - Pokeweed
65 Pieris japonica and other spp. - Japanese Pieris, Mountain Fetterbrush
66 Pinus ponderosa - Ponderosa Pine
67 Podophyllum peltatum - Mayapple and Mandrake
68 Prunus spp. - Wild Cherries, Black Cherry, Bitter Cherry, Choke Cherry, Pin Cherry
69 Pteridium aquilinium - Bracken Fern
70 Quercus spp. - Oak Trees
71 Ranunculus spp. - Buttercups or Crowfoot
72 Rheum rhaponticum - Rhubarb
73 Ricinus communis - Castor Bean
74 Robinia pseudoacacia - Black Locust
75 Rumex spp. - Dock
76 Sambucus canadensis - Elderberry

77 Sanquinaria canadensis - Bloodroot
78 Saponaria spp. - Bouncing Bet and Cow Cockle
79 Senecio spp. - Senecio, Groundsels, and Ragworts
80 Solanum spp. - Common Nightshade, Black Nightshade, Horse Nettle, Buffalo Bur, Potato
81 Sorghum spp. - Sorghum or Milo, Sudan Grass, and Johnson Grass
82 Symplocarpus foetidus - Eastern Skunk Cabbage
83 Taxus cuspidata - Yew
84 Tetradymia spp. - Horsebrush
85 Toxicodendron diversiloba - Poison oak
86 Toxicodendron radicans - Poison ivy
87 Toxicodendron vernix - Poison Sumac
88 Trifolium spp. - Alsike Clover, Red Clover, White Clover
89 Triglochin maritima - Arrowgrass
90 Urtica spp. - Stinging Nettle
91 Vicia spp. - Common Vetch, Hairy Vetch, Narrow leaved Vetch, Purple Vetch and Broad
Beans
92 Veratrum californicum - Corn Lily, False Hellbore
93 Wisteria spp. - Wisteria
94 Xanthium strumarium - Cocklebur
95 Zigadenus spp. - Death Camas
96 Acer rubrum - Red maple, Swamp maple, Soft maple
97 Acer saccharum - Sugar maple, Rock maple, Hard maple
98 Acer saccharinum - Silver maple, Soft maple, White maple
Scientific Name: Arisaema spp.

Common Name: Jack in the Pulpit
Species Most
humans
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:oxalate
Questions pertaining to Arisaema spp.:
Could you help me find some information on plants poisonous to dogs?
Scientific Name: Pieris japonica and other spp.

Common Name: Japanese Pieris, Mountain Fetterbrush
Species Most
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: leaves, nectar
Primary Poisons:andromedotoxin
Questions pertaining to Pieris japonica and other spp.:

Are Pieris Japonica plants poisonous to dogs?
Scientific Name: Gelsemium sempervirens

Common Name: Jessamine
Species Most
horses, goats
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:gelsemine
Scientific Name: Sorghum spp.

Common Name: Sorghum or Milo, Sudan Grass, and Johnson Grass
Species Most
horses, cattle, goats
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:dhurrin, nitrate
Questions pertaining to Sorghum spp.:

Is the a way to manage sorghum sudan grass to eliminate its poisonous effects?
Scientific Name: Hypericum perforatum

Common Name: St. Johns Wort, Klamath Weed
Species Most
horses, sheep, goats
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:hypericum
Questions pertaining to Hypericum perforatum:

Scientific Name: Chenopodium album

Common Name: Lamb's Quarters
Species Most
cattle, horses, humans, sheep, swine
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:nitrates

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Scientific Name: Lantana camara

Common Name: Lantana, Red Sage, Yellow Sage, or West Indian Lantana
Species Most
cattle, dogs, goats, cats, humans, sheep
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: unripe, green berries
Primary Poisons:triterpenes
Questions pertaining to Lantana camara:
Need more information on these plants...
Could you tell me if these landscaping plants are poisonous horses?
How dangerous are lantana berries?
Scientific Name: Convallaria majalis

Common Name: Lily of the Valley
Species Most
cats, dogs, humans, goats
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:cardiac glycosides and saponins
Questions pertaining to Convallaria majalis:

Scientific Name: Astragalus and Oxytropis spp.

Common Name: Locoweed
Species Most
horse,sheep, cattle
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: flowers, leaves, stems
Primary Poisons:selenium, nitro compounds, swainsonine
Questions pertaining to Astragalus and Oxytropis spp.:

Could you send me some information about swainsonine?
Scientific Name: Lupinus spp.

Common Name: Lupine
Species Most
cattle, goats
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts:
seeds
Primary Poisons: lupinine, anagyrine, sparteine, and hydroxylupanine
Link to web page(s):/plants/lupine.html
Scientific Name: Cannabis sativa

Common Name: Marijuana
Species Most
dogs, ferrets, cats, goats
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: all, flower stalks
Primary Poisons:resins, THC
Questions pertaining to Cannabis sativa:
Could a tea named Yerba de meite cause a positive drug test?
Scientific Name: Caltha palustris

Common Name: Marsh Marigold or Cowslip
Species Most
Often Affected:
Scientific Name: Podophyllum peltatum

Common Name: Mayapple and Mandrake
Species Most
cattle, humans, swine
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:alpha- and beta- peltatin, podophylloresin
Scientific Name: Argemone mexicana

Common Name: Prickly Poppy or Mexican Poppy
Species Most
goats
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:sanguinarine
Questions pertaining to Argemone mexicana:

What is the most poisonous substance in Argemone mexicana?
Scientific Name: Asclepias spp.

Common Name: Milkweed
Species Most
sheep, cattle, goats
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: leaves, fruits, stems
Primary Poisons:desglucosyrioside, syrioside
Questions pertaining to Asclepias spp.:

Are these plants, indigenous to S.D., poisonous to humans as well as livestock?
Scientific Name: Menispermum canadense

Common Name: Moonseed
Species Most
humans, goats
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:dauricine
Scientific Name: Quercus spp.

Common Name: Oak Trees
Species Most
horse, cattle
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: acorns, young leaves
Primary Poisons:gallotannins, quercitrin, and quercitin
Scientific Name: Nerium oleander

Common Name: Oleander
Species Most
horses, cattle, sheep, dogs, humans, goats
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: all, leaves, stems
Primary Poisons:nerioside, oleandroside, saponins, cardiac glycosides
Questions pertaining to Nerium oleander:

Could you help me find some information on plants poisonous to dogs?

Do you know of any plants that kill gophers?
Is my tree poisonous?
Could you give me a list of landscape plants that are toxic to horses?
Could you give me more information on oleander?
Are Oleander plants harmful to horses?
Can you give me some information about Oleander?
Could you answer some questions for my book?
Is there any danger in cutting and burning Nerium Oleander?
Is this Oleander tree safe for my dog?
Scientific Name: Allium spp.

Common Name: Commercial Onions, Wild Onions, Swamp Onions, and
Chives
Species Most
cattle, horses, children
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: bulbs, lleaves
Primary Poisons:SMCO
Scientific Name: A. pantherina

Common Name: Panther
Species Most
all
Often Affected:
Scientific Name: Amaranthus spp.

Common Name: Pigweed
Species Most
cattle, swine
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:nitrate
Scientific Name: Conium maculatum

Common Name: Poison Hemlock
Species Most
all
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts:
all
Primary Poisons: coniine
Link to web page(s):/plants/conium.html
Questions pertaining to Conium maculatum:

Do you have any information on Poison Parsnip?
Could you help me out with some information about Hemlock?
Scientific Name: Toxicodendron radicans

Common Name: Poison ivy
Species Most
humans
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts:
Primary Poisons:
Questions pertaining to Toxicodendron radicans:
What could have caused my rash?
Is poison ivy only poisonous to humans and primates?
Do you know of any oral medication to prevent Poison Ivy?
Does docweed cure poison ivy?
Scientific Name: Toxicodendron diversiloba

Common Name: Poison oak
Species Most
humans
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts:
Primary Poisons:
Link to web page(s):/plants/poioak.html
Questions pertaining to Toxicodendron diversiloba:


How does one kill the poison oak plant?
What could cause this condition?
Scientific Name: Toxicodendron vernix

Common Name: Poison Sumac
Species Most
humans
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts:
Primary Poisons:
Questions pertaining to Toxicodendron vernix:
Scientific Name: Euphorbia spp.

Common Name: Poinsettia, Spurges, Snow on the Mountain
Species Most
cattle, horses, humans, sheep
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: leaves, stems and sap
Primary Poisons:phorbol esters
Questions pertaining to Euphorbia spp.:

Is the Poinsettia poisonous?
Are poinsettias poisonous to dogs?
Scientific Name: Phytolacca americana

Common Name: Pokeweed
Species Most
cattle, sheep, humans, turkeys, swine, horses
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:phytolaccatoxin, phytolaccigenin
Questions pertaining to Phytolacca americana:
Are pokeberries poisonous when injested by a child in small amount?
Could you give me some information on California Pokeweed?
Are Pokeweed berries poisonous?
Do you have any information about California Pokeweed?
Scientific Name: Pinus ponderosa

Common Name: Ponderosa Pine
Species Most
cattle
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: needles, young shoots
Questions pertaining to Pinus ponderosa:

Could pine needles poison my goat?
Are pine trees harmful to horses?
Scientific Name: Papaver spp.

Common Name: Various Poppies including Opium Poppy
Species Most
cattle, humans
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:codine, morphine, protopine
Scientific Name: Rheum rhaponticum

Common Name: Rhubarb
Species Most
goats, humans, swine, horses
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:anthraquinones, oxalate
Questions pertaining to Rheum rhaponticum:

Could you give me some information about the toxicity of these plants?
Scientific Name: Abrus precatorius

Common Name: Rosary Pea
Species Most
all
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:abrin
Questions pertaining to Abrus precatorius:

What kind of a poisonous bean could you put in a soup?
I need some information about the Rosary Pea for a book...
Scientific Name: Onoclea sensibilis

Common Name: Sensitive Fern
Species Most
horse
Often Affected:
Scientific Name: Symplocarpus foetidus

Common Name: Eastern Skunk Cabbage
Species Most
human
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:oxalate
Scientific Name: Ornithogalum umbellatum

Common Name: Star of Bethlehem
Species Most
humans
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: bulbs, flowers, all
Primary Poisons:convallatoxin, convalloside
Questions pertaining to Ornithogalum umbellatum:

Scientific Name: Urtica spp.

Common Name: Stinging Nettle
Species Most
dogs, humans
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: hairs
Primary Poisons:acetylcholine, histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine
Questions pertaining to Urtica spp.:
Scientific Name: Metilotus alba and Melilotus officinalis

Common Name: White and Yellow Sweetclover
Species Most
horses, cattle, sheep
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: stem
Primary Poisons:dicoumarol
Scientific Name: Lathyrus spp.

Common Name: Sweet Pea, Tangier Pea, Everlasting Pea, Caley Pea and
Singletary Pea
Species Most
horses, rodents, turkeys, sheep, humans
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:DABA, ODAP, amine, phenol, glycoside
Questions pertaining to Lathyrus spp.:
Are any of these plants poisonous to horses?
Is the plant in my backyard poisonous?
What kind of a poisonous bean could you put in a soup?
Could you give me some information about Peace lilies?
Could you tell me if Peace Lily is poisonous?
Could you give me some information on the toxicity of the peace lily?
Is this peace plant toxic?
Could you answer a few questions about the Precatory pea?
I need some information about the Rosary Pea for a book...
Are these wildflowers toxic?

Why are alfalfa and Tall fescue on the list of poisonous plants?
Do poisonous plants look the same?
Scientific Name: Nicotiana spp.

Common Name: Tobacco and Tree Tobacco
Species Most
humans, swine
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts:
leaves
Primary Poisons: nicotine,pyridine
Link to web page(s):/plants/tobacco.html
Scientific Name: Aleurites fordii

Common Name: Tung Oil Tree
Species Most
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: all,seeds
Primary Poisons:pharbol ester
Scientific Name: Vicia spp.

Common Name: Common Vetch, Hairy Vetch, Narrow leaved Vetch, Purple
Vetch and Broad Beans
Species Most
chickens, horses, humans
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:beta-cyano-L-alanine
Questions pertaining to Vicia spp.:
Is Crown Vetch safe to feed to horses?
Can crown vetch be harmful to horses?
Scientific Name: Cicuta spp.

Common Name: Water Hemlock or Cowbane
Species Most
all
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: roots, all
Primary Poisons:cicutoxin
Scientific Name: Eupatorium rugosum

Common Name: White Snakeroot
Species Most
cattle, dogs, goats, horses, humans, rabbits, sheep
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:tremetone
Scientific Name: Wisteria spp.

Common Name: Wisteria
Species Most
humans
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: all, flowers, seeds, leaves
Primary Poisons:wistarine
Scientific Name: Centaurea solstitialis

Common Name: Yellow Star Thistle
Species Most
horse
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts:
Primary Poisons:
Questions pertaining to Centaurea solstitialis:

Could you give me a list of landscape plants that are toxic to horses?
Is there any way to prevent your horse from eating poisonous plants?
Do you know of a list that compares the plant toxicity in horses and ruminants?
Compare and contrast plants toxic to horses and ruminants.
Scientific Name: Taxus cuspidata

Common Name: Yew
Species Most
all
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts:
leaves, seeds, twigs
Primary Poisons: taxine
Link to web page(s):/plants/yew.html
Questions pertaining to Taxus cuspidata:

Are pine trees harmful to horses?
Is there any way to prevent your horse from eating poisonous plants?
Alkaloids
ALKALOIDS
Alkaloids are compounds containing nitrogen in a heterocyclic ring that are common to
about 15 to 20% of all vascular plants. They are synthesized by plants from amino acids.
The amino acids are decarboxylated to amines and then react with amine oxides to form
aldehydes. Mannich-type condensation of the aldehyde and amine groups creates their
characteristic heterocyclic ring.
Alkaloids are subclassified on the basis of the chemical type of their nitrogen containing
ring. Alkaloids are formed as metabolic by-products. However, their characteristic bitter
taste and accompanying toxicity generally help to repel insects and herbivores.
Complicated ecological interrelationships have developed between several insects and
alkaloids. For example, the consumption of specific pyrrolizidine alkaloids is necessary for
some danoid butterflies to synthsize their pheromones.
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INDOLE ALKALOIDS
INDOLE ALKALOIDS
Indole alkaloids are derived from the amino acid tryptophan as can easily be discerned by
comparing their nitrogen containing nucleus to the chemical structure of tryptophan.
Important classes of indole alkaloids include:

the ergot alkaloids (ergotamine, ergocristine, etc.),
the fescue alkaloids (ergovaline, ergosine,ergonine, lysergic acid amide),
3-methylindole (produced by rumen fermentation of tryptophan), and

the beta-carbolines.
This series of web pages was created by an undergraduate student at Cornell University for the
AS625 class. All comments and suggestions are welcome.
Return to: [Poisonous Plants Homepage]
[List of Toxicants]
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/toxicagents/indole.html [5/10/2004 3:18:29 PM]
Mind Bending Beta-carbolines
MIND BENDING BETA-CARBOLINES
This is intended to provide information on a class of indole alkaloids called

beta-carbolines which are compounds that comprise the tricyclic pyrido (3,4) indol ring
system with alkyl C1 constituents.
This group of indole alkaloids are of widespread distribution being found in 23
angiosperm plant families, 3 fungi genera, and in a variety of animal tissues[1]. In
addition, beta-carbolines can be found in tobacco smoke [2], marijuana smoke [3], and in
charred food stuffs [4].
The beta-carbolines do not represent a significant poisoning hazard to livestock due to
their very low concentrations. None-the-less, these toxicants are interesting from a
chemical perspective in terms of structure-activity relationships. Some of their more
interesting aspects are as follows:
ETHNOBOTANY: AYAHUASCA
NEUROPHARMACOLOGY: BETA-CARBOLINES, SEROTONIN AND BRAIN

CHEMISTRY
BETA-CARBOLINE CONTAINING PLANTS
REFERENCES
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PIPERIDINE ALKALOIDS
Index
Introduction
Poison Hemlock
Distribution
Description
How to distinguish from other plants
Symptoms of poisoning
Swine
Cattle
Horses
Sheep
Prevention of poisoning
References
Introduction
Piperidine alkaloids are identified by their saturated heterocyclic ring, i.e., piperidine
nucleus. The best known piperidine alkaloid poisons are those of poison hemlock,
Conium maculatum. Socrates is reputed to have been killed with a poison hemlock
extract. There are at least 5 naturally occuring conium alkaloids. .
Symptons of Poisoning
Conium alkaloids
acutely affect the nervous system. Livestock progress from:
nervousness -->
trembling -->
incoordination -->
dilated pupils -->
weak heartbeat -->
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cold extremities -->

coma -->
to death by respiratory failure.
Conium Alkaloids are teratogenic agents.
Livestock most affected
Swine (1g of C. maculatum seed/kg lw given orally) - Lethal
Cattle (3.3 mg coniine/kg lw given orally) - Severe toxic signs
Horses (15.5 mg coniine/kg lw given orally) - Severe toxic signs
Sheep (44 mg coniine/kg lw given orally) - Moderate toxic signs
Swine
Fresh plant is enthusiastically consumed by pigs in feed trials. Third eyelid expands over
entire eye about 15 minutes after poisoning causing temporary blindness. Weakness,
trembling, and lethargy are observed. Both seeds and foliage are teratogenic in swine
causing cleft palates in piglets exposed at 30 to 45 days gestation, and arthroryposis,
scoliosis, hydrocephalus, and severe contraction of fetlock joints in piglets exposed at 43
to 61 days gestation.
Cattle
Cattle are about ten times more vulnerable than sheep apparantly because of differences
in liver metabolism. An injectable dose of 16 mg coiinine/kg live weight is lethal in cows.
Field trials have induced crooked calf disease in the offspring of cows fed poison hemlock
or dosed with conium alkaloids, implicating poison hemlock as a likely cause of deformed
calves on ranges with no lupine herbage present.
Horses
Although horses are readily poisoned by poison hemlock, field trials thus far have not
been able to induce teratogenic responses in pregnant mares poisoned with conium
alkaloids, indicating that the horse fetus may be resistant to these toxins.
Sheep
Signs of poisoning in sheep are restlessness, followed by tremors and ataxia. The lethal
dose for sheep is @ 240 mg coiinine/kg live weight. Their resistance to poisoning when
compared to cattle is attributed to species differences in liver metabolism. Research
indicates that poison hemlock is not teratogenic in sheep.
Prevention of livestock poisoning

Swine paddocks should be monitored for poison hemlock because swine will readily eat
it. Poison hemlock is not highly palatable to cattle, horses, and sheep and rarely will they
eat a toxic amount of it if more palatable vegetation is available on the range. Because
conium alkaloids are teratogenic to cattle, care should be taken that cows in the first 3 mo
of pregnancy not be grazed on sparse pastures with an appreciable population of poison
hemlock. The seeds contain the highest concentration of toxicants. Therefore, feed grain
can potentially be contaminated with poison hemlock. Although, herbicides and routine
cultivation severely reduce the amount of poison hemlock in grain fields, seed
contamination is still a potential danger in unsprayed or newly established grain fields.
[Index] [Introduction] [Poison Hemlock][Distribution] [Description][How to distinguish from

other plants] [Symptoms of poisoning] [Swine] [Cattle][Horses][Sheep][Prevention of
poisoning] [References] [return to list of toxicants]
Return to: [List of Toxic Agents]
[Poisonous Plants Homepage]
POLYCYCLIC DITERPENE ALKALOIDS

Index
Introduction
Larkspurs ( Delphinium spp.)
Description
Distribution
Where poisons are found in the plants
Monkshood ( Aconium spp.)
Description and distribution
Where poisons are found in the plants
[Return to list of toxicants]
Introduction
Polycyclic diterpene alkaloids have a complicated diterpene nucleus. They are found in
plants in the Delphinium spp. (Larkspurs) and in the Aconitium spp. (monkshood).
Larkspurs kill more cattle in the United States yearly than all other poisonous plants
combined.
Larkspurs ( Delphinium spp.)

Description and distribution
Larkspurs are the primary source of plant poisoning of cattle on the western ranges of the
United States. Larkspurs are grouped by their heigth. Low larkspurs, for example,
D.andersonii and (em) D. menziesii , have a growing habit of <3 ft and are generally
found at lower elevations. They are one of the first plants to emerge in the spring, even
when there is still snow cover, and hence, appear inviting to cattle hungry for green
vegetation. Early spring is when poisonings due to low larkspurs are most likely to occur.
Tall larkspurs ((em)D. barbeyi, D. occidentale, D. glaucum, D. Trollifolium, etc.) are 3 to 6
ft tall and grow at high elevations in deep soils with plentiful moisture. They can be found
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in alpine meadows or under dense tree cover in aspen and pine forests and are very
palatable to cattle. Calves tend to congregate under tree cover while the mature herd is
out grazing. Because of their small size, calves are particularly susceptible to poisoning
from the larkspur patches found in the woods.
Where poisons are found in plant

Larkspurs alkaloids are concentrated in the growing tips and new leaf growth of the plant.
Therefore, larkspurs tend to be most poisonous in early spring, gradually drop in toxicity
throughout the growing season, and severely decrease in toxicity following flowering.
(Become essentially benign?)
The alkaloids in Larkspurs, for example, methyllycaconitine, appear to act as powerful
neuromuscular blocking agents. Symptoms of poisoning are rarely observed out on the
range because animals progress to death so rapidly. The first sign of trouble may be a
bloated corpse. In field trials, symptoms include restlessness, nausea, abdominal pain,
muscle weakness and involuntary twitching, stiff gait, straddled stance with hind legs
braced apart --> collapse --> death by respiratory paralysis. Cattle are about 4 times as
susceptible to Larkspur poisoning as sheep and are killed by as little as 17g of green
foliage per kg liveweight.
Sheep and goats have been used to try to cut down on the larkspur population of
rangelands. Sheep have not been that successful because they tend to graze larkspur
later in the spring than cattle and generally do not feed on the growing points. Death due
to larkspur poisoning has been reported in sheep. Goats have been used to more
success (?, check). Spot spraying larkspur with herbicides and then reseeding to grasses
also helps reduce larkspur populations.
[Index][Introduction] [Larkspurs (Delphinium spp.)] [Monkshood (Aconitium spp.)]

[Symptoms of poisoning][Prevention of poisoning]

PYRIDINE ALKALOIDS
PYRIDINE ALKALOIDS
Index
Introduction
Tobacco Family (Nicotianaspp.
Distribution
Description
Introduction
Pyridine alkaloids are similar to piperidine alkaloids except that their heterocyclic ringed,
nitrogen containing nucleus is unsaturated. Two toxic alkaloids will be discussed here.
The pyridine alkaloid, nicotine, and the piperidine-pyridine alkaloid, anabasine. Both of
these are found in plants in the Nicotiana spp. which includes cultivated, wild, and tree
tobacco.
Symptons of Poisoning
Nicotine
- acutely affects the nervous system by blocking autonomic ganglia and neuromuscular
junctions. Livestock progress from:
excitement -->
shaking and twitching -->
rapid breathing -->
staggering -->
weakness and prostration -->
coma -->
descending paralysis of the central nervous system -->
to death by respiratory failure.
Anabasine
- Research indicates that anabasine is a teratogenic agent but nicotine is not.
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PYRIDINE ALKALOIDS
Poisoning due to consumption of tobacco leaves and stalks has been documented in
cattle, horses, sheep, and swine as well as dogs and even humans (after consuming the
leaves as boiled greens). Nicotine was a popular old time wormer and insecticide that
occasionally poisoned livestock as well as its intended target. Swine will readily eat the
soft pith of tobacco stalks and extreme care must be taken to keep them from gleaming
tobacco fields or discarded stalks. Deformed offspring due to ingestion of the anabasine
alkaloid in tobacco have been documented in cattle, sheep, and swine. These deformities
are clinically the same as those caused by maternal consumption of lupine or poison
hemlock (carpal flexure, cleft palates, arthrogryposis of the forelimbs and curvature of the
spine). Wild and cultivated tobaccos contain some anabasine. However, @ 99% of the
total alkaloid content of tree tobacco is anabasine.
[Index] [Introduction] [Tobacco] [Distribution and description][Symptoms of poisoning]
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Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids
Most alkaloids are amino acid derivatives, and have no certain role in plant metabolism
except for serving to repel insects and herbivore predators due to their bitter taste.
Pyrrilozidine alkaloids are very common in plants used in livestock feeds and in rangeland
weeds such as tansy ragwort, Senecio jacobea, and Heliotropium spp. and Crotolaria
spp.. Pyrrolozidine alkaloids contain nitrogen in a heterocyclic ring forming a definite
structure called the pyrrolizidine nucleus. It appears that the pyrrilozine alkaloids
themselves are not toxic, rather, some of their metabolites, primarily their "pyrrolic"
derivatives are highly toxic. Toxic alcohols can also be produced as secondary
metabolites. The common PAs, Heliotrine and lasciocarpine, are partially reduced to the
non-toxic 1-methylene and 7-hydroxy-1 methyl derivatives in the rumen. However, these
can be activated by oxidases in the animal's liver to pyrrolic derivatives and thus have
pathological effects in the heart, liver, kidney and respiratory system. The basis for
alkaloid regulation and its effects in the ruminal ecosystem are not yet fully understood,
but is a well-known fact that its degradation is directly proportional to its concentration in
the rumen. Heliotrine degrading bacteria have been isolated and identified in the rumen.
Although these bacteria appear to get very little useful energy from the clevage of
heliotrine, this characteristic may well improve their ability to successfully compete in the
rumen of an animal exposed to this type of alkaloid.
This series of web pages was created by Manuel Hernandez, an undergraduate student at Cornell
University for the AS625 class. All comments and suggestions are welcome.
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/toxicagents/alkaloids/pyrrolizidine.html [5/10/2004 3:18:33 PM]
STEROID ALKALOIDS
STEROID ALKALOIDS
Steroid alkaloids have a fairly complex nitrogen containing nucleus. Two important
classes of steroid alkaloids are
the Solanum type - one example is solanidine. This steroid alkaloid is the nucleus
(i.e. aglycone) for two important glycoalkaloids, solanine and chaconine, found in
potatoes. Other plants in the Solanum family including various nightshades,
Jerusalem cherries, and tomatoes also contain solanum-type glycoalkaloids.
Glycoalkaloids are glycosides of alkaloids.
the Veratrum type. There are more than 50 Veratrum alkaloids including
veratramine, cyclopamine, cycloposine, jervine, and muldamine occurring in plants
of the Veratrum spp. The Zigadenus spp., death camas, also produces several
veratrum-type of steroid alkaloids including zygacine.
Solanum-type Alkaloids
Introduction
Where poisons are found
Introduction
Solanum-type alkaloids are found in plants in the form of glycosides of alkaloids.
Glycosides are ethers that join a noncarbohydrate moiety , the aglycone, by a ester bond
to a carbohydrate moiety. In solanum-type glycoalkaloids, the aglycone is a steroid
alkaloid. Solanine and chaconine cause poisoning in potatoes. They have the same
aglycone, solanidine, but the structure of their carbohydrate sidechains is different.
Tomatine is a glycoalkaloid found in tomatoes. Its aglycone is tomatidine.
Where poisons are found
Production of solanum-type glycoalkaloids is favored by the same conditions that promote
the development of chlorphyll. Therefore, the concentration of these glycoalkaloids is
highest in potato sprouts and green potato skins, and tomato vines and green tomatoes.
Care should be taken to prevent the exposure of potatoes to sunlight. These alkaloids are
not destroyed by cooking or drying at high temperatures. New potato varieties can not be
introduced unless they contain less than 20 mg glycoalkaloids/100 g.
The glycoalkaloids are more poisonous than the steroid alkaloid aglycones.
Humans and all classes of livestock are susceptible to poisoning by solunum- type
glycoalkaloids. Luckily,
glycoalkaloids are poorly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract of mammals,
an appreciable amount of solanum-type glycoalkaloids is hydrolized in the gut of
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STEROID ALKALOIDS
mammals to the less toxic aglycones,

these metabolites are rapidly excreted in the urine and feces of mammals. Because
exposure to these poisons is generally by ingestion, it takes a relatively large
amount of them to cause death.
In potatoes, solanum-type glycoalkaloids cause:
a bitter taste above 14mg/100g, and
a burning sensation to mouth and throat above 20mg/100g.
Solanum-type glycoalkaloids are:
gastrointestinal tract irritants -->
inflamed intestinal mucosa, ulceration, hemorrhage, stomach pains,
constipation or diarrhea
cholinesterase inhibitors and thus affect the nervous system-->
apathy, drowsiness,salivation, labored breathing, trembling -->
ataxia, muscle weakness, convulsions, involuntary urination -->
paralysis, loss of consciousness, coma, death due to respiratory paralysis
Return to: [List of toxic agents] [Poisonous Plants Homepage]
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Nitrate
Nitrate
Forage plants and water are common sources of high levels of nitrates. Some of the
causes of abnormal accumulation of nitrates in plants are: nitrogen fertilizaton, drought
conditions and some herbicidal treatments. Nitrate accumulation also largely depends on
the type of plant. Some of the most common grasses that accumulate nitrate are sudan
grass, oats, rape, wheat, barley, and corn. Although in the rumen nitrate is readily
reduced to nitrite and then to ammonia, the consumption of plant materials with high
levels of nitrate will lead to an acute intoxication. This process is closely related to
increased concentrations of nitrite in the rumen which leads to the production of
methaemoglobin, a substance that interferes with the ability of blood cells to carry oxygen
when concentrations reach 30-40% of total hemoglobin concentrations. Some of the
clinical signs of nitrate intoxication are abdominal pain , labored breathing, and cyanotic
mucous membranes. Increased dietary nitrate, however, induces a change in the
bacterial population that leads to an increased tolerance to high nitrate concentrations in
the diet. Nitrate reduction in the rumen competes with other essential metabolic reactions
such as mathanogenesis, end-product formation, and microbial protein synthesis, and its
toxicity reduces growth, causes Vitamin A deficiency, abortion, infertility, and goiter.
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Oxalate Degradation
Oxalate Degradation
Only a few plants contain sufficient amounts of sodium and potassium oxalate to be
considered toxic. Moreover, ruminants that consume these plants develop increasing
amounts of tolerance to oxalate. An oxalate degrading anaerobe microorganism has been
isolated from pure culture of rumen bacteria. This organism, Oxalobacter formigens, uses
oxalate as a sole energy source and produces carbon dioxide and formate as end
products. This ability is extremely rare among anaerobic bacteria and therefore this
organism occupies an unique niche in the rumen's microflora. The ability of the ruminant
to adapt and tolerate high oxalate diets directly depends on the selection of oxalatedegrading microorganisms.
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GLYCOSIDES
Glycosides are ethers that consist of a carbohydrate moiety joined by an ester bond to a
noncarbohydrate moiety (referred to as the aglycone). The structure and/or properties of
their aglycone is used to group and identify them. For example, isoflavones are
glycosides with a flavone aglycone, and cardiac glycosides are steroid glycosides that act
as powerful stimulators of the heart.
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CALCINOGENIC GLYCOSIDES
INDEX
Introduction
How poisoning occurs
References
INTRODUCTION
Certain plants contain glycosides of the active metabolite of vitamin D. The metabolite is
called 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol or more simply 1,25-OHD3. Consumption of
glycosides of 1,25-OHD3 by grazing animals leads to a vitamin D toxicity which causes
the deposition of excessive calcium in the soft tissues (calcinosis). Of the three rangeland
plants, Cestrum diurnum , Solanum malacoxylon , and Trisetum flavescens , known to
contain these glycosides only Cestrum diurnum is found in the U.S. primarily in Florida.
HOW POISONING OCCURS

Vitamin D functions to regulate calcium and phosporus absorption. Its metabolite,
1,25-OHD3, controls the synthesis and functions of calcium-binding proteins in the
intestinal mucosa transporting calcium after digestion from the intestines to the blood
stream. Animals synthesize their own 1,25-OHD3 through a feedback system in which
low (high) serum calcium levels trigger increased (decreased) parathyroid hormone
secretion which in turn triggers the production of more (less) 1,25-OHD3 leading to
increased (decreased) absorption of calcium into the blood. This feedback system is
disrupted by the consumption of external sources of 1,25-OHD3 which are not sensitve to
already existing serum calcium levels. This excess 1,25-OHD3 causes elevated serum
calcium levels leading to a condition known as calcinosis in which the extra calcium is
deposited on the animal's soft tissues.
SYMPTOMS OF POISONING
A kilogram of dried Cestrum diurnum leaves yields approximately 3 * 103 IU D3. If
Cestrum diurnum makes up 15 to 30% of the animal's diet, this may be sufficient to cause
calcinosis. Symptoms in animals grazing toxic levels of Cestrum diurnum are
progressive weight loss,
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lameness and stiffness,

arched backs,
hypercalcemia,
hyperphosphatemia, and
calcification of the tendons, ligaments, lungs, diaphragm, kidney, and
cardiovascular system.
[Index] [Introduction][Cestrum diurnum][How poisoning occurs][Symptoms of

poisoning][References][Return to list of toxicants]
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CARBOXYATRACTYLOSIDE
INDEX
Introduction
Cocklebur (Xanthium spp.)
References
INTRODUCTION
Cockleburs are a herbaceous annual found in the U.S. along the shores of streams and
ponds and in low-lying areas of farm fields. In its seedling stage it contains a
hyperglycemic glycoside named carboxyatractyloside that can be deadly to livestock.
Cocklebur (Xanthium spp.)

Cockleburs tend to grow in areas that are waterlogged much of the year, but dry during
the summer. They have a fruit capsule containing two seeds. Only one seed germinates
the first year. Germination is delayed in the second seed until the following year.
Cocklebur seedlings are high in carboxyatractyloside until the emergence of their first true
leaves after which toxicity is lost. Carboxyatractyloside is a plant growth inhibitor. It has
been hypothesized that carboxyatractyloside functions in a germinating cocklebur seed to
keep the other seed in the fruit capsule dormant the same year.

Carboxyatractyloside causes hypoglycemia in animals that consume it probably because
it causes uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. Experimentally, phenylbutazone
(BUTE) has been shown to reduce its toxicity by inducing synthesis of a non-cytochrome
P450-dependent detoxification enzyme.
Rooting pigs are very susceptible to poisoning from cocklebur seedlings. Symptoms
include
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depression, unwillingness to move, hunched backs-->

nausea, vomiting-->
weakness, prostration, dyspnea, opissthotonuss-->
the animal collapses and makes paddling motions-->
convulsions-->coma-->death.
Prior to death, animal becomes severely hypoglycemic with blood glucose levels dropping
to 16mg/100ml. Increased vascular permeability leads to gross lessions of the gall
bladder and peritoneal cavity and to liver necrosis.
REFERENCES
[Index] [Introduction][Cocklebur][How poisoning occurs][Symptoms of
poisoning][References][Return to list of toxicants]
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Cardiac glycosides
Cardiac Glycosides
Cardiac glycosides are divided into two main types:

* Bufadienolides are C24 steroids,
The primary cardiac glycoside present in Helleborus is the bufadienole, hellebrin.
Hellebrigenin, the aglycone of hellebrin is more potent than the glycoside itself.
* Cardenolides (most prevalent) are C23 steroids.
Cardenolides have a hormonal nature as substances. Their effects are on the heart
and kidney.
Strong, bitter and disagreeable taste.
Cardiotonic = affect contractions of the heart muscle.
Break down in fermentation by enzymatic action.
Treatment: atropine and activated charcoal, lidocaine for H. viridis
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Cardiac glycosides
Assumed mechanism of action: inhibition of the Na+, K+-ATPase resulting in

increased intracellular sodium and subsequent intracellular calcium leading to
enhanced muscle contraction in cardiac tissue.
Cardenolides are classified according to the chemical composition of their
aglycones as lanataglucosides A, B, C, D and E. OnlyDigitalis lanata, the woolly
foxglove contains all five forms.e. The entire foxglove plant is toxic. Symptoms of
poisoning include dizziness, vomiting, irregular heart beat, and delerium or
halucinations.
Digitonin is probably the best known derivative of the Digitalis cardenolides. It is a
drug derived from D. purpurea. It is used in modern medicine to increase the force
of the systolic contractions and prolong duration of the diastolic phase in congestive
heart failure. Digitalis drugs lower venous pressure in hypersensetive heart
ailments, elevate blood pressure in a weak heart act as a diuretic, and reduce
edema. However, the theraputic dose is dangerously close to the lethal dose.
Some plants containing cardiac glycosides:

Christmas rose Helleborus niger, foxglove Digitalis purpurea, lily of the valley
(Convallaria majalis) and white water lily (Nymphaea alba).
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COUMARIN GLYCOSIDES
COUMARIN GLYCOSIDES
Index
Introduction
Dicoumarol
Plants involved
Symptons of poisoning
Furocoumarins
Plants involved
Introduction
This section will discuss toxicants that are derived from coumarin compounds in
plants. For example, the glucoside melilotoside found in sweet clover (Melilotus
alba and M.officinalis) is an ether of glucose bonded with an ester bond to
coumarin. It yields the toxicant dicoumarol when exposed to specific molds.
Furocoumarins are toxic compounds that consist of a coumarin nucleus bonded to a
furan ring. Several plants contain the psoralens that are generally the precursors of
furocoumarins.
[return to list of toxicants]
DICOUMAROL
Dicoumarol - HOW POISONING OCCURS
Plant enzymes in sweet clover partition the aglycone coumarin from melilotoside.
When sweet clover is put up as hay it is easy for it to be contaminated with molds
because of its succulent stems. This is particularly likely when conditions are wet at
cutting or curing or when foliage is lush. Molds such as Penicillium nigricans ,
P.jensi , and the Aspergillus metabolize the coumarin into dicoumarol. Dicoumarol
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COUMARIN GLYCOSIDES
is similar in structure to vitamin K. When consumed by livestock it inhibits vitamin K

production. Vitamin K is necessary in the body to activate prothrombin. When tissue
is damaged, thromboplastin is released and converts prothronin to thrombin.
Thrombin alters the solubility of fibrinogen in blood and causes it to clot and seal the
tissue damage. Dicoumarol prevents this process. Warfarin is a synthetic toxicant
derived from coumarol. It is used in rat, gopher, and ground squirrel poisons and
also acts as a vitamin K inhibitor to block the blood clotting process and provoke
hemorrhaging. It is toxic to livestock that may accidently consume it in its pelleted
form and to dogs that consume poisoned squirrels,etc.
Dicoumarin - PLANTS INVOLVED

Sweet clover ( Melilotus alba and M. officinalis is grown as a green manure and hay
crop in the northern U.S. and in Canada. Its coumarin content gives it a distinctive
sweet odor similar to vanilla. Its use as hay was widespread in the 1920s. A series
of wet summers led to an epidemic of "bleeding disease" in cattle. Use of the forage
is less common now and low- melilotoside varieties are available. Sweet vernal
grass ( Anthoxanthum odoratum is a coumarin-containing forage in England that
also causes "bleeding disease". Hay with >10 ppm dicoumarol should be viewed
with caution.
Bleeding disease "only in cattle?"
mild cases - extended blood-clotting time that can lead to hemorrhaging when
livestock are castrated or dehorned.
severe cases - internal and/or external hemorrhaging cause pale mucous
membranes, subcutaneous swellings of pooled blood, weakness, and death.
treatment - injections of vitamin K, whole blood transfusion.
[Index][Introduction][Dicoumarols][Furocoumarins] [Return to list of
toxicants]
Furocoumarins
COUMARIN GLYCOSIDES
Furocoumarins - HOW POISONING OCCURS

Furocoumarins are primary photodynamic agents. They absorb long-wave
ultra-violet radiation upon exposure of the skin of the affected animal to sunlight and
become photoactive. They then cause cell damage by inhibiting DNA synthesis by
binding pyrimidine bases and nucleic acids.
PLANTS INVOLVED
Bishop's weed (Ammi majus), spring parsley(Cymopterus watsonii), and
dutchman's breeches (Thamnosma texana and T. montana) are weeds found in
different rangeland regions of the U.S. Livestock consume them as forage or as
seed contamination in grain.They contain several psoralens including xanthotoxin
and bergapten that break down readily to form furocoumarins. Furocoumarins are
also produced by some plants, for example, celery and parsnips, in response to
fungal infestation.
severe blistering and peeling particularly of light-skined parts of the animal

clouding of the cornea and eye lesions -->severe cases - blindness
blistering and erythema of the udder of lactating females, e.g. ewes and cows,
-->severe cases - starvation of their offspring when dams refuse to nurse
"celery dermatitis" - blistering of arms of farm workers handling celery when
the celery is diseased with pink rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) and produces
xanthotoxin and trisoralen.
[Index][Introduction][Dicoumarols][Furocoumarins] [Return to list of

toxicants]
This series of web pages was created by an undergraduate student at Cornell
WARNING: These web pages are only meant to be informative. Neither Cornell
University nor the author of this site endorse or recommend the use of these plants.
COUMARIN GLYCOSIDES
Glucosinolates
GLUCOSINOLATES (GOITROGENIC
GLYCOSIDES)
Index
Introduction
Plants involved
Benefits of glucosinolates
Introduction
Glucosinolates are thioethers. They generally consist of a sugar entity, b-D-thioglucose,
with an ester bond to an organic aglycone that is an alkyl group yielding isothiocyanate,
nitrile, thiocyanate or a similar compound upon hydrolysis. These compounds often
contribute a bitter, "hot" taste to condiments (mustard, horseradish) and may exhibit
goitrogenic or antithyroid activity. [return to list of toxicants]

Glycosinolates are hydrolyzed by either the enzyme glucosinolase or thioglucosidase into
glucose, HSO4- , and one of the following aglycone derivatives: isothiocynates,
thiocyanates, nitriles, or related compounds such as oxazolidine-2-thiones. The enzymes
for hydrolysis are produced by plants and by rumen organisms. They react with the
glucosinolates when plant tissue is crushed, for example by mastication, or when the
plant is consumed into the rumen of a ruminant animal.
Isothiocyanates - are irritating to mucous membranes and not readily consumed in
sufficient quantities to be toxic. However, if they are consumed as glycosinolates
and then hydrolyzed to isothiocyanates in the gut, they can have powerful
antithyroid effects and interfere with the synthesis of necessary thyroid hormones.
Oxazolidine-2- thiones - are closely related to isothiocyanates. One way they are
produced is by the conversion of the glucosinolate progoitrin in rapeseed meal to
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Glucosinolates
goitrin which in turn is hydolyzed to these compounds. Oxazolidine-2-thiones

depress growth and increase the incidence of goiters. They inhibit thyroid function
by blocking the incorporation of iodine into thyroxine precursors and by suppressing
thyroxine secretion from the thyroid.
Nitriles - depress growth, cause liver and kidney lesions, and in severe cases -->
liver necrosis, bile duct hyperplasia, and megalocytosis of tubular epithelium in the
kidney.
Thiocyanates - inhibit iodine uptake by the thyroid --> leading to reduced iodination
of tyrosine --> resulting in decreased production of the important thyroid hormone
thyroxine.
Plants involved
Some common plants that contain glucosinolates include

Amoracia lapathifolia, Horseradish
Brassica campestris, Turnips, yellow-hulled rape
Brassica chinensis, Pak-choi
Brassica napus, Rutabaga, brown-hulled rape
Brassica nigra, Black mustard
Brassica oleracea, Cabbage, brusselssprouts, brocolli, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi
Crambe abyssinica, Crambe
Limnanthes alba, Meadowfoam
Nasturtium officinalis, Watercress
Raphanus sativus, Radish
Thiaspi arvense, Stinkweed
Glucosinolates are found in several oil meals that have been used traditionally in the
northern states, Canada, and Europe as protein supplements for livestock. Some
examples include crambe, mustard, and meadowfoam meal, and most importantly,
rapeseed meal. Rapeseed meal contains several glucosinolates and produces not only
oxazolidine-2-thiones but also isothiocyanates, nitriles and thiocyanates.
Poultry and swine and other nonruminants can tolerate 5-10% rapeseed meal in their
diets. Symptoms of poisoning in poultry may include depressed growth , goiters,
perosis, poor egg production, off-flavored eggs, enlarged thyroid in chick embryos, and
liver damage. Symptoms of poisoning in swine include growth depression, goiters, and
Glucosinolates
enlarged livers.
Although rumen enzymes break down glucosinolate aglucones to their toxic derivatives,
other rumen enzymes are able to metabolize these toxicants into less toxic compounds.
Hence, ruminants can generally tolerate diets of 10% rapeseed meal. More than this canl
cause antithyroid symptoms.
Glucosinolates and their derivatives can be transferred through milk and placenta to the
young of female animals.
Addition of extra iodine to diets can help to counteract the antithyroid effects of
thiocyanates but not of oxazolidine-2-thiones.
Canadian plant breeders have developed low-glucosinolate cultivars of rapeweed. These
cultivars are referred to as canola rather than rapeweed. Meal from them can be used in
high enough quantities to provide all the protein supplementation demanded in livestock
diets that require high levels of protein.
Benefits of glucosinolates
Glucosinolates are responsilble for the unique taste of many of the condiments that make
our foods more interesting to taste.
Research indicates that glucosinolates and their derivatives may have potential in fighting
human cancers. Inclusion of Brassica vegetables appear to help protect against rectal
and colon cancer. These vegetables aid in the detoxification of carcinogens such as
aflatoxins and polybromobiphenyl. They enhance the activity of several hepatic enzymes
used in detoxification processes. Benzyl isothiocyanate and thiocyanate have been
shown in the lab to inhibit tumor development in animals exposed to carcinogens.
Indole-3- carbinol, a product of glucosinolates, is a compound with promise in anticancer
research.
[Index][Introduction] [How poisoning occurs][Plants involved] [Symptons of
poisoning][Prevention of poisoning][Benefits of glucosinolates] [References]
Return to: List of Toxicants
ISOFLAVONES AND COUMESTANS
PHYTOESTROGENS (COUMESTANS AND

ISOFLAVONES)
INDEX
Introduction
Clovers (Trifolium spp.)
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

INTRODUCTION
Phytoestrogens are plant estrogens. When consumed by livestock they exhibit estrogenic
activity and may hamper reproductive performance. Clovers such as subterranean clover
(Trifolium subterran) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) generally contain isoflavones.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)contains coumestrans.
Subterranean Clover and Red Clover

( Trifolium subterran)
Subterranean Clover
Subterranean clover is a winter annual grown in the northwest regions of the U.S. as a
winter and spring pasture crop. It pushes its seeds down into the ground upon maturity
and thus reseeds itself. Its seeds can remain dormant for many years making it difficult to
eradicate once established in a pasture.
Red Clover

Certain water soluble glucosides in plants bear a close resemblence to estradiol and are
known as plant estrogens (click here to see the similarities). Clovers synthesize
isofavones such as biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin, and genistein from
phenylalanine, while alfalfa synthesizes coumestans from cinnamic acid. Although
formononetin has about half, one third, and one quarter the estrogenic activity of
biochanin A, diadzein, and genistein, respectively, negative estrogenic effects on sheep
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ISOFLAVONES AND COUMESTANS
appear to be directly correlated to the formononetin content of the clover forage. This is
because rumen microorganisms degrade genistein and biochanin A to p-ethylphenol and
phenolic acids, thus destroying their estrogenic effects. However, rumen microorganisms
demethylate formononetin to daidzein, and then together with any daidzein directly
consumed from the clover, these minor phytoestrogens are metabolized to equol which is
a much more potent form of estrogen. Absorbed equol is rapidily excreted in the urine of
cattle, but not in sheep. Thus sheep are much more susceptible to the estrogenic effects
of isoflavones. Isoflavines alter the responsiveness of the animal tissue to endogenous
estrogen. High serum levels of phytoestrogens may also inhibit the release of
gonadotropic hormones from the pituitary gland and fill receptor sites in the cervix and
uterus meant for endogenous estrogens.
The cervix of a ewe exposed to high formononetin clover cultivars undergoes
morphological changes. The cervical folds fuse together so that the cervical tissue
resembles uterine tissue. During breeding season, the cervix and vagina fail to to respond
to endogenous estrogen stimulation and temporary infertility results because of reduced
ability of the sperm to penetrate the oviduct. This is because the cervical mucus does not
undergo its normal changes or "priming"to aid sperm longitivity in the cervix. After 24
hours, the amount of viable sperm present in the cervix is only about 5% of that found in a
healthy cervix. Ovulation generally occurs following standing heat so this reduced
longevity of sperm can have serious consequences on conception rates. The condition
may become permanent if the ewe remains on these forages for prolonged periods of
time.
Cattle that are exposed to alfalfa cultivars with high contents of coumestans may
experience cystic ovaries and irregular heat cycles. Dairy heifers may exhibit precocious
mammary and genital development.
[Index] [Introduction][Clovers][How poisoning occurs][Symptoms of poisoning]
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Ranunculosides
Ranunculosides or Ranoculins
Ranunculosides or ranoculins as they are also called are volatile lactones. They are
glycosides which upon hydrolysis split up into ranunculine and glucose.
Ranunculine is then converted into an unsaturated lactone: protoanemonine
Picture . Protoanemonin formation

Protoanemonine is a very unstable compound. Upon drying it reacts into
anemonine which further converts into anemonic acid by itself. Ranunculine,
protoanemonine and anemonine have medicinal properties, anemonic acid does
not. Protoanemonine is toxic, its derivatives are not.
The sap of any plant of the family Ranunculaceae has a burning taste and may
cause reddening of skin followed by swelling and even blistering. If swallowed in
large quantities, stomach irritation may follow and further develop into stomach colic
and extreme gastro-enteritis and diarrhea mixed with blood. For treatment large
quantities of mucilage is required.
Ranunculosides are chemically similar to coumarins ( both are lactones) but are
less stable as they are not phenolic substances.
Anyone collecting or handling plants of the family Ranunculaceae with bare hands
should be careful not to holding them for long as the sap irritates the skin and can
cause blisters.
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Ranunculosides
Some plants containing ranunculosides:

Chrishmas rose (Helleborus niger), marsh marigold (Calatha palustris), clematis
(Clematis recta), wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa), hepatica (Hepatica nobilis),
field buttercup (Ranunculus acris), globe flower (Trollius europaeus,) and pasque
flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris)
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Saponins
SAPONINS
INDEX
Introduction
Plants involved
Bloat?
Cholesterol absorption?
INTRODUCTION
Saponins are glycosides with a distinctive foaming characteristic. They are found in many
plants, but get their name from the soapwort plant (Saponaria), the root of which was
used historically as a soap (Latin sapo ---> soap). They consist of a polycyclic aglycone
that is either a choline steroid or triterpenoid attached via C3 and an ether bond to a
sugar side chain. The aglycone is referred to as the sapogenin and steroid saponins are
called saraponins. The ability of a saponin to foam is caused by the combination of the
nonpolar sapogenin and the water soluble side chain. Saponins are bitter and reduce the
palatability of livestock feeds. However if they have a triterpenoid aglycone they may
instead have a licorice taste as glucuronic acid replaces sugar in triterpenoids. Some
saponins reduce the feed intake and growth rate of nonruminant animals while others are
not very harmful. For example, the saponins found in oats and spinach increase and
accelerate the body's ability to absorb calcium and silicon, thus assisting in digestion.
Certain pasture weeds contain substantial quantities of dangerous saponins and result in
life threatening toxicities for certain animal species.
Plants Involved
Saponins are generally not a problem in tropical forage legumes. However, they are
common in several temperate forage legumes. The use of alfalfa, (Medicago sativa, in
supplemental protein meals for swine and poultry is limited by its saponin content.
Although alfalfa contains several saponins (medicagenic acid, soyasapogenol A,
soyasapogenol B, lucernic acid ), medicagenic acid appears to be the one responsible for
its antinutritional effects. Saponin content in alfalfa foliage is low in spring and fall and
high in midsummer. Low-saponin cultivars of alfalfa have been developed. The seeds and
foliage of chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), soybeans ( ), and common beans ( ) also contain
saponins. Several rangeland weeds in the US including corn cockle (Agrostemma
githago, soapwort (Saponaria officinalis), cow cockle (Saponaria vaccaria), and
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Saponins
broomweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae) cause serious toxicity problems for grazing livestock
because of their saponins. Alfombrilla (Drymaria arenaroides) is a weed in northern
Mexico containing @3% saponins that is responsible for cattle losses in Mexico and has
potential for spread to the southwest U.S. Yucca contains sarsaponins and is
occassionally grazed by cattle. However, research indicates that sarsaponins might
actually be beneficial to rumen digestion. Other plants containing saponins include
Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger), Horse Chestnut trees (Aesculus hippocastanum),
Asparagus fern (Asparagus officinalis), and Daisies (Bellis perennis)
[Index][Introduction] [Plants involved] [Symptons of poisoning][Bloat?] [Cholesterol
absorption?]
Symptoms of Poisoning
Alfalfa poisoning in poultry and swine:
irritated mucous membranes of the mouth and digestive tract -->
reduced feed intake,
low dietary protein quality (supplemental methionine will counteract this).
the above factors lead to--> decreased performance and growth rate.
increased excretion of cholesterol.
Corn cockle, soapwort, cow cockle, and broomweed poisoning
listlessness
anorexia
weight loss
rough hair coat
gastroenteritis and diarrhea
in the case of broomweed, possibly abortion.
Alfombrilla
same symptoms as above plants, but progressing rapidly to -->
arched back -->
coma -->
death
As well as irritating the membranes of the respiratory and digestive tract, the aglycones in
certain saponins increase the permeability of the membranes of red blood cells. In severe
cases, the membranes are destroyed and their hemoglobin escapes into the
bloodstream. This hemolytic effect varies considerably between different plant species.
Saponins

absorption?] [References][Return to list of toxicants]
Bloat
Historically, saponins have been blamed for the incidence of bloat in ruminants
consuming fresh alfalfa. Bloat occurs in animals grazing temperate legumes that contain
saponins but not in livestock grazing tropical legumes or temperate legumes like birdsfoot
trefoil that do not contain saponins. However, low-saponin cultivars of alfalfa can cause
bloat. Current research blames bloat on cytoplastmic protein fractions that are also
present in the plants..
Cholesterol absorption?
Humans generally do not suffer severe poisoning from saponins. Our cholesterin
inactivates them so that only our mucus membranes are affected. Because of this,
saponins have been used in sneezing powders, emetics, and cough syrups to facilitate
expectoration. Most saponins are also diuretic. In humans, this effect disappears within a
week following the neutralizing action of cholesterin.
Alfalfa saponins may have potential in human health issues because they reduce serum
cholesterol by preventing its reabsorption after it has been excreted in the bile. It is
hypothesized that the saponins either bind with bile salts or cause the bile salts to bind to
the polysaccharides in dietary fiber. Either way the bile salts are unavailable to bind with
cholesterol. Unfortunately, the feeding of alfalfa saponins to hens has not resulted in low
cholesterol eggs!
absorption?] [References][Return to list of toxicants]
VICINE AND COVICINE
VICINE AND COVICINE

INDEX
Introduction
Symptoms of poisoning in humans
Effects on chickens
Effects of fava silage
INTRODUCTION
Fava beans,Vicia faba, are a common human food in the Mediterranean regions of
Europe. Their potential as a protein supplement for livestock is being explored in the U.S.
and Canada. However, fava beans contain the glycosides vicine and covicine. These
glycosides hamper the development of fava beans as a worldwide food and feed crop
because they cause a disease called favism in people who have an inherited absence of
the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in their red blood cells.

More than 100 million people worldwide are genetically deficient in G6PD. People whose
red blood cells are deficient in G6PD appear to be more resistant to the detrimental
effects of maleria. Thus, this genetic condition is rarely found in populations with little
historical exposure to maleria, but instead is concentrated in populations where malaria is
prevalent. Susceptible people are exposed to favism either by inhaling the pollen of fava
bean flowers or by eating the beans. In people who lack G6PD, divicine, the aglycone of
vicine, and isouramil, the aglycone of covicine, cause acute hemolytic either by direct
action on the red cell membranes or by producing hydrogen peroxide which in turn breaks
down red cell membranes. The enzyme G6PD functions to maintain plentiful supplies of
reduced glutathione. Oxidants such as divicine, isouramil, and hydrogen peroxide are
normally reduced and rendered inactive by exposure to reduced glutathione. However,
vulnerable individuals produce insufficient GSH to block the destruction of red cell
membranes by these oxidants. The incidence of this genetic deficiency is as high as 50%
in some populations. Prior to the advent of highly effective blood transfusion technology,
mortality rates of 6 to 8% were reported in G6PD deficient children exposed to fava
beans.
[Index] [Introduction] [How poisoning occurs] [Symptoms in humans] [Effects on
chickens][Effects of fava silage]
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VICINE AND COVICINE
SYMPTOMS OF POISONING IN HUMANS

Symptoms appear shortly after inhaling pollen but not until about 5 to 24 hours after
eating the beans. They include
headaches, dizziness, nausea, yawning -->
vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever -->
at this point, symptoms either spontaneously subside, or -->
acute hemolytic anemia occurs.
EFFECTS ON CHICKENS
Fava beans have detrimental effects on the the metabolism of chickens because of their
content of tannins, protease inhibitors, and lectins as well as vicine and covicine. These
factors result in lower growth rate and feed efficiency, and enlarged livers and pancreas
in chicks, and in poorer feed efficiency in laying hens. Dietary vicine has been shown to
cause reduced fertility and hatchability of eggs, decreased egg and yolk weights, fewer
eggs, increased plasma lipid and peroxide levels, and heavier livers with increased lipid
peroxide levels and decreased glutathione levels in layers.
[Index] [Introduction] [How poisoning occurs] [Symptoms in humans] [Effects on
chickens][Effects of fava silage]
EFFECTS OF FAVA BEAN SILAGE

In contrast to the disappointing results of fava beans on chickens, fava bean silage has
compared favorably with oat, corn, and field pea silage when fed to ruminants.
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Selenium and Livestock

Metabolism, Toxicity, and Deficiency
Background & Metabolism Distribution/Occurrence Feed

Analyses Toxicity Deficiency Cattle Sheep Swine Horses Poultry
Sites References
(This web page is a collection/summary of the works of several authors, referenced at the bottom of the page.)
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BACKGROUND & METABOLISM

Selenium was discovered as an essential nutrient in 1957, though it was not discovered
what role it played in the body until 1973. The discovery of Se in glutathione peroxidase
was the key to understanding its importance in nutrition and health. Glutathione
peroxidase, or GSH-Px, is essential for protecting cellular membranes from being
destroyed.
Compounds called free radicals are highly reactive molecules, and if left unchecked will
destroy cellular membranes. Vitamin E and GSH-Px are two molecules that help prevent
this damage. Vitamin E prevents the dangerous molecules (peroxides) from being
formed, but even with adequate vitamin E, some peroxides evade destruction. GSH-Px
destroys the peroxides before they have a chance to cause membrane damage. GSH-Px
concentration and activity is directly related to the selenium status of the animal.
Selenium and vitamin E are both antioxidants because they both protect the membranes
from oxidative damage. Due to this shared duty, there is a relationship between the
compounds, in which one can substitute for the other in a very small way. For instance,
more Se is needed when an animal's vitamin E concentrations are low. The sparing effect
is an extension of this idea of substitution. Selenium spares vitamin E by:
1. preserving pancreas integrity for normal fat digestion, thus normal vitamin E
absorption
2. reducing the amount of vitamin E needed to maintain lipid membranes via GSH-Px
3. aiding in the retention of vitamin E in the blood
Vitamin E spares Se by:
1. maintaining body Se in an active form and prevents loss from the body
2. preventing destruction of membrane lipids from within the membrane, which inhibits
the production of hydroperoxides and decreases the amount of GSH-Px needed
Selenium has also been recently found in another enzyme, 5'-deiodinase. 5'-deiodinase is
an enzyme that catalyzes the reaction of the inactive form of thyroxine to the active form.
Thyroxine is a very important hormone from the thyroid that helps in regulating body
temperature, metabolism, reproduction, circulation, and muscle function. It is known that
Se protects the body from heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, and silver by forming
unreactive complexes with them. There are theories that Se may be involved in many
other functions in the body, such as a selenoprotein in sperm
in RNA
role in prostaglandin synthesis
role in essential fatty acid metabolism
required for normal immune response
Elemental selenium (Se (0))can be reacted upon in several ways: it can be reduced to a
Se(-2), called selenide, or it can be oxidized to a (+4) state, selenite, or a (+6) state,
selenate. Selenium is very similar to sulfur in its chemical properties; it is therefore, not
surprising that the main form of organic Se in the body is as selenomethionine and
selenocystine. Methionine and cystine are sulfur-containing amino acids, the Se can
replace the sulfur because of its chemical similarities to sulfur.
There is not a lot of information on the absorption and pathway of Se from the
gastrointestinal tract. It is known that it is absorbed mostly from the upper small intestine;
there is no absorption from the stomach, rumen, or abomasum. The amount absorbed
depends on the chemical form in which it is ingested. There does not seem to be any
feedback loop to reduce the amount of Se absorbed; it has been shown, in rats, that 95%
of dietary Se was absorbed regardless if fed deficient or toxic amounts. Absorbed Se
travels in the plasma on a protein to its destination tissue. Tissue concentrations vary, the
kidneys retain a large amount of Se, along with cardiac and skeletal muscle, and the liver.
It is deposited more readily when it is in an organic form. Selenium is readily transferable
through the placenta, the mammary barrier, and from hen to egg, so the animal's status
will affect offspring and milk concentrations. The primary routes of excretion are through
the urine and the feces, exhalation of Se only occurs in cases of toxicity. It has been
found that the microorganisms in the rumen may convert Se into insoluble compounds,
causing the ruminant animal to absorb less than its monogastric counterpart. It has also
been suggested that more Se is absorbed when administered with a high-protein diet, the
reasons have not been confirmed.
Go back to top of page
DISTRIBUTION/OCCURRENCE
Distribution of selenium is variable throughout the United States. Most of the Eastern and
Northwestern areas of the country have low selenium in the soil and in the plants, while in
the Midwest, there are adequate amounts of selenium in the forages. For a more detailed
map:Map of Selenium Status in US. There are several plant species that accumulate
selenium in toxic amounts, and can cause problems in animals which consume them. The
most prevalent of these species is the Astragalus genus, which are the locoweeds and
milk vetches. For more information on Astragalus:
Canadian Poisonous Plant Page on Astragalus bisulcatus
Astragalus Toxicity
Astragalus (pictures and description)
There are several other species of plants that are characterized as Se accumulators,
such as Zylorhiza, woody aster and Oonopsis, goldenweed. All of these plants are more
prevalent in the western United States. Highly seleniferous plants are not readily eaten by
most animals due to their bitter taste and strong odor, but will be consumed when other
forage is sparse.
FEED ANALYSES
FEED
Se CONTENT
(mg/kg)
FEED
Se CONTENT
(mg/kg)
Alfalfa
0.32 - 0.37
Barley grain
0.11 - 0.22
Brewer's Grain
0.70
Corn (distiller's
grain)
0.48
Corn (gluten meal)
1.11
Corn (grain)
0.08
Cottonseed
10.0
Fish meal
1.4 - 2.4
Flax seed
0.9
Oats (grain)
0.26
Oats (hay)
0.17
Oats (silage)
0.01
Rape seed
1.05
Sorghum silage
0.21
Soybean seed
0.11
Sunflower meal
2.13
Wheat (soft, winter

grain)
0.05
Wheat (hard,
winter grain)
0.45
Whey (dehydr.)
0.06
Yeast
0.98 - 1.08
This data was taken from the NRC Nutrient Requirements for the different species.
There is only one mineral supplement that contains selenium, and that is selenite.
The toxicity and deficiency sections are general information and contain diseases
that affect most species; for species specific diseases, see that species' section.
TOXICITY
Selenium toxicity is a serious threat to livestock in the western United States.
There is more data on the toxicity of Se in cattle and sheep, but selenosis affects
all livestock. There are two general types of toxicity, acute and chronic.
ACUTE TOXICITY
Acute poisoning is caused by the consumption, usually in a single feeding, of a sufficient

quantity of highly seleniferous plants, which produce severe symptoms. Usually, death
occurs within a few hours. Cattle and sheep are the most likely species to be affected, but
also horses, goats, and swine. Studies have shown that possibly as little as 3 mg/kg body
weight is the minimum lethal dose in cattle, for horses it may be 3.3 mg/kg BW, and for
swine, 1.2 mg/kg BW caused death in 5 days. Symptoms include: abnormal movement,
dark watery diarrhea, elevated temperature, weak and rapid pulse, labored respiration,
bloating and abdominal pain, mucous membranes are pale and blue, and pupils are
dilated. There is no known treatment to reverse the effects of the poisoning, and
oftentimes the animal dies before a diagnosis can be made.
CHRONIC TOXICITY
There are two different types of chronic poisoning dependent on the chemical form of the
ingested selenium. "Blind staggers" occurs when animals ingest water-soluble selenium
compounds naturally found in accumulator plants. Toxicity from eating plants or grain with
protein-bound, insoluble selenium is called "alkali disease."
Blind staggers normally occurs in cattle and sheep feeding on seleniferous plants.
Symptoms manifest in three stages:
1. wandering, stumbling over objects, anorexia, visual impairment
2. increase in the severity of the first stage, front legs seem unable to support animal
3. blindness, paralysis of tongue and swallowing mechanism, rapid and labored
respiration, salivation, and low temperature
The animal will die within a few hours from the onset of the third stage. The action of the
toxicity has been documented to delay between stages. The first and second stages may
be unnoticeable, and then weeks later, the animal may show signs of the third stage and
die. In sheep, it is more difficult to diagnose because the stages are not as well defined
as in cattle. Toxic amounts of Se can also cause birth defects in offspring from dams fed
such levels.
Alkali disease is more chronic than blind staggers, often taking years to manifest itself. It
is caused by feeding on plants and grain that have protein-bound, insoluble selenium.
This disease can affect all livestock, but it is detected mostly in cattle and horses. General
symptoms include: lack of vitality, anemia, emaciation, stiffness of joints, lameness, rough
coat, loss of long hair, and hoof sloughing and deformities. Hoof deformities are a classic
sign of selenium and can cause lameness and severe pain for the animal; food and water
must be provided to the animal, for it may be hesitant to walk.
PREVENTION
The most effective way of preventing selenosis is to remove the animals from the
seleniferous area. Treating the soil with sulfates, thus changing the S:Se ratio, can
sometimes depress Se uptake by accumulator plants. Results from studies have shown
that feeding a higher protein diet may reduce the toxicity of Se; animals fed the same
amount of toxic selenium but fed a higher protein diet lived for a few more days than
those animals fed a low protein diet. Dilution of high Se feeds with low Se feeds in a
mixed ration will help to prevent toxicity. Recognition of seleniferous plants, proper land
management, and grazing control are all necessary to completely prevent selenosis.
DEFICIENCY
Deficiency of Se is much more common in the eastern United States where the soil
content of Se is low. There are many different diseases that affect the different species,
all of which will be addressed in the species sections. There is one disease that is
consistent in all livestock species, and that is Nutritional Muscular Dystrophy, or White
Muscle Disease (WMD). Nutritional muscular dystrophy is caused by the deficiency of Se
and/or vitamin E and S-containing amino acids. The disease is characterized by
degeneration of the skeletal muscles, causing stiff gaits, and other problems.
PREVENTION
The most effective way of preventing Se deficiency is to supplement concentrates fed to
animals with commercially available supplements to a level of about 0.1-0.3 mg/kg Se.
Sodium selenite is the most common commercial supplement; calcium selenite is also
useful, and is less hazardous than sodium selenite. For animals that also eat forage, it
would be possible to supplement low Se diets with high Se plants and grains. There are
also Se-supplemented salt licks available, and may be the most viable option to farmers.
Fertilizer containing Se has not been shown to significantly increase the Se content of the
plants from that soil. In areas of known Se deficiency, it is often practice to give calves
and second trimester pregnant cows intramuscular injections of Se and vitamin E to
prevent disease.
CATTLE
The nutrient requirement for Se for dairy cattle has been set at 0.3 mg/kg, while the
requirement for beef cattle is 0.2 mg/kg. Requirements are higher when legumes are fed,
S intake is high, vitamin E intake is low, and when diets contain heavy metals. Diets with
high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids will increase the requirement for Se. Effects of Se
deficiency in cattle include, white muscle disease, retained placenta, unthriftiness, cystic
ovarian disease, and anemia.
SHEEP
The nutrient requirement for Se for sheep is 0.10 - 0.20 mg/kg. Sheep share some of the
same diseases that cattle get. There is high incidence of white muscle disease in lambs,
and there are two types of WMD that affect lambs. The first is congenital WMD, where
lambs are wither stillborn, or die within a few days, after physical exertion. The second
type is delayed WMD, and can occur from 1-4 months after birth. These lambs walk with
Ewes also suffer

an unsteady gait and arched back.
from infertility and embryonic loss when Se deficient. There is also a general unthriftiness,
i.e., growth depression, decrease in food consumption, and decrease in wool production.
SWINE
The nutrient requirement for Se for swine is 0.10 - 0.30 mg/kg. Pigs may show a variety of
diseases in relation to Se deficiency. Hepatic dietetica is the degeneration of the liver,
which can manifest itself acutely in rapidly growing pigs as liver failure, or more
sub-acutely as jaundice, edema, and/or cardiomyopathy. Mulberry heart disease occurs
in growing pigs that develop severe cardiomyopathy, often coupled with hemorrhages of
the cardiac tissue. Similar to the other species, pigs can also develop nutritional muscular
dystrophy. Spermatogenesis decreases when Se intake is extremely low. Pigs are also
more susceptible to swine dysentery when selenium deficient.
HORSES
The nutrient requirement for horses is 0.10 mg/kg. Nutritional muscular dystrophy is the
known disease that affects horses with Se deficiency. Similar to sheep, there are three
different patterns of NMD that can occur. The first is acute, with death occurring within 24
hours. The foal's tongue may be paralyzed, making in unable to suckle. The second case
is more common and is induced by exercise. Older foals are more susceptible to this
form; they show an unsteady gait and general muscle weakness, rapid heart rate with
arrhythmia, and labored breathing. After a few days, it is difficult to make them stand and
they salivate excessively. Mortality from this condition is only about 30-45%. The third
condition affects mostly older animals, and is the result of chronic Se deficiency. Affected
animals show anorexia, emaciation, generalized muscle weakness, rapid heart rate, and
diarrhea.
POULTRY
The nutrient requirement for poultry varies with the status of the animal. For young chicks,
< 6 weeks, the requirement is 0.15 mg/kg; for the others, the requirement is 0.10 mg/kg.
Several conditions affect poultry due to Se deficiency. One is exudative diathesis, which
is the accumulation of fluid throughout the body, particularly in the abdomen and feet.
This is caused by increased permeability of the capillaries and leakage of fluid from the
capillaries. Chicks with this condition are also anemic and are protein deficient. It occurs
about 2-4 weeks after hatching and is easily diagnosed due to the edema and the
blue-green tint to the skin after progressing to the hemorrhagic stage. Poultry are also
affected by nutritional muscular dystrophy. They also suffer from pancreatic atrophy,
which has been found to be caused solely by Se deficiency. Atrophy of the pancreas
results in a reduction in the amounts of lipase, trypsinogen, and chymotrypsin--all
enzymes that aid in digestion of food. Therefore, this leads to extremely reduced growth
and feathering. Egg production decreases when hens are Se deficient; there is no
evidence that suggests an effect on male reproduction.
Some Interesting and Relevant Sites:
Cornell Poisonous Plants Web Page
Selenium Forum
Selenium Poisoning
Nutrients for Cattle
Selenium in Soil
Selenium and the Horse
REFERENCES
Barbezat, G. O., C. E. Casey, P. G. Reasbeck, M. F. Robinson, and C. D. Thomson.
Selenium IN:Current Topics in Nutrition, vol. 12. Alan R. Liss, Inc., New York, 1984.
Combs, G. F. and S. B. Combs. The Role of Selenium in Nutrition. Academic Press, New
York, 1986.
James, L. F., K. E. Panter, H. F. Mayland, M. R. Miller, and D. C. Baker. Selenium
Poisoning in Livestock: A Review and Progress. IN:Selenium in Agriculture and the
Environment. American Society of Agronomy, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin, 1989.
McDowell, L. R. Minerals in Animal and Human Nutrition. Academic Press, New York,
1992.
National Research Council. The Nutrient Requirements of Sheep.. National Academy
Press, Washington DC, 1968.
National Research Council. The Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle.. National Academy
National Research Council. The Nutrient Requirements of Swine.. National Academy
National Research Council. The Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle.. National
Academy Press, Washington DC, 1989.
Rechcigl, M. Jr. CRC Handbook Series in Nutrition and Food--Section E: Nutritional

Disorders, vol. 1. CRC Press, West Palm Beach, FL, 1978.
Rosenfeld, I. and O. A. Beath. Selenium: Geobotany, Biochemistry, Toxicity, and
Nutrition.. Academic Press, New York, 1964.
Underwood, E. J. The Mineral Nutrition of Livestock.. Commonwealth Agricultural
Bureaux, England, 1981.
This series of web pages was created by Jennifer Cosgrove, an undergraduate student at Cornell
Return to:
Return to Toxic Agents List
Lead Poisioning Source Page
Lead Poisoning
This page provides information on lead poisioning in humans as well as domestic animal
populations. Sections include sources of lead in houses and barns, environmental
contamination and some of its' causes, toxic levels in children and animals, symptoms of
toxicity and links to related sites of information.
With the relatively recent restrictions on the use of lead based paints, one of the largest
sources of lead poisioning has been greatly reduced. These paints are still present in
houses, garages, barns, on fences and furniture. The prevalence of lead in the world
around us is still a significant health hazard, especially to certain "at risk" portions of human
and animal populations. Although adults are susceptible to lead poisoning, children and
newborns are most susceptible because of lower tolerance levels and the tendency to
introduce foreign objects into the body.
Sources In the Home
Lead-Based Paint-Present on many surfaces in homes not recently rebuilt or

remodeled
Lead Pipes-More common in older homes
Lead Solder -On pipes and water heaters
Enameled or Ceramic Pots and Dishware-Improper glazing can leech lead into foods
Paper Wrappings-Holiday paper and party decorations (10g/kg)
Food Packages-Polythene plastic bags, flour bags(20mg/kg),cardboard boxes with
dyes (50mg/kg)
Candy Packaging-Candy bar wrappers(7g/kg), Colored sports trading cards packaged
with gum(88mg/kg)
Although lead paint chips are still the most common source of acute lead poisoning, candy
wrappers and food packaging are of particular concern because they are in direct contact
with immediately consumed items. It is important to keep these items from being consumed,
chewed or licked.
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Environmental Contamination
Mining-All types of mining industries, especially strip mining can cause lead and other
minerals to leech into ground water, soil and even into the air as dust particles.
Steel Industry-Any company that produces steel or uses steel in production can
contribute to the bioaccumulation of lead in soil, water and air.
Crop Enhancers-Many crop yields are increased with the use of fertilizers, fungicides
and herbicides that contain appreciable amounts of lead (e.g. lead arsenate)
Automobiles-Lead is added to some gasoline as an anti-knock agent and lead is
emitted in motor vehicle exhaust.
Batteries-Improper disposal of batteries from automobiles, electric vehicles and
emergency lighting systems>
Rogue Metal-Parts of Farm Machinery, Mining Machinery, Food Processing
Equipment or other metal objects that can break and leave pieces or shavings where
they may leech into food or the environment.
Toxic Levels In Children

The blood concentrations and classes of poisoning are adapted from CDC literature
"Preventing Lead Poisoning in Young Children" published in October 1991.
<
Toxic Levels In Animals
Cattle-Intakes of greater then 6 mg/kg body weight can lead to chronic poisoning and
intakes greater than 10 mg/kg BW may cause acute lead poisoning.
Sheep-Generally occurs only in lambs and symptoms of poisoning appear at intakes
greater than 4.5 mg/kg BW.

Pigs, Goats and Rabbits-More resistant than sheep or cows. Very minor signs of
poisoning occur at intakes of 60 mg/kg BW. This is equal to blood concentrations of
130 micrograms per dl.
Horses-Respiratory "roaring" occurs at intakes of 6.4 mg/kg BW. Signs of anemia
occur at intakes of 7.4 mg/kg.
Birds-Poultry can withstand dietary intakes of 100 mg/kg feed with no symptoms.
Levels of 500 mg/kg induced serious poisoning.
Dogs and Cats-Nervous symptoms of poisoning appear at intakes of 5 mg/kg BW/day.
Symptoms of Toxicity
The general symptoms of lead poisoning are universal although more informaton is
available on poisoning in humans. The first symptoms of lead toxicity are very general
and nonspecific. These include nausea, sluggishness, vomiting, painful
gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, colic, weakness and dehydration.
These symptoms are common to many disorders and can often lead to inaccurate
diagnosis.
Some symptoms more specific to human poisoning include discoloration of the lips
and skin attributed mild secondary anemia, a lead line on the gums, developmental
disorders, sterility and abortion. There have also been some prelimiunary reports
indicating that chronic lead poisoning can also lead to chronic nephritis and premature
development of arteriosclerosis.
More severe cases of poisoning can produce symptoms including convulsions,"wrist
drop" or external limb paralysis, coma and ultimately death.
Links
National Lead Information Center(800)LEAD-FYI Great source of information including
pamphlet "Lead Poisoning and Your Children"
U.S. EPA-Office of Pollution Prevention and Topics
Dr. PaulaLatest consumer information and information about easy-to-use personal lead test
kits.
Iron Toxicity, What You Don't Know

The toxicity of iron is governed by absorption. The more you take in the more you are at
risk. The iron is absorbed in the ferrous state by cells of the intestinal mucous . Gastric
and intestinal secretions can reduce ferric ions (the unusable form of the iron) to the
ferrous (absorbable) state. Ferrous iron reacts with hydrogen peroxide (H202) to form
OH, in the reaction: Fe(II) + H2O2--> OH. + OH- + Fe(III) Under normal conditions, the
free radicals formed are controlled and removed by antioxidants, but if you have an over
abundance of iron in your body, the free radicals will not be removed fast enough and
there will be a build up.
Factors that influence iron toxicity are:
Copper Level
Phosphorus Level
Vitamin E level
Factors that enhance iron absorption are:
Valine and Histidine
Ascorbic Acids, with or without Vitamin E
Succinate
Pyruvic Acid
Citric Acid
Ferritin is a unique iron storage protein containing 24 storage proteins. When excess
dietary iron is absorbed, the body produces more ferritin. Ferritin is greatly abundant in
the heart and liver, therefore there is a large amount in these organs, and iron rushes to
these organs for storage. The body can only produce so much of these proteins,
however, so excess iron builds up in these organs and causes tissue destruction. Iron
Overload is characterized by increased levels of ferritin (the iron storage protein),
haemosiderin (another storage protein), and iron catalyzed lipid peroxidation.
There are many reasons why certain people absorb more iron than others:
1. Not everyone takes in the same amount of iron.
2. When alcohol and food are consumed together, the alcohol facilitate the absorption
of iron.
3. Many people develop alcoholic cirrhosis (disease of the liver), and, hence , lose
their ability to control iron uptake.
4. Dietary patterns such as drinking orange juice with a meal, increases iron
absorption.
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Diseases that Can Cause Iron Toxicity

Iron toxicity is not always due to an increase in dietary iron. There are many diseases that
can lead to a problem in iron absorption and in turn iron toxicity. With acute iron
poisoning, much of the damage to the gastrointestinal tract and liver may be a result of a
high localized iron concentration and free radical production, leading to heptatoxicity via
lipid peroxidation and the destruction of the hepatic mitochondria. Therefore, the patient
needs rapid removal of iron from the gut to prevent tissue damage.
The iron accumulating disease is Hemochromatosis. This is an iron storage disease the
results from the inability of the intestine to keep out unneeded iron. Instead, iron
accumulates in the liver causing siderosis (the accumulation of storage iron in tissues)
and damage to the storage organs. A normal man will usually absorb 1 mg of iron/day,
but with this disease, he will absorb 3mg/day. This is a very common problem, 1 out of
every 15 people have a form of this disease.
There are two types of this disease:
1. Heredity or Primary Hemochromatosis
2. Acquired or Secondary Hemochromatosis
Hereditary Hemochromatosis is a hereditary disease where the intestines lack the
normal ability to keep out the available but unneeded dietary iron. Patients suffering from
this disease take in the iron, but have problems excreting it. The excess is therefore
placed into storage. It has been shown numerous times, that with an increased uptake
from the diet of 1-3 mg of iron, more than required, per day, in a period of 40-50 years,
20-40g of iron will be accumulated in the body. This accumulation especially occurs in the
liver and heart, and will eventually lead to necroses and cardiopathy. This condition can
be spotted at an early stage by determination of serum ferritin concentration and liver
biopsy. This condition can be treated and cured if caught before the tissue damage
begins.
Acquired Hemochromatosis is an intestinal abnormality occurring with acquired
diseases.
Some of the diseases this may happen with are:
Anemia and Ineffective Erythropoiesis
These diseases may result when a patient receives blood transfusions, but receives
them for too long and the iron begins to build up.
Liver Disease
if a patient has a liver disease, he will not be able to control the iron uptake from the
liver and the iron will begin to accumulate.
High Intake of Iron
Many times people are diagnosed with anemia, but the confidence rating in this
diagnosis is only 95%. Therefore, many people are given supplements that they do
not need and the iron in their body increases.
Problems Resulting From Iron Toxicity

There are many problems that may result from iron toxicity, these include: anorexia,
oligura, diarrhea, hypothermia, diphasic shock, metabolic acidosis, and death. In addition
to these, the patient may experience vascular congestion of the gastrointestinal tract,
liver, kidneys, heart, brain, spleen, adrenals, and thymus.
As a result of iron storage disease, the liver becomes cirrhotic. Hepatoma, the primar
cancer of the liver, has become the most common cause of death among patients with
hemochromatosis. Also, when siderosis becomes severe in young people, myocardial
disease is a common cause of death.
Impotence may occur in young men, and amenorrhea may occur in young women .Both
of these sexual related problems are due to iron loading in the anterior pituitary.
Children are at Risk as Well

The lethal dose of iron for a 2 year old child is 3 g, and 1 g leads to severe poisoning.
Accidental iron poisoning occurs in children consuming 10-50 iron tablets in the form of
ferrous sulfate, over a period of a few hours. The ingested iron enters the stomach where
the pH is low. The ferrous sulfate will remain in a soluble form, leading to irritation of the
gastric mucosa. When the ferrous sulfate leaves the stomach, the pH is changed again
by the pancreatic bicarbonate in the duodenum. This leads to the formation of insoluble
iron complexes, causing further mucosal damage.
There was a study conducted from 1983-1990, reported in Pediatrics. This study
reported that 53 children younger than 6 died as a direct result of unintentional ingestion.
Iron supplements caused the death of 16 of these children. Iron supplements, causing
30.2% of fatalities, are the single most frequent cause of pediatric pharmaceutical
unintentional fatalities.
The reason for this high percentage involves many factors, including:
The ready availability of prenatal vitamins and iron supplements in homes with
young children.
The similar appearance of iron supplements to candy.
The unrestricted over the counter marketing of high strength iron.
These problems could be eliminated by increasing parental education, repackaging and
reformulating iron supplements, and making the warning labels more clear.
For more information on your child's risk of iron toxicity, see Child Safety.
Treatment for Iron Toxicity

The following are treatments for iron toxicity:
Removal of the patients blood, one unit at a time. This is the cheapest, safest,
and most efficient way to reduce siderosis.

Dietary restriction. This not an efficient way to cure the problem, but patients with
iron storage disease should avoid heavily iron enriched foods, vitamins
supplemented with iron, and therapeutic iron.
Chelating agents. Deferoxamine is the best and least dangerous. It is expensive
and administered by painful intramuscular injections. These result in the excretion
of 5-15mg of iron. This is very dangerous, however, because the dose and route of
administration are limited by the hypotensive effect of the drug. Deferoxamine has
an LD50 of 250mg/kg body weight. This drug can only be used for a certain amount
of time, not only because of it's toxicity, but also because it results in the removal of
other mineral such as copper and zinc.
References
Chapman and Hall. Iron Nutritional and Physiological Significance. The British Nutrition
Foundation. 1995.
Emery, T. Iron and Your Health: Facts and Fallacies. CRC Press Inc. 1991.
Iron. Mineral Tolerance of Domestic Animals. 242-255.
Lag, J. Geomedical Problems Related to Aluminum, Iron, and Magnesium. The
Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. 1993.
Lauffer, R. Iron and Human Diseases. CRC Press Inc. 1992.
Litovitz, T. and Manoguerra, A. Comparison of Pediatric Poisoning Hazards: An Analysis
of 3.8 Million Exposure Incidents. Pediatrics. 89:1992.
Riederer, P. and Youdim, M. Iron in Central Nervous System Disorders. Springer-Verlag,
New York. 1993.
IMPACTS OF SOME SELECTED MYCOTOXINS ON RUMINANTS
MYCOTOXINS
Index
General Characteristics of Mycotoxins

Definition
Common Members of the Mycotoxin Family
Analysis of Mycotoxins
Troubleshooting of Mycotoxin Problems in Livestock

Sampling skills
Sources of the Testing Kits
Suggestions to Prevent the Mycotoxins contamination
References
More on Mycotoxins....
General Characteristics of Mycotoxins

Definition
"myco" ----> "fungus"
"toxin" ----> "poison" (Cheeke and Shull, 1985)
Mycotoxins are toxic, secondary metabolites of low molecular weight produced by
naturally occurring fungi. (Chu, 1992)
Mycotoxins are neither infectious nor contagious, but can occur on a herd-wide basis.
(Wren, 1994)
[Index] Definition [Mycotoxin Family] [Analysis of Mycotoxins] [Sampling] [Testing Kits]
[Preventing Mycotoxin Contamination] [References]
Common Members of the Mycotoxin Family
Aflatoxins
Trichothecenes
Zearalenone
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Fumonisin
Ochratoxins
Slaframine
Analytical Techniques for Mycotoxins

The "General Referee on Mycotoxins " gives a good overview of analytical techniques .
It is published in the "Annual Report on Mycotoxins", which appears annually in the
February/March issue of the Journal of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists.
(Chu, 1992)
Because of the diversity of chemical structures and physicochemical properties of
mycotoxins, approaches for their analysis vary considerably. The analysis is further
complicated by the typically uneven distribution of mycotoxuns in samples and by sample
matrix interference. (Chu, 1992)
Troubleshooting Mycotoxin Problems in Livestock

Sampling Skills
Mycotoxin contamination of foods and feeds is usually heterogeneous. Therefore,
precautions must be taken in sampling to obtain a reliable quantitative estimate of the
concentration of a mycotoxin in a given lot. (Wood, 1992)
Samples must be representative of entire lot
Obtain samples from multiple locations
Use of a grain or forage sampling probe is recommended
Obtain samples from a moving grain stream
Take samples at various unloading sites
10 pounds minimum
mix thoroughly
subsampling
send 2 to 5 pounds for analysis
freezing or air-tighted packing if necessary (especially for high moisture samples)
(Ideas listed were adapted from Dr. Larry Thompson's lecture and from Wren, 1994)
[Preventing Mycotoxin Contamination] [References]
Sources of Mycotoxins test kits (Spainhour and Posey, 1992)
CSID
Minicolumn
Suggestions to Prevent Mycotoxin Contamination of Feed Stuffs

Control the environmental factors that influence fungal growth: (Diekman and
Green, 1992)
Moisture content of grain (<14%)
Relative humidity (<70%)
Temperature (-2.2 Centigrade)
Oxygen availability (<0.5%)
Control the physical condition of the grain: (Adapted from Dr. Thompson's lecture)
Minimize grain damage during harvest
Screen grain to reduce broken kernels
Clean storage system regularly (Wren, 1994)
Use mold inhibitors and anti-caking additives (Diekman and Green, 1992)
Ammoniation - to reduce aflatoxin concentrations (Diekman and Green, 1992)
Floating separation - Fusarium-infected kernels are lighter than sound kernels
(Diekman and Green, 1992)
Wash, wet or dry milling and heating process (roasting, boiling, baking and frying)
(Wood, 1992)
Addition of 0.5% hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate in formulated feed
Animal aspects: (Adapted from Dr. Thompson's lecture)
Reduce the stress to animals
Increase plane of nutrition
(Comment)
Not all molds (or fungi) are toxic. Part of the deleterious impact of mycotoxins on
ruminants may be caused by the indirect effect of reduced nutrition from the infected
grains or forages. (Adapted from Dr. Thompson's lecture)
[Preventing Mycotoxin Contamination][References]
References
Cheeke, P.R. (1995) Endogenous Toxins and Mycotoxinz in Forage Grasses and Their
Effects on Livestock. J. Anim. Sci. 73:909-918.
Cheeke, P.R. and Shull, L.R. (1985) Mycotoxins (Chap. 12). In: Natural toxicants in feeds
and poisonous plants. AVI. pp393-477.
Chu, S.F.(1992) Recent Progress on Analytical Techniques for Mycotoxins in Feedstuffs.
J. Anim. Sci. 70:3950-3963.
Diekman, M.A. and Green, M.L. (1992) Mycotoxins and Reproduction in Domestic
Livestock. J. Anim. Sci. 70:1615-1627.
Price, W.D., Lovell, R.A. and McChesney, D.G. (1993) Naturally Occurring Toxins in
Feedstuffs: Center for veterinary Medicine Perspective. J. Anim. Sci. 71:2556-2562.
Richard, J.L., Bennett, G.A., Ross, P.F. and Nelson, P.E. (1993) Analysis of Naturally
Occurring Mycotoxins in Feedstuffs an Food. J. Anim. Sci. 71:2563-2574.
Spainhour, C.B. and Posey, D. (1992) Mycotoxins: A Slient Enemy. Large Animal
Veterinarian. Nov./Dec. Page 20-25.
Thompson, Larry. (1996) Lecture for PLPA 652 ('Mycotoxins')
Wren, G.. (1994) Blaming Mycotoxins Can Be A Risky Venture. Bovine Veterinarian. Nov.
Page 4 -10.
Wood, G.E.. (1992) Mycotoxins in Foods and Feeds in the United States. J. Anim. Sci.
70:3941-3949.
More References on FDA recommendations The poisonous plant database
[Preventing Mycotoxin Contamination] [Research][References]
This series of web pages was created by Yuan-Kuo Chen, an undergraduate student at Cornell
Aflatoxins-Home Page
AFLATOXINS :
Occurrence and Health Risks
Table of Contents :
Abstract
Introduction
Occurence
Factors favorizing aflatoxin production
Aflatoxicosis and animal health
Aflatoxins and human health
Recent methods of analysis for aflatoxins in foods and feeds
Monitoring techniques for assessing human exposure to aflatoxins
Control and management of aflatoxins
Economic impact of aflatoxins
References
Abstract
Aflatoxins are toxic metabolites produced by certain fungi in/on foods and feeds . They
are probably the best known and most intensively researched mycotoxins in the world.
Aflatoxins have been associated with various diseases , such as aflatoxicosis , in
livestock , domestic animals and humans throughout the world . The occurence of
aflatoxins is influenced by certain environmental factors ; hence the extent of
contamination will vary with geographic location , agricultural and agronomic practices,
and the susceptibility of commodities to fungal invasion during preharvest , storage,
and/or processing periods . Aflatoxins have received greater attention than any other
mycotoxins because of their demonstrated potent carcinogenic effect in susceptible
laboratory animals and their acute toxicological effects in humans . As it is realized that
absolute safety is never achieved , many countries have attempted to limit exposure to
aflatoxins by imposing regulatory limits on commodities intended for use as food and feed
.
Home Page
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Introduction
In the 1960 more than 100,000 young turkeys on poultry farms in England died in the
course of a few months from an apparently new disease that was termed "Turkey X
disease" . It was soon found that the difficulty was not limited to turkeys . Ducklings and
young pheasants were also affected and heavy mortality was experienced .
A careful survey of the early outbreaks showed that they were all associated with feeds,
namely Brazilian peanut meal . An intensive investigation of the suspect peanut meal was
undertaken and it was quickly found that this peanut meal was highly toxic to poultry and
ducklings with symptoms typical of Turkey X disease .
Speculations made during 1960 regarding the nature of the toxin suggested that it might
be of fungal origin. In fact, the toxin-producing fungus was identified as Aspergillus flavus
(1961) and the toxin was given the name Aflatoxin by virtue of its origin (A.flavis--> Afla).
This discovery has led to a growing awareness of the potential hazards of these
substances as contaminants of food and feed causing illness and even death in humans
and other mammals. Studies that are summarized in the following sections revealed that
aflatoxins are produced primarily by some strains of A. Flavus and by most , if not all ,
strains of A. parasiticus , plus related species, A. nomius and A. niger . Moreover ,
these studies also revealed that there are four major aflatoxins : B1 , B2 , G1 , G2 plus
two additional metabolic products , M1 and M2 , that are of significance as direct
contaminants of foods and feeds . The aflatoxins M1 and M2 were first isolated from milk
of lactating animals fed aflatoxin preparations ; hence , the M designation . Whereas the
B designation of aflatoxins B1 and B2 resulted from the exhibition of blue fluorescence
under UV-light , while the G designation refers to the yellow-green fluorescence of the
relevant structures under UV-light . These toxins have closely similar structures and form
a unique group of highly oxygenated, naturally occuring heterocyclic compounds . Their
molecular formulas as established from elementary analyses and mass spectrometric
determinations are :
B1 : C17 H12 O6
B2 : C17 H14 O6
G1 : C17 H12 O7
G2 : C17 H14 O7
Aflatoxins B2 and G2 were established as the dihydroxy derivatives of B1 and G1 ,
respectively . Whereas , aflatoxin M1 is 4-hydroxy aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin M2 is
4-dihydroxy aflatoxin B2 .
[Top of Page] [Abstract] [Introduction] [Occurence] [Factors favorizing aflatoxin
production] [Aflatoxicosis and animal health] [Aflatoxins and human health] [Methods of
analysis for aflatoxins] [Assessing human exposure to aflatoxins] [Control and

management of aflatoxins] [Economic impact of aflatoxins] [References]
Return to Cornell Toxic Agents List
Occurence
In Raw Agricultural Products :
Aflatoxins often occur in crops in the field prior to harvest . Postharvest
contamination can occur if crop drying is delayed and during storage of the crop if
water is allowed to exceed critical values for the mold growth . Insect or rodent
infestations facilitate mold invasion of some stored commodities.
Aflatoxins are detected occasionally in milk, cheese, corn, peanuts, cottonseed,
nuts, almonds, figs, spices, and a variety of other foods and feeds . Milk, eggs, and
meat products are sometimes contaminated because of the animal consumption of
aflatoxin-contaminated feed . However, the commodities with the highest risk of
aflatoxin contamination are corn, peanuts, and cottonseed.
In Processed Foods :
Corn is probably the commodity of greatest worldwide concern , because it is grown
in climates that are likely to have perennial contamination with aflatoxins and corn is
the staple food of many countries . However, procedures used in the processing of
corn help to reduce contamination of the resulting food product . This is because
although aflatoxins are stable to moderately stable in most food processes , they
are unstable in processes such as those used in making tortillas that employ
alkaline conditions or oxidizing steps . Aflatoxin-contaminated corn and cottonseed
meal in dairy rations have resulted in aflatoxin M1 contaminated milk and milk
products , including non-fat dry milk , cheese , and yogurt .
Factors Favorizing Aflatoxin Production

Fungal growth and aflatoxin contamination are the consequence of interactions among
the fungus, the host and the environment . The appropriate combination of these factors
determine the infestation and colonization of the substrate , and the type and amount of
aflatoxin produced . However , a suitable substrate is required for fungal growth and
subsequent toxin production , although the precise factor(s) that initiates toxin formation
is not well understood . Water stress , high-temperature stress , and insect damage of the
host plant are major determinig factors in mold infestation and toxin production . Similarly
, specific crop growth stages, poor fertility , high crop densities, and weed competition
have been associated with increased mold growth and toxin production. Aflatoxin
formation is also affected by associated growth of other molds or microbes . For example,
preharvest aflatoxin contamination of peanuts and corn is favored by high temperatures,
prolonged drought conditions, and high insect activity; while postharvest production of
aflatoxins on corn and peanuts is favored by warm temperatures and high humidity.
Aflatoxicosis and Animal Health

Aflatoxicosis is primarily a hepatic disease . The susceptibility of individual animals to
aflatoxins varies considerably depending on species, age, sex, and nutrition . In fact,
aflatoxins cause liver damage, decreased milk and egg production, recurrent infection as
a result of immunity suppression (eg. salmonellosis), in addition to embryo toxicity in
animals consuming low dietary concentrations. While the young of a species are most
susceptible, all ages are affected but in different degrees for different species. Clinical
signs of aflatoxicosis in animals include gastrointestinal dysfunction, reduced
reproductivity, reduced feed utilization and efficiency , anemia, and jaundice. Nursing
animals may be affected as a result of the conversion of aflatoxin B1 to the metabolite
aflatoxin M1 excreted in milk of dairy cattle.
The induction of cancer by aflatoxins has been extensively studied. Aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin
M1, and aflatoxin G1 have been shown to cause various types of cancer in different
animal species. However, only aflatoxin B1 is considered by the International Agency
for Research on Cancer (IARC) as having produced sufficient evidence of
carcinogenicity in experimental animals to be identified as a carcinogen.

Aflatoxins and Human Health

Humans are exposed to aflatoxins by consuming foods contaminated with products of
fungal growth . Such exposure is difficult to avoid because fungal growth in foods is not
easy to prevent . Even though heavily contaminated food supplies are not permitted in the
market place in developed countries, concern still remains for the possible adverse
effects resulting from long-term exposure to low levels of aflatoxins in the food supply .
Evidence of acute aflatoxicosis in humans has been reported from many parts of the
world , namely the Third World Countries, like Taiwan, Ouganda, India, and many others .
The syndrome is characterized by vomiting, abdominal pain, pulmonary edema,
convulsions, coma, and death with cerebral edema and fatty involvment of the liver ,
kidneys , and heart.
Conditions increasing the likelihood of acute aflatoxicosis in humans include limited
availability of food, environmental conditions that favor fungal development in crops and
commodities, and lack of regulatory systems for aflatoxin monitoring and control.
Because aflatoxins, especially aflatoxin B1, are potent carcinogens in some animals,
there is interest in the effects of long-term exposure to low levels of these important
mycotoxins on humans . In 1988, the IARC placed aflatoxin B1 on the list of human
carcinogens. This is supported by a number of epidemiological studies done in Asia and
Africa that have demonstrated a positive association between dietary aflatoxins and
Liver Cell Cancer (LCC) . Additionally , the expression of aflatoxin-related diseases in
humans may be influenced by factors such as age, sex, nutritional status, and/or
concurrent exposure to other causative agents such as viral hepatitis (HBV) or parasite
infestation.
Recent Methods of Analysis for Aflatoxins in Foods and Feeds

Sampling and Sample Preparation :
Sampling and sample preparation remain a considerable source of error in the
analytical identification of aflatoxins. Thus, systematic approaches to sampling,
sample preparation, and analysis are absolutely necessary to determine aflatoxins
at the parts-per-billion level . In this regard, specific plans have been developed and
tested rigorously for some commodities such as corn, peanuts, and tree nuts;
sampling plans for some other commodities have been modeled after them. A
common feature of all sampling plans is that the entire primary sample must be
ground and mixed so that the analytical test portion has the same concentration of
toxin as the original sample.
Solid-Phase Extraction :
All analytical procedures include three steps: extraction, purification, and
determination. The most significant recent improvement in the purification step is
the use of solid-phase extraction.
Test extracts are cleaned up before instrumental analysis(thin layer or liquid
chromatography) to remove coextracted materials that often interfere with the
determination of target analytes.
Thin-Layer Chromatography :
Thin layer chromatography (TLC) , also known as flat bed chromatography or
planar chromatography is one of the most widely used separation techniques in
aflatoxin analysis. Since 1990, it has been considered the AOAC official method
and the method of choice to identify and quantitate aflatoxins at levels as low as 1
ng/g. The TLC method is also used to verify findings by newer, more rapid
techniques .
Liquid Chromatography :
Liquid chromatography (LC) is similar to TLC in many respects, including analyte
application, stationary phase, and mobile phase. Liguid chromatography and TLC
complement each other. For an analyst to use TLC for preliminary work to optimize
LC separation conditions is not unusual.
Liquid chromatography methods for the determination of aflatoxins in foods include
normal-phase LC (NPLC), reversed-phase LC (RPLC) with pre- or before-column
derivatization (BCD), RPLC followed by postcolumn derivatization (PCD), and
RPLC with electrochemical detection.
Immunochemical Methods :
Thin layer chromatography and LC methods for determining aflatoxins in food are
laborious and time consuming . Often, these techniques require knowledge and
experience of chromatographic techniques to solve sepatation and and interference
problems. Through advances in biotechnology, highly specific antibody-based tests
are now commercially available that can identify and measure aflatoxins in food in
less than 10 minutes. These tests are based on the affinities of the monoclonal or
polyclonal antibodies for aflatoxins. The three types of immunochemical methods
are radioimmunoassay (RIA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and
immunoaffinity column assay (ICA).
Confirmation of Identities of the Aflatoxins :

Although analytical methods might consist of different extraction, clean-up, and
quantitation steps, the results of the analyses by such methods should be similar
when the methods are applied properly. Since the reliability of the quantitative data
is not in question, the problem still to be solved is the confirmation of identity of the
aflatoxins. The confirmation techniques used involve either chemical derivatization
or mass spectrometry (MS).
Safety Issues in Handling Moldy Grains and Aflatoxins :

Safety is a key issue for scientists working in the aflatoxin area. Steps must be
taken to minimize exposure to the toxins as well as to the producing
microorganisms, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. A safety
program should be established that meets the requirements of the Laboratory
Standard of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (1990) and the
guidelines of the National Institutes of Health (1981) covering use of chemical
carcinogens .
Monitoring Techniques for Assessing Human Exposure to

Aflatoxins
In the last few years, new technologies have been developed that more accurately
monitor individual exposures to aflatoxins. Particular attention has been paid to the
analysis of aflatoxin DNA adducts and albumin adducts as surrogates for genotoxicity in
people. Autrup et al.(1983) pioneered the use of synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy
for the measurement of aflatoxin DNA adducts in urine. Urine samples collected after
exposure to alfatoxins were found to contain
2,3-dihydroxy-2-(N7-guanyl)-3-hydroxyaflatoxin B1, trivially known as AFB-Gual . Wild et
al.(1986) used highly sensitive immunoassays to quantitate aflatoxins in human body
fluids. An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantitate aflatoxin
B1 over the range of 0.01 ng /ml to 10 ng/ml , and was validated in human urine samples.
Using this method, aflatoxin-DNA adduct excretion into urine was found to be positively
correlated with dietary intake, and the major aflatoxin B1-DNA adduct excreted in urine
was shown to be an appropriate dosimeter for monitoring aflatoxin dietary exposure.
Control and Management of Aflatoxins

A- Regulatory Control :
Aflatoxins are considered unavoidable contaminants of food and feed, even where good
manufacturing practices have been followed. The FDA has established specific guidelines
on acceptable levels of aflatoxins in human food and animal feed by establishing action
levels that allow for the removal of violative lots from commerce. The action level for
human food is 20 ppb total aflatoxins, with the exception of milk which has an action level
of 0.5 ppb for aflatoxin M1. The action level for most feeds is also 20 ppb. However, it is
very difficult to accurately estimate aflatoxins concentration in a large quantity of material
because of the variability associated with testing procedures; hence, the true aflatoxin
concentration in a lot cannot be determined with 100% certainty.
B- Detoxification Strategies :
Because aflatoxin contamination is unavoidable, numerous strategies for their
detoxification have been proposed. These include physical methods of separation,
thermal inactivation, irradiation, solvent extraction, adsorption from solution, microbial
inactivation, and fermentation. Chemical methods of detoxification are also practiced as a
major strategy for effective detoxification :
Structural Degradation Following Chemical Treatment :
A diverse group of chemicals has been tested for the ability to degrade and
inactivate aflatoxins. A number of these chemicals can react to destroy (or degrade)
aflatoxins effectively but most are impractical or potentially unsafe because of the
formation of toxic residues or the perturbation of nutrient content and the
organoleptic properties of the product. Two chemical approaches to the
detoxification of aflatoxins that have received considerable attention are
ammoniation and reaction with sodium bisulfite.
Many studies provide evidence that chemical treatment via ammoniation may
provide an effective method to detoxify aflatoxin-contaminated corn and other
commodities. The mechanism for this action appears to involve hydrolysis of the
lactone ring and chemical conversion of the parent compound aflatoxin B1 to
numerous products that exhibit greatly decreased toxicity.
On the other hand, sodium bisulfite has been shown to react with aflatoxins (B1, G1
, and M1) under various conditions of temperature, concentration, and time to form
water-soluble products.
Modification of Toxicity by Dietary Chemicals :
The toxicity of mycotoxins may be strongly influenced by dietary chemicals that alter
the normal responses of mammalian systems to these substances. A variable array
of chemical factors, including nutritional components (e.g. dietary protein and fat,
vitamins, and trace elements), food and feed additives (e.g. antibiotics and
preservatives), as well as other chemical factors may interact with the effects of
aflatoxins in animals.
Alteration of Bioavailability by Aflatoxin chemisorbents :
A new approach to the detoxification of aflatoxins is the addition of inorganic
sorbent materials, known as chemisorbents, such as hydrated sodium calcium
aluminosilicate (HSCAS) to the diet of animals. HSCAS possesses the ability to
tightly bind and immobilize aflatoxins in the gastrointestinal tract of animals,
resulting in a major reduction in aflatoxin bioavailability.

Economic Impact of Aflatoxins

The economic impact of aflatoxins derive directly from crop and livestock losses as well
as indirectly from the cost of regulatory programs designed to reduce risks to animal and
human health. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 25% of the
world's food crops are affected by mycotoxins, of which the most notorious are aflatoxins.
Aflatoxin losses to livestock and poultry producers from aflatoxin-contaminated feeds
include death and the more subtle effects of immune system suppression, reduced
growth rates, and losses in feed efficiency. Other adverse economic effects of aflatoxins
include lower yields for food and fiber crops .
In addition, the abilitiy of aflatoxins to cause cancer and related diseases in humans given
their seemingly unavoidable occurrence in foods and feeds make the prevention and
detoxification of these mycotoxins one of the most challenging toxicology issues of
present time.
References
1. Anon.1989.Mycotoxins , Economic and Health Risks.Council for Agricultural
science and Technology, Report No.116 pp91.
2. Eaton,D.L. and Groopman,J.D.1994.The Toxicology of Aflatoxins. Academic
Press, New York.pp383-426.
3. Finley,J.W.,Robinson,S.F. and Armstrong ,D.J.1992.Food Safety Assessment.
American Chemical Society,Washington ,D.C. pp261-275.
4. Goldbatt, L.A.1969.Aflatoxin.Academic Press,New York. pp1-40.
5. Heathcote,J.G. and Hibbert,J.R. 1978. Aflatoxins : Chemical and biological

aspect. Elsevier, New York.pp.173-186.
6. Liener,I.E.1969.Toxin constituents of plant foodstuffs. Academic Press , New
york.pp392-394.
7. Wyllie,T.D. and Morchause,L.G. 1978.Mycotoxin Fungi, Mycotoxins,
Mycotoxicoses-An Encyclopedic Handbook.Vols.1,2, and 3.Marcel
Dekker,Inc.New york.
This series of web pages was created by Nabil Saad, an undergraduate student at Cornell
Trichothecene
Trichothecenes
Trichothecenes are produced by several common molds including species in the genera
Acremonium (Cephalosporium), Cylindrocarpon, Dendrodochium, Myrothecium,
Trichoderma, Trichothecium, and most numerously in Fusarium. Trichothecenes are
composed of a tetracyclic sesquiterpene skeleton containing a six-membered oxane ring,
a stable epoxide group in positions 12 and 13 and a 9,10 olefinic bond. They have been
classified into four groups. Fusarium spp. contain several well known trichothecenes
including two highly toxic members of group A, diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) and T-2 toxin,
and toxins in group B including deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol. DON is the most
common but leat toxic of these. Trichothecenes are strong inhibitors of protein synthesis
in mammalian cells. However, DOM received its common name, vomitoxin, from the
vomiting that generally accompanies trichothecene poisoning. (D'Mello, et.al., 1991)
DON resulted in feed refusal in swine. In lambs, consumption of a wheat diet containing
DON at 15.6 mg/kg of BW for 28 d did not alter feed consumption, weight gain, or feed
efficiency. Oral administration of DON showed that it was rapidly passed essentially
unchanged (95%) and excreted primarily in urine. Incubation of DON with ruminal
microorganisms in vitro for 48 h resulted in partial conversion to deepoxy DON. These
results indicate that the impact of DON on ruminants is lower than initially suspected.
DON caused no organ damages to animals. Extremely low amounts of DON(<4ng/ml)
were transmitted to milk after a single oral dose of 920 mg to a dairy cow. (Diekman and
Green, 1992)
The FDA issued an "advisory" to federal and state officials recommending a level of
concern for DON of 2 micrograms of DON/ gm for wheat entering the milling process, 1
microgram/ gm in finished wheat products for human consumption, and 4 microgram/ gm
for wheat and wheat milling by-products used in animal feed. (Wood, 1992)
References
Cheeke, P.R., (1995) Endogenous Toxins and Mycotoxins in Forage Grasses and Their
Chu, S.F., (1992) Recent Progress on Analytical Techniques for Mycotoxins in
Feedstuffs. J. Anim. Sci. 70:3950-3963.
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Trichothecene
Diekman, M.A. and Green, M.L., (1992) Mycotoxins and Reproduction in Domestic
Flannigan, Brian, (1991) Mycotoxins (Chap. 10). In: Toxic Substances in Crop Plants. The
Royal Society of Chemists.pp226-257.
Price, W.D., Lovell, R.A. and McChesney, D.G., (1993) Naturally Occurring Toxins in
Feedstuffs: Center for Veterinary Medicine Perspective. J. Anim. Sci. 71:2556-2562.
Richard, J.L., Bennett, G.A., Ross, P.F. and Nelson, P.E., (1993) Analysis of Naturally
Occurring Mycotoxins in Feedstuffs and Food. J. Anim. Sci. 71:2563-2574.
Spainhour, C.B. and Posey, D. (1992) Mycotoxins: A Silent Enemy. Large Animal
Wood, G.E., (1992) Mycotoxins in Foods and Feeds in the United States. J. Anim. Sci.
70:3941-3949.
Wren, G., (1994) Blaming Mycotoxins Can Be A Risky Venture. Bovine Veterinarian. Nov.
Page 4 -10.
More information on FDA recommendationsThe poisonous plant database
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Zearalenone
Zearalenone
Mycotoxins produced by Fusarium spp. are of two general types: 1) the nonestrogenic
trichothecenes, including DON, nivalenol, T-2 toxin, and diacetoxyscripenol, and 2) the
mycoestrogens, including Zearalenone (ZEN) and zearalenol . Zearalenone and
zearalenol are both estrogenic resorcylic acid lactone compounds produced by the fungi
Fusarium spp. (Diekman and Green, 1992)
Despite their structural dissimilarity to the steriodal estrogens, ZEN and several of its
derivatives possess estrogenic activity. ZEN undergoes a folding such that hydroxyl or
potential hydroxyl groups become appropriately orientated to facilitate binding to tissue
receptors that normally bind estrogens. Similar binding affinities for ZEN have been
determined for the estrogen receptor in sheep and calf uterus.(Diekman and Green,
1992)
Poultry show little reaction to ZEN ingestion. However, swine are strongly affected with
symptoms in prepubertal gilts including enlarged mammae, swelling of uterus and vulva,
and atrophy of the ovaries. In severe cases, prolapse of the vulva and rectum may occur.
Boars exhibit enlarge mammae and atrophied testes.(Flannigan, 1991)
Although cattle are not as sensitive to ZEN as swine, a few experiments have been done
to determine whether ZEN affects performance of cattle. Infertility, reduced milk
production, and hyperestrogenism in cows have been reported in association with ZEN.
Hay containing 14 ppm of ZEN caused infertility in cattle. Holstein cows that consumed
25 to 200 ppm of ZEN for 42 consecutive days exhibited swollen and hyperemic external
genitalia but had estrous cycles of normal lengths and normal ovulations. Enlarged
mammary glands that exhibited secretory activity were reported in prepubertal heifers that
consumed moldy corn with ZEN. Dairy cattle fed a ration that contained 385 to 1925 ppb
of ZEN for 7 weeks had normal milk productin. No ZEN residues were found in milk,
urine, serum or tissues. Corn that contained 500 ppb of ZEN had no effect on milk or
butterfat production. (Diekman and Green, 1992)
Virgin dairy heifers fed 250mg of purified ZEN for three estrous cycles had an average
conception rate of 62%, compared with 87% in control heifers. Nonlactating, nonpregnant
dairy cows given 500 mg of ZEN daily for two estrous cycles had normal serum
concentration of progesterone, normal mating behavior, and normal genital tracts.
In vivo studies have revealed that ZEN is rapidly metabolized in animals and humans and
eliminated mainly as water-soluble glucuronsides. Free and conjugated froms of ZEN
have been found in the milk of lactating cows under experimental conditions. That high
oral doses of the toxin are required to elicit such a response indicates that consumption of
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Zearalenone
contaminated feed by dairy cows would not result in a health hazard to humans.(Wood,
1992)
References
Cheeke, P.R., (1995) Endogenous Toxins and Mycotoxinz in Forage Grasses and Their
Chu, S.F., (1992) Recent Progress on Analytical Techniques for Mycotoxins in
Feedstuffs. J. Anim. Sci. 70:3950-3963.
Diekman, M.A. and Green, M.L., (1992) Mycotoxins and Reproduction in Domestic
Flannigan, Brian, (1991) Mycotoxins (Chap. 10). In: Toxic Substances in Crop Plants. The
Royal Society of Chemists.pp226-257.
Price, W.D., Lovell, R.A. and McChesney, D.G., (1993) Naturally Occurring Toxins in
Feedstuffs: Center for Veterinary Medicine Perspective. J. Anim. Sci. 71:2556-2562.
Richard, J.L., Bennett, G.A., Ross, P.F. and Nelson, P.E., (1993) Analysis of Naturally
Occurring Mycotoxins in Feedstuffs an Food. J. Anim. Sci. 71:2563-2574.
Spainhour, C.B. and Posey, D. (1992) Mycotoxins: A Slient Enemy. Large Animal
Wood, G.E., (1992) Mycotoxins in Foods and Feeds in the United States. J. Anim. Sci.
70:3941-3949.
Wren, G., (1994) Blaming Mycotoxins Can Be A Risky Venture. Bovine Veterinarian. Nov.
Page 4 -10.
Zearalenone
More Information on FDA Recommendations The poisonous plant database
Phenolic Compounds
Phenolic Compounds
In ruminant animals, the release of phenolic monomers during microbial degradation of

high fiber diets may inhibit the growth rate of certain bacteria and decrease cellulose
digestion.
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Tannins
Tannins: fascinating but

sometimes dangerous
molecules
Welcome to the Tannin home page. We offer a variety
of information on tannins including, but not limited to,
their biosynthesis, chemical structures, toxicology,
positive effects, chemical analysis....
Tannins are naturally occurring plant polyphenols. Their main characteristic is that they
bind and precipitate proteins. They can have a large influence on the nutritive value of
many foods eaten by humans and feedstuff eaten by animals. Tannins are common in
fruits (grapes, persimmon, blueberry...), in tea, in chocolate, in legume forages (trefoil..),
in legume trees (Acacia spp., Sesbania spp., ...), in grasses (sorghum, corn ...).
Tannins contribute to many aspects of our daily lives. They are responsible for the
astringent taste we experience when we partake of wine or unripe fruits, and for the
enchanting colors seen in flowers and in autumn leaves.
For more information on tannins explore
the following topics:
Definition
Occurrence
Biosynthesis
Chemical structure
Interaction with other

macromolecules
Nutritional effects:
Toxic and antinutritional effects
Positive effects
Chemical analysis
References
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Tannins

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Thiaminases
THIAMINASES
Thiaminases are enzmyes found in a few plants and the raw flesh and viscera of
certain fish and shellfish. When ingested these enzymes split thiamin (Vitamin B1),
an important compound in energy metabolism, and render it inactive. The following
pages detail how thiaminases work metabolically, where they are found, and the
effect their ingestion can have and livestock and humans.
Index
On overview of thiamin metabolism
Thiaminases - definition and mechanisms of action
Signs/symptoms of thiamin deficiency in:

Non-ruminants (including humans)
Ruminants
Sources of thiaminase:
Bracken fern (Pteridum aquilinum)
Horsetails (Equisetum arvense)
Other sources
Nardoo (Marsilea drummondii)

Fish and shellfish
Rock fern (Cheilanthes sieberi)
Kochia (Kochia scoparia)
Bacteria
Treatment of thiaminase poisoning
A story of Australian explorers, or why you should cook your ferns.
Other toxicology pages:

Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System.
An Overview of Thiamin Metabolism

This is thiamin:
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Thiaminases
This is what thiamin does:

The active form of thiamin - thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP) works as a coenzyme in
the following important reactions:
1. The conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA catalyzed by pyruvate
dehydrogenase.
2. The conversion of alpha-ketogluterate to succinyl-CoA in the TCA cycle
catalyzed by alpha-ketogluterate dehydrogenase.
3. The conversion of branched-chain alpha-keto acids to acyl-CoA's catalyzed
by branched-chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase.
4. The transfer of a 2C fragment from alpha-keto sugars to aldose acceptors in
the pentose-phosphate shunt catalyzed by transketolase.
It should be obvious from the above that thiamin is an essential component of
energy metablosim. Without sufficient thiamin, animals have impired pyruvate
utilization, causing increased plasma pyruvate levels and a shortage of cellular
ATP. Thiamin deficient animals also have below normal transketolase activity, and
therefore a good test of thiamin status is to test the amount of erythrocyte
transketolase activity an animal exhibits. Because thiamin is so essential to energy
utilization, general signs of thiamin deficiency include weight loss, impaired feed
utilization, and weakness. More defieciency signs are detailed in the pages under
Signs/Symptoms of Thiamin Deficiency.
Some thiamin is also used to form thiamin triphosphate which is thought to have a
function in brain cell viability, though its exact role is still unclear.
Natural sources of thiamin include yeasts, meats (especially pork liver), and whole
cereal grains. Unfortunately, processing of grains greatly reduces their thiamin
content. Thiamin is absorbed through the intestinal wall by both passive diffusion
and active, carrier-mediated transport depending on the concentration present.
Active transport is highest in the jejunum and ileum, therefore lower gut fermentors
that are not corprophagous absorb little of the thiamin produced by intestinal
microflora. Ruminants generally have their thiamin needs met by the thiamin
production of the rumen microflora. Once absorbed, thiamin is transported in the
Thiaminases
serum chiefly bound to albumin.

Back to Index
Thiaminases - Definition and Mechanism of Action

Thiaminases are enzymes that cleave the thiamin molecule and render it
biologically inactive. Generally there are two types of thiaminases:
Type I - the most common form, this type is found in fish, shellfish, ferns and
some bacteria. It acts by displacing the pyrimidine methylene group with a
nitrogenous base or SH-compound to eliminate the thiazole ring.
Type II - found in certain bacteria, this type acts through th hydrolytic cleavag
of the methylene-thiazole-N bond to yield pyrimidine and thiamin moieties.
Both types of thiaminase require a cosubstrate - usually an amine or

sulfahydryl-containing compound such as proline or cysteine. Once the
thiamin molecule is cleaved by a thiaminase the body is incapable of restoring
it. Thus, the ingestion of significant amounts of thiaminases can induce
thiamin deficiency even though there may be a sufficient amount of thiamin in
the diet.
Thiaminases are denatured by heat, therefore subjecting any of the sources
of thiaminases to cooking or other heat treatment will render the thiaminases
inactive.
Back to Index
Thiaminases
Signs of thiamin deficiency in non-ruminants.

Because they are unable to fully utilize the energy in their diet,
thiamin-deficient non-ruminants will exhibit severe anorexia which will, of
course, be accompanied by weight loss and weakness. Such animals will also
typically show neurological disfunction to a greater or lesser degree including
ataxia and convulsions. Some species, especially birds, will exihibit
opisthotonus - a retraction of the head sometimes referred to as "star-gazing".
Thiamin deficiency will also cause cardiac disfunction in some species.
Symptoms of this include cardiac enlargement and a slowed heart rate.
Further heart failure can lead to severe cases of edema.
The following photo shows cardiac enlargement in a pig. On the left is the
heart of a normal pig, the heart on the right is of a thiamin-deficient pig.
In humans thiamin deficiency leads to a disease termed "beri-beri". Symptoms

of beri-beri are basically the same as thiamin deficiency in other
non-ruminants - anorexia, cardiac enlargement, and muscular weakness
leading to ataxia. However, the disease has been divided into the following
two forms:
Dry beri-beri - usually without cardiac involvement, this form of the
disease is typified by atrophy of the legs and peripheral neuritis. It
occurs mainly in adults.
Wet beri-beri - the primary sign of this form of the disease is cardiac
enlargement and edema.
Back to Index
Thiaminases
Signs/Symptoms of thiamin deficiency in ruminants

Thiamin deficiency in ruminants manifests itself as polioencephalomalacia.
Signs of polioencephalomalacia include disorientation and wandering,
blindness and opishotonus or retraction of the head. The brain of infected
animals becomes inflamed and edematous. Ruminants will also show
symptoms as seen in other animals - anorexia, poor feed utilization and
weakness.
Normally ruminants are fairly resistant to thiamin deficiency since rumen
microbes provide the animal with sufficient amounts of thiamin. However, the
ingestion of thiaminases will lead to polioencephalomalacia. Additionally,
young growing ruminants, especially cattle and sheep, fed high-grain diets are
especially susceptable. Diets high in grains can encourage the growth of
certain thiaminase-producing bacteria in the rumen. These bacteria, including
Clostridium sporogenes and a few species of Bascillus can produce enough
thiaminases to induce thiamin deficiency.
A sheep with polioencehpalomalacia:
Back to Index
Bracken Fern (Pteridum aquilinum)
Thiaminases
Bracken fern is widespread in humid temperate areas including the North

American West Coast, Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. The
highest thiaminase activity is in the rhizomes, but all areas of the plant contain
some thiaminase and show seasonal variability as follows:
The most common instances of braken poisoning in livestock occur during

one of the following scenarios:
1. In the spring - when bracken fern is one of the first plants to emerge and
therefore potentially a major component of the pasture.
2. In animals kept on very lush pastures that may select bracken fern for
its fiber content.
3. Bracken fern contamination in hay.
4. In fields where plowing has exposed the rhizomes.
5. Bracken fern used as bedding.
Non-ruminants consuming significant amounts of bracken fern in their diet will
Thiaminases
exhibit signs of thiamin deficiency. Horses fed hay with greater than twenty
percent bracken fern will begin to be symptomatic within a month.
Back to Index
Horsetails (Equisetum arvense)
Horsetails are widespread in moist areas of the United States and Canada
and contian significant thiamin activity. The most common instance of
thiamase poisoning resulting from horsetails is the contamination of hay with
horsetails. A horse consuming hay containing twenty percent or more of
horsetail plants will show signs of thiamin deficiency in two to five weeks
Thiaminases
Back to Index
Thiaminases
Other sources
Nardoo (Marsilea drummondii)

Nardoo is an Australian fern that can contain thiaminase activity up to one
hundred times that of bracken fern. Nardoo will often grow in areas that have
recently flooded, and is responsible for a large number of cases of thiamin
deficiency and death in sheep in Australia and New Zealand.
Fish and Shellfish

Thiaminases are present in the viscera of certain raw fishes and shellfishes,
especially carp. Humans, even sushi lovers, rarely eat enough raw fish in their
diet to constitute a problem. However, thiaminase induced thiamin deficiency
has been seen in mink and foxes fed large amounts of raw fish in their diet.
Termed Chastek's paralysis, after the fox farmer who first documented the
disease, thiamin deficiency in these animals follows the same path as outlined
above.
Rock Fern (Cheilanthes sieberi)

Another Austrialian fern, found mainly on the coast, rock fern also has a high
level of thiaminase activity.
Kochia (Kochia scoparia)

Kochia, also termed summer cypress and fireweed grows mainly in desert
regions of the south-western United States. Ruminants grazing on kochia
have developed polioencephalomalacia, however it is unclear whether this
effect is due to the presence of a thiaminase or a hepatotoxin which interferes
with thiamin utilization. Infected animals also exhibit liver necrosis, which
suggests a hepatotoxin as the main factor in kochia poisoning. If a thiaminase
exists, it is probably not a dominant factor.
Bacteria
As stated in the page on thiamin deficiency in ruminants, it is known that
certain species of bacteria are capable of producinging thiaminases.
Clostrridium sporogenes and a few species of Bascillus are thought to be the
main culprits. If these species dominate in the rumen environment, thiamin
Thiaminases
deficiency can result. Feeding high grain diets favors the growth of these
species, and young ruminants, age two to seven months, are at greatest risk.
Back to Index
Treatment of Thiaminase Poisoning

Animals suffering from thiamin deficiency due to the ingestion of thiaminases
generally respond very well to treatment if caught early. Intra-muscular of
injections of thiamin, and removing the source of the thiaminase from the
animal's diet, are usually sufficient to bring around full recovery. Doses of
100-500 mg of thiamin for sheep and 200-500 mg for calves, depending on
body weight are sufficient.
Back to Index
The story of Australian explorers, or why you should

cook your ferns.
Okay, so legend has it, and so does Moorehead's book Cooper's Creek
(1963), that a couple of Australian explorers, Robert Burke and Willliam Wills,
died in 1861 from thiaminase poisoning. They were wandering around the
Australian continent, doing what explorers do, and their supply of pork which
was their main source of thiamin ran out. So what did these guys start
feasting on? Nardoo, of course. Now, if they had watched the Aborigines they
would have known that one does not eat nardoo without cooking it first. But,
being typical explorers, and thus thinking that they were smarter than the
indigenous people that had lived on the continent for thousands of years,
Burke and Wills ate their nardoo raw. They began complaining in their
journals of increasing weakness and starvation, but "not so much from
absulute want of food" because, Wills wrote, "I have a good appetite and
relish the nardoo much but it seems to give us no nutriment." What they were
suffering from then, was thiamin deficiency. Coupling a low-thiamin diet with a
large intake of thiaminases from the nardoo, Burke and Wills developed
beri-beri. They complained not only of weakness, but of edema too, and
sensitivity to cold. They died.
Thiaminases
The moral of the story? Cook your ferns before you eat them, and maybe
throw a little pork in your diet too.
Back to Top
Return to:
PLANT LECTINS
PLANT LECTINS
INTRODUCTION
LECTINS IN FOODS
FUNCTIONS OF LECTINS
LECTINS STRUCTURE
LECTINS IN PLANT TISSUES
TOXICITY OF LECTINS
DETOXIFICATION
LECTINS AND CANCER
INTRODUCTION
The high toxicity of

castor
beans was recognized during the last century when the extract was found to agglutinate a
suspension of erythrocytes of different animal species. Since then, lectins were studied
and extracted from plants, including fungus and lichens, as well as in animals.
Lectins are glycoproteins of 60,000-100,000 MW that are known for their ability to
agglutinate (clump) erythrocytes in vitro. There are over 400,000 estimated binding sites
for kidney bean agglutinin on the surface of each erythrocytes. Lectins are found in most
types of beans, including soybeans. Reduced growth, diarrhea, and interference with
nutrient absorption are caused by this class of toxicants. Different lectins have different
levels of toxicity, though not all lectins are toxic, though no all are toxins. The bright
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PLANT LECTINS
scarlet seeds of precatory bean
Abrus precatorius contain the

highly toxic glycoprotein, abrin. Less toxic lectins can be fatal if ingested in high amounts.
Some of such lectins is concanavalin A from Concanavalia ensiformis (jack bean). Others
may exhibit no hemagglutinating activity as in the case of ricin from castor bean and yet it
is one of the most toxic substances.
The terms phytohemagglutinins, phytagglutinins, and lectins are used interchangeably.
Lectins-containing plants have been found in many botanical groups including mono- and
dicotyledons, molds and lichens, but most frequently they have been detected in
Leguminoseae and Euphorbiaceae. They may exist in various tissues of the same plant
and have different cellular localizations and molecular properties.
Lectins interaction with certain carbohydrate is very specific. This interaction is as specific
as the enzyme-substrate, or antigen-antibody interactions. Lectins may bind with free
sugar or with sugar residues of polysaccharides, glycoproteins, or glycolipids which can
be free or bound (as in cell membranes). The term lectin refers to the specificity of the
reaction (legere = to choose).
One of the major interest in this class of glycoproteins is the therapeutic use against
HIV-1. Jacalin, a plant lectin, is found to completely block human immunodeficiency virus
type 1 in vitro infection of lymphoid cells. This activity of the jacalin is attributed to its
ability to specifically induce the proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes in human.
PLANT LECTINS
LECTINS IN FOODS
The ability to agglutinate human erythrocytes or representatives of human indigenous
microflora was detected in 29 of 88 food items. Many foods contained substantial
amounts of agglutinating activity, and lectins extracts could be diluted several folds and
still produce agglutination. Great variation was observed in agglutination activity in the
same food item purchased from different stores or from the same store on different days.
Sometimes a food that possessed substantial activity on one day was found to have little
or even no activity on other day.
PLANT LECTINS
A survey of the fresh and

processed foods found lectins in about 30% of the food stuffs tested, including such
common foods as salad, fruits, spices, dry cereals, and roasted nuts. However, dry heat
may not completely destroy lectin activity. Hemagglutinating activity is found in the
processed wheatgerm, peanuts, and dry cereals. Several lectins are resistant to
proteolytic digestion e.g., wheatgerm agglutinin, tomato, lectin, and navy bean lectin.
FUNCTIONS OF LECTINS
Not much is known about the functions of lectins in the organism they are formed. There
is evidence that lectins may be involve in the recognition between cells or cells and
various carbohydrate- containing molecules. This suggests that they may be involved in
the regulating physiological functions. They seem to play an important role in the defence
mechanisms of plants against the attack of microorganisms, pests, and insects. Fungal
infection or wounding of the plant seems to increase lectins. In legumes, the role of
lectins in the recognition of nitrogen-fixing bacteria Rhizobium genus, which have
sugar-containing substances, has received a special attention.
Binding Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria to legume Roots: among the possible functions of plant
lectins is their participation in binding nitrogen-fixing bacteria to legume roots. In this
reaction bacteria of the genus Rhizobium adhere to the surface of differentiated roots
PLANT LECTINS
cells and are then internalized into the root hair to form nitrogen-fixing nodules. The
symbiosis is specific in that certain species of Rhizobium can only associate with a
particular species of legume. Such observations were made from the studies that were
done on soybean Rhizobium japonicum and the clover Rhizobium trifolii. Other functions
of lectins in plants may include:
Enzymes (but unknown substrate)
Storage of proteins
Defense mechanism
Cell wall extension
Mitogenic stimulation
Transport of carbohydrates
Packaging and/or mobilization of storage materials
LECTINS STRUCTURE
One major property of lectins is their specific saccharide- binding sites. Some lectins are
composed of subunits with different binding sites. These include the lectin from the red
kidney bean, Phaseolus vulgaris. It is composed of two different subunits combined into
five different forms of noncovalently bound tetramers. Since subunits have very different
specificities for cell surface receptors, each combination is considered to have a different
function. The specificity of the binding sites of the lectins suggest that there are
endogenous saccharide receptors in the tissues from which they are derived or on other
cells or glycoconjugates with which the lectin is specialized to interact.
Metal Binding Sites
Biological activity of the lectins may be attributed to the metal ions which are the essential
part of the native structure of most leguminous lectins. The most studies and fully
sequenced lectin is concanavalin A. The metal binding sites of the concanavalin A are
situated in the amino terminal part of the polypeptide chain. In this lectin, each subunit
has aspartic 10 and 19, asparagine 14, histidine 24, serine 34, glutamic acid 8, and
tyrosine 12 that are involved in the binding to one calcium and one magnesium ion.
Lectins of soybean, peas, faba bean, lentils, and sainfoin have amino acids that are
involved in metal binding, which are conserved. The exception is of the tyrosine residue
at position 12 of concanavalin A which is replaced with by phenylalanine in the other
legume lectins.
Hydrophobic Sites
The stability of the native structure of most lectins is thought to be caused by the
hydrophobic interactions. Such hydrophobic sites, forming cavities in the lectins structure,
may play an important biological role. The hydrophobic binding sites of auxins, or
PLANT LECTINS
cytokinin and adenine, for instance, by concanavalin A may enhance the functions of
lectins on the plant life cycle.
Glycosylation Sites
Despite the generalization that most lectins are considered glycoproteins, concanavalin
A, lentils lectin, and wheatgerm agglutinin contain no covalently attached carbohydrates.
However, non-glycoprotein lectins are believed to be synthesized as glycosylated
precursors. This is supported by the following observation:
1. 1) pro-concanavalin A is an inactive glycoprotein from which the glycosidic side
chain is removed during post-translational processing.
2. 2) Non-glycoprotein wheatgerm agglutinin molecules are produced by removing a
carboxyl terminal glycopeptide from the glycosylated precursor during
post-translational processing.
All glycoprotein lectins contain a peptide sequence: asparagine- X-threonine/serine,
which is characteristic of glycosylation sites. These sequences are different in the
non-glycoprotein lectins. Also, peptide sequences, which in one glycoprotein lectin
contain the glycosidic side-chains, are not necessarily conserved in another glycoprotein
lectin. This may suggest that the biological activity of the lectins may not be determined
by carbohydrate part of their structure.
Carbohydrate Binding Sites
sugar-binding specificity. A sequence participating in

Lectins differ markedly in their
carbohydrate-binding site of concanavalin A, for instance, are poorly conserved in other
lectins.
Three Dimensional Structure
PLANT LECTINS
The
three dimensional
structures of lectins can be used to show the structural similarities and homologies of
legume lectins. When the secondary structure of Vicieae lectins, for instance, is
compared with those
PLANT LECTINS
concanavalin A, an identical or
homologous B- turn structures are found in these lectins. Hydropathic profiles of two
chains and single-chain lectins are superimposed, and concanavalin A has three domains
that appear in some two-chain lectins of Vicieae.
The two-chain and single-chain legume lectins exhibit high homology in the primary
sequences and three-dimensional structures. Therefore evolution seems to have imposed
only slight modification in the genetic coding for these lectins. This fact suggests the
possibility of using lectins as an acceptable phylogenetic markers.
LECTINS IN PLANT TISSUES

Lectins in soybean plant are different from those in seeds. Dolichos bifluorus's lectins
were studies in both the leaves and seeds. Lectins found to be produced with low level
and constant for the period between 2-8 weeks after germination, then increased several
folds in the next ten weeks. At this time extracts of stems and leaves contain several
nanograms of lectin- like material per microgram of nitrogen, whereas mature seeds have
about 1000 ng lectin per microgram. It is notable that in developing seeds the amount of
lectin rises very abruptly. It is undetectable during the first 26 days after flouring but
reaching a maximal level by day 28. Lectins from the stems and leaves don not
agglutinate erythrocytes that could be agglutinated by seeds lectins. Stems and leaves
PLANT LECTINS
lectin is a dimer of a molecular weight of 68,000, in contrast to the tetrameric seed lectin
with a molecular weight of 110,000.
TOXICITY OF LECTINS
Pathological lesions occur in animals injected with kidney beans extracts. Various tissues
suffer from parenchymatous, fatty degeneration, and edema. In the liver local necrosis
and fatty changes can be observed. Hemorrhages are observed in the stomach, the
intestinal wall, and other organs. Distentions of capillary vessels may present in the
Kidney and myocard with numerous thrombi. Morphological changes in rats fed navy
beans include: increased weight of kidney and heart, pancreatic acinar atrophy, and fatty
metamorphosis of the liver. Such changes may be attributed to the low availability of
essential amino acids and low food intake of the animals consuming the raw bean diet.
For example, rats fed raw kidney beans develop multiple histological lesions. Also, lectins
from red kidney beans are found to induce small intestinal epithelial growth, crypt cell
hyperplasia and DNA synthesis. Small amounts of isolated black bean agglutinin show
low food absorption and nitrogen retention in rate.
The absorption of glucose from a ligated intestinal loop in anesthetized rats, previously
fed a bean diet or given the black bean agglutinin by stomach tube, was much decreased.
Raw kidney beans were found to interfere with vitamin E utilization in chicks. The
hypoglycemia observed in rats fed a bean diet may indicate a reduced intestinal
absorption of glucose.
Diet rich in raw soybean has a goitrogenic effect. This is indicated by the fact that fecal
loss of thyroxine from the gut is higher in animals fed raw soybeans than in the controls.
Raw soybean meals reduces fat and fatty acids absorption (not soybean trypsin inhibitor)
in young chicks. Such meals also depresses the utilization of vitamin D in turkey. These
effects are not found when the meals include heated soybean.
Ricin, abrin, crotin, and related toxins, produce similar macroscopic and microscopic
pathological lesions. The intensive inflammation with destruction of epithelial cells,
edema, hyperemia, and hemorrhages in the lymphatic tissues are very common. Several
signs of toxicity may include: fatty degeneration and necrosis in the liver, degenerative
lesions of the myocard, and extension and presence of blood clots of capillaries of all
organs. At the site of lectin application, local hemorrhages are frequently observed.
In vitro, plant lectins effect lymphocyte mitogenesis, aggregate immunoglobulin induce
histamine release from basophils and mast cells. When raw ground garden beans are
supplemented with essential nutrients diet, weight lose and death to rats may occur within
1-2 weeks, due to the toxicity of the lectins in the beans. Raw navy beans have been
found toxic for Japanese quail but not toxic for germ-feed birds. However, several cases
of human intoxication were reported due to ingestion of raw or partially cooked beans.
Effect on the Gastrointestinal Tract
PLANT LECTINS
When given orally to experimental animals, lectins interact with the mucosa of the
gastrointestinal tract causing acute gastrointestinal symptoms, failure to thrive and even
death. When administered parenterally, they can alter host resistance to infection or to
tumor challenge. They even can be highly allergenic under certain conditions. In vitro and
in vivo tests show that intestinal cell damage are caused by bean lectins. In this regard,
intestinal invertase is strongly inhibited by bean lectin as well as the absorption of vitamin
B. One of the possible explanation of the toxicity of the lectins, which are resistance to
gastric and intestinal digestion, is the binding to the cell lining of the intestinal walls,
causing lesions and interference with nutrients absorption.
Effects on Cell Membrane
The reaction between the agglutinin and the cell membrane is believed to result in an
alteration of the cell function thus producing the toxic effect. Only those cells bearing the
specific receptor groups for the respective lectin would be effected. For instance,
significant changes in membrane properties are induced by binding of lectins to liver cells
of diabetic rats. The changes may influence such cellular properties as aggregation and
deformability of erythrocytes, permeability, electrical resistance, and binding properties of
mitogen, hormone, and lipoprotein receptors. The binding of concanavalin A and ricin, for
instance, can be reduced by 20-25% as a result of a membrane reduction of glycoprotein
carbohydrates content.
Ricin Toxicity
After intravenous injection of ricin, both the intestinal tissue and the intestinal juice of
rabbits became highly toxic, indicating its concentrating in this tissue and its secretion into
the intestinal lumen, but it can not be found in urine. Ricin may be appear in the milk of
lactating guinea pigs which had been injected after the birth of the litters (suckling young
became markedly resistance against subsequent injections of the toxin).
Magnesium blood level decreases after injection of ricin in cats. Quantitative analysis of
plasma, liver, and urine, of rats acutely poisoned with ricin, along with the observation of
the reduced respiratory quotient of the liver, can be used to conclude that: the toxic action
of ricin may be explained by an interference with some metabolic process in the liver,
possibly the Krebs cycle. Also, a rise of the blood values of urea, glucose, bilirubin,
transaminases, and lactic dehydrogenase in rats fed ricin could be observed. However,
detection of albumin and hematuria could lead to the conclusion that a hepatonephritis
with hepatic cytolysis may be an early manifestation of ricin intoxication. A lag period
between the injection of a lethal amount of ricin and death is not less than 12 hours. Ricin
is many times more toxic when injected than when given orally.
PLANT LECTINS
DETOXIFICATION
The destruction of ricin toxicity by heat has long been recognized (1889 by Stillmark). The
presence of more than one toxic principle which differ in heat resistance in castor beans
must be taken into account when working with products derived from these seeds.
Although the castor bean allergen is more resistance to boiling than ricin, it can be
inactivated by autoclaving. For its safe use as fertilizer and for animal feeding,
detoxification of castor pomace is essential. Steam heating significantly reduces the
toxicity of pomace to become harmless for sheep, rabbits, and rats, when the beans is
about 10% of their diet. When used before heating castor bean, calcium hydroxide may
aid in achieving complete destruction of the ricin and the allergen.
However, animals can be immunized successfully when injected with heated ricin solution
in order to resist the toxicity of castor bean cake. Mice can also be protected against the
fatal action of ricin if injected with blood serum from immunized goats (when given not
later than 6 hours after the ricin injection).
Autoclaving is proved very helpful in enhancing the nutritive value of legumes, an effect
that is probably related to the destruction of toxic hemagglutinins and other growth
inhibiting factors. For complete elimination of the toxicity of kidney bean and field bean,
preliminary soaking prior to autoclaving is required. In addition, autoclaving for 5 minutes
is sufficient to eliminate the toxicity of finely ground navy bean meal.
However, dry heating has been found to be less effective. Thirty minutes of dry heating
had little effect on hemagglutinating activity of certain varieties of V. vulgaris, and activity
was still detectable after 18 hours of heating. Whereas, heating of the soaked beans or
autoclaving was fully effective.
Moreover, formaldehyde has been recognized to reduce the agglutinating and toxic
actions of ricin and agglutinating activity of bean lectin, but phenol was inactive in this
respect. Potato lectin was more rapidly destroyed by phenol than by formaldehyde.
Adsorption of lectins on erythrocytes or stroma that are brought into solution is observed
after heating to 56 degree C. The agglutinating and the toxic activity from a bean lectin
solution disappear when it is treated with stroma. For both ricin and kidney bean
agglutinin, no agglutination of erythrocytes occurs at low pH, and adsorbed lectins are
observed to dissociate from the erythrocytes.
LECTINS AND CANCER

lectins present on the surface of tumor cells are targeted for therapeutic purposes. It has
been found that treatment with anti- lectin antibodies can suppress growth of tumor cells
in agarose, and inhibit lung colonization in vivo. Lectins have the potential use in cancer
treatment strategies due to the fact that lectins present on the surface of tumor cells are
capable of binding exogenous carbohydrate-containing molecules and internalize them by
endocytosis.
PLANT LECTINS
For example, wheat germ lectin (WGA) is found to induce lectin- dependent
macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity against human bladder cancer (T-24) cells. Alveolar
macrophage (AM) are phagocytes, mainly present in the pulmonary alveoli, are important
in the antitumor defense mechanism of the lung because they can bind to the target cellbut are unable to induce cytolysis. However, studies have revealed that human AM
tumorcidal activity can be induce by wheat germ lectins. Another finding is that the
sensitivities of six human tumor cell lines depend on the number of receptor sites exist on
the surface of WGA. Although the effector mechanism is still unknown, the binding of AM
with tumor cells initiated by WGA may increase sensitivity to the cytotoxicity mediated by
human AM.
In addition, WGA is found to enhance the cell killing ability of murine peritoneal
macrphages. In vivo studies show that WGA has an inhibitory effect on the growth of
murine tumors. The tumoricidal activity of human blood monocytes can be induced by the
WGA. As a result, the monocytes are able to become cytotoxic to four different human
tumor cell lines: T-24 bladder carcinoma, A-375 melanoma, ACHN renal carcinoma, and
U373MG glioblastoma. Murine systems also show similar response. However,
concanavalin A, PHA, PWM and SBA are unable to produce tumoricidal monocytes.
References
Barondes, S. H. (1981). Lectins: Their multiple endogenous cellular functions. Annual
Review of Biochemistry, Vol 50: 207- 231.
Brownlee, M., and Cerami, A. (1981). The biochemistry of the complications of diabetes
mellitus. Annual Review of Biochemistry. Vol. 50: 385-432.
Cheeke, P., and Shull, Lee. (1985). Natural toxicants in feed and poisonous plants. Avi,
Inc. Westport.
Cooper-Driver, Gillian A. (1983). Chemical substances in plants toxic to animals. In
Miloslav Rechcigl, Handbook of Naturally Occurring Food Toxicants, (pp. 213-240). CRC
Press, Florida.
Etzler, Marilynn, (1983). Introduction . In Irwin Goldstein, and Marilynn Etzler (Eds.),
Chemical taxonomy, molecular biology, and function of plant lectins, (pp. 1-5). Progress
in Clinical and Biological Research, Vol. 138. Alan R. Liss, Inc., NY.
Jaffe, Werner G. (1969). Hemagglutinins. In Irvin Liener (Ed.), Toxic Constituents of Plant
Foodstuffs, (pp. 69-101). Academic Press, NY.
Jaffe, Werner (1983). Handbook of Naturally Occurring Food Toxicology. In Miloslav
Rechcigl, Handbook of Naturally Occurring Food Toxicants, (pp. 31-38). CRC Press, Inc.,
PLANT LECTINS
Florida.
Lotan, R. (1983). Differentiation-associated modulation of lactoside binding lectins in
cancer cells. In H. Gabius and S. Gabius (Eds.), Lectins and Cancer, (pp.153-169).
Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
Nachbar, M., and Oppenheim, J. (1980). Lectins in the United States diet: a survey of
lectins in commonly consumed foods and a review of the literature. The American Journal
of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 33, No. 11, 2338-2345.
Ogawara, M., Utsugi, M., Yamazaki, M., and Sone S. (1985). Induction of human
monocyte-mediated tumor cell killing by a plant lectin, wheat germ agglutinin. Japanese
Journal of Cancer Research (Gann), Vol. 76, No. 11, 1107-1114.
Ogawara, M., Sone, S., and Ogura, T. (1987). Human alveolar macrophages: Wheat
germ agglutinin-dependent tumor cell killing. Japanese Journal of Cancer Research
(Gann), Vol. 78, No. 3, 288- 295.
Peumans, W., Nsimba-Lubaki, M., Broekaert, W., and Van Damme, E.(1986). Are bark
lectins of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) storage
proteins?. In Leland Shannon and Maarten Chrispeels (Eds.), Molecular biology of seed
storage proteins and lectins, (pp. 53-63). The American Society of Plant Physiologists.
Pusztai, A. (1991). Plant lectins. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Suddath, F., Parks, E., Suguna, K, Subramanian, E., and Einspahr, H. (1986). The crystal
structure of Pea lectin at 3.0 A resolution. In Leland Shannon and Maarten Chrispeels
(Eds.), Molecular biology of seed storage proteins and lectins, (pp. 29- 43). The American
Society of Plant Physiologists.
This series of web pages was created by Tareq Al-Ati, an undergraduate student at Cornell
RICIN TOXIN FROM CASTOR BEAN PLANT, RICINUS COMMUNIS
RICIN TOXIN FROM CASTOR BEAN PLANT

Ricinus communis
Ricin is one of the most poisonous naturally occuring substances known.
Index
Castor Bean Plant, Poisoning, and Oil
More about Ricin Toxin from Castor Beans

Introduction
Mechanism of Toxic Action
Ricin Biosynthesis
Ricin Enzymatic Action
Ricin Structure
Ricin Uptake
Therapeutic Applications of Immunotoxins
IN VITRO
IN VIVO
Toxigenic Ablation
TOXIGENES
SUICIDE TRANSPORT
References
Introduction
The seeds from the castor bean plant, Ricinus communis, are poisonous to people, animals and insects.
One of the main toxic proteins is "ricin", named by Stillmark in 1888 when he tested the beans' extract
on red blood cells and saw them agglutinate. Now we know that the agglutination was due to another
toxin that was also present, called RCA (Ricinus communis agglutinin). Ricin is a potent cytotoxin but
a weak hemagglutinin, whereas RCA is a weak cytotoxin and a powerful hemagglutinin.
Poisoning by ingestion of the castor bean is due to ricin, not RCA, because RCA does not penetrate
the intestinal wall, and does not affect red blood cells unless given intravenously. If RCA is injected into
the blood, it will cause the red blood cells to agglutinate and burst by hemolysis.
Perhaps just one milligram of ricin can kill an adult.
The symptoms of human poisoning begin within a few hours of ingestion.
The symptoms are:
abdominal pain
vomiting
diarrhea, sometimes bloody.
Within several days there is:
severe dehydration,
a decrease in urine,
and a decrease in blood pressure.
If death has not occurred in 3-5 days, the victim usually recovers. It is advisable to keep children away
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/toxicagents/ricin/ricin.html (1 of 8) [5/10/2004 3:19:34 PM]
from the castor bean plant or necklaces made with its seeds. In fact dont even have them in or around a
house with small children. If they ingest the leaves or swallow the seeds, they may get poisoned. The
highly toxic seeds beaded into necklaces, cause skin irritation at the contact point.
If the seed is swallowed without chewing, and there is no damage to the seed coat, it will most likely
pass harmlessly through the digestive tract. However, if it is chewed or broken and then swallowed, the
ricin toxin will be absorbed by the intestines.
It is said that just one seed can kill a child. Children are more sensitive than adults to fluid loss due to
vomiting and diarrhea, and can quickly become severely dehydrated and die.
Castor bean plants in a garden should not be allowed to flower and seed.
Castor Bean Plant, Poisoning, and Oil [Ricin] [Mechanism of Toxic Action] [Ricin Biosynthesis]
[Ricin Enzymatic Action] [Ricin Structure] [Ricin Uptake] [Therapeutic Applications of
Immunotoxins] [Toxigenic Ablation] [References]
Return to Cornell poison plant home page
Mechanism of Toxic Action
Many cytotoxic proteins from a variety of plants have been identified, and they are related to ricin both
in structure and function. They inhibit protein sythesis by specifically and irreversibly inactivating
eukaryotic ribosomes.
These "ribosome-inactivating proteins" (RIPs) are typically N-glycosylated, 30 kDa monomers (Type
1 RIPs). However, in order to bind to the cell surface galactosides and enter the cytosol to reach
ribosomes, they require a second monomer, a galactose-binding, 30 kDa lectin. The monomers are
joined by a disulfide bridge to form the toxic heterodimers (Type 2 RIPs).
Some plants, such as wheat andbarley, have only Type 1 RIPs, and are not poisonous, while others,
such as the castor bean plant seed, contain the Type 2 RIPs that are among the most potent
cytotoxins in nature. 5% of the Ricinus seed consists of ricin and RCA (Ricinus communis agglutinin).
Ricin is a heterodimeric type 2 RIP. This ribosome-inactivating enzyme (32 kDa), also known as the A
chain, is linked by a disulfide bond to the galactose/N-acetylgalactosamine-binding lectin (34 kDa), also
called the B chain.
Ricin Biosynthesis
Ricin and RCA are synthesized in the endosperm cells of maturing seeds, and are stored in an organelle
called the "protein body", a vacuolar compartment. When the mature seed germinates, the toxins are
destroyed by hydrolysis within a few days.
Ricin begins sythesis as a prepropolypeptide that contains both A and B chains. The signal
sequence of the Nh3-terminus targets the nascent chain to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is
then cleaved off. As the proricin polypeptide elongates it is N-glycosylated within the lumen of the ER.
Protein disulfide isomerases catalyze disulfide bond formation as the proricin molecule folds itself.
Proricin undergoes further oligosaccharide modifications within the Golgi complex and then is
transported within vesicles to the protein bodies.
Ricin is not catalytically active until it is proteolytically cleaved by an endopeptidase within the protein
bodies. This splits the polypeptide into the A chain and the B chain still linked by a single disulfide
bond. Since ricin is inactive until then, the plant avoids poisoning its own ribosomes in case some
proricin accidentally passes into the cytosol during synthesis and transport.
[Castor Bean Plant, Poisoning, and Oil] [Ricin] [Mechanism of Toxic Action] [Ricin
Biosynthesis][Ricin Enzymatic Action] [Ricin Structure][Ricin Uptake] [Therapeutic Applications
of Immunotoxins][Toxigenic Ablation] [References]
Ricin Enzymatic Action

The ricin A portion of the heterodimer is the enzyme that binds and depurinates a specific adenine of the 28S
rRNA. The adenine ring of the ribosome becomes sandwiched between two tyrosine rings in the catalytic
cleft of the enzyme and is hydrolyzed by the enzymes N-glycosidase action. The target adenine is a specific
RNA sequence that contains the unusual tetranucleotide loop, GAGA. Ricin is more active against animal than
plant ribosomes, and intact bacterial ribosomes are generally not susceptible.
Ricin Structure
This figure from Lord et al, depicts a 3-dimensional ribbon drawing of ricin, modeled from X-ray crystallography
data. The upper right half, the dotted ribbon, is the A chain, and the lower left half, the solid ribbon, is
the B chain.
The A chain (or RTA)is a 267-amino acid globular protein. It has 8 alpha helices and 8 beta sheets. The
substrate binding site is the cleft marked by the substrate adenine ring.
The B chain (or RTB) is a 262-amino acid protein that is shaped like a barbell. It has a binding site for
galactose at each end, (depicted by lactose rings). These two sites allow hydrogen bonding to specific
membrane sugars (galactose and N-acetyl galactosamine). A disulfide bridge (-S-S-) joins RTA with RTB
(far-right, center). The spheres are trapped water molecules.
[Castor Bean Plant, Poisoning, and Oil] [Ricin] [Mechanism of Toxic Action] [Ricin Biosynthesis] [Ricin
Enzymatic Action] [Ricin Structure] [Ricin Uptake] [Therapeutic Applications of Immunotoxins]
[Toxigenic Ablation] [References]
Ricin Uptake
The RTB portion of ricin binds to both glycoproteins and glycolipids at cell surfaces that terminate with galactose. It
has two binding sites for galactose, and 106 to 108 ricin molecules may bind per cell. However, just a single ricin
molecule that enters the cytosol can inactivate over 1,500 ribosomes per minute and kill the cell.
As shown in the diagram, the pathway for internalization of ricin involves:

1. endocytosis by coated pits and vesicles or,
2. endocytosos by smooth pits and vesicles. The vesicles fuse with an endosome.
3. Many ricin molecules are returned to the cell surface by exocytosis, or
4. the vesicles may fuse to lysosomes where the ricin would be destroyed.
5. If the ricin-containing vesicles fuse to the Trans Golgi Network, (TGN), theres still a chance they may
6. return to the cell surface.
7. Toxic action will occur when RTA, aided by RTB, penetrates the TGN membrane and is liberated into the
cytosol.
Once inside the cytosol, the RTA catalyzes the depurination of the ribosomes, halting protein synthesis.
Enzymatic Action] [Ricin Structure] [Ricin Uptake] [Therapeutic Applications of Immunotoxins] [Toxigenic
Ablation] [References]
Therapeutic Applications of Immunotoxins

Ricin can be targeted to specific cells, such as cancer cells, by conjugating the RTA subunit to antibodies or growth
factors that preferentially bind the unwanted cells. These immunotoxins have worked very well for in vitro
applications, e.g. bone marrow transplants. Although they have not worked very well in many in vivo situations,
progress
in this area of research shows promise for the future.
IN VITRO APPLICATIONS
In bone marrow transplant procedures, RTA-immunotoxins have been used successfully to destroy T
lymphocytes in bone marrow taken from histocompatible donors. This reduces rejection of the donor bone marrow,
a problem called "graft-vs-host disease" (GVHD). In steroid-resistant, acute GVDH situations, RTA-immunotoxins
helped alleviate the condition. Also, in autologous bone marrow transplantation, a sample of the patients own
bone marrow is treated with anti-T cell immunotoxins to destroy malignant T-cells in T cell leukemias and
lymphomas.
IN VIVO APPLICATIONS
"For the in vivo treatment of solid tumors, considerable problems can arise due to poor access of the immunotoxin
(IT) to the tumor mass; lack of IT specificity, tumor cell heterogeneity, antigen shedding, breakdown or rapid
clearance of the IT, and dose-limiting side effects". (Lord et al.). One common problem encountered in patients
treated with ricin-immunotoxins is the "vascular leak syndrome", in which fluids leak from blood vessels leading to
hypoalbuminemia, weight gain and pulmonary edema. "Research efforts to expand and develop immunotoxins and
therapies for clinical use in cancer and AIDS are continuing with strategies utilizing recombinant DNA technology
(Lord et al.).
Toxigenic
Ablation
TOXIGENES
"Toxigenes are DNA fusions in which DNA encoding a potent toxin, e.g. RTA, is placed under the transcriptional
control of a tissue- or developmental stage-specific promoter and/or enhancer. When expressed intracellularly, the
toxigene product causes cell death. The introduction and expression of a toxigene in transgenic animals or plants
may lead to cell type-specific ablation, which can be used to
study developmental cell lineages or to
generate animal models of degenerative diseases." (Lord et al.)
SUICIDE TRANSPORT
Diagram shows injection of ricin into vagal nerve and subsequent destruction of neurons (dashed neurons
destroyed, solid neurons unaffected).
Neuroscientists can selectively destroy neurons by injecting ricin into nerves. Retrograde axonal transport
mechanisms bring the toxin to the neuronal cell bodies where the ribosomes are localized.
Ultrastructural analysis reveals that ricin first causes the dispersion of polyribosomes, and then the rough
endoplasmic reticulum disorganizes into smooth vesicles. The cell bodies (perikaryon) swell, the nuclei degenerate
and the entire neuron disintegrates.
Since ricin is a N-acetyl galactosamine-binding lectin, it can be used with different lectins that have different
specificities tomap neuronal patterns of glycosylation. When suicide transport is observed after injection of the
toxin, it confirms the presence of N-acetyl galactosamine residues on the neuronal cell surface. Strategies in
suicide transport work very well in studies of adult peripheral sensory and motor neurons because they are sensitive
to ricin.
Neurons in the central nervous system of adults are resistant to ablation by ricin, whereas young developing brains
are sensitive, suggesting that brain development involves changes in glycosylation of CNS neurons. The galactose
terminal residues may be either clipped or masked by addition of sialic acids residues.
In suicide transport experiments, often some ricin leaks out of the nerve, causing systemic poisoning of the animal.
This problem can be avoided by simultaneously administering a ricin antiserum.
The value of using suicide transport strategies is summarized (from Wiley and Oeltmann):
anatomical mapping of neurons
modeling of motor neuron degenerative diseases
studying consequences of peripheral nerve damage and repair mechanisms
mapping cellular neurotransmitter receptors
disease-related applications including
eradication of latent herpes simplex virus in trigeminal sensory neurons
production and analysis of glial fibrillary bundles
treatment of equine neuromas
References
Alber, J.I., and D.M. Alber. (1993) Baby-Safe Houseplants and Cut Flowers: A Guide to Keeping Children and Plants
Safely Under the Same Roof. Story Communications Inc., Pownal, Vermont.
Cooper, M.R., and A.W. Johnson. (1994) Poisonous Plants and Fungi: An Illustrated Guide. CAB International
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(Lepidoptera:pyralidae) and southern corn rootworm (Coleoptera:chrysomelidae). J.Econ. Entomol, Lanham,Md.:
Entomological Society of America, 83(6):2480-2485.
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Knight, B. (1979) Ricin-a potent homicidal poison. Br. Med. J. 278:350-351.
Lord, J.M., Roberts, L.M., and J.D. Robertus. (1994). FASEB J. Feb; 8(2):201-8.
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Okoye, JOA, Enunwaonye, CA. Okorie, A.U. and F.O.I. Anugwa (1987). Pathological effects of feeding roasted
castor bean meal Ricinus communis to chicks. Avian Pathol. 16(2):283-290.
Olaifa, J.I., Matsumura,F., Zeevaart, J.A.D., Mullin, C>A>, and P. Charalambous. (1991) Lethal amounts of ricinine
in green peach aphids myzus-persicae suzler fed on castor bean plants. Plant Sci. (Limerick), 73(2):253-256.
Purushotham, N.P., Rao, M.S., and G.V. Raghavan (1986). Utilization of castor-meal in the concentrate mixture of
sheep. Indian J. Anim. Sci. 56(10):1090-1093.
Robertus, J.D. (1988). Toxin Structure. Cancer Treat. Res. 37:11-24.
Robertus, J. D. (1991) The structure and action of ricin, a cytotoxic N-glycosidase. Sem. in Cell Biol. 2:23-30.
Vitetta, E.S. and P.E. Thorpe, (1991) Immunotoxins containing ricin or its A chain, Sem. in Cell Biol. 2:47-58.
Wiley, R. G., and T. N. Oeltmann, (1991) Ricin and Related Plant Toxins: Mechanisms of Action and Neurobiological
Applications; In, Handbook of Natural Toxins, Vol.6, ed. R.F.Keeler and A.T.Tu, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York.
[Castor Bean Plant, Poisoning, and Oil] [Ricin] [Mechanism of Toxic Action] [Ricin Biosynthesis] [Ricin Enzymatic
Action] [Ricin Structure] [Ricin Uptake] [Therapeutic Applications of Immunotoxins] [Toxigenic Ablation] [References]
This series of web pages was created by an undergraduate student at Cornell University for the AS625 class. All comments and
suggestions are welcome.
WARNING These web pages are only meant to be informative. Neither Cornell University nor the author of this site endorse or
recommend the use of these plants.
Return to:
The Amanita Toxins
Polypeptide Toxins in Amanita Mushrooms:

All of the toxins found in the Amanita spp. mentioned in this poisonous plants list are
peptides. The distribution of the peptides varies in the different parts of the mushroom,
with the cap being the most deadly part. The amatoxins, phallotoxins, and virotoxins are
found in A. bisporigera, A. ocreata, A. phalloides, A. phalloides var. alba, A. suballiacea,
A. tenuifolia, A. virosa, and some other mushrooms. The phallolysins are a recently
discovered group of toxins as yet only seen in A. phalloides. Ibotenic acid is found in A.
cothurnata, A. muscaria var.formosa, A. muscaria var.muscaria, and A. pantherina.
1. Amatoxins
2. Phallotoxins
3. Virotoxins
4. Phallolysins
5. Ibotenic acid/Muscimol
Return to the Toxic Agents List

Back to the INDEX
1. Amatoxins
There are nine amatoxins:
alpha-Amanitin
beta-Amanitin
gamma-Amanitin
epsilon-Aminitin
Amanin
Amanin amide - only found in A. virosa
Amanullin
Amanullinic acid
Proamanullin
Amatoxins are solely responsible for fatal human poisonings. They are bicyclic
octapeptides which are much more potent than any of the other toxins. The
amatoxins are taken up by the liver where they begin to cause damage. They are
then secreted by the bile into the blood where they are taken up by the liver again,
causing a cycle of damage and excretion. In the liver, amatoxins inhibit
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/toxicagents/amanita/amapeptides.html (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 3:19:34 PM]
The Amanita Toxins
RNA-polymerase II. The liver is slowly destroyed and is unable to repair itself due to
the inactivation of the RNA-polymerase. Thus, the liver slowly dissolves with no
hope of repair.
Back to the TOP of the page
2. Phallotoxins
There are seven naturally occurring phallotoxins:
Phalloin
Phalloidin
Phallisin
Prophalloin
Phallacin
Phallacidin
Phallisacin
The phallotoxins are all derived from the same seven amino acid cyclic peptide
backbone. There are two groups of phallotoxins, neutral and acidic. The neutral
phallotoxins contain D-threonine, while the acidic ones contain
beta-hydroxy-succinic acid.
Phallotoxins destroy liver cells by disturbing the equilibrium of G-actin with F-actin,
causing it to shift entirely to F-actin. This leads to numerous exvaginations on the
liver cell's membrane which render the cell susceptible to deformity by low-pressure
gradients, even those of the portal vein in vivo. This is folowed by loss of potassium
ions and cytoplasmic enzymes which leads to depletion of ATP and glycogen
causing the final downfall of the liver.
3. Virotoxins
There are six virotoxins:
Viroidin
Desoxoviroidin
Ala1-viroidin
Ala1-desoxoviroidin
Viroisin
The Amanita Toxins
Desoxoviroisin
Although they have the same toxicological effects as and appear to be derived from
the phallotoxins, the virotoxins are monocyclic heptapeptides, not bicyclic peptides.
4. Phallolysins There are three phallolysins that are hemolytically active proteins, but,
as previously stated, they are heat and acid labile and do not pose a threat to
humans.
5. Ibotenic acid/Muscimol
Ibotenic acid is an Excitatory Amino Acid (EAA)
and muscimol is its derivative. These toxins act by mimicking the natural
transmitters glutamic acid and aspartic acid on neurons in the central nervous
system with specialized receptors for amino acids. These toxins may also cause
selective death of neurons sensitive to EAAs.
Go to the references for this page.

List of Toxic Agents
SMCO
SMCO
Several Brassica species contain considerable levels of S-methyl-L-cysteine sulphoxide
(SMCO), an amino acid which is degraded in the rumen to dimethyl disulphide and is
thought to be the primary cause of haemolytic anemia.
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/toxicagents/aminoacid/smco.html [5/10/2004 3:19:35 PM]
Tryptophan
Tryptophan
Increased intake of L-tryptophan from lush pastures and its subsuquent microbial
degradation in the rumen is associated with pulmonary oedema and emphysema.
Tryptophan is degraded in the rumen to the toxic metabolite 3-methylindole in a two-step
degradation process. The rates of tryptophan degradation, however, depends on both
availability of the substrate and dietary intake. There appears to be a greater tryptophan
rate of conversion in ruminants fed on forage diets than those fed concentrate diets.
Sudden dietary changes from a sparse feed to a lush, succulent pasture might cause
acute bovine pulmonary emphysema, a respiratory disease of cattle. There is no effective
treatment for this condition, and prevention by avoiding sudden dietary changes to lush
pastures seems to be the only alterrnative.
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/toxicagents/aminoacid/tryptophan.html [5/10/2004 3:19:35 PM]
Mimosine
Mimosine
Mimosine is a non-protein amino acid found in leaves, pods and seeds of tropical
legumes of the genus Leucaena. Mimosine is degraded in the rumen to
3-hydroxy-4(1H)-pyridone (3,4DHP), a goitrogen. Leucaena consumption in ruminants
may cause poor growth, alopecia, swollen and raw coronets above the hooves,
lameness, mouth and esophageal lesions, depressed serum thyrosine levels, and goiter.
Susceptibility of ruminants to intoxication, however, greatly depends on specific microbial
populations. Further transfer of ruminant fluids from a resistant animal to a susceotible
one results in a complete elimination of the toxic effects of Mimosine. This appears to be
a possible solution to the toxicity of leucaena in ruminant animals.
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/toxicagents/aminoacid/mimosine.html [5/10/2004 3:19:35 PM]
Nutrition Toxicology Sesquiterpene Lactones
Sesquiterpene Lactones and their toxicity to

livestock
Cattle, sheep and horses
The objective of this web page is to describe the different classes of naturally-occurring
sesquiterpene lactones. Because sesquiterpene lactones are responsible for the toxicity
of several livestock poisons it is useful to focus on their effects on mammals such as
cattle, sheep and horses that are most commonly exposed to sesquiterpene lactone
poisoning.
[General description] [Representative Structure] [Distribution] [Biological activity]

[Poisons]]
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Sesquiterpene lactones constitute a large and diverse group of biologically active plant
chemicals that have been identified in several plant families. However, the greatest
numbers are found in the Compositae family with over 3000 reported different structures.
Sesquiterpene lactones (SQL) are a class of naturally occurring plant terpenoids that are
formed from "head-total condensation of three isoprene units and subsequent cyclization
and oxidative transformation to produce a cis or trans-fused lactone. Sesquiterpene
lactones are characteristic constituents of Compositae. These secondary compounds are
primarily classified on the basis of their carbocyclic skeletons into germanocranolides,
guaianalides, eudedesmalides, pseudogua! inolides and xanthonolides. The suffix "olide"
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refers to the lactone function and is based on costunolide, a germanacranoride which is

related to the ten-membered carbocyclic sesquiterpene, germacrone.
An individual plant species generally produces one skeletal type of SQL concentrated
primarily in the leaves and flower heads. The percentage of SQL per dry weight may vary
from 0.01% to 8%. Losses of livestock intoxicated by plants containing SQL are well
known. In fact, they have been shown to exhibit a wide range of biological activities.
[Poisons]
REPRESENTATIVE STRUCTURES:
Possible biogenetic relationships of the different skeletal types of sesquiterpene lactones.
Photo from Sesquiterpene Lactones. Chemistry, NMR and Plant Distribution, University of
Tokyo Press.
[Poisons]
DISTRIBUTION OF DIFFERENT STRUCTURAL CLASSES OF

SESQUITERPENE LACTONES IN THE COMPOSITAE
No. of genera with
sesquiterpene
lactones
Tribes
(No. of genera)
Eupatorieae
(50)
Type of lactones present
Germacranolides
Elemanolides
Guaianolides
Ambrosanolides
Seco-Ambrosanolides
Germacranolides
Elemanolides
Guaianolides
Germacranolides
Guaianolides
Elemanolides
Guaianolides
Xanthanolides
Ambrosanolides
Helenanolides
Seco-Eudesmanolides
Seco-Ambrosanolides
Germacranolides
24
Elemanolides
Guaianolides
Eudesmanolides
Xanthanolides
Ambrosanolides
Helenanolides
Seco-Eudesmanolides
Seco-Ambrosanolides
Seco-Helenanolides
Germacranolides
Xanthanolides
Eremophilanolides
Helenanolides
Bakkenolides
Anthemideae
(50)
10
Germacranolides
Elemanolides
Guaianolides
Helenanolides
Cadinanolides
Chrymoranolides
Arcototeae-Calenduleae
(50)
Guaianolides
Vernonieae
(50)
Astereae
(100)
Inuleae
(100)
Heliantheae
(250)
Senecioneae
(50)
Cynareae
(50)
Germacranolides
Elemanolides
Guaianolides
Eudesmanolides
Mutisieae
(55)
Eudesmanolides
Germanocranolides
Eudesmanolides
Guaianolides
Lactuceae
(75)

[Poisons]
BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY
The sesquiterpene lactones are highly irritating to the nose, eyes, and gastrointestinal
tract. Sheep and goats are the main livestock species affected, primarily because the
plants are unpalatable and rarely consumed in toxic quantities by cattle and horses.
Sneezeweed poisoning is often referred to as "spewing sickness" because of the
characteristic vomiting seen. Affected sheep may have a green stain around the mouth
and stand with upturned heads attempting to retain the regurgitated plant material.
Vomited material is often inhaled into the lungs, causing either death from inhalation
pneumonia or permanent lung damage accompanied by chronic coughing. Primary
lesions are gastrointestinal tract irritation, congestion of the liver and kidney, and
pulmonary damage.
Since many sesquiterpene lactones are also antimicrobial agents, it is possible that
they also exert their action by altering the microbial composition of rumen and thus
affecting its vital metabolic function. Hence, rumen dysfunction may contribute to the
toxicity caused by sesquiterpene lactones in livestock. They are also neurotoxic; a SQL,
repin, has been implicated in causing a syndrome similar to Parkinson's disease in
horses.
Livestock poisoning from foraging on bitter tasting plants of the family of Compositae is
well documented. Besides its deleterious effects on domestic animals, it is well reported
that many Compositae plants containing sesquiterpene lactones are also toxic to wild
animals.
The toxicity of sesquiterpene lactones is due to binding of the exocyclic methylene group
with tissue constituents, such as sulphydril groups and other nucleophilic components.

[Poisons]
SESQUITERPENE LACTONES PRESENT IN SPECIES OF

COMPOSITAE POISONOUS TO ANIMALS.
Plant
Baccharis cardifolia
Tanacetum vulgare
Sesquiterpene lactones
Baccharis oil
Eupatorium urticifolium
Geigeria sp.
Eupatorin
Geigerin, Vermeerin
Asteracae growing
in wild state
Species affected
Sheep, Cattle
Cattle, Sheep, Goats
Sheep
Herbivorous, animals
in wild state
Hymenoxys
odorata
HymenolideHymenoxin
Odoratin
Paucin
Vermeerin
Hymenovin
Sheep, Cattle
Hymenoxys
richardsoni
Vermeerin
Psilotropin
Sheep, Cattle
Helenium autumnale
Helenalin
Mexicanin-E
Bigelovin
Tenulin
Isotenulin
Sheep, Cattle
Cynaropicrin
Horse
Lactuca virosa
Lactucin
Cattle
Top of Page
[Poisons]
This series of web pages was created by Stefania Carpino, an undergraduate student at Cornell
Return to:
Cornell Poisonous Plants collection
Search for species like 'human'

Click on the scientific name to view the image(s). These links require JavaScript to be enabled in your browser.
REMEMBER to close each window after viewing
Scientific Name
Common
Name(s)
Species
Most
Often
Affected
Parts
Poisonous
Primary Poison(s)
Abrus precatorius
Rosary Pea
all
Aconitum spp.
Monkshood,
Aconite, or
Wolfsbane
humans,
leaves, roots,
cattle, goats all
aconitine
Aesculus spp.
Horse Chestnut,
Buckeye
humans,
fruit
cattle, goats
Unknown, possibly saportins,

narcotic alkaloids, or
glycosides.
poultry,
cattle,
humans,
goats
seeds
githagin
Amanita spp.
Monkey Agaric,
Panther Cap,
Death Cap, and
Death Angel
Mushrooms
all
cap?
toxalbumin
A. muscaria
Fly Agaric
all
cap?
ibotenic acid and muscimol
A. pantherina
Panther
all
cap?
A. verna
Destroying
Angels
all
cap?
Apocynum spp.
Dogbane
horses,
cattle,
humans,
sheep, cats,
dogs, goats
rhizome
apocynamarin
Arisaema spp.
Jack in the Pulpit humans
all
oxalate
Atropa belladonna
Belladonna or
Deadly
Nightshade
all
atropine and scopalamine
Agrostemma githago Corn Cockle
humans,
goats
seeds
abrin
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cattle,
Rape, Cabbage,
humans,
Brassica spp,
Turnips, Broccoli, swine, sheep, roots, seeds
Mustard
goats,
poultry
cattle,
Chelidonium majus Celandine
roots
humans
cattle,
Chenopodium album Lamb's Quarters horses,
all
humans,
sheep, swine
Water Hemlock or
Cicuta spp.
all
roots, all
Cowbane
Claviceps spp.
Ergot
all
fungus
Conium maculatum
Poison Hemlock
all
cats, dogs,
Lily of the Valley humans,
goats
cats, dogs,
Daphne spp.
Daphne
humans
Jimsonweed,
cattle,
Downy
Datura spp.
humans,
Thornapple,
Devil's Trumpet, horses, goats
Angel's Trumpet
cattle,
Delphiniums and
Delphinium spp.
humans,
Larkspurs
goats
Bleeding Heart,
cats, cattle,
Squirrel Corn,
Dicentra spp.
humans
Dutchman's
Breeches
cats, cattle,
dogs, goats,
Digitalis purpurea
Foxglove
horses,
humans
cattle, dogs,
goats,
Eupatorium rugosum White Snakeroot horses,
humans,
rabbits,
sheep
Convallaria majalis
glucosinolates, brassica,
anemia factor
isoquinoline alkoids
nitrates
cicutoxin
indole alkaloid
all
coniine
all
cardiac glycosides and

saponins
berries, all
mezereinic acid anhydride
flowers,
leaves, seeds
atropine, scopalamine, and

hyoscyamine
all
alkaloids delphinine, ajacine,

and others
all
isoquinolone alkaloids
flowers,
leaves, seeds
cardiac or steroid glycosides
all
tremetone
Euphorbia spp.
cattle,
Poinsettia,
horses,
Spurges, Snow on
humans,
the Mountain
sheep
leaves, stems
and sap
phorbol esters
Helleborus niger
Christmas Rose
humans
all
protoanemonin
humans
seeds
atropine, scopolamine, and

hyoscyamine.
rhizomes and
rootstocks
irisin, iridin, or irisine
Hyoscyanamus niger Henbane

Iris spp.
Irises
Laburnum
anagyroides
Golden Chain or
Laburnum
Lantana camara
Lathyrus spp.
Lobelia spp.
Lantana, Red
Sage, Yellow
Sage, or West
Indian Lantana
Sweet Pea,
Tangier Pea,
Everlasting Pea,
Caley Pea and
Singletary Pea
Great Lobelia,
Cardinal Flower,
and Indian
Tobacco
cattle,
humans,
swine
cattle, dogs,
horses,
humans,
swine
cattle, dogs,
goats, cats,
humans,
sheep
horses,
rodents,
turkeys,
sheep,
humans
humans,
goats
Medicago sativa
cattle,
chickens,
Alfalfa or Lucerne
humans,
sheep
Menispermum
canadense
Moonseed
Nerium oleander
Nicotiana spp.
Ornithogalum
umbellatum
humans,
goats
pods, seeds, all cytisine
unripe, green
berries
triterpenes
seeds
DABA, ODAP, amine, phenol,

glycoside
all
lobelamine, lobeline
all
canavanine, saponins
all
dauricine
horses,
cattle, sheep,
all, leaves,
Oleander
dogs,
stems
humans,
goats
Tobacco and Tree humans,
leaves
Tobacco
swine
Star of Bethlehem humans
nerioside, oleandroside,
saponins, cardiac glycosides
nicotine,pyridine
bulbs, flowers,
convallatoxin, convalloside
all
Various Poppies
cattle,
Papaver spp.
including Opium
humans
Poppy
cattle, sheep,
humans,
Phytolacca americana Pokeweed
turkeys,
swine,
horses
cattle,
Podophyllum
Mayapple and
humans,
peltatum
Mandrake
swine
horse, cattle,
sheep,
Pteridium aquilinium Bracken Fern
humans,
swine
goats,
humans,
Rheum rhaponticum Rhubarb
swine,
horses
Ricinus communis
Castor Bean
all
horses,
cattle,
Robinia pseudoacacia Black Locust
humans,
poultry,
sheep, goats
cattle,
Sambucus canadensis Elderberry
humans,
goats
Senecio,
horse, cattle,
Senecio spp.
Groundsels, and goats, sheep,
Ragworts
human
Common
cattle,
Nightshade, Black humans,
Solanum spp.
Nightshade, Horse rodents,
Nettle, Buffalo
sheep,
Bur, Potato
horses, goats
Symplocarpus
Eastern Skunk
human
foetidus
Cabbage
Taxus cuspidata
Yew
all
Toxicodendron
diversiloba
Poison oak
humans
all
codine, morphine, protopine
all
phytolaccatoxin,
phytolaccigenin
all
alpha- and beta- peltatin,

podophylloresin
all
prunasin, ptaquiloside,
thiaminase
leaves
anthraquinones, oxalate
seeds
ricin, albumin
bark, leaves,
seeds
robin, phasin
leaves, twigs,
roots, unripe
fruits
sambunigrin
leaves
jacobine, seneciphylline
leaves,
soladulcidine,solanine
immature fruit
all
oxalate
leaves, seeds,
twigs
taxine
Toxicodendron
radicans
Poison ivy
humans
Toxicodendron
vernix
Poison Sumac
humans
Urtica spp.
Stinging Nettle
dogs,
humans
hairs
acetylcholine, histamine,
5-hydroxytryptamine
Vicia spp.
Common Vetch,
Hairy Vetch,
Narrow leaved
Vetch, Purple
Vetch and Broad
Beans
chickens,
horses,
humans
seeds
beta-cyano-L-alanine
Wisteria spp.
Wisteria
humans
all, flowers,
seeds, leaves
wistarine
Cocklebur
cattle,
humans,
rodents,
swine
seedlings,
seeds
carboxyatractyloside
all
all, bulbs,
zygacine
leaves,
flowers, pollen
Xanthium
strumarium
Zigadenus spp.
Death Camas
Return to Main Search Page
Cornell Poisonous Plants - Plants Poisonous to Goats
A. muscaria
A. pantherina
A. verna
Abrus precatorius
Aconitum spp.
Aesculus spp.
Plants of concern to ruminants...
Toxins that Affect the Ruminant
Agrostemma githago
Allium spp.
Amanita spp.
Amaranthus spp.
Apocynum spp.
Argemone mexicana
Asclepias spp.
spp.
The ruminal microorganisms metabolize most of the naturally occurring toxins present in feeds
to metabolites which do not pose a threat to the animal's health and thus are considered the first
line of defence against natural toxicity. However, some compounds are metabolized to toxic
metabolites in the rumen or inhibit the production of other essential compounds thereby causing
distress in the animal. Diverse examples of naturally occurring toxins and the biochemical
mechanisms by which they are detoxified in the rumen are going to be considered.
Ruminants acquire tolerance to increased concentrations of toxic materials in feeds. Increased
tolerance to toxins can be related to a change in the microbial population in the rumen. Some of
the toxins present in feeds that affect the performance of the ruminant animal include oxalates,
nitrates, pirrolizidine alkaloids, mimosine, phyto-oestrogens, tryptophan, SMCO, phenolic
monomers, and mycotoxins.
Atropa belladonna
Brassica spp,
Cannabis sativa
Chelidonium majus
Chenopodium album
Cicuta spp.
Claviceps spp.
Conium maculatum

Convallaria majalis
Datura spp.
Delphinium spp.
Dicentra spp.
Digitalis purpurea
Eupatorium rugosum
Euphorbia spp.
Festuca arundinacea
Glechoma spp.
Iris spp.
Lantana camara
Lathyrus spp.
Leucothoe davisiae
Linum usitatissimum
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/ruminantlist.html (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:19:54 PM]
Lobelia spp.
Lotus corniculatus
Lupinus spp.
Medicago sativa
Metilotus alba and
Nerium oleander
Papaver spp.
Pinus ponderosa
Prunus spp.
Quercus spp.
Ranunculus spp.
Rheum rhaponticum
Ricinus communis
Rumex spp.
Sambucus canadensis
Senecio spp.
Solanum spp.
Sorghum spp.
Taxus cuspidata
Tetradymia spp.
Trifolium spp.
Triglochin maritima
Xanthium strumarium
Zigadenus spp.
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/ruminantlist.html (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:19:54 PM]
Search for species like 'cattle'

Scientific Name
Common
Name(s)
Species Most
Often Affected
Parts
Poisonous
Primary Poison(s)
Abrus precatorius
Rosary Pea
all
seeds
abrin
Aconitum spp.
Monkshood,
Aconite, or
Wolfsbane
humans, cattle,
goats
leaves, roots,
all
aconitine
Aesculus spp.
Horse Chestnut,
Buckeye
humans, cattle,
goats
fruit
Unknown, possibly saportins,

narcotic alkaloids, or
glycosides.
Agrostemma
githago
Corn Cockle
poultry, cattle,
humans, goats
seeds
githagin
cattle, horses,
children
bulbs, lleaves SMCO
all
cap?
toxalbumin
Allium spp.
Amanita spp.
Commercial
Onions, Wild
Onions, Swamp
Onions, and
Chives
Monkey Agaric,
Panther Cap,
Death Cap, and
Death Angel
Mushrooms
A. muscaria
Fly Agaric
all
cap?
A. pantherina
Panther
all
cap?
A. verna
Destroying
Angels
all
cap?
Amaranthus spp.
Pigweed
cattle, swine
leaves
nitrate
Amsinckia
intermedia
Fiddleneck
horses, swine,
cattle
seeds
intermedine, lycopsamine
Apocynum spp.
Dogbane
Asclepias spp.
Milkweed
horses, cattle,
apocynamarin
humans, sheep, rhizome
cats, dogs, goats
sheep, cattle,
leaves, fruits,
desglucosyrioside, syrioside
goats
stems
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/db2www/plants.d2w/report1?ispecies=cattle (1 of 4) [5/10/2004 3:19:56 PM]
Astragalus and
Oxytropis spp.
Locoweed
horse,sheep,
cattle
flowers,
leaves, stems
selenium, nitro compounds,

swainsonine
Brassica spp,
Rape, Cabbage,
Turnips,
Broccoli,
Mustard
cattle, humans,
swine, sheep,
goats, poultry
roots, seeds
anemia factor
Chelidonium majus Celandine
cattle, humans
roots
isoquinoline alkoids
Chenopodium
album
Lamb's Quarters
cattle, horses,
humans, sheep,
swine
all
nitrates
Cicuta spp.
Water Hemlock
or Cowbane
all
roots, all
cicutoxin
Claviceps spp.
Ergot
all
fungus
indole alkaloid
Conium
maculatum
Poison Hemlock all
all
coniine
cattle, humans,
horses, goats
flowers,
leaves, seeds
atropine, scopalamine, and

hyoscyamine
cattle, humans,
goats
all
alkaloids delphinine, ajacine,

and others
cats, cattle,
humans
all
isoquinolone alkaloids
Datura spp.
Delphinium spp.
Dicentra spp.
Digitalis purpurea
Eupatorium
rugosum
Euphorbia spp.
Jimsonweed,
Downy
Thornapple,
Devil's Trumpet,
Angel's Trumpet
Delphiniums and
Larkspurs
Bleeding Heart,
Squirrel Corn,
Dutchman's
Breeches
cats, cattle, dogs,

flowers,
Foxglove
goats, horses,
leaves, seeds
humans
cattle, dogs,
goats, horses,
White Snakeroot
all
humans, rabbits,
sheep
Poinsettia,
cattle, horses,
leaves, stems
Spurges, Snow on
humans, sheep and sap
the Mountain
cardiac or steroid glycosides
tremetone
phorbol esters
Festuca
arundinacea
Tall Fescue
cattle, horses
all
diaziphenanthrene,
pyrrolizidine, and ergot
Halogeton
glomeratus
Halogeton
sheep, cattle
leaves, stems
soluble oxalates
Iris spp.
Irises
cattle, humans,
swine
rhizomes and
rootstocks
Laburnum
anagyroides
Lantana camara
Linum
usitatissimum
cattle, dogs,
Golden Chain or
horses, humans,
Laburnum
swine
Lantana, Red
cattle, dogs,
Sage, Yellow
goats, cats,
Sage, or West
humans, sheep
Indian Lantana
Flax
cattle, sheep
pods, seeds,
all
cytisine
unripe, green
berries
triterpenes
all
cyanogenic glycoside
Lotus corniculatus Birdsfoot Trefoil cattle, sheep
CN tannini
lupinine, anagyrine, sparteine,
and hydroxylupanine
Lupinus spp.
Lupine
cattle, goats
Medicago sativa
Alfalfa or
Lucerne
cattle, chickens,
all
humans, sheep
Metilotus alba and White and

Melilotus
Yellow
Sweetclover
officinalis
horses, cattle,
sheep
stem
dicoumarol
Nerium oleander
horses, cattle,
sheep, dogs,
humans, goats
all, leaves,
stems
Papaver spp.
Phytolacca
americana
Pinus ponderosa
Oleander
seeds
Various Poppies
including Opium cattle, humans all
Poppy
cattle, sheep,
Pokeweed
humans, turkeys, all
swine, horses
needles,
Ponderosa Pine cattle
young shoots
codine, morphine, protopine

phytolaccatoxin,
phytolaccigenin
unknown
Podophyllum
peltatum
Mayapple and
Mandrake
cattle, humans,
swine
all

podophylloresin
Prunus spp.
Wild Cherries,
Black Cherry,
Bitter Cherry,
Choke Cherry,
Pin Cherry
horses, cattle,
moose, sheep,
swine, goats
seeds, leaves
amygdalin, prunasin
Pteridium
aquilinium
Bracken Fern
horse, cattle,
sheep, humans,
swine
all
thiaminase
Quercus spp.
Oak Trees
horse, cattle
acorns, young gallotannins, quercitrin, and

leaves
quercitin
Ranunculus spp.
Buttercups or
Crowfoot
cattle, goats,
horses
all
protoanemonin
Ricinus communis Castor Bean
all
Robinia
pseudoacacia
Black Locust
horses, cattle,
bark, leaves,
humans, poultry,
seeds
sheep, goats
robin, phasin
Rumex spp.
Dock
cattle, sheep
leaves
soluble oxalates
Elderberry
cattle, humans,
goats
leaves, twigs,
roots, unripe sambunigrin
fruits
Senecio,
Groundsels, and
Ragworts
Common
Nightshade,
Black
Nightshade,
Horse Nettle,
Buffalo Bur,
Potato
Sorghum or Milo,
Sudan Grass, and
Johnson Grass
horse, cattle,
goats, sheep,
human
leaves
cattle, humans,
rodents, sheep,
horses, goats
leaves,
immature fruit
horses, cattle,
goats
leaves, stems
Taxus cuspidata
Yew
all
leaves, seeds,
taxine
twigs
Tetradymia spp.
Horsebrush
sheep, cattle
leaves
Trifolium spp.
Alsike Clover,
Red Clover,
White Clover
horse, cattle
all, leaves
nitrate
Triglochin
maritima
Arrowgrass
cattle, sheep
all, leaves,
flowers
taxiphillin, triglochinin
Xanthium
strumarium
Cocklebur
cattle, humans,
rodents, swine
seedlings,
seeds
all
all, bulbs,
leaves,
flowers,
pollen
zygacine
Sambucus
canadensis
Senecio spp.
Solanum spp.
Sorghum spp.
Zigadenus spp.
Death Camas
seeds
ricin, albumin
dhurrin, nitrate
A. muscaria
A. pantherina
A. verna
Abrus precatorius
Aconitum spp.
Aesculus spp.
Agrostemma githago
Amanita spp.
Apocynum spp.
Argemone mexicana
Asclepias spp.
Atropa belladonna
Brassica spp,
Cannabis sativa
Cicuta spp.
Claviceps spp.
Conium maculatum
Convallaria majalis
Datura spp.
Plants of concern to goat owners...
Toxic Plants and the Common

Caprine
Unlike the public's vision of a goat, the
cast iron-stomached beast that can eat
everything from a tin can to plastic
wrapping, there are many things that can
kill a goat. Some poison plants are
ingested by accident, while browsing, but
a major reason for the toxic poisoning of
goats comes as a result of starvation.
As with all nutritional toxicology, it is the
size of the dose, and the poison present
in the plant that will determine whether the animal lives or dies. This web page is devoted to the
caprine species, and to many of the plants out there that can kill them. It gives a fairly
comprehensive list of plants commonly found in areas with goats, but it is not complete.
Delphinium spp.
List of toxicants in plants poisonous to goats
Digitalis purpurea
Eupatorium rugosum
This list comes from an old Dairy Goat Management book that I had kicking around at home, and may be
incomplete. For a more comprehensive, and more scientific list, consult Mary Smith, and David Sherman's Goat
Medicine.
Glechoma spp.
This series of web pages was created by Kevin Kirchofer, an undergraduate student at Cornell University
for the AS625 class. All comments and suggestions are welcome.
Lantana camara
Leucothoe davisiae
Lobelia spp.
Lupinus spp.

Nerium oleander
Prunus spp.
Ranunculus spp.
Rheum rhaponticum
Ricinus communis
Sambucus canadensis
Senecio spp.
Solanum spp.
Sorghum spp.
Taxus cuspidata
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/goatlist.html (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:19:59 PM]
Zigadenus spp.
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/goatlist.html (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:19:59 PM]
Search for species like 'sheep'

Scientific Name
Common
Name(s)
Abrus precatorius
Rosary Pea
Species Most
Often Affected
Primary Poison(s)
seeds
abrin
Amanita spp.
Monkey Agaric,
Panther Cap,
Death Cap, and all
Death Angel
Mushrooms
cap?
toxalbumin
A. muscaria
Fly Agaric
all
cap?
A. pantherina
Panther
all
cap?
A. verna
Destroying
Angels
all
cap?
Apocynum spp.
Dogbane
Asclepias spp.
Milkweed
Astragalus and
Oxytropis spp.
Locoweed
horse,sheep,
cattle
flowers,
leaves, stems
selenium, nitro compounds,

swainsonine
Brassica spp,
Rape, Cabbage,
Turnips,
Broccoli,
Mustard
cattle, humans,
swine, sheep,
goats, poultry
roots, seeds
anemia factor
all
nitrates
roots, all
cicutoxin
fungus
indole alkaloid
all
coniine
Chenopodium
album
Cicuta spp.
Claviceps spp.
all
Parts
Poisonous
horses, cattle,
humans, sheep, rhizome
cats, dogs, goats
sheep, cattle,
leaves, fruits,
goats
stems
cattle, horses,
Lamb's Quarters humans, sheep,
swine
Water Hemlock
all
or Cowbane
Ergot
all
Conium maculatum Poison Hemlock all
apocynamarin
desglucosyrioside, syrioside
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/db2www/plants.d2w/report1?ispecies=sheep (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 3:20:01 PM]
Eupatorium
rugosum
Euphorbia spp.
cattle, dogs,
goats, horses,
White Snakeroot
all
humans, rabbits,
sheep
Poinsettia,
cattle, horses,
leaves, stems
Spurges, Snow
humans, sheep and sap
on the Mountain
tremetone
phorbol esters
Halogeton
glomeratus
Halogeton
sheep, cattle
leaves, stems
soluble oxalates
Hypericum
perforatum
St. Johns Wort,

Klamath Weed
horses, sheep,
goats
all
hypericum
cattle, dogs,
goats, cats,
humans, sheep
unripe, green
berries
triterpenes
horses, rodents,
turkeys, sheep,
humans
seeds
DABA, ODAP, amine, phenol,

glycoside
Leucothoe axillaris Drooping

and Leucothoe
Leucothoe and
Sierra Laurel
davisiae
goats, sheep
leaves, nectar andromedotoxin
Linum
usitatissimum
cattle, sheep
all
Lantana camara
Lathyrus spp.
Lantana, Red
Sage, Yellow
Sage, or West
Indian Lantana
Sweet Pea,
Tangier Pea,
Everlasting Pea,
Caley Pea and
Singletary Pea
Flax
Lotus corniculatus Birdsfoot Trefoil cattle, sheep

Medicago sativa
Alfalfa or
Lucerne
Metilotus alba and White and

Melilotus
Yellow
Sweetclover
officinalis
Nerium oleander
Oleander
Phytolacca
americana
Pokeweed
Prunus spp.
Wild Cherries,
Black Cherry,
Bitter Cherry,
Choke Cherry,
Pin Cherry
cyanogenic glycoside
CN tannini
cattle, chickens,
all
humans, sheep
horses, cattle,
sheep
dicoumarol
stem
horses, cattle,
all, leaves,
sheep, dogs,
stems
humans, goats
cattle, sheep,
humans, turkeys, all
swine, horses
horses, cattle,
moose, sheep,
swine, goats
seeds, leaves
phytolaccatoxin,
phytolaccigenin
amygdalin, prunasin
horse, cattle,
sheep, humans,
swine
all
thiaminase
all
seeds
ricin, albumin
Robinia
pseudoacacia
Black Locust
horses, cattle,
bark, leaves,
humans, poultry,
seeds
sheep, goats
robin, phasin
Rumex spp.
Dock
cattle, sheep
leaves
soluble oxalates
Senecio,
Groundsels, and
Ragworts
Common
Nightshade,
Black
Nightshade,
Horse Nettle,
Buffalo Bur,
Potato
horse, cattle,
goats, sheep,
human
leaves
cattle, humans,
rodents, sheep,
horses, goats
leaves,
immature fruit
Taxus cuspidata
Yew
all
leaves, seeds,
taxine
twigs
Tetradymia spp.
Horsebrush
sheep, cattle
leaves
Triglochin
maritima
Arrowgrass
cattle, sheep
all, leaves,
flowers
taxiphillin, triglochinin
Veratrum
californicum
Corn Lily, False

sheep
Hellbore
all
cylcopamine
Death Camas
all, bulbs,
zygacine
leaves,
flowers, pollen
Pteridium
aquilinium
Senecio spp.
Solanum spp.
Zigadenus spp.
Bracken Fern
all
Cornell Poisonous Plants - Plants Poisonous to Horses
A. muscaria
A. pantherina
A. verna
Abrus precatorius
Acer rubrum
Acer saccharinum
Plants of concern to horse owners...
Acer saccharum
Allium spp.
Amanita spp.
Apocynum spp.
spp.
Chenopodium album
Cicuta spp.
Claviceps spp.
Conium maculatum
Coronilla varia
Datura spp.
Digitalis purpurea
There are many poisonous plants and substances which are

not represented here. Please do not assume that a specific
plant is ok just because it is not listed.
Equisetum arvense and

other spp.
Eupatorium rugosum
Euphorbia spp.

Festuca arundinacea
Glechoma spp.
Lathyrus spp.
Metilotus alba and
Nerium oleander
Onoclea sensibilis
Prunus spp.
Quercus spp.
Ranunculus spp.
Rheum rhaponticum
Ricinus communis
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/horselist.html (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:20:05 PM]
Senecio spp.
Solanum spp.
Sorghum spp.
Taxus cuspidata
Trifolium spp.
Vicia spp.
Zigadenus spp.
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/horselist.html (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:20:05 PM]
Search for species like 'poultry'

Scientific Name
Abrus precatorius
Species Most
Common Name(s)
Parts Poisonous
Often
Affected
Rosary Pea
Agrostemma githago Corn Cockle
all
seeds
poultry, cattle,
seeds
humans, goats
Amanita spp.
Monkey Agaric,
Panther Cap, Death
all
Cap, and Death
Angel Mushrooms
cap?
A. muscaria
Fly Agaric
all
cap?
A. pantherina
Panther
all
cap?
A. verna
Destroying Angels all
cap?
Primary Poison(s)
abrin
githagin
toxalbumin
ibotenic acid and
muscimol
ibotenic acid and
muscimol
ibotenic acid and
muscimol
Rape, Cabbage,
Turnips, Broccoli,
Mustard
Water Hemlock or
Cowbane
cattle, humans,
swine, sheep, roots, seeds
goats, poultry
anemia factor
all
roots, all
cicutoxin
Claviceps spp.
Ergot
all
fungus
indole alkaloid
Conium maculatum
Poison Hemlock
all
all
coniine
Ricinus communis
Castor Bean
all
seeds
ricin, albumin
Brassica spp,
Cicuta spp.
Robinia pseudoacacia Black Locust
Taxus cuspidata
Yew
Zigadenus spp.
Death Camas
horses, cattle,
bark, leaves,
humans,
robin, phasin
poultry, sheep, seeds
goats
leaves, seeds,
all
taxine
twigs
all, bulbs, leaves,
all
zygacine
flowers, pollen
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/db2www/plants.d2w/report1?ispecies=poultry (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:20:06 PM]
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/db2www/plants.d2w/report1?ispecies=poultry (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:20:06 PM]
Search for species like 'swine'

Scientific Name
Common
Name(s)
Species
Most
Often
Affected
Parts
Poisonous
Primary Poison(s)
Abrus precatorius
Rosary Pea
all
seeds
abrin
Amanita spp.
Monkey Agaric,
Panther Cap,
Death Cap, and
Death Angel
Mushrooms
all
cap?
toxalbumin
A. muscaria
Fly Agaric
all
cap?
A. pantherina
Panther
all
cap?
A. verna
Destroying
Angels
all
cap?
Amaranthus spp.
Pigweed
cattle, swine leaves
nitrate
Amsinckia
intermedia
Fiddleneck
horses,
seeds
swine, cattle
intermedine, lycopsamine
Brassica spp,
Rape, Cabbage,
Turnips,
Broccoli,
Mustard
Chenopodium album Lamb's Quarters
cattle,
humans,
swine, sheep, roots, seeds
goats,
poultry
cattle, horses,
all
humans,
sheep, swine
anemia factor
nitrates
Cicuta spp.
Water Hemlock
or Cowbane
all
roots, all
cicutoxin
Claviceps spp.
Ergot
all
fungus
indole alkaloid
Conium maculatum
Poison Hemlock all
all
coniine
rhizomes and
rootstocks
Iris spp.
Irises
cattle,
humans,
swine
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/db2www/plants.d2w/report1?ispecies=swine (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:20:07 PM]
cattle, dogs,
Golden Chain or horses,
Laburnum
humans,
swine
Tobacco and Tree humans,
Nicotiana spp.
Tobacco
swine
cattle, sheep,
Phytolacca
humans,
Pokeweed
americana
turkeys,
swine, horses
cattle,
Podophyllum
Mayapple and
humans,
peltatum
Mandrake
swine
Wild Cherries,
horses, cattle,
Black Cherry,
moose,
Prunus spp.
Bitter Cherry,
sheep, swine,
Choke Cherry,
goats
Pin Cherry
horse, cattle,
sheep,
Pteridium aquilinium Bracken Fern
humans,
swine
goats,
Rheum rhaponticum Rhubarb
humans,
swine, horses
all
Laburnum
anagyroides
pods, seeds, all cytisine
leaves
nicotine,pyridine
all
phytolaccatoxin,
phytolaccigenin
all

podophylloresin
seeds, leaves
amygdalin, prunasin
all
thiaminase
leaves
anthraquinones, oxalate
seeds
ricin, albumin
taxine
Yew
all
leaves, seeds,
twigs
Xanthium
strumarium
Cocklebur
cattle,
humans,
rodents,
swine
seedlings, seeds carboxyatractyloside
Zigadenus spp.
Death Camas
all
all, bulbs,
leaves, flowers, zygacine
pollen
Taxus cuspidata
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/db2www/plants.d2w/report1?ispecies=swine (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:20:07 PM]
A. muscaria
A. pantherina
A. verna
Abrus precatorius
Amanita spp.
Apocynum spp.
Cannabis sativa
Cicuta spp.
Claviceps spp.
Conium maculatum
Plants of concern to cat owners...

Common Cat Toxicities (non-plant)
Convallaria majalis
Daphne spp.
Dicentra spp.
Digitalis purpurea

Lantana camara
Ricinus communis
Taxus cuspidata
Zigadenus spp.
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/catlist.html [5/10/2004 3:20:10 PM]
A. muscaria
A. pantherina
A. verna
Abrus precatorius
Amanita spp.
Apocynum spp.
Cannabis sativa
Cicuta spp.
Claviceps spp.
Conium maculatum
Plants of concern to dog owners...

Common Dog Toxicities (non-plant)
Convallaria majalis
Daphne spp.
Digitalis purpurea
Eupatorium rugosum

Lantana camara
Nerium oleander
Ricinus communis
Taxus cuspidata
Urtica spp.
Zigadenus spp.
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/doglist.html [5/10/2004 3:20:13 PM]
Cornell Poisonous Plants - specific to Iguanas
Be Careful of What You Feed to Your Green

Iguana
Photo by Chris Estep and Wendell Leopard
Or He May Look Like This!!
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/toxiguana/iguana.html (1 of 10) [5/10/2004 3:20:17 PM]
Table of Contents
1. The Natural History of Green Iguana Digestion
2. Feeding Ethics
3. Dietary Adjustment
4. Feeding Schedule
5. Edible and Toxic Plants
6. Construct of a Well Balanced Diet
7. Basic Diet and Preparation
8. Nutritional Disorders
9. Popular Iguana Links
10. Acknowledgments
Natural History
Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) are large semi-arboreal to arboreal lizards of the primarily
New World Americas. They are almost an exclusively herbivorous reptile. Earlier beliefs
were that the juveniles were insectivores, and then gradually grew into herbivorous adults.
However recent studies on stomach content in wild iguanas have revealed that this is not the
case. Iguanas are born herbivores and do not go through an ontogenetic shift from
insectivore to herbivore. The digestive system is therefore designed to digest plant materials
and not, as some recommend, to digest meat in
any amount. The green iguana has evolved an
elaborate hindgut, housing a microbial
fermentation system that allows it to utilize fiber
as effectively as mammalian ruminants. The adult
iguanas spend most of their time in the upper
parts of the trees, while the juveniles are either on
the ground or in the lower parts of the trees and
bushes. Due to the iguana's habitat, its wild diet
consists of a variety of leaves, small fruits and
flowers - and this variety should be provided in
captivity as well. It may sound easy to provide a
varied diet for the captive iguana, however the diet must also be a nutritiously balanced and
healthy diet and this is why the iguana owner needs to learn some basic guidelines for
making a proper Iguana-salad.
Photo by Chris Estep
Feeding Ethics
Iguanas don't recognize what we are trying to feed them as being proper food. They are
attracted by certain shapes and colors, and may, like humans, get 'hooked' on junk foods,
foods that either lack nutritional value or that are downright harmful to them, or foods that
they are simply used to getting. This is a particular problem with pre-owned iguanas,
iguanas being fed less than ideal diets, and those who have come from pet stores where they
have been fed the generally inappropriate feed usually fed to them. One needs to learn how
to deal with this syndrome, how to be patient, not give in, and eventually be rewarded with
your iguana eating what it should!
Dietary Adjustment
There is no simple answer as to what is the best diet for iguanas. Green iguanas are hardy
and extremely adaptable and will fare on a wide variety of different diets as long as they all
meet a certain basic criteria. When keeping an iguana as a pet, one of the best ways to adjust
the diet is to look at the veterinary problems with the associated with the diet at different
stages in an iguana's life.
In juvenile and immature animals primarily during the first two years but also up to
the ages of 4-5 years, one of the most common problems associated with diet that
veterinarians encounter is metabolic bone disease, caused by a lack of usable calcium.
Green iguanas grow at a truly remarkable rate from hatchlings to sexual maturity,
approximately a 100 fold increase in weight in 3 years. This implies very rapid growth
of all body structures including the skeletal system which will require large amounts of
usable calcium.
A diet higher in protein content will allow an iguana to maximize it's potential growth
during the first two years. There is evidence from observations of juveniles both in the
wild and in captivity, that given the opportunity, they will seek a higher protein diet
such as insects and possibly carrion.
Once sexual maturity is reached (2-3 years), growth slows down somewhat but
continues at a fair rate for another year or two. In females during breeding, extra
demands are placed for the production of eggs and for calcification of egg shells.
At 4-5 years of age, the growth rate tapers drastically and the diet should be adjusted
accordingly. One of the more common problems in older iguanas that are brought to
veterinarians is visceral gout caused by the deposition of uric acid in the kidneys and
other internal organs. This is a result of a diet too high in protein, particularly organ
meat products. Another common problem usually seen in male iguanas upon autopsy
is metastatic calcification, the deposition of calcium in the internal organs. Both of
these conditions are fatal and can be prevented through proper diet.
From The Green Iguana Manual by Philippe de Vosjoli
Recommended Diet and Feeding Schedule:

For juveniles up to 2 years of age:
Feeding Schedule: Daily. Twice daily or continuous availability for hatchlings.
Diet: 85-90% plant matter
10-15% animal protein sources and/or commercial pet diet
Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation: One small pinch of vitamin/mineral supplement per
animal,
no more than once a day.
For iguanas 2 years and up:
Feeding Schedule: Every 1-2 days
Diet: 95% plant matter
5% animal protein sources and/or commercial pet diet
Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation: One full pinch per 2 lbs twice a week or 1/8th of a
teaspoon per 3-4 lbs of body weight per week.
Note: For mature females, increase calcium supplementation and protein sources
(up to 15%) starting in late December and through egg-laying.
Edible and Toxic Foliage

Before you go about preparing a salad for your iguana, one of the first things the you as an
owner of an iguana needs to learn is to distinguish between "good" and "bad" food. The
"good" foods are those food items that can be fed on a daily basis, ones listed in the Basic
Iguana Diet. If you plan to have the iguana free roaming in the house it is a necessary to find
out what plants can be placed in the home. Only those that are non toxic should present.
Please refer to Melissa Kaplan's Edible Plants page to determine which house plants are safe
to have accessible to the iguana.
There are also those plants which should either be avoided or only be used occasionally (ones
every other week). Some of these include: spinach, romaine lettuce, onions, beets, beet
greens, celery stalk, Swiss-chard, carrots, bananas, grapes, lettuce, kale, Chinese cabbage,
broccoli, turnips, cauliflower and brussels sprouts. However there are some plants that are
to be avoided all together. These plants are not edible and may have severe toxic
consequences for the animal. Rhubarb is extremely toxic because of the formation of calcium
oxalate crystals. For a complete list of plants toxic to iguanas and their pathways of toxicity,
please refer to Melissa Kaplan's Harmful Plants complete listing. However, if you would like
to view the plants for visual identification you can see the plants at the Cornell University
pages of Poisonous Plants. If your reptile does ingest something it should not have, watch it
carefully for signs of distress. Signs will usually include respiratory changes (i.e. rate of
breathing increases or decreases, breaths become shallower or deeper, breathing becomes
labored or difficult), increased salivation, dry heaves, vomiting, lethargy, increased activity,
rubbing mouth on ground or other surfaces, scratching at face or mouth, diarrhea or other
alteration of feces. Don't wait to see if the signs will abate - call (or have someone call) your
regular reptile vet or emergency reptile vet (have these numbers and locations on hand
before you need them) and let them know what the animal ate, what the signs are, and that
you are on your way. The National Animal Poison Control Center may also be able to offer
you pertinent information, but in a potential emergency where time is of the essence, you
should get your reptile to a vet who can administer an antidote and supportive therapy as
quickly as possible.
A Well Balanced Diet

Calcium Rich Vegetables, where the Ca : P > 2 - 35% or more of the diet.
Collards, mustard greens, alfalfa chow or pellets, dandelions, bok choy, swiss chard
Beet greens, escarole, green beans, turnips
Note: Kale and bok choy in small amounts only.
Other Vegetables: A variety weekly - 35% or more of diet.
Romaine lettuce, frozen mixed vegetables (thawed), shredded squashes, zucchini, sweet
potatoes
Bell Peppers, various sprouts, grated carrots, okra, cooked sweet potatoes
Note: Broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and other members of the cabbage family
should be fed in small amounts because they may cause thyroid problems when fed
frequently in large quantities.

Grain/Fiber sources: Optional - up to 20% of diet.
Mixed grain bread and natural bran cereal
Fruits: Offer a variety weekly - No more than 15% of diet.
Calcium Rich: Fresh or dried figs, papaya, raspberries
Other: Melons, apples, plums, peaches, strawberries, tomatoes, bananas, grapes, kiwi
Animal Protein sources: Up to 15% for hatchlings and sub adults. No more than 5% of adult
diet.
Insects: Crickets, meal worms, king meal

worms
Meats: Cooked chicken, small pre killed
mice
Commercial pet diet: Soaked high quality
dog or monkey chow
Other: Hard boiled eggs
We receive a large volume of mail about feeding

iguanas meat. A large vocal group of iguana
fans oppose this despite the fact that iguanas can
and do eat meat in the wild and in captivity. As
stated above, animal protein should be NO
MORE THAN 5%. Please do not email us
further about this.
Note on primate diets: If it weren't for the high D3

content, these diets could probably make up a
substantial percentage of an iguana diet but the
high D3 content in combination with calcium will
cause metastatic calcification in mature iguanas.
Thus they should be used in moderation.
Photo by Chris Estep
Basic Iguana Diet and Preparation

Greens (30-40% of volume)
Romaine
Kale
Handling:
Leaf Lettuce
Collards
Spinach
Escarole
Mustard Greens
Parsley, etc.
All greens thoroughly rinsed and chopped or diced. Hatchlings or juveniles

need finely chopped food to aid digestion. Gut Fauna in young iguanas can
be overwhelmed by the large pieces of food.
Bulk Vegetables (30-40% of volume)

Frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, peas, limas)
Avocado
Broccoli
Yams
Handling:
Green beans
Zucchini
Cabbage Peas
All vegetables should be fresh or frozen: thawed and served room temperature
or slightly warm, chopped.
Fruit (10-30% of volume)
Banana Melon (Honey dew, Cantaloupe, etc.)

Cherries
Blueberries
Peaches
Handling:
Kiwi
Grapes
Papaya
Mango Strawberries
All fruit washed and chopped into small pieces designed to be bite-sized for
various size iguanas. Bananas served with skin.
Protein (1-5% of volume)

Cooked chicken
Dog or Monkey chow
Handling: Chicken meat chopped. Process food soaked.

guana Diet Chart by Robert Ehrig of the International Iguana Society
Nutritional Disorders in Green Iguanas
Deficiency/ Metabolic Bone Disease
Causes:
Calcium deficiency is the lack of physiologically available calcium. Simply supplementing the
diet with calcium will not assure that the calcium will be absorbed through the lining of the
intestine and become usable. For the effective absorption of calcium through the intestinal
lining an adequate amount of vitamin D3 and the proper calcium/phosphorus ratio is
required. It is recommended that in iguanas that minerals be provided in the ratio of 1 part
D3 to 2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus. These can be added in the form of vitamin
supplements such as Rep-Cal and Terrafauna Vitalife using the proper dosage.
Secondary Causes:
Calcium deficiency can also be caused by the excessive feeding of oxalic
acid. When ingested, oxalic acid has a high affinity for blood calcium.
This causes a reduction of calcium levels as well as the formation of a
potentially lethal, insoluble substance Calcium Oxalate. Refer to Melissa
Kaplan's chart on the oxalate to calcium ratio of selected iguana foods
to determine a suitable diet for your pet. Acute cases of ingestion of
high levels of oxalic acid is potentially lethal. The deposition of the
crystals in the kidneys will cause blockage, necrosis, and ultimately
death. One plant to avoid at all costs is Rhubarb. The high content of
oxalic acid in the rhubarb leaves are toxic will kill even the largest of the
iguanas.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of metabolic bone disease will vary depending on a
number of factors, such as the age of the animal and duration of the
disease. In juveniles, symptoms can include a soft lower jaw and
deformities of the back and legs. In larger animals, osteoporosis and
fibrous osteodystrophy may occur. These are characterized by the
swollen, smooth appearance of the hind limbs and swollen lower jaw.
Animals with fibrous osteodystrophy are often initially perceived as
rotund, fat animals until they manifest abnormal behaviors, usually the
result broken limbs and bones now too weak to support the weight of
the animal. Fibrous dystrophy results in swollen limbs due to the
deposition of scar tissue around the ever-weakening and thinning bones
to make up for the structural weakness.
Gout
Causes:
Visceral gout is a disease caused by the accumulation of urate crystals
and characterized by the presence of particular lesions called "tophi".
In captive herbivorous reptiles, the primary cause is excessive animal
protein in the diet. It is a common cause of death in older iguanas fed a
primarily high meat or canned dog food diet. The feeding of meats high
in purines have been closely associated with high urate levels in
herbivorous reptiles. A secondary cause is the lack of water which is
needed to by the iguana to flush out uric acid derivatives. Once present,
visceral gout is usually fatal.
Mineralization of Internal Organs/Metastatic

Calcification
Causes:
Once an iguana matures and growth rate tapers, excessive calcium in
the diet will be readily absorbed into the blood stream with high levels
of vitamin D3 and can accumulate in various internal organs. Over time
this will eventually kill the animal. Care must be given to not over
supplement the diet of adult iguanas. It is recommended that 100-200
IU/ of D3 per kilogram (2.2 lb) be fed per week. The moral is that too
much of a good thing is not always better.
Popular Iguana Links

Giant Green Iguana Care - Melissa Kaplan's Very Informative

Page on General Iguana Care.
Iguana Iguana - provides up-to-date information on the proper

care of the green iguana with interesting articles and graphics.
Flower Eating Dragon, Inc. - an education organization offering

publications, videos, cage plans, and other reptile information, plus
lectures and workshops in the New England area.
Acknowledgments
1. Boyer, T. 1991. Common problems and treatment of green iguanas
(Iguana iguana).
Bulletin of the Association of Amphibian and Reptilian
Veterinarians.
Vol. 1 No. 1. pp. 8-11.
2. Frye, F. 1991. A Practical Guide for Feeding Captive Reptiles.
Kreiger Publishing.
Malabar, Fl.
3. Troyer, K. 1983. Diet selection and digestion in Iguana iguana, the
importance of age
and nutrient requirements. Oecologia (Berlin) 61:201-202.
4. Vosjoli, Philippe. 1992. The Green Iguana Manual. Advanced
Vivarium Systems.
Lakeside, Ca.
[Top of Page][Natural History][Feeding Ethics][Dietary Adjustment]
[Feeding Schedule][Edible and Toxic Plants][Well Balanced Diet][Basic
Diet and Preparation] [Nutritional Disorders][Popular Iguana
Links][Acknowledgments]
This page is dedicated to Jurassic, my wonderful green iguana. - Ben Brault
This series of web pages was created by Ben Brault, an undergraduate

student at Cornell University for the AS625 class. All comments and
suggestions are welcome.
WARNING: These web pages are only meant to be informative. Neither
Cornell University nor the author of this site endorse or recommend the use
of these plants.
Plants of Special Concern... Home page: Animal Science at Cornell University
Search for species like 'rabbit'

Scientific Name
Common Name(s)
Species Most
Often Affected
Parts Poisonous
Primary Poison(s)
Abrus precatorius
Rosary Pea
all
seeds
abrin
Amanita spp.
Monkey Agaric,
Panther Cap, Death
Cap, and Death
Angel Mushrooms
all
cap?
toxalbumin
A. muscaria
Fly Agaric
all
cap?
A. pantherina
Panther
all
cap?
A. verna
Destroying Angels
all
cap?
Cicuta spp.
Water Hemlock or
Cowbane
all
roots, all
cicutoxin
Claviceps spp.
Ergot
all
fungus
indole alkaloid
Conium maculatum Poison Hemlock
all
all
coniine
Eupatorium rugosum White Snakeroot
cattle, dogs,
goats, horses,
all
humans, rabbits,
sheep
tremetone
Ricinus communis
Castor Bean
all
seeds
ricin, albumin
Taxus cuspidata
Yew
all
leaves, seeds, twigs taxine
Zigadenus spp.
Death Camas
all
all, bulbs, leaves,

flowers, pollen
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ibotenic acid and

muscimol
ibotenic acid and
muscimol
ibotenic acid and
muscimol
zygacine
Cornell University Poisonous Plants - Adaptations to Toxicity
Adaptations to Toxicity
We live in a world that surrounds us with poison. Plants, looking to their own best
interests, produce an incredible array of toxic concoctions. Human industry has presented
us with harmful compounds previously unknown in nature, like DDT and PCB's. Even
essential nutrients, like salt and vitamins, can be toxic if given at the right dose. As
Paracelsus the physician once said, "All substances are poisons, there is none which is
not a poison." And yet, toxic as our environment is, some animals have come up with
astounding adaptations that allow them to find their niche amongst these deadly plants.
Come meet these incredible survivors:
Cyanide eating Bamboo Lemurs live to tell the tale....
"
Ruminants: Talk about your iron stomachs!!
"
Polly wants some poison": The detoxifying strategies of Amazon Macaws.
Water, water, everywhere; Nor any drop to drink" - The salt glands of marine
birds.
REFERENCES
This series of web pages was created by Carrie Golash, an undergraduate student at Cornell
Return to: [Adaptations to Toxicity]
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Index of Plants
Treating Livestock with Medicinal Plants: Beneficial or Toxic?
Plant List
This series of web pages will attempt to answer some basic questions about the safety and efficacy
of some medicinal plants. More plants will be added as information is available. Please read the
introduction before reading about the plants.
Index
Buddleja americana
Carica papaya
Cecropia spp.
Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (Wormseed)
Eucalyptus spp.
Gelsemium sempervirens (Yellow Jasmine)
Gliricidia sepium
Hyptis verticillata
NEWMelinis minutiflora (Molasses grass)
Mentha x piperita L. (Peppermint)

Ocimum basilicum L. and O. americanum (Basil)
NEWPetiveria alliacea
NEWPortulaca oleracea (Purslane)
Rheum palmatum and Rheum rhabarbarum (Rhubarb)
Symphytum officinale (Comfrey)
When reading about the plants please remember that:

1. There is incomplete toxicity information on most of these plants;
2. There is incomplete efficacy information on most of these plants; and
3. The toxic dose and potentially effective dose could be very close.
e-mail Webmaster.
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Index of Plants

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Melinis minutiflora
Melinis minutiflora
Index
Introduction and Common Names
Chemical Compounds and Toxicity
Uses and Efficacy
Introduction
Melinis minutiflora Beauv. (listed under the Family Gramineae or Poaceae) also is referred to as
Panicum minutiflora and P. melinus. It is a seed propagated tropical grass (C4) that grows to
height of approximately 3 ft. It originated in Africa, though it can now be found in much of South
and Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of India. M. minutiflora is considered a nuisance
weed in many parts of the world including Hawaii, Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia (Duke,
1983). Hawaii is currently tracking its spread on the islands.
Most of the research with this grass has focused on its nutritional value as a pasture grass. It can be
an easy to establish pasture grass. However, it also can outgrow all other grasses and weeds in a
pasture and form monotypic stands. Like many tropical grasses, it does not make good hay or
silage (although it is used for hay and silage in some tropical countries). M. minutiflora can be
overgrazed and damaged from repeated mowings (e.g., for making hay).
To learn more about the genus Melinis please refer to L. Watson and M.J. Dallwitz's web site.
James A Duke's Handbook of Energy Crops (1983, unpublished) provides nutrition information, as
well as, chemical, medicinal, and ecology information. The University of Hawaii's web site has
several pictures available of M. minutiflora. Common names for Melinis minutiflora include:
Herbe molasses
Molasses grass (U.S.)
Puakatau
Stinkgrass (U.S.)
Yeragua (Colombia)
Yerba agua (Dominican Republic)
Yerba melao (Puerto Rico)
Return to Index

Little is known about the chemical composition and toxicity of M. minutiflora. Preliminary
chemical analyses at Cornell University indicate the presence of phenolics in the roots. The
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Melinis minutiflora
volatile oil (from the glanular hairs) contains fatty acids, esters, and probably phenolics (Duke,
1983). The leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals (Lersten, 1983).
No toxicity studies could be found. Since little is known about the chemical composition (beyond
nutritionally important compounds), it is difficult to assess the toxicity of the plant when used for
medicinal purposes. Some phenolics are poisonous, while others are known to have antioxidant
and anticancer properties.
Oxalates (including calcium oxalates) have caused adverse effects in livestock and can decrease
the availability of calcium in a plant. For example, some of the calcium in alfalfa is in the oxalate
form and unavailable to ruminants. Ruminants tend to be more tolerant of oxalates then
non-ruminants (e.g., horses), because rumen microbes degrade the oxalate. Therefore, if ruminants
are slowly exposed to a diet high in oxalates (over an approximately 4 day period), the population
of oxalate degrading microbes in the rumen increases sufficiently to prevent oxalate poisoning.
Given that M. minutiflora is used as a pasture plant and that most treatments with it are for external
parasites, one might assume that the level of oxalates will not cause adverse effects. However,
oxalate levels can vary with the growing season, so one should be cautious when using any oral
treatments with the grass, especially with non-ruminants (Cheeke, 1998). Studies need to be
conducted to determine the types of phenolics and other bioactive compounds in M. minutiflora, in
order to better assess its potential toxicity, identify the active compounds, and determine variation
in the compounds at different growth stages.
Return to Index
Uses and Efficacy

In the Dominican Republic, the roots of M. minutiflora are used for internal parasite infections in
animals. The roots are washed, ground, mixed with water, and given as an oral treatment. The
anti-parasitic properties of M. minutiflora are currently being studied at Cornell University.
Preliminary tests have been conducted with Haemonchus contortus. These tests indicate that crude
ethanol extracts of the grass decrease the viability of H. contortus eggs. Further studies on the
effect on third stage larvae are underway.
M. minutiflora is insecticidal, arachnicidal, and an insect repellent. In Tanganyika, the leaves are
rubbed on livestock to repell insects. Studies conducted by Mwangi, et al. (1995) and Hernandez,
et al. (1990), demonstrate that the grass repells ticks (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Boophilus
microplus). Studies also have shown that M. minutiflora, when inter-cropped with maize, repelled
cereal stemborer females from oviposting on the maize (Khan, et al. 1997).
Return to Index
References
Not all of the references in the list below were used in writing this web page. They are included
here so that a more complete resource list is available for those interested in the subject area.
Calle, Alvarez J., Hernandez, E.L., Riano, I., and Galindo, G. 1986. Isolation and
identification of some compounds in oil from a pasture grass Melinis minutiflora. Revista
Melinis minutiflora
Colombiana de Ciencias Quimico-Farmaceuticas, (15): 83-86. (Spanish).

Charchar, J.M. and Huang, C.S. 1991. Survival of Pratylenchus brachyurus in root pieces of
molasses grass Melinis minutiflora. Brazilian Phytopathology (Fitopatologia Brasileira),
16(1): 22-25. (Portuguese).
Duke. 1983, unpublished. James A Duke's Handbook of Energy Crops,
http://newcrop.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Melinis_minutiflora.html
Hernandez, L., Parra, D., and Ahumada, A. 1990. Repellent and acaricidal activity of the oil
and some chromatographic fractions of the grass Melinis minutiflora against Boophilus
microplus. Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Quimico-Farmaceuticas, (17): 45-50. (Spanish).
Juarez, Lagunes, F.I., Fox, D.G., Blake, R.W., and Pell, A.N. 1999. Evaluation of tropical
grasses for milk production by dual-purpose cows in tropical Mexico. Journal of Dairy
Science, 82(10): 2136-2145.
Kahn, Z.R., Chiliswa, P., Ampong Nyarko, K. Smart, L.E., Polaszek, A., Wandera, J., and
Mulaa, M.A. 1997. Utilisation of wild gramineous plants for management of cereal
stemborers in Africa. Insect Science and its Application, 17(1): 143-150.
Lersten, N.R. 1983. Crystals of calcium compounds in Gramineae. New Phytol, 93(4):
633-638.
Mwangi, Esther, N., Essuman, S., Kaaya, G.P., Nyandat, E., Munyinyi, D., and Kimondo,
M.G. 1995. Repellence of the tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus by the grass Melinis
minutiflora. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 27(4): 211-216.
University of Hawaii. http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/cw_smith/mel_min.htm
Watson, L. and Dallwitz, M.J. Undated web site.
http://www.keil.ukans.edu/delta/grass/www/melinis.htm
e-mail Webmaster.
Petiveria alliacea
Petiveria alliacea
Index
Chemical Compounds and Nutritional Value
Toxicity
Uses and Efficacy
Introduction
Petiveria alliacea (Family Phytolaccaceae), commonly known as anamu, is a herbaceous
perennial. P. alliacea can be found in growing in tropical areas of Central and South American, the
Caribbean, and Africa. The leaves and roots of the plant have a strong odor. An excellent source of
information on this plant is presented on the Raintree Nutrition web site. The Raintree site includes
ethnobotanical data, references, and abstracts. Some of the common names for Petiveria alliacea
include:
Anamu (Dominican Republic)
Apacin (Guatemala)
Feuilles Ave
Herbe Aux Poules
Mucura (Peru)
Petivere A Odeur Ail
A more complete list of common names can be found on the Raintree site.

P. alliacea contains several biologically active compounds. The quantity of compounds varies in
the plant parts. Primary compounds in the essential oil of the roots include: benzaldehyde,
dibenzyl disulfide, dibenzyl trisulfide, and cis- and trans-stilbene. Some of the compounds in P.
alliacea are listed below.
benzaldehyde -- root
benzoic acid -- root
benzyl-2-hydroxyethyl-trisulfide -- leaf
coumarin -- root
isoarborinol
isoarborinol acetate
isoarborinol cinnamate
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Petiveria alliacea
isothiocyanates -- seed
polyphenols -- leaf
senfol -- leaf
tannins -- leaf
trithiolaniacine -- root
Return to Index
Toxicity
Few data on the toxicity of P. alliacea could be found in the literature. In one study with mice, oral
doses did not cause toxicity. However, methanol extracts of the plant do cause uterus contractions,
which can lead to abortion - one of its uses in traditional human medicine. Also, extracts have been
shown to inhibit mitosis.
Caution should be taken if P. alliacea is fed to animals on a regular basis. The plant can
accumulate nitrates and has caused nitrate poisoning in cattle. Also, in studies where cattle were
fed P. alliacea regularly (3g/kg bodyweight/day), the cattle suffered several adverse reactions.
Uses and Efficacy

In the Dominican Republic, the roots of Petiveria alliacea are used in treatments for internal
parasites in livestock and as an insect repellent. No studies on the anti-parasitic properties of P.
alliacea in livestock could be found in the literature. However, when P. alliacea root was applied
to soil, populations of Meloidogyne incognita were decreased compared to controls. Also, hexane
extracts of the plant showed some activity against the blood protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro.
Studies have shown that crude ethanol extracts exhibit some repellent activity against Boophilus
microplus (tick species). Dibenzyltrisulfide, one of the compounds in the roots of P. alliacea, is
insecticidal (Cylas formicarius elegantulus and Hypothenemus hampei) and acaricidal (Boophilus
microplus).
In other studies, extracts of P. alliaceae: provided some protection against Listeria monocytogenes
infections in mice, inhibited inflammation in induced paw oedema in mice, and reduced blood
platelet aggragation in vitro.
P. alliacea has been used to treat the following ailments in humans:
Abortifacient -- La, Trinidad, and Venezuela
Ache (head, tooth) - Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Mexico
Antiseptic -- Haiti
Aphrodisiac
Bite (snake)
Cold -- Haiti, Mexico
Counterirritant -- Trinidad
Cystitis -- Trinidad
Petiveria alliacea
Decoagulant -- Trinidad
Depurative -- Haiti, La, Mexico, Trinidad, and Venezuela
Diuretic - Brazil, Haiti, La, and Mexico
Emmenagogueue -- Dominican Republic, Guatemala, La, and Mexico
Expectorant -- Haiti, La, and Mexico
Fever -- Haiti, Mexico
Flu - Dominican Republic and Trinidad
Head cold -- Trinidad
Hysteria - La and Mexico
Inflammation - Dominican Republic
Insecticide -- Dominican Republic
Nerve -- La and Mexico>
Paralysis -- Mexico
Parturition
Pertussis
Piscicide
Poison (Arrow) -- Brazil
Rabies -- Mexico
Repellant (Bat) - Panama (Choco)
Repellant (Insect) - Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Mexico
Rheumatism -- Mexico
Rootcanal -- Venezuela
Sedative - Brazil and Haiti
Return to Index
References
Asmus, R.M.F. and Ferraz, S. 1988. Antagonistic effects of some plant species, mainly
legumes, on Meloidogyne javanica. Fitopatologia Brasileira. 13 (1): 20-24. (Portuguese)
Ayala, J.R., Cruz, A.M., Miranda, Z. 1994. Effects of the aqueous extract of Canavalia
ensiformis, Bursera graveolens, Petiveria alliacea, and Parthenium hysterophorus on
sorghum germination. Technical note. Cuban Trypanosoma cruzi. J of Ethnopharmacology.
62 (2): 107-115.
Caceres, A., B. Lopez, S. Gonzalez, I. Berger, I. Tada, and J. Maki. 1998. Plants used in
Guatemala for the treatment of protozoal infections. I. screening of activity to bacteria, fungi
and American trypanosomes of 13 native plants. J of Ethnopharmacology. 62(3): 195-202.
Carrillo, C.M., Chinchilla, E.A., Gonzalez, L.A., Toledo, R.A., and Zambrana, H.G. 1997.
Petiveria alliacea
The prevention of fowl cholera, with aqueous extracts of plants, in poultry production.
Agronomia Mesoamericana. 8(2): 152-158. (Spanish)
Elisabetsky, E. and Castilhos, Z.C. 1990. Plants used as analgesics by Amazonian caboclos
as a basis for selecting plants for investigation. International Journal of Crude Drug
Research. 28 (4): 309-320.
Germano, D.H.P., Sertie, J.A.A., Bacchi, E.M. 1995. Pharmacological assay of Petiveria
alliacea. II: Oral anti-inflammatory activity and gastrotoxicity of a hydroalcoholic root
extract. Fitoterapia. 66(3): 195-202.
Germano, D.H.P., Caldeira, T.T.O., Mazella, A.A.G., Sertie, J.A.A., and Bacchi, E.M. 1993.
Topical anti-inflammatory activity and toxicity of Petiveria alliacea. Fitoterapia. 64 (5):
459-462.
Giron, L.M., Freire, V., Alonzo, A., and Caceres, A. 1991. Ethnobotanical survey of the
medicinal flora used by the Caribs of Guatemala. J of Ethnopharmacology. 34(2-3):
173-187.
Guerra, M. de O., Maia, J.G.S., Peters, V.M., and Cabral, J.A. daS. 1988. Screening of
Amazon native plants with a potential for inhibiting fertilization in rats. Acta Amazonica
(Suplement). 18 (1-2): 129-134. (Portuguese)
Johnson, L., Williams, L.A.D. and Roberts, E.V. 1997. An insecticidal and acaricidal
polysulfide metabolite from the roots of Petiveria alliacea. Pesticide Science. 50(3):
228-232.
Malpezzi, E.L.A., Davino, S.C., Costa, L.V., Freitas, J.C., Giesbrecht, A.M. and Roque,
N.F. 1994. Antimitotic action of extracts of Petiveria alliacea on sea urchin egg
development. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research. 27(3): 749-754.
Mansingh, A. and L.A.D. Williams. 1998. Pesticidal potential of tropical plants - II.
Acaricidal activity of crude extracts of several Jamaican plants. Insect Science and its
Application. 18(2): 149-155.
Monache, F. delle and Suarez, L.E.C. 1992. 6-C-Formyl and 6-C-hydroxymethyl flavanones
from Petiveria alliacea [leaves]. Phytochemistry. 31(7): 2481-2482.
Odeyemi, O. 1993. Insecticidal properties of certain indigenous plant oils against Sitophilus
zeamais Mots. Applied Entomology and Phytopathology. 60 (1&2): 19-27.
Olaifa, J.I. and Akingbohungbe, A.E. 1987. Antifeedant and insecticidal effects of extracts
of Azadirachta indica, Petiveria alliacea and Piper guineense on the variegated
grasshopper, Zonocerus variegatus. :405-418.
Olaifa, J.I., Erhun, W.O., and Akingbohungbe, A.E. 1987. Insecticidal activity of some
Nigerian plants. Insect Science and its Application. 8(2): 221-224.
Oluwole, F.S. and Bolarinwa, A.F. 1998. The uterine contractile effect of Petiveria alliacea
seeds. Fitoterapia. 69(1): 3-6.
Ponte, J.J. da, A. Franco, and J. Silveira Filho. 1996. Preliminary investigation on the
nematicide potential of Guine's plants (Petiveria alliacea). Fitopatologia Venezolana. 9(1):
14-15. (Spanish)
Ponte, J.J. da, Franco, A., and Menezes, R.N. 1980. Preliminary report on the potentiality of
"tipi" (Petiveria alliacea) as nematicide. Fitopatologia Brasileira. 5(3): 440-441.
Petiveria alliacea
(Portuguese)
Quadros, M.R., A.R.M. Souza Brito, and M.L.S. Queiroz. 1999. Petiveria alliacea L.
extract protects mice against Listeria monocytogenes infection - effects on bone marrow
progenitor cells. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology. 21 (1): 109-124.
Ruiz, A. 1972. Clinical, morphological, histochemical and clinical pathological studies of
anamu (Petiveria alliacea) poisoning in cattle. Dissertation Abstracts International. 33B(1):
490.
Sabori, I., Cabrera, M., Lopez, C., and Muina, M. 1992. Identification of the shade plants,
green cover plants and weeds susceptible to root-knot nematodes. Revista Baracoa. 22(1):
21-28. (Spanish)
Sousa-J-R-de. Demuner-A-J. Pinheiro-J-A. Breitmaier-E. Cassels-B-K. 1990. Dibenzyl
trisulphide and trans-n-methyl-4-methoxyproline from Petiveria alliacea. Phytochemistry.
29(11): 3653-3655.
Souza, Brito A.R.M. and Souza, Brito A.A. 1993. Forty years of Brazilian medicinal plant
research. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 39 (1): 53-67.
Trheebilcock, P.E., Villafane, A.F., Gil, P.A. 1978. Nitrate poisoning in cattle. Revista
Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario. 13 (1): 119-125. (Spanish)
Villar, R., Calleja, J.M., Morales, C., and Caceres, A. 1997. Screening of 17 Guatemalan
medicinal plants for platelet antiaggregant activity. Phytotherapy Research. 11(6): 441-445.
Williams, L.A.D., T.L. The, M.T. Gardner, C.K. Fletcher, A. Naravane, N. Gibbs, and R.
Fleishhacker. 1997. Immunomodulatory activities of Petiveria alliacea L. Phytotherapy
Research. 11(3): 251-253.
e-mail Webmaster.
Portulaca oleracea
Portulaca oleracea
Index
Toxicity
Uses and Efficacy
Introduction
Portulaca oleracea (Family Portulacaceae), commonly known as purslane in the U.S., is an
herbaceous weed. The orgin of purslane is uncertain. It can be found growing wild and/or
cultivated in much of the world. It existed in the New World before the arrival of Columbus, and
was found in Europe by the late 16th century. It can be found growing in almost any unshaded
area, including flower beds, corn fields, and waste places. Purslane can be found growing in cold
climate areas (e.g., Canada) as well as warm areas (e.g., the Caribbean). It has been used in salads
and as a medicinal plant (for people) for hundreds of years. To see pictures of purslane, please go
to the University of Hawaii's web site or Virginia Tech's web site . Common names for Portulaca
oleracea include:
Akulikuli-kula
Ancharupa
Beldroega
Berbin
Coupe-Pied
Coupier
Farfena (Central Oman)
Gelang pasir
Golasiman (Philippines)
Krokot
Ma Ch'Ih Hsien
Ngalug (Philippines)
Parpinah
Perpine
Pig weed
Porcelana
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/medicinal/portula.html (1 of 8) [5/10/2004 3:20:31 PM]
Portulaca oleracea
Pourpier Commun, Pourpier

Purslane (U.S.)
Pusley (U.S.)
Rigla (Egypt)
Semizotu
Stilchi (Garo in India)
Suberi-Hiyu
Verdolaga (Dominican Republic)
Vertolaga (Peruvian Amazon)
Return to Index

P. oleracea contains many biologically active compounds and is a source of many nutrients. Some
of the biologically active (and, in some case, potentially toxic compounds) include free oxalic
acids, alkaloids, omega-3 fatty acids, coumarins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and
anthraquinone glycosides. It has high contents of Omega-3 fatty acids and protein (compared to
other vegetables) (Ezekwe, et al. 1999). The quantity of these compounds in P. oleracea varies
with the growing conditions (e.g., planting date, soil quality, fertilization) and the age of the plant.
Some of the compounds in Portulaca oleracea are listed below. For a more complete list, go to Dr.
Duke's Phytochemical Database.
alanine -- plant and herb (570-13,400 ppm)

alkaloids -- leaf (300 ppm)
caffeic acid -- plant
calcium oxalate -- herb
catechol -- plant
beta-cyanin -- herb
digalactosyldiacylglycerol -- herb
docosahexaenoic acid -- herb
dopa -- plant
eicosapentaenoic acid -- herb (10 ppm)
HCN -- plant
histidine -- herb (220-5,170 ppm)
l-noradrenalin -- plant (2,500 ppm)
linoleic acid -- herb (704-18,245 ppm) and seed (67,686 ppm)
linolenic acid - herb (3,221-64,315 ppm) and seed (17,226 ppm)
alpha-linolenic acid -- herb (4,000-80,000 ppm)
lysine -- herb (650-13,200 ppm)
methionine -- herb (90-2,814 ppm)
Portulaca oleracea
norepinephrine -- plant
oleic acid -- herb (16-2,160 ppm) and seed (49,935 ppm)
omega-3's -- plant (30,000 ppm)
oxalates -- shoot
oxalic acid -- plant (1,679-16,790 ppm)
phytin-p -- plant (4-40 ppm)
saponin -- plant
sinapic acid -- plant
beta-sitosterol -- seed
tannin -- plant
threonine -- herb (470-9,400 ppm)
tryptophan -- herb (160-3,400 ppm)
valine -- herb (660-13,200 ppm)
Return to Index
Toxicity
No data on the toxicity of P. oleracea could be found in the literature. However, the plant does
contain cardiac glycosides and oxalic acids, which can be toxic.
Uses and Efficacy

In the Dominican Republic, all parts of Portulaca oleracea are used in treatments for internal
parasites. The plant always is mixed with other plants (e.g., Chenopodium ambrosioides). No in
vitro or in vivo efficacy tests with the plant or extracts of the plant against common internal
parasites could be found in the literature. In de Bairacli-Levy (1991), P. oleracea is listed as a
treatment for parasites, a blood-cleanser, and to refresh the digestive system. The plant is to be fed
fresh (after it has seeded) ad lib. While efficacy tests have not been conducted for these specific
livestock uses, Portulaca oleracea has been extensively studied for other forms of bioactivity. In
vitro and in vivo tests have been conducted with P. oleracea to determine, for example, its
anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-fungal activity. P. oleracea has been used to treat the
following ailments in humans:
Alexiteric -- China
Alterative -- Turkey
Anthrax -- China
Antidote
Antiphlogistic -- China
Aperient -- Java
Ardor -- Turkey
Astringent - India and Sudan
Portulaca oleracea
Bactericide -- China
Bite (Bug, snake) - China and the Philippines
Bladder -- India
Blennorrhagia -- China
Boil -- China
Burn
Cardiotonic -- Haiti
Cold -- China
Colic -- China
Demulcent -- Sudan
Dermatitis -- China
Detergent -- India
Diuretic -- China, Haiti, India, Sudan and Turkey
Diarrhea and dysentery - China and the Philippines
Dyspepsia -- China and Haiti
Dysuria
Ear ache
Eczema -- China
Edema -- China
Emollient -- China, Dominican Republic and Turkey
Empacho -- Trinidad
Enteritis -- China
Erysipelas -- China
Fever -- China
Fungicide
Genital -- China
Gonorrhea
Heat - India and the Philippines
Hematuria
Hemostat -- Haiti
Hemoptysis
Hemorrhage
Herpes -- China
Hyperglycemia
Hypotension -- Trinidad
Inflammation
Insomnia -- Haiti
Portulaca oleracea
Intestine -- China
Kidney - Haiti and India
Leucorrhea -- China
Liver
Lung -- India
Mouth
Nausea -- China
Opacity -- China
Ophthalmia -- Malaya
Palpitation -- Trinidad
Pile -- China
Poison -- Australia
Poultice -- China
Pruritis -- China
Scald
Scurvy -- China, Haiti, India and Turkey
Sedative -- Turkey
Soporific -- Haiti
Sore -- China
Spleen
Swelling -- China
Thirst -- China
Tonic -- China
Toothhache
Tumor -- Brazil, China, Colombia and Gabon
Urogenital -- China, Kurdistan and Spain
Vermifuge -- China, Dominican Republic, Iraq, Java, Trinidad and Venezuela
Viricide
Vulnerary -- India
Wart -- Japan, Mexico and Peru
Wound - China
Return to Index
References
Portulaca oleracea
Abivardi, C. 1971. Studies on the effects of 9 Iranian anti-helminthic plant extracts on the
root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Phytopathol Z.71 (4): 300-308.
Banerjee, Gautam and Muckherjee, Ambarish. 1996. Portulaca oleracea L.: A gem of aliens in
India. Journal of Phytological Research. 9 (2): 111-115.
Barbakadze, V.V., Gakhokidze, R.A., Shengeliya, Z.S., and Usov, A.I. 1989. Preliminary study
of water-soluble polysaccharides in some plants in the Georgian SSR USSR. Khimiya Prirodnykh
Soedinenii (Tashkent). (3): 330-335. (Russian)
Bairacli-Levy, Juliette de. 1991. The Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable. Faber,
Boston.
Belair, G. and Benoit, D.L. 1996. Host suitability of 32 common weeds to Meloidogyne hapla
in organic soils of southwestern Quebec. Journal of Nematology. 28 (4 Suppl.): 643-647.
Chun, K.J., Kim, Jin Kyu, Lee, Young Keun and Kim, Bong Hee. 1999. Effect of Portulaca
Oleracea water extract on the changes of urine amino acid contents and survival rate by irradiation
in mice. Yakhak Hoeji. 43 (2): 274-277. (Korean)
Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical and Phytochemical Databases at
http://probe.nalusda.gov:8300/cgi-bin/browse/ethnobotdb.
Elmi, A.A., Mebrahtu, T., Omara, Alwala T.R., and Ezekwe, M. 1997. Environmental effects
on yield and agronomic traits of Purslane (Portulaca spp.). Virginia Journal of Science. 48 (3):
203-209.
Eskander, E.F. and Jun, H. Won. 1995. Hypoglycaemic and hyperinsulinemic effects of some
Egyptian herbs used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (type II) in rats. Egyptian Journal of
Pharmaceutical Sciences. 36 (1-6): 331- 342.
Ezekwe, Michael O., Omara, Alwala Thomas R., and Membrahtu Tadesse. 1999. Nutritive
characterization of purslane accessions as influenced by planting date. Plant Foods for Human
Nutrition (Dordrecht), 54(3): 183-191.
Garti, N., Slavin, Y., and Aserin, A. 1999. Surface and emulsification properties of a new gum
extracted from Portulaca oleracea L. Food Hydrocolloids. 13 (2): 145-155.
Garti, N., Aserin, A., and Slavin, Y. 1999. Competitive adsorption in O/W emulsions stabilized
by the new Portulaca oleracea hydrocolloid and nonionic emulsifiers. Food Hydrocolloids. 13 (2):
139-144.
Garti, N., Slavin, Y., and Aserin, A. 1999. Portulaca oleracea gum and casein interactions and
emulsion stability. Food Hydrocolloids. 13 (2): 127-138.
Ghazanfar, Shahina A. and Al-Sabahi, Ahmed Mohammed. 1993. Medicinal plants of northern
central Oman (Arabia). Economic Botany. 47 (1): 89-98.
Grieve, C.M. and Suarez, D.L. 1997. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.): A halophytic crop for
drainage water reuse systems. Plant and Soil. 192 (2): 277-283.
Guil, Guerrero Jose L. and Rodriguez, Garcia Ignacio. 1999. Lipids classes, fatty acids and
carotenes of the leaves of six edible wild plants. European Food Research and Technology, 209(5):
313-316.
Islam, M.W., Zakaria, M.N.M., Radhakrishnan, R., Habibullah, M., and Chan, K. 1998.
Evaluation of analgesic activity of the aerial parts of Portulaca oleracea v. sativa and its
comparison with two related spices. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 50 (Suppl.): 226.
Portulaca oleracea
Kamil, M., Jayaraj, A.F., Ahmad, F., Gunasekhar, C., Thomas, S., Habibullah, M., and Chan, K.
1998. Chemical standardization of Portulaca oleracea v. sativa. Journal of Pharmacy and
Pharmacology. 50 (Suppl.): 259.
Lichtenthaler, Hartmut K. and Schweiger, Joachim. 1998. Cell wall bound ferulic acid, the
major substance of the blue-green fluorescence emission of plants. Journal of Plant Physiology.
152 (2-3): 272-282.
Maheshwari, J.K. and Singh, J.P. 1984. Contribution to the ethnobotany of Bhoxa tribe of
Bijnor and Pauri Garhwal districts Uttar Pradesh India. J Econ taxon Bot. 5 (2): 253-260.
Mitich, Larry W. 1997. Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea). Weed Technology. 11 (2):
394-397.
Mizutani, Masanori, Hashidoko, Yasuyuki, and Tahara, Satoshi. 1998. Factors responsible for
inhibiting the motility ofzoospores of the phytopathogenic fungus Aphanomyces cochlioides
isolated from the non-host plant Portulaca oleracea. FEBS Letters. 438 (3): 236-240.
Norman, Helen A. and Simopoulos, Artemis P. XXXX. Profiles of omega-3 fatty acids and
antioxidants in common purslane throughout plant development. World Review of Nutrition and
Dietetics; Nutrition and fitness for athletes. Simopoulos, A.P. Pavlou, K.N. (Eds) 71. (P.O. Box: S.
Karger AG) 186-187.
Palaniswamy, Usha Rani, McAvoy, Richard, and Bible, Bernard. 1997. Omega-3-fatty acid
concentration in Portulaca oleraceae L. is altered by the source of nitrogen in hydroponic solution.
Hortscience. 32 (3): 462-463.
Pope, D.F., Thompson, A.C., and Cole, A.W. 1984. Phytotoxicity of root exudates and leaf
extracts of nine plant species. Thompson, A.C. (Ed.). ACS (American Chemical Society)
Symposium Series, 268. The chemistry of allelopathy: biochemical interactions among plants,
187th meeting, St. Louis, Mo.
Portillo, Hector E., Pitre, Henry N., Meckenstock, Dan H. and Andrews, Keith L. 1996.
Oviposition preference of Spodoptera latifascia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) for sorghum, maize and
non-crop vegetation. Florida Entomologist. 79 (4): 552-562.
Radhakrishnan, R. Zakaria, M.N.M. Islam, M.W. Ismail, A. Habibullah, M. Chan, K. 1998.
Neuropharmacological actions of Portulaca oleracea v. sativa. Journal of Pharmacy and
Sakai, Naomi, Inada, Kyouko, Okamoto, Michi, Shizuri, Yoshikazu, and Fukuyama, Yoshiyasu.
1996. Portuloside A, a monoterpene glucoside, from Portulaca oleracea. Phytochemistry (Oxford).
42 (6): 1625-1628.
Thangavel, Palaniswamy and Subburam, Venkatasamy. 1998. Effect of trace metals on the
restoration potential of leaves of the medicinal plant, Portulaca oleracea Linn. Biological Trace
Element Research. 61 (3): 313-321.
Yoon, J.W., Ham, S.S., and Jun, H.S. 1999. Portulaca oleracea and tumor cell growth. Official
Gazette of the United States Patent and Trademark Office Patents. 1219 (2): 1472
Zakaria, M.N.M., Islam, M.W., Radhakrishnan, R., Habibullah, M., and Chan, K. 1998.
Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Portulaca species. Journal of Pharmacy and
Zeng Xiaoling. 1999. A study of scavenging action of purslane aquenous extracts on oxygen
Portulaca oleracea
free radical. Hunan Yike Daxue Xuebao. 24 (2): 133-135. (Chinese)

e-mail Webmaster.
Treating Livestock with Medicinal Plants
Treating Livestock with Medicinal Plants:

Beneficial or Toxic?
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Treating Livestock with Medicinal Plants

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Other Resources on Medicinal Plants and

Ethnoveterinary Medicine
Ethnoveterinary medicine is a growing area of research. More and more scientists, veterinary
practitioners, field workers in developing countries, and livestock owners are becoming interested
in medicinal plants. A simplistic definition for ethnoveterinary medicine is: local or indigenous
knowledge and methods for caring for, healing, and managing livestock. This includes social
practices and ways in which livestock are incorporated into farming systems.
There are lots of resources on medicinal plants. Here are just a few that I find interesting.
Resources on the Web
USDA - Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases
The Alternative Medicine Homepage
Medicinal Herb Information
Plant Data Bases
Alternative Veterinary Medicine Resources
Quack Medicine Watch
AltVetMed
Resources not on the Web
Proceedings of an International Conference on Traditional Medicinal Plants. 1991.
Chief ed. K.E. Mshigeni. The United Republic of Tanzania, Ministry of Health. Dar
Es Salaam University Press.
Ethnoveterinary Research and Development. 1996. Eds. C.M. McCorkle, E. Mathias,

and T.W. Schillhorn van Veen. Intermediate Technology Pubs., London.
Chemistry, Biological and Pharmacological Properties of African Medicinal Plants.

1996. Proceedings of the first International IOCD-Symposium, Victoria Falls,
Zimbabwe, Feb. 25-28, 1996. Eds. K. Hostettmann, F. Chinyanganya, M. Maillard,
and J.L. Wolfender. University of Zimbabwe Pubs.
Ethnoveterinary Medicine in Asia: An Information Kit on Traditional Animal Health

Care Practices, 4 vols. 1994. International Institute of Rural Reconstruction, Silang,
Cavite, Philippines.
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/medicinal/other.html (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:20:32 PM]
Natural Veterinary Medicine: Ectoparasites in the Tropics. 1990. Uly Matzigkeit.

AGRECOL. Margraf, Weikersheim, Germany.
Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs Part 1 and 2. 1992. Eds. P.A.G.M. De Smet, K.
Keller, R. Hansel, and R.F. Chandler. Springer-Verlag, NY.
Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine: Principles and Practice. 1998.

Eds. Allen M. Schoen and Susan G. Wynn. Mosby, St. Louis, MO.
This series of web pages was created by a graduate student at Cornell University. All
comments and suggestions are welcome. If you would like to add to this medicinal plant
database, please e-mail Webmaster.
WARNING: These web pages are only meant to be informative. Neither Cornell University
nor the author of this site endorse or recommend the use of these plants.
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Aconite
Alfalfa or Lucerne
Alsike Clover
Angel's Trumpet
Arrowgrass
Baneberry
Belladonna
Birdsfoot Trefoil
Black Locust
Bleeding Heart
Bloodroot
Bouncing Bet
Bracken Fern
Buckeye
Buckwheat
Buffalo Bur
Buttercups or Crowfoot
Castor Bean
Celandine
Christmas Rose
Cocklebur
Corn Cockle
Corn Lily, False Hellbore
Cow Cockle
Creeping Charlie
Crown Vetch
Cherries, Black Cherry, Bitter Cherry, Choke Cherry, and Pin Cherry
Daphne
Death Angel Mushrooms
Death Camas
Death Cap Mushrooms
Destroying Angels
Delphiniums
Devil's Trumpet
Dock
Dogbane
Doll's-eyes
Downy Thornapple
Drooping Leucothoe
Dutchman's Breeches
Elderberry
Ergot
Fly Agaric
Fiddleneck
Flax
Foxglove
Golden Chain or Laburnum
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Great Lobelia, Cardinal Flower, and Indian Tobacco

Ground Ivy, Creeping Charlie, and Gill-over-the-Ground
Groundsels
Halogeton
Henbane
Horsebrush
Horse Chestnut
Horse Nettle
Horsetail
Irises
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Japanese Pieris
Jessamine
Jimsonweed
Johnson Grass
Klamath Weed
Lamb's Quarters
Lantana, Red Sage, Yellow Sage, or West Indian Lantana
Larkspurs
Lily-of-the-Valley
Locoweed
Lupine
Marijuana
Marsh Marigold or Cowslip
Mayapple and Mandrake
Mexican Poppy
Milkweed
Milo
Monkey Agaric Mushrooms
Monkshood
Moonseed
Mountain Fetterbush
Nightshade, Black Nightshade or Deadly Nightshade
Oak Trees
Oleander
Onions and Chives
Panther
Panther Cap Mushrooms
Pigweed
Poison Hemlock
Poison ivy
Poison oak
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Potato
Poinsettia
Pokeweed
Ponderosa Pine
Poppies including Opium Poppy
Prickly Poppy
Ragworts
Red Clover
Rhubarb
Rosary Pea
Saint Johns Wort
Senecio
Sensitive Fern
Sierra Laurel
Skunk Cabbage
Squirrel Corn
Snow-on-the-Mountain
Sorghum
Spurges
Star-of-Bethlehem
Stinging Nettle
Sudan Grass
Sweet clover
Sweet Pea, Tangier Pea, Everlasting Pea, Caley Pea and Singletary Pea
Tobacco and Tree Tobacco
Tung Oil Tree
Vetch, Hairy Vetch, Narrow-leaved Vetch, Purple Vetch and Broad Beans
Water Hemlock or Cowbane
White Clover
White Snakeroot
Wisteria
Wolfsbane
Yellow Star Thistle
Yew
Scientific Name: Brassica spp,

Common Name: Rape, Cabbage, Turnips, Broccoli, Mustard
Species Most
cattle, humans, swine, sheep, goats, poultry
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts: roots, seeds
Primary Poisons:glucosinolates, brassica, anemia factor
Questions pertaining to Brassica spp,:

I need information on some plants...
Scientific Name: Festuca arundinacea

Common Name: Tall Fescue
Species Most
cattle, horses
Often Affected:
Poisonous Parts:
all
Primary Poisons: diaziphenanthrene, pyrrolizidine, and ergot
Link to web page(s):/plants/fescue.html
Scientific Name: Hyoscyanamus niger

Common Name: Henbane
Species Most
humans
Often Affected:
Primary Poisons:atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine.
Questions pertaining to Hyoscyanamus niger:
Equine Fescue Toxicosis
Fescue Toxicosis in Horses
Equine fescue toxicosis is caused when pregnant mares eat tall fescue that is infected
with an endophyte fungus, Acremonium coenephialum . Both the mare and the foal can
be affected when the mare eats endophyte-infected fescue.
A pasture seeded with fescue may look appetizing to a horse (and its owner!), but don't
judge a book by its cover!
All is not lost if your broodmare eats endophyte-infested fescue. Treatment is available,
although prevention is the best protection.
[Fescue Toxicosis][The Plant][Fescue Pasture Mgnt & Eradication][The Endophyte][The
Alkaloids][Toxicosis in Mares][Toxicosis in Foals][Treatment][Other Sources of Info]
Click here for more info on the plant itself
Acremonimum coenophialum
The endophyte, Acremonimum coenophialum, grows symbiotically with tall fescue. It is
similar to the ergot fungus although A. coenophialum is evolutionarily derived from
Epicloe typhina. This fungus is the reason for some of the advantages of fescue, such as
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insect resistance. However, it is also the cause of the toxicity. The endophyte produces
the toxic alkaloid substances (there is also some alkaloid produciton by the fescue itself).
The major alkaloid produced is the indole alkaloid, ergovaline.
The endophyte grows between the plant cells. It is most proliferative in the spring, and
closely associates with the growing flower and seed head. It is through contamination of
the seed that infection of fescue is spread. Plant to plant or field to field transmittion of the
endophyte is very limited.
Fescue Alkaloids and Toxic Effects

Tall fescue produces the two diazaphenanthrene alkaloids, perlolidone and perloline.
Under lab conditions, administrating perloline to sheep has caused mild photosensitivity,
increased pulse and respiration rates, loss of muscle control, convulsions, and comas.
However, perloline and perlolidone do not appear to be responsible for the fescue
toxicities observed under field conditions.
Rather, alkaloids produced by the endophyte appear to be the culprits.
Acremonimum coenophialum produces both loline and ergopeptine classes of alkaloids.
The lolines are saturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids with mild vasoconstrctive properties. They
may possibly contribute to the hyperthermia (elevated body temperatures) and fescue
foot (gangrene of the animal's extremeties, often the rear hooves or tail tip) observed in
cattle and sheep poisoned by fescue. However, the ergopeptine class of alkaloids
produced by Acremonimum coenophialum were shown in the mid-1970s to be the
primary causative agents of fescue toxicity.
Ergopeptines are indole alkaloids that help chemically defend the fescue plants from
insect pests and also have a positve influence on plant hormones and/or growth
regulators. Unfortunately, they interfere with prolactin secretion, body temperature
regulation, and feed intake of livestock grazing the infected fescue. Additionally, these
alkaloids can constrict blood vessels, and reduce blood flow to the extremities.
The primary ergopeptine in fescue is
ergovaline.
Others include
ergosine
ergonine, and
lysergic acid amine (structurally similar to LSD)

Fescue Toxicosis: Effects on Broodmares

Unlike other livestock, the signs of fescue toxicity in horses are almost exclusively related
to poor reproduction. Mares that consume large amounts of endophyte-infested tall
fescue can suffer from a number of reproducitve problems. These can include
prolonged gestation
abortion
premature separation of the chorion
dystocia
thickened placenta
retained placenta
aglactia (suppression of lactation, i.e. no milk)
Additionally, mares who graze endophyte-infested fescue pastures in early pregnancy
may have delayed pregnancy rates or early embryonic death.
Prolonged Gestation
The normal gestation length in horses is approximately 11 months. However, mares that
graze on endophyte-infected fescuecan have pregnancies that last up to 13 months or
more. This is a problem because the fetus continues to grow during the extra timewhich
can result in dytocia (difficult birth). The foals born after prolonged gestation may appear
to be immature despite their extra fetal development.
The characteristics of a foal born after prolonged gestation include a large frame size and
poorly developed muscles. Also, some foals may have overgrown hooves, while others
may have premature and irregular eruption of baby teeth. These foals can also exhibit
hyperthyroidism, resulting in poor suckling reflex, incoordination, and low body
temperature.
Fescue Toxicosis: Effects on Foals

The newborn foal can suffer greatly from the effects of fescue toxicosis. The range of fetal
deaths in the last third of pregnacy for herds affected by fescue toxicity varies from 0
to100%.
Generalized symptoms associated with foals born to mares grazing on
endophyte-infected fecsue include
prolonged gestation
dystocia
abnormal foal maturation
weakness
starvation (due to dam's agalactia)
Poor Immunity in Foals

Many foals born to mares pastured on endophyte-infected fescue have reduced
immunity, which makes them highly susceptible to infections. Normally, foals receive
antibodies from the mare in the form of colostrum, consumed almost immediatley after
birth. However, mares affected with fescue toxicosis are often agalactic, and so their
production of milk is limited or nonexistant. Thus, the newborn foal is not able to consume
enough colostrum to have an adequate transfer of antibodies from the mother to the foal.
The foal is at risk to contract a number of illnesses and infections.
If a mare does not supply an adequate amount of milk or colostrum to the newborn foal,
the foal should be given colostrum from a donor mare, or colostrum that is stored in a
colostrum bank. If neither of these options is available, the foal should be given colostrum
from another species of animal, followed by intravenous antibodies and a diet of
supplemental milk. Cow or goat milk is often used, although additional sugar (in the form
of dextrose) is added to more closely resemble the mare's milk.
Treatment of Fescue Toxicity

The best form of treating fescue toxicosis in horses is prevention. However, this is not
always possible. Nonpregnant horses can safely graze on endophye-infected fescue
pastures, as can broodmares during the second trimester of pregnancy. If a pregnant
horse must graze on endophyte-infected fescue, there are pharmaceuticals available to
help reduce the adverse effects.

Some of the available drugs include
domperidone (which prevents ergovaline from inhibiting prolactin release and,
hence, prevents agalactia).
More on obtaining this drug
perhenazine
reserpine

More Information on Fescue Toxicosis in Horses

Fescue toxicosis is not unique to horses; it can affect any species of livestock that graze
on endophyte-infected fescue. Some additonal sources of information on fescue toxicosis
include
Endophyte
Tall Fescue Information System
Hay for Horses
Additional horse sites include

NetVet
Horse Worldwide
Gluck Equine Research Center
Oklahoma State University Horse Resources
WARNING: These web pages are only meant to be informative. Neither Cornell University
nor the author of this site endorse or recommend the use of these plants.

ALKALOIDS
Indole Alkaloids ( Beta-carbolines etc.)
Indolizidine
Piperidine
Polycyclic Diterpene
Pyridine
Pyrrolizidine
Quinolizidine
Steroids
Tropane
Tryptamine
ALCOHOLS AND KETONES
Alcohols
Diacetone alcohol
Diethylene glycol
Ethanol
Ethylene glycol
Methanol
Propylene glycol
Ketones
Cicutoxin
Tremetone
Treratol
CARBOHYDRATES
Oligosaccharides
Beta-glucans
Pectins
Raffinose
Simple Sugars
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Favism
Fructose
Galactose
Lactose
Sucrose
Xylose
CHELATING POISONS
Nitrates
Nitrites
Oxalates
Phytates
GLYCOSIDES
Calcinogenic Glycosides
Carboxyatractylosides
Cardiac Glycosides
Coumarins
Furocormarins
Glucosinolates (Goitrogenic Glycosides)
Isoflavones and Coumestans
Nitroglycosides (Nitropropanol Glycosides)

Ranoculins
Saponins
Vicine/Covicine
LIPIDS
Fatty Acids
Cyclopropenoid fatty acids
Erucic acid
Fluoroacetate
Glycolipids
METALS
Heavy Metals
Copper
Mercury
Selenium
Arsenic
Lead
Iron
MYCOTOXINS
Aflatoxins
Citrinin
Fungal Tremorgens
Lupinosis
Ochratoxins
Patulin
Rubratoxins
Sporidesmin
Stachybotyrotoxins
Trichothecenes
Zearalenone
PHENOLIC TOXICANTS
Cinnamic Acid
Fagopyricin
Gossypol
Hypericin
Pterocin
Resoricinol
Urushiol
Tannins
PROTEINS AND AMINO ACIDS
Allergens
Amylase Inhibitors
Enzymes
Lipoxidases
Thiaminases
Tocopheroloxidase
Lectins
Abris
Concanavalin
Ricin
Robin
Plant Cytoplasmic Proteins
Polypeptides
Amino Acids
Nutrient
Leucine
Methionine
SMCO
Tryptophan
Non-nutrient
Arginine analogs
Canavanine
Indospecine
l amino D proline
dihydroxyphenylalanine
Lathyrogens
Mimosine
RESINS
SESQUITERPENE LACTONES
VITAMINS
Vitamin A
Vitamin D metabolites
MISCELLANEOUS
Ipomemaron - mycotoxin?
Alsike Poisoning - mycotoxin?
Red Maple Poisoning (similar to Brassica induced anemia)
Plant Carcinogens
N-Propyl Disulfide (similar to Brassica induced anemia)
Questions regarding content of this page, contact Dr. Dan Brown
Return to: Cornell Poisonous Plants Home Page

Return to:Alphabetical List of Poisonous Plants
bcarbstruct
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Mind Bending Beta-carbolines - Angiosperm families containing
Angiosperm Families Containing Beta-Carbolines

Apocynaceae
Amsonia tabernaemontana
Apocynum cannabinum
Apidosperma exalatum
A. polyneuron
Ochrosia nakainana
Pleicarpa mutica
Bignoniaceae
Newbouldia laevis
Calycanthaceae
Calycanthus occidentalis
Chenopodiaceae
Hammada leptoclada
Kochia scoparia
Combretaceae
Guiera senegalensis
Cyperaceae
Carex brevicollis
C. parva
Elaeagnaceae
Elaegnus angustifolia
E. commutata
E. hortensis
E. orientalis
E. spinosa
Hippophae rhamnoides
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Shepherdia argentea
S. canadensis
Fabaceae
Acacia baileyana
A. complanata
A. simplicifolia
Anadenanthera peregrim
Burkea africana
Desmodium gangeticum
D. gyrans
S. pulchellum
Mucuna pruriens
Petalostylis labicheoides
Prosopis nigra
Gramineae
Arundo donax
Festuca arundinacea
Lolium perenne
Phalaris aquatica
P. arundinacea
Lauraceae
Nectandra megapotamica
Loganiaceae
Strychnos melinoniana
S. usambarensis
Malpighiaceae
Banisteriopsis argentea
B. caapi
B. inebrians
B. lutea
B. rusbyana
Cabi pratensis
Myristicaceae
Gymnacranthera paniculata
Virola cuspidata
V. rufula
V. theidora
Ochnaceae
Testulea gabonensis
Palmae
Plectocomiopsis geminiflorus
Papaveraceae
Meconopsis horridula
M. napaulensis
M. robusta
M. rudis
M. panuculata
Papaver rhoeas
Passifloraceae
Passiflora actinea
P. alata
P. alba
P. bryonioides
P. capsularis
P. caerulea
P. decaisneana
P. edulis
P. eichleriana
P. foetida
P. incarnata
P. quadrangularis
P. ruberosa
P. subpeltata
P. warmingii
Polygonaceae
Calligonum minimum
Rubiaceae
Borreria verticillata
Leptactinia densiflora
Nauclea diderrichii
Ophiorrhiza japonica
Pauridiantha callicarpoides
P. dewevrei
P. lyalli
P. viridiflora
Pavetta lanceolata
Psychotria carthaginesis
P. viridis
Simira klugii
S. rubra
Uncaria attenuata
U. canescens
U. orientalis
Rutaceae
Araliopsis tabouensis
Findersia laevicarpa
Xanthoxylum rhetsa
Sapotaceae
Chrysophyllum lacourtianum
Simaroubaceae
Ailanthus malabarica
Perriera madagascariensis
Picrasma ailanthoides
P. crenata
P. excelsa
P. javanica
Solanaceae
Vestia lycioides
Symplocaceae
Symplocos racemosa
Tiliaceae
Grewia mollis
Zygophyllaceae
Fagonia cretica
Nitraria schoberi
Perganum harmala
Tribulus terrestris
Zygophyllum fabago
References
MIND BENDING BETA-CARBOLINE REFERENCES

[1] Allen, J.R. and B.R. Holmstedt. (1979). Phytochemistry (19) 1573-1582.
[2] Poindexter, E. H., and R.D. Carpenter (1962). Phytochemistry (1) 215
[3] Kettenes-van Den Bouch, J.J. and C.A. Salemink. (1977). J. Chromatography. (131)
422.
[4] Proliac, A. and M. Blanc. (1976). Helv. Chem. Acta. (59) 2503
[5] Rodriguez, E. and J.C. Cavin. (1982). Journal of Ethnopharmacology (6) 303-309.
[6] Mckenna, D. and G.H.N. Towers. (1981). Phytochemistry 20(5) 1001-1004
[7] Cavin J.C. and E. Rodriguez. (1980) Journal of Chemical Ecology (14) 475-484
[8] Cooper, J.R. Bloom, F.E. and R.H. Roth (1991) Biochemical Basis of
Neuropharmacology 338-380
Back to Beta Carboline Home Page
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Ayahuasca
AYAHUASCA: VISIONARY VINE OF THE

AMAZON
Banisteriopsis caapi (Malpighiaceae)

Ayahuasca, caapi, kahpi, mihi, dapa, and yage are all terms used in reference to the
hallucinogenic drink made from the bark of the neotropical lowland rainforest lianas,
Banisteriopsis caapi and B. inebrians. The drink was originally used by the indigenous
people of the upper Amazon and Orinoco rivers and is prepared by boiling the bark in
water. The hallucinogens present belong to the beta-carboline class of alkaloids and the
major psychoactive ingredients are harmaline, and to a lesser extent, harmine and
tetrahydro harmine. In addition to the hallucinogenic effects of the beta-carbolines,
Psychotria viridis or Diplopterys cabrerana , are often added. Both these plants contain
dimethyl tryptamine (DMT) and it seems that the effects of DMT are strongly potentiated
by the mono amine oxidase inhibiting beta-carbolines.
Current research on the pharmacological effects of beta-carbolines and ayahuasca are
being undertaken by research groups at the University of California at Los Angeles as
part of the Hoasca Project
There is also a growing body of evidence that points to the use of isoquinoline and
tryptamine-related alkaloids such as the beta-carbolines as a strategy for the control of
intestinal helminths and other microbes by forest dwelling people. It is readily accepted
that hallucinogen use by the indigenous people of tropical America has a long history and
is an integral part of their culture. In addition, during native ceremonies, repeated
references are made to the cleansing and purifying properties of these drugs. Because
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Ayahuasca
these compounds are not only hallucinogens, but powerful emetics with antimicrobial and
antihelminthic properties, [5-6] it is suspected that the use of ayahuasca is more than
vision seeking--it is actually chemotherapy. The mode of this antihelminthic action is
believed to be related to the similarity in structure of serotonin to the beta-carboline
alkaloids. It is possible that these indole alkaloids are antagonists of serotonin in intestinal
worm metabolism but little comparative data on the effects of naturally occurring
psychoactive drugs on parasitic worms is available. Work in this area is currently
underway.
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NEUROPHARMACOLOGY of BETA-CARBOLINE
ALKALOIDS
Beta-carbolines are a class of indole alkaloids which are structurally similar and
biosynthetically derived from the amino acid L-tryptophan. Trypophan derivatives are very
important in Central Nervous System (CNS) function and include the neurotransmitter,
serotonin, the Pineal metabolite, melatonin, the potent hallucinogen, dimethyl tryptamine
(DMT); and the mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), the beta-carbolines.
A clue as to the beta-carboline's mode of action can be seen by examining their
relationship to serotonin. It seems that ingestion of beta-carbolines raises serotonin levels
and this increase is a result of the inhibited action of mono amine oxidase (MAO).
Normally, MAO degrades the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and epinepherine.
Therefore, inhibition of this enzyme seriously affects brain chemistry.
MAO inhibitors fall into two classes: Irreversible and reversible MAOIs. In addition they
can inhibit either or both of the two types of the MAO enzyme, MAO-A and MAO-B which
are associated with serotonergic and dopaminergic neurons respectively [8] . Irreversible
MAOIs (e.g. the hydrazides iproniazid and phenelzine) bind permanently to the enzyme
and cause MAO inhibition lasting 1-2 weeks after ingestion. They are used clinically to
treat depression. Reversible MAOIs, such as moclobemide, which is used as an
antidepressant, and the beta-carbolines harmine and harmaline, are effective for a much
shorter time, usually less than twenty-four hours. There are significant dangers in using
MAO inhibitors. Most MAOIs potentiate the cardiovascular effects of tyramine and other
monoamines found in foods. There are therefore several foods that should be avoided
when on MAOIs. Ingestion of aged cheese, beer, wine, pickled herring, chicken liver,
yeast, large amounts of coffee, citrus fruits, canned figs, broad beans, chocolate or cream
while MAO is inhibited can cause a hypertensive crisis including a dangerous rise in
blood pressure. Effects of amphetamines, general anaesthetics, sedatives,
anti-histamines, alcohol, potent analgesics and anticholinergic and antidepressant agents
are prolonged and intensified. Overdosage of MAOIs by themselves is also possible with
effects including hyperreflexia and convulsions[8].
Another result of ingesting beta-carbolines or other MAOIs at high doses is the
occurrence of vivid visual hallucinations. It is not understood whether this hallucinatory
effect is related directly to the inhibition of MAO, but due to the structural similarity to
serotonin, it is possible that beta-carbolines are acting as serotonin antagonists in much
the same way LSD does. The current theory implicates LSD temporarily binding to the
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serotonin receptor. Upon the release of LSD an over abundance of serotonin is present in
the CNS and affects perception. It is notable, however, that the hallucinations
experienced from ingestion of beta-carbolines differ from those experienced with LSD.
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Beta-Carboline Containing Plant Pages
BETA-CARBOLINE CONTAINING PLANTS

Images property of www.nepenthes.com
The beta-carbolines are distributed among 23 angiosperm plant families. The most
commonly used trivial nomenclature of the beta-carboline alkaloids is based on the root
"harm" from Peganum harmala the plant that was first known to contain these
compounds.
Peganum harmala (Zygophyllaceae) is a weed and wasteland species native to the
deserts of India whose range stretches through the Gobi desert into the former Soviet
Union. The mature Peganum harmala or the Syrian rue is a common livestock poison in
the former Soviet rangelands but specific informtion concerning the extent of its damage
are difficult to locate. The content of beta-carbolines in the Syrian rue range from 2% to
4%.
mature Peganum harmala
Peganum harmala habitat
Peganum harmala drawing
Passiflora incarnata (Passifloraceae) or the Maypop passion flower is a common

ornamental in the United States. This species and other varieties have been used as
model systems to investigate the effects beta-carboline alkaloids have on insect feeding
patterns [7]. The amount of beta-carbolines in this species range from 0.5 -1.0%.
MaturePassiflora incarnata
Passiflora incarnata seedling
Banisteriopsis caapi (Malpighiaceae) is a liana native to the new world tropics where it is
the principle ingredient in the hallucinogenic beverage ayauasca. This plant and the
beverage have recieved attention lately by several members of the scientific community
involved with the Hoasca Project and more underground information can be found by
referencing the King of Brews. The beta-carboline content in Banisteriopsis caapi ranges
from 1.0 - 2.0%.
Banisteriopsis caapi
Banisteriopsis caapi

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Beta-Carboline Containing Plant Pages

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Poison Hemlock
Conium maculatum (Poison Hemlock)

Index
Distribution
Description
How to Distinguish From Other Plants
Toxic ingredient: Piperidine Alkaloids
Distribution
Poison hemlock is native to Europe. However, it is
now widely distributed across the United States,
especially in the Northern states. It is common
along roadsides, hiking trails, ditches and field
borders.
Description
Poison Hemlock can grow to be about 6 to 10 ft. tall. It has leaves and white flowerheads
resembling those of parsnips, carrots, and water hemlock. It has a fleshy, white taproot, a
main stem with characteristic light red spots and a disagreeable smell. All plant parts are
poisonous. However, the seeds contain the highest concentration of poison. The conium
alkaloids are volatile and can even cause toxic reactions when inhaled.
note the characteristic red

mottling on the stems
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Poison Hemlock
How to distinguish from other plants

Water hemlock does not have the same main taproot and stem. Instead, water hemlock
has a branching, tuberous root stalk similar to that of a dahlia plant. The lower part of the
stem of water hemlock is divided into chambers which contain its toxicant. Poison
Hemlock is also commonly confused with wild carrot, cow parsnip, etc. Human deaths
have occurred from harvesting and consuming the roots as wild carrots or parsnips. The
stems should always be checked for red mottling. However, this characteristic is not
always readily apparant.
More information describing this plant can be found under its listing in the Canadian
Poisonous Plants Information System, courtesy of Derek B. Munro.
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Poison Plants - Tobacco
Nicotiana spp. (Tobacco and Tree Tobacco)
Distribution and description

Domestic tobacco (N. tabacum ) is widely
cultivated throughout the southeast United
States. Wild tobaccos (N. attenuata and N.
trigonophylla ) are upright, leafy evergreen plants
found in sandy, arid regions of the western US.
Tree tobacco (N. glauca ) is similar in
appearance but can grow to be a small tree and
is found at low elevations of Arizona and
California.
Tobacco has large, simple, alternate, bright
green, often sticky , leaves. Its stems are often
sticky and hairy.
Tobacco flowers are organized in panicles. They

have a tubular shape with 5 fused petals that flar
at the mouth into 5 distinct lobes. they are
fragrant and range in color from white to a very
light pink, purple, or yellow.
More information describing them is available under the listing for Nicotiana tabacum,
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Poison Plants - Tobacco
Tobacco, in the Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System, courtesy of Derek B.

Munro.
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Map of Selenium Status in US

Map of Selenium Status in US
Back to Selenium Page
Return to:
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The Toxicology of Astragalus- Main Page
The Toxicology of the Astragalus

genus
Click here for full size pictures

of Astragalus
To those of you with slow connections:

these are a BIG color images ~120kb each
Members of the genus Astragalus are known by a number of different names. Those most
widely used are locoweed and milkvetch. There are over 2000 species in this genus that are
known currently, of which many are known to carry various toxins. (Williams, 1984) They can be
found in North and South America, Asia, Europe, Northern Africa and Australia. There are nearly
400 species in North America whose range extends over most of most of the continent. (Ralphs,
1992) They are predominantly in the central plains and grassland regions of the United States
where they are the most common of the Leguminosiae. Due to their range and toxicity, livestock
poisoning by locoweed is the most widespread toxic plant problem in the western U.S.,(Ralphs,
James, Nielsen, Baker, Molyneux, 1988) costing millions of dollars both in livestock loss and in
cost of plant control (Williams, 1984) Despite the unpleasant effects of Astragalus poisoning,
animals often become habituated to eating, fueling their further intoxication by the plant.(Ralphs,
Panter, James, 1990)
Astragali poison in three main ways:
With the indolizidine alkaloid swainsonine as in the case of A. lentiginosus and A.

lusitanicus
With the nitropropanol bearing glycoside miserotoxin as in the case of A. miser

AND
With toxic levels of selenium metabolites (Se) as in the case of A. bisulcatus
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The Toxicology of Astragalus- Main Page
In this series of web pages I'd like to present a compilation of some of the toxicological
information available on Astragalus. This will include a description of the specific toxicants
named above, their modes of action, the physiological effects and the common symptoms of
poisoning by swainsonine, miserotoxin and Se excess, as well as some general effects of
Astragalus intoxication. Also in these pages will be some means to identify Astragalus, (whenever
I could find them) and that researchers have explored to control poisoning by these plants.
References and Citations
Return to [Alphabetical List] [Poison Plants Home Page]

These pages were created by Mike Scimeca as a term project for Dr. Dan Brown's class on
Nutritional Toxicology in Cornell's Animal Science department. I'd appreciate any comments that
you have on these pages.
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Locoweed
Astragalus and Oxytropis spp.

(Locoweed and Milkvetch families)
The plant
Astragalus and Oxytropis are leguminous perennials found in large concentrations in western
North America. Many species of Astragalus are not poisonous and are good rangeland forage
plants. However, within the same species, concentrations of toxicants can vary widely from plant
to plant so all locoweeds and milk vetches should be approached with caution and assumed
potentially dangerous to livestock. Their leaves are alternate and pinnately compound. Flowers are
leguminous and the fruit is a legume pod with kidney shaped seeds. The pod is often
conspicuously enlarged causing the seeds to rattle in it when ripe, hence the common names,
rattlebox and rattleweed, that are often assigned to it. The keel petal of Oxytropis tends to be long
and pointed whereas that of Astragalus tends to be blunter.
Note that these two closely related genuses also carry many of the same toxins. (James, Hartley,
Panter, Nielsen
locoweed foliage and flowers
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Locoweed
locoweed pods
locoweed pods laid out for drying
Toxicology -symptoms and biochemistry

More information describing Astragalus and Oxytropis spp. is available under the listings for
Astragalus lentiginosus , Spotted Locoweed, Oxytropis lamberti, Purple Locoweed, and Oxytropis
sericea, Locoweed, in the Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System, courtesy of Derek B.
Munro.
Return to [Alphabetical List] [Poison Plants Home Page]
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EPA/OPPT/Lead: National Lead Information Center
Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil

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The National Lead Information Center (NLIC) provides the general

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EPA/OPPT/Lead: National Lead Information Center
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EPA/OPPT: Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil
Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil

Recent Additions | Contact Us | Print Version
Search:
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Pollution, Prevention & Toxics > Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil
Basic Information
Lead in the News
Rules & Regulations
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Training &
Certification
Other Lead Links
EPA Regions
Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in
products found in and around our homes. Lead may cause a
range of health effects, from behavioral problems and
learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children 6 years
old and under are most at risk, because their bodies are
growing quickly.
Basic Information
Facts about lead
Health effects of
lead
Where lead is found

Research suggests that the primary sources of lead exposure
for most children are:
Where lead is likely
- deteriorating lead-based paint,
to be a hazard
- lead contaminated dust, and
Checking your
- lead contaminated residential soil.
family and home for
EPA is playing a major role in addressing these residential
lead
lead hazards. In 1978, there were nearly three to four million
children with elevated blood lead levels in the United States. What you can do to
In the 1990s, that number had dropped to 434,000 kids, and protect your family
it continues to decline. While we still have a significant
Are you planning to
challenge, EPA is very proud of how federal, state, and
buy or rent a home
private sector partners have coordinated efforts with the
public to better protect our children.
built before 1978
Since the 1980's, EPA and its federal partners have phased
out lead in gasoline, reduced lead in drinking water, reduced
lead in industrial air pollution, and banned or limited lead
used in consumer products, including residential paint.
States and municipalities have set up programs to identify
and treat lead poisoned children and to rehabilitate
deteriorated housing. Parents, too, have greatly helped to
reduce lead exposures to their children by cleaning and
maintaining homes, having their children's blood lead levels
checked, and promoting proper nutrition. The Agencys
Lead Awareness Program continues to work to protect
human health and the environment against the dangers of
lead by developing regulations, conducting research, and
designing educational outreach efforts and materials.
This site provides information about lead, lead hazards, and
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Remodeling or
renovating a home
with lead-based
paint
Additional
Resources
EPA/OPPT: Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil
provides some simple steps to protect your family. For basic

information start with the links to the right. For more
specific information, and to search for and download
documents use the links on the left. You can also order
materials or speak to an information specialist by contacting
The National Lead Information Center (NLIC) at
1-800-424-LEAD (5323).
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Metabolites
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Plants
Calendula arvensis
Anthemis arvensis
Urospermum dalechampii
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Plants
Crysantemum coronarium
Go back to General Description

Return to:
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Known Constituents
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DTWP001E: Net.Data is unable to locate the macro file plants_indiv.d2w.
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Lactuca
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Methylene
Exocyclic Methylene Group
[return]
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Buddleja americana
Buddleja americana
Index
Introduction and Description
Common Names
Uses and Efficacy

Buddleja americana is a member of the family Loganiaceae and is native to Central America. The
plant grows to a height of 3 meters. The leaves are oval (20cm) with white hairs on the edges. The
flowers are very small and greenish-yellow. The plant has a strong odor.
Common Names
Hoja blanca -- Honduras

Salvia -- Honduras, El Salvador
Zayolizcan
Chemical Compounds
Very little information regarding the types and quantity of chemical compounds in Buddleja
americana could be found. Also, little toxic information could be found. The only information
located stated that the plant contains saponic glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, sterols, and triterpenes,
and that ethanol extracts are poisonous to fish. Since information on exact compounds could not be
located, the following discussion is about general properties of these types of compounds.
Saponic glycosides occur in many temperate legume forages and are one of the causes of bloat in
ruminants. They are bitter compounds and can decrease feed palatability and feed intake. While
some saponins can decrease growth in swine and poultry, others have beneficial effects and are
used as feed additives.
Alkaloids, in general, are bitter and toxic. However, many alkaloids have medicinal properties.
Triterpenes are biochemically complex. Many terpenes have medicinal properties, though many
also are toxic. Without better phytochemical information about this plant it is neither possible to
determine if it contains compounds that may be medicinal nor ones that could be toxic.
Return to Index
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Buddleja americana
Uses and Efficacy

As with the chemical composition and toxicity information, few data are available regarding the
efficacy of Buddleja americana. Farmers in Honduras indicated that it was used to relieve stomach
pain caused primarily by parasites. It normally is combined with plants that are supposed to kill the
parasites. However, the only information regarding its efficacy was about its ability to control
bacteria. Ethanol extractions were shown to inhibit Escherichia coli but not Staphylococcus
aureus.
Some Uses in Humans:
Headache -- Colombia
Analgesic -- Mexico
Burn -- Mexico
Diuretic -- Mexico and El Salvador
Cirrhosis -- Mexico
Hepatitis -- Mexico
Hypnotic -- Mexico
Pain (stomach) -- Honduras
Parasites -- Honduras
Rheumatism -- Mexico and El Salvador
Sore -- Mexico
Tetanus -- Mexico
Tumor -- Mexico
Wound -- Honduras and Mexico
Return to Index
References
Beckstrom-Sternberg, Stephen M., James A. Duke, and K.K. Wain. "The Ethnobotany
Database." http://probe.nalusda.gov:8300/cgi-bin/browse/ethnobotdb. (ACEDB version
4.3-data version July 1994).
Manual Popular de Plantas Medicinales Comunes de la Costa Atlantica de Honduras. 1996.
Programa Tramil-Centroamrica/ENDA CARIBE.
de Mena Guarero, M.G. 1994. Obtencion y Aprovechamiento de Extractos Vegetales de la
Flora Salvadorea. Editorial Universitaria, Salvador.
e-mail Webmaster.
Buddleja americana
Carica papaya
Carica papaya
Index
Chemical Compounds
Toxicity
Uses and Efficacy
Introduction
Carica papaya (Family Caricaceae) originated in Central America. It is an interesting tree in that
the male and female parts exist in different trees. The fruits, leaves, and latex are used medicinally.
Papain, a major compound in the fruit and latex has been used in brewing and wine making and
the textile and tanning industries. Common names for papaya trees include:
Betik petik
Chich Put
Fan Kua
Gandul
Katela gantung
Kates
Kavunagaci
Kepaya
Kuntaia
Lechoso
Lohong Si Phle
Mapaza
Mu Kua
Papailler
Papaw and pawpaw tree
Papaya
Papaye
Papayer
Pepol
Tinti
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Carica papaya
Wan Shou Kuo

Return to Index
Chemical Compounds
Carica papaya contains many biologically active compounds. Two important compounds are
chymopapain and papain, which are supposed to aid in digestion. Papain also is used to treat
arthritis. The level of the compounds vary in the fruit, latex, leaves, and roots. In addition, plant
parts from male and female trees differ in the quantity of the compounds. For example, phenolic
compounds tend to be higher male trees than female trees. The quantity of fresh papaya latex and
dry latex (crude papain) also vary with the sex of the tree and the age of the tree. Female and
hermaphrodite trees yield more crude papain then male trees and older fruit yields more then
younger fruit. However, the activity of the papain is higher in the extracts from the younger fruit
then the older fruit. Cultivars also vary in the quantity of the compounds. For example, the primary
and secondary volatile compounds in the fruit of one cultivar studied were linalool and
trans-linalool oxide, respectively. In another cultivar, the primary and secondary volatile
compounds were cis-linalool oxide and linalool, respectively.
The following list of compounds found in parts of Carica papaya is not comprehensive. The
quantity of the compounds are estimates based on several sources (listed in the references). For
more information please refer to the references and the USDA Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical
Databases.
alkaloids -- 1,300-4,000 ppm in leaves

butanoic acid -- as much as 1.2mg/kg in fruit pulp
methyl butanoate -- as much as 18% of the volatile components in the fruit
carpaine -- leaves (1,000-1,500 ppm), bark, roots, and seeds
dehydrocarpaines -- 1,000 ppm in leaves
pseudocarpaine -- 100 ppm in leaves
chymopapain-a and b -- latex and exudate
flavonols -- 0-2,000 ppm in leaves
benzylglucosinolate -- found in all parts of the plant, but highest in young leaves
linalool -- as much as 94% of the volatile components in the fruit
cis- and trans-linalool oxide -- fruit
alpha-linolenic acid -- 250-2,238 ppm in fruit
nicotine
papain -- fruit and 53,000 ppm in latex and exudate
alpha-phellandrene -- fruit
tannins -- 5,000-6,000 ppm in leaves
alpha-terpinene -- fruit
gamma-terpinene -- fruit
4-terpineol -- fruit
Carica papaya
terpinolene -- fruit
methyl-thiocyanate and benzyl-isothiocyanate
Return to Index
Toxicity
With the exception of infertility, the literature reviewed did not indicate any adverse reactions
from the consumption of Carica papaya fruit, latex, or extracts. However, the leaves and roots of
Carica papaya contain cyangenic glucosides which form cyanide. The leaves also contain tannins.
Both of these compounds, at high concentrations, can cause adverse reactions. Also, inhaling
papaya powder (high in the enzymes papain and chymopapain, can induce allergies.
In trials with rats, daily oral doses of benzene and alcohol extracts (20mg/kg body weight (BW)
for 30 days) did not effect body or reproductive organ weights or adversely effect liver or kidney
function. However, aqueous extracts (1mg/kg BW for 7 or 15 days) and benzene extracts given
orally to female rats caused infertility and irregular oestrous cycles. Male rats given ethanol seed
extracts orally (10 or 50 mg/day for 30, 60, or 90 days) or intramuscularly (0.1 or 1.0 mg/day for
15 or 30 days) had decreased sperm motility. The oral doses also decreased testis mass and sperm
count. Studies with aqueous seed extracts also decreased fertility in male rats. The fertility of the
male and female rats returned to normal within 60 days after the treatments were discontinued.
In addition to decreasing infertility, papain might cause abortions shortly after conception. The
papain apparently dissolves a protein(s) responsible for adhering the newly fertilized egg to the
wall of the uterus.
Return to Index
Uses and Efficacy

The efficacy of treatments with Carica papaya is dependent on the quantity of the different
compounds in the preparation. The quantity of the compounds, as previously indicated, differ in
the fruit, latex, leaves, and roots and vary with the extraction method, age of the plant part, and the
cultivar and sex of the tree.
The application of papaya latex that is probably of most interest to livestock producers is as an
anthelmintic (dewormer). Satrija et al. (1994) tested the efficacy of papaya latex (at doses of 2, 4,
and 8 g/kg BW) against Ascaris suum in 16 pigs. The eggs per gram (epg) on days 0, 1, 5, and 7
were determined using a modified McMaster technique and the adult worms were collected and
sexed at necropsy on day 7. The 4- and 8-g/kg BW treatments significantly decreased the epg
produced (by 99%) and the number of adult worms by 80 and 100%, respectively. The study
conducted by Satrija et al. supports the results of other studies which indicate that papaya latex is
effective against Ascaridia galli in chickens. One adverse effect of the treatment was transient
diarrhea in the 8-g/kg BW group on day 1 of the study. In another study, water extracts of papaya
seeds decreased Ascaridia galli infections in chicks by 41.7% (compared to piperazine
hexahydrate which decreased infections by 99%).
In traditional veterinary medicine, papaya seeds also are used as dewormers. In Indonesia and the
Philippines, air-dried seeds are ground and mixed with water - 3 g of seeds/kg bodyweight. The
Carica papaya
animals are given the seed/water mixture once a day for 6 days. In Indonesia, papaya leaves are
used as affed for animals after parturition - 2 leaves boiled in water fed every 2 days for 1 week. It
also has been reported that papaya leaf extract is used as a profilaxis against malaria, though no
studies on this use could be found in the literature.
Results from studies on biological activities of Carica papaya parts, extracts, and isolated
compounds are briefly summarized below:
Antimicrobial
Latex (with a minimum protein concentration of 138 microliters/ml) and root extracts
inhibited Candida albicans. However, aqueous extracts were not active.
Extracts of pulp and seeds showed bacteriostatic properties when tested against
Staphylococcus aureua, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, and
other bacteria in vitro. However, in another study, aqueous extracts (type of extract
and plant part not indicated) were not active against Staphylococcus aureua and
Escherichia colis in vitro.
Alpha-D-mannosidase and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (isolated from latex)
acted synergistically to inhibit yeast growth.
Parasitic
Powdered air-dried seeds given orally to 4 dogs (60mg/kg BW for 30 days) decreased
Dirofilaria immitis infections.
Papaya latex fed (at a rate of 2, 4, 6, or 8g/kg BW) to mice with experimental
infections of Heligmosomoides polygyrus decreased infections rates by 55.5-84.5%
compared to non-treated control mice.
Seeds at concentrations of less than 100 micrograms/ml exhibited activity against
Entamoeba histolytica in vitro.
Benzylisothiocyanate (isolated from papaya) at concentrations of 100-300
micromoles inhibits the energy metabolism and affected the motor activity of
Ascaridia galli in vitro
Sedative and muscle relaxer -- studies with rats indicate that alcohol extracts (at a dose of 5
mg/kg BW intraperitoneally or greater) relaxed central muscles. The extracts (at a dose of
10 mg/kg BW intraperitoneally or greater) also had sedative properties.
Purgative -- in one study with rats, aqueous extracts increased the number of wet feces and
the movement of intestinal contents.
Papaya has been used to treat the following ailments in humans:
Abortifacient -- Java, Panama, Sri Lanka, and Turkey
Amebicide -- Japan
Arthritis and rheumatism -- Haiti and Java
Asthma and respiration -- Mauritius, Mexico, and Philippines
Bactericide -- India
Cancer -- Australia and Mexico
Cardiotonic -- Turkey
Carica papaya
Colic -- Malaya
Constipation and laxative -- Honduras, Panama, and Trinidad
Corns and boils -- India, Malagasy, Malaya, and Philippines
Decoagulant -- Trinidad
Diarrhea and dysentery -- Honduras, Japan, Panama, and West Africa
Digestive -- China, Dominican Republic, Panama, and Turkey
Diuretic -- Trinidad
Dyspepsia -- Mexico
Dysuria -- Java
Emmenagogueue -- Mexico and Turkey
Epithelioma -- St. Vincent
Fever -- Java and Mexico
Flu -- Trinidad
Fumitory -- New Caledonia
Hypertension -- Honduras and Trinidad
Infection -- Panama
Intestinal disorders -- Philippines
Kidney -- Cameroon and Honduras
Liver -- Honduras and Turkey
Madness -- Ivory Coast
Milk production (increase/stimulate) -- Indonesia and Malaysia
Opthalmology treatments -- Soviet Union
Pectoral -- Mexico
Scorpion bites -- Trinidad
Smoothe upper respiratory tract -- Nigeria
Toothhache -- Cote d'Ivoire and Samoa
Tuberculosis -- Mexico
Tumor (Uterus) -- Ghana Indochina Nigeria
Ulcer -- Panama
Urology treatments -- Soviet Union
Venereal -- Trinidad
Vermifuge -- Haiti, Malaya, Panama, Samoa, and Turkey
Warts -- Indonesia, Jamaica, Peru, South Africa, and Sri Lanka
Return to Index
References
Carica papaya
Not all of the references in the list below were used in writing this web page. Some references
could not be easily located and others were in non-romance languages. They are included here so
that a more complete resource list is available for those interested in the subject area.
Akah, P.A., A.N. Oli, N.M. Enwerem, and K. Gamaniel. 1997. Preliminary studies on
purgative effect of Carica papaya root extract. Fitoterapia, 68 (4): 327-331.
Database." http://probe.nalusda.gov:8300/cgi-bin/browse/ethnobotdb. (ACEDB version 4.3
-data version July 1994).
Beckstrom-Sternberg, Stephen M., and James A. Duke. "The Phytochemical Database."
http://probe.nalusda.gov:8300/cgi-bin/browse/phytochemdb. (ACEDB version 4.3 - data
version July 1994).
Bennett, R.N., G. Kiddle, R.M. Wallsgrove. 1997. Biosynthesis of benzylglucosinolate,
cyanogenic glucosides and phenylpropanoids in Carica papaya. Phytochemistry, 45 (1):
59-66.
Bhattacharyya, R.K. and V.N.M. Rao. 1982. Phenolics content of Co.2 papaya (Carica
papaya L.) as affected by growth regulants. Journal of Research, Assam Agricultural
University, 3 (2): 214-215.
Boom, B.M. 1989. Use of plant resources by the Chacobo. Advances in Economic Botany,
7: 78-96.
Brocklehurst, K. and E. Salih. 1985. Fresh non-fruit latex of Carica papaya contains papain,
multiple forms of chymopapain A and papaya proteinase OMEGA. Biochemical Journal,
228 (2): 525-527.
Chinoy, N.J., Joshi Harsha, and Ghosh Shilpa. 1997. Toxicity related response of female
albino rats treated with benzene and alcoholic papaya seed extracts. Indian Journal of
Environment and Toxicology, 7 (2): 62-64.
Chinoy, N.J., Joshi Harsha, and Ghosh Shilpa. 1997. Antifertility investigations of alcoholic
papaya seed extract in female rats. Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Sciences, 19
(2): 422-426.
Chinoy, N.J., K.G. Patel, and Chawla Sunita. 1997. Reversible effects of aqueous extract of
papaya seed on microenvironment and sperm metabolism of cauda epididymis of rat.
Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Sciences, 19 (3): 717-723.
Chinoy, N.J. and P. Padman. 1996. Antifertility investigations on the benzene extract of
Carica papaya seeds in male albino rats. Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Sciences,
18 (3): 489-494.
Chinoy, N.J., Dilip Trivedi, and Harsha Joshi. 1995. Effect of Carica papaya seed extract on
female rat ovaries and uteri. Phytotherapy Research, 9 (3): 169-175.
Fischer, N. 1998. Flavour components in selected exotic fruits. Food Australia, 50 (4):
165-168.
Flath, R.A. and R.R Forrey. 1977. Volatile components of papaya (Carica papaya L., solo
variety). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 25 (1): 103-109.
Franco, M.R.B., Amaya D. Rodriguez, M.H. Damasio, and J.L.L. Carrillo. 1993. Volatile
components and flavour of pawpaw (Carica papaya): a reappraisal. Alimentos e Nutricao,
Carica papaya
5: 99-108.
Franco, M.R.B. and Amaya D.B. Rodriguez. 1993. Volatile components of two pawpaw
cultivars. Arquivos de Biologia e Tecnologia, 36 (3): 613-632.
Ghosh, N.K., S.P.S. Babu, and N.C. Sukul. 1998. Antifilarial effect of a plant Carica
papaya. Japanese Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 26 (2): 117-119.
Giordani, R., M.L. Cardenas, Traffort J. Moulin, and P. Regli. 1996. Fungicidal activity of
latex sap from Carica papaya and antifungal effect of D(+)-glucosamine on Candida
albicans growth. Mycoses, 39 (3-4): 103-110.
Giordani, R. and L. Lafon. 1993. Action of Carica papaya latex on cell wall glycosidases
from Lactuca sativa pith. Phytochemistry, 34 (6): 1473-1475.
Giordani, R., A. Moulin, and R. Verger. 1991. Tributyroylglycerol hydrolase activity in
Carica papaya and other latices. Phytochemistry, 30 (4): 1069-1072.
Giordani, R., M. Siepaio, Traffort J. Moulin, and P. Regli. 1991. Antifungal action of
Carica papaya latex: isolation of fungal cell wall hydrolysing enzymes. Mycoses, 34
(11-12): 469-477.
Grand, A. le. 1989. Anti-infectious phytotherapies of the tree-savanna, Senegal (West
Africa) III: a summary of the phytochemical substances and the antimicrobial activity of 43
species. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 25 (3): 315-338.
Gundidza, M. 1986. Screening of extracts from Zimbabwean higher plants II: antifungal
properties. Fitoterapia, 57 (2): 111-114.
Gupta, A., C.O. Wambebe, and D.L. Parsons. 1990. Central and cardiovascular effects of
the alcoholic extract of the leaves of Carica papaya. International Journal of Crude Drug
Research, 28 (4): 257-266.
Harsha, Joshi and N.J. Chinoy. 1996. Reversible antifertility effects of benzene extract of
papaya seed on female rats. Phytotherapy Research, 10 (4): 327-328.
House, P., S. Lagos-Witte, and C. Torres. 1992. Manual Popular de 50 Plantas Medicinales
de Honduras, 3rd Ed. Guaymuras, Honduras.
Idstein, H., C. Bauer, and P. Schreier. 1985. Volatile acids from tropical fruits: cherimoya
(Annona cherimolia Mill.), guava (Psidium guajava L.), mango (Mangifera indica L. var.
alphonso), pawpaw (Carica papaya L.). Zeitschrift fur Lebensmittel-Untersuchung und
-Forschung, 180 (5): 394-397.
IRR. 1994. Ethnoveterinary medicine in Asia: an information kit on traditional animal
health care practices. Volume 2, Ruminants. International Institute of Rural Reconstruction,
Silang, Cavite, Philippines.
Kapanadze, I.S. and G.S. Khasaya. 1988. Some biological characteristics of pawpaw trees.
Subtropicheskie Kul'tury, No. 1: 136-140.
Kinyuy, W.C. 1993. Through integrated biomedical\ethnomedical preparations and
ethnotaxonomy, effective malaria and diabetic treatments have evolved. Acta Horticulturae,
No. 344: 205-214.
Kumar, D., S.K. Mishra, H.C. Tripathi. 1991. Mechanism of anthelmintic action of
benzylisothiocyanate. Fitoterapia, 62 (5): 403-410.
Carica papaya
Lohiya, N.K., R.B. Goyal, D. Jayaprakash, S. Sharma, M. Kumar, and A.S. Ansari. 1992.
Induction of reversible antifertility with a crude ethanol extract of Carica papaya seeds in
albino male rats. International Journal of Pharmacognosy, 30 (4): 308-320.
Lorougnon, G. and L.A. Assi. 1989. The fight against toothache by the Betes of the Daloa
region, Cote d'Ivoire. Bulletin de la Societe Botanique de France, Actualites Botaniques,
136 (3-4): 41-44.
MacLeod, A. and N.M. Pieris. 1983. Volatile components of papaya (Carica papaya L.)
with particular reference to glucosinolate products. Journal of Agricultural and Food
Chemistry, 31 (5): 1005-1008.
Madrigal, L.S., A.N. Ortiz, R.D. Cooke, and R.H. Fernandez. 1980. The dependence of
crude papain yields on different collection ('tapping') procedures for papaya latex. Journal of
the Science of Food and Agriculture, 31 (3): 279-285.
Media Komunikasi Penelitian dan Pengembangan Tanaman Industri. 1991. Plants that
stimulate mothers' milk production. No. 8: 32-35.
Moore, D.J. 1980. A simple method of collecting and drying papaya (pawpaw) latex to
produce crude papain. Rural Technology Guide, Tropical Products Institute, No.8.
Ortega, A. and J.S. Pino. 1997. The volatile constituents of tropical fruits. II. Fruits of
Carica species. Alimentaria, 35 (286): 27-40.
Osato, J.A., L.A. Santiago, G.M. Remo, M.S. Cuadra, and A. Mori. 1993. Antimicrobial and
antioxidant activities of unripe papaya. Life Sciences, 53 (17): 1383-1389.
Pandey, A., B.R. Maity, K.R. Samaddar. 1996. Antifungal activity of plant latex towards
certain fungal organisms. Journal of Mycopathological Research, 34 (1): 35-40.
Pousset, J.L., B. Boum, and A. Cave. 1981. Antihaemolytic action of xylitol isolated from
Carica papaya bark. Planta Medica, 41 (1): 40-47.
Redina, E.F., L.G. Mezhlum'yan, L.G. Bazhenov, and P.Kh. Yuldashev. 1998.
Determination of lysozyme in papaya latex preparations. Chemistry of Natural Compounds,
33 (5): 600.
Sandhya, Rani P. and L. Veerannah. 1996. Studies on the biochemical constituents of root
exudates of papaya. South Indian Horticulture, 44 (5/6): 118-120.
Satrija, F., P. Nansen, S. Murtini, and S. He. 1995. Anthelmintic activity of papaya latex
against patent Heligmosomoides polygyrus infections in mice. Journal of
Ethnopharmacology, 48 (3): 161-164.
Satrija, F., P. Nansen, H. Bjorn, S. Murtini, and S. He. 1994. Effect of papaya latex against
Ascaris suum in naturally infected pigs. Journal of Helminthology, 68 (4): 343-346.
Satyanarayanana, Rao V. and K.S. Krishnaiah. 1982. Note on the comparative efficacy of
some indigenous anthelmintics against Ascaridia galli infection in chicks. Indian Journal of
Animal Sciences, 52 (6): 485-486.
Schwab, W. and P. Schreier. 1988. Aryl beta -D-glucosides from Carica papaya fruit.
Phytochemistry, 27 (6): 1813-1816.
Sheu, F. and Y.T. Shyu. 1996. Determination of benzyl isothiocyanate in papaya fruit by
solid phase extraction and gas chromatography. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 4 (4):
327-334.
Carica papaya
Siddiqui, M.A., A. Haseeb, and M.M. Alam. 1987. Evaluation of nematicidal properties in
some latex bearing plants. Indian Journal of Nematology, 17 (1): 99-102.
Suhaila, Mohamed, Hassan Zahariah, and Abd Hamid Norhashimah. 1994. Antimicrobial
activity of some tropical fruit wastes (guava, starfruit, banana, papaya, passionfruit, langsat,
duku, rambutan and rambai). Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science, 17 (3):
219-227.
Tang, C.S. 1979. New macrocyclic DELTA 1-piperideine alkaloids from papaya leaves:
dehydrocarpaine I and II. Phytochemistry., 18 (4): 651-652.
el Tayeb, O., M. Kucera, V.O. Marquis, and H. Kucerova. 1974. Contribution to the
knowledge of Nigerian medicinal plants. III. Study on Carica papaya seeds as a source of a
reliable antibiotic, the BITC. Planta Medica, 26 (1): 79-89.
Thomas, O.O. 1989. Re-examination of the antimicrobial activities of Xylopia aethiopica,
Carica papaya, Ocimum gratissimum and Jatropha curcas. Fitoterapia, 60 (2): 147-155.
Tona, L., K. Kambu, N. Ngimbi, K. Cimanga, and A.J. Vlietinck. 1998. Antiamoebic and
phytochemical screening of some Congolese medicinal plants. Journal of
Ethnopharmacology, 61 (1): 57-65.
Topuriya, L.I., V.I. Rossinskii, and G.S. Erkomaishvili. 1978. Alkaloids of Carica papaya.
Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No.3: 414.
Wagh, A.N., M.N. Bhalekar, and P.N. Kale. 1993. Effect of age of fruit on yield and quality
of crude papain in some varieties of papaya. Maharashtra Journal of Horticulture, 7 (1):
41-45.
Winterhalter, P., D. Katzenberger, and P. Schreier. 1986. 6,7-Epoxy-linalool and related
oxygenated terpenoids from Carica papaya fruit. Phytochemistry, 25 (6): 1347-1350.
Withopf, B., E. Richling, R. Roscher, W. Schwab, and P. Schreier. 1997. Sensitive and
selective screening for 6'-O-malonylated glucoconjugates in plants. Journal of Agricultural
and Food Chemistry, 45 (3): 907-911.
e-mail Webmaster.
Cecropia spp.
Cecropia spp.
Index
Common Names
Chemical Compounds
Toxicity
Uses and Efficacy

Cecropia spp. belong to the family Cecropiaceae (previously included in the family Moraceae) and
are native to tropical America. The trees are reported to have a milky caustic latex, and many of
them are attractive to ants. C. peltata, the species for which the most information was easily
accessible, grows to a height of 20-25m. The bark is gray and red and has rings. The "umbrellas"
can be 1m in diameter and the leaves which make up the umbrella can be 30-40cm in diameter.
The branches are hollow.
Common Names
Cercopia spp.
Trumpet Tree
Trumpet Wood
Snake Wood
Yagrumo
Yagrumo Hembra
Llagrumo Hembra
Bois Canot
Guarumo
Guarima
Guarumbo
Trompeta
C. peltata
Bois Canon
Bois Trompette
Grayumbe
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Cecropia spp.
Grayumbo
Guarumo -- Honduras
Trompette
Trompettier
Trumpet Tree
Yagruma
Yagrumo
Return to Index
Chemical Compounds
No information on chemical compounds in Cercopia spp. could be found.
Toxicity
The only toxicity information available indicates that Cecropia spp. may cause itching and skin
rashes. These reactions are caused by the leaves and by the ants residing in the trees.
Uses and Efficacy

Cecropia peltata is used by some Honduran farmers to aid animals during birthing. It is given
during labor to speed up the birthing process and after labor so that the placenta is quickly
expelled. No information on the preparation or doses was available.
The only study that could be located regarding its medicinal properties indicated that leaf extracts
had antigonorrheal activity.
Some Uses in Humans: Cecropia spp.
Asthma -- Mexico
Astringent -- Venezuela
Cardiac -- Venezuela
Dysentery -- Mexico
Liver -- Mexico
Masticatory -- Colombia
Tonic -- Venezuela
Ulcer -- Mexico
Venereal -- Mexico
Warts -- Mexico
Wounds -- Mexico
C. peltata
Asthma -- Haiti and Mexico
Cecropia spp.
Astringent -- Haiti
Cardiotonic -- Haiti, Mexico, and Uruguay
Caustic -- Mexico
Chorea -- Mexico
Cough and bronchitis -- Haiti and Trinidad
Diabetes -- Mexico
Diarrhea and dysentery -- Haiti
Diuretic -- Mexico and Uruguay
Dropsy -- Mexico
Fever -- Trinidad
Flu -- Trinidad
Gonorrhea -- Haiti
Hepatitis -- Mexico
Herpes -- Haiti
Liver
Nerve -- Mexico
Obesity -- Mexico
Poison -- Mexico
Snake bites and scorpions -- Trinidad
Warts, calluses, and corns -- Brazil, Cuba, Dominican Republic, French Guinea, Jamaica,
Martinique, and Mexico
Wounds -- Haiti
Return to Index
References
version July 1994).
Caceres, A., H. Menendez, E. Mendez, E. Cohobon, B.E. Samayoa, E. Jauregui, E. Peralta,
G. Carrillo. 1995. Antigonorrhoeal activity of plants used in Guatemala for the treatment of
sexually transmitted diseases. J Ethnopharmacology 48: 85-88.
Paquet, J. 1981. Manual de Dendrologia de Algunas Especies de Honduras. Programa
Forestal ACDI-COHDEFOR.
Cecropia spp.
e-mail Webmaster.
Chenopodium ambrosioides
Index
Introduction
Description
Common Names
Chemical Compounds
Toxicity
Uses and Efficacy
Introduction
Chenopodium ambrosioides (Family Chenopodiaceas) originated in Central America, though it has
been distributed to much of the world. It has been used as an anthelmintic (medicine for
controlling internal parasites) for many years. In the early 1900s it was one of the major
anthelmintics used to treat ascarids and hookworms in humans, cats, dogs, horses, and pigs.
Usually, oil of chenopodium was used. It was sometimes referred to as Baltimore Oil, because of
the large production facility in Baltimore that specialized in extracting the oil from the plant.
Chenopodium was replaced with other, more effective and less toxic anthelmintics in the 1940s.
Chenopodium is still used to treat worm infections in humans in many countries. In Honduras, as
well as other Latin American countries, the whole plant or the leaves are ground and added to
water. This mixture is then consumed. In a few areas in Latin America, the plant also is used to
treat worm infections in livestock. Return to Index
Description
Chenopodium ambrosioides is an herb that grows to a height of 40cm. The leaves are oval (up to
4cm long and 1cm wide) and toothed. The flowers are small and green, and the seeds are very
small and green when fresh and black when dry. The plant has a very strong odor. Seeds can be
purchased through seed catalogues. Return to Index
Common Names
American Wormseed -- U.S.

Apazote, Epazote, Ipazote -- Latin America
Paico -- Peru
Wurmsaamen Gansefuss -- Germany
L'anserine vermifuge -- France
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Erva de Santa Maria -- Brazil

Return to Index
Chemical Compounds
There are many compounds in Chenopodium. The compound considered to be the active
ingredient is ascaridole, a monoterpene. The major components of oil of chenopodium are:
ascaridole (60-80%), isoascaridole, p-cymene, limonene, and x-terpinene. The level of the
different compounds varies depending on the part of the plant, age of the plant, and whether it is
dried or fresh plant material.
The quantity of ascaridole (or other compounds) in chenopodium can be determined using gas
chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The major compounds in chenopodium can be
extracted with methanol or hexanes and then sent through the GC/MS.
Some of the Compounds in Chenopodium ambrosioides (for a more complete list see USDA
Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases.):
Alpha-pinene -- plant 440-4800 ppm
Ascaridole -- leaves 185-18000 ppm
D-camphor -- plant
Essential oil -- fruit 1830-25000 ppm, leaves 2000-3000 ppm
L-pinocarvone -- plant 1040-11400 ppm
Limonene -- plant
P-cymene -- leaves 365-4400 ppm
P-cymol -- plant 730-8000 ppm
Saponins -- roots 25000 ppm
Terpinene -- plant
Terpinyl-acetate -- plant 75 ppm
Terpinyl-salicylate -- plant 75 ppm
Return to Index
Toxicity
Oil made from Chenopodium ambrosioides is very toxic. However, little is known about the
toxicity of fresh and dried plant material, how the oil and plant are metabolized, and why toxic
reactions occur. The reaction that animals have to chenopodium seem to vary. For example, one
goat can shows signs of mild toxicity, while another goat, from the same herd, may not show any
adverse effects. Therefore, using this treatment can be risky. Signs of toxicity include: salivation,
increased heart rate and respiration, changes in blood chemistry, decreased rumen motility,
decreased contractions in the intestines, and convulsions. Oil of chenopodium can cause skin
reactions, and it is dangerous to inhale.
Oil of chenopodium has caused death or adverse reactions at doses of:
Goats -- 0.2ml/kg body weight (BW)

Sheep -- 0.1ml/kg BW
Cats -- 0.2ml/kg BW
Dogs -- 0.2ml/kg BW (vomiting)
Rabbits -- 0.5ml
The dose that causes adverse effects is very close to the dose that is supposed to be efficacious.
Therefore, extreme caution should be used when treating an animal with this plant or the oil made
from the plant. Other than treating the symptoms, there is no known cure to an overdose from this
plant and the oil. Return to Index
Uses and Efficacy

Oil of Chenopodium and paste from fresh plant are primarily used to treat internal parasites in
humans and non-ruminant animals. However, good data on efficacy is not available. Trials done in
the early 1900s usually did not have control animals to which the treated animals could be
compared.
In vitro studies with oil of chenopodium and chenopodium extracts have shown that it inhibits egg
development of parasites and inhibits maturation of larva. However, these results have not been
confirmed in in vivo studies.
Current research is being done on the potential of using chenopodium to treat ruminants at Cornell
University. Results of the completed trials show that oil of chenopodium does decrease fecal egg
counts. However, the decrease is not very large and does not compare to the control that can be
achieved with other anthelmintics. Also, the effective dose does cause some adverse reactions in
the animals. Oil of chenopodium has been shown (in vitro) to decrease egg hatching of
Haemonchus contortus, a common parasite of small ruminants. Further research is needed to
determine the efficacy, dose, and practical applications for oil and fresh plant material of
Chenopodium ambrosioides.
When oil of chenopodium was in common use, it was administered via gel capsules and followed
up with castor or linseed oil. Often, the person or animal taking the drug fasted first.
Recommended doses were:
Dogs -- 0.03-0.1ml/kg BW followed by 30ml castor oil, fast for 24h before treatment
Horses -- 16-18 ml and 1L of linseed oil, fast for 36h before treatment
Swine -- 0.5-1ml/11.5kg BW, followed by 60ml castor oil
Cats -- 0.03-0.05ml/kg BW, followed by 30ml castor oil
Chickens -- 0.3ml in 3ml castor oil
Doses being tested are:
Goats -- 0.2ml/kg BW
Sheep -- 0.1ml/kg BW
Doses with fresh plant material are harder to determine, since the quantity of compounds in the
plants varies so much. The only information on fresh plant doses are for humans. One book
recommends two cups of a plant/water mixture (8 leaves with water) per day for adults and 3-4
tablespoons of the mixture per day for children over five. The book warns against giving the
treatment to children under 5 and pregnant women.
Some Other Uses (in humans):
Amebicide -- Trinidad
Analgesic -- China
Anemia -- Colombia
Arthritis -- China
Asthma -- Dominican Republic, Panama, Trinidad, and Turkey
Bite(Bug) -- China
Dysentery -- Panama and Trinidad
Fungicide -- Trinidad
Narcotic -- U.S.
Nerves -- Mexico, Turkey, and U.S.
Stimulant -- Trinidad and Turkey
Stomach (ache) and/or colic -- Brazil, Chile, China, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras,
Mexico, Turkey, and Venezuela
Vermifuge -- Bahamas, Brazil, China, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico,
Panama, Spain, Trinidad, Turkey, U.S., and Venezuela
Return to Index
References
version July 1994).
Bliss, A.R. 1925. A Pharmacodynamic study of the anthelmintic properties of western oils
of chenopodium. J of AVMA, 19: 625-630.
Craig, C.F. and E.C. Faust. 1940. Clinical Parasitology. Lea & Febiger: Philadelphia.
Gibson, T.E. 1962. Veterinary Anthelmintic Medication, 2nd ed., Technical communication
#33 of the Commonwealth Bureau of Helminthology, St. Albans, Herts.
Guenther, E. 1952. The Essential Oils, vol. 6. D. Van Nostrand Co., NY: 151-161.
Hall, M.C. 1930. The use of drugs in the treatment of diseases caused by nematode and
trematode worms. 11th Int. Vet. Congress, London. John Bale, Sons & Danielsson, Ltd:
London.
Jones, L.M. 1965. Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Iowa State Univ. Press:
Ames, Iowa: 607-608.
Kato, S. 1997. Thesis, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
Ketzis, J.K and D.L. Brown. 1998. The potential of using Chenopodium ambrosioides as an
anthelmintic in goats. Proceedings of the 2nd Int. Conf. on Novel Approaches to the Control
of Helminth Parasites of Livestock, March 22-26, Baton Rouge, LA.
Kliks, M.M. 1985. Studies on the traditional herbal anthelmintic Chenopodium
ambrosioides L.: ethnopharmacological evaluation and clinical field trials. Soc. Sci. Med.
21 (8): 879-886.
Opdyke, D.L.J. 1976. Monographs on fragrance raw materials. Food and Cosmetics
Toxicology, 14S: 713-715.
Salant, W. and C.W. Mitchell. 1916. The influence of oil of chenopodium on intestinal
contractility. Amer. J. Of Phy., 39: 37-52.
Salant, W. 1917. The pharmacology of the oil of chenopodium. JAMA, 69 (24): 2016-2017.
Taylor, E.L. 1930. The use of drugs in the treatment of diseases caused by nematode and
trematode worms. 11th Int. Vet. Congress, London. John Bale, Sons & Danielsson, Ltd:
London.
Wynn, S.G. 1996. Anthelmintic therapy in holistic veterinary practice. J. of the Amer.
Holistic Vet. Med. Assoc., 15 (1): 15-19.
e-mail Webmaster.
Eucalyptus spp.
Eucalyptus spp.
Index
Introduction
Common Names
Chemical Compounds
Toxicity
Uses and Efficacy
Introduction
Eucalyptus spp. (Family Myrtaceae) originated in Australia. It now grows in almost all tropical
and subtropical areas and is cultivated in many other climates. Much research has been conducted
on the medicinal properties of Eucalyptus spp. Of the different species, E. globulus has been the
most widely studied. Eucalyptus is used to treat many human ailments and some livestock
ailments. Eucalyptus extracts, oils, or fresh leaves are used in steam inhalation treatments,
consumed in teas, or used in bathing.
While Eucalyptus trees are well known for their medicinal properties and their strong fragrance,
they are best known as the feed source for koala. The koala only eat a few species of Eucalyptus.
However, there are over 500 species of the tree.
Return to Index
Common Names
Blue Gum tree

Eucalipto
Eucalypt
Eucalyptus
Fever tree
Lemon Eucalyptus
Okaliptus
Silver-leaf Ironbark
Return to Index
Chemical Compounds
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Eucalyptus spp.
There are many compounds in Eucalyptus spp.. While the same compounds exist in many of the
species, some compounds can be found in only one or a few species. Within species the quantity of
essential oil and the specific compounds in the essential oil and extracts of dry and fresh leaves,
buds, mature fruit, and bark vary with the origin of the tree and the age of the leaves. The
following discussion and list of Eucalyptus spp. and the compounds in them is not comprehensive.
The quantity of the compounds in the oils and plant parts are estimates based on several sources
(listed in the references). For more information please refer to the references and the USDA
Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases.
E. globulusis one of the more important species of Eucalyptus. The essential oil in the leaves is
commonly used for medicinal purposes. The quantity of essential oil ranges from less than 1.5 to
over 3.5%. On average, between 70 and 95% of the oil is 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol). However, some
studies have shown the oil to contain as little as 4% 1,8-cineole. The essential oil from the fruit,
buds, and branches contain from 15-57% 1,8-cineole. Activities contributed to this compound
include: anesthetic, antibronchitic, anticatarrh, antilaryngitic, antipharyngitic, antiseptic,
antitussive, cns-stimulant, choleretic, counterirritant, dentifrice, expectorant, fungicide,
hepatotonic, herbicide, hypotensive, pesticide, and sedative. Other major components in the oil
are:
aromadendrene -- 8-23% in fruit, bud, and branch oils and 50-350 ppm in the leaves
camphene -- traces in leaf oil
cryptone -- 0-18% in leaf oil
p-cymene -- <1-27% in leaf oil
d-limonene -- traces in leaf oil
alpha-phellandrene -- traces in leaf oil
alpha-pinene -- <1-18% in leaf oil
beta-pinene -- traces in leaf oil
spathulenol -- <1-17% in leaf oil
y-terpinene -- traces in leaf oil
alpha-thujene -- 0-12% in fruit, bud, and branch oils
Other important compounds found in the leaves, buds, branches, and bark include:
antioxidants (from bark) -- eriodictyol, naringenin, quercetin, rhamnazin, rhamnetin,
taxifolin
citriodorol
cuminaldehyde -- 25-135 ppm in the leaves
epiglobulol -- one study indicated 28,000 ppm in leaves
euglobals -- These compounds are believed to have anti-tumor promoting activity.
d-linalool -- leaves
pinocarvone -- leaves
rutin -- leaves
tannins -- as much a 11% have been found in dry powdered leaves. Several activities have
Eucalyptus spp.
been attributed to tannins including antidysenteric, antimutagenic, antinephritic, antioxidant,

antiviral, bactericide, cancer-preventive, hepatoprotective, pesticide, psychotropic, and
viricide properties.
gamma-terpinene -- leaves
terpineol -- leaves
E. citriodora essential oil contains mainly citronellol (approximately 58%), which is best known
for its aromatic properties. Other compounds in the plant include:
aromadendrene
citronellal -- 50-18,020 ppm in the leaves
citronellic acid -- 1% in leaf oil
citronellol -- 7.6% in leaf oil and 230-4,000 ppm in the leaves
citronellyl acetate -- 24% in leaf oil and 20-130 ppm in the leaves
p-cymene -- 10-180 ppm in the leaves
limonene -- 20-1,420 ppm in the leaves
linalool -- 15-180 ppm in the leaves
alpha-pinene -- 5-380 ppm in the leaves
tannin
terpinene -- 1-180 ppm in the leaves
terpinolene -- 5-160 ppm in the leaves
ursolic acid
E. camaldulensis essential oil (from the leaves) ranges from less than 1 to over 2%. The quantity
of 1,8-cineole in the oil ranges from 15-78%. Other compounds in the leaves include:
betulinic acid
eucalyptic and eucalyptolic acid
oleanolic acid
ursolic acid
Other Eucalyptus spp. of note and some of the compounds in them include:
E. amplifolia, E. blakelyi, E. grandis, and E. tereticornis contain euglobals.
E. cladocalyx contains traces of cyanogenic glycosides.
E. cornea leaves contain up to 25% tannins.
E. dives oil contains 33% piperitone.
E. dunnii oil contains 48-58% 1,8-cineole, 5-7% globulol, 10-16.5% alpha-pinene, and 3-8%
alpha-terpineol.
E. macarthurrii oil contains 50% geranyl acetate.
E. macrocarpa contains macrocarpal A, believed to be antibacterial.
E. macarorryncha contains 12-20% rutin.
E. maidenii and E. smithii oils contain 70-85% 1,8-cineole.
Eucalyptus spp.
E. viminalis oil contains high quantities of phellandrene (an inhalation irritant) and traces of
cyanogenic glycosides.
Return to Index
Toxicity
Eucalyptus spp. contain high levels of phenolics and terpenoids which can be toxic. Animals such
as the koala which eat Eucalyptus have developed methods for detoxifying the compounds in the
liver. In addition, they have bacteria that degrade tannin-protein complexes. Most animals do not
have this ability.
Several adverse reactions have been attributed to the use of or contact with Eucalyptus oils,
extracts, and fresh and processed plant material. Some of the specific compounds that can be toxic
or cause adverse reactions include: 1,8-cineole, cyanogenic glycosides, rutin, and tannins. Most
studies on adverse reactions have been conducted with rodents and most documented cases of
adverse reactions focus on humans. Less information is available on livestock.
Overdoses of the oil in humans cause gastro-intestinal burning, abdominal pain, vomiting, and
convulsions, depress respiration and the central nervous system, and may lead to comas and death.
The data on deaths caused by consumption of eucalyptus oil in humans are not consistent -- death
has occurred after consumption of as little as 4-5 ml, while other people have become ill and
recovered after consuming 120-220 ml of the oil. Based on rodent studies, the oral LD50 (the
orally consumed dose that is lethal to 50% of the animals) for eucalyptus oil is very high -4.44g/kg body weight(BW) for rats and 3.32g/kg BW for mice. The LD50 is lower when only
1,8-cineole is used -- 2.48g/kg BW for rats. The dermal LD50 for rabbits is greater than 5g/kg
BW.
Eucalyptus oil is not believed to be teratogenic or contaminate milk. However, some studies have
indicated that citronellal and phellandrene, which can be found in some Eucalyptus spp., are weak
mutagenics and carcinogenics, respectively.
It is very difficult to determine the potential for adverse reactions with the use of Eucalyptus
treatments. This is because, as previously stated, the type and quantity of compounds depends on
the species (which often is not indicated on the label of purchased preparations), the age of the
leaves, the method used for drying leaves, buds, and bark, and the preparation methods of essential
oils and extracts. In addition, many studies on adverse reactions do not indicate the species or
preparation method used, complicating the situation. While Eucalyptus spp. can cause adverse
reactions, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of eucalyptus oil and
1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) for human food use. The Council of Europe also has approved the use of
the oil as a human food additive (at a level of 15 ppm). In France, infusions of E. globulus leaves
can be registered as products for the treatment human benign bronchial disorders without
toxicological studies. However, some toxicological studies are required for the registration of
powdered leaf formulas.
While not related to the use of Eucalyptus in treatments, I find it interesting that growing certain
species of Eucalyptus can cause its own problems. In Australia sawfly larvae, which contain
poisonous polypeptides, often gather in mounds beneath E. melanophloia. When cattle consume
Eucalyptus spp.
the larvae, they become uncoordinated, tremble, and can suffer permanent liver damage.
Return to Index
Uses and Efficacy

As with toxicity, the efficacy of eucalyptus oils and extracts is most likely dependent on the their
chemical composition. In general, oils from Eucalyptus spp. have antimicrobial properties. Two
studies which tested the oils from several species showed that E. citriodora had the most
antimicrobial activity. There was no relationship between 1,8-cineole content and antimicrobial
activity. Other studies have demonstrated that the oil and leaf extracts of Eucalyptus spp. have
antifungal and repellent activity.
The applications that are probably of most interest to livestock producers are as a mastitis
preventative and treatment, as a treatment for endometritis, and as an anthelmintic (dewormer). An
herbal gel called AV/AMP/14 (produced by Dabur Ayurvet Ltd. and contains Cedrus deodara,
Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Eucalyptus globulus) was used to treat and prevent
subclinical mastitis in crossbred cows. Twice daily topical applications to the udder significantly
reduced somatic cell counts (Pavneesh et al. 1996 and Joshi et al. 1996).
In a study on bovine endometritis, cows with endometritis were given, via an intrauterine infusion,
100 mls of a 10% solution of a tincture (alcohol and water mixtures) of Eucalyptus globulus. The
eucalyptus tincture was compared to tinctures of Allium sativum (garlic, believed to have
antimicrobial activity) and Gnaphalium conoideum (a plant that has no antimicrobial properties).
The parameters measured in the study included the number of infusions given (which were
repeated every 48 h until there was a change in the endometritis) and the days to first visible
oestrus, days open, and number of services before conception. All of these time periods are
believed to be longer when there are infections in the reproductive tract. The eucalyptus and garlic
tinctures significantly reduced the days to first visible oestrus and the days open, although fewer
garlic treatments were needed. There were no significant differences between the three treatment
in the number of services required for conception. The study did not included any approved,
commercially available treatments for endometritis (Esparza-Borges and Ortiz-Marquez 1996).
Fresh leaves, leaf-extracts, and growth regulators and their intermediaries (which are
endoperoxides) of Eucalyptus grandis were tested for their anthelmintic properties by
Bennet-Jenkins and Bryant (1996). Leaves were fed to 5 goats with experimental infections of
Haemonchus contortus (the barberpole worm) (and natural infections of Ostertagia) for seven days
(two days with lucerne/oaten chaff and five days as the sole source of feed). At necropsy, the
number of adult H. contortus in the E. grandis-fed goats was 91% lower than the number in 4
control goats. There was no significant difference in the number of Ostertagia. Isolated E. grandis
compounds (and synthetic congeners) were affective in vitro and in vivo (in mice and sheep) -- but
practical formulation and administration methods for these compounds have not been identified.
Another application that may be of interest to livestock producers is as a treatment for
ectoparasites and non-specific skin infections. Two experimental herbal mixtures (AV/EPP/14 and
AV/AAGD/14 produced by Dabur Ayurvet Limited in India), which contain Eucalyptus globulus
oil along with several other plant oils, have been tested on dogs to treat ectoparasites, fungal skin
infections, and non-specific skin infections. While the mixtures appear to be effective, no
Eucalyptus spp.
comparative treatments were used in the studies. Also, it is unknown which plant oils in the
mixtures contain the most active ingredients -- that is, the eucalyptus oil may not have been the
effective ingredient in the herbal mixture (Agrawal 1997 and Bhilegaonkar and Maske 1997).
Many in vitro and a few in vivo tests have been conducted with extracts and oils of different
Ecualyptus species. Following is a summary of some of the specific activities identified for
Eucalyptus spp.:
Eucalyptus oil (species not specified)
antibacterial -- concentrations ranging from 0.16 to >20 microliters/ml inhibited 22
bacterial strains in vitro.
antifungal -- concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 10 microliters/ml inhibited 11 fungi
in vitro.
repellent activity -- effective in repelling Pediculus humanus (human body louse),
with citronellal being the active compound.
Isolated compounds from Eucalyptus spp.
ursolic acid -- exhibited anticholestatic activity and protected against hepatotoxicity
(induced by paracetamol and galactosamine) in rats.
euglobals -- were shown to have antitumor properties.
E. camaldulensis -- ethanol extracts showed activity against bacteria and fungi.
E. globulus
antimicrobial -- essential oil has limited activity against Paenibacillus larvae, the
causal agent of American foulbrood disease and methanol extracts of leaves at
concentrations of 10mg/ml or less inhibited Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli,
Pseudomonas aerginosa, and Candida albicans in vitro.
antispasmodic -- water/alcohol extracts of leaves decreased smooth muscle
contractions in vitro.
antifungal -- the oil is believed to have limited antifungal activity, although water
extracts were not effective against the fungi Epidermophyton floccosum,
Microsporum canis, and Trichophton mentagrophytes.
E. macarthurii and E. riwagum -- mixed results were obtained when the essential oils were
tested for antibacterial and antifungal activity in vitro.
E. citriodora
antiinflammatory -- alcohol extracts of the leaves given to mice at concentrations of
100, 300, and 1,000 mg/kg BW inhibited induced paw oedema in mice by 12, 22, and
49%, respectively.
antibacterial and antifungal activity -- essential oil inhibited Bacillus megaterium,
Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and
Zygorrhynchus spp. in vitro and inhibited ringworm causing fungi.
Listed below are some uses of E. globulus in humans:
Anodyne -- China
Antimalaria -- Honduras
Eucalyptus spp.
Antiseptic -- China, Honduras, and Turkey

Arthritis -- China
Asthma
Astringent -- Turkey
Bronchitis -- Mexico and U.S.
Burn -- China
Cancer -- Australia (Aborigine), China, Spain, and U.S.
Catarrh -- Mexico, Turkey, and U.S.
Cold -- Honduras and Mexico
Cough -- Honduras
Deodorant -- Turkey
Diabetes -- Mexico
Diaphoretic
Diphtheria
Dysentery -- China
Expectorant -- Honduras
Fever -- China, Honduras, and Turkey
Flu -- Mexico
Gingivitis -- U.S.
Hemostat -- Turkey
Inflammation
Inhalant
Insect repellent -- Honduras and Venezuela
Laryngitis -- Mexico
Malaria -- Spain and Venezuela
Miasma -- Venezuela
Purgative
Respiratory
Skin diseases (ringworm) -- Guatemala
Sores, wounds -- China
Spasms -- Honduras and Turkey
Stimulant -- Turkey
Suppurative
Throat
Tuberculosis -- China
Vermifuge
Eucalyptus spp.
Tumors (Breast)
Return to Index
References
Not all of the references in the list below were used in writing this web page. Some references
could not be easily located and others were in non-romance languages. They are included here so
that a more complete resource list is available for those interested in the subject area.
Adhikari, S.R., R. Shakya, H.D. Shrestha, D.M. Shakya, and D. Shrivastava. 1992.
Variation of essential oil and eucalyptol content of randomly selected Eucalyptus
camaldulensis trees. Banko Janakari, 3 (4): 3-7.
Agrawal, A.K. 1997. Therapeutic efficacy of a herbal gel for skin affections in dogs. Indian
Veterinary Journal, 74 (5): 417-419.
Alippi, A.M., J.A. Ringuelet, E.L. Cerimele, M.S. Re, and C.P. Henning. 1996.
Antimicrobial activity of some essential oils against Paenibacillus larvae, the causal agent
of American foulbrood disease. Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants, 4 (2); 9-16.
Alkofahi, A., R. Batshoun, W. Owais, and N. Najib. 1997. Biological activity of some
Jordanian medicinal plant extracts. Part II. Fitoterapia, 68 (2): 163-168.
Argilagos, G.B., B.V. Perez, M.M. Izada, O.R. Garcia, Y.L. Mas, and H.R. Torrens. 1993.
Effect of an eucalyptus based drug (Eucabev) on enterotoxigenic E. coli F5 receptors.
Revista de Produccion Animal, 7 (3): 135-136.
Atta, A.H. and A. Alkofahi. 1998. Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of some
Jordanian medicinal plant extracts. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 60 (2): 117-124.
version July 1994).
Bennet-Jenkins, Eva and C. Bryant. 1996. Novel sources of anthelmintics. International
Journal for Parasitology, 26 (8/9): 937-947.
Bhilegaonkar, N.G. and D.K. Maske. 1997. Efficacy of a herbal compound AV/EPP/14
against ectoparasites of dogs. Indian Veterinary Journal, 74 (10): 869-870.
Caceres, A., B.R. Lopez, M.A. Giron, and H. Logemann. 1991. Plants used in Guatemala
for the treatment of dermatophytic infections. 1. Screening for antimycotic activity of 44
plant extracts. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 31: 263-276.
Chalchat, J.C., A. Muhayimana, J.B. Habimana, J.L. Chabard. 1997. Aromatic plants of
Rwanda. II. Chemical composition of essential oils of ten Eucalyptus species growing in
Ruhande Arboretum, Butare, Rwanda. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 9 (2): 159-165.
Chalchat, J.C., J.L. Chabard, M.S. Gorunovic, V. Djermanovic, and V. Bulatovic. 1995.
Chemical composition of Eucalyptus globulus oils from the Montenegro coast and east coast
of Spain. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 7 (2): 147-152.
Eucalyptus spp.
Chanegriha, N., Cherif Y. Foudil, A. Baailouamer, and B.Y. Meklati. 1998. Antimicrobial
activity of Algerian cyprus and eucalyptus essential oils. Rivista Italiana EPPOS, No. 25:
11-16.
Cheeke, P.R. 1998. Natural Toxicants in Feeds, Forages, and Poisonous Plants, 2nd ed.
Interstate Pubs., IL.
Cheng, Q. and J.K. Snyder. 1988. Revised structures of robustadials A and B from
Eucalyptus robusta. Journal of Organic Chemistry, 53(19): 4562-4567.
Darben, T., B. Cominos, and C.T. Lee. 1998. Topical eucalyptus oil poisoning. Australasian
Journal of Dermatology, 39 (4): 265-267.
Dellacassa, E., P. Menendez, P. Moyna, and P. Cerdeiras. 1989. Antimicrobial activity of
Eucalyptus essential oils. Fitoterapia, 60 (6): 544-546.
Esparza, Borges H. and Marquez A. Ortiz. 1996. Therapeutic efficacy of plant extracts in
the treatment of bovine endometritis. Acta Horticulturae, No. 426: 39-46.
Giron, L.M., G.A. Aguilar, A. Caceres, and G.L. Arroyo. 1988. Anticandidal activity of
plants used for the treatment of vaginitis in Guatemala and clinical trial of a Solanum
nigrescens preparation. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 22 (3): 307-313.
Gobel, H., G. Schmidt, M. Dworschak, H. Stolze, and D. Heuss. 1995. Essential plant oils
and headache mechanisms. Phytomedicine, 2 (2): 93-102.
Gobel, H., G. Schmidt, and D. Soyka. 1994. Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil
preparations on neurophysiological and experimental algesimetric headache parameters.
Cephalalgia, 14 (3): 228-234.
Gundidza, M., F. Chinyanganya, and S. Mavi. 1993. Antimicrobial activity [against 12
bacteria and 7 fungi] of the essential oil from Eucalyptus maidenii. Planta Medica, 59 (7):
A705.
Hajji, F., Tetouani S. Fkih, and Elaraki A. Tantaoui. 1993. Antimicrobial activity of
twenty-one Eucalyptus essential oils. Fitoterapia, 64 (1): 71-77.
Hmamouchi, M., Elaraki A. Tantaoui, Safi N. Es, and A. Agoumi. 1990. Elucidation of the
antibacterial and antifungal properties of the essential oils of Eucalyptus. Plantes
Medicinales et Phytotherapie, 24 (4): 278-289.
Izzo, A.A., R. Capasso, F. Senatore, S. Seccia, and P. Morrica. 1996. Spasmolytic activity of
medicinal plants used for the treatment of disorders involving smooth muscles.
Phytotherapy Research, 10 (Supplement 1): S107-S108.
Joshi, H.C., M. Kumar, M.J. Saxena, and M.B. Chhabra. 1996. Herbal gel for the control of
subclinical mastitis. Indian Journal of Dairy Science, 49 (9): 631-634.
Lee, InKyoung, BongSik Yun, JongPyung Kim, SungHyun Chung, GyuSeop Shim, and
IckDong Yoo. 1998. Antioxidative compounds isolated from the stem bark of Eucalyptus
globulus. Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy, 29 (3): 163-168.
Lis, Balchin M., S.G. Deans, and E. Eaglesham. 1998. Relationship between bioactivity and
chemical composition of commercial essential oils. Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 13 (2):
98-104.
Eucalyptus spp.
Lis, Balchin M., S. Deans, and S. Hart. 1996. Bioactivity of New Zealand medicinal plant
essential oils. Acta Horticulturae, No. 426: 13-30.
Mizrahi, I., Traverso J. Rodriguez, M.A. Juarez, A.L. Bandoni, L. Muschietti, and C. van
Baren. 1997. Composition of the essential oil of Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden growing in
Argentina. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 9 (6): 715-717.
Mumcuoglu, K.Y., R. Galun, U. Bach, J. Miller, and S. Magdassi. 1996. Repellency of
essential oils and their components to their components to the human body louse, Pediculus
humanus humanus. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 78 (3): 309-314.
Murata, M., Y. Yamakoshi, S. Homma, K. Aida, K. Hori, and Y. Ohashi. 1990. Macrocarpal
A, a novel antibacterial compound from Eucalyptus macrocarpa. Agricultural and
Biological Chemistry, 54 (12): 3221-3226.
Navarro, V., M.L. Villarreal, G. Rojas, and X. Lozoya. 1996. Antimicrobial evaluation of
some plants used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of infectious diseases.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 53 (3): 143-147.
Nikogosyan A.N., G.S. Grigoryan, A.G. Safaryan, S.K. Khachatryan, and I.G. Sokhikyan.
1988. The effect of medicinal plants on some blood indices of intact lambs. Biologicheskii
Zhurnal Armenii, 41 (6): 525-528.
Ou, M., N.S. Wang, Y.W. Li, X.Q. Chen, X.C. Liu, H.S. Lou, and C. Lu. 1992.
Chinese-English manual of commonly-used [preparations] in traditional Chinese medicine.
Pages, N., G. Fournier, F. Le Luyer, and M.C. Marques. 1990. Essential oils and their
teratogenic potential: essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus. Preliminary study on mice.
Plantes Medicinales et Phytotherapie, 24 (1): 21-26.
Pattnaik, S., V.R. Subramanyam, and C. Kole. 1996. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of
ten essential oils in vitro. Microbios, 86 (349): 237-246.
Pavneesh, Madan, S.K. Pandey, M.B. Chhabra, and M.J. Saxena. 1996. Efficacy of a topical
herbal gel for mastitis control. International Journal of Animal Sciences, 11 (2): 289-291.
Shukla, B., P.K.S. Visen, G.K. Patnaik, S.C. Tripathi, R.C. Srimal, R. Dayal, and P.C.
Dobhal. 1992. Hepatoprotective activity in the rat of ursolic acid isolated from eucalyptus
hybrid. Phytotherapy Research, 6 (2): 74-79.
Siddiqui, B.S., Farhat, Begum Sabira, and Siddiqui Salimuzzaman. 1997. Isolation and
structural elucidation of acylated pentacyclic triterpenoids from the leaves of Eucalyptus
camaldulensis var. obtusa. Planta Medica, 63 (1): 47-50.
Takasaki, M., T. Konoshima, M. Kozuka, and H. Tokuda. 1995. Anti-tumor-promoting
activities of euglobals from Eucalyptus plants. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 18 (3):
435-438.
Tandon, S.K., S. Chandra, S. Gupta, and Jawahar Lal. 1995. Pharmacological effects of
alcoholic extract of Eucalyptus citriodora leaves. Indian Veterinary Journal, 72 (7):
762-764.
Tibballs J. 1995. Clinical effects and management of eucalyptus oil ingestion in infants and
young children. Medical Journal of Australia, 163 (4): 177-180.
Eucalyptus spp.
Whitman, B.W. and H. Ghazizadeh. 1994. Eucalyptus oil [from Eucalyptus spp. including
E. globulus]: therapeutic and toxic aspects of pharmacology in humans and animals. Journal
of Paediatrics and Child Health, 30 (2): 190-191.
XuanDung Nguyen and Nghia Thin Nguyen. 1992. Some important medicinal and aromatic
plants from Vietnam. Recent advances in medicinal, aromatic and spice crops (Volume 2).
International conference held on 28-31 January 1989, at New Delhi, India: 299-308.
Yadav, P. and N.K. Dubey. 1994. Screening of some essential oils against ringworm fungi.
Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 56 (6): 227-230.
e-mail Webmaster.
WARNING These web pages are only meant to be informative. Neither Cornell University nor
Index
Common Names
Chemical Compounds
Toxicity
Uses and Efficacy

Gelsemium sempervirens belongs to the family Loganiaceae. It grows in the piedmont and coastal
areas of the southeastern U.S. It is an early flowering climbing vine. The flowers are yellow,
funnel shaped, and have a strong odor. The roots and rhizome of yellow jessamine were
historically used to treat migraine headaches and types of neuralgia.
Common Names
Carolina Jessamine -- U.S.

Gelber Jasmin -- Germany
Jasmin sauvage -- France
Sariyasemin
Yellow Jessamine
Return to Index
Chemical Compounds
Gelsemium sempervirens contains ergot type alkaloids. Following is a list of some of the
compounds in the root of the plant. Potential activities of some of the compounds are listed as well
as the quantities of the compounds in parts per million. For further information regarding the
compounds in the plant refer to USDA Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases.
9-Hydroxysemperoside
Brasoside
Emodin-monomethylether
Fabiatin
Gelsedine -- activity CNS depressant
Gelsemicine -- CNS depressant, convulsant, hypotensive, and respiraparalytic
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Gelsemide
Gelsemide-7-glucoside
Gelsemidine -- CNS depressant
Gelsemine -- analgesic, CNS depressant, CNS stimulant, cardiodepressant, and hypotensive
Gelseminine
Gelsemiol
Gelsemiol-1-glucoside
Gelsemiol-3-glucoside
Gelsevirine -- CNS depressant
Ipuranol
n-Pentatriacontane
Scopoletin -- allelochemic, analgesic, antiasthmatic, antiedemic, antifeedant,
antiinflammatory, antileukotrienogenic, antiseptic, antitumor, CNS stimulant, cancer
preventive, hypoglycemic, hypotensive, myorelaxant, pesticide, phytoalexin, spasmolytic,
and uterosedative
Sempervirine
Tannin -- antidiarrheic, antidysenteric, antimutagenic, antinephritic, antioxidant,
antiradicular, antiviral, bactericide, cancer-preventive, hepatoprotective, pesticide,
psychotropic, and viricide
Return to Index
Toxicity
All parts of G. sempervirens are toxic, including the flower and nectar. The primary toxic
compounds are gelsemine and gelseminine, which act as motor nerve depressants. Symptoms of
toxicity in humans include difficulty in use of voluntary muscles, muscle rigidity and weaknes,
diziness, loss of speech, dry mouth, visual disturbances, trembling of extremities, profuse
sweating, respiratory depression, and convulsions. In Germany, human therapeutic use of the
rhizome is not permitted, because it is not believed that efficacy has been adequately documented
and serious risks are known. In some Australian states, the use of G. sempervirens is restricted and
subject to poison control. The therapeutic dose in humans and the toxic dose are very close. No
data could be found regarding livestock toxicity. However, many ergot alkaloids are known to be
toxic to livestock.
Uses and Efficacy

It has been claimed that G. sempervirens can be used to treat several types of ailments. However,
there is little substantial proof. There are some testimonials regarding its effectiveness in treating
various ailments in cats (e.g., fever with shivering, muscle weakness, and vertigo). The doses used
were: 30cc BID for 2 days and 3 doses of 30cc 12 hrs apart.
Analgesic -- Mexico
Anodyne -- Mexico, Turkey, and U.S.
Asthma -- Mexico
Cephalgia -- Mexico
CNS-depressant -- U.S.
Cough -- U.S.
Dermatologic aid -- U.S.
Depressant
Dysmenorrhea -- Mexico
Fever -- Turkey and U.S.
Gonorrhoea -- Mexico
Hypertension-- Mexico
Malaria -- Mexico and Turkey
Migraine
Neuralgia -- Europe
Parturition -- U.S.
Pertussis -- Mexico
Pleurisy -- U.S.
Poison, homicide -- Mexico, Turkey, and U.S.
Polio
Sedative, nerves, hysteria -- Mexico and Turkey
Shortwindedness -- U.S.
Spasm -- Mexico and Turkey
Stomach ache -- U.S.
Tonic -- Turkey
Return to Index
References
version July 1994).
Blackwell, W.H. 1990. Poisonous and Medicinal Plants. Prentice Hall: Englewood Cliffs,
NJ.
Demers, J. 1998. Gelsemium sempervirens. J Am Holistic Vet Med Assoc 16 (4): 21-22.
Keeler, R.F., K.R. van Kamen, and L.F. James, eds. 1978. Effects of Poisonous Plants on
Livestock. Academic Press: NY.
De Smet, P.A.G.M., K. Keller, R. Hansel, and R.F. Chandler, eds. 1992. Adverse Effects of
Herbal Drugs Part 1 and 2. Springer-Verlag, NY.
Return to Index
e-mail Webmaster.
Gliricidia sepium
Gliricidia sepium
Index
Common Names
Chemical Compounds
Toxicity
Uses and Efficacy

Gliricidia sepium is a leguminous tree and belongs to the family Fabaceae. Gliricidia, which
originated in Central America, is used in many tropical and sub-tropical countries as live fencing.
That is, it is planted along the side of fields, and the trunks are used as fence posts. During the dry
season, when much of the forage is gone, the tree limbs are cut and the foliage is offered to
livestock.
Gliricidia trees are a medium size, with composite leaves. The flowers are reddish and on the end
of branches without leaves. The fruit is a pod about 10-15 cm. Typically, it can be found growing
in acid soils with low to medium fertility.
Common Names
Usually Gliricidia sepium is just called gliricidia. There are only a few local names for the tree.
Cacao de nance, cacahnanance -- Honduras
Kakawate -- Philippines
Mata Raton
Madre Cacao -- Guatemala
Madriado -- Honduras
Return to Index
Chemical Compounds
There are many compounds in Gliricidia sepium. The ones most researched are the tannins. In one
study, Gliricidia was found to contain 40.7g of condensed tannins/kg dry matter. Tannins bind to
protein and can make plants with high levels have an astringent dry mouth taste. The exact
quantity of tannins varies with the location of the tree. The active medicinal compounds may be
the tannins or other compounds such as afrormosin, medicarpin, or some isoflavins. Most of the
research with gliricidia and it's compounds have focused on nutritive quality. However, some
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Gliricidia sepium
studies have focused on the ability of the plant and/or roots to decrease soil nematode populations,
and control insects or fungi.
Some of the Compounds in Gliricidia sepium(for a more complete list see USDA Phytochemical
and Ethnobotanical Databases:
Afrormosin (an isoflavan) -- reported to be an antitumor promoting agent

Formononetin (an isoflavan)
Gliricidin-6a -- wood
Gliricidol-9A -- wood
Medicarpin (a pterocarpan) -- reported to be antifungal
7,4'-dihydroxy-3'-Methoxyisoflavin
2'-O-Methylsepiol -- plant
Tannin -- reported to have potential antidiarrheic, antidysenteric, antimutagenic,
antinephritic, antioxidant, antiradicular, antiviral, bactericide, cancer-preventive,
hepatoprotective, pesticide, psychotropic, and viricide activities
7,3',4'-Trihydroxyflavanone -- plant
Return to Index
Toxicity
No published studies could be found regarding the toxicity of using gliricidia to repel insects.
However, many animals cannot tolerate the consumption of large quantities of gliricidia. The
tannins bind proteins and decrease the nutritive value of the plant. Some animals, such as goats,
can consume larger quantities of plants with tannins than other animals such as cattle and sheep.
Goats, unlike cattle and sheep, have a salivary protein binding factor that binds to the tannins.
Return to Index
Uses and Efficacy

Gliricidia is used by farmers in some Latin American countries to repel insects. The leaves are
ground up and combined with water. The animal is then bathed with the resulting paste. According
to some of the farmers, if this is repeated every 7-14 days, the number of torsalo (tropical warble
fly) infections is decreased. No published studies could be found to substantiate this claim.
However, when interviewing farmers and checking goats in Honduras, I found that the goats who
the farmers claimed to have bathed with gliricidia had only 2-3 torsalos, while others had 10 or
more. Also, one study did indicate that the heartwood of gliricidia contains compounds that attract
and are toxic to certain insects (e.g., southern army worm, cabbage looper, yellow woolly bear,
and Glyptotermes dilatatus, a termite).
In the Philippines, gliricidia is washed and pounded to extract the juice from the leaves. It is then
applied to the area affected by external parasites once to twice a day for one week. In Guatemala,
the bark and leaves of gliricidia are used to treat human skin diseases.
Gliricidia sepium
Research has been conducted on both the antifungal and antimicrobial properties of gliricidia
extracts. In a brine shrimp toxicity test, a general screening method indicative of cytotoxicity and
pesticidal activity, the LC50 was 454ug.ml (CI 328-608). , medicarpin, one of the compounds in
the leaves and heartwood of gliricidia, is supposed to be antifungal. In an antifungal study,
gliricidia extracts inhibited the germination of Drechslera oryzae only 6%. However, in another
study, 50ug of stem chloroform extracts inhibited the growth of Cladosporium cucumerinum and
slightly inhibited the growth of Candida albicans. In contrast, in another study, the antimicrobial
properties of extracts from the bark of gliricidia were tested. It was effective against bacteria
causing dermatitis. However, it was not effective against enterobacteria or Candida albicans. The
discrepancy in the effectiveness against Candida albicans could be because of the quantity of plant
extract used or the types of extracts used. In another study, leaf extracts were found to be effective
against the dermatophytes Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes var algodonosa, and
T. rubrum. It was not effective against Epidermophyton floccosum, M. gypseum or T.
mentagrophytes var granulare.
In another study, gliricidia was found to inhibit the growth of various strains of Neisseria
gonorrhoea in in vitro tests. Tinctures made from the leaves were used for these tests.
Headache
Briuse
Burn -- Panama
Cold, cough -- Curacao
Debility
Expectorant -- Curacao
Fatigue
Fever -- Panama
Gangrene -- Guatemala
Gonorrhoea -- Guatemala
Insecticide
Insect repellent -- Curacao, Guatemala, and Honduras
Itch, skin, sores -- Curacao, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama
Poison (Humans and animals) -- Panama and Venezuela
Rodenticide (rats) -- Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, El Salvador, Venezuela
Shade tree (for other crops) -- Sri Lanka
Sedative -- Curacao
Tumor -- Guatemala
Ulcer -- Guatemala
Return to Index
Gliricidia sepium
References
version July 1994).
Caceres, A., B.R. Lopez, M.A. Giron, and H. Logemann. 1991. Plants used in Guatemala
for the treatment of dermatophytic infections. 1. Screening for antimycotic activity of 44
plant extracts. J Ethnopharmacology 31: 263-276.
Caceres, A., H. Menendez, E. Mendez, E. Cohobon, B.E. Samayoa, E. Jauregui, E. Peralta,
G. Carrillo. 1995. Antigonorrhoeal activity of plants used in Guatemala for the treatment of
sexually transmitted diseases. J Ethnopharmacology 48: 85-88.
Ganesan, T. 1994. Antifungal properties of wild plants. Adv Plant Sci 7(1): 185-187.
Herath, H.M.T., R.S. Dassanayake, A.M.A. Priyadarshani, S. De Silva, G.P. Wannigama,
and J. Jamie. 1998. Isoflavonoids and a pterocarpan from Gliricidia sepium. Phytochemistry
47 (1): 117-119.
Jackson, F.S., T.N. Barry, C. Lascano, and B. Palmer. The extractable and bound condensed
tannin content of leaves from tropical tree, shrub and forage legumes. J Sci Food Agric 71
(1): 103-110.
Mshigeni, K.E., chief ed. 1991. Proceedings of an International Conference on Traditional
Medicinal Plants. The United Republic of Tanzania, Ministry of Health. Dar Es Salaam
University Press.
Palacpac-alo, A.M. 1990. Save your animals! Try medicinal herbs. PCARRD Monitor 18
(2): 3, 8-9.
Rahalison, L., M. Hamburger, K. Hostettmann, M. Monod, E. Frenk, M.P. Gupta, A.I.
Santana, M.D. Correa A. and A.G. Gonzalez. 1993. Screening for antifungal activity of
Panamanian plants. Int J Pharrmacog 31 (1): 68-76.
van Soest, P.J. 1994. Nutritional Ecology of the Ruminant 2nd ed. Cornell Univ. Press,
Ithaca, NY.
Return to Index
e-mail Webmaster.
Gliricidia sepium
Hyptis verticilllata
Hyptis verticillata
Index
Common Names
Chemical Compounds
Toxicity
Uses and Efficacy

Hyptis verticillata belongs to the family Lamiaceae and originated in Central America. It grows to
a height of approximately 2 meters. The leaves are oval and the flowers are white.
Return to Index
Common Names
Herbe Au Diable
Herbe Bourrique
Hierba Martina -- Mexico
Malcasada Grande
Maman-Houanne
Mamanhouane
Mastuerzo
Quitadolor -- Honduras
Wild mint
Verbena -- Honduras and El Salvador
Return to Index
Chemical Compounds
Little research has been done on the compounds in Hyptis verticillata. Some research on the lignin
composition has been done. Cadina-4,10(15)-diene-3-one is believed to be an active compound.
(For more information regarding the compounds see USDA Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical
Databases.)
Some of the Compounds in Hyptis verticillata
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Cadina-4,10(15)-diene-3-one
Dehydropodophyllotoxin -- cytotoxic
4'-Demethyldesoxypodophyllotoxin -- cytotoxic
Epipodorhizol
Hyptinin
Maslinic acid
5'-Methoxydehydropodophyllotoxin -- cytotoxic
Oleanolic acid
B-Peltatin -- plant (antimiotic)
Podorhizol
Rosmarinic acid -- antibacterial
Sideritoflavone -- antibacterial
Ursolic acid
Return to Index
Toxicity
No published studies on the toxicity of Hyptis verticillata could be found. However, it is believed
that lignans have phytoestrogen activity. Also, phenolic compounds formed after oxidative
reactions of phenolic precursors such as rosmarinic acid can effect endocrine function.
Uses and Efficacy

Hyptis verticillata is used by some farmers in Honduras to treat infections after castration. No
studies have been conducted to prove its efficacy regarding this use. However, some compounds
have been shown to be antimiotic and inhibit Candida albicans. On TLC plates, rosmarinic acid at
levels of 5ug, 7.5ug, and 5ug were found to inhibit Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, and
Escherichia coli, respectively. Effectiveness against these bacteria could explain the antiseptic
properties of infusions prepared from the plant.
Research has been conducted on Hyptis verticillata acaricidal and insecticidal activities.
Cadina-4,10(15)-diene-3-one, isolated from Hyptis verticillata, has been shown to have
chemosterilant activity against the cattle tick and be toxic against the sweet potato pest Ipomoea
spp. The compound did not kill adult ticks, but did decrease oviposition and egg hatching.
Other laboratory studies have shown that sideritoflavone is antiphlogistic, and several compounds
in Hyptis verticillata are cytotoxic, antiviral, and antidiarrhoic. None of the compounds, however,
have been tested in animals.
Aches (head, back, stomach) -- Dominican Republic, Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador
Colds -- Africa and the Caribbean
Dyspepsia
Itch
Pectoral -- Haiti
Sedative -- Haiti and El Salvador
Skin infections -- Mexico and other Central American countries
Spasm -- Dominican Republic
Stings
Tooth pain -- Honduras
Return to Index
References
version July 1994).
Kuhnt, M., A. Probstle, R. Bauer, and M. Heinrich. 1993. Biological and pharmacological
investigations of Hyptis verticillata. Planta Med 59S: A665.
Kuhnt, M., A. Probstle, H. Rimpler, R. Bauer, and M. Heinrich. 1995. Biological and
pharmacological activities and further constituents of Hyptis verticillata. Planta Med 61:
227-232.
Kuhnt, M., H. Rimpler, and M. Heinrich. 1994. Lignans and other compounds from the
Mixe Indian medicinal plant Hyptis verticillata. Phytochemistry 36(2): 485-489.
Novelo, M., J.G. Cruz, L. Hernandez, and R. Pereda-Miranda. 1993. Phytotoxic constituents
from Hyptis verticillata. J Natural Prod 56(10): 1728-1736.
Porter, R.B.R., P.B. Reese, L.A.D. Williams, and D.J. Williams. 1995. Acaricidal and
insecticidal activities of cadina-4,10(15)-diene-3-one. Phytochemistry 40(3): 735-738.
e-mail Webmaster.

Ocimum basilicum
Ocimum basilicum, O. americanum, and O.

micranthum
Index
Common Names
Chemical Compounds
Toxicity
Uses and Efficacy

Ocimum basilicum (common basil), O. americanum, and O. micranthum are members of the
family Lamiaceae. These plants, as well as oils from them, have received lots of attention for their
potential medicinal properties. Of these plants, O. basilicum is the most widely used. It is used in
cosmetics, liqueurs, medicines, and perfumes.
Most Ocimum spp. can be grown and found throughout the world. However, they are not native to
all areas. For example, O. micranthum originated in Central America. It grows to a height of
approximately 50cm. The leaves are oval and slightly toothed, and the flowers are white or purple.
O. basilicum looks very similar, but grows a bit taller (50-80cm).
Return to Index
Common Names
Albahaca -- (O. micranthum in Honduras and Salvador), (O. basilicum in Guatemala)

Balanoi -- (O. basilicum in the Philippines)
Chahchabram
Chiu Ts'Eng T'A
Dama-Kasseh -- Ocimum spp. in Ethiopia
Feslegen
Hung que -- (O. basilicum in Vietnam)
I Tzu Ts'Ao
Lo Le
Mreas preou -- (O. basilicum in Cambodia)
Msubasha -- (O. Suave) Tanzania
Ofgahng -- Ocimum spp. in Ethiopia
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Ocimum basilicum
Raihan Al Malik, Raihana, and Rainan

Saint Josephwort
Selaseh, Selasih, Selaseh hitam, and Selaseh jantan
Sweet basil -- U.S.
Taibedle -- Ocimum spp. in Ethiopia
Return to Index
Chemical Compounds
There are many compounds in Ocimum spp. The dried leaves of O. basilicum contain 0.20-1%
essential oil. The major compounds in the oil are linalool and methylchaviol. The exact amounts,
however, vary considerably. For example, in some studies camphene has been found in O.
americanum and not in O. basilicum. Conversely, cineole has been found in O. basilicum and not
in O. americanum. Also, differences in the potassium to calcium ratio in the culture media can
change the quantity of the major constituents in the essential oil.
Some of the Compounds in Ocimum basilicum(for a more complete list see USDA Phytochemical
and Ethnobotanical Databases.):
Caffeic acid -- Leaf 19,000 ppm

1,8-Cineole -- plant 776 ppm, essential oil 1.6-8%
p-Coumaric acid -- Leaf 760 ppm
p-Cymene -- plant 1-16 ppm, essential oil <0.1%
Limonene -- plant 2-934 ppm, essential oil <1.0%
Linalool -- plant 30-300 ppm, essential oil 1.1-65.4%
Methylchaviol -- plant 238-8,780 ppm, essential oil 13.5-87.2%
Methyl cinnamate -- plant 1-2,800 ppm, essential oil 0-11.2%
Myrcene -- leaf 2-80 ppm, essential oil 0.1-2%
alpha-Pinene -- plant 2-180 ppm, essential oil 0.2-0.4% (all essential oil compositions are
based on relative abundance)
B-Pinene -- plant 3-160 ppm, essential oil <1.0%
Quercetin
Rutin -- leaf
Safrole -- plant 60-400 ppm
alpha-Terpinene -- essential oil 0.03-0.2%
Trytophan -- leaf 2,210 ppm
Return to Index
Ocimum basilicum
Toxicity
There is little available literature on the toxicity of Ocimum spp. However, O. basilicum, the
species that appears to be used the most medicinally and the one for which the most analysis has
been done, contains several potentially dangerous compounds. Some of these compounds are:
safrole, rutin, caffeic acid, tryptophan, and quercetin.
Acute bovine pulmonary emphysema (ABPE), a respiratory disease in cattle, is caused by
absorbed metabolites of tryptophan. Usually, ABPE occurs in cattle over 2-3yrs of age that are
suddenly moved onto lush pasture. Tryptophan is toxic at a dose of 0.25-0.35g/kg body weight
(BW). Whether or not a dose of Ocimum spp. could cause ABPE is not known.
P-coumaric acid and caffeic acid (phenolic acids) can inhibit digestion of plant cell walls in
ruminants, because of their antimicrobial activity. When these phenolic acids are metabolized by
rumen microbes, benzoic acid, 3-phenyl-propionic acid (PPA), and cinnamic acid may be formed.
When these compounds are detoxified, hippuric acid is formed. PPA can decrease metabolic
efficiency. Detoxifying the compounds costs the animal nitrogen, which also can decrease
productivity.
Quercetin (a flavanoid) may be a cocarcinogen in bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum). It has been
suggested that it may interact with Bovine papilloma virus type 4, leading to malignant epithelial
papillomas in the upper alimentary tract. Adverse effects from quercetin in Ocimum spp., when
used to treat animals, is not known.
Safrole, which was used to flavor sodas, was banned as a food additive in the U.S. It has been
shown to cause cancer in rats. Oil of Ocimum also contains d-limonene, which has
anticarcinogenic properties.
Return to Index
Uses and Efficacy

Both the essential oil, leaves, seeds, flowers, and roots of Ocimum spp. are used as medicines. The
essential oil has been shown in vitro to have antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus,
Salmonella enteritidis and Escherichia coli, antiseptic activity against Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus
subtilis, and Salmonella paratyph, and antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Penicillium
notatum, and Microsporeum gyseum.
Oils from some Ocimum spp. have been shown to repel insects and have larvicidal activity against
houseflies, blue bottle flies, and mosquitoes. The effective concentration of the oil to kill 90% of
the larva ranged from 113-283 ppm. Camphor, d-limonene, myrcene, and thymol are some of the
compounds in the oil that may provide the repellent properties. Eugenol and methylchavicol may
be responsible for the larvicidal activity.
Little published information can be found about the use of oil from Ocimum and fresh plant
materials in the treatment of animals. Therefore, efficacious doses are not known. However, O.
basilicum has been used as an expectorant in animals. Also, O. micranthum has been combined
with Chenopodium ambrosioides to treat stomach pain and colic in animals. It also has been used
Ocimum basilicum
as a paste to massage the udder of livestock.

Alcoholism -- India
Aphrodisiac -- India, Philippines
Bites (dog, bug, snake) -- China
Circulation -- China
Collapse, convulsion, and delirium -- India
Croup -- Iraq
Depression -- Greece
Diarrhea -- Honduras, Iraq, Kurdistan, Philippines
Diuretic -- Sudan, Turkey
Ear ache, deafness -- India, Panama, Philippines, Salvador
Fever -- Honduras, India, Mexico
Fungicide -- Philippines
Halitosis
Headache -- Honduras, India, Panama, Salvador
Infection, inflammation -- China, Philippines
Kidney -- China, India, Turkey
Labor, parturition -- China, India
Medicine -- Samoa
Regular menstrual flow -- Honduras, Philippines, Salvador
Nerves -- Honduras, Salvador
Repellent -- Tanzania
Spasm -- China, Haiti, India, Spain, Turkey
Stimulant -- Philippines, Sudan, Turkey
Stomach (carminative, pain, cancer, diaphragm tumors, colic) -- Algeria, Cambodia, China,
Europe,
Haiti, Laos, Philippines, Salvador, Turkey, Venezuela, Vietnam
Throat and toothache
Wart -- Greece
Return to Index
version July 1994).
Ocimum basilicum
Characteristics of essential oil from basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) grown in Australia. J.
Agric. Food Chem. 44: 877-881.
van Duong, Nguyen. 1993. Medicinal Plants of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Masada, Y.
1976. Analysis of Essential Oils by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry. John
Wiley & Sons, Inc., NY.
de Mena Guarero, M.G. 1994. Obtencion y Aprovechamiento de Extractos Vegetales de la
Flora Salvadorea. Editorial Universitaria, Salvador.
McCorkle, C.M., E. Mathias, and T.W. Schillhorn van Veen, eds. 1996. Ethnoveterinary
Research and Development. Intermediate Technology Pubs., London.
Takano, T. 1993. Effects of the ratios of K to Ca in the nutrient solution on the growth,
nutrient uptake, essential oil content and composition of basil. Acta Hort. #331: 129-135.
e-mail Webmaster.
Rheum palmatum
Rheum palmatum and Rheum rhabarbarum

Index
Common Names
Chemical Compounds
Toxicity
Uses and Efficacy

Rheum palmatum is commonly known as Chinese rhubarb, and Rheum rhabarbarum (also known
as R. rhaponticum) is commonly referred to as wild rhubarb in the U.S. Both plants belong to the
family Polygonaceae. Rhubarb has very broad leaves and elongated, often reddish, petioles (leaf
stalks).
The petioles of rhubarb are edible, though the leaf blades are very toxic. The roots and rhizomes of
R. palmatum and the roots of R. rhabarbarum are used in medicinal treatments. R. palmatum is
considered a stronger medicinal than R. rhabarbarum. The most common medicinal use of these
plants is as a laxative in humans.
Common Names
R. palmatum
Chinese rhubarb
Da huang
Rawend
Rhubarb
Rhabarber -- Germany
R. rhabarbarum
Garden rhubarb
Papaz ravendi
Rapontik -- Germany
Rhapontic -- France
Wild rhubarb
Return to Index
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Rheum palmatum
Chemical Compounds
The roots of Rheum spp. contain anthranoid derivatives (approx. 3-4%). The predominant type of
anthranoid derivatives are rhein, emodin, aloe-emedin, chrysophanol and physcion. R.
rhabarbarum, unlike R. palmatum, contains rhaponticin, which has estrogen-like actions. The
detection of rhaponticin is used to determine if R. palmatum has been mixed with R. rhabarbarum
in supposedly pure medicinal mixtures.
Following is a list of compounds in R. palmatum and R. rhabarbarum. The compounds are divided
by plant and the parts of the plant. Potential activities of some of the compounds are listed as well
as the quantities of the compounds in parts per million. Rhubarb roots contain several minerals,
though only a few are listed below. For further information regarding the compounds in the plant
refer to USDA Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases.
Rheum palmatum Root
3,5,4'-Trihydroxystilbene-4'-o-beta-d-glucopyranoside
4-(p-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone-beta-d-glucoside
Aloe-emodin -- antiherpetic, antileukemic, antiseptic, antitubercular, antitumor, antiviral,
bactericide, cathartic, cytotoxic, genotoxic, pesticide, purgative, termitifuge, and viricide
Chrysophanol -- 690-3,190, antiseptic, bactericide, candidicide, cathartic, hemostat,
pesticide, and purgative
Cinnamic acid -- anesthetic, antiinflammatory, bactericide, cancer-preventive, choleretic,
fungicide, herbicide, laxative, pesticide, and vermifuge
d-Catechol
Emodin -- antiaggregant, antifeedant, antiinflammatory, antimutagenic, antiseptic, antitumor
(breast), antiulcer, antiviral, cathartic, cytotoxic, gonadotropic, immunosuppressive,
pesticide, purgative, spasmolytic, styptic, vasoelaxant, viricide
Gallic acid -- anticarcinomic, antifibrinolytic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral, astringent,
bacteristatic, cancer-preventive, carcinogenic, hemostat, nephrotoxic, pesticide, styptic, and
xanthine-oxidase-inhibitor
Hyperin -- antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antitussive, antiviral, capillarifortificant,
capillarigenic, diuretic, hepatoprotective, hypotensive, pesticide, and viricide
Physcion -- antiseptic, cathartic, pesticide, and purgative
Physcion-8-o-beta-d-gentiobioside
Physcion-diglucoside
Quercitrin -- aldose-reductase-inhibitor, antiarrhythmnic, anticataract, antifeedant,
antiflu,antihemorrhagic, antiinflammatory, antiviral, CNS depressant, cancer preventive,
cardiotonic, choleretic, detoxicant, diuretic, dye, hepatotonic, hypotensive, paralytic,
pesticide, spasmolytic, vasopressor, and viricide
Rhein -- anticarcinomic, antiseptic, antitumor, antiviral, bactericide, candidicide, cathartic,
cytotoxic, pesticide, proteinase-inhibitor, purgative, and viricide
Rheinosides -- 12,900
Rheum palmatum
Rheosmin
Sennoside-a -- 2,000-8,740, purgative
Sennoside-b -- purgative
Tannins -- 50,000-100,000, antidiarrheic, antidysenteric, antimutagenic, antinephritic,
antioxidant, antiradicular, antiviral, bactericide, cancer-preventive, hepatoprotective,
pesticide, psychotropic, and viricide
Tetrarin
Rhizomes
Iron -- 100-180
Magnesium -- 1,980-2,560
Manganese
Potassium -- 6,330-21,600
Rheum rhabarbarum Root
(+)-Catechin and (+)-Catechin-5-o-glucoside
(-)-Epicatechin and (-)-Epicatechin-3-o-gallate
1,2,6-tri-o-Galloyl-glucose and 1,6-di-o-Galloyl-glucose
1-o-Galloyl-glycerol
2-o-Cinnamoylglucogallin
3,5,4'-Trihydroxystilbene-4'-o-(6''-o-galloyl)-glucoside
3,5,4'-Trihydroxystilbene-4'-o-glucoside
4-(p-Hydroxyphenyl)butanone-o-glucoside
6-Hydroxymusizin-8-o-glucoside
6-o-Galloyl-glucose
Aloe-emodin-8-o-glucoside
Anhydrorhapontigenin
Emodin -- for activity refer to R. palmatum root
Emodin-8-o-glucoside
Emodin methyl ether
Chrysarone
Chrysarone methyl ether
Chrysophanic acid
Chrysophanin
Chrysophanol -- for activity refer to R. palmatum root
Chrysophanol-1-o-glucoside and chrysophanol-8-o-glucoside
Chrysopontin, chrysorhapontin, and desoxyrhaponticin
Ferulic acid
Rheum palmatum
Fallic acid -- for activity refer to R. palmatum root

Gallic acid-3-o-(6'-o-galloyl)-glucoside and gallic acid-4-o-(6'-o-galloyl)-glucoside
Glucochrysarone
Glycogallin
Isoemodin
Isolindleyin
Isorhapontigenin
Lindleyin -- analgesic, antiarthritic, and antiinflammatory
Methyl chrysophanic acid
p-Coumaric-acid
Physcion -- for activity refer to R. palmatum root
Physcion-8-o-glucoside
Procyanidin-b1,3'-o-gallate
Rhapontic acid
Rhaponticin -- estrogenic, 14,200
Rhapontigenin
Rhein -- for activity refer to R. palmatum root
Rheinosides -- 12,900
Sennoside-a and sennoside-b -- for activity refer to R. palmatum root
Sinapic acid -- cancer preventive
Torachrysone-8-o-glucoside
Petiole
alpha-Tocopherol -- 2-48
Arsenic -- 0.01
Cadmium
Caffeic acid
Calcium -- 600-18,462
Fumaric acid
Gallic acid -- 53
Oxalic acid -- 4,400-13,360
Protocatechuic-acid
Quercetin-3-glucoside
Quercetin-3-rhamnoside
Quercetin-3-rutinoside
Rubidium
Sinapic acid
Rheum palmatum
Vanillic acid
Leaf
alpha-Tocopherol -- 1,197-1,238
Anthraquinone-glycosides
Anthrones -- 10,000-15,000
Calcium oxalate
Cyanidin-3-glucoside
Cyanidin-3-rutinoside
Dihydroxyglutamic acid
Isoquercitrin
Oxalic acid -- 3,000-11,000
Rutin -- 6,000
Return to Index
Toxicity
The leaf blades of R. rhabarbarum are very toxic. They contain high levels of oxalic acid which
can interact with blood calcium. Precipitation of calcium oxalate in the renal tubules can lead to
renal failure. Symptoms of oxalate poisoning in humans include: nausea, vomiting, abdominal
pain, anuria, and hemorrhages. In ruminants, oxalic acid can be degraded by rumen bacteria. The
tolerance of ruminants to oxalate can be increased by gradually increasing the amount of oxalate in
the diet. In general, however, oxalate is considered toxic to ruminants.
The active compounds (those that provide the laxative effect) in these plants also can cause side
effects. Chronic consumption of anthranoid derivatives can turn urine a yellow or red color.
Chronic use may also cause liver damage. During normal (non-chronic) use, anthranoid derivative
laxatives cause increased losses of body water and electrolytes. Potassium loss may be responsible
for symptoms such as a decrease in muscle activity and cardiac arrhythmia.
Many anthranoid derivatives have been shown in in vitro tests to be mutagenic. Positive results of
mutagenicity have been obtained with chrysophanol, aloe-emodin, emodin, and chrysarobin in
Salmonella/microsome assays. Tests with rhein were negative. There is some indication that
chronic use of anthranoid derivative laxatives could be carcinogenic.
Return to Index
Uses and Efficacy

While Rheum spp. have definite laxative properties when used to treat human ailments, no
scientific studies could be found proving its effectiveness in the treatment of livestock. In
livestock, it is used as a treatment for diarrhea, chronic constipation, gastritis, anemia,
nervousness, and lack of appetite. According to one source, the dose for livestock should be very
small (1-2 roots, finely sliced). Also, some medicinal plant sources for humans and livestock
Rheum palmatum
recommend purchasing the powdered root versus trying to grow the plant and prepare the
treatment at home.
Some Uses in Humans: R. palmatum
Astringent -- China and U.S.
Constipation -- China and U.S.
Stomach (cancer) -- China and Japan
Tonic -- China
Tumor
R. rhabarbarum
Laxative -- France and Turkey
Astringent -- Turkey
Depurative -- Turkey
Stomachic -- Turkey
Tonic -- Turkey
Return to Index
References
de Bairacli Levy, Juliette. 1988. The Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable. Faber
and Faber: Boston.
version July 1994).
Blackwell, W.H. 1990. Poisonous and Medicinal Plants. Prentice Hall: Englewood Cliffs,
NJ.
De Smet, P.A.G.M., K. Keller, R. Hansel, and R.F. Chandler, eds. 1992. Adverse Effects of
Herbal Drugs Part 1 and 2. Springer-Verlag, NY.
Return to Index
e-mail Webmaster.
Rheum palmatum
Symphytum officinale
Symphytum officinale -- Comfrey

Index
Common Names
Chemical Compounds
Toxicity
Uses and Efficacy

Symphytum officinale, more commonly known as comfrey, belongs to the family Boraginaceae.
Comfrey is a common wild plant in parts of the U.S. and is cultivated in much of the world. It is a
perennial herb with deep roots. Comfrey has large, rough, prickly leaves and pinkish or creamy
bell-like flowers. When it is not flowering, it is often confused with foxglove (Digitalis spp.).
Comfrey is commonly used to make tea. It also has been promoted in the past as a forage crop.
There seems to be a great deal of difference in opinion regarding the medicinal use of comfrey. In
some sources used for this web page, the medicinal use of comfrey is highly criticized. In fact, it
has been banned from sale in some countries such as Canada. However, in another source used for
this web page, comfrey was promoted as a great medicinal plant and people were advised to ignore
the findings of scientists.
Return to Index
Common Names
Borraja
Bourrache
Buyuk Karakafesotu
Comfrey
Consoude
Consuelda
Hirehari-So
Liane Chique
Return to Index
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Chemical Compounds
Comfrey contains at least eight pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA). The amount of PAs in roots ranges
from 0.3-0.4%. The content in leaves usually is lower. (For more information regarding the
compounds in comfrey refer to USDA Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases).
Some of the compounds in Comfrey are:
Acetyllycopsamine (PA) -- roots and leaves
Allantoin -- leaf 13,000ppm, root 6,000-8,000 ppm
Caffeic acid -- root
Echimidine (PA) -- roots and leaves
Heliosupine (PA) -- roots and leaves
Intermedine (PA) -- roots and leaves
Lasiocarpine (PA) -- roots and leaves
Lycopsamine (PA) -- roots and leaves
Mucilage -- roots
Rosmarinic acid -- leaf 5,000 ppm
Symphytine (PA) -- roots and leaves
Tannic acids -- roots
Return to Index
Toxicity
There are several dangers associated with the use of comfrey. One of the biggest problems is that
people accidentally collect foxglove instead of comfrey. Foxglove is deadly. Among other things,
it can cause irregular heart beats and convulsions.
Another problem with comfrey is that it contains at least eight pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA). While
the level of PAs in fresh plant may not be very high, ready-to-use preparation often have high
levels (e.g., 270-2900 mg/kg). PAs are hepatoxins and can cause irreversible liver damage. One of
the problems is that the effects of the alkaloids can be cumulative. Therefore, damage to the liver
may not be associated to the alkaloids in comfrey. Sometimes toxicity signs will not be present
until an animal is stressed by something that requires greater liver function (e.g., lactation). Also,
the leaves and roots of comfrey have been shown to be carcinogenic. PAs from comfrey given to
rats caused mortality. Liver pathology was characteristic of PA toxicosis. When rats were fed
dietary levels of 0.5% roots and 8% leaves, they formed hepatomas.
There are species differences in susceptibility to PAs. Horses and cattle are most commonly
poisoned by PAs, while sheep are much more resistant. Goats are more susceptible than sheep, and
pigs are more susceptible than cattle and horses. Common clinical signs from PA toxicity include:
jaundiced skin (from impaired liver function); rough unkempt appearance; diarrhea; prolapsed
rectum; edema of tissues of the digestive tract; dullness; photosensitization; and abnormal
behaviour. Horses may have neurological signs such as "head pressing." Poisoned cattle may have
a bloated appearance. Further information on PAs and species differences is presented in Cheeke
1998.
Return to Index
Uses and Efficacy

Comfrey has been promoted and used as a medicinal plant for years. However, no published
studies could be found to support the medicinal claims.
In the Philippines, the leaves are made into a decoction and used as a drench for swine to treat
fevers. One half to one cup of the decoction is given to the swine 3 times a day for 2-3 days. It also
is recommended as a treatment for dogs after hip dysplasia. The dose is one tablespoon of minced
leaves or three comfrey tablets twice a day, five days a week until the problem is gone. Some other
oral uses of comfrey in dogs include treating rickets, arthritis, and rheumatism. For livestock, it is
recommended as a treatment for internal hemorrhaging, ulcers, arthritis, broken bones, and
rheumatism. Preparation consists of boiling one pound of comfrey in 1.5 quarts of water for one
hour. Ground-ivy and Spanish liquorice can be added. A half pint drench is given to the animal
three times/day. Molasses is supposed to be added to the mixture when the treatment is for ulcers.
The dose for treating broken bones in livestock is two handfuls of well bruised roots/day.
Comfrey leaves and roots also are used topically to treat wounds, arthritis, sprains, and broken
bones. In these applications, allantoin is believed to be the effective compound. Absorption of PAs
through the skin, based on tests with rats, is 20-50 times lower than when orally administered, thus
decreasing the toxic risks.
Arthritis
Astringent -- Europe and Turkey
Bone injuries
Cancer -- U.S.
Circulation -- China
Diarrhea -- Haiti
Expectorant -- Turkey
Hemostat-- Turkey
Inflammation, sores and swelling-- China, Europe and Spain
Pectoral -- Haiti
Sedative -- Turkey
Stimulant -- Turkey
Wounds
Return to Index
References
Bairacli Levy, Juliette de. 1991. The Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable, 4th
ed. Faber and Faber, NY.
Bairacli Levy, Juliette de. 1986. The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat. Arco
Pub., Ltd., NY.
version July 1994).
Mateo, C.D. 1992. Herbal medicine in livestock and poultry production. Proceedings 8th
Congress of the Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations, 21-25 Nov. 1992, Manila,
Philippines: 783-792.
de Smet, P.A.G.M., K. Keller, R. Hansel, and R.F. Chandler, eds. 1992. Adverse Effects of
Herbal Drugs Part 1. Springer-Verlag, NY.
e-mail Webmaster.
UCMP Glossary
UCMP Glossary
Browse the UCMP Glossary
alphabetically or by volume.
The terms and in this glossary are
important to practicing biologists and
paleontologists in various fields. We
have tried to make the exhibits easy to
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using this glossary may make your visit
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UCMP Glossary: Phylogenetics
UCMP Glossary:
Phylogenetics
adaptation -- Change in a organism resulting from natural selection; a structure
which is the result of such selection.
anagensis -- Evolutionary change along an unbranching lineage; change without
speciation.
ancestor -- Any organism, population, or species from which some other organism,
population, or species is descended by reproduction.
basal group -- The earliest diverging group within a clade; for instance, to
hypothesize that sponges are basal animals is to suggest that the lineage(s) leading
to sponges diverged from the lineage that gave rise to all other animals.
character -- Heritable trait possessed by an organism; characters are usually
described in terms of their states, for example: "hair present" vs. "hair absent,"
where "hair" is the character, and "present" and "absent" are its states.
clade -- A monophyletic taxon; a group of organisms which includes the most
recent common ancestor of all of its members and all of the descendants of that
most recent common ancestor. From the Greek word "klados", meaning branch or
twig.
cladogenesis -- The development of a new clade; the splitting of a single lineage
into two distinct lineages; speciation.
cladogram -- A diagram, resulting from a cladistic analysis, which depicts a
hypothetical branching sequence of lineages leading to the taxa under consideration.
The points of branching within a cladogram are called nodes. All taxa occur at the
endpoints of the cladogram.
convergence -- Similarities which have arisen independently in two or more
organisms that are not closely related. Contrast with homology.
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crown group -- All the taxa descended from a major cladogenesis event, recognized
by possessing the clade's synapomorphy. See: stem group.
derived -- Describes a character state that is present in one or more subclades, but
not all, of a clade under consideration. A derived character state is inferred to be a
modified version of the primitive condition of that character, and to have arisen later
in the evolution of the clade. For example, "presence of hair" is a primitive character
state for all mammals, whereas the "hairlessness" of whales is a derived state for
one subclade within the Mammalia.
diversity -- Term used to describe numbers of taxa, or variation in morphology.
endosymbiosis -- When one organism takes up permanent residence within another,
such that the two become a single functional organism. Mitochondria and plastids
are believed to have resulted from endosymbiosis.
evolution -- Darwin's definition: descent with modification. The term has been
variously used and abused since Darwin to include everything from the origin of
man to the origin of life.
evolutionary tree -- A diagram which depicts the hypothetical phylogeny of the
taxa under consideration. The points at which lineages split represent ancestor taxa
to the descendant taxa appearing at the terminal points of the cladogram.
extinction -- When all the members of a clade or taxon die, the group is said to be
extinct.
gradualism -- A model of evolution that assumes slow, steady rates of change.
Charles Darwin's original concept of evolution by natural selection assumed
gradualism. Contrast with punctuated equilibrium.
hierarchy -- A series in which each element is categorized into successive ranks or
grades with each level subordinate to the one above.
homology -- Two structures are considered homologous when they are inherited
from a common ancestor which possessed the structure. This may be difficult to
determine when the structure has been modified through descent.
hypothesis -- A concept or idea that can be falsified by various scientific methods.
ingroup -- In a cladistic analysis, the set of taxa which are hypothesized to be more
closely related to each other than any are to the outgroup.
lineage -- Any continuous line of descent; any series of organisms connected by
reproduction by parent of offspring.
monophyletic -- Term applied to a group of organisms which includes the most
most recent common ancestor. A monophyletic group is called a clade. More?
outgroup -- In a cladistic analysis, any taxon used to help resolve the polarity of
characters, and which is hypothesized to be less closely related to each of the taxa
under consideration than any are to each other.
paraphyletic -- Term applied to a group of organisms which includes the most
recent common ancestor of all of its members, but not all of the descendants of that
most recent common ancestor. More?
parsimony -- Refers to a rule used to choose among possible cladograms, which
states that the cladogram implying the least number of changes in character states is
the best.
phylogenetics -- Field of biology that deals with the relationships between
organisms. It includes the discovery of these relationships, and the study of the
causes behind this pattern.More?
phylogeny -- The evolutionary relationships among organisms; the patterns of
lineage branching produced by the true evolutionary history of the organisms being
considered.
plesiomorphy -- A primitive character state for the taxa under consideration.
polarity of characters -- The states of characters used in a cladistic analysis, either
original or derived.Original characters are those acquired by an ancestor deeper in
the phylogeny than the most recent common ancestor of the taxa under
consideration. Derived characters are those acquired by the most recent common
ancestor of the taxa under consideration.
polyphyletic -- Term applied to a group of organisms which does not include the
most recent common ancestor of those organisms; the ancestor does not possess the
character shared by members of the group. More?
primitive -- Describes a character state that is present in the common ancestor of a

clade. A primitive character state is inferred to be the original condition of that
character within the clade under consideration. For example, "presence of hair" is a
primitive character state for all mammals, whereas the "hairlessness" of whales is a
derived state for one subclade within the Mammalia.
pseudoextinction -- The apparent disappearance of a taxon. In cases of
pseudoextinction, this disappearance is not due to the death of all members, but the
evolution of novel features in one or more lineages, so that the new clades are not
recognized as belonging to the paraphyletic ancestral group, whose members have
ceased to exist. The Dinosauria, if defined so as to exclude the birds, is an example
of a group that has undergone pseudoextinction.
punctuated equilibrium -- A model of evolution in which change occurs in
relatively rapid bursts, followed by longer periods of stasis.
radiation -- Event of rapid cladogenesis, believed to occur under conditions where
a new feature permits a lineage to move into a new niche or new habitat, and is then
called an adaptive radiation.
rank -- In traditional taxonomy, taxa are ranked according to their level of
inclusiveness. Thus a genus contains one or more species, a family includes one or
more genera, and so on.
relatedness -- Two clades are more closely related when they share a more recent
common ancestor between them than they do with any other clade.
reticulation -- Joining of separate lineages on a phylogenetic tree, generally through
hybridization or through lateral gene transfer. Fairly common in certain land plant
clades; reticulation is thought to be rare among metazoans.
selection -- Process which favors one feature of organisms in a population over
another feature found in the population. This occurs through differential
reproductionthose with the favored feature produce more offspring than those
with the other feature, such that they become a greater percentage of the population
in the next generation.
sister group -- The two clades resulting from the splitting of a single lineage.
stasis -- A period of little or no discernible change in a lineage.
stem group -- All the taxa in a clade preceding a major cladogenesis event. They
are often difficult to recognize because they may not possess synapomorpies found
in the crown group.
synapomorphy -- A character which is derived, and because it is shared by the taxa
under consideration, is used to infer common ancestry.
systematics -- Field of biology that deals with the diversity of life. Systematics is
usually divided into the two areas of phylogenetics and taxonomy.
taxon -- n. Any named group of organisms, not necessarily a clade; a taxon may be
designated by a Latin name or by a letter, number, or any other symbol; taxa- pl.
taxonomy -- The science of naming and classifying organisms.
vicariance -- Speciation which occurs as a result of the separation and subsequent
isolation of portions of an orginal population.
UCMP Glossary: Geology
UCMP Glossary:
Geology
abyssal plain -- The ocean floor offshore from the continental margin, usually very
flat with a slight slope.
accrete -- v. To add terranes (small land masses or pieces of crust) to another,
usually larger, land mass.
alkaline -- Term pertaining to a highly basic, as opposed to acidic, subtance. For
example, hydroxide or carbonate of sodium or potassium.
allochthonous -- Refers to something formed elswhere than its present location.
Antonym of autochthonous.
amber -- Fossilization where the organism is entrapped in resin and preserved
whole.
andesite -- Igneous volcanic rock, less mafic than basalt, but more mafic than
dacite; rough volcanic equivalent of diorite.
anticline -- A fold of rock layers that is convex upwards. Antonym of syncline.
archipelago -- n. A group of islands; an expanse of water with scattered islands.
asphalt -- A dark bituminous substance found in natural beds. Residue from
petroleum distillation.
autochthonous -- Refers to something formed in its present location. Antonym of
allochthonous.
Banded Iron Formation -- n. Rock consisting of alternating light and dark layers
of iron-rich chert (the dark layers have more iron minerals) formed from 3.8 to 1.7
billion years ago.
basalt -- Highly mafic igneous volcanic rock, typically fine-grained and dark in
color; rough volcanic equivalent of gabbro.
basement rock -- n. The oldest rocks in a given area; a complex of metamorphic
and igneous rocks that underlies the sedimentary deposits. Usually Precambrian or
Paleozoic in age.
basin -- n. Any large depression in which sediments are deposited.
Basin and Range Province -- n. One of the most extensive systems of
fault-bounded mountains separated by sediment-filled valleys, extending across
Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, California, and northern
Mexico.
bedrock -- n. The general term referring to the rock underlying other
unconsolidated material, i.e. soil.
biostratigraphy -- n. The study of rock layers (e.g., distribution, environment of
deposition, age) based on their fossils; biostratigraphic- adj.
biostratinomy -- The study of what happens between the death of an organism and
burial. Part of taphonomy.
bioturbation -- n. The disturbance of sediment by organisms, e.g. burrows, trails, or
complete mixing.
blueschist -- Metamorphic rock formed under great pressures, but not so great
temperatures.
calcareous -- adj. Term used to describe a structure, secreted by an organism, that
consists of or contains calcium carbonate (CaCO3), e.g., the shell of a bivalve.
caldera -- n. A large circular volcanic depression, often originating due to collapse.
carbon film -- Thin layer of carbon remains of past life found in sedimentary rocks.
carbonate -- n. (adj.) A mineral composed mainly of calcium (Ca) and carbonate

(CO3) ions, may also include magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe) and others; n. rock or
sediments derived from debris of organic materials composed mainly of calcium
and carbonate (e.g., shells, corals, etc.) or from the inorganic precipitation of
calcium (and other ions) and carbonate from solution (seawater). For example,
limestone or dolomite. carbonate platform n. A broad (100s of meters), flat,
shallow submarine expanse of carbonate rock, more common in the early-middle
Paleozoic. carbonate bank n. A narrow (10s of meters), fairly flat, shallow,
submarine plateau of carbonate rock, more common from the middle-late Paleozoic
to the present, e.g., the Bahama Banks.
casts -- Fossils formed when water containing minerals leaks into a mold. The
minerals harden to form a copy of the original structure or organism.
chalk -- A soft compact calcite, CaCO3, with varying amounts of silica, quartz,
feldspar, or other mineral impurities, generally gray-white or yellow-white and
derived chiefly from fossil seashells.
chert -- Hard, dense sedimentary rock, composed of interlocking quartz crystals and
possibly amorphous silica (opal). The origin of the silica is normally biological,
from diatoms, radiolaria or sponge spicules. Synonymous with flint.
clast -- n. An individual grain or constituent of a rock; clastic- adj. Describes a rock
or sediment composed mainly of fragments of preexisting rocks or minerals that
have been transported some distance from their place of origin, e.g., sandstone,
shale.
compactions -- Fossils that have undergone some degree of flattening of their
three-dimensional structure.
compression -- Fossil formed when an organism is flattened (compressed) and a
thin film of organic material from its body is left in the rock.
concretion -- n. A hard, rounded mass, commonly of silica, calcite, dolomite, iron
oxide, pyrite, or gypsum, that formed within a rock from the precipitation of these
minerals around a nucleus, such as a leaf, bone, shell, or fossil, and ranging in
diameter from centimeters to meters.
conglomerate -- A coarse-grained sedimentary rock, with clasts larger than 2 mm.
continental crust -- The Earth's crust that includes both the continents and the
continental shelves.
continental margin -- n. The ocean floor from the shore of continents to the abyssal
plain.
continental rise -- n. Part of the continental margin; the ocean floor from the
continental slope to the abyssal plain. The continental rise generally has a gentle
slope and smooth topography.
continental shelf -- n. The part of the continental margin from the coastal shore to
the continental slope; usually extending to a depth of about 200 meters and with a
very slight slope, roughly 0.1 degrees; includes conetinental and oceanic sediments
down to the ocean floor.
continental slope -- n. Part of the continental margin; the ocean floor from the
continental shelf to the continental rise or oceanic trench. Usually to a depth of
about 200 meters. The continental slope typically has a relatively steep grade, from
3 to 6 degrees.
copal -- Brittle aromatic yellow to red resins of recent or fossil origin, obtained
from tropical trees.
coprolites -- Fossilized feces.
core -- That portion of the interior of the Earth that lies beneath the mantle, and
goes all of the way to the center. The Earth's core is very dense, rich in iron and the
source of the magnetic field.
craton -- n. A part of the Earth's crust that has attained stability and has been little
deformed for a long period of time, refers only to continents; cratonic- adj.
cross-bedding -- (n) The arrangement of sedimentary beds tilted at different angles
to each other, indicating that the beds were deposited by flowing wind or water.
crust -- n. The outermost layer of the Earth, varying in thickness from about 10
kilometers (6 miles) below the oceans, to 65 kilometers (about 40 miles) below the
continents; represents less than 1 percent of the Earth's volume.
dacite -- Igneous volcanic rock, less mafic than andesite, typically fine-grained and
light in color; rough volcanic equivalent of granodiorite.
delta -- n. A low, nearly flat accumulation of sediment deposited at the mouth of a
river or stream, commonly triangular or fan-shaped; deltaic adj.
deposition -- Any accumulation of material, by mechanical settling from water or
air, chemical precipitation, evaporation from solution, etc.
diagenesis -- All of the changes that occur to a fossil (or more generally any
sediment) after initial burial; includes changes that result from chemical, physical as
well as biological processes. The study of diagenesis is part of taphonomy.
diatomite -- Diatomite, or diatomaceous earth, is a siliceous sedimaentary rock
formed from the accumulations of diatoms or other nanoplankton.
diorite -- Igneous plutonic rock, less mafic than gabbro, but more mafic than granite
and granodiorite; rough plutonic equivalent of andesite.
dip -- The angle that a bedding plane or fault makes with the horizontal when
measured perpendicular to the strike of the bedding plane or fault.
dolomite -- A carbonate sedimentary rock composed of more than 50 percent of the
mineral calcium-magnesium carbonate (CaMg(CO3)2).
drill core -- n. A column of material (e.g., mud, ice, rock) removed from the earth
by drilling. Often used as a tool for exploration of natural resources.
drumlin -- n. Elongated mound of glacial sediment deposited parallel to ice flow.
epicenter -- Point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.
erosion -- n. The processes by which materials of the Earth's crust are worn away,
loosened, or dissolved while being transported from their place of origin.
erratic -- n. A large, isolated boulder left behind by a glacier.
escarpment -- n. A steep or vertical cliff, either above or below sea level.
esker -- n. A ridge of glacial sediment deposited by a stream flowing in and under a

melting glacier.
estuary -- n. An area where fresh water comes into contact with seawater, usually in
a partly enclosed coastal body of water; a mix of fresh and salt water where the
current of a stream meets the tides; estuarine adj.
evaporite -- n. a deposit of salt minerals (e.g., halite, gypsum, anhydrite) left behind
by the evaporation of seawater, usually forms within a restricted basin.
extrusive -- Igneous. Antonym of intrusive.
fault -- n. (v.) A fracture, or large crack, in the Earth's crust where one side moves
up/down/sideways relative to the other; fault block- n. pieces of crust that have
slipped into or alongside a fault; fault zone- n. an area with multiple faults.
felsic -- Term used to describe the amount of light-colored feldspar and silica
minerals in an igneous rock. Complement of mafic.
focus -- The initial point within the Earth that ruptures in an earthquake, directly
below the epicenter.
fold -- Bent rock strata.
fossil -- Any evidence of past life, including remains, traces, imprints as well as life
history artifacts. Examples of artifacts include fossilized bird's nests, bee hives, etc.
fossil record -- All of the fossils that have existed throughout lifes history, whether
they have been found or not.
fossiliferous -- adj. Rich in fossils.
freezing -- To preserve an organism without any significant alteration to its
chemical composition by subjecting it to freezing temperatures.
gabbro -- Highly mafic igneous plutonic rock, typically dark in color; rough
plutonic equivalent of basalt.
Gastroliths -- Fossilized gizzard stones, usually only applicable in the fossil study
of reptiles
geologic maps -- Maps that show the types and ages of rock of an area. These maps
are used by paleontologists to find areas that are likely to contain fossils they are
interested in.
glass -- A non-crystaline rock that results from very rapid cooling of magma.
granite -- Highly felsic igneous plutonic rock, typically light in color; rough
plutonic equivalent of rhyolite. Granite is actually quite rare in the U.S.; often the
term is applied to any quartz-bearing plutonic rock.
granodiorite -- Igneous plutonic rock, less felsic than granite, typically light in
color; rough plutonic equivalent of dacite.
graywacke -- Sandstone composed of poorly sorted angular clasts.
hydrothermal vent -- n. A place on the seafloor, generally associated with
spreading centers, where warm to super-hot, mineral-rich water is released; may
support a diverse community of organisms.
hypersaline -- adj. Extremely salty, having much more salt than normal seawater.
Ichnology -- The study of trace fossils.
igneous rock -- Any rock solidified from molten or partly molten material.
impressions -- Prints or marks made when an organisms body has been
compressed (flattened). Impressions are different from compressions because no
thin organic material is left behind.
interbedded -- adj. Describes beds (layers) of rock lying between or alternating
with beds of a different kind of rock.
intrusion -- n. Magma (and the rock it forms) that has pushed into pre-existing
rock; intrusive- adj.; plutonic- syn. extrusive- ant.
island arc -- n. A curved chain of islands that rise from the sea floor, usually near a
continent. The convex side usually faces the open ocean, while the concave side
usually faces the continent, e.g., the Aleutian Islands in Alaska; volcanic arc- syn.
isotope -- One of two or more variations of the same chemical element, differing in
the number of neutrons not the number of protons.
kame -- n. A short, steep-sided knoll of glacial sediment.
karst -- n. A type of topography formed by dissolution of rocks like limestone and
gypsum that is characterized by sinkholes, caves, and subterranean passages.
kettle lakes -- n. Lakes formed as water fills a hole formerly occupied by a block of
stranded ice.
lava -- Any molten material that is extrusive or volcanic, or the rock that forms from
a molten extrusive.
limestone -- A carbonate sedimentary rock composed of more than 50 percent of
the mineral calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
limy -- adj. Describes sediments, soils, or rocks that contain a significant amount of
lime (calcium oxide, CaO).
loess -- n. A widespread, loose deposit consisting mainly of silt; most loess deposits
formed during the Pleistocene as an accumulation of wind-blown dust carried from
deserts, alluvial plains, or glacial deposits.
lowland -- n. (adj.) Large area of relatively low relief, usually applied to coastal
regions that do not rise high above sea level. upland, highland ant.
mafic -- Term used to describe the amount of dark-colored iron and magnesium
minerals in an igneous rock. Complement of felsic.
magma -- n. Molten rock generated within the Earth; forms intrusive (solidifies
below the surface) and extrusive (solidifies above the surface) igneous rocks.
mantle -- That portion of the interior of the Earth that lies between the crust and the
core.
marine terrace -- n. A platform of marine deposits (typically sand, silt, gravel)
sloping gently seaward. Such a platform may be exposed along the coast, forming
cliffs, due to uplift and/or the lowering of sea level, e.g., Marine terraces of coastal
Southern California.
marl -- n. A loose, crumbly deposit consisting of clay and calcium carbonate and
formed in marine or freshwater conditions.
melange -- A body of rocks consisting of large blocks (mappable size) of different
rocks jumbled together with little continuity of contacts.
metamorphic rock -- Any rock derived from other rocks by chemical,
mineralogical and structural changes resulting from pressure, temperature or
shearing stress.
metamorphism -- n. The process of altering the chemical or mineralogical
composition of a rock through different amounts of heat and pressure below the
surface of the Earth; metamorphose- v.
microfossil -- n. A very small fossil, best studied with the aid of a microscope, e.g.
foraminifera, radiolarians, and small vertebrate fossils such as teeth. macrofossil
ant.
mid-oceanic ridges -- Elongated rises on the ocean floor where basalt periodically
erupts, forming new oceanic crust; similar to continental rift zones.
mineralization -- The process of replacing any organisms original material with a
mineral.
molds -- Fossils formed when the sediment surrounding a buried organism hardens.
When the organism decays, its impression is left in the rock and can be seen if the
rock is broken open.
moraine -- n. A mound or ridge of sediment deposited by a glacier; lateral
moraine- n. deposited to the side of a glacier; terminal moraine- n. deposited to
the front of a glacier; ground moraine- n. deposited on the land surface.
oceanic crust -- n. The Earth's crust which is formed at mid-oceanic ridges,
typically 5 to 10 kilometers thick with a density of 3.0 grams per centimeter cubed.
oceanic trench -- Deep steep-sided depression in the ocean floor caused by the
subduction of oceanic crust beneath either other oceanic crust or continental crust.
orogeny -- n. The tectonic processes of folding, faulting, and uplifting of the earths
crust that result in the formation of mountains.
outcrop -- Any place where bedrock is visible on the surface of the Earth.
paleosol -- Soil horizon from the geologic past.
peat -- n. A deposit of partly decayed plant remains in a very wet environment;
marsh or swamp deposit of plant remains containing more than 50 percent carbon.
permineralization -- Fossilization process that occurs when minerals, carried by
ground water, enter and harden in the pores of an organisms structures.
Phanerozoic -- n. The geologic eon that includes the interval of time from
approximately 543 million years ago to the present, comprising the Paleozoic,
Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras.
pillow lava -- Lava extruded beneath water characterised by pillow-type shapes.
plate -- n. Rigid parts of the Earth's crust and part of the Earth's upper mantle that
move and adjoin each other along zones of seismic activity. The theory that the
crust and part of the mantle are divided into plates that interact with each other
causing seismic and tecotnic activity is called plate tectonics.
pluton -- n. Any body of igneous rock that solidified below the earths surface.
plutonic -- Applies to igneous rocks formed beneath the surface of the Earth;
typically with large crystals due to the slowness of cooling. Synonym of intrusive.
Antonym of volcanic.
radio-carbon dating -- Method for determining the age of an organic substance by
measuring the amount of the carbon isotope, carbon-14, remaining in the substance;
useful for determining ages in the range of 500 to 70,000 years.
rebound -- v. To spring back after a weight has been removed.
red bed -- n. Sedimentary layers composed primarily of sandstone, siltstone, and
shale, that are predominantly red in color due to the presence of iron oxides; often
used in reference to the Permian or Triassic sediments of the western U.S.
reef -- n. A large ridge or mound-like structure within a body of water that is built
by calcareous organisms such as corals, red algae, and bivalves; barrier reef- n. A
reef growing offshore from a land mass and separated by a lagoon or estuary, e.g,
the Great Barrier Reef of Australia; patch reef- n. A discontinuous reef growing in
small areas, separated by bare areas of sand or debris, often part of a larger reef
complex.
replacement -- Fossilization process that occurs when an organism is completely
decomposed and replaced by mineral.
rhyolite -- Highly felsic igneous volcanic rock, typically light in color; rough
volcanic equivalent of granite.
rift -- n. A long, narrow crack in the entire thickness of the Earth's crust, which is
bounded by normal faults on either side and forms as the crust is pulled apart; v. To
split the Earth's crust; rift zone- n. The area on continents where a trough bounded
by normal faults is forming; the site of crustal extension, similar to that which
occurs at mid-oceanic ridges; rift basin or rift valley- n. The long, and fairly wide
trough that has formed as a section of the Earth's crust has dropped down along
faults, e.g., African Rift Valley in East Africa.
rock cycle -- The process through which one type of rock (igneous, sedimentary, or
metamorphic) is converted into another.
salt lick -- n. A natural or artificial deposit of exposed salt that animals lick for
nutrients.
sandstone -- Sedimentary rock composed of sand-sized clasts.
sea-floor spreading -- n. The process of adding to the Earth's crust at mid-ocean
ridges as magma wells up and forces previously formed crust apart.
sediment -- Any solid material that has settled out of a state of suspension in liquid.
sedimentary rock -- Any rock resulting from the consolidation of sediment.
siderite -- Also called ironstone, that is a concretion of iron carbonate. Common in
the Mazon Creek fossil beds.
silicification -- Process whereby silica replaces the original material of a substance.

For example, silicified wood.
sill -- n. A sheet-like igneous intrusion that parallels the plane of the surrounding
rock.
sinkhole -- n. A natural depression in the surface of the land caused by the collapse
of the roof of a cavern or subterranean passage, generally occurring in limestone
regions.
soil -- Unconsolidated materials above bedrock.
stratigraphy -- n. The study of rock layers, especially their distribution,
environment of deposition, and age; stratigraphic, adj.
stratum -- A layer of sedimentary rock; plural is strata.
strike -- The direction or trend of a bedding plane or fault, as it intersects the
horizontal.
subduction -- n. A geologic process in which one edge of one crustal plate is forced
below the edge of another; subduct v.; subduction zone- n. A long narrow area in
which subduction is taking place, e.g. the Peru-Chile trench, where the Pacific Plate
is being subducted under the South American Plate.
subsidence -- n. The sudden sinking or gradual downward settling of the Earths
surface with little or no horizontal motion.
syncline -- A fold of rock layers that is convex downwards. Antonym of anticline.
taphonomy -- The study of what happens to a fossil, from the time of its initial
creation (e.g. the death of an organism or the imprint left by the movement of an
organism) and the time that the fossil is discovered by a paleontologist. For
example, shells or bones can be moved my running water, and later be compressed
by overlying sediment. Taphonomy is often broken into two parts, biostratinomy
and the study of diagenesis.
tectonic -- adj. Describing the forces that cause the movements and deformation of
Earths crust on a large scale, also describes the resulting structures or features from
these forces.
terrane -- n. A general term used to refer to a piece of the crust that is usually
smaller than a continent but larger than an island; exotic terrane- n. terrane that has
an unknown origin or a different origin than its surrounding rocks.
topography -- n. The relief features of the Earth's surface, above and below sea
level; the set of landforms in a region.
trace fossil -- Evidence left by organisms, such as burrows, imprints, coprolites, or
footprints. Trace fossils are not preserved parts of the organism.
tuff -- n. A general term for consolidated rocks made of material ejected from
volcanic explosions.
turbidite -- n. The sediments or rocks that formed as a result of a turbidity flow.
turbidity current -- n. A bottom fast-flowing current that moves down a slope,
depositing suspended sediments over the floor of a body of water
turbidity flow -- n. A flow of dense, muddy water moving down a slope due to a
turbidity current
unconformity -- Any interruption of the continuity of a depositional sequence.
undifferentiated -- adj. Unable to distinguish between. Undifferentiated rocks:
rocks for which it is not possible to specify finer age divisions.
upland -- n. (adj.) An area that is higher relative to the surrounding areas, but not
mountainous; highland syn.; lowland ant.
uplift -- n. (v.) The process or result of raising a portion of the Earths crust through
different tectonic mechanisms.
volcanic -- adj. Describes the action or process of magma and gases rising to the
crust and being extruded onto the surface and into the atmosphere; also applies to
the resulting igneous rocks that cool on the surface of the Earth, including beneath
water, which typically have small crystals due to the rapidity of cooling.
volcanically - adv. extrusive - syn. plutonic - ant.
volcanism -- n. The process by which magma and associated gases rise to the
Earths crust and are extruded, or expelled, onto the surface and into the
atmosphere.
weathering -- n. The physical, chemical, and biological processes by which rock is

broken down into smaller pieces.
UCMP Glossary: Biochemistry
UCMP Glossary:
Biochemistry
alginate -- component of the cell walls of many rhodophytes and kelps. Alginates
have an affinity for water, and so help to slow dessication when the algae are
exposed to the air; they are commercially important in the production of paper,
toothpaste, beer, and frozen foods.
amino acid -- unit molecule from which proteins are constructed by polymerization.
ATP -- "adenosine triphosphate". A relatively stable, high energy molecule used to
fuel chemical reactions within cells.
biochemistry -- the study of those molecules used and manufactured by living
things.
bioluminescence -- the production of light by a chemical reaction within an
organism. The process occurs in many bacteria and protists, as well as certain
animals and fungi.
brevitoxin -- neurotoxin produced by the dinoflagellate Ptychodiscus brevis.
calcite -- A common crystalline form of natural calcium carbonate, CaCO3, that is
the basic constituent of limestone, marble, and chalk. Also called calcspar.
calcium carbonate -- a "salt" used by many marine invertebrates, such as corals
and echinoderms, and by protists, such as coccolithophorids, to construct their
exoskeletons.
carbohydrates -- class of biochemical compounds which includes sugars, starch,
chitin, and steroids.
cellulose -- carbohydrate polymer of the simple sugar glucose. It is found in the cell
walls of plants and green algae, as well as dinoflagellates. Cellulose is the most
abundant compound on earth that is manufactured by living things.
chitin -- n. A carbohydrate polymer found in the cell walls of fungi and in the
exoskeletons of arthropods, which provides strength for support and protection;
chitinous- adj.
chlorophyll -- n. The green-colored pigment that absorbs light during
photosynthesis, often found in plants, algae, and some bacteria; it includes a
porphyrin ring, and often has a long hydrophobic tail. More info?
collagen -- long proteins whose structure is wound into a triple helix. The resulting
fibers have a high tensile strength. Collagen is a primary component of mammalian
hair.
dinosteranes/dinosteroids -- chemicals found in dinoflagellates, which have been
useful in documenting their existence early in the fossil record.
DNA -- "deoxyribonucleic acid". The nucleic acid which carries the genetic code of
an organism. It is the primary component of chromosomes. MORE?
enzyme -- complex protein which helps to speed biochemical reactions. Enzymes
are important in the construction and degradation of other molecules.
flagellin -- protein which is the primary component of prokaryotic flagella.
fucoxanthin -- yellowish-brown pigment found in some members of the Chromista,
including kelps and diatoms.
glucose -- simple sugar, and the primary product of photosynthesis. It is
polymerized to make cellulose and chitin.
glycoprotein -- a membrane-bound protein which has attached branching
carbohydrates. These may function in cell-cell recognition, such as in human blood
groups and immune system response, as well as in resisting compression of cells.
hemoglobin -- protein complex found in the blood of most chordates and the roots
of certain legumes. It binds oxgen molecules, and in chordates serves as the means
by which the oxygen is supplied to the cells of the body.
histones -- proteins attached to the DNA of eukaryotes which allows it to be
packaged into chromosomes.
hydrophilic -- "water loving". Hydrophilic compounds dissolve easily in water, and

are usually polar.
hydrophobic -- "water fearing". Hydrophobic compounds do not dissolve easily in
water, and are usually non-polar. Oils and other long hydrocarbons are hydrophobic.
integrin -- adhesive protein of the extracellular matrix in animals.
ion -- an atom or small molecule which carries a positive or negative charge.
laminarin -- a beta-glucan polysaccharide produced by many chromists through
photosynthesis.
lipids -- a class of biochemical compounds which includes fats, oils, and waxes.
luciferase -- enzyme which activates luciferin to produce bioluminescence.
luciferin -- compound whose activated form emits light.
neurotoxin -- poison which interferes with nerve function, usually by affecting the
flow of ions through the cell membrane.
nucleic acid -- class of biochemical compounds which includes DNA and RNA.
They are among the largest molecules known. MORE?
nucleotide -- unit from which nucleic acids are constructed by polymerization. It
contains a sugar, a phosphate group, and an organic base. ATP is a nucleotide.
peptidoglycan -- carbohydrate polymer cross-linked by proteins. It is found in the
cell wall of Gram positive bacteria, where it stains with the dye crystal-violet.
peridinin -- carotenoid pigment found in dinoflagellates.
phosphate -- an ion consisting of a phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms.
Among other things, it is used in the constuction of nucleic acids.
photosynthesis -- biochemical process in which light energy is absorbed by
chlorophyll, and is used to fuel the building of sugar molecules.
phycocyanin -- blue, water-soluble pigment found in the cyanobacteria and the red
algae.
phycoerythrin -- red, water-soluble pigment found in the cyanobacteria and red
algae.
pigment -- any colorful compound, used by living things to absorb or block
sunlight, and in sexual displays. More info?
polymer -- a large molecule constructed from many smaller identical units. These
include proteins, nucleic acids, and starches.
protein -- class of biochemical compounds constructed from amino acids. Proteins
may be structural, such as those that make up hair and cartilage, or they may be
reactive, such as the enzymes.
proteinaceous -- describes any structure which is composed of protein.
proteoglycan -rbcL -- a gene which is located in the chloroplast of photosynthetic organisms. It
codes for the large subunit of the protein rubisco, and its sequence has been useful
in plant phylogenies.
RNA -- "ribonucleic acid". The nucleic acid which carries the DNA message into
parts of the cell where it is interpreted and used. The 18S ribosomal RNA sequence
has been used in many groups of organisms to reconstruct phylogeny.
rubisco -- protein which fixes carbon in photosynthetic organisms. It binds
molecules of carbon dioxide to a five-carbon molcule. Rubisco is the most common
protein on earth.
saxitoxin -- neurotoxin found in a variety of dinoflagellates. If ingested, it may
cause respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.
silica -- amorphous silicon dioxide (glass). It is a structural component in many
organisms, such as diatoms and horsetails.
spongin -- proteinacous compound of which the spicules in Demospongiae are
composed.
starch -- a complex polymer of glucose, used by plants and green algae to store
surplus sugar for later use.
sugar -- any of several small carbohydrates, such as glucose, which are "sweet" to
the taste.
UCMP Glossary: Cell biology
UCMP Glossary: Cell

biology
amoeboid -- Having no definite shape to the cell, able to change shape.
amphiesma -- The outer covering of a dinoflagellate, consisting of several
membrane layers.
aperture -- Small opening, for example the opening in the test of a foram.
bacteriophage -- Virus which infects and destroys a bacterial host. Some phages,
however, will incorporate their DNA into that of their host, and remain dormant for
an extended period. For this reason, they have become essential tools of genetic
engineers.
capsid -- The protein "shell" of a free virus particle.
cell -- Fundamental structural unit of all life. The cell consists primarily of an outer
plasma membrane, which separates it from the environment; the genetic material
(DNA), which encodes heritable information for the maintainance of life; and the
cytoplasm, a heterogeneous assemblage of ions, molecules, and fluid.
cell cycle -- Complete sequence of steps which must be performed by a cell in order
to replicate itself, as seen from mitotic event to mitotic event. Most of the cycle
consists of a growth period in which the cell takes on mass and replicates its DNA.
Arrest of the cell cycle is an important feature in the reproduction of many
organisms, including humans.
cell membrane -- The outer membrane of a cell, which separates it from the
environment. Also called a plasma membrane or plasmalemma.
cell wall -- Rigid structure deposited outside the cell membrane. Plants are known
for their cell walls of cellulose, as are the green algae and certain protists, while
fungi have cell walls of chitin.
chloroplast -- A chlorophyll-containing plastid found in algal and green plant cells.

chromosome -- Linear piece of eukaryotic DNA, often bound by specialized
proteins known as histones.
coenocytic -- Condition in which an organism consists of filamentous cells with
large central vacuoles, and whose nuclei are not partitioned into separate
compartments. The result is a long tube containing many nuclei, with all the
cytoplasm at the periphery.
colonial -- Condition in which many unicellular organisms live together in a
somewhat coordinated group. Unlike true multicellular organisms, the individual
cells retain their separate identities, and usually, their own membranes and cell
walls.
contractile vacuole -- In many protists, a specialized vacuole with associated
channels designed to collect excess water in the cell. Microtubules periodically
contract to force this excess water out of the cell, regulating the cell's osmotic
balance.
cytoplasm -- All the contents of a cell, including the plasma membrane,but not
including the nucleus.
cytoskeleton -- Integrated system of molecules within eukaryotic cells which
provides them with shape, internal spatial organization, motility, and may assist in
communication with other cells and the environment. Red blood cells, for instance,
would be spherical instead of flat if it were not for their cytoskeleton.
dikaryotic -- Having two different and distinct nuclei per cell; found in the fungi. A
dikaryotic individual is called a dikaryon.
diploid -- Having two different sets of chromosomes in the same nucleus of each
cell. Most metazoans and plants are diploid. Compare with haploid.
double membrane -- In mitochondria and plastids, there is a two-layered
membrane which surrounds the organelle. This is believed to be the result of
endosymbiosis, with the outer membrane coming from the eukaryotic cell, and the
inner membrane belonging to the original prokaryote which was "swallowed".
endoplasmic reticulum -- (ER) network of membranes in eukaryotic cells which
helps in control of protein synthesis and cellular organization.
eukaryote -- n. An organism whose cells have cytoskeletons for support and their
DNA contained in a nucleus, separated from the other contents of the cell; e.g.,
protists, plants, animals, and fungi; eukaryotic- adj.
extracellular matrix -- (ECM) Region outside of metazoan cells which includes
compounds attached to the plasma membrane, as well as dissolved substances
attracted to the surface charge of the cells. The ECM functions both to keep animal
cells adhered together, and well as buffering them from their environment.
eyespot -- Light-sensitive organelle found in many groups of protists, and in some
metazoans.
filament -- Long chain of proteins, such as found in hair, muscle, or in flagella.
fission -- Division of single-celled organisms, especially prokaryotes, in which
mitosis does not occur. Also used to refer to mitosis in certain unicellular fungi.
flagellum -- n. Hair-like structure attached to a cell, used for locomotion in many
protists and prokaryotes. The prokaryotic flagellum differs from the eukaryotic
flagellum in that the prokaryotic flagellum is a solid unit composed primarily of the
protein flagellin, while the eukaryotic flagellum is composed of several protein
strands bound by a membrane, and does not contain flagellin. The eukaryotic
flagellum is sometimes referred to as an undulipodium.
frustule -- The mineral "skeleton" of a diatom or other unicellular organism.
Golgi apparatus -- Eukaryotic organelle which package cell products, such as
enzymes and hormones, and coordinate their transport to the outside of the cell.
haploid -- Having a single set of chromosomes in the nucleus of each cell. Mosses,
and many protists and fungi, are haploid, as are some insects, bryophytes, and the
gametes of all organisms. Contrast with diploid.
haptonema -- Peg-like structure unique to the Prymnesiophyta; its function is not
known.
lorica -- A vase-shaped or cup-shaped outer covering. Found in many protists,
including some flagellates, ciliates, chrysophytes, and choanoflagellates, as well as
in some animal cells.
lysosome -- Eukaryotic organelle which carries digestive enzymes. The lyzosome

fuses with a vacuolar membrane containing ingested particles, which are then acted
upon by the enzymes.
mastigoneme -- Small hair-like filaments found on the "hairy" flagellum of the
Chromista.
membrane -- Semi-fluid structure which bounds all cells, and partitions the interior
of eukaryotic cells. It consists primarily of two lipid layers, with proteins
"dissolved" in the lipids.
mesokaryotic -- Nuclear condition unique to the dinoflagellates in which the
chromosomes remain permanently condensed.
microtubules -- Type of filament in eukaryotic cells composed of units of the
protein tubulin. Among other functions, it is the primary structural component of the
eukaryotic flagellum.
microvilli -- Thin fingerlike protrusions from the surface of a cell, often used to
increase absorptive capacity or to trap food particles. The "collar" of
choanoflagellates is actually composed of closely spaced microvilli.
mitochondrion -- Complex organelle found in most eukaryotes; believed to be
descended from free-living bacteria that established a symbiotic relationship with a
primitive eukaryote. Mitochondria are the site of most of the energy production in
most eukaryotes; they require oxygen to function. See: double membrane.
mitosis -- The process of nuclear division in eukaryotes. It is one step in
cytokinesis, or cellular division. MORE ?.
MTOC -- (microtubule organizing center) MTOCs are bundles of protein tubes
which may be found at the base of a eukaryotic flagellum. In animals, they also
function in creating the arrays of microtubules that pull the chromosomes apart
during mitosis.
multicellular -- Any organism which is composed of many cells is termed
multicellular.
nanometer -- n. A unit of measure; one millionth (10-9) of a meter.
nuclear membrane -- The double membrane which surrounds the eukaryotic

nucleus. It has many pores in its surface which regulate the flow of large
compounds into and out of the nucleus.
nucleoid -- Region in prokaryotes where the DNA is concentrated. Unlike a
nucleus, it is not bound by a membrane.
nucleus -- Membrane-bound organelle which contains the DNA in the form of
chromosomes. It is the site of DNA replication, and the site of RNA synthesis.
organelle -- n. A membrane-bound structure in a eukaryotic cell that partitions the
cell into regions which carry out different cellular functions, e.g., mitochondria,
endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes.
plasma membrane -- Outer membrane of a cell, sometimes called the cell
membrane. The term plasma membrane is used more frequently when discussing
prokaryotes.
plasmid -- Circular loop of DNA in prokaryotes. Eukaryotic DNA is organized into
chromosomes.
plastid -- Any of several pigmented cytoplasmic organelles found in plant cells and
other organisms, having various physiological functions, such as the synthesis and
storage of food.
prokaryotic -- Literally "before the nucleus", the term applies to all bacteria and
archaea. Prokaryotic cells have no internal membranes or cytoskeleton. Their DNA
is circular, not linear.
protoplasm -- All the contents of a cell, including the nucleus. (see: cytoplasm)
pseudopodia -- Fingerlike extensions from an amoeboid cell; literally "false feet".
repeat sequences -- The length of a nucleotide sequence that is repeated in a
tandem cluster.
reticulopodia -- Long thread-like pseudopodia that branch apart and rejoin, forming
a fine network. They are characteristic of forams.
ribosome -- (ribosomal RNA)
syncytic -- see Hexactinellida

test -- n. A hard shell produced by some unicellular protists; may be made of
calcium carbonate, silica, or sand grains.
theca -- General term for any stiff outer covering of a unicellular protist, and
usually made up of interlocking plates. dinoflagellates and diatoms are examples of
protists with thecae.
transduction -- Viral transfer of DNA to new host.
trichocyst -- Organelle in ciliates and dinoflagellates which releases long
filamentous proteins when the cell is disturbed. Used as a defense against would-be
predators.
ultrastructure -- The detailed structure of a specimen, such as a cell, tissue, or
organ, that can be observed only by electron microscopy. Also called fine structure.
undulipodium -- Another term for a eukaryotic flagellum.
vacuole -- Membrane-bound fluid-filled space within a cell. In most plant cells,
there is a single large vacuole filling most of the cell's volume. Some bacterial cells
contain gas vacuoles.
UCMP Glossary: Ecology
UCMP Glossary:
Ecology
absorption -- The taking in of water and dissolved minerals and nutrients across
cell membranes. Contrast with ingestion.
aerobic -- Pertaining to the presence of free oxygen. Aerobic organisms require
oxygen for their life processes.
anaerobic -- Pertaining to the absence of free oxygen. Anaerobic organisms do not
require oxygen for their life processes, in fact oxygen is toxic to many of them.
Most anaerobic organisms are bacteria or archaeans.
autotroph -- Any organism that is able to manufacture its own food. Most plants
are autotrophs, as are many protists and bacteria. Contrast with consumer.
Autotrophs may be photoautotrophic, using light energy to manufacture food, or
chemoautotrophic, using chemical energy.
benthic -- Organisms that live on the bottom of the ocean are called benthic
organisms. They are not free-floating like pelagic organisms are.
biological/biotic factors -- Living factors such as decomposers, scavengers and
predators.
biomes -- The world's major communities, classified according to the predominant
vegetation and characterized by adaptations of organisms to that particular
environment. MORE?
boreal -- adj. Describes the northern biotic area that is dominated by tundra, taiga,
and coniferous forests.
canopy -- Layer of vegetation elevated above the ground, usually of tree braches
and epiphytes. In tropical forests, the canopy may be more than 100 feet above the
ground.
carnivore -- Literally, an organism that eats meat. Most carnivores are animals, but
a few fungi, plants, and protists are as well.
consumer -- Any organism which must consume other organisms (living or dead) to
satisfy its energy needs. Contrast with autotroph.
cyst -- n. A small, capsule-like sac that encloses an organism in its resting or larval
stage, e.g., a resting spore of an alga.
decomposer -- An organism that breaks down the tissue and/or structures of dead
organisms.
decomposition -- The breakdown of dead organic material by detrivores or
saprophytes.
dessication -- Mummification.
detritus -- Accumulated organic debris from dead organisms, often an important
source of nutrients in a food web.
detrivore -- Any organism which obtains most of its nutrients from the detritus in
an ecosystem.
disease -- Organisms suffer from disease when their normal function is impaired by
some genetic disorder, or more often from the activity of a parasite or other
organism living within them. Many diseases are caused by viruses, bacteria, or
fungi.
ecosystem -- All the organisms in a particular region and the environment in which
they live. The elements of an ecosystem interact with each other in some way, and
so depend on each other either directly or indirectly.
environment -- The place in which an organism lives, and the circumstances under
which it lives. Environment includes measures like moisture and temperature, as
much as it refers to the actual physical place where an organism is found.
food chain/food web -- All the interactions of predator and prey, included along
with the exchange of nutrients into and out of the soil. These interactions connect
the various members of an ecosystem, and describe how energy passes from one
organism to another.
frugivore -- Animal which primarily eats fruit. Many bats and birds are frugivores.
generalist -- Organism which can survive under a wide variety of conditions, and
does not specialize to live under any particular set of circumstances.
grassland -- Region in which the climate is dry for long periods of the summer, and
freezes in the winter. Grasslands are characterized by grasses and other erect herbs,
usually without trees or shrubs. Grasslands occur in the dry temperate interiors of
continents, and first appeared in the Miocene.
Groundwater -- Water found underground as a result of rainfall, ice and snow melt,
submerged rivers, lakes, and springs. This water often carries minerals. These
minerals can accumulate in the remains of buried organisms and eventually cause
fossilization.
habitat -- The place and conditions in which an organism lives.
halophile -- Organism which lives in areas of high salt concentration. These
organisms must have special adaptations to permit them to survive under these
conditions.
herbivore -- Literally, an organism that eats plants or other autotrophic organisms.
The term is used primarily to describe animals.
host -- Organism which serves as the habitat for a parasite, or possibly for a
symbiont. A host may provide nutrition to the parasite or symbiont, or simply a
place in which to live.
ingestion -- The intake of water or food particles by "swallowing" them, taking
them into the body cavity or into a vacuole. Contrast with absorption.
inorganic -- Not containing carbon. Not from living things. Ex., minerals, water,
oxygen, etc.
intertidal -- The coastal zone measuring from the lowest to the highest tide mark.
The intertidal zone is subject to alternating periods of flooding and drying.
kelp forest -- Marine ecosystem dominated by large kelps. These forests are
restricted to cold and temperate waters, and are most common along the western
coasts of continents. Kelp forests first appeared in the Miocene.
limnology -- The study of river system ecology and life.

litter -- Leaf litter, or forest litter, is the detritus of fallen leaves and bark which
accumulate in forests.
macroscopic -- Objects or organisms that are large enough to be seen with the
naked eye.
marine -- Refers to the ocean.
microscopic -- Objects or organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked
eye.
monsoonal -- adj. Describes a climate pattern with a wind system that changes
direction with the seasons; this pattern is dominant over the Arabian Sea and
Southeast Asia.
morphology -- n. The form and structure of anything, usually applied to the shapes,
parts, and arrangement of features in living and fossil organisms.
niche -- n. The portion of the environment which a species occupies, defined in
terms of the conditions under which an organism can survive, and may be affected
by the presence of other competing organisms.
nitrogen fixation -- The conversion of gaseous nitrogen into a form usable by
plants. Ususally by bacteria.
nocturnal -- Active only at night.
nutrient -- Any element or simple compound necessary for the health and survival
of an organism. This includes air and water, as well as food.
nutrient cycling -- All the processes by which nutrients are transferred from one
organism to another. For instance, the carbon cycle includes uptake of carbon
dioxide by plants, ingestion by animals, and respiration and decay of the animal.
omnivore -- Literally, an organism that will eat anything. Refers to animals who do
not restrict their diet to just plants or other animals.
organic -- adj. Pertaining to compounds containing carbon. Also refers to living
things or the materials made by living things. inorganic ant.
parasite -- n. An organism that lives on or within a host (another organism); it

obtains nutrients from the host without benefiting or killing (although it may
damage) the host; parasitic- adj.; parasitism- n. a type of symbiotic relationship in
which one organism benefits and the other does not.
pathogenic -- Organism which causes a disease within another organism.
pelagic -- Pelagic organisms swim through the ocean, and may rise to the surface, or
sink to the bottom. They are not confined to live on the bottom as benthic organisms
do.
periphyton -- Dense strands of algal growth that cover the water surface between
the emergant aquatic plants. Spirogyra is commonly responsible for this growth.
photic zone -- Region of the ocean through which light penetrates; and the place
where photosynthetic marine organisms live.
phytoplankton -- Tiny, free-floating, photosynthetic organisms in aquatic systems.
They include diatoms, desmids, and dinoflagellates.
plankton -- n. Very small, free-floating organisms of the ocean or other aquatic
systems, including phytoplankton, which produce their own nutrients through
photosynthesis, or zooplankton, which get their nutrients from organisms.
pollinator -- Animal which carries pollen from one seed plant to another,
unwittingly aiding the plant in its reproduction. Common pollinators include insects,
especially bees, butterflies, and moths, birds, and bats.
predator -- Organism which hunts and eats other organisms. This includes both
carnivores, which eat animals, and herbivores, which eat plants.
prey -- Organism hunted and eaten by a predator.
producer -- Any organism which brings energy into an ecosystem from inorganic
sources. Most plants and many protists are producers.
rain shadow -- n. The dry region on the leeward side of a mountain range, where
rainfall is noticeably less than on the windward side. For example, the White
Mountains in east central California are in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada.
riparian -- Having to do with the edges of streams or rivers.

salinity -- A measure of the salt concentration of water. Higher salinity means more
dissolved salts.
saprophyte -- Organism which feeds on dead and decaying organisms, allowing the
nutrients to be recycled into the ecosystem. Fungi and bacteria are two groups with
many important saprophytes.
scavenger -- An organism that feeds upon dead and dying organisms.
seaweed -- Any large photosynthetic protist, including rhodophytes and kelps.
Seaweeds are not true plants, but like plants they can make their own food. More
info?
specialist -- Organism which has adopted a lifestyle specific to a particular set of
conditions. Contrast with generalist.
substrate -- "Supporting surface" on which an organism grows. The substrate may
simply provide structural support, or may provide water and nutrients. A substrate
may be inorganic, such as rock or soil, or it may be organic, such as wood.
symbiosis -- n. A relationship between two organisms that live in intimate contact
with each other; includes mutualism (both organisms benefit, they rely on each
other for survival), parasitism (one organism benefits at its host's expense) and
commensalism (one partner benefits and the other is neither benefitted nor harmed);
symbiotic- adj.
temperate -- Region in which the climate undergoes seasonal change in
temperature and moisture. Temperate regions of the earth lie primarily between 30
and 60 degrees latitude in both hemispheres.
terrestrial -- Living on land, as opposed to marine or aquatic.
tropical -- Region in which the climate undergoes little seasonal change in either
temperature or rainfall. Tropical regions of the earth lie primarily between 30
degrees north and south of the equator.
upwelling -- The raising of benthic nutrients to the surface waters. This occurs in
regions where the flow of water brings currents of differing temperatures together,
and increases productivity of the ecosystem.
zooplankton -- Tiny, free-floating organisms in aquatic systems. Unlike

phytoplankton, zooplankton cannot produce their own food, and so are consumers.
UCMP Glossary: Life history
UCMP Glossary: Life

history
adult -- The mature stage of an organism, usually recognized by the organism's
attaining the ability to reproduce.
asexual reproduction -- A type of reproduction involving only one parent that
usually produces genetically identical offspring. Asexual reproduction occurs
without meiosis or syngamy, and may happen though budding, by the division of a
single cell, or the breakup of an entire organism into two or more parts.
clone -- An identical copy of an organism. Most plants, fungi, algae, and many other
organisms naturally reproduce by making clones of themselves as a form of asexual
reproduction.
development -- The process by which a multicellular organism is produced from a
single cell.
diploid life cycle -- Occurs when the only multicellular stage in an organism's life
cycle is diploid.
dispersal -- The scattering of organisms of a species, often following a major
reproductive event. Spores and larvae are commonly dispersed into the
environment. Pollen or gametes may also be dispersed, but in this case the intent is
to target another individual so that reproduction may occur. Organisms may disperse
as spores, seeds, eggs, larvae, or adults.
dormancy -- A period of suspended growth and metabolic activity. Many plants,
seeds, spores, and some invertebrates become dormant during unfavorable
conditions.
egg -- (1) A large gamete without flagellae that is fertilized by a sperm cell. An egg
cell is also called an ovum. (2) A complex multicellular structure in which an
animal embryo develops.
embryo -- Once a zygote begins to undergo cellular divisions, it becomes an

embryo.
female -- In organisms with separate sexes, the one which produces eggs.
fertilization -- The process by which an egg is made capable of generating
offspring. It is often synonymous with syngamy.
gamete -- Reproductive cells which fuse to form a zygote. Gametes are haploid,
and may be differentiated into egg and sperm.
gametophyte -- The haploid stage in the life cycle of an organism undergoing
alternations of generations. The gametophyte is multicellular and mitotically
produces gametes. In plants, the gametophyte nourishes the zygote and young
sporophyte.
germination -- The process by which a seedling emerges and develops from a seed,
or by which a sporeling emerges and develops from a spore.
haploid life cycle -- Occurs when the only multicellular stage in an organism's life
cycle is haploid.
haploid-diploid life cycle -- Occurs when a multicellular diploid phase, or
sporophyte, alternates with a multicellular haploid phase, or gametophyte. Only
plants and certain algae possess this kind of life cycle, which is also called
"alternation of generations".
karyogamy -- A process of fusion of the nuclei of two cells; the second step in
syngamy.
larva -- Among invertebrates, an immature stage in the life cycle which usually is
much smaller than, and morphologically different from, the adult. In insects with
metamorphosis, the larva must become a pupa before reaching adulthood.
male -- In organisms with separate sexes, the one which produces sperm.
meiosis -- A two-stage type of cell division in sexually reproducing organisms. In

meiosis, a diploid cell divides to produce four haploid cells, each with half the
original chromosome content. For this reason, meiosis is often called a "reduction
division". In organisms with a diploid life cycles, the products of meiosis are usually
called gametes. In organisms with an alternation of generations, the products of
meiosis are caled spores.
metamorphosis -- n. A process of developmental change whereby a larva reaches
adulthood only after a drastic change in morphology; occurs in most amphibians and
insects, for some insects, this change may include another stage (pupa) before the
adult stage; metamorphose- v.
motile -- Able to move oneself about, capable of self-locomotion.
nymph -- In aquatic insects, the larval stage.
plasmogamy -- A process of fusion of the cytoplasm of two cells; the first step in
syngamy.
pupa -- In metamorphozing insects, a stage between the larva and adult during
which the organism undergoes major developmental changes.
reproduction -- The manufacture of offspring as part of an organism's life cycle.
This is not the same as dispersal. Reproduction may be sexual, involving the fusion
of gametes, or asexual.
sedentary -- Living in a fixed location, as with most plants, tunicates, sponges, etc.
Contrast with motile.
seed -- A structure produced by seed plants which encapsulates the embryo. The
seed often provides nourishment during germination, but may lie dormant for many
years first.
sexual reproduction -- A type of reproduction in which two parents give rise to
offspring that have unique combinations of genes inherited through the gametes of
the two parents. Sexual reproduction involves meiosis and syngamy.
spore -- n. A single cell that is dispersed as a reproductive unit, or that encapsulates
a cell during unfavorable environmental conditions; in organisms with an alternation
of generations; the products of meiosis are spores.
sporophyte -- The diploid stage in the life cycle of an organism undergoing an

alternation of generations. The sporophyte is multicellular and develops from a
zygote. The mature sporophyte meiotically produces haploid spores that later
generate the gametophyte generation.
syngamy -- The process of union of two gametes; sometimes called fertilization. It
encompasses both plasmogamy and karyogamy.
zygote -- The product of gamete fusion. In organisms with a haploid life cycle, the
zygote immediately undergoes meiosis, but in organisms with a multicellular
diploid stage, the zygote is merely the first stage in the diploid portion of the life
cycle.
UCMP Glossary: Zoology
UCMP Glossary:
Zoology
abdomen -- Region of the body furthest from the mouth. In insects, the third body
region behind the head and thorax.
ambulacra -- Row of tube feet of an echinoderm.
amniotic egg -- n. An egg that can be laid on land due to the presence of a
fluid-filled amniotic sac (amnion) that cushions and protects the developing
embryo; amniote- n. Any of a group of land-dwelling vertebrates that have an
amnion during embryonic development, including reptiles, birds, and mammals.
anapsid -- n. A vertebrate distinguished by a skull with no openings in the side
behind the eyes, e.g. turtles.
anus -- End of the digestive tract, or gut, through which waste products of digestion
are excreted, as distinct from the mouth.
bipedal -- adj. Describes an animal that walks on two legs.
biramous -- Arthropod appendages that are biramous have two branches, an outer
branch and an inner branch. These branches may have separate functions; in
crustaceans, for instance, the inner branch of a leg is used for walking, while the
outer branch may be paddle-shaped or feathery and often functions as a gill.
Contrast with uniramous.
blood -- Fluid which circulates throughout the body of an animal, distributing
nutrients, and often oxygen as well.
book lung -- A set of soft overlapping flaps, covered up by a plate on the abdomen,
through which oxygen is taken up and carbon dioxide given off. Characteristic of
many terrestrial arachnids such as scorpions and spiders.
brain -- Collection of nerve cells usually located at the anterior end of an animal,
when present at all. The nerves coordinate information gathered by sense organs,
locomotion, and most internal body activities.
cephalon -- In trilobites, the head shield bearing the eyes, antennae, and mouth.
More info?
chaetae -- Stiff bristles characteristic of annelids.
chela -- The claw of an arthropod.
chelicera -- The first pair of appendages of a chelicerate arthropod. Originally a
short clawed appendage, the chelicerae of many arachnids are highly modified for
feeding; in spiders, for instance, they are modified into poisonous fangs.
chordate -- n. An animal with a notochord (a cartilaginous rod that extends the
length of the body), dorsal hollow nerve cord (a fluid-filled tube that runs the length
of the body), gill slits or pouches, and a tail at some stage in its life cycle.
clitellum -- In annelids, a swelling of the body towards the head of the animal,
where the gonads are located. Both oligochaetes and leeches have a clitellum.
cnidocyst -- The "stinging cell" of a cnidarian.
coelom -- Fluid-filled cavity within the body of an animal; usually refers to a cavity
lined with specialized tissue peritoneum in which the gut is suspended. The
structure and development of the coelom is an important character for recognizing
major groups of animals.
compound eye -- Found in many but not all arthropods, a compound eye is
composed of a large number of small, closely packed simple eyes (ommatidia),
each with its own lens and nerve receptors.
cuticle -- 1) In animals, a multilayered, extracellular, external body covering,
usually composed of fibrous molecules such as chitin or collagen, and sometimes
strengthened by the deposition of minerals such as calcium carbonate. 2) A waxy
layer which seals the outer surface of land plants, helping to retain moisture.
diapsid -- n. A vertebrate distinguished by a skull with two pairs of openings in the
side behind the eyes, e.g., lizards, snakes, crocodiles, dinosaurs, and pterosaurs.
ectoderm -- The outer basic layer of tissue in those animals with true tissues. In
vertebrates, for instance, the embryonic ectoderm differentiates into the skin and
also the nervous system.
endoderm -- The innermost basic layer of tissue in those animals with true tissues.
Forms the gut and its derivatives: in vertebrates, these include the liver, trachea, and
lungs.
epidermis -- The outermost layer of cells or skin. This tissue often contains
specialized cells for defense, gas exchange, or secretion.
epithelium -- Layer of cells which lines a body cavity; cells may be ciliated or
unciliated, and may be squamous (flat, scale-shaped), cuboidal (cube-shaped), or
columnar (column-shaped). Your stomach and cheeks are lined with epithelium.
esophagus -- That portion of the gut which connects the pharynx to the stomach.
exoskeleton -- n. An external, often hard, covering or integument that provides
support and protection to the body.
gastrodermis -- In cnidarians, the endodermis which lines the gut cavity. The term
is often used instead of endodermis since cnidarians only have two tissue layers
instead of three.
genus -- n. A category in the classification of plants and animals between species
and family; genera- pl.
gill -- In aquatic animals, highly vascularized tissues with large surface area; these
are extended out of the body and into the surrounding water for gas exchange.
gill arches -- Stiffenings which support the flesh between the gill slits of chordates.
In most vertebrates, the first gill arches have been modified to form the jaw, and in
tetrapods, the inner ear bones.
gill slit -- A slitlike or porelike opening connecting the pharynx of a chordate with
the outside of the body. Gill slits may contain the gills and be used for gas
exchange, as in most fish, but may also be used for filter-feeding, or may be highly
modified in land-dwelling vertebrates.
gnathobase -- The expanded and hardened base of the appendage of many

arthropods, notably trilobites, crustaceans, and marine cheliceramorphs. Used to
macerate food items before ingestion.
gut (enteron) -- Body cavity formed between the mouth and anus in which food is
digested and nutrients absorbed; it consists of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus,
stomach, intestine, and anus, though some animals do not have all these regions.
head -- That part of the body at the "front" end, where the brain, mouth, and most
sensory organs are located.
heart -- Muscular pump which circulates the blood.
intestine -- The portion of the digestive tract between the stomach and anus; it is the
region where most of the nutrients and absorbed.
jaw -- Often loosely applied to any movable, toothed structures at or near the mouth
of an animal, such as the scolecodonts of annelids. In vertebrates, the jaw is derived
from the first gill arch.
jointed -- When stiff body parts are connected by a soft flexible region, the body is
said to be jointed.
librigenae -- The "free cheeks"; separate, detachable portions of the trilobite
cephalon. More info?
lophophore -- Complex ring of hollow tentacles used as a feeding organ. The
tentacles are covered by cilia, which generate a current to bring food particles into
the mouth. The structure is only found in the brachiopods, phoronids, and
bryozoans. More info?
marsupial -- n. (adj.) A mammal whose young are born while still embryos, and
must crawl into its mothers external pouch (called the marsupium) to finish
development.
mesoderm -- In animals with three tissue layers (i.e. all except sponges and
cnidarians), the middle layer of tissue, between the ectoderm and the endoderm. In
vertebrates, for instance, the mesoderm forms the skeleton, muscles, heart, spleen,
and many other internal organs.
mesogloea -- Jellylike material between the outer ectoderm and the inner endoderm
of cnidarians. May be very thin or may form a thick layer (as in many jellyfish).
mouth -- Front opening of the digestive tract, into which food is taken for digestion.
In flatworms, the mouth is the only opening into the digestive cavity, and is located
on the "belly" of the worm.
mucus -- Sticky secretion used variously for locomotion, lubication, or protection
from foreign particles.
muscle -- Bundle of contractile cells which allow animals to move. Muscles must
act against a skeleton to effect movement.
myotome -- Segment of the body formed by a region of muscle. The myotomes are
an important feature for recognizing early chordates.
nematocyst -- Older name for a cnidocyst.
nerve -- A bundle of neurons, or nerve cells. More properly, it is a bundle of axons.
nerve cord -- Primary bundle of nerves in chordates, which connects the brain to
the major muscles and organs of the body.
neuron -- A specialized cell that can react to stimuli and transmit impulses. A
neuron consists of a body which contains the nucleus; dendrites, which are short
branches off the body that receive incoming impulses; and a long axon which
carries impulses away from the body and to the next neuron.
notochord -- Characteristic of chordates, the notochord is a stiff rod of tissue along
the back of the body. In vertebrates, the backbone is deposited around the notochord
and nerve cord.
organ -- Collection of tissues which performs a particular function or set of
functions in an animal or plant's body. The heart, brain, and skin are three organs
found in most animals. The leaf, stem, and root are three organs found in most
plants. Organs are composed of tissues, and may be organized into larger organ
systems.
organ system -- Collection of organs which have related roles in an organism's
functioning. The nervous system, vascular system, and muscle system are all organ
systems.
osculum -- The main opening through which filtered water is discharged. Found in
sponges.
papilla(e) -- Cellular outgrowths. These look like little bumps or fingers on the
surface of cells.
parapodia -- A sort of "false foot" formed by extension of the body cavity.
Polychaetes and some insect larvae have parapodia in addition to their legs, and
these provide extra help in locomotion.
pedipalps -- The second pair of appendages of cheliceromorphs. In many arachnids,
such as spiders, the pedipalps are enlarged in the male and used for copulation.
pharyngeal slits -- Characteristic of chordates, pharyngeal slits are openings
through which water is taken into the pharynx, or throat. In primitive chordates the
pharyngeal slits are used to strain water and filter out food particles; in fishes they
are modified for respiration. Most terrestrial vertebrates have pharyngeal slits only
in the embryonic stage.
pharynx -- Cavity in the digestive tract just past the mouth itself. May be
muscularized for sucking or swallowing in various animals.
phylum -- n. A category in the hierarchy of animal classification between class and
kingdom; phyla- pl.
placenta -- n. In mammals, a tissue formed within the uterus through which
nutrients are passed from the mother to the embryo (and later the fetus) and its
wastes are removed; placental- n. (adj.) A mammal whose young form a placenta as
they develop in the mothers uterus.
pleurae -- In trilobites and other arthropods, pleurae are elongated flat outgrowths
from each body segment, that overlie and protect the appendages.
pore -- Any opening into or through a tissue or body structure.
proboscis -- Elongated organ, usually associated with the mouth. The proboscis is
an important feeding appendage in echiurans.
pygidium -- In trilobites, the posterior division of the body, formed by fusion of the
telson with one or more posterior pleurae.
segmentation -- In many animals, the body is divided into repeated subunits called
segments, such as those in centipedes, insects, and annelids. Segmentation is the
state of having or developing a body plan in this way.
septum -- Partition which divides up a larger region into smaller ones, such as in the
central body cavity of some anthozoa.
siphon -- Opening in molluscs or in urochordates which draws water into the body
cavity. In many molluscs, the siphon may be used to expel water forcibly, providing
a means of propulsion.
skeleton -- Support structure in animals, against which the force of muscles acts.
Vertebrates have a skeleton of bone or cartilage; arthropods have one made of
chitin; while many other invertebrates use a hydrostatic skeleton, which is merely
an incompressible fluid-filled region of their body.
spicule -- Crystalline or mineral deposits found in sponges, sea cucumbers, or
urochordates. They are structural components in many sponges, and may serve a
protective function in other organisms.
spiracle -- In insects and some other terrestrial arthropods, a small opening through
which air is taken into the tracheae. Insects have several spiracles, arranged along
the sides of the abdomen.
spongocoel -- Central body cavity of sponges. More Info?
synapsid -- n. A vertebrate distinguished by a skull with one pair of openings in the
sidebehind the eyes, e.g., mammals and their close relatives.
telson -- The last segment of the abdomen in many arthropods. May be flat and
paddlelike, buttonlike, or long and spiny, as in the horseshoe crabs.
tentacles -- Appendages which are flexible, because they have no rigid skeleton.
Cnidarians and molluscs are two kinds of orgnaisms which may have tentacles.
tetrapod -- n. A vertebrae that has (or whose close relatives have) four limbs with
digits, not fins.
thorax -- In insects, the second body region, between the head and thorax. It is the
region where the legs and wings are attached.
tissue -- A group of cells with a specific function in the body of an organism. Lung
tissue, vascular tissues, and muscle tissue are all kinds of tissues found in some
animals. Tissues are usually composed of nearly identical cells, and are often
organized into larger units called organs.
tracheae -- Internal tubes through which air is taken for respiration. Vertebrates
with lungs have a single trachea carrying air to the lungs, while insects and some
other land-living arthropods have a complex network of tracheae carrying air from
the spiracles to all parts of the body.
tube feet -- Extensions of the water-vascular system of echinoderms, protruding
from the body and often ending in suckers. May be used for locomotion and/or for
maintaining a tight grip on prey or on the bottom.
tubercle -- Any small rounded protrusion. In pycnogonids and some
cheliceramorph arthropods, the central eyes are carried on a tubercle.
uniramious -- Among arthropods, uniramous refers to appendages that have only
one branch. Insects, centipedes and millipedes, and their relatives are uniramous
arthropods; land-living chelicerates such as scorpions, spiders,and mites are also
uniramous but probably descended from ancestors with biramous appendages.
Contrast with biramous.
vascular -- Refers to a network of tubes which distribute nutrients and remove
wates from the tissues of the body. Large multicellular animals must rely on a
vascular system to keep their cells nourished and alive.
vertebra -- A component of the vertebral column, or backbone, found in
vertebrates.
zooxanthellae -- Symbiotic dinoflagellates in the genus Symbiodinium that live in
the tissues of a number of marine invertebrates and protists, notably in many
foraminiferans, cnidarians, and some mollusks.
UCMP Glossary: Paleogeography
UCMP Glossary:
Paleogeography
Avalonia -- n. A separate plate in the Early Paleozoic consisting of much of
Northern Europe, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and some coastal parts of New
England.
Baltica -- n. A separate continental plate of the Early Paleozoic composed of the
United Kingdom, Scandinavia, European Russia and Central Europe; named for the
Baltic Sea.
Bering Land Bridge -- n. The vast tundra plain that was exposed between Asia and
North America during the Last Glacial Maximum, about 21,000 years ago; it served
as a migration route for people, animals, and plants. Also known as Beringia.
Cathaysian terranes -- n. A set of small landmasses that developed in tropical to
subtropical latitudes on the eastern side of Pangea during the Permian and Triassic,
includes modern North China (Sino-Korea), South China (Yangtze), Eastern
Qiangtang, Tarim, and Indochina.
Cimmerian terranes -- n. An archipelago of small landmasses that developed in
tropical and subtropical latitudes on the eastern side of Pangea during the Triassic,
blocks that comprised it include modern Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Tibet, and
Malaysia; also called Cimmeria.
Congo craton -- n. A separate continental plate that rifted from the supercontinent
Rodinia in the Late Precambrian; contained a large part of north-central Africa.
Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway -- n. The epicontinental sea that formed as
marine waters from the north spread over North America from around 130 to 70
million years ago (Ma), at its peak in the Middle Cretaceous (~ 90 Ma) it extended
from present-day Utah to the Appalachians and from the Arctic to the Gulf of
Mexico; also refered to as the Western Interior Seaway
Euramerica -- n. A supercontinent that existed in the Late Silurian through

Devonian, formed by the collision of Baltica, Laurentia, and Avalonia; included
modern North America, Greenland, Scandinavia, and Europe; also called the Old
Red Continent for the red color of its oxidized deposits.
Gondwana -- n. A supercontinent that existed from Cambrian to Jurassic time,
mainly composed of South America, Africa, Madagascar, India, Antarctica, and
Australia.
Iapetus Ocean -- n. A relatively small ocean that existed between the continents of
Laurentia, Baltica, and Avalonia from the Late Precambrian to the Devonian.
Laurasia -- n. A supercontinent that existed from the Jurassic to Early Tertiary after
splitting from Pangea; composed of Laurentia, Baltica, Avalonia, (modern North
America, Scandinavia, Greenland, Western and Central Europe); eventually
fragmented into Eurasia and North America in the Tertiary with the opening of the
North Atlantic Ocean.
Laurentia -- n. A separate continental plate that existed from the Late Precambrian
to Silurian, consisting of the major part of North America, northwest Ireland,
Scotland, Greenland, and pieces of Norway and Russia.
Paleo-Tethys Ocean -- n. A large ocean that originated between eastern Gondwana,
Siberia, Kazakhstan, and Baltica in the Ordovician and finally closed in the Jurassic;
replaced by the Tethys Ocean as eastern Pangea was assembled.
Pangea -- n. A supercontinent that existed from the the end of the Permian to the
Jurassic, assembled from large continents like Euramerica, Gondwana, and Siberia,
as well as smaller landmasses like the Cathaysian and Cimmerian terranes; Greek
for all lands.
Pannotia -- n. A supercontinent that existed in the Late Precambrian and gave rise
to the continents of Gondwana, Laurentia, Siberia, and Baltica in the Cambrian.
Panthalassic Ocean -- n. A vast ocean that existed from the Late Precambrian to
the Jurassic, circling the globe and connecting to smaller oceans that developed
throughout the Phanerozoic; also known as the Panthalassa.
Rodinia -- n. A supercontinent that existed during the Late Precambrian before the
supercontinent Pannotia; the oldest supercontinent for which we have a good record;
Russian for "homeland."
Siberia -- n. A separate continental plate that existed from the Latest Precambrian to
the Carboniferous, composed of a large part of central Russia, namely Siberia.
Tethys Ocean -- n. A small ocean that existed from the Triassic to the Jurassic; as
Pangea was split into Gondwana and Laurasia in the Jurassic, an arm developed
westward called the Tethys Seaway or Tethys Sea.
Introduction to the Anthophyta

the flowering plants
If you have ever stopped to smell the roses, then you are familiar with the largest group of plants,
the Anthophyta. The distinctive feature of this group is the flower, a cluster of highly-specialized
leaves which participate in reproduction. Not all flowers are as conspicuous as the Magnolia
blossom in the picture above; oaks, ivy, and grasses also produce flowers, but because they are not
as showy we often do not notice them.
The flowering plants are important in many ways above and beyond their aesthetic appeal in
flower arrangements. Not a day goes by in which our lives are not affected by flowering plants.
Nearly all of our food comes from flowering plants; grains, beans, nuts, fruits, vegetables, herbs
and spices almost all come from plants with flowers, as do tea, coffee, chocolate, wine, beer,
tequila, and cola. Much of our clothing comes from them as well -- cotton and linen are made from
"fibers" of flowering plants, as are rope and burlap, and many commercial dyes are extracted from
other flowering plants. We also owe them credit for a large number of our drugs, including
over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, prescribed drugs such as digitalis and atropine, and
controlled drugs such as opium, cocaine, marijuana, and tobacco.
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Click on the buttons below to find out more about the Anthophyta.
You can navigate deeper into the Anthophyte groups by selecting Systematics!
You can find more information about floristics, collections, and images of flowering plants by
looking through our Listings of Remote Catalogs.
For images covering much of angiosperm diversity, try the flowering plant image collection at the
University of Wisconsin.
Image of Magnolia blossom by Brian R. Speer
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More on Morphology of the Anthophyta
Anthophyta: More on Morphology

Angiosperms produce their reproductive organs within a flower.
Like other seed plants, angiosperms are
heterosporangiate, producing pollen and ovules
in different organs. Unlike most seed plants,
however, the pollen and ovule-bearing organs are
usually produced together in a bisporangiate
strobilus called a flower.
In the center of a typical flower are the carpels,
modified leaves which enclose the ovules. These
are often fused to form a single pistil in the center
of the flower. Surrounding the carpels are several
narrow stalks topped by pollen sacs; these
pollen-bearing stalks are called stamens. Around
these reproductive organs is the perianth, usually
consisting of an outer whorl of sepals and an
inner whorl of petals. In monocots and
"primitive" dicots, the sepals and petals may be
indistinguishable, as in the lily shown at right. In
this case the perianth parts are called tepals.
The first flowering plants had numerous floral
parts spiralled around a central axis, much like
the flowers of Magnolia. In most angiosperms,
however, the floral parts are relatively few, and
are arranged in a whorl, in which a set of parts
are all attached around the central axis at the
same level, instead of being attached in a staggered spiral. The parts of these earliest flowers were
likely very large and radially arranged; they were not fused to each other, as is common in many
groups today.
In many angiosperms, the flowers are arranged in clusters called inflorescences. The flowers may
be attached along a tall stalk, arranged in broad open clusters, or pressed tightly together so that
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the cluster looks like a single flower.
Angiosperm means "vessel seed".

Angiosperms differ from other seed plants in that they enclose their ovules (and seeds) within a
carpel. The carpel is a modified leaf bearing the ovules, but the carpel is folded onto itself,
wrapping the ovules inside. The "vessel" which the carpel forms gives the angiosperms their name.
Although the carpels are hypothesized to give extra protection to the developing ovules and seeds,
there is a problem with encasing the ovules -- how to get the pollen to the ovule so that it can
deliver the sperm? In angiopserms, the pollen tube does not simply grow through an opening in the
tissue surrounding the ovule, but it must penetrate and grow through the tissue.
This feature of angiosperms allows for sexual selection and pollen competition in ways that are not
possible in other seed plants. The carpel tissue can "screen" arriving pollen, and selectively prevent
growth of certain genotypes. In some flowers, this increases outbreeding, as the plant prevents its
own pollen from germinating.
A fruit is a matured ovary.

Once the pollen has fertilized the egg cell contained within the ovule, the ovule develops into a
seed, and the ovary of the enclosing carpel begins to enlarge and ripen, forming the fruit. This is
the botanical definition of a fruit, and is not the same as the popular usage of "fruit". For example,
a botanist considers acorns, tomatoes, green beans, and coconuts to be fruits. The individual grains
of wheat and rice are also fruits by this definition. By contrast, strawberries are NOT fruits; the
individual hard bits on the outside of the strawberry are the matured ovaries, and are properly
considered fruits, while the fleshy red portion is actually stem tissue stimulated to growth by the
maturing fruits.
It should also be pointed out that ALL flowering plants produce fruits, and that not all fruits are
edible. The fruit of the potato plant is quite poisonous, and should not be eaten. Cotton bolls are
dry fruits from which we harvest cotton fibers.
You can read about the morphological differences between monocots and dicots on our server.
California State University has an online interactive Fruit Key with illustrations.
Learn How to Identify Flowering Plants from Botany Online.
Image of lily flower courtesy of the Jepson Herbarium, and used with permission.
Source:
E.M.Gifford and A.S.Foster. 1989. Morphology and Evolution of Vascular Plants, 3rd ed.
W.H.Freeman and Company, New York.
UCMP Glossary: G
UCMP Glossary: G
|A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|P|Q|R|
S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z|
gabbro -- Highly mafic igneous plutonic rock, typically dark in color; rough
plutonic equivalent of basalt.
gamete -- Reproductive cells which fuse to form a zygote. Gametes are haploid,
and may be differentiated into egg and sperm.
gametophyte -- The haploid stage in the life cycle of an organism undergoing
alternations of generations. The gametophyte is multicellular and mitotically
produces gametes. In plants, the gametophyte nourishes the zygote and young
sporophyte.
gastrodermis -- In cnidarians, the endodermis which lines the gut cavity. The term
is often used instead of endodermis since cnidarians only have two tissue layers
instead of three.
Gastroliths -- Fossilized gizzard stones, usually only applicable in the fossil study
of reptiles
generalist -- Organism which can survive under a wide variety of conditions, and
does not specialize to live under any particular set of circumstances.
genus -- n. A category in the classification of plants and animals between species
and family; genera- pl.
geologic maps -- Maps that show the types and ages of rock of an area. These maps
are used by paleontologists to find areas that are likely to contain fossils they are
interested in.
germination -- The process by which a seedling emerges and develops from a seed,
or by which a sporeling emerges and develops from a spore.
gill -- In aquatic animals, highly vascularized tissues with large surface area; these
are extended out of the body and into the surrounding water for gas exchange.
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UCMP Glossary: G
gill arches -- Stiffenings which support the flesh between the gill slits of chordates.
In most vertebrates, the first gill arches have been modified to form the jaw, and in
tetrapods, the inner ear bones.
gill slit -- A slitlike or porelike opening connecting the pharynx of a chordate with
the outside of the body. Gill slits may contain the gills and be used for gas
exchange, as in most fish, but may also be used for filter-feeding, or may be highly
modified in land-dwelling vertebrates.
glass -- A non-crystaline rock that results from very rapid cooling of magma.
glucose -- simple sugar, and the primary product of photosynthesis. It is
polymerized to make cellulose and chitin.
glycoprotein -- a membrane-bound protein which has attached branching
carbohydrates. These may function in cell-cell recognition, such as in human blood
groups and immune system response, as well as in resisting compression of cells.
gnathobase -- The expanded and hardened base of the appendage of many
arthropods, notably trilobites, crustaceans, and marine cheliceramorphs. Used to
macerate food items before ingestion.
Golgi apparatus -- Eukaryotic organelle which package cell products, such as
enzymes and hormones, and coordinate their transport to the outside of the cell.
Gondwana -- n. A supercontinent that existed from Cambrian to Jurassic time,
mainly composed of South America, Africa, Madagascar, India, Antarctica, and
Australia.
gradualism -- A model of evolution that assumes slow, steady rates of change.
Charles Darwin's original concept of evolution by natural selection assumed
gradualism. Contrast with punctuated equilibrium.
grain -- (1) The texture of wood, produced by the kinds of xylem cells present. (2)
The fruit of a member of the grasses.
granite -- Highly felsic igneous plutonic rock, typically light in color; rough
plutonic equivalent of rhyolite. Granite is actually quite rare in the U.S.; often the
term is applied to any quartz-bearing plutonic rock.
UCMP Glossary: G
granodiorite -- Igneous plutonic rock, less felsic than granite, typically light in
color; rough plutonic equivalent of dacite.
grassland -- Region in which the climate is dry for long periods of the summer, and
freezes in the winter. Grasslands are characterized by grasses and other erect herbs,
usually without trees or shrubs. Grasslands occur in the dry temperate interiors of
continents, and first appeared in the Miocene.
graywacke -- Sandstone composed of poorly sorted angular clasts.
Groundwater -- Water found underground as a result of rainfall, ice and snow melt,
submerged rivers, lakes, and springs. This water often carries minerals. These
minerals can accumulate in the remains of buried organisms and eventually cause
fossilization.
guard cells -- Pair of cells which surround a stomate and regulate its size by
altering their shape.
gut (enteron) -- Body cavity formed between the mouth and anus in which food is
digested and nutrients absorbed; it consists of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus,
stomach, intestine, and anus, though some animals do not have all these regions.
gymnosperm -- n. A plant that produces seeds, which are not enclosed; includes
any seed plant that does not produce flowers.
gynostemium -- The central reproductive stalk of an orchid, which consists of a
stamen and pistil fused together.
UCMP Glossary: S
UCMP Glossary: S
S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z|
salinity -- A measure of the salt concentration of water. Higher salinity means more
dissolved salts.
salt lick -- n. A natural or artificial deposit of exposed salt that animals lick for
nutrients.
sandstone -- Sedimentary rock composed of sand-sized clasts.
saprophyte -- Organism which feeds on dead and decaying organisms, allowing the
nutrients to be recycled into the ecosystem. Fungi and bacteria are two groups with
many important saprophytes.
saxitoxin -- neurotoxin found in a variety of dinoflagellates. If ingested, it may
cause respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.
scavenger -- An organism that feeds upon dead and dying organisms.
sea-floor spreading -- n. The process of adding to the Earth's crust at mid-ocean
ridges as magma wells up and forces previously formed crust apart.
seaweed -- Any large photosynthetic protist, including rhodophytes and kelps.
Seaweeds are not true plants, but like plants they can make their own food. More
info?
secondary growth -- Growth in a plant which does not occur at the tips of the stems
or roots. Secondary growth produces wood and bark in seed plants.
sedentary -- Living in a fixed location, as with most plants, tunicates, sponges, etc.
Contrast with motile.
sediment -- Any solid material that has settled out of a state of suspension in liquid.
sedimentary rock -- Any rock resulting from the consolidation of sediment.
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UCMP Glossary: S
seed -- A structure produced by seed plants which encapsulates the embryo. The
seed often provides nourishment during germination, but may lie dormant for many
years first.
segmentation -- In many animals, the body is divided into repeated subunits called
segments, such as those in centipedes, insects, and annelids. Segmentation is the
state of having or developing a body plan in this way.
selection -- Process which favors one feature of organisms in a population over
another feature found in the population. This occurs through differential
reproductionthose with the favored feature produce more offspring than those
with the other feature, such that they become a greater percentage of the population
in the next generation.
sepal -- The outermost structures of a flower. More info?
septum -- Partition which divides up a larger region into smaller ones, such as in the
central body cavity of some anthozoa.
sexual reproduction -- A type of reproduction in which two parents give rise to
offspring that have unique combinations of genes inherited through the gametes of
the two parents. Sexual reproduction involves meiosis and syngamy.
shoot -- Usually, the above ground portion of a plant, bearing the leaves. Contrast
with root.
Siberia -- n. A separate continental plate that existed from the Latest Precambrian to
the Carboniferous, composed of a large part of central Russia, namely Siberia.
siderite -- Also called ironstone, that is a concretion of iron carbonate. Common in
the Mazon Creek fossil beds.
silica -- amorphous silicon dioxide (glass). It is a structural component in many
organisms, such as diatoms and horsetails.
silicification -- Process whereby silica replaces the original material of a substance.
For example, silicified wood.
sill -- n. A sheet-like igneous intrusion that parallels the plane of the surrounding
rock.
UCMP Glossary: S
sinkhole -- n. A natural depression in the surface of the land caused by the collapse
of the roof of a cavern or subterranean passage, generally occurring in limestone
regions.
siphon -- Opening in molluscs or in urochordates which draws water into the body
cavity. In many molluscs, the siphon may be used to expel water forcibly, providing
a means of propulsion.
siphonostele -- When a plant's vascular tissue develops as a central cylinder, it is
said to have a siphonostele. See also protostele and eustele.
sister group -- The two clades resulting from the splitting of a single lineage.
skeleton -- Support structure in animals, against which the force of muscles acts.
Vertebrates have a skeleton of bone or cartilage; arthropods have one made of
chitin; while many other invertebrates use a hydrostatic skeleton, which is merely
an incompressible fluid-filled region of their body.
soil -- Unconsolidated materials above bedrock.
specialist -- Organism which has adopted a lifestyle specific to a particular set of
conditions. Contrast with generalist.
spermatophyte -- A seed plant.
spicule -- Crystalline or mineral deposits found in sponges, sea cucumbers, or
urochordates. They are structural components in many sponges, and may serve a
protective function in other organisms.
spiracle -- In insects and some other terrestrial arthropods, a small opening through
which air is taken into the tracheae. Insects have several spiracles, arranged along
the sides of the abdomen.
spongin -- proteinacous compound of which the spicules in Demospongiae are
composed.
spongocoel -- Central body cavity of sponges. More Info?
sporangiophore -- A stalk to which sporangia are attached.
UCMP Glossary: S
sporangium -- A chamber inside of which spores are produced through meiosis.

spore -- n. A single cell that is dispersed as a reproductive unit, or that encapsulates
a cell during unfavorable environmental conditions; in organisms with an alternation
of generations; the products of meiosis are spores.
sporophyll -- Any leaf which bears sporangia is called a sporophyll.
sporophyte -- The diploid stage in the life cycle of an organism undergoing an
alternation of generations. The sporophyte is multicellular and develops from a
zygote. The mature sporophyte meiotically produces haploid spores that later
generate the gametophyte generation.
stamen -- Part of a flower, the tip of which produces pollen and is called the
anther. More info?
starch -- a complex polymer of glucose, used by plants and green algae to store
surplus sugar for later use.
stasis -- A period of little or no discernible change in a lineage.
stem group -- All the taxa in a clade preceding a major cladogenesis event. They
are often difficult to recognize because they may not possess synapomorpies found
in the crown group.
stigma -- The sticky tip of a pistil. Or, the dense region of pigments found in many
photosynthetic protists which is sensitive to light, and thus functions somewhat like
a miniature eye.More info?
stipe -- A scientific term for "stalk".
stipules -- Paired appendages found at the base of the leaves of many flowering
plants.
stomata -- Openings in the epidermis of a stem or leaf of a plant which permit gas
exchange with the air. In general, all plants except liverworts have stomata in their
sporophyte stage.
stratigraphy -- n. The study of rock layers, especially their distribution,
environment of deposition, and age; stratigraphic, adj.
UCMP Glossary: S
stratum -- A layer of sedimentary rock; plural is strata.

streptophytes -- The clade consisting of the plants plus their closest relatives, the
charophytes.
strike -- The direction or trend of a bedding plane or fault, as it intersects the
horizontal.
strobilus -- A tightly clustered group of sporophylls arranged on a central stalk;
commonly termed a "cone" or "flower".
style -- The narrow stalk of the pistil, located above the ovary but below the stigma.
subduction -- n. A geologic process in which one edge of one crustal plate is forced
below the edge of another; subduct v.; subduction zone- n. A long narrow area in
which subduction is taking place, e.g. the Peru-Chile trench, where the Pacific Plate
is being subducted under the South American Plate.
subsidence -- n. The sudden sinking or gradual downward settling of the Earths
surface with little or no horizontal motion.
substrate -- "Supporting surface" on which an organism grows. The substrate may
simply provide structural support, or may provide water and nutrients. A substrate
may be inorganic, such as rock or soil, or it may be organic, such as wood.
sugar -- any of several small carbohydrates, such as glucose, which are "sweet" to
the taste.
symbiosis -- n. A relationship between two organisms that live in intimate contact
with each other; includes mutualism (both organisms benefit, they rely on each
other for survival), parasitism (one organism benefits at its host's expense) and
commensalism (one partner benefits and the other is neither benefitted nor harmed);
symbiotic- adj.
synangium -- A cluster of sporangia which have become fused in development.
synapomorphy -- A character which is derived, and because it is shared by the taxa
under consideration, is used to infer common ancestry.
UCMP Glossary: S
synapsid -- n. A vertebrate distinguished by a skull with one pair of openings in the

sidebehind the eyes, e.g., mammals and their close relatives.
syncline -- A fold of rock layers that is convex downwards. Antonym of anticline.
syncytic -- see Hexactinellida
syngamy -- The process of union of two gametes; sometimes called fertilization. It
encompasses both plasmogamy and karyogamy.
systematics -- Field of biology that deals with the diversity of life. Systematics is
usually divided into the two areas of phylogenetics and taxonomy.
Introduction to the Anthocerotophyta
Introduction to the
Anthocerotophyta
The hornworts
Most people are unaware of hornworts, though they are a quite
common and widespread group of plants which may be found in
tropical forests, along streamsides, and in disturbed fields around the
world. Most species are small and unassuming greasy blue-green
patches, but some tropical species can cover large areas of soil or the
sides of trees. Because of their unique morphology, there have been
many questions about relationships and origin of the
Anthocerotophyta.
Hornworts are a very unusual group of plants.

The group's common name "hornwort" refers to the tall narrow
sporophytes which are embedded in the top of the plant. As in other
bryophytes, the sporophyte remains attached to its parent
gametophyte throughout its life, but unlike these other plants, the
sporophyte continues to grow throughout its life; this happens as a
group of cells at the base of the horn divide repeatedly. This
continuous growth from a near-basal meristem is unique among
plants to hornworts.
As the sporophyte grows longer, it splits into two halves lengthwise,
releasing the spores as they mature. Along with the spores are cells
called pseudoelaters, which change shape as they dry out and thereby
assist in scattering the spores.
When a spore germinates, it produces a flat thalloid plant with a
greasy blue-green color and odd morphology. The best way to
recognize a hornwort, and especially to tell it apart from a liverwort or
fern gametophyte, is to look at the plant under a low-power
microscope; hornworts will generally have a single large chloroplast
per cell. This is an especially useful character for sterile material, but
you must look at fresh material, since hornworts tend to dry up and
fall apart if not kept moist, and will quickly rot if immersed.
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Hornworts are a problematic group for evolutionary biologists.

The oldest hornwort fossils are spores from the late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian), which have been
compared to the spores of the living genus Phaeoceros. A somewhat older fossil,
Notothylacites filiformis, has been described as a hornwort from the Santonian (Late
Cretaceous) of Czechoslovakia, but the identification of the fossil as a hornwort is not entirely
certain -- the fossil preserves the whole plant, but in rather poor detail, and might be better
interpreted as a liverwort. Most hornwort fossils are Miocene spores found in Europe and assigned
to the Anthocerotaceae.
Such a late date for oldest fossils of hornworts is curious, considering that most cladistic analyses
of living plants suggests that the group originated early in the history of land plants, probably
before the Devonian, and should be one of the oldest lineages of plants. The presence of a
columella, or small column of tissue, running up through the center of the capsule is reminiscent
of mosses and of "rhyniophytes", such as Horneophyton, and further supports the idea of an
early divergence. The delicate hornworts may not have been easily preserved, which might explain
the absence of a Paleozoic record. However, it seems puzzling that their spores, which would be
much more likely to be preserved, are not encountered either.
Above, you can see pictures of the hornwort Phaeoceros. On the left is a plant with young
sporophytes beginning to elongate from the top of the gametophyte. On the right is a plant with
older sporophytes, which have split open and begun to release spores. Click on either picture to see
an enlarged version.
There are usually two or three families recognized in the Anthocerotophyta, as listed below.
Because of the uncertain relationships of fossil hornworts, only living taxa are included in the list
here.
NOTOTHYLALES
Notothyladaceae -- Notothylas
ANTHOCEROTALES
Anthocerotaceae -- 3 to 6 genera, including Anthoceros and Phaeoceros
Dendrocerotoaceae -- Dendroceros and Megaceros
For additional information about hornwort classification, visit the Tree of Life. You can also view
hornwort images at the University of Wisconsin, the source of the images used here (by
permission).
Or for additional information about bryophytes in general, try the homepage of the American
Bryological and Lichenological Society.
Sources:
J. Hyvonen and S. Piippo. 1993. Cladistic analysis of the hornworts (Anthocerotophyta). J. Hattori
Bot. Lab. 74: 105-119.
P. Kenrick. 1994. Alternation of generations in land plants: new phylogenetic and palaeobotanical
evidence. Biol. Rev. 69: 293-330.
Introduction to the Cycads

Legacy of the Mesozoic
Cycads are an ancient group of seed plants with a crown of large compound leaves and a
stout trunk. They are a minor component of the flora in tropical and subtropical regions
today, but during the Jurassic Period, they were a common sight in many parts of the world.
For this reason, the Jurassic is often referred to as the "Age of Cycads".
Today only a handful of cycads still exist, and many are facing possible extinction in the wild
(such as Microcycas in western Cuba). However, because of their large attractive leaves,
many cycads have found a home in public and private gardens around the world. The above
photograph shows a group of "Sago Palms", Cycas revoluta, growing outside the Hertz music
building on the U.C. Berkeley campus. Though cycads are often known by this name, they
are not closely related to the palms.
Click on the buttons below to find out more about the Cycads.
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For oodles of cycad information and links, visit The Cycad Pages at the Royal Botanic
Gardens in Sydney, Australia. Or read the Virtual Cycad Encyclopedia by the Palm and
Cycad Societies of Florida.
Information on living cycads of Mexico, mostly in Spanish, is available from Q'Taxa at the
University of California - Riverside. There are several nice cycad images on Andy Boze's
page on cycads, with many quality pictures of cycad cones and seeds. See cycads when you
visit Carnavon National Park in Queensland, Australia or the Fairchild Tropical Garden,
long respected for having the largest collection of cycads in the US, and one of the largest
such collections in the world.
You might also scan the International Palm Society listings of palm and cycad affiliated
societies.
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Monocots vs. Dicots
Monocots versus Dicots

The Two Classes of Flowering Plants
Contents
The history behind the classes
The fuzzy distinction between the classes
The characters which distinguish the classes
Common questions about the classes
The history behind the classes.

Traditionally, the flowering plants have been divided into two major groups, or classes,: the Dicots
(Magnoliopsida) and the Monocots (Liliopsida). Many people take this separation into two classes
for granted, because it is "plainly obvious", but botanists have not always recognized these as the
two fundamental groups of angiosperms. Although Theophrastus (circa 370 BC) is credited with
first recognizing differences between the two groups, classification of plants was based upon
overall growth form -- trees, herbs, vines -- until the 1600s.
In 1682, John Ray published his Methodus Plantarum Nova, in which Dicotyledones and
Monocotyledones were first given formal taxonomic standing. This system was popularized by the
French botanist Antoine Laurent de Jussieu in his Genera Plantarum of 1789, a work which
improved upon, and gradually replaced, the system of plant classification devised by Linnaeus.
The fuzzy distinction between the classes.

Even after the general acceptance of Monocots and Dicots as the primary groups of flowering
plants, botanists did not always agree upon the placement of families into one or the other class.
Even in this century some plants called paleoherbs have left problems for taxonomy of
angiosperms. These plants have a mix of characters which do not occur together in most other
flowering plants. For instance, the Nymphaeales, or water lilies, have reticulate venation in their
leaves, and what may be a single cotyledon in the embryo. It is not clear whether it is a single
lobed cotyledon, or two which have been fused. The water lilies also have a vascular arrangement
in their stem similar to that of monocots.
There are also monocots which posses characters more typical of dicots. The Dioscoreales and
Smilacaceae have broad reticulate-veined leaves; the Alismataceae have acropetal leaf
development; and Potamogeton is one of several monocots to have floral parts in multiples of
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Monocots vs. Dicots
four.
This "fuzziness" in the definitions of Monocotyledonae and Dicotyledonae is not simply the result
of poor botany. Rather, it is a real phenomenon resulting from the shared ancestry of the two
groups. It is now believed that some of the dicots are more closely related to monocots than to the
other dicots, and that the angiosperms do not all fit neatly into two clades. In other words, the
dicots include a basal paraphyletic group from which the monocots evolved. Click here for a
cladogram which illustrates our current understanding of basal angiosperm relations.
The characters which distinguish the classes.

Despite the problems in recognizing basal angiosperm taxa, the standard distinctions between
dicots and monocots are still quite useful. It must be pointed out, however, that there are many
exceptions to these characters in both groups, and that no single character in the list below will
infallibly identify a flowering plant as a monocot or dicot.
The table summarizes the major morphological differences between monocots and dicots; each
character is dicussed in more detail below. For more information, refer to the page on monocot
morphology.
MONOCOTS
DICOTS
Embryo with single cotyledon
Embryo with two cotyledons

Pollen with three furrows or
Pollen with single furrow or pore
pores
Flower parts in multiples of four
Flower parts in multiples of three
or five
Major leaf veins parallel
Major leaf veins reticulated
Stem vacular bundles scattered Stem vascular bundles in a ring
Roots are adventitious
Roots develop from radicle
Secondary growth absent
Secondary growth often present
Number of cotyledons -- The number of cotyledons found in the embryo is the actual basis for
distinguishing the two classes of angiosperms, and is the source of the names Monocotyledonae
("one cotyledon") and Dicotyledonae ("two cotyledons"). The cotyledons are the "seed leaves"
produced by the embryo. They serve to absorb nutrients packaged in the seed, until the seedling is
able to produce its first true leaves and begin photosynthesis.
Pollen structure -- The first angiosperms had pollen with a single furrow or pore through the
outer layer (monosulcate). This feature is retained in the monocots, but most dicots are descended
from a plant which developed three furrows or pores in its pollen (triporate).
Number of flower parts -- If you count the number of petals, stamens, or other floral parts, you
will find that monocot flowers tend to have a number of parts that is divisible by three, usually
three or six. Dicot flowers on the other hand, tend to have parts in multiples of four or five (four,
five, ten, etc.). This character is not always reliable, however, and is not easy to use in some
Monocots vs. Dicots
flowers with reduced or numerous parts.

Leaf veins -- In monocots, there are usually a number of major leaf veins which run parallel the
length of the leaf; in dicots, there are usually numerous auxillary veins which reticulate between
the major ones. As with the number of floral parts, this character is not always reliable, as there are
many monocots with reticulate venation, notably the aroids and Dioscoreales.
Stem vascular arrangement -- Vascular tissue occurs in long strands called vascular bundles.
These bundles are arranged within the stem of dicots to form a cylinder, appearing as a ring of
spots when you cut across the stem. In monocots, these bundles appear scattered through the stem,
with more of the bundles located toward the stem periphery than in the center. This arrangement is
unique to monocots and some of their closest relatives among the dicots.
Root development -- In most dicots (and in most seed plants) the root develops from the lower
end of the embryo, from a region known as the radicle. The radicle gives rise to an apical
meristem which continues to produce root tissue for much of the plant's life. By contrast, the
radicle aborts in monocots, and new roots arise adventitiously from nodes in the stem. These roots
may be called prop roots when they are clustered near the bottom of the stem.
Secondary growth -- Most seed plants increase their diameter through secondary growth,
producing wood and bark. Monocots (and some dicots) have lost this ability, and so do not
produce wood. Some monocots can produce a substitute however, as in the palms and agaves.
Common questions about the classes.

Having taught in introductory botany for more than five years, I have fielded many questions from
students, and present below some of the more common questions and misconceptions. Thanks go
to my students for taking an active role in their own education, and asking these questions
Q: Are pine trees monocots or dicots?
A: Pines are conifers, and are neither monocots nor dicots. Only flowering plants are considered to
be members of these two classes. This question is similar to asking whether a chicken is a monocot
or a dicot; it is neither.
Q: Do all dicots produce flowers?
A: Yes, sort of. All dicots and monocots are flowering plants, and so are descended from
flower-producing plants. However, the flowers are not always large and showy the way we expect
flowers to be. Oaks, maples, and sycamore are all dicot trees, but they do not produce obvious
flowers. Grasses and cattails are monocots whose flowers are often overlooked because they do
not have sepals or petals.
There are also some flowering plants which flower only rarely. Duckweeds are tiny flowering
plants which reproduce and spread primarily by vegetative growth; they grow by cellular
division, and the resulting cluster will then break apart.
Q: If monocots don't have wood, then what supports palm trees?
A: Palms rely on overlapping leaf bases, thickened enlarged cells, and prop roots to stay up. This
strategy is also used by cycads and tree ferns. We hope to have a special exhibit soon expanding
Monocots vs. Dicots
on the architecture of trees which will explain this in more detail.
Introduction to the Plantae

The green kingdom
The Plantae includes all land plants: mosses, ferns, conifers, flowering
plants, and so onan amazing range of diverse forms. With more than
250,000 species, they are second in size only to the arthropoda.
Plants have been around for a very long time. The plants first appeared
in the Ordovician, but did not begin to resemble modern plants until
the Late Silurian. By the close of the Devonian, about 360 million
years ago, there were a wide variety of shapes and sizes of plants
around, including tiny creeping plants and tall forest trees.
The most striking, and important, feature of plants is their green color,
the result of a pigment called chlorophyll. Plants use chlorophyll to
capture light energy, which fuels the manufacture of foodsugar,
starch, and other carbohydrates. Without these food sources, most life
on earth would be impossible. There would still be mushrooms and
algae, but there would be no fruits, vegetables, grains, or any animals
(which ultimately rely on plants for their food too!)
Another important contribution of plants is their shaping of the environment. Think of a place
without plants. The only such places on earth are the arctic wastelands, really arid deserts, and the
deep ocean. Everywhere else, from the tundra to the rainforest to the desert, is populated by plants.
In fact, when we think of a particular landscape, it is the plants which first come to mind. Try to
picture a forest without trees, or a prairie without grasses. It is the plants which produce and
maintain the terrestrial environment as we know it.
Click on the buttons below to find out more about the Plant Kingdom.
You can navigate deeper into the Plantae groups by selecting Systematics!
We have an extensive list of Botanical Collections Catalogs on the Internet, including links to
gardens, museums, floras, and image collections.
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Visit also the following sites for additional information on paleobotany, plant systematics, and
evolution:
Botany Online -- A Hypertextbook
Land Plants On Line
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Missouri Botanical Garden
International Organisation of Palaeobotany
Illinois State Museum: Plants of Mazon Creek
UCMP Virtual Paleobotany Laboratory
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UCMP Glossary: A
UCMP Glossary: A
S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z|
abdomen -- Region of the body furthest from the mouth. In insects, the third body
region behind the head and thorax.
absorption -- The taking in of water and dissolved minerals and nutrients across
cell membranes. Contrast with ingestion.
abyssal plain -- The ocean floor offshore from the continental margin, usually very
flat with a slight slope.
accrete -- v. To add terranes (small land masses or pieces of crust) to another,
usually larger, land mass.
adaptation -- Change in a organism resulting from natural selection; a structure
which is the result of such selection.
adult -- The mature stage of an organism, usually recognized by the organism's
attaining the ability to reproduce.
adventitious roots -- A root that grows from somewhere other than the primary
root, for example, roots that arise from stems or leaves.
aerobic -- Pertaining to the presence of free oxygen. Aerobic organisms require
oxygen for their life processes.
alginate -- component of the cell walls of many rhodophytes and kelps. Alginates
have an affinity for water, and so help to slow dessication when the algae are
exposed to the air; they are commercially important in the production of paper,
toothpaste, beer, and frozen foods.
alkaline -- Term pertaining to a highly basic, as opposed to acidic, subtance. For
example, hydroxide or carbonate of sodium or potassium.
allochthonous -- Refers to something formed elswhere than its present location.
Antonym of autochthonous.
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UCMP Glossary: A
alternation of generations -- Life cycle in which haploid and diploid generations

alternate with each other.
amber -- Fossilization where the organism is entrapped in resin and preserved
whole.
ambulacra -- Row of tube feet of an echinoderm.
amino acid -- unit molecule from which proteins are constructed by polymerization.
amniotic egg -- n. An egg that can be laid on land due to the presence of a
fluid-filled amniotic sac (amnion) that cushions and protects the developing
embryo; amniote- n. Any of a group of land-dwelling vertebrates that have an
amnion during embryonic development, including reptiles, birds, and mammals.
amoeboid -- Having no definite shape to the cell, able to change shape.
amphiesma -- The outer covering of a dinoflagellate, consisting of several
membrane layers.
anaerobic -- Pertaining to the absence of free oxygen. Anaerobic organisms do not
require oxygen for their life processes, in fact oxygen is toxic to many of them.
Most anaerobic organisms are bacteria or archaeans.
anagensis -- Evolutionary change along an unbranching lineage; change without
speciation.
anapsid -- n. A vertebrate distinguished by a skull with no openings in the side
behind the eyes, e.g. turtles.
ancestor -- Any organism, population, or species from which some other organism,
population, or species is descended by reproduction.
andesite -- Igneous volcanic rock, less mafic than basalt, but more mafic than
dacite; rough volcanic equivalent of diorite.
anemophily -- Seed plants which are pollinated by wind are said to be
anemophilous.
UCMP Glossary: A
angiosperm -- n. A group of plants that produce seeds enclosed within an ovary,

which may mature into a fruit; flowering plants.
anther -- The pollen producing tip of a stamen; part of a flower. More info?
antheridium -- The organ on a gametophyte plant which produces the sperm cells.
anthophyte -- A flowering plant, or any of its closest relatives, such as the
Bennettitales, Gnetales, or Pentoxylales.
anticline -- A fold of rock layers that is convex upwards. Antonym of syncline.
anus -- End of the digestive tract, or gut, through which waste products of digestion
are excreted, as distinct from the mouth.
aperture -- Small opening, for example the opening in the test of a foram.
apical meristem -- Group of cells at the growing tip of a branch or root. It divides
cells to create new tissues.
archegonium -- The organ on a gametophyte plant which produces the egg cell, and
nurtures the young sporophyte.
archipelago -- n. A group of islands; an expanse of water with scattered islands.
asexual reproduction -- A type of reproduction involving only one parent that
usually produces genetically identical offspring. Asexual reproduction occurs
without meiosis or syngamy, and may happen though budding, by the division of a
single cell, or the breakup of an entire organism into two or more parts.
asphalt -- A dark bituminous substance found in natural beds. Residue from
petroleum distillation.
ATP -- "adenosine triphosphate". A relatively stable, high energy molecule used to
fuel chemical reactions within cells.
autochthonous -- Refers to something formed in its present location. Antonym of
allochthonous.
UCMP Glossary: A
autotroph -- Any organism that is able to manufacture its own food. Most plants
are autotrophs, as are many protists and bacteria. Contrast with consumer.
Autotrophs may be photoautotrophic, using light energy to manufacture food, or
chemoautotrophic, using chemical energy.
Avalonia -- n. A separate plate in the Early Paleozoic consisting of much of
Northern Europe, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and some coastal parts of New
England.
axil -- The angle formed between a leaf stalk and the stem to which it is attached. In
flowering plants, buds develop in the axils of leaves.
Introduction to the Uniramia

Beetles and millipedes and flies and centipedes
and....
The largest major group of arthropods is a clade that includes insects, millipedes, centipedes, and
their relatives. This group, the Uniramia, was formerly defined to include the Onychophora, which
are now considered a separate clade. It is restricted here to include only "true" arthropods with
exoskeletons and jointed appendages.
Uniramians have strictly uniramous appendages; that is, their legs have only one branch. Most are
terrestrial, but some are aquatic for part or all of their life cycles. They make up by far the most
common and diverse major clade of arthropods, and in fact make up over three-fourths of all
known animal species on the planet -- and probably an even greater proportion of the total number
of species, known and unknown. As the paleontologist J. Kukalov-Peck once put it: To a first
approximation, every animal is an insect. Think about that the next time you call Orkin Pest
Control.
Click on the buttons below to learn more about the Uniramia.
There is an immense amount of entomological information on the WWW. Click here for a list of
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servers pertaining to insects and other uniramians, courtesy of the Department of Entomology at
Colorado State University. Or click here for recipes.
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Glumiflorae
Glumiflorae
Grasses, sedges, rushes, and cattails
The Glumiflorae are the grasses, sedges, rushes, and cattails, and are easily recognized by their
grassy appearance. Though you might not guess it by looking at them, they are flowering plants,
producing numerous tiny flowers without showy petals.
The Glumiflorae is one of the largest and most familiar groups of plants. They are arguably the
single-most important group of organisms on the planet today, providing us with corn, rice, wheat,
and barleythe four highest grossing crops, as well as sugar cane. Their ecological importance in
maintaining soil stability and providing turf has made them a common sight in yards and lawns
around the world.
Click on the buttons below to learn more about the Glumiflorae.
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Glumiflorae
For more information about the Glumiflorae, try the Texas A&M listings for the Commelinidae
Glumiflorae pictures at Wisconsin (includes Commelinaceae too).
Grain Genes, UDSA/NAL Plant Genome Research Program
American Bamboo Society
Image of Avena by Brian R. Speer.
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Introduction to the Seed Plants
Introduction to the Spermatophytes

The seed plants
The spermatophytes, which means "seed plants", are some of the most important organisms on
Earth. Life on land as we know it is shaped largely by the activities of seed plants. Soils, forests,
and food are three of the most apparent products of this group.
Seed-producing plants are probably the most familiar plants to most people, unlike mosses,
liverworts, horsetails, and most other seedless plants which are overlooked because of their size or
inconspicuous appearance. Many seedplants are large or showy. Conifers are seed plants; they
include pines, firs, yew, redwood, and many other large trees. The other major group of
seed-plants are the flowering plants, including plants whose flowers are showy, but also many
plants with reduced flowers, such as the oaks, grasses, and palms.
Click on the buttons below to find out more about the Spermatophytes.
You can navigate deeper into the Spermatophyte groups by selecting Systematics!
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/seedplants/seedplants.html (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:32:21 PM]
Introduction to the Seed Plants
For information about collections on plants cataloged on-line, or for images, checklists, and
databases, try our list of Botanical Collection Catalogs.
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Orchidales
Orchidales
Orchids and their kin
The Orchidales include the orchids and three smaller families. Together, they are one of the largest
groups of plants, although they are not of particular ecological or economic importance. Vanilla is
cultivated for the strong flavor of its fruits; the little black specks in vanilla ice cream are actually
the seeds from the orchid. Many kinds of orchids are cultivated and bred for their delicate and
often bizarre flowers. The orchid pictured at right above is Phalaenopsis McLellans, a commonly
cultivated genus. On the left is Epipactis gigantea, a native California orchid.
Unlike their closest relatives, most orchids have only a single large stamen attached to the pistil to
form the gynostemium, visible in the center of an orchid flower. The flowers are bilaterally
symmetrical, a necessity for reliable pollination by bees. Many tropical species of orchid will rely
on a single species of euglossine bee to pollinate them, and the bee will visit only that particular
species of orchid which its kind pollinates. Because of this, the orchid must ensure that its pollen is
properly delivered. This is most often achieved by gluing the whole supply of pollen to the visiting
bee in a mass called the pollinia. When the bee visits another orchid of the same species,
thousands of pollen grains are delivered, allowing the plant to mature thousands of tiny dust-like
seeds.
The first orchids were large terrestrial plants, but like bromeliads, orchids took to the trees, where
they have diversified to become the largest family of flowering plants. They are able to survive in
the treetops in part because many species form mycorrhizal associations with fungi. The fungi
increase the area over which the orchid can acquire nutients and water, while the orchid provides
food to the fungus which it makes by photosynthesis.
Because orchids are primarily tropical epiphytes and small herbs, they do not have a fossil record.
However, like palms and some members of the Iridales, they have plicate (corrugated) leaves, and
these leaf forms are among the earliest known fossil monocots.
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Orchidales
The Orchidales may be divided into the following families:

Burmanniaceae
Thismiaceae
Corsiaceae
Orchidaceae - the orchids
Apostasioideae - Apostasia and Neuwiedia
Cypripedoideae - lady's slippers (4 genera)
Orchidoideae - most orchids (750 genera)
The first three families are sometimes put into another order, the Burmanniales, but are still
considered the closest relatives of the Orchidaceae, so this separation is largely a matter of
opinion. The Orchidales have traditionally been considered the "pinnacle" of monocot evolution,
and so are listed last in many floras. This view does not reflect any biologically meaningful
information, and so has been abandoned.
For more information about the Orchidales, try Steve Saunders' exhaustive WWW orchid resource
list, the Orchidales Resources List at Texas A&M, or the DELTA descriptions for the
Burmanniaceae, Corsiaceae, and the Orchidaceae
Extensive horticultural information is available from The Orchid House in Ontario, Canada.
For images of Orchids on the Web, visit Texas A&M Botany, and the University of Wisconsin.
View images of Malagasy Orchidaceae at the Missouri Botanical Garden
And Gerry Carr has the only picture of Burmannia I've seen on the web.
Orchid images courtesy the Jepson Herbarium, and used with permission.
Sources:
Robert L. Dressler. 1981. The Orchids: Natural History and Classification, 332 pp. Harvard
University Press, Cambridge.
R. M. T. Dahlgren and H. T. Clifford. 1982. The Monocotyledons: A comparative Study, 378 pp.
Academic Press, London and New York.
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UCMP Glossary: P
UCMP Glossary: P
S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z|
Paleo-Tethys Ocean -- n. A large ocean that originated between eastern Gondwana,
Siberia, Kazakhstan, and Baltica in the Ordovician and finally closed in the Jurassic;
replaced by the Tethys Ocean as eastern Pangea was assembled.
paleoherb -- Any member of a group of basal flowering herbs which may be the
closest relatives of the monocots. They include the water lilies, Piperales, and
Aristolochiales.
paleosol -- Soil horizon from the geologic past.
Pangea -- n. A supercontinent that existed from the the end of the Permian to the
Jurassic, assembled from large continents like Euramerica, Gondwana, and Siberia,
as well as smaller landmasses like the Cathaysian and Cimmerian terranes; Greek
for all lands.
Pannotia -- n. A supercontinent that existed in the Late Precambrian and gave rise
to the continents of Gondwana, Laurentia, Siberia, and Baltica in the Cambrian.
Panthalassic Ocean -- n. A vast ocean that existed from the Late Precambrian to
the Jurassic, circling the globe and connecting to smaller oceans that developed
throughout the Phanerozoic; also known as the Panthalassa.
papilla(e) -- Cellular outgrowths. These look like little bumps or fingers on the
surface of cells.
paraphyletic -- Term applied to a group of organisms which includes the most
recent common ancestor of all of its members, but not all of the descendants of that
most recent common ancestor. More?
parapodia -- A sort of "false foot" formed by extension of the body cavity.
Polychaetes and some insect larvae have parapodia in addition to their legs, and
these provide extra help in locomotion.
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UCMP Glossary: P
parasite -- n. An organism that lives on or within a host (another organism); it

obtains nutrients from the host without benefiting or killing (although it may
damage) the host; parasitic- adj.; parasitism- n. a type of symbiotic relationship in
which one organism benefits and the other does not.
parenchyma -- A generalized cell or tissue in a plant. These cells may manufacture
or store food, and can often divide or differentiate into other kinds of cells.
parsimony -- Refers to a rule used to choose among possible cladograms, which
states that the cladogram implying the least number of changes in character states is
the best.
pathogenic -- Organism which causes a disease within another organism.
peat -- n. A deposit of partly decayed plant remains in a very wet environment;
marsh or swamp deposit of plant remains containing more than 50 percent carbon.
pedipalps -- The second pair of appendages of cheliceromorphs. In many arachnids,
such as spiders, the pedipalps are enlarged in the male and used for copulation.
pelagic -- Pelagic organisms swim through the ocean, and may rise to the surface, or
sink to the bottom. They are not confined to live on the bottom as benthic organisms
do.
peptidoglycan -- carbohydrate polymer cross-linked by proteins. It is found in the
cell wall of Gram positive bacteria, where it stains with the dye crystal-violet.
perennial -- A plant which continues to grow after it has reproduced, usually
meaning that it lives for several years.
perianth -- The sepals and petals of a flower are together called the perianth;
literally "around the anthers". More info?
peridinin -- carotenoid pigment found in dinoflagellates.
periphyton -- Dense strands of algal growth that cover the water surface between
the emergant aquatic plants. Spirogyra is commonly responsible for this growth.
UCMP Glossary: P
peristome -- A set of cells or cell parts which surround the opening of a moss
sporangium. In many mosses, they are sensitive to humidity, and will alter their
shape to aid in spore dispersal.
permineralization -- Fossilization process that occurs when minerals, carried by
ground water, enter and harden in the pores of an organisms structures.
petal -- One of the outer appendages of a flower, located between the outer sepals
and the stamens. Petals often display bright colors that serve to attract pollinators.
More info?
Phanerozoic -- n. The geologic eon that includes the interval of time from
approximately 543 million years ago to the present, comprising the Paleozoic,
Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras.
pharyngeal slits -- Characteristic of chordates, pharyngeal slits are openings
through which water is taken into the pharynx, or throat. In primitive chordates the
pharyngeal slits are used to strain water and filter out food particles; in fishes they
are modified for respiration. Most terrestrial vertebrates have pharyngeal slits only
in the embryonic stage.
pharynx -- Cavity in the digestive tract just past the mouth itself. May be
muscularized for sucking or swallowing in various animals.
phloem -- Nutrient-conducting tissue of vascular plants.
phosphate -- an ion consisting of a phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms.
Among other things, it is used in the constuction of nucleic acids.
photic zone -- Region of the ocean through which light penetrates; and the place
where photosynthetic marine organisms live.
photosynthesis -- biochemical process in which light energy is absorbed by
chlorophyll, and is used to fuel the building of sugar molecules.
phragmoplast -- The cell plate formed during cell division.
phycocyanin -- blue, water-soluble pigment found in the cyanobacteria and the red
algae.
UCMP Glossary: P
phycoerythrin -- red, water-soluble pigment found in the cyanobacteria and red

algae.
phylogenetics -- Field of biology that deals with the relationships between
organisms. It includes the discovery of these relationships, and the study of the
causes behind this pattern.More?
phylogeny -- The evolutionary relationships among organisms; the patterns of
lineage branching produced by the true evolutionary history of the organisms being
considered.
phylum -- n. A category in the hierarchy of animal classification between class and
kingdom; phyla- pl.
phytomelanin -- a papery "sooty" black layer over the seed of plants in the
Asparagales, which includes agaves, aloes, onions and hyacinths. It is an important
character for defining the group.
phytoplankton -- Tiny, free-floating, photosynthetic organisms in aquatic systems.
They include diatoms, desmids, and dinoflagellates.
pigment -- any colorful compound, used by living things to absorb or block
sunlight, and in sexual displays. More info?
pillow lava -- Lava extruded beneath water characterised by pillow-type shapes.
pinnately compound -- Leaves which are divided up like a feather are said to be
pinnately compound.
pistil -- The central set of organs in a flower; it is composed of one or more carpels.
More info?
pith -- To severely damage the brain of a frog, also any central region of
parenchyma tissue within a plant stem.
pits -- Thin regions of the cell wall in xylem conducting cells. Their structure is an
important characteristic for recognizing different kinds of wood.
UCMP Glossary: P
placenta -- n. In mammals, a tissue formed within the uterus through which

nutrients are passed from the mother to the embryo (and later the fetus) and its
wastes are removed; placental- n. (adj.) A mammal whose young form a placenta as
they develop in the mothers uterus.
plankton -- n. Very small, free-floating organisms of the ocean or other aquatic
systems, including phytoplankton, which produce their own nutrients through
photosynthesis, or zooplankton, which get their nutrients from organisms.
plasma membrane -- Outer membrane of a cell, sometimes called the cell
membrane. The term plasma membrane is used more frequently when discussing
prokaryotes.
plasmid -- Circular loop of DNA in prokaryotes. Eukaryotic DNA is organized into
chromosomes.
plasmodesmata -- Cytoplasmic connections between neighboring cells in plant
tissues.
plasmogamy -- A process of fusion of the cytoplasm of two cells; the first step in
syngamy.
plastid -- Any of several pigmented cytoplasmic organelles found in plant cells and
other organisms, having various physiological functions, such as the synthesis and
storage of food.
plate -- n. Rigid parts of the Earth's crust and part of the Earth's upper mantle that
move and adjoin each other along zones of seismic activity. The theory that the
crust and part of the mantle are divided into plates that interact with each other
causing seismic and tecotnic activity is called plate tectonics.
platyspermic -- Having seeds which are flattened and disc-like. Contrast with
radiospermic.
plesiomorphy -- A primitive character state for the taxa under consideration.
pleurae -- In trilobites and other arthropods, pleurae are elongated flat outgrowths
from each body segment, that overlie and protect the appendages.
plicate -- Folded like a paper fan, as in the leaves of palms, cyclanthoids, and some
orchids.
UCMP Glossary: P
pluton -- n. Any body of igneous rock that solidified below the earths surface.
plutonic -- Applies to igneous rocks formed beneath the surface of the Earth;
typically with large crystals due to the slowness of cooling. Synonym of intrusive.
Antonym of volcanic.
polarity of characters -- The states of characters used in a cladistic analysis, either
original or derived.Original characters are those acquired by an ancestor deeper in
the phylogeny than the most recent common ancestor of the taxa under
consideration. Derived characters are those acquired by the most recent common
ancestor of the taxa under consideration.
pollen -- The microspore of seed plants.
pollen tube -- In seed plants, the extension of the male gametophyte as it emerges
from the pollen grain in search of the female gametophyte.
pollination -- Process of transferring the pollen from its place of production to the
place where the egg cell is produced. This may be accomplished by the use of wind,
water, insects, birds, bats, or other means. Pollination is usually followed by
fertilization, in which sperm are released from the pollen grain to unite with the egg
cell.
pollinator -- Animal which carries pollen from one seed plant to another,
unwittingly aiding the plant in its reproduction. Common pollinators include insects,
especially bees, butterflies, and moths, birds, and bats.
pollinia -- A mass of fused pollen produced by many orchids.
polymer -- a large molecule constructed from many smaller identical units. These
include proteins, nucleic acids, and starches.
polyphyletic -- Term applied to a group of organisms which does not include the
most recent common ancestor of those organisms; the ancestor does not possess the
character shared by members of the group. More?
pore -- Any opening into or through a tissue or body structure.
predator -- Organism which hunts and eats other organisms. This includes both
carnivores, which eat animals, and herbivores, which eat plants.
UCMP Glossary: P
prey -- Organism hunted and eaten by a predator.

primitive -- Describes a character state that is present in the common ancestor of a
clade. A primitive character state is inferred to be the original condition of that
character within the clade under consideration. For example, "presence of hair" is a
primitive character state for all mammals, whereas the "hairlessness" of whales is a
derived state for one subclade within the Mammalia.
proboscis -- Elongated organ, usually associated with the mouth. The proboscis is
an important feeding appendage in echiurans.
producer -- Any organism which brings energy into an ecosystem from inorganic
sources. Most plants and many protists are producers.
prokaryotic -- Literally "before the nucleus", the term applies to all bacteria and
archaea. Prokaryotic cells have no internal membranes or cytoskeleton. Their DNA
is circular, not linear.
protein -- class of biochemical compounds constructed from amino acids. Proteins
may be structural, such as those that make up hair and cartilage, or they may be
reactive, such as the enzymes.
proteinaceous -- describes any structure which is composed of protein.
proteoglycan -protoplasm -- All the contents of a cell, including the nucleus. (see: cytoplasm)
protostele -- When a plant's vascular tissue develops in a solid central bundle, it is
said to have a protostele. See also siphonostele and eustele.
pseudoelaters -- Moisture-sensitive cells produced in the sporangium of hornworts.
pseudoextinction -- The apparent disappearance of a taxon. In cases of
pseudoextinction, this disappearance is not due to the death of all members, but the
evolution of novel features in one or more lineages, so that the new clades are not
recognized as belonging to the paraphyletic ancestral group, whose members have
ceased to exist. The Dinosauria, if defined so as to exclude the birds, is an example
of a group that has undergone pseudoextinction.
UCMP Glossary: P
pseudopodia -- Fingerlike extensions from an amoeboid cell; literally "false feet".

pteridophyte -- Plant in which the sporophyte generation is the larger phase and in
which the gametophyte lives an existence independent of its parent sporophyte.
Pteridophytes are almost all vascular plants, and include the lycophytes,
trimerophytes, sphenophytes, and ferns.
pteridosperm -- An extinct group of seed plants which bore fern-like leaves.
punctuated equilibrium -- A model of evolution in which change occurs in
relatively rapid bursts, followed by longer periods of stasis.
pupa -- In metamorphozing insects, a stage between the larva and adult during
which the organism undergoes major developmental changes.
pycnoxylic -- Wood in which there is little or no parenchyma tissue among the
xylem is called pycnoxylic. Conifers and flowering plants have pycnoxylic wood.
Contrast with mannoxylic.
pygidium -- In trilobites, the posterior division of the body, formed by fusion of the
telson with one or more posterior pleurae.
Introduction to the Lycophyta

Club mosses and Scale trees
The lycophytes are a small and inconspicuous group of plants
today, but in the Carboniferous some lycophytes were
forest-forming trees more than 35 meters tall. Lycophytes are
the oldest extant group of vascular plants, and dominated
major habitats for 40 million years.
The club mosses (Lycopodiales) are usually evergreen, and
have been used as Christmas decorations, though their
flammable spores and increasing rarity has made this illegal in
some states. Other lycophytes, such as Selaginella, may
form extensive carpets in the understory of wet tropical forests.
The most significant feature of lycophytes are microphylls, a
kind of leaf which has arisen and evolved independently from
the leaves of other vascular plants. The microphyll has only a
single unbranched strand of vascular tissue, or vein, whereas
megaphylls, found in other plants with leaves, have multiple veins, usually branching one or more
times within the leaf.
Click on the buttons below to learn more about the Lycophyta.
The University of Wisconsin offers images of lycophytes used in their General Botany courses.
Or peruse Dr. John Clayton's article on New Zealand native plants for use in aquaria, including
Isoetes.
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Introduction to the Fungi

Of athlete's foot, champignons, and beer. . .
The Kingdom Fungi includes some of the most important organisms, both in terms of their
ecological and economic roles. By breaking down dead organic material, they continue the cycle
of nutrients through ecosystems. In addition, most vascular plants could not grow without the
symbiotic fungi, or mycorrhizae, that inhabit their roots and supply essential nutrients. Other
fungi provide numerous drugs (such as penicillin and other antibiotics), foods like mushrooms,
truffles and morels, and the bubbles in bread, champagne, and beer.
Fungi also cause a number of plant and animal diseases: in humans, ringworm, athlete's foot, and
several more serious diseases are caused by fungi. Because fungi are more chemically and
genetically similar to animals than other organisms, this makes fungal diseases very difficult to
treat. Plant diseases caused by fungi include rusts, smuts, and leaf, root, and stem rots, and may
cause severe damage to crops. However, a number of fungi, in particular the yeasts, are important
"model organisms" for studying problems in genetics and molecular biology.
Click on the buttons below to learn more about the Fungi.
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For more about fungus:

Try the Fun Facts About Fungi page at the University of Michigan or visit Mykoweb, an on-line
mushroom museum with many nice photos and links. For those with some biological training, try
the excellent home page for the Introductory Mycology course taught by Joseph Spatafora.
We don't have a large exhibit on fungi. Until we do, may we suggest that you try the images of
fungi offered by Tom Volk through the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Or consult the
extensive listings of the WWW Virtual Library of Mycology to access links to on-line mycological
information. The WWW Virtual Library Yeast Page provides links to sources of information on
yeasts, in particular to sources dealing with genetics and molecular biology.
We also maintain a list of on-line Mycological and Lichenological Collection Catalogs which you
can search for more information.
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Life History and Ecology of the Fungi
Fungi: Life History and Ecology
This photograph taken using the UCMP

Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope
Fungi exist primarily as filamentous dikaryotic organisms.

As part of their life cycle, fungi produce spores. In this electron micrograph of a mushroom gill,
the four spores produced by meiosis (seen in the center of this picture) are carried on a clublike
sporangium (visible to the left and right). From these spores, haploid hyphae grow and ramify,
and may give rise to asexual sporangia, special hyphae which produce spores without meiosis.
The sexual phase is begun when haploid hyphae from two different fungal organisms meet and
fuse. When this occurs, the cytoplasm from the two cells fuses, but the nuclei remain separate and
distinct. The single hypha produced by fusion typically has two nuclei per "cell", and is known as
a dikaryon, meaning "two nuclei". The dikaryon may live and grow for years, and some are
thought to be many centuries old. Eventually, the dikaryon forms sexual sporangia in which the
nuclei fuse into one, which then undergoes meiosis to form haploid spores, and the cycle is
repeated.
Some fungi, especially the chytrids and zygomycetes, have a life cycle more like that found in
many protists. The organism is haploid, and has no diploid phase, except for the sexual
sporangium. A number of fungi have lost the capacity for sexual reproduction, and reproduce by
asexual spores or by vegetative growth only. These fungi are referred to as Fungi Imperfecti, and
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include, among other members, the athlete's foot and the fungus in bleu cheese. Other fungi, such
as the yeasts, primarily reproduce through asexual fission, or by fragmentation -- breaking apart,
with each of the pieces growing into a new organism.
Fungi are heterotrophic.

Fungi are not able to ingest their food like animals do, nor can they manufacture their own food
the way plants do. Instead, fungi feed by absorption of nutrients from the environment around
them. They accomplish this by growing through and within the substrate on which they are
feeding. Numerous hyphae network through the wood, cheese, soil, or flesh from which they are
growing. The hyphae secrete digestive enzymes which break down the substrate, making it easier
for the fungus to absorb the nutrients which the substrate contains.
This filamentous growth means that the fungus is in intimate contact with its surroundings; it has a
very large surface area compared to its volume. While this makes diffusion of nutrients into the
hyphae easier, it also makes the fungus susceptible to dessication and ion imbalance. But usually
this is not a problem, since the fungus is growing within a moist substrate.
Most fungi are saprophytes, feeding on dead or decaying material. This helps to remove leaf litter
and other debris that would otherwise accumulate on the ground. Nutrients absorbed by the fungus
then become available for other organisms which may eat fungi. A very few fungi actively capture
prey, such as Arthrobotrys which snares nematodes on which it feeds. Many fungi are parastitic,
feeding on living organisms without killing them. Ergot, corn smut, Dutch elm disease, and
ringworm are all diseases caused by parasitic fungi.
Mycorrhizae are a symbiotic relationship between fungi and

plants.
Most plants rely on a symbiotic fungus to aid them in acquiring water and nutrients from the soil.
The specialized roots which the plants grow and the fungus which inhabits them are together
known as mycorrhizae, or "fungal roots". The fungus, with its large surface area, is able to soak
up water and nutrients over a large area and provide them to the plant. In return, the plant provides
energy-rich sugars manufactured through photosynthesis. Examples of mycorrhizal fungi include
truffles and Auricularia, the mushroom which flavors sweet-and-sour soup.
In some cases, such as the vanilla orchid and many other orchids, the young plant cannot establish
itself at all without the aid of its fungal partner. In liverworts, mosses, lycophytes, ferns, conifers,
and flowering plants, fungi form a symbiotic relationship with the plant. Because mycorrhizal
associations are found in so many plants, it is thought that they may have been an essential
element in the transition of plants onto the land.
More information on one ecologically and economically important group of fungi, the Uredinales
or rust fungi, is available through the Arthur Herbarium at Purdue University.
Introduction to the Monocots
Introduction to the Liliopsida

The Monocots
The Monocotyledonae comprise one-quarter of all flowering plant species. They include some of
the largest and most familiar groups of plants, including lilies, orchids, agaves, palms, and grasses.
Though often described as having a stereotype morphology, the monocots are actually quite
diverse, ranging from tiny duckweeds to large palms and climbing vines.
Economically, monocots are perhaps the most important organisms on earth. Our four most
important foods -- corn, rice, wheat, and barley -- all come from monocots. Bamboo and palms are
a primary source of building materials and fibers in many tropical countries. Sugar cane,
pineapples, dates, bananas, and many of our familiar tropical fruits also come from monocots.
Click on the buttons below to learn more about the Monocots.
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Introduction to the Monocots
Photo of pampas grass by Brian R. Speer; all others courtesy the Jepson Herbarium, and used with
permission.
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Asparagales
Asparagales
The Asparagales include nearly 5000 species of agaves, aloes, onions, day-lilies and related plants.
As such, they are one of the most structurally diverse groups of monocots, ranging from small
herbs to flowering Agaves that may reach more than ten meters in height. They provide us with
asparagus, onion, and garlic, as well as many garden plants, such as daffodils. Agave was of
particular importance to the Aztecs, supplying fibers for instruments and paper, as well as the
drink now called tequila.
The picture above shows some of the structural and taxonomic diversity in the Asparagales. The
plants shown are (clockwise, from upper left): Aloe saponaria growing in La Jolla, California;
Amaryllis, a common ornamental; Dracaena draco, a sizeable tree on the Canary Islands; Triteilia, a
relative of the onion; and Maianthemum dilatatum, an understory herb growing in northern
California. All pictures courtesy of the Jepson Herbarium.
Most members of the Asparagales produce a tight cluster of leaves at the base of the plant or on
top of a squat trunk; from the top of this, a long stalk develops bearing the flowers. A few
members, such as Asparagus and Solomon's seal have leaves attached along the stem.
A permineralized fossil plant called Protoyucca is known from the Miocene of northwestern
Nevada. Its vascular structure and secondary growth are not unlike those found in the Joshua tree
(Yucca brevifolia).
The Aspragales have been lumped into the Liliales since the beginning of this century, though they
share no synapomorphies with that group. They have recently been removed again, and are now
distinguished (mostly) by the presence of a layer of phytomelanin around their seeds. This
appears as a papery "sooty" black layer over the seed.
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Asparagales
For more information about the Asparagales, try the DELTA descriptions for the Agavaceae,
Alliaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Anthericaceae, Aphyllanthaceae, Asparagaceae, Asphodelaceae,
Asteliaceae, Blandfordiaceae, Calectasiaceae, Convallariaceae, Cyanastraceae, Dasypogonaceae,
Doryanthaceae, Dracaenaceae, Eriospermaceae, Hanguanaceae, Hemerocallidaceae, Herreriaceae,
Hostaceae, Hyacinthaceae, Hypoxidaceae, Ixioliriaceae, Luzuriagaceae, Nolinaceae, Philesiaceae,
Phormiaceae, Ruscaceae, Tecophilaeaceae, Velloziaceae, and the Xanthorrhoeaceae
Learn about the relationships of Agavaceae and other closely allied families. You can view images
of Agavaceae at Texas A&M Botany. They also have images of the Amaryllidaceae and
Hemerocallidaceae listed under the Liliaceae. View images of Malagasy Dracaenaceae at the
Missouri Botanical Garden
Check out the information about Yucca and other vegetation of the Eastern Mojave provided by
Tom Schweich or scan through the visitor information for Joshua Tree National Monument or try
this page for information about the Park.
Horticultural information is available from the Friends of the Dayliliy (Hemerocallis), or at The
Haworthia Page maintained by the British Cactus and Succulent Society
Sources:
R. M. T. Dahlgren and H. T. Clifford. 1982. The Monocotyledons: A comparative Study, 378 pp.
Academic Press, London and New York.
W. D. Tidwell and L. R. Parker. 1990. Protoyucca shadishii gen. et sp. nov., and arborescent
monocotyledon with secondary growth from the Middle Miocene of northwestern Nevada, USA.
Rev. Palaeobot. Palynol. 62: 79-95.
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Introduction to the Aves

The Birds
The vertebrate class Aves includes the birds, an extremely distinctive and successful clade, with an
estimated 9000 species worldwide, including the snowy owl pictured here. Although descended
from the dinosaurs, birds have evolved remarkable specializations for flight: a unique "one-way"
breathing system, light yet strong hollow bones, a skeleton in which many bones are fused or lost,
powerful flight muscles, and -- most importantly -- feathers.
Click on the buttons below to learn more about birds.

You can navigate deeper into the birds by selecting "Systematics"!
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UCMP Special Exhibit: Vertebrate

Flight
Visit our series of pages on the wonder of flight in
vertebrates, including a discussion of avian flight.
Interested in birds? There are several good ornithology sites on the Web. Check out the California
State University BioWeb listing of ornithological sites, or the list of Electronic Resources on
Ornithology. All of these have extensive lists of links to Web sites. Birding on the Web is also an
excellent site.
We also maintain our own list of On-line Ornithology Collections and Resources.
For a remarkable set of images of birds in flight, check out How Birds Fly. Serious avian
aficionados will be interested in the great multivolume reference book, The Birds of North
America.
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Chiroptera
Chiroptera
Night fliers
Small and furry, bats are the only mammals to have achieved
powered flight. Their arms are spindly, with membranes
stretched between the fingers on each hand. This arrangement
makes their wings quite different from those of birds and
pterosaurs, and in fact the bats have evolved flight quite
independently.
Most bats also differ from other flying animals in their reliance
on hearing for navigation. While birds have large eyes and keen
sight, many bats have a poor sense of vision, and must rely on
hearing sonar echos to find their way around. This might make
bats easy prey for strong fliers with keen sight, but they get
around this problem because they are nocturnal, coming out at
night, or by living in tropical forests, where the light is dim and the obstacles are many.
Despite their resemblance to rodents, bats are not closely related to mice at all. Though their exact
placement is still uncertain, there is recent evidence that they may be more closely related to the
primates. Whatever their relationships, bats are among the most successful groups of mammals:
there are nearly 1,000 species of bats around the world, making up about one quarter of all
mammal species.
Click on the buttons below to learn more about the Chiroptera.
UCMP Special Exhibit: Vertebrate

Flight
Want to learn more about flight? What do a pterosaur,
a bat, and a bird have in common? How do we know
they evolved flight independently? Find out for
yourself!
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Chiroptera
To learn much more about bats -- from their scientific names to how to keep them out of your
belfry -- visit the informative Website maintained by Bat Conservation International. Hear an
archived radio broadcast about bats, read fascinating background information, or follow bat-related
links from the Watershed Radio Website. Or try this bat conservation and information page
(maintained in Germany) for links to many more on-line sources of bat information.
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Introduction to the Trimerophytes

A number of fossil vascular plants of the Devonian
are superficially similar to the "rhyniophytes" but
show some features not found in the rhyniophytes.
These plants are grouped together in the
Trimerophytophyta, the "trimerophytes." This group
is almost certainly paraphyletic; that is, it does not
include all the descendants of a common ancestor.
Nonetheless, trimerophytes are of great evolutionary
interest, because they include fossils that are close to
the common ancestry of prominent plant taxa, such
as ferns, progymnosperms, and sphenophytes. The
trimerophytes appear to form a sort of basal group
close to the ancestry of these major taxa.
Like the rhyniophytes, trimerophytes lacked leaves
and roots; most of the plant body consisted of
branching stems that were photosynthetic throughout
their length. Vascular tissue was present, forming a
solid central bundle in the center of the stem, or protostele. However, whereas rhyniophytes
branched dichotomously -- stems always branched into two equal branches -- trimerophytes
branched pseudomonopodially, which is a way of saying that branching was unequal, forming a
main stem, or axis, with several smaller lateral branches. You can see this pattern of branching in
the picture of Psilophyton forbesii, at right. Lateral branches typically branched dichotomously,
and were often shortened to form bushy "webs" of small, closely spaced branches. Some
trimerophytes also bore enations -- small flaps of tissue lacking vascularization, and therefore not
true leaves -- on the main stems, giving them a superficially "thorny" appearance.
Like the rhyniophytes, but unlike the superficially similar zosterophylls from the same time period,
trimerophytes bore sporangia at the tips of branches. The spindle-shaped sporangia produced only
one type of spore: trimerophytes were thus homosporous. Spores released from the sporangia
would have germinated into gametophytes, but no fossil trimerophytes gametophytes have been
identified, and we do not know whether trimerophytes, like their later relatives the ferns,
sphenopsids, and seed plants, had small, inconspicuous gametophytes.
Trimerophytes varied in size from a few centimeters to nearly a meter tall; large trimerophytes
were among the largest plants of the Early Devonian. One of the meter-high trimerophytes, Pertica
quadrifaria, has attained some post-extinction fame as the state fossil of Maine. Another species in
this genus is pictured below.
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Source:
Stewart, W.N. and Rothwell, G.W. 1993. Paleobotany and the Evolution of Plants. Second
edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
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Introduction to the Sphenophyta

Yesterday's trees, today's horsetails
Three hundred million years ago, a walk through a lowland forest or swamp, or along a
riverbank or floodplain, would have revealed a great variety of trees, even though the
familiar conifers and flowering plants of today were not present. Prominent among the trees
of the time, and also common in the shrubbery, were plants in the Sphenophyta,
distinguished by their straight stems with branches or leaves arranged in regular whorls.
Some Paleozoic sphenophytes grew up to thirty meters tall (nearly 100 feet).
Today, the sphenophytes consist of only one genus, Equisetum, with about thirty living
species known worldwide. A few species, like the tropical Mexican species pictured above,
may reach ten feet in height, but most living species are small, weedy plants -- remnants of
former glory. Equisetum are known as horsetails, foxtails, or scouring rushes -- this last
name is derived from the fact that Equisetum stores granules of silica within its cells, making
it an effective tool for scrubbing pots and polishing wood. These plants are sometimes
pestiferous weeds, and are somewhat toxic to livestock, but they also have medicinal value:
Equisetum was used in traditional native American and Ukrainian medicine to stop bleeding,
and recent research has shown that Equisetum is also effective as a diuretic.
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Click on the buttons below to find out more about the Sphenophyta.
Images of living sphenophytes are available from the University of Wisconsin.
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UCMP Glossary: M
UCMP Glossary: M
S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z|
macroscopic -- Objects or organisms that are large enough to be seen with the
naked eye.
mafic -- Term used to describe the amount of dark-colored iron and magnesium
minerals in an igneous rock. Complement of felsic.
magma -- n. Molten rock generated within the Earth; forms intrusive (solidifies
below the surface) and extrusive (solidifies above the surface) igneous rocks.
magnoliid -- Any member of the basal assemblage of flowering plants.
male -- In organisms with separate sexes, the one which produces sperm.
mannoxylic -- Wood in which there is a great deal of parenchyma tissue among
the xylem is called mannoxylic. Cycads and pteridosperms have mannoxylic wood.
Contrast with pycnoxylic.
mantle -- That portion of the interior of the Earth that lies between the crust and the
core.
marine -- Refers to the ocean.
marine terrace -- n. A platform of marine deposits (typically sand, silt, gravel)
sloping gently seaward. Such a platform may be exposed along the coast, forming
cliffs, due to uplift and/or the lowering of sea level, e.g., Marine terraces of coastal
Southern California.
marl -- n. A loose, crumbly deposit consisting of clay and calcium carbonate and
formed in marine or freshwater conditions.
marsupial -- n. (adj.) A mammal whose young are born while still embryos, and
must crawl into its mothers external pouch (called the marsupium) to finish
development.
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UCMP Glossary: M
mastigoneme -- Small hair-like filaments found on the "hairy" flagellum of the

Chromista.
megaspore -- In plants which are heterosporous, the larger kind of spore is called a
megaspore; it usually germinates into a female (egg-producing) gametophyte.
Contrast with microspore.
meiosis -- A two-stage type of cell division in sexually reproducing organisms. In
meiosis, a diploid cell divides to produce four haploid cells, each with half the
original chromosome content. For this reason, meiosis is often called a "reduction
division". In organisms with a diploid life cycles, the products of meiosis are usually
called gametes. In organisms with an alternation of generations, the products of
meiosis are caled spores.
melange -- A body of rocks consisting of large blocks (mappable size) of different
rocks jumbled together with little continuity of contacts.
membrane -- Semi-fluid structure which bounds all cells, and partitions the interior
of eukaryotic cells. It consists primarily of two lipid layers, with proteins
"dissolved" in the lipids.
meristem -- Group of undifferentiated cells from which new tissues are produced.
Most plants have apical meristems which give rise to the primary tissues of plants,
and some have secondary meristems which add wood or bark.
merophytes -- Group of cells which have all been produced from the same initial
cell. Leaves and stems in particular are often built from specific patterns of
merophytes.
mesoderm -- In animals with three tissue layers (i.e. all except sponges and
cnidarians), the middle layer of tissue, between the ectoderm and the endoderm. In
vertebrates, for instance, the mesoderm forms the skeleton, muscles, heart, spleen,
and many other internal organs.
mesogloea -- Jellylike material between the outer ectoderm and the inner endoderm
of cnidarians. May be very thin or may form a thick layer (as in many jellyfish).
mesokaryotic -- Nuclear condition unique to the dinoflagellates in which the
chromosomes remain permanently condensed.
UCMP Glossary: M
metamorphic rock -- Any rock derived from other rocks by chemical,

mineralogical and structural changes resulting from pressure, temperature or
shearing stress.
metamorphism -- n. The process of altering the chemical or mineralogical
composition of a rock through different amounts of heat and pressure below the
surface of the Earth; metamorphose- v.
metamorphosis -- n. A process of developmental change whereby a larva reaches
adulthood only after a drastic change in morphology; occurs in most amphibians and
insects, for some insects, this change may include another stage (pupa) before the
adult stage; metamorphose- v.
microfossil -- n. A very small fossil, best studied with the aid of a microscope, e.g.
foraminifera, radiolarians, and small vertebrate fossils such as teeth. macrofossil
ant.
microphyll -- A kind of leaf, specifically one which has a single, unbranched vein
in it. Microphylls are only found in the lycophytes.
microscopic -- Objects or organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked
eye.
microspore -- In plants which are heterosporous, the smaller kind of spore is
called a microspore; it usually germinates into a male (sperm-producing)
gametophyte. Contrast with megaspore.
microtubules -- Type of filament in eukaryotic cells composed of units of the
protein tubulin. Among other functions, it is the primary structural component of the
eukaryotic flagellum.
microvilli -- Thin fingerlike protrusions from the surface of a cell, often used to
increase absorptive capacity or to trap food particles. The "collar" of
choanoflagellates is actually composed of closely spaced microvilli.
mid-oceanic ridges -- Elongated rises on the ocean floor where basalt periodically
erupts, forming new oceanic crust; similar to continental rift zones.
mineralization -- The process of replacing any organisms original material with a
mineral.
UCMP Glossary: M
mitochondrion -- Complex organelle found in most eukaryotes; believed to be

descended from free-living bacteria that established a symbiotic relationship with a
primitive eukaryote. Mitochondria are the site of most of the energy production in
most eukaryotes; they require oxygen to function. See: double membrane.
mitosis -- The process of nuclear division in eukaryotes. It is one step in
cytokinesis, or cellular division. MORE ?.
molds -- Fossils formed when the sediment surrounding a buried organism hardens.
When the organism decays, its impression is left in the rock and can be seen if the
rock is broken open.
monophyletic -- Term applied to a group of organisms which includes the most
most recent common ancestor. A monophyletic group is called a clade. More?
monsoonal -- adj. Describes a climate pattern with a wind system that changes
direction with the seasons; this pattern is dominant over the Arabian Sea and
Southeast Asia.
moraine -- n. A mound or ridge of sediment deposited by a glacier; lateral
moraine- n. deposited to the side of a glacier; terminal moraine- n. deposited to
the front of a glacier; ground moraine- n. deposited on the land surface.
morphology -- n. The form and structure of anything, usually applied to the shapes,
parts, and arrangement of features in living and fossil organisms.
motile -- Able to move oneself about, capable of self-locomotion.
mouth -- Front opening of the digestive tract, into which food is taken for digestion.
In flatworms, the mouth is the only opening into the digestive cavity, and is located
on the "belly" of the worm.
MTOC -- (microtubule organizing center) MTOCs are bundles of protein tubes
which may be found at the base of a eukaryotic flagellum. In animals, they also
function in creating the arrays of microtubules that pull the chromosomes apart
during mitosis.
mucus -- Sticky secretion used variously for locomotion, lubication, or protection
from foreign particles.
UCMP Glossary: M
multicellular -- Any organism which is composed of many cells is termed

multicellular.
muscle -- Bundle of contractile cells which allow animals to move. Muscles must
act against a skeleton to effect movement.
mycorrhizae -- Symbiotic association between a fungus and the roots or rhizoids of
a plant. More info?
myotome -- Segment of the body formed by a region of muscle. The myotomes are
an important feature for recognizing early chordates.
UCMP Glossary: C
UCMP Glossary: C
S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z|
calcareous -- adj. Term used to describe a structure, secreted by an organism, that
consists of or contains calcium carbonate (CaCO3), e.g., the shell of a bivalve.
calcite -- A common crystalline form of natural calcium carbonate, CaCO3, that is
the basic constituent of limestone, marble, and chalk. Also called calcspar.
calcium carbonate -- a "salt" used by many marine invertebrates, such as corals
and echinoderms, and by protists, such as coccolithophorids, to construct their
exoskeletons.
caldera -- n. A large circular volcanic depression, often originating due to collapse.
canopy -- Layer of vegetation elevated above the ground, usually of tree braches
and epiphytes. In tropical forests, the canopy may be more than 100 feet above the
ground.
capsid -- The protein "shell" of a free virus particle.
carbohydrates -- class of biochemical compounds which includes sugars, starch,
chitin, and steroids.
carbon film -- Thin layer of carbon remains of past life found in sedimentary rocks.
carbonate -- n. (adj.) A mineral composed mainly of calcium (Ca) and carbonate
(CO3) ions, may also include magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe) and others; n. rock or
sediments derived from debris of organic materials composed mainly of calcium
and carbonate (e.g., shells, corals, etc.) or from the inorganic precipitation of
calcium (and other ions) and carbonate from solution (seawater). For example,
limestone or dolomite. carbonate platform n. A broad (100s of meters), flat,
shallow submarine expanse of carbonate rock, more common in the early-middle
Paleozoic. carbonate bank n. A narrow (10s of meters), fairly flat, shallow,
submarine plateau of carbonate rock, more common from the middle-late Paleozoic
to the present, e.g., the Bahama Banks.
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UCMP Glossary: C
carnivore -- Literally, an organism that eats meat. Most carnivores are animals, but
a few fungi, plants, and protists are as well.
carpel -- A unit of the pistil; it is evolutionarily a modified leaf.
casts -- Fossils formed when water containing minerals leaks into a mold. The
minerals harden to form a copy of the original structure or organism.
cataphyll -- In cycads, a scale-like modified leaf which protects the developing true
leaves.
Cathaysian terranes -- n. A set of small landmasses that developed in tropical to
subtropical latitudes on the eastern side of Pangea during the Permian and Triassic,
includes modern North China (Sino-Korea), South China (Yangtze), Eastern
Qiangtang, Tarim, and Indochina.
cell -- Fundamental structural unit of all life. The cell consists primarily of an outer
plasma membrane, which separates it from the environment; the genetic material
(DNA), which encodes heritable information for the maintainance of life; and the
cytoplasm, a heterogeneous assemblage of ions, molecules, and fluid.
cell cycle -- Complete sequence of steps which must be performed by a cell in order
to replicate itself, as seen from mitotic event to mitotic event. Most of the cycle
consists of a growth period in which the cell takes on mass and replicates its DNA.
Arrest of the cell cycle is an important feature in the reproduction of many
organisms, including humans.
cell membrane -- The outer membrane of a cell, which separates it from the
environment. Also called a plasma membrane or plasmalemma.
cell wall -- Rigid structure deposited outside the cell membrane. Plants are known
for their cell walls of cellulose, as are the green algae and certain protists, while
fungi have cell walls of chitin.
cellulose -- carbohydrate polymer of the simple sugar glucose. It is found in the cell
walls of plants and green algae, as well as dinoflagellates. Cellulose is the most
abundant compound on earth that is manufactured by living things.
cephalon -- In trilobites, the head shield bearing the eyes, antennae, and mouth.
More info?
UCMP Glossary: C
chaetae -- Stiff bristles characteristic of annelids.

chalk -- A soft compact calcite, CaCO3, with varying amounts of silica, quartz,
feldspar, or other mineral impurities, generally gray-white or yellow-white and
derived chiefly from fossil seashells.
character -- Heritable trait possessed by an organism; characters are usually
described in terms of their states, for example: "hair present" vs. "hair absent,"
where "hair" is the character, and "present" and "absent" are its states.
chela -- The claw of an arthropod.
chelicera -- The first pair of appendages of a chelicerate arthropod. Originally a
short clawed appendage, the chelicerae of many arachnids are highly modified for
feeding; in spiders, for instance, they are modified into poisonous fangs.
chert -- Hard, dense sedimentary rock, composed of interlocking quartz crystals and
possibly amorphous silica (opal). The origin of the silica is normally biological,
from diatoms, radiolaria or sponge spicules. Synonymous with flint.
chitin -- n. A carbohydrate polymer found in the cell walls of fungi and in the
exoskeletons of arthropods, which provides strength for support and protection;
chitinous- adj.
chlorophyll -- n. The green-colored pigment that absorbs light during
photosynthesis, often found in plants, algae, and some bacteria; it includes a
porphyrin ring, and often has a long hydrophobic tail. More info?
chloroplast -- A chlorophyll-containing plastid found in algal and green plant cells.
chordate -- n. An animal with a notochord (a cartilaginous rod that extends the
length of the body), dorsal hollow nerve cord (a fluid-filled tube that runs the length
of the body), gill slits or pouches, and a tail at some stage in its life cycle.
chromosome -- Linear piece of eukaryotic DNA, often bound by specialized
proteins known as histones.
UCMP Glossary: C
Cimmerian terranes -- n. An archipelago of small landmasses that developed in

tropical and subtropical latitudes on the eastern side of Pangea during the Triassic,
blocks that comprised it include modern Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Tibet, and
Malaysia; also called Cimmeria.
clade -- A monophyletic taxon; a group of organisms which includes the most
most recent common ancestor. From the Greek word "klados", meaning branch or
twig.
cladogenesis -- The development of a new clade; the splitting of a single lineage
into two distinct lineages; speciation.
cladogram -- A diagram, resulting from a cladistic analysis, which depicts a
hypothetical branching sequence of lineages leading to the taxa under consideration.
The points of branching within a cladogram are called nodes. All taxa occur at the
endpoints of the cladogram.
clast -- n. An individual grain or constituent of a rock; clastic- adj. Describes a rock
or sediment composed mainly of fragments of preexisting rocks or minerals that
have been transported some distance from their place of origin, e.g., sandstone,
shale.
clitellum -- In annelids, a swelling of the body towards the head of the animal,
where the gonads are located. Both oligochaetes and leeches have a clitellum.
clone -- An identical copy of an organism. Most plants, fungi, algae, and many other
organisms naturally reproduce by making clones of themselves as a form of asexual
reproduction.
cnidocyst -- The "stinging cell" of a cnidarian.
coelom -- Fluid-filled cavity within the body of an animal; usually refers to a cavity
lined with specialized tissue peritoneum in which the gut is suspended. The
structure and development of the coelom is an important character for recognizing
major groups of animals.
coenocytic -- Condition in which an organism consists of filamentous cells with
large central vacuoles, and whose nuclei are not partitioned into separate
compartments. The result is a long tube containing many nuclei, with all the
cytoplasm at the periphery.
UCMP Glossary: C
collagen -- long proteins whose structure is wound into a triple helix. The resulting
fibers have a high tensile strength. Collagen is a primary component of mammalian
hair.
colonial -- Condition in which many unicellular organisms live together in a
somewhat coordinated group. Unlike true multicellular organisms, the individual
cells retain their separate identities, and usually, their own membranes and cell
walls.
columella -- A small column of tissue which runs up through the center of a spore
capsule. It is present in hornworts, mosses, and some rhyniophytes.
compactions -- Fossils that have undergone some degree of flattening of their
three-dimensional structure.
compound eye -- Found in many but not all arthropods, a compound eye is
composed of a large number of small, closely packed simple eyes (ommatidia),
each with its own lens and nerve receptors.
compound leaves -- n. Leaves with two or more leaflets attached to a single leaf
stem.
compression -- Fossil formed when an organism is flattened (compressed) and a
thin film of organic material from its body is left in the rock.
concretion -- n. A hard, rounded mass, commonly of silica, calcite, dolomite, iron
oxide, pyrite, or gypsum, that formed within a rock from the precipitation of these
minerals around a nucleus, such as a leaf, bone, shell, or fossil, and ranging in
diameter from centimeters to meters.
conglomerate -- A coarse-grained sedimentary rock, with clasts larger than 2 mm.
Congo craton -- n. A separate continental plate that rifted from the supercontinent
Rodinia in the Late Precambrian; contained a large part of north-central Africa.
consumer -- Any organism which must consume other organisms (living or dead) to
satisfy its energy needs. Contrast with autotroph.
continental crust -- The Earth's crust that includes both the continents and the
continental shelves.
UCMP Glossary: C
continental margin -- n. The ocean floor from the shore of continents to the abyssal
plain.
continental rise -- n. Part of the continental margin; the ocean floor from the
continental slope to the abyssal plain. The continental rise generally has a gentle
slope and smooth topography.
continental shelf -- n. The part of the continental margin from the coastal shore to
the continental slope; usually extending to a depth of about 200 meters and with a
very slight slope, roughly 0.1 degrees; includes conetinental and oceanic sediments
down to the ocean floor.
continental slope -- n. Part of the continental margin; the ocean floor from the
continental shelf to the continental rise or oceanic trench. Usually to a depth of
about 200 meters. The continental slope typically has a relatively steep grade, from
3 to 6 degrees.
contractile vacuole -- In many protists, a specialized vacuole with associated
channels designed to collect excess water in the cell. Microtubules periodically
contract to force this excess water out of the cell, regulating the cell's osmotic
balance.
convergence -- Similarities which have arisen independently in two or more
organisms that are not closely related. Contrast with homology.
copal -- Brittle aromatic yellow to red resins of recent or fossil origin, obtained
from tropical trees.
coprolites -- Fossilized feces.
core -- That portion of the interior of the Earth that lies beneath the mantle, and
goes all of the way to the center. The Earth's core is very dense, rich in iron and the
source of the magnetic field.
cotyledon -- n. The "seed leaves" produced by the embryo of a seed plant that serve
to absorb nutrients packaged in the seed, until the seedling is able to produce its first
true leaves and begin photosynthesis; the number of cotyledons is a key feature for
the identification of the two major groups of flowering plants.
craton -- n. A part of the Earth's crust that has attained stability and has been little
deformed for a long period of time, refers only to continents; cratonic- adj.
UCMP Glossary: C
Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway -- n. The epicontinental sea that formed as

marine waters from the north spread over North America from around 130 to 70
million years ago (Ma), at its peak in the Middle Cretaceous (~ 90 Ma) it extended
from present-day Utah to the Appalachians and from the Arctic to the Gulf of
Mexico; also refered to as the Western Interior Seaway
cross-bedding -- (n) The arrangement of sedimentary beds tilted at different angles
to each other, indicating that the beds were deposited by flowing wind or water.
crown group -- All the taxa descended from a major cladogenesis event, recognized
by possessing the clade's synapomorphy. See: stem group.
crust -- n. The outermost layer of the Earth, varying in thickness from about 10
kilometers (6 miles) below the oceans, to 65 kilometers (about 40 miles) below the
continents; represents less than 1 percent of the Earth's volume.
cuticle -- 1) In animals, a multilayered, extracellular, external body covering,
usually composed of fibrous molecules such as chitin or collagen, and sometimes
strengthened by the deposition of minerals such as calcium carbonate. 2) A waxy
layer which seals the outer surface of land plants, helping to retain moisture.
cyst -- n. A small, capsule-like sac that encloses an organism in its resting or larval
stage, e.g., a resting spore of an alga.
cytoplasm -- All the contents of a cell, including the plasma membrane,but not
including the nucleus.
cytoskeleton -- Integrated system of molecules within eukaryotic cells which
provides them with shape, internal spatial organization, motility, and may assist in
communication with other cells and the environment. Red blood cells, for instance,
would be spherical instead of flat if it were not for their cytoskeleton.
Systematics of the "Green Algae", Part 2
"Green Algae": Systematics, Part 2

The Charophytes
Charophytes are well known to students of biology. Spirogyra, stoneworts, and desmids are all
members of this fresh-water group of "green algae". The charophytes have gained even more
attention recently because they are now known to be the most closely related group of organisms to
the Plantae. The charophytes are in fact paraphyletic with respect to the Plantae -- some members
of the group are more closely related to the plants than to the other charophytes, though there is still
considerable debate as to the exact relationships among the various members.
Unlike the other green algae, the charophytes share with plants the phragmoplast method of cell
division, and the asymmetric arrangement of their sperm flagella. This latter character is only
observable in the Charales and Coleochaetales, since members of the remaining orders do not
produce flagellated gametes as part of their life cycle.
Visit the Tree of Life for more information about the relationships of the charophytes to each other,
and to the plants.
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/greenalgae/charophyta/charophyta.html (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:32:40 PM]
Systematics of the "Green Algae", Part 2
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More on Morphology of the Plantae
Plantae: More on Morphology

CLICK HERE FOR A TABLE comparing the gametophytes and sporophytes of the
major extant divisions. The table is linked to each of the divisions pictured.
Plant cells have a cell wall, large central vacuole, and

plasmodesmata.
Like other eukaryotes, plants have a nucleus, plasma
membrane, mitochondria, and other organelles, but plant
cells differ from animal, fungal, and protist cells in a
number of important ways. The most obvious difference is
the presence of a cell wall which surrounds each cell. It is
composed primarily of cellulose, a complex carbohydrate
made from glucose. Cellulose provides structural support
while remaining flexible; flower petals, for instance, are
flexible but will snap if folded too far.
When plant cells divide, they must form a new cell wall
between them, and this is accomplished by the formation of
a phragmoplast, a system of microtubules oriented along
the axis of cell division which helps to guide the deposition
of cellulose. This is also an important difference from the
"green algae", which produce a phycoplast during mitosis,
in which the microtubules lie perpendicular to the axis of
division. Only plants and charophytes divide their cells with the aid of a phragmoplast.
Neighboring cells in plants are connected across their cell walls by extensions of the cells through
pores called plasmodesmata. A plasmodesma allows cells to transfer nutrients, water, and some
other diffusible materials without having to pass them across membranes or other barriers. They
are also important for understanding how diseases spread through the tissues of a plant.
At maturity, most plant cells are filled with a single large vacuole, such that the nucleus, plastids,
and other organelles are all close to the cell membrane. This can be seen in the picture at right. At
the far right is the nearly transparent nucleus, and clusters of plastids can be seen toward the
bottom and left. Those plastids which appear to be in the "middle" of the cell are actually at the
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/plants/plantaemm.html (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:32:40 PM]
More on Morphology of the Plantae
periphery; remember that there is a cell wall toward you, and a wall on the far side of the cell, with
the vacuole filling most of the space in between.
The vacuole is a membrane-bound bag of fluid, containing ions, stored nutrients, and waste
materials. The storage of waste materials is a very important function of the vacuole, since plants
cannot excrete their wastes the way animals do. The vacuole also assists the cell in maintaining
turgor pressure. The high concentration of materials in the vacuole causes water to diffuse into
the cell, increasing its volume. Because of the cell wall, however, the amount of space into which
the cell can expand is limited. The cell thus exerts outward pressure on its cell wall, and when all
cells are maintaining this pressure, the plant gains rigidity. You can notice this by comparing crisp
fresh celery with celery that has sat around and grown limp. The old celery has lost fluids, and is
no longer rigid.
Plastids manufacture food through photosynthesis.

Plastids are perhaps the most important feature of plants, that is, from the perspective of animals
that live on land. The plastid is an organelle which contains chlorophyll. The chlorophyll captures
the energy of light, and makes it accessible to the plant for photosynthesis. This provides the
energy plants use to manufacture sugars, which are then used as a fuel source for continued
growth. The sugars are often linked together for easy storage into a complex carbohydrate called
starch. Without these sugars and starch, life on land as we know it would be impossible, for there
would be practically no food -- no grains, no fruits, no vegetables. Another useful by-product of
photosynthesis is oxygen, though plants are not the most important producers of this gas. Most of
our oxygen comes from phytoplankton in the earth's oceans.
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Allen Collins began this glossary project that seeks to provide basic information related to
Paleobiology during May and June of 1995.
Brian Speer added pages on biochemical and cellular terms used on this server, 18 July and 27
July 1995.
Ben Waggoner expanded the cellular and zoological pages on 13 August 1995.
Ben Waggoner and Brian Speer created the infrastructural pages on 10 August 1995.
Rob did some minor editing, and added some text.
Brian Speer added the ecology volume on 18 October 1995.
Ben Waggoner and Brian Speer added the zoology volume on 26 November 1995.
Allen Collins added the geology volume on December 6, 1995.
Brian Speer added the botany volume on 12 February 1996.
Brian Speer added the life history volume on 27 September 1998.
Colleen Whitney converted the glossary to update dynamically from a database (September,
2003).
Sarah Rieboldt added the Paleogeography glossary, and added and updated numerous terms in
other sections of the glossary (October 2003).
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/augloss.html [5/10/2004 3:32:41 PM]
Copyright Statement
Copyright Statement
Copyright 19942004 by the Regents of the University of California, all rights reserved.
All materials appearing on the UCMP Web Servers (WWW.UCMP.BERKELEY.EDU and
ANNIE.UCMP.BERKELEY.EDU) may not be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without
prior written permission of the publisher and in no case for profit.
Contact the UCMP Webmaster to inquire about use of these materials.
Home | What's new | About UCMP | History of life | Fossil collections | Other resources
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/copyright.html [5/10/2004 3:32:41 PM]
UCMP Help Page
To get help in finding your way around, or to understand the mechanics of our server,
select from any of the statements below. Clicking on one of these statements will take
you to some hints and links to help you. If you have never visited our site before, you
may want to see our page for first-time visitors.
Help! I'm lost!

Take me to the UCMP Home Page.
Show me how to navigate.
I can't find it!

How do I look for something on the server?
Please explain the exhibit layout and format.
Just take me to the dinosaurs, the sharks, or to the pages about the
world's biomes.
How does it work?

What is that blue "Web Lift" bar at the bottom of the screen?
Please explain the exhibit layout.
I found a problem.
I need to contact the webmaster.
I found a link that doesn't work.
Home | What's new | About UCMP | History of life | Collections | Other resources
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/help/help.html [5/10/2004 3:32:45 PM]
Lost in the Woods
Lost in the Woods

The Child Survival section
This Child Survival program is presented to students, cubs, guides, parents
and interest groups across North America. It is not a "Hug a Tree" program. It
goes into more detail and adds more Rules for Survival. The presentation is
about one hour and thirty minutes. The maximum group size is about one
hundred and twenty (or whatever the instructor can handle). The film, "Lost in
the Woods" by Barry Casson, is shown as part of the presentation.
Experiments taken from the book, "Lost in the Woods" by Colleen Politano,
are done during each session.
The Instructor package is available from SARBC. Please see below for a link.
Discussing Feelings
Child's survival Kit
The 9 Rules for survival
Instructor Kit
From Ken Hill
Children's Woodsproofing
The Lost in the Woods program is available three ways:
Requesting an Instructor (Victoria Area)
Purchasing the Video and Instructors Kit
Borrowing the video and Instructors Kit (BC Only)
To request an Instructor please use this form. Instructors provided by SARBC are available in the
Greater Victoria Area.
To purchase the Video and Instructors Kit, please use this form. We now accept credit cards, or you
may order by sending a cheque to SARBC.
To borrow the video and Instructors Kit, please use this form. Kits are available on a first come,
first serve basis and presently are limited in quantity.
http://www.islandnet.com/sarbc/litw.html [5/10/2004 3:33:04 PM]
Search and Rescue Society of British Columbia - SARBC
No Javascript SARBC Site
http://www.islandnet.com/sarbc/index.html [5/10/2004 3:33:05 PM]
Meat and Potatoes
Meat and Potatoes

SEARCH MANAGEMENT
Quick Reference Math
Computer Programs
Behaviour Characteristics
Speed Tables
Statistics
Incident Command System
Incident Management
Probability of Location
SEARCH
Map and Compass
Navigation
Night Vision
SAR Dogs
Search Dog Handbooks
SAR Logbook
Tracker Logbook
SAR Pocket Cards
RESCUE
Rope Rescue
Urban SAR - Heavy
Urban SAR - Lite
COMMUNICATIONS
Communications
INFORMATION
Critical Incident Stress
Elementary School Preplan
Hypothermia
Liability Info
RCMP Role - SAR
Alaska Protocols
Techniques of Instruction
Ken Hill's Page
http://www.islandnet.com/sarbc/indexl.html (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:33:07 PM]
Meat and Potatoes
http://www.islandnet.com/sarbc/indexl.html (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:33:07 PM]
MCD Planning Resources - Hosting Services, Web Design, Data Sanitizing, Data Recovery, PC Security and Consultancy
Hosting Services
Total Management Hosting Services
Domain registration, account setup and hosting, manage your web
site. Basic web site design is optional.
Regular updates (for specials or promos) available at a small extra
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Starter package pricing is based on 1GB bandwidth monthly and
10MB disk space.
PC Security is a special area of interest. We can help! Computer

security, data security and data erasure services are available.
If your computer no longer responds as it once did, or, you are
experiencing crashes, you may have viruses, spyware, trojans or
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We are pleased to offer Web Design services for local or distance
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Web Site Design | Company Profile | Consultancy | HD Sanitizing | Data Recovery

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Please note that HTML email is automatically deleted due to spam.
Spammers: No email address on this site has ever been used on any list. You will be
charged $500.00 for each spam email.
Revised: May 21, 2003.
http://www.mcdpri.com/mcdpri/ [5/10/2004 3:33:12 PM]
SARBC - Lost in the Woods - Child Survival - Discussing Feelings
Lost in the Woods - Child Survival K-7

Discussing Feelings
SARBC
Discussing Feelings
Because children have fears, which can be more intense than those of an adult, they are discussed by the
instructor during the Child Survival lecture. The following words are addressed to the students, and elaborated.
Talking about FEELINGS, and knowing how to deal with them, is very important.
Nobody likes being scared or frightened.
Help yourself keep calm by singing, whistling or even telling yourself jokes or stories. Do anything it takes to
make yourself feel better. Try using your imagination to pretend you are somewhere else that you really enjoy.
You usually do not have to worry about wild animals. They do not like to be near people. If they hear or smell
you, they will usually run away.
A good rule is Answer a Noise with a Noise. If you hear a noise in the woods, make a noise back. If it is an
animal it will run away, if it is a searcher then you will be found.
The fear of dark can be easily overcome by memorizing your surroundings during daylight so that you can see
with your memory when it gets dark. Nothing changes just because it gets dark. Try practicing in your bedroom.
There is no punishment for being lost and yet children have been known to hide or run away from searchers in
fear of punishment. Children should not have any fear of returning home. Mom and Dad, or whoever is looking
after you are going to be very happy to see you again. There will be NO punishment.
There are Friendly strangers who will help you when needed. Some of these are police officers, fire fighters,
ambulance personnel and Search and Rescue teams. Generally, these Friendly strangers always work in groups.
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SARBC - Lost in the Woods - Child Survival Kit
Lost in the Woods - Child Survival Kit

SARBC
Lost in the Woods - Child Survival Kit
During the presentation of this Child Survival lecture, the instructor would show the students each item and how
it is made. For instance the reflector is tin foil pasted to cardboard (no sharp edges), and, the right and safe way to
tear a face hole in the bright orange garbage bag is demonstrated.
Make an Emergency Survival Kit (and practice using it):
1. A Zip Lock sandwich bag for the container (also used as a cup for drinking water)
2. A snack of high energy trail mix (contained in its own zip lock bag)
3. A whistle used for calling for help (three short blasts)
4. A signal flag approximately 10cm by 100cm (cut from orange plastic garbage bag)
5. A reflector for sending signals (use soft, flexible material)
6. A large, bright color garbage bag used as poncho (pre-tear slit for face opening - Do not "cut" hole)
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SARBC - Lost in the Woods - Instructor Kit
Lost in the Woods

Instructor Kit
SARBC
Lost in the Woods - Instructor Kit
The Lost in the Woods Child Survival presentation Instructor kit includes:
1. Video - Lost in the Woods, 24 minutes, by Barry Casson
2. Video - Lost in the Woods Instructor teaching a group of students, 1 hour 20 minutes
This video is to give an Instructor some ideas about presenting the material.
3. Book - Lost in the Woods by Colleen Politano
4. Handout - Illustrated 9 Rules, suitable for copying
5. Handout - Canadian EPC pamphlet, substitute FEMA pamphlet to suit
6. Certificate - Sample, change and copy to suit
7. Overview of the presentation for Instructors
Note: Every child should receive the illustrated 9 Rules handout, the others are optional.
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SARBC - Children's Woodsproofing
SARBC
Copyright 1996
Kenneth A. Hill, PhD
Training Officer (External)
Waverley Ground Search and Rescue
Nova Scotia, Canada
October, 1987
Objectives
The Woodsproofing concept arose primarily out of concern for the survival of children who become
lost, particularly those who defeat the efforts of search teams through mobility, and fail to take the
simplest precautions against hypothermia.
Through the program, members of the Woodsproofing Committee of Waverley Ground Search and
Rescue hope,
1. to provide a large number of children, especially younger children, with basic information
about how they should react if they become lost;
2. to provide parents and other adults with information about prevention; and,
3. through exposure and interaction with children, encouraging their trust in members of ground
search teams, who would no longer be regarded as "strangers".
Disclaimer
The term "woodsproofing" is a misnomer, as it suggests there is some assurance that children will
actually use the information they receive from the program, and that the information, even if it is
used, is guaranteed to save them in all possible situations.
We can make no such guarantees.
We employ the term as a convenience, for communicating to the public (who are already familar
with the term "streetproofing"), and because of its conventional usage to denote similar programs
elsewhere.
The program we provide is aimed at teaching several basic principles to children (and their parents)
that will help ground search teams find the most children in the shortest amount of time and with the
least amount of discomfort to the lost child. Nevertheless, suggestions for a more accurate label are
welcome.
Methods
Overview.
As presently constituted, the Woodsproofing program is aimed primarily at boys and girls between
five and ten years of age, and their parents.
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Though the specifics of individual sessions may vary, the overall structure of the program is the
same:
1. children and their parents are shown the film entitled "Lost in the Woods" (see Appendix),
2. parents and other adults are separated from the children, and the two groups are spoken to by
team members who specialize in these respective tasks, and
3. the groups are subsequently reunited for some less formal activity, such as a demonstration by
the team's dog handler, followed by informal interaction between team members and the
audience.
Parent participation.
Involvement of the parents in the Woodsproofing session is considered important for two reasons:
1. it is felt that the concept of prevention would be more fruitfully discussed with the parents
than their children, and
2. the ability of the child to use woodsproofing skills may depend on how they believe the parent
will respond to their being lost.
Regarding the latter point, a child who expects his parents to be angry may be reluctant to remain put
and wait for searchers to find him; rather, he may fearfully thrash through the woods in the hope of
finding his way out as soon as possible.
Consequently, during the woodsproofing session, parents are asked to clearly communicate the
message to their child that they will not react punitively should the child become lost.
In addition, participation by the parents in the child's woodsproofing should enhance the child's
involvement in the session and the perceived significance of the lessons being taught.
Preparation.
Some preparation is necessary before the session is to begin.
First, there should be one WGSR person in charge, who is responsible for scheduling the event,
recruiting sufficient WGSR people to attend the session, bringing the film, projector, extra reel,
extension cord, screen, and books, and generally overseeing the events of the session.
A minimum of two WGSR people are required to present a woodsproofing session, so long as the
size of the group of children is small (about 15 or fewer). One person will address the children, the
other will speak to the adults.
However, the session will be more successful if additional team members are also present, preferably
dressed in orange coveralls, backpacks, and gear (e.g., radios). The sight of WGSR people in full
search attire tends to facilitate interaction between team members and the audience, and provides the
child with an opportunity to see what a seacher looks like, should they ever become lost.
Introduction and film presentation.
When ready to begin the session, the team member in charge should stand before the group and
introduce him/herself to the audience. In a sentence or two, he or she will briefly describe the
scheduled events, i.e., that a film will be presented, and that afterwards we would like to speak with
the children and adults separately, because we have different things to talk to them about.
At that point, the children are asked to come to the front of the room and sit on the floor before the
screen. No child over five should be allowed to stay back with his or her parent, if it can be avoided.
The film tends to build feelings of tension and parental concern; parents who are observed watching
the film with their children typically spend considerable time consoling the child nonverbally, such
as holding and patting.
We want to delay the release of this parental concern in order to maximize the parent's motivation to
cooperate with our suggestions about prevention (described below).
Post-film discussion: the children.
The children should be addressed by someone who feels comfortable with an audience of this age
range and is able to establish rapport.
The speaker should either crouch or sit on a chair with the children huddled on the floor around him.
The children's attention should be captured and maintained as much as possible, without becoming
heavyhanded or "bossy."
One useful approach is to insist (in a friendly way) that the children raise their hands when they want
to answer a question ("just like in school").
This also provides the advantage of calling on the more reticient, shyer children for their input as
well (even the ones who don't raise their hands), before answers can be blurted out by the more
gregarious children.
The speaker can begin the session by introducing himself and any other WGSR people there.
The objective for this part of the discussion is to ensure, through repetition, that the children
remember four basic points made in the film:
1. to stay in an open place,
2. to stay warm by buttoning up your coat,
3. to cover your head, and
4. to build a survival bed of leaves and tree boughs.
Additional points about not eating strange berries or hugging a tree are optional and up to the
discretion of the speaker; however, it should be noted that the more one tries to teach the younger
children under these circumstances the less they will remember.
After making the statement about raising hands, the speaker can ask the children, "What happened to
Calvin?" (the boy in the film).
After the children answer (usually emphatically) that Calvin "got lost," the speaker can ask how this
happened.
The children typically respond with the fact that he was following a deer.
You can elaborate this with something like, "That's right! He was following a deer and not paying
attention to where he was going." (Always reward the children's responses; there are no "wrong"
answers.)
It is best to emphasize throughout the discussion that Calvin reacted intelligently to his predicament.
He did "all the right things," because he was a "smart kid" (a comment one searcher actually makes
in the film).
This will highlight the fact that he is someone to emulate and to learn from.
The speaker can ask, "What was the first 'right thing' that Calvin did, once he realized he was lost?"
The correct answer is that he stayed in an open place, rather than continuing to try to find his way
out of the woods.
The second 'right thing' is that he buttoned up his jacket to stay warm; the third is that he covered his
head with his hood; and the fourth is that he built a survival bed to provide further protection from
the elements.
Calvin was scared, but he kept cool; he remembered all the things to do that he had been told about.
Repetition is necessary if the children are going to remember the four points under conditions of high
stress and anxiety - that is, should they become lost themselves.
Each time an additional "right thing" is introduced, previous points should be repeated. Use the same
wording each time, and get the children to recite along with you as you go through the list of "right
things."
Pretend you can't remember them yourself, children will enjoy the game of reminding you what all
the right things are.
Repeat the list until you're sure they'll remember it, then go through it once again. It's better to err on
the side of overkill.
At this point, you can change the focus of the discussion from the film to the children themselves.
Ask if any of them have ever been lost. Some hands may go up rather tentatively, and you might
hear some tall tales about being lost in the woods under harrowing conditions much worse than
Calvin's.
Frequently, though, no one raises their hand.
Now ask if anyone has ever been lost in the shopping centre or the supermarket and you'll get a more
positive response.
Then ask those children what they did when they got lost. Almost always, they will answer that they
told "someone who works there."
Repeat this phrasing to the children. The point you want to get across is that, when you are lost,
some strangers are safe to approach for help.
One hurdle for a successful Woodsproofing session is to overcome the typical warning not to speak
to strangers, and certainly not to follow them anywhere.
The point of using the shopping centre example, which many children are familiar with, is that you
can get around this hurdle by using an exception that the children are already aware of, rather than
trying to introduce a new exception.
Thus, when a child is lost in the woods, search and rescue people are safe (despite the fact they are
strangers) because "they work there" (in the woods, looking for lost people).
A third and final objective for the discussion with the children is to talk about how their parents will
react if they should indeed happen to get lost in the woods.
Begin this discussion by asking the question, "How do you think your Mom and Dad will feel if you
become lost, and you're late for supper?"
Many children have difficulty answering this question, because the phrase "late for supper" suggests
parental anger and punishment. Some will answer that their parents would be "sad," and you should
reward these answers enthusiastically.
Elaborate on this with phrases like "terribly worried," or "scared to death," emphasizing that anger
would be the farthest thing from the parent's mind.
Finally, add the statement that, "When (not 'if') you're found, your Mom and Dad would be very
happy to see you, and probably give you a big hug."
Among children's worst fears is abandonment by the parents, the withdrawal of love and concern.
For example, a not uncommon worry is that the parents will have moved away while the child is
attending school, and not a few children have emitted, at one time or another, an internal sigh of
relief to find the family car still parked in the driveway.
When a child is lost in the woods, this fear can be magnified to the dimensions of terror, making a
panic reaction all the more likely.
You can confront this fear directly by asking the question, "If you got lost, would your parents wait a
few days for you to come home, or what?"
You'll receive some nervous laughter, because even young children realize that this fear is irrational.
Emphasize that, in fact, parents will know that their child is lost, that they will be very worried about
them, and that they will send someone to look for them right away. That "someone," of course, is us.
Post-film discussion: the parents.
The objective for the discussion with the children's parents is prevention. There are two general areas
to be addressed.
One area refers to practical steps that parents can take to prevent their child from wandering off in
the woods and getting lost, and the second has to do with the child's attitude.
Regarding the practical steps, suggest to the parents that they purchase some brightly colored
forestry tape ("flagging"), available at many sporting goods stores and other retail outlets (e.g.,
Canadian Tire).
When the family goes camping, the parent can use the tape to mark off a clearly visible perimeter,
beyond which the child is instructed not to travel without an adult.
Families who live near wooded areas can engage in a similar activity around their homes. As the
child grows and becomes increasingly familiar with the area inside the tape, the perimeter can be
extended.
A related activity, which should be recommended, is that the parent take the child for a walk (it
could be the same time as the perimeter is being set up) and engage the child in building a survival
bed.
The child should be allowed to pick the "best spot" (an open space), and to gather sufficient boughs
and leaves to make the bed (advise the parents not to chop down any branches, as the child will not
have this advantage should he ever need to make a survival bed).
The parent can pretend to "tuck" the child into his new bed. This will likely be an enjoyable activity
and will help ensure that the child will remember this important step should they ever become lost.
This is a skills-oriented approach to prevention. An alternative approach, one which is found in
many families who live near wooded areas, is a policy of avoidance.
That is, children are instructed (usually quite ominously) not to go into the woods at all.
This policy is comparable to telling children who live by the sea not to go near the water, for fear of
drowning, rather than teaching them to swim.
Children who are kept out of the forest, through parental fears of their becoming lost, are being
deprived of an educational experience and an esthetically pleasing place to play.
What is worse, they are totally unprepared, both emotionally and practically, in the event that they
should wander into the woods anyway, despite parental admonitions.
No parent realistically expects their child to mind them 100% of the time. However, parents whose
children have received woodsproofing, and who live near wooded areas, should be less apprehensive
about the consequences of their child straying beyond the perimeter.
Other ways that parents can prepare their children for the woods include always ensuring that the
child has adequate protection from hypothermia. The point should be made that hypothermia kills
many more people in fair but wet weather than in cold weather.
There are many types of compact windbreakers and plastic sheets that fit into pouches; these can
easily be slipped into a pocket or a backpack. The low-budget version is a large, orange garbage bag,
which provides an instant portable tent (the child can poke a hole to see out).
Children should also be provided with a whistle, hanging from a lanyard around the neck, with
instructions to blow three times if they need help (and only then).
Children can also be provided with high-calorie foods, such as dried fruit or candy, a provision
which few children will object to carrying.
Unfortunately, many children will likely consume these "emergency" supplies at their first
opportunity.
As important as these skills and provisions are to the child's survival, the most important thing a
parent can do is to facilitate in their child the appropriate attitude toward being lost.
Recall that, coincidentally with the parental discussion, the children are being told that their parents
will not be angry at them if they become lost and will not punish them when they're found.
We would be irresponsible to assume that this will always be true, and to let it go at that. A major
objective of the parental discussion is to ensure that the parents understand that, if they need
someone to blame, it is the parents' fault if the child gets lost - not the child's.
Consequently, they should make sure that they communicate to their children the very points that we
make to the children during the woodsproofing session:
1. that they will not be angry at them if they become lost, and
2. that they will send people to look for them right away.
Children who are persuaded of these statements are better prepared emotionally to control their panic
and to follow the basic survival steps, especially regarding staying in one place.
In fact, parents should be instructed to communicate this message immediately upon rejoining their
children after the discussion. Almost all parents will gladly comply with this request.
Problems to avoid.
Actually, if you remember to bring all the equipment, have sufficient manpower to run the session,
and have good directions about how to find the location, there will be few problems of any
consequence. However, one area that is sometimes problematic is dealing with a group of kids
(usually boys) who have gotten out of control.
The first rule is never to allow yourself (or any other WGSR person) to be put in charge of
controlling the children (either intentionally or by default). That is, always make sure there is at least
one leader around who will stay in the vicinity of the children and will take the initiative in
controlling them if they get out of hand.
Thus, when the parents and children separate, one or two of the group leaders could be asked to stay
in the room with the children. It's a good idea to mention this request to the group leader before the
session begins.
On the other hand, if you find that unruly behaviour is a frequent problem during the children's
sessions, you might wonder whether the sessions are lasting too long, or even if your presentation of
the discussion might be the problem.
Talking to young children, especially involving them in an extended conversation, is harder than it
looks; you may be losing their interest after the first few minutes of the discussion. Try watching
someone who seems to be good at it, then have them watch you leading a discussion, with the goal
of making some constructive criticism.
Summary
The following is an outline of the central points discussed in this paper:
I. Discussion With the Children:
1. Stay in an open place.
2. Button up your coat to stay warm.
3. Cover your head.
4. Make a survival bed of leaves and tree boughs.
5. "Mess up your yard" (leave clues for searchers).
Additional points:
6. Searchers are "safe" strangers.
7. Your parents will worry about you and send searchers right away.
8. When you're found your parents won't punish you.
II. Discussion With the Parents:
1. Parents are responsible for prevention - don't blame the child.
2. Establish perimeters around camp sites and homes near wooded areas.
3. Practice making a survival bed with your child.
4. Make sure your child understands that you won't be angry if they become lost.
Appendix: Materials
VHS Video or Book
"Lost in the Woods" SARBC, P.O. Box 187, Victoria, BC, V8W 2M6
Book
Colleen Politano (author), LOST IN THE WOODS: CHILD SURVIVAL, Porthole Press, Ltd., 2082
Neptune Road, Sidney, BC V8L 3X9
Addendum: 1996
The "Woodsproofing for Children" program was developed in the fall of 1986 by the Waverley team
in response to the death of 9-year-old Andy Warburton.
Since that time more than 50,000 children (really!) in Nova Scotia have received woodsproofing as
described herein.
There is at least one documented case where a woodsproofed child had benefitted from this training,
and several known cases where woodsproofed children had been found by family or neighbors in
their "hasty searches" before calling the police.
We used to have to search for at least one or two children every year, sometimes more. Since the
woodsproofing program began, 10 years ago, we've had only one search for a lost child in the
targeted age group (knocking on wood).
Remember: "The best search is the one you don't have to conduct."
Kenneth Hill, Search Director, Waverley Ground Search and Rescue [email protected]
Back to Child Survival Page

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Lost in the Woods Request an Instructor page
Welcome to the Lost in the Woods Request an Instructor page

Please fill out the form and someone will contact you.
For other contacts, please see our Contacts page.
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Copyright 2004 Search and Rescue Society of British Columbia

P.O. Box 187
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E-mail: SARBC Contacts
Last Updated: Sunday, 22-Feb-2004 16:19:22 PST
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Lost in the Woods Media Order page
Welcome to the Lost in the Woods Media Order page

Please fill out the form to order the Lost in the Woods Instructor Kit.
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by MCDPRI
Lost in the Woods Media Loan Request page
Welcome to the Lost in the Woods Media Loan Request page

To Borrow the Kit, please fill out the form and someone will contact you.
Notice: the Kit will be available by May 2004
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Last Updated: Wednesday, 03-Mar-2004 22:18:53 PST
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SARBC - Quick Reference Math

SARBC
Keep in mind that SARBC assumes no responsibility for the use or mis-use of information provided here.
Math and Info Pocket Card templates in Acrobat PDF format
Basic Formulae, Proportional POA, Height of Object (PDF document - 12k)
Team Leader info, Terrain Analysis, Acronyms, BC layout (PDF document - 14k)
Numerical Influence of Clue, O'Connor, Probability Zones, Scenario Analysis (PDF document - 17k)
Speed Tables (PDF document - 9k)
Influence of Clue - full page (PDF document - 10k)
O'Connor Method - full page (PDF document - 5k)
The following formulae are included in the Pocket Card templates above.
Consideration of the maximization of the ROW POA - through the
utilization of resources and area segment coverage (single/multiple same/different resources)
ROW POA[updated] = ROW POA[current] / (1-OPOS)
The ROW POA as calculated by shifted POA should be the same as this result.
OVERALL POS
OPOS = (POD 1)*(POA1) + (POD2)*(POA2) + (PODn)*(POAn)
Relative Increase
For what-if use of resources
RI = 100(ROW POA[updated] - ROW POA[current] / ROW POA[current])
Proportional POA
Some people feel more confident using values which are proportional (or
relational) to each other. They don't want to worry about whether or not
they add up to 100%. Also see next page for the O'Connor method
(letters).
To use proportional initial POA's, don't worry about whether the values
add up to 100%.
Example:
Segment 1
Segment 1
Segment 1
Segment 1
Segment 1
ROW
TOTAL
29
35
40
18
13
5
140
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Converted to %
21%
25%
28%
13%
9%
4%
100%(rounded)
Potential Clue Influence Levels for Search Segments

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
Clue strongly suggests subject is in segment

Clue suggests subject is in segment
Clue suggests nothing about subject in/not in segment
Clue suggests subject is not in segment
Clue strongly suggests subject is not in segment
Clue Authenticity Ratings

Clue
Clue
Clue
Clue
Clue
is
is
is
is
is
Very Likely Authentic

Likely Authentic
Even: As Likely Authentic as Not
Likely Not Authentic
Very Likely Not Authentic
Numerical Influence of Clue

Potential Influence Level
Authenticity Rating
A
B
C
Very Likely Auth
100.0
70.7
Likely Auth
100.0
77.1
Even: Auth/Not Auth
100.0
84.1
Likely Not Auth
100.0
91.7
Very Likely Not Auth
100.
100.
50.0
35.4
25.0
17.7
12.5
8.8
6.3
59.5
45.9
35.4
27.3
21.0
16.21
2.5
70.7
59.5
50.0
42.0
35.4
29.7
25.0
84.1
77.1
70.7
64.8
59.5
54.5
50.0
100.
100.
100.
100.
100.
100.
100.
This allows us to reflect the Influence of a clue to POA's, and change

them accordingly.
To apply the values above to the current POA distribution, use the
following formula.
D = S1[old]*IOC[1] + S2[old]*IOC[2] + S3[old]*IOC[3] + . . . . Sn[old]*OIC[n]
(S=area segment POA)
S1[new] = (S1[old]*IOC[1]/D*100
S2[new] = (S2[old]*IOC[2]/D*100
S3[new] = (S3[old]*IOC[3]/D*100
. . . . . .
Sn[new] = (Sn[old]*IOC[n]/D*100
To reverse the effect of a bad clue, apply the complement of the bad
clue to the current POA distribution to undo its effects.
To use the O'Connor method (letters) instead of the Mattson Method

(percentages):
A
B
C
D
- Very Likely
- Likely
-
E
F
G
H
I
- Even Chance
- Unlikely
- Very Unlikely
O'Connor Method - Relative value to determine initial POA's

VERY LIKELY
A
B
If lowest letter
used is:
A
1
B
2
C
3
D
4
E
5
F
6
G
7
H
8
I
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
<D
->
E
VERY UNLIKELY
G
H
I
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
1
2
As an example, If you evaluated area segments and they ranged from Very
Likely to Unlikely (A - G), then, going down the side to "G", use the
numbers under the top row.
If there were 4 area segments, and they were evaluated as:
Segment
Segment
Segment
Segment
1
2
3
4
G
A
C
D
Then:
The
The
The
The
The
total will be 17
person's POA for
person's POA for
person's POA for
person's POA for
(7+1+5+4)
Segment 1
Segment 2
Segment 3
Segment 4
or
is
is
is
is
(G+A+C+D)
7/17
1/17
5/17
4/17
Which now have to be converted to percentages:

Seg 1 - 41%
Seg 2 - 6%
Seg 3 - 29%
Seg 4 - 24%
= 100% (rounded)
Area - with variable searcher spacing (meters/feet)

and searcher speed (Km or Mi per hour)
(Sq Km)
AREA = (# searchers x hours x speed x spacing) / # sweeps x 1000
(Sq Mi)
AREA = (# searchers x hours x speed x spacing) / # sweeps x 5280
Scenario Analysis
(Conditional Probabilities)
Segment Initial POA
Area A Area B
1
.30
.10
2
.25
.05
3
.20
.05
4
.10
.30
5
.05
.25
6
.05
.20
Weighted POA
Planning POA
Area A(p=.70)
Area B(p=.30)___________
.70 x .30=.210
.30 x .10=.030
.210+.030=.240
.70 x .25=.175
.30 x .05=.015
.175+.015=.190
.70 x .20=.140
.30 x .05=.015
.140+.015=.155
.70 x .10=.070
.30 x .30=.090
.070+.090=.160
.70 x .05=.035
.30 x .25=.075
.035+.075=.110
.70 x .05=.035
.30 x .20=.060
.035+.060=.095
ROW
.05
.05
.70 x .05=.035
.30 x .05=.015
(p = probability that scenario is valid)
Area A (Seg 1-3)
Area B (Seg 4-6)
.035+.015=.050
Scenario Analysis is the consideration of alternate search scenarios. It

is common for an overhead team to consider all the segments in a search
area and assign POA's. Each planner is assuming his/her scenario and
assigning POA's accordingly - accounting for a divergence between
planners for each segment. Indeed, five people may allocate their POA
according to five different scenarios, that is, making entirely
different assumptions about the lost person's behaviour. As a result,
the averaged, or Mattson POA's may be less than optimal for planning
purposes.
Scenario analysis involves having the Plans Chief present a number of
explicit scenarios to those assigning POA's to the segments. They are
asked to estimate the probability of each scenario (as decimal).
Planners then assign POA's to all of the segments for each of the
scenarios.
For example:
If there are two scenarios, planners would estimate POA for each segment
twice.
Once a planner has assigned POA to every segment for every scenario,
each POA is weighted by multiplying it by the probability of the
scenario to which it applies.
The weighted POA for each segment are then summed across scenarios,
yielding one set of POA for a given planner.
These planning POA can then be averaged with the POA from other planners
in the usual manner, yielding a set of consensus or Mattson POA with
which to plan the search.
The table above represents hypothetical POA for one planner.
The planner has assigned a probability of .70 for Area A and .30 for
Area B. His un-weighted POA assignments appear in the 2nd and 3rd
columns. In the 2nd column, for example, these POA estimates are made
under the assumption that the Area A scenario is valid, while POA
appearing in the 3rd column pertain to the Area B scenario.
Home Page | Back to Analysis and Math Page | Index
by MCDPRI
SAR Computer Programs
CASIE3.ZIP
EMSW120.ZIP Windows program - roster, training records, etc. - easily configured for SAR
apps (642k)
PODSHT20.ZIP Excel worksheet - Probability of Detection - POD (32k)
RURF.ZIP Windows program for Relative Urgency Rating Factors (417k)
SCENARIO.ZIP DOS program - Scenario Analyzer (36k)
SCHMASTR.HQX MACINTOSH program - Searchmaster (Ken Hill) - It is a general

purpose search management utility, having much similarity to CASIE III (with additional
features, such as graphics capabilities for estimating segment sizes, utilities for determining
distance and direction between two map points, etc., etc.) (use BinHex 4.0 or Stuffit to
convert - 216k)
SHIFT131.ZIP SHIFTPOA V1 R3.10 - DOS Search analysis program for Search Managers other related programs included (415k) - Y2K compliant
SOS.ZIP Windows program for managing air-marine searches - demo (1450k - 1996)
Navigation Related Computer Programs

The Navigation Page Many Map, GIS and GPS resources
Misc Computer Programs & Files
FTP Directory of /pub/ems/sar/programs SAR programs
FTP Directory of /pub/ems Programs for SAR, EMS, Fire, Etc.
FTP Directory of /RESCUE
Computers in SAR Digest Text files
TRIAGE1.ZIP Principles & Practices - Part 1 - DOS - from ERRI (526k - 1994)
Dive related Computer Programs

CDIVER.ZIP Dive Log - DOS - needs CDIVEDLL.ZIP as well (466k - 1994)
CDIVEDLL.ZIP Dive Log - DLL's (396k - 1994)
NITROX.ZIP Worksheet for using Nitrox (190k - 1994)
SCUBA.ZIP Dive Tables - DOS - based on 1987 RDP (PADI) (47k - 1988)
Marine related Computer Programs

DEVIAT.ZIP Marine deviation calc program -DOS (30k - 1992)
FLOAT.EXE Float plan for Windows (312k - 1993)
MNAV_D1.ZIP Marine oriented DOCS and PGMS - DOS - 1/3 (200k - 1990)
(A couple could be used for land SAR too)



TIDES304.ZIP Tides for Pacific Northwest - DOS program (123k - 1994)
For BC coast take this and BCTIDCUR.ZIP

BCTIDCUR.ZIP Tides for US Pacific Northwest - DOS (155k - 1993)
Data for BC coast take this and TIDES304.ZIP
http://www.islandnet.com/sarbc/compgm1.html (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:34:15 PM]
See the Links too
http://www.islandnet.com/sarbc/compgm1.html (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:34:15 PM]
BEHAVIOUR CHARACTERISTICS
SARBC
LOST PERSON BEHAVIOUR CHARACTERISTICS
Small Children (1 - 3 yrs)
Fishermen
Small Children (3 - 6 yrs)
Mentally Retarded
Children (6 - 12 yrs)
Despondents
Hunters
Miscellaneous
Hikers/Climbers
Skiers
Walkaways - Elderly, Alzheimer Nova Scotia - All Categories

SPEED TABLES STATISTICS
Lost Person Behaviour
Distances Traveled by Category of Subject
343 cases studied - from Ken Hill, Nova Scotia
Distance Traveled During Urban and Suburban Walks Led by 3- to 12-Year-Olds
Tables for Search Managers
by Edward H. Cornell and C. Donald Heth
These Stats are compiled from U.S. sources, except Climber Stats (Canada). and stats from Nova Scotia and
Alberta
These Stats are NOT complete. Use your own judgement when considering them.
BEHAVIOUR CHARACTERISTICS OF
SMALL CHILDREN (1-3 YRS)
MI
Median
Hilly .3dn
Flat 1.2
33% up
11% same
56% down
Hilly
25%Z .1 up .4 dn
50%Z .5
.5
75%Z 1.5
No concept of being lost.
http://www.islandnet.com/sarbc/behchar.html (1 of 9) [5/10/2004 3:34:16 PM]
1.4
No navigational skills.
Tend to wander aimlessly.
Remain in general area.
Attracted by random events (a tunnel, path or animal).
Usually found sleeping (anywhere--against a rock, under/in a log, under a bush, under a picnic table).
DETECTABILITY
90% in good weather
75% in bad weather
(will retreat if weather foul)
TRAVEL AIDS
57% used paths, trail
(others scoot under bush)
Top of Page
SMALL CHILDREN (3-6 YRS)
MI
Median
Hilly
Flat
.3d
1.2
33% up
11% same
56% down
Hilly
25%Z . 1 up . 4 dn
50%Z .5
75%Z 1.5
.5
1.4
89%
2.6
1.6
Have definite interest (playmate, pet or exploring).

More mobile, can go further than 1-3 yr old.
Attracted by something familiar.
Concept of lost, try return home or go back to someplace they are familiar with.
When tired, will sleep in some shelter (cave, hollow).
Stranger resistant at first.
DETECTABILITY
90% in good weather
75% in bad weather
(will retreat if weather foul)
TRAVEL AIDS
(others scoot under bush)
Top of Page
BEHAVIOR CHARACTERISTICS OF
CHILDREN (6 - 12 yrs)
Median
MI
Hilly 1.6dn
Flat
33% up
1.2
8% same
58% down
Hilly
25%Z 1.0 dn 2.0 dn
50%Z .5 up 2.1 dn
75%Z 2.0 up 4.0 dn
92% 2.6 up 4.1 dn
Oriented to familiar setting, confused in a strange environment.

May intentionally run away if mad, or to avoid punishment, or gain attention.
May not answer until cold/hungry.
Similiar fears as adult, only enhanced - greater sense of fear/loneliness/helplessness.
Navigation & direction skills much more developed.
Often lost as a result of being placed in a strange environment by adults.
Often will not answer when called, darkness usually brings on a willingness to accept help & be found.
DETECTABILITY
65% in good weather
10% in bad weather
(will hide if weather foul)
TRAVEL AIDS
YOUNG PERSONS:
93% found within 2 mi.
Top of Page
HUNTERS
MI
Median
Flat 1.6
Hilly 2.0dn
6% up
11% same
83% down
Hilly
25%Z 1.8dn 2.8dn

50%Z .7dn 3.1dn
75%Z .8up 4.0dn
93% 3.0up 6.0dn
Tend to concentrate on game, not navigation.

Tend to overextend into dark and push beyond physical abilities.
Often try to take short cuts.
Tendency to follow game to dense underbrush or deep snows, deadfall areas, boulder fields, etc. with little
regard for exhaustion or navigation.
Often only prepared for the day.
Unprepared for extremely foul weather-heavy storms/improved hunting.
When weather turns colder most take shelter.
REASON LOST: Disoriented, misjudge time/distance, accidental or intentional separation

DETECTABILITY
83% in good weather * Communicative
66% in bad weather * Mobile
Detectability enhanced due to bright clothing
17% wear dark clothing

TRAVEL AIDS
39% used natural drainages
(paths, trails usually not available)
Generally 15-35 yrs old.
85% good physical condition.
Most are in good mental condition.
33% have much experience, most have limited experience.
80% properly equipped & clothed, 50% no survival training (East US).
40% adequate equip/clothing, 40-50% questionable, 20% inadequate for Colorado.
Cause - human error caused by subject.
Weather a factor in 18%, darkness in 33%.
Many wander about and go cross-country (in the west).
Civilization and landmarks not attractors.
66% found within 2 mi from PLS.
Calif. 87% found within 5 mi.
Colo. 78% found within 5 mi.
East US 97% found within 4 mi.
90% not moving for more than 24 hrs.
Calif. and Colo. 45% moved at night. East US 80% moved at night.
25-60% found by SAR using attraction, confinement, hasty and heli-search.
25-45% found themselves.
Top of Page
HIKERS
MEDIAN
MI
2.5dn
25% UP
20% SAME
55% DOWN
Hilly
25%Z 2.0dn 3.0dn

50%Z .6dn 3.6dn
75%Z .4up 6.1dn
83%Z 4.0up 6.0dn
Generally relies on trails with set destination.

Trails create problems if overgrown, snow covered, poor junctions, slide over trail, trail not maintained,
poorly defined junctions.
Mismatched abilities: ....one may get tired, fall behind and eventually get disoriented/lost.
Take other trails or short cuts - cutting switchbacks-leading to disorientation or going down wrong hill or
drainage.
Poor or no map or compass.
Very dependent on trails and travel aids for navigation.
REASON LOST: 40% Disoriented

20% accidental & intentional
separation, poor supervision
25-30% misjudge time/distance
DETECTABILITY
75% in good weather
67% in bad weather
TRAVEL AIDS
75% used paths, trail or drainage
Largely under 30 yrs old. 33% are 10-15 yrs old.
Good physical and mental condition.
Not necessarily experienced, less than 20% with much experience, most with little experience.
40% adequately equipped/clothed, 30% questionable, 30% not.
Cause - human error caused by subject, weather, darkness.
82-90% found within 5 mi of PLS.
67% found within 2 mi of PLS.
92% moving less than 24 hrs.
30-40% travelled at night.
40% found by hasty team.
17% confinement/attraction instrumental.
5% found by dogs.
3% found by line searchers.
Those who travelled more than 10 mi, also descended several thousand feet, and followed trails, as opposed to
going cross-country.
Top of Page
Hiker-Climbers
CLIMBERS:
Range from "Hill walkers" to "Scramblers" to "Rock climbers" to "Ice climbing" to "Alpine
Mountaineering".
Best climbing ages are "30-35" not uncommon "14-60".
Climb for the pure joy of climbing.
They do not need to have a great deal of physical strength nor superior co-ordination.
Avalanches are the major cause of fatalities.
Falling is the major cause of injuries.
Stranded by weather or rock fall (landslide).
Well equipped and self-sufficent.
Tend to stay on or near routes.
** Check for scuff marks near cliff.
Many climbing accidents never get reported because of pride.
1959 to 1982
No. of accidents Canada - 365 B.C. - 158
No. involved
Canada - 733 B.C. - 312
No. injured
No. killed
Canada - 283 B.C. - ?

Canada - 139 B.C. - 66
Break-down for 4w's and how climbers were injured or killed in CANADA.
(Sorry, no stats for U.S.)
TYPE OF TERRAIN GOING UP/DOWN ESTIMATE OF EXPERIENCE
ROCK - 236
ASCENDING - 250 LITTLE OR NONE - 248
SNOW - 212
DECENDING - 159 MODERATE - 165
ICE - 29
UNKNOWN - 39
EXPERIENCED - 180
AGE OF CLIMBERS / MONTH OF ACCIDENT

UNDER 15 11
JAN
6 JULY 136
15 - 20
21 - 25
26 - 30
158 FEB 27 AUG 140

160 MAR 26 SEPT 25
112 APRIL 10 OCT 20
31 - 35
46
MAY 25 NOV 3
36 - 50
58
JUNE 26 DEC 5
OVER 50
UNKNOWN 152
IMMEDIATE CAUSE OF ACCIDENT / CONTRIBUTARY CAUSES
SLIP AND FALL
231 CLIMBING UNROPED
FALLING OBJECT
EXCEED ABILITIES
107 EXCEEDING ABILITIES

105
34 INADEQUATE EQUIPMENT 53
83
FAILURE OF EQUIPMENT
STRANDED
29 FAULTY EQUIPMENT
29 PARTY SEPARATED
13
9
ILLNESS
23 CLIMBING ALONE
28
FAILURE TO STAY ON ROUTE 11 ILLNESS

UNKNOWN
15 DARKNESS
7
7
OTHER
14
11 BAD WEATHER
AFFILIATION WITH CLIMBING CLUBS
UNAFFILIATED 103
AFFILIATED
202
UNKNOWN
272
Top of Page
WALKAWAYS - Elderly, Alzheimer's, etc.)
Median
Flat
MI
1.0
Hilly 1.2dn
70% down
Hilly
25%Z .5dn 1.8dn
50%Z 0.0
2.4dn
75%Z .4up 2.6dn

90% 1.0up 3.0dn
May be affected by senility or Alzheimer's; mentally retarded, or a form of psychosis.

Sometimes oriented to the past.
Behaviour characteristics very similar to that of children.
Easily attracted by things.
Active ones will overexert themselves.
If active and lucid, likely to overextend self rapidly.
High hypothermia risk - lower normal temperatures.
Many have suboptimal nutrition, are less able to generate heat from reserve calories, and are poorly
clothed.
*** 44% travelled more than 4 mi (Calif.), 84% (East US) less than 2 mi.
DETECTABILITY * Often deaf or hard of hearing

59% in good weather
10% in bad weather
(Difficulty in locating subjects, most found in prone position regardless of weather condition)
TRAVEL AIDS
47% used travel aids - (hunters used path or game trail).
Those lost in bush areas seldom used any type of trail.
Frequently found under brush, or in densely treed areas.
Top of Page
FISHERMEN
Usually well oriented.

Reason accident related, usually boat - swept of feet,
boat overturned or went over waterfall, falls over cliff.
Often recovery mission.
DETECTABILITY
TRAVEL AIDS
Top of Page
MENTALLY RETARDED
MI
Flat median 1.2
Hilly median 1.6
33% up
8% same
58% down
Act and react similar to kids 6-12.

Usually does not respond to name called.
Remain in same area for days.
Usually hidden from view - fright, hiding from elements.
No physical impairments but will not help themselves.
Easily attracted by sights and sounds.
May set off to explore without any sense of direction or how to return.
DETECTABILITY
(kids 6-12)
65% in good weather
10% in bad weather
(due to bad weather crawl under logs, heavy branches)
TRAVEL AIDS
67% used travel aids - (used paths, game trails, streams or drainages).
33% were found in brushy areas.
Top of Page
DESPONDENTS
FLAT TERRAIN
MEDIAN
RANGE
.8 MI
.06-2.1 MI
50% Z
.4-1.0 MI
Often seeking solitude.

Usually found within sight and sound of civilization.
All maintain they weren't lost - merely getting away to think.
Felt intruded upon.
Some avoided being found.
(US) Found near prominent locations ex. scenic lake/hill, lookout.
(US) Tend not to go into underbrush.
(US) Most tend to go upward to distinctive locations.
(CAN) Tend to settle down in first secluded spot, often next to a tree.
(CAN) Attracted to secluded, open spaces, surrounded by trees, some distance away from trails. Don't
travel far.
DETECTABILITY
Not responsive to searchers - feel it is an intrusion upon their solitude.
TRAVEL AIDS
Usually stay in one place.
Top of Page
MISC. CATEGORY
Median
Flat
MI
1.6
Hilly 1.6dn
Hilly
25%Z .6dn 1.6dn

50%Z 0
3.0dn
75%Z 1.4up 3.1dn
84% 2.5up 3.2dn
66% went down
Pinecone, berry, mushroom pickers; rock hounds; photographers.

Poor survival risk.
Go in good weather, no extra clothing.
Generally unprepared (physically, clothing).
Complete disorientation.
Attempts to find their way usually gets them further into trouble - because of disorientation.
Intentions are usually to stay in one location.
Dosen't know the area.
Little or no food, water or survival gear.
REASON LOST: disoriented, poor supervision, intentional separation

DETECTABILITY
75% in good weather
50% in bad weather
(will retreat if weather foul) * high % are communicative.
TRAVEL AIDS
50% used paths, trail or drainage
More cases for young [ <8 yrs old] and older [ >60 yrs old].
Generally good physical condition.
65-70% in good mental condition.
40-50% adequately equipped.
45-55% properly clothed, 30% questionable, 15% not.
Cause - human error, caused by subject.
Greater likelihood to wander about or go cross-country.
33% found within 1/2 mi of PLS.
90% not moving more that 24 hrs.
30-50% move at night.
Found by variety of techniques.
Top of Page
SKIERS
Generally under 35 yrs old.

Almost all are in good physical and mental condition.
33% have much experience, significant number with some experience.
Generally well equipped and clothed.
60% have survival training.
Cause - Human error caused by subject - 33% weather, 20% darkness.
54% found within 2 mi. from PLS.
82-85% found within 5 mi.
83% are not moving more than 24 hrs.
30-45% move at night.
50% found by hasty search, visual tracking. 50% by themselves.
REASON LOST:
Disoriented, misjudge time/distance
30% accidental & intentional separation.
20% poor or no map.
DETECTABILITY
* 50% Mobile * Almost all are communicative
TRAVEL AIDS
Used path or trail or drainages.
25% attracted by civilization.
Top of Page
Home Page | Index

by MCDPRI
SPEED TABLES
SPEED TABLES
SARBC
SPEED TABLES
Hiker Speed Table
Bike Speed Table
Canoe Speed Table
Ski Touring Speed Table
Snowshoeing Speed Table
These Stats are compiled from U.S. sources.
These Stats are NOT complete. Use your own judgement when considering them.
SPEED TABLES
Hiker Speed Table
MPH = Miles per Hour
MPD = Miles per Day
LEVEL-MPH LEVEL-MPD LEVEL-MPH LEVEL-MPD UPHILL-MPH UPHILL-MPD
CATEGORY NO PACK
NO PACK
WITH PACK WITH PACK NO PACK
NO PACK
Beginner
1.5-2
Experienced 2-2.5
Expert
3-4
8-12
12-15
16-24
1-1.5
1.5-2
3
7-9
10-12
12-18
.75
1
1.25-2
5
6-8
8-12
UPHILL-MPH UPHILL-MPD DNHILL-MPH DNHILL-MPD DNHILL-MPH DNHILL-MPD

CATEGORY WITH PACK WITH PACK NO PACK
NO PACK
WITH PACK
WITH PACK
Beginner
.5
Experienced .75
Expert
1-1.5
1.5
6
6-10
2-3
2.5-3.5
9-10
10-14
2
2-2.5
7
10
Top of Page
SPEED TABLES
Bike Speed Table
H = Hilly or Headwind
http://www.islandnet.com/sarbc/speed.html (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 3:34:17 PM]
SPEED TABLES
MPD = Miles per Day

LEVEL-MPH LEVEL-MPD LEVEL-MPH LEVEL-MPD
CATEGORY NO PACK
NO PACK
WITH PACK WITH PACK
Beginner
5
Experienced 10
15-30
40-60
4
8
10-20
30-50
Expert
60-100
13
50-80
16
H-MPH
H-MPD
H-MPH
H-MPD
CATEGORY NO PACK NO PACK WITH PACK WITH PACK

Beginner
Experienced 8
Expert
13
10-20
2.5
8-15
30-50
50-80
6
10
25-40
40-60
Top of Page
SPEED TABLES
Canoe Speed Table
MPD = Miles per Day
NO WIND NO WIND HEAD WIND HEAD WIND TAIL WIND TAIL WIND
CATEGORY MPH
MPD
MPH
MPD
MPH
MPD
Beginner
1
Experienced 2
4-6
10-12
.5
1-1.5
2-3
6-9
1.5
3
5-8
12-18
Expert
14-18
1.5-2
9-12
3.5
16-21
Top of Page
SPEED TABLES
Ski Touring Speed Table
MPD = Miles per Day
TRACK/TRAIL
CATEGORY
MPH-NO PACK MPD-NO PACK MPH-WITH PACK MPD-WITH PACK
Beginner
1.25
.75
4.5
Experienced
2.5
15
1.5
Expert
3-3.5
21
2.25
14
NO TRACK/TRAIL
CATEGORY
Beginner
.5
.25
1.5
Experienced
Expert
1.25
2
8
12
.75
1
4.5
6
Top of Page
SPEED TABLES
SPEED TABLES
Snowshoeing Speed Table
MPD = Miles per Day>
BROKEN TRAIL
CATEGORY
Beginner
.75-1
4-6
.5
1-3
Experienced
Expert
2
2.25
12
15
1
2
6
10-12
UNBROKEN TRAIL
CATEGORY
Beginner
Experienced
.5
1
3
6
.25
.75
1.5
4
Expert
1.25
Top of Page
Back to Behaviour Characteristics
Back to POL Page | Back to Incident Management
Home Page | Index

by MCDPRI

Distances Traveled by Category of Subject
Nova Scotia, Canada
(343 Cases)
Category
Hunters
No. of
Cases
117
Hikers
38
Fishers
35
Misc. Adults
39
Youths (13-15
yrs)
Children (7-12
yrs)
Young Children
(1-6 yrs)
23
13
13
Despondents
27
Walkaways
38
Median
2.40
1.49
2.24
1.39
1.43
0.89
1.80
1.12
1.49
0.93
1.48
0.92
1.10
0.68
0.81
0.50
0.95
0.59
km
mi
km
mi
km
mi
km
mi
km
mi
km
mi
km
mi
km
mi
km
mi
Range
.10
.06
.22
.14
.45
.28
.10
.06
.40
.25
.14
.09
.40
.25
.10
.06
.10
.06
19.31 km 1.50
12.00 mi 0.93
24.00 km 1.38
14.91 mi 0.86
17.70 km 0.86
11.00 mi 0.53
19.00 km 0.81
11.81 mi 0.50
7.00 km 0.93
4.35 mi 0.58
8.00 km 0.90
4.97 mi 0.56
2.65 km 0.67
1.65 mi 0.42
5.63 km 0.50
3.50 mi 0.31
5.43 km 0.50
3.37 mi 0.31
Compiled by Ken Hill ([email protected])

Halifax Regional Search and Rescue
April, 2001
http://husky1.stmarys.ca/~khill/lpb.html (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:34:19 PM]
50% Zone
-
3.83
2.38
4.20
2.61
3.82
2.37
3.83
2.38
2.93
1.82
2.41
1.50
2.01
1.25
1.28
0.80
1.55
0.96
km
mi
km
mi
km
mi
km
mi
km
mi
km
mi
km
mi
km
mi
km
mi
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SARBC - Incident Command System
Incident Command System

SARBC
The Incident Command System section
ICS Forms for Search and Rescue
ICS Forms Catalog
From the FTP library:
ICSHELP.ZIP
Windows Help files - ICS forms manual, Incident Commander Field Book, Field Ops Guide (552k)
ICS.ZIP
Microsoft Access database - ICS forms to interactively fill in (during incident), and docs.
(1meg - each over 4 megs expanded)
The original DB from New Mexico was for Ver 1.1 of Access. It has been converted to Access 2 and Access
97. Both versions are in the zip file.
SOFC.ZIP
Standards Of Fire Cover Database - from Australia (168k)
Home Page | Index
by MCDPRI
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SARBC - Incident (Overhead) Management
Incident (Overhead) Management

SARBC
The Incident (Overhead) Management section

Search/Incident Management Forum
Decision Aids for Search and Rescue Forum
Usenet-like, with support for threaded discussions, keyword searches, reply quoting, icons, etc.
Aeronautical / Marine SAR - Canada

CASARA Management Forms and Policy Manual Not complete - contact CLO for complete
package
National SAR Manual - Canada
Ground SAR - Canada

An Introduction to Ground Search Management for the Police Authority Kenneth A. Hill,
Ph.D.
Crime Scene Investigation *** More Forensics Links
Computer Programs and Math for SAR
Checklist for Evaluating SAR Research Kenneth A. Hill, Ph.D.
Incident Command System Overview a SAR ICS Model
Incident Command System (ICS) National Model
ICS Glossary of Terms MDI SAR
Interviewing - Tips as a Lesson Plan
Interviewing - Tips as a Powerpoint presentation (85k)
Kern County Office of Emergency Services, SEMS - STANDARDIZED EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - ICS
Lost Person Behavior Characteristics

Lost Person Behavior Research - Distance Travelled by Category Kenneth A. Hill, Ph.D. ***
Next of Kin - Your Most Valuable Resource
Probability of Location (POL)
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SARBC - Incident (Overhead) Management

Role of the Management Team in a Large Search
Search and Rescue - A Workable Format Five Paragraph Operation Order [SMEAC] - from
the 80's, but timeless
Search Management Rationale rationale for good management, and more - from the 80's, but
timeless
Search Probability Theory history of POD, and team exercises - from the 80's, but timeless
SAR-L Discussion List Page for more items/links from the folks on the list - incl ICS
Selecting, Managing, and Motivating Your Overhead Team by James Cooke - from
BASARC Home Page
Time Line Analysis
See the Links too
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SARBC - Probability of Location (POL)

SARBC
Mike Doyle
Have you ever wanted to mark the spot on a map, showing the location of a missing person? For a few of the lost
person categories, this is possible to a point. You may end up with more than one "X" on the map. But at least
you can send teams to check the "X"s out, instead of just sending searchers to the traditional high POA area
segments.
Some of the information relating to predicting the location of a missing person would be found in Behaviour
Characteristics, Speed Tables, Missing Person Statistics, Questionnaire items (age, carrying, plans, psych profile,
terrain profile, medical profile, weather profile, etc.), witnesses, friends, family, co-workers, etc.
More information can be found in publications from NASAR
Really good Interviewing skills are important. Without information, it is difficult to run an effective search.
Planning is quesswork at best.
The area of search planning that has received the least amout of attention, is Time Line Analysis.
Without a
contiguous time line, planning becomes dependent upon guesswork again. Analysing a Time line is of paramount
importance for predicting lost person behaviour and location.
It is all very well to go out with the high tech gadgets, and the high tech search patterns, but why not go to the
"X"s first?
How do you predict where the "X"s are? Start with the above, know your missing person, law of opposites, and,
time line. Is that it? No, much more discussion is needed.
I'm going to say that the stats mentioned here are reasonably old, and haven't been updated with the new stuff.
To kick off "X" marks the spot (POL), why not look at a specific category.
Starting with "Despondent", it is my personal experience that one can very quickly come up with a few likely
spots - one of which the subject will be at.
I'm sure you have knowledge of other categories, where the subjects have fit a set of behaviour characteristics. If
so, you know where the next one is likely to be. Is there a category where POL cannot be used effectively?
If anyone has any thoughts on the matter they wish to share, please leave a post in the Probability of Location
Discussion area.
Probability of Location background and support files
This is a new Discussion area.

Probability of Location Discussion Forum
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SARBC - Probability of Location (POL)
Behaviour Characteristics by Category

Interviewing - Tips as a Lesson Plan
Interviewing - Tips as a Powerpoint presentation (85k)
Missing Person Questionnaire
Speed Tables Hiker, Biker, Canoe, Etc.
Missing Person Statistics
See these pages for related information

Critical Incident Stress (CIS)
Hypothermia
Incident Management
Lost in the Woods
Navigation
Home Page | Index
Copyright 1996-98
by MCDPRI
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SARBC - Map and Compass
Map and Compass

SARBC
This Map and Compass section comprises:
Compass Direction Finder
Ed Williams' Aviation Page Why? Good decl calc and more...
Geomagnetic Field Synthesis Program Input Form Interactive!
GSC Canadian Geomagnetic Reference Field calculate Magnetic Declination using
MIRP - Interactive!
GSC Magnetic Declination (What do you mean "North isn't North")
GSC North Pole Tracking the North Magnetic Pole
How To Use a Compass
Kyoto University in Japan. The seven magnetic parameters - 1995 BW world charts
Magnetic Field Program Download User Information Form Free Software
Map Tools
National (USA) Geophysical Data Center - 1995 world chart in Color
Orienteering
TopoZone - The Web's Topographic Map
Understanding and Using a Compass
Understanding and Using a Map
Map and Compass Glossary
Map and Compass Appendix
Navigation Links
North Magnetic Dip Pole So, where is it?
Also see the Navigation Page for much more, including GPS
Home Page | Index
14385 E-mail: Ray Talson
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SARBC - Map and Compass
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SARBC - Navigation
Navigation
SARBC
Clock
United States Naval Observatory Time
The Navigation section

Map and Compass
Directory of /pub/data - USGS DEM's Digital Maps
Map Datasets Digital Maps
Map and Compass from a long time ago - to now - lots of stuff!
Robert's GIS/Mapping Page
Sam Wormley's Maps & Mapping Agencies
Sam Wormley's UTM - Universal Transverse Mercator Resources
TOPORAMA Canadian maps from Natural Resources Canada
USGS Mapping Information: Home Page
WORLD OF MAPS Maps for anywhere - World - Rec, Travel, etc.
Map related Computer Programs
Coordinate Conversions - Programs
DOWNLOAD GSMCAD AND GSMAP SOFTWARE
Directory of /pub/personal/victorf - Victor Fraenckel's ftp site UTM <--> Lat/Long programs
Inverse -- for dist. between two lat/lon pairs
Direct -- input lat/lon, az & dist; derive lat/lon
Rule2LL -- scale lat/lon from quad sheet
UTM2LL -- UTM -> lat/lon
LL2UTM -- lat/lon -> UTM
and more...
ftp.blm.gov GIS Utilities
Malcolm Drury's website for UTMCON.ZIP DOS *freeware* program for Lat/Long - UTM grid
conversion (64k) - New Ver 3.0
Geographic Magnetic Calculator UTM-Lat/Long Converter from this page
No Map and Compass or GPS: No Problem!
Bushwalker's Guide to the Galaxy
Emergency Locator Transmitter Direction Finding
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SARBC - Navigation
MAEL/DF88 Simulation
GPS Computer Programs and related - FTP download
Directory of /pub/pcsoft/utms Software from government - UTMS converts geographic coordinates
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates - from NGS (NOAA)
FTP Directory of /navigation Lots of items here
GPS/Amateur Radio Workstation Software
GPS FTP directory Peter Bennett's FTP directory - Public Domain Files - Marine too
GIS Utilities - ftp.blm.gov Software from government - LLUTM.ZIP - Quickbasic src/exe for lat/lon
to/from utm
GPS.ZIP
GPS info to computer using com port, formatted - WIN (307k - 1994)
GPXFER.EXE
GPS waypoints from computer to GPS - DOS (159k - 1995)
JNAV82.ZIP
GPS info to computer using com port, logging - DOS (115k - 1993)
MAEL/LLCalc Operation Lat-Long Calculator for Win95
RockWare, Inc. - Earth Science Solutions
Global Positioning System (GPS) Computer Program and Info WWW Links
A Practical Guide to GPS -With Emphasis on UTM
Dave Ransom Software Home Pages
http://www.cnde.iastate.edu/maps.html Digital Maps
Fugawi Moving Map Navigation Software for GPS Receivers
Garmin Web Site
Amateur Radio call signs, Direction Finding simulator, Lat/Long calculator, Telemetry program, and more
GPS Information Source - MIT GLONASS
GPS Kindergarten &Up
GPS links Global Positioning System links - info
Global Positioning System (GPS) - A comprehensive introduction University of Texas
GPS Navigation in Land Search Hill, Bower
Global Positioning System (GPS) Resources Excellent links to resources
GSS Geomatics Information Center
Handheld GPS's in backcountry
Index of /igscb/software/qc/dos/ Software from government
Land Surveying and Geomatics: Software Excellent ***
NAVSTAR Global Positioning System
Sam Wormley's Global Positioning System (GPS) Resources at ISU
US Coast Guard Navigation Center - GPS, DGPS, LORAN, OMEGA, LNM
USNO GPS Data & Information Files
Emergency Management and Search Systems
Emergency Management Informations Programs
ESRI - Home of The GIS People
ARC View/Info
Search Operations System - Marine and Air Search Programs - designed for RCC's
Home Page | Index
SARBC - Navigation
Last Updated: Tuesday, 27-Apr-2004 18:48:40 PDT

by MCDPRI
SARBC - Night Vision
NIGHT VISION
SARBC
Review
There are two types of sensors in the eye: rods and cones.
Cones function well in brightly lit surroundings, perceive colour and much detail.
Rods are far more sensitive than cones, giving night vision with the pupils wide
open. Rods do not distinguish colours or see fine detail.
Both rods and cones respond to a wide range of colours, but rods are very
insensitive to red light.
Rods respond to various colours, but give a sensation only of black, grey or white.
Rods and cones are distributed non-uniformly across the retina.
Cones are only in the center. While in the periphery, the rods dominate.
Thus, the best visual acuity in good illumination is obtained for that part of the image
focused on the center (fovea). The eye is most sensitive in conditions of weak
illumination to images focused off-center (on the periphery of the retina).
Rods are de-sensitized by light (very quickly). It takes 20-30 minutes to re-sensitize
(or dark adapt).
If light is needed, yet it is important to keep eyes dark-adapted, then use a red filter
on the light. Rods are not sensitive to red light.
Night Observation Procedures

look for shapes, shadows, contrast and movement
since the center of the pupil is insensitive, all looking should be toward a side
Eyes should be kept in motion - to keep the rods at their peak of sensitivity
don=t stare directly at a sighted object
to avoid eye fatigue, every few minutes the observer should close their eyes for
a few seconds to allow them to rest
Remember:
allow eyes to become dark-adapted
colours are not discernable
details cannot be seen
use red light only
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SARBC - Night Vision
Using Binoculars at night

One measure of the effectiveness of binoculars for night use is exit pupil. This is the
diameter of the bundle of light rays exiting toward the eye from the eye-piece of the
binoculars.
This number is found by dividing the objective lens diameter by the power (7x35 =
5mm exit pupil, or, 7x50 = 7mm exit pupil). The pupil of the eye is about 7mm when
fully dialated. If the exit pupil is less than 7mm, then the eye isn't fully used.
(For day use, a small exit pupil is satisfactory, since the eye pupil is only about 2mm
in diameter. However, the large exit pupil is advantageous because of ease of
centering the eye behind the eye-piece.)
Use
Binoculars should be held aimed straight forward and the eyes turned off-center - to
avoid using the insensitive center of the retina. This requires practice, but is very
effective.
Back to Basic & Team Leader Page
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by MCDPRI
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SARBC - Search (SAR) Dogs
Search (SAR) Dogs

SARBC
The Search (SAR) Dog section

This is a new usenet-like Discussion area, with support for threaded
discussions, keyword searches, reply quoting, icons, etc.
Tracking Trailing Scenting SAR Dog Discussion Forum
Search K9 Articles
Using Dogs as Ground Search Resources
General Info (77 Facts)
Dog Term Glossary
Dog Training - General
Picking a Dog Handler
Water Search
Understanding Search Dogs
Search K9 Sites to Visit
911BC K-9 Search and Recovery Team
1st Special Response Group
Absaroka Search Dogs Home Page
Alaska Search and Rescue Dogs (ASARD)
ARDA-American Rescue Dog Association
Arizona Search Track and Rescue, Inc.
Avalanche Rescue Dog's World
Beartooth Search Dogs, Montana
Barren River Area Search Dog Association
Brazos Valley Texas Search & Rescue Team
Canine Outfitters
Canine Search and Recovery
Canine Search and Rescue
Central Montana Bloodhound Search Team
CHESARDA Chesapeake Search & Rescue Dogs
Disaster And Wilderness Ground Searchers, Inc. K-9
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Durham Search and Rescue Dog Team
LETJEL Rescue Team from Hungary
Florida Special Response Team K-9
GLSAR of Michigan Home Page - K9 Unit
Highland Detector Dogs
K-9 Search Rescue Unit and Training Center
K-9 Alert Search and Rescue Dogs, Inc
K9 Emergency Response Teams (KERT)
Les chiens de la Gendarmerie
Leerburg Home Page K9 training - books & videos
Louisiana Search And Rescue Dog Team
Michigan Search Dog Association
Mid-Atlantic D.O.G.S. Search and Rescue Team
National Bloodhound Association of Switzerland (NBAS) Excellent site - Good Info!
National Bloodhound Training Institute
National Disaster Search Dog Foundation Home Page
North American Search Dog Network
NC SAR Dog Association, Incorporated
Northeast Search and Rescue K-9 Service, Stroudsburg, PA
Obstacles, Inc. - 800.281.1601
Ohio K-9 Search Team, Inc.
People and Paws SAR
RCMP Civilian Search Dog Association - Alberta

Excellent resource for civilian SAR K9 and Handler RCMP training standards, and much more.
REDOG Homapage
Rescue International K9 Training Page
RiverBend Search and Rescue Dog Association
SAR dogs Australia
SAR-Dogs Resource web
Sedgwick County Emergency Management K9 Search Team
SOSARD Web Site - Southern Ontario Search and Rescue Dogs
Specialised Search Dog Response Rescue
Tri-State Search and Rescue Dogs
WCSAR - Wake Canine Search & Rescue, Inc., Raleigh, NC, USA - Homepage
Westhaven's Raven V Salmans and their new SAR page Search and Rescue Dogs in Canada
U.K.S.A.R.D ( United Kingdom Search And Rescue Dogs )
World Kennel Club/Cliff Culp
Ticks, Lyme Disease & Ehrlichiosis Sites for K9 & Handlers
Ehrlichiosis Page
Emergence of the Ehrlichioses as Human Health Problems
Entomology Image Gallery: Insect Pictures
Lyme Disease Foundation
Lyme Disease Links
National Lyme Disease Network
Managing Lyme Disease
Tick-Borne Illnesses
Other
Dogs Against Drugs
SAR Dog Community Calendar
SAR, Guide, Guard and Family GSDs

Home Page | Index
by MCDPRI
SARBC - Rope Rescue Page
Rope Rescue Page

Rope Rescue
Postings from people interested in Rope Rescue - evaluation, testing, use, experiences,
agree/disagree, what's best/worst, etc.
This is a new usenet-like Discussion area, please use this one instead of the 2nd
one.
Rope Rescue Discussion Forum
Usenet-like, with support for threaded discussions, keyword searches, reply quoting,
icons, etc.
Please note that these pages are for discussion only.

If you are not familiar with rigging systems, do not try these out.
A New Look at an Old Problem

Point Loading on Litter Rigs
Rotational Litter Rigs Roto rigs
Multi Point Force Distributing Anchor M.P.F.D.A.
More Anchors Mazinaw, Kanata, Outouais
R.A.D. SYSTEMS
New stuff for comment or discussion

A Knot for Equalizing Anchor Systems for comment - graphics - there are 7 jpgs on
the page - from 17-48k each
Links to conventional, new and SRT information

AMSAR Technical Rope Rescue Seminar - American Search & Rescue Institute, Inc.
Belay Article from Technical Rescue Magazine Issue Eight
Test of manual and automatic belay devices on different ropes ***
From the Technical Rescue Articles page from Technical Rescue Magazine
Belay Article Update - December 1996
Test of manual and automatic belay devices on different ropes ***
From the Technical Rescue Articles page from Technical Rescue Magazine
Considerations for Rope Rescue
by Kenneth N. Laidlaw - from BASARC Home Page
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SARBC - Rope Rescue Page
Expedition Rescue Guide (Caving)

Lifeline '97 - annual fun highline - pics held near Mt. Arrowsmith on Vancouver
Island - June 27-July 1, 1997
OA Guide to Belaying at the Climbing Wall
Urban H.A.R.T. - Equipment Spotlight (September) MIO rope grab device
Knots - more Knots

Climbing Knot Dictionary - Illustrated From Dave Hunt
Knots on the Web (Peter Suber) Great collection of links to other knot resources
Knot Primer for the Blue Ridge Mtn. Rescue Group Inc.
Ropers Knots Page Knot site on knot-work in real rope and lines
Keep in mind that SARBC assumes no responsibility for the use
or mis-use of information provided here.
SARBC Home Page | SARBC Index
by MCDPRI
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SARBC - "Urban" Search and Rescue
"Urban" Search and Rescue

SARBC
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Discussion Forum
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Discussion List

To subscribe, email to: [email protected]
and put in the body: SUBSCRIBE USAR and your FULL NAME
There is also the request that you identify your affiliation and interest in USAR to the list after
you join.
"Urban" Search and Rescue

The 5 Stages of Rescue Anyone remember these?
The 5 Stages of Rescue In More Detail
Rules for Urban Rescue Response
Earthquake todo's during and after
Links to other "Urban" Search and Rescue sites and information
ACUTE COMPARTMENT SYNDROME (ACS)
American Rescue Team Home Page
Disaster Center
FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Response System
FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces
Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team Urban Search and Rescue Training Outline
South Florida Urban Search And Rescue Home Page
SPECRESCUE INTERNATIONAL
URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE (LIGHT RESCUE) PROCEDURES from SBSAR Search and
Rescue
See the Links too
Home Page | Index
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SARBC - "Urban" Search and Rescue

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SARBC - Urban Rescue - Lite
Urban Rescue - Lite

SARBC
This Urban Rescue - Lite section comprises:
HR tools for each medium-sized Building - per floor
A list for Building Response Personnel Floor Wardens, Fire Wardens, Etc.
Home Page | Index

by MCDPRI
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SARBC - Communications for SAR
Communications for SAR

SARBC
This Communications for SAR section comprises:

Web Site information
Disaster Comunications
ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE SITE
Ham Radio Online - Real-Time Disaster Report
Ham Radio Software and Sites
Radio Amateurs of Canada
Telephone Pioneers Amateur Radio Club
Tucson Amateur Packet Radio (TAPR) Home Page
FTP Sites
Communications manual - pdf format Western State Mountain Rescue Team
From Chris Kenendy - use Acrobat reader to view it - (WSCMRTC.PDF 1898k)
Directory of /pub/ham/vhf-work
Directory of /tapr/SIG/aprssig/files
OAK Software Repository
See the Links too
Home Page | Index
Copyright 1995-2001
by MCDPRI
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Helping Children cope with Disaster
Helping Adolescents cope with Disaster
Critical Incident Stress Syndrome 1 What is it?
Critical Incident Stress Syndrome 2 What it does
Critical Incident Stress Syndrome 3 Conducting a mini-debriefing
Critical Incident Stress Syndrome 4 Do's & Don'ts
Critical Incident Stress Syndrome 5 Reactions
Critical Incident Stress - DISASTER.ZIP 14 CIS papers - several sources
Self Evaluation Lifestyle Quiz downloadable as a WP6.1 doc thanks to Keith Austin STRESS-Q.ZIP (4k)
Burnout Quiz
Links to other CIS/Trauma sites and information

American Psychological Association PsychNET (SM)
Behavior OnLine: The Mental Health and Behavioral Science Meeting Place
Canadian Traumatic Stress Network
Critical Incident Stress Management
David Baldwin's Trauma Information Pages
Easton-Snelgrove Inc. Managing Critical Incidents - TRAUMA MANAGEMENT - Courses

coming up soon!
Federation of Behavioral, Psychological and Cognitive Sciences
Greg Nail's Home Page Good Mental Health Resource Page
Growth House - Resource directory for end of life issues including hospice information,
bereavement, and related topics. Good CIS references too
ICISF: Welcome to Our Homepage (International CIS Foundation)
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies On Line
Knowledge Exchange Network (KEN) - National Mental Health Services
National Center for PTSD There are now 10,750 papers covered by this electronic index to
the traumatic stress literature
Trauma
[email protected] DISCUSSION LIST FOR SERIOUS MHP's (for list info send: info
traumatic-stress)
Victim-Assistance Online & DISCUSSION LIST FOR CISM
9-1-1 Emergency Services
See the Disaster Links too

Add a link
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Elementary School Preplan

Search Action Plan for Elementary Schools Prepared by:
Loreen Keefe and Michael Doyle
Search and Rescue Society of British Columbia (SARBC)
March 1988 Updated July 1995
In cooperation with:
Wishart School Principal, staff and parents
Wishart Safe Arrival program volunteers
Colwood Detachment R.C.M.P., Community Policing Branch
Example Elementary School Search Action Plan

INTRODUCTION
There was a case of two missing six year old girls. They disappeared after being dropped off at
their Elementary school. They were missing for about an hour. During that time, it became clear
that there really was no plan for such an event. The Safe Arrival program volunteers know their
program, and know of a child's absence within moments of roll call. But what to do after
notification?
SARBC volunteered to draft a plan, which would address what to do next.
The Plan, which follows, is the result of several consultations with school staff, Principal, Safe
Arrival program volunteers and the RCMP.
Please note that Sections D-E are School specific.
PREAMBLE
"Safe Arrival Program"
At the beginning of each school year, children are sent home with the "Safe Arrival" Form.
Parents are asked to list the following phone numbers:
home, both parent's business numbers, and three alternate numbers (neighbors, relatives and
friends). This information is then put on a rollex card file at the school.
If a child is to be absent from school, a "Contact Parent" is to be notified.
Each morning, a volunteer from the Safe Arrival program phones the designated "Contact
Parent" and gets a list of all the children who will be absent that day.
Teachers take "roll-call" at school.
Absentees are checked with the "Contact Parent's list".

If a child is absent and not on the list, then the following occurs:
Parent(s)/Guardian notified.
If unable to contact the parent/guardian, check back with the teacher to see if the child
has arrived in the interim. Siblings are questioned regarding the whereabouts of
missing child.
If at this point the child is still missing, the "Safe Arrival" volunteer notifies the
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Principal of the school.

NOTE : The above procedure is based on the assumption that the child is registered in
the "Safe Arrival" program.
NOTE : In the school records, it is noted who is the child's court appointed guardian
and any stipulations.
SECTION A
GUIDELINES and INSTRUCTIONS
ITEM 1
Safe Arrival program personnel will advise the Principal (Search Coordinator), and will contact
parents of the missing child. They will advise parents that their child has not arrived at school. If
the child is not at home and parents are unaware of their child's whereabouts, instruct the parents
they are responsible for the following:
Attempt to locate their child by contacting the homes of their child's friends, and check with
family and neighbors.
Check the route the child normally takes to school and areas the child frequents.
If there is no adult at the child's home, make arrangements for someone to be there, or
parents should return home, in case child returns and/or additional information is needed.
Parents must be given a fixed time to locate the child, minimum 20 min - maximum 30 min, with
the understanding that the school will be contacting the RCMP after 30 minutes. Advise the parents
that if they are unable to locate their child within thirty minutes, they are to contact both their local
RCMP Detachment and the school.
*** Obtain description of child's clothing***
ALSO SEE PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES
ITEM 2
Missing child's siblings and classmates are to be questioned regarding the following:
Known intentions of the missing child (identify child's friends).
Possible sightings of the missing child.
Areas the missing child frequents/plays.
ITEM 3
Search Coordinator will establish a Search Headquarters - a quiet room with access to telephone,
tables, paper, pens, etc.
Search Coordinator is to complete "Missing Child Information Form". (For information: school
records, teacher and child's parents)
Include child's picture on the form as well.
Photocopy several copies for searchers.
Search Coordinator will stay at search headquarters.
ITEM 4
Search Coordinator will dispatch search teams and document all information and decisions.
Search Coordinator is responsible for the following briefings:
School Staff : Notify that child is missing, description of child and subsequent procedures.
Staff Search Teams :
Description of missing child -see "Missing Child Information Form".
Search Procedures :
NOTE: The Search Coordinator will, in advance, assign personnel by function, to search each
Zone.
Building Search - Thorough search of all rooms, including small spaces that a child could
hide in. (ie.cupboards, etc.)
Outbuildings and Grounds Search - Thorough, systematic search for child and possible
articles that the child may have dropped. Periodically, call out the child's name and listen for
at least ten seconds for a response.
In the event of clues or items found, note precisely where found. Bring back to Search HQ.
Give searchers deadlines to return to Search HQ.
In the event that the child is found and there is suspicion of foul play, send someone for help,
don't disturb the area and administer First-Aid as necessary. (See Section F for more info.)
NOTE: School staff (Searchers), do not leave the school grounds, only "call and listen" from the
perimeters. The Search Coordinator will also document the following:
Child's home address on the map.
Areas searched and any observations.
General public sightings (Witness reports).
Any applicable information for the search effort.
The Search Coordinator will, if the child is not found within 30 minutes, notify the RCMP, and
have copies of the following documents:
Missing Child Information Form - completed.
Log or list of what has been done so far.
Map with the school and the child's house identified on it.
List of areas the child would frequent.
SECTION A
PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES
The news of a missing child sends a chill through any caring person, especially the Parents or
Guardians. Sometimes, what to do first or next seems to be confusing, as thoughts of what could
have happened, race through our minds. There are some things which can be done, now.
If a child is found to be missing from school, then the child's Parents/Guardians are notified by the
school.
Once notified that their child is missing from school, Parents/Guardians should be prepared to help
the search effort by doing the following:
Arrange to leave work if it becomes necessary.
Attempt to locate their child by contacting the homes of their child's friends, and check with
family and neighbors.
Check the route the child normally takes to school and areas the child frequents.
If there is no adult at the child's home, make arrangements for someone to be there, or
Parents/Guardians should return home, in case child returns and/or additional information is
needed.
Parents/Guardians are RESPONSIBLE for the duties outlined by numbers 2, 3 and 4 above.
Parents/Guardians have a fixed time to locate their child, minimum 20 min - 30 min maximum,
with the understanding that the school will be contacting the RCMP within 30 minutes.
If the Parents/Guardians are unable to locate their child within 30 minutes, they are to contact both
their local RCMP Detachment and the school.
Give Description of child's clothing to School Search Coordinator.
If the Parents/Guardians feel they must go to the school, they should understand that they come
under the direction and control of the Search Coordinator.
SECTION C
MISSING CHILD INFORMATION FORM
(PLEASE PRINT)
Date: ________________ Time (reported missing): ___________

Name: _________________________________ Nickname:__________________
Password: __________________
Parent/Guardian Name:___________________________
Address: _______________________________________ Phone #: _____________
LAST KNOWN LOCATION: _____________________________________________
Age: _______ Mental Age: _______ Sex: _____________ Race: _____________
Height: __________________ Weight: _________________ Build: _____________
Hair colour:_________ Hair Length: _______
Eye colour: ________ Wear glasses?: ____
Physical characteristics: ____________________________________ (ie. scars etc.)
Physical condition: ___________________________________________________
Coat: ___________________ Shirt: _____________
Dress:___________ Sweater: _________________
Pants: ___________ Skirt:_____________ Hat: ______________
Other:___________________ Boots: ________________________________
Shoes: _______________________
Runners: ______________________________ Other: ________________________
Lunch kit: ______________________________ Food: ________________________
Backpack/School bag: __________________ Toys: _________________________
School books: _________________________ Other: _________________________
Home room Teacher: ___________________ Phone #: _______________
Classroom #: _______
Known intentions: ______________________________________________________
Areas child frequents: __________________________________________________
Ever been lost before: _________ Where found: _________________________
Actions taken: ________________________________________________________
Point last seen: _______________________________________________________
Home to school arrangements:
_____________________________________________________________________
Transporter's Name: ___________________________ Phone #: ________________
Names of child's friends:
_____________________________________________________________________
Description, Names of companion(s), if any:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Circumstances of disappearance :
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
SECTION C
WITNESS REPORT FORM
Name of witness: ____________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________
Telephone #: _______________________ Business #: _______________________
Reached for further information: ___________________________________________
Time Period at Alternate Number/Address: _________________________________
Time period Time sighted: _______________________________________________
Location: ______________________________________________________________
Direction of travel: _______________________________________________________
Child alone?: ________________________________
Description of incident: (record in own words of witness)
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Compiled by: _____________________________
Date: _________________________ Time: _______________________
SECTION D
AREAS CHILDREN FREQUENT - SCHOOL SPECIFIC
EXAMPLE ONLY
This would show a map of the area with the following information numbered on the map.
Grade One
( 1 ) Yards and houses of friends
( 2 ) Streets near both their own home and friends
Grade Two
School yards of the following schools:
( 3 ) Wishart
( 4 ) Dunsmuir
( 5 ) Sangster
( 2 ) Friend's homes
( 6 ) Ocean View Park
Grade Four
( 7 ) Gravel Pit
( 8 ) Webb Place - underdeveloped area
Grade Five and Six
( 9 ) Metchosin Road - near firehall
( 4 ) Dunsmuir School Ground
(10) "Forest Area" - off Wishart Road, going towards Metchosin Road
(11) Reservoir - Latoria Road
(12) New Town Houses - Mary Anne Crescent
(12) Play Ground - Mary Anne Crescent
( 7 ) Gravel Pit
(13) Winthrop Path - Near Bunker Road
Grade Five
( 3 ) Fields behind school
Grade Six
(9, 10) Around Church
(15) Forest Behind School
( 7 ) Gravel Pit
(14) By Johnny's Store
( 3 ) Path Between Portables
Grade Six and Seven
( 3 ) Forest beyond School Field
( 6 ) Ocean View Park

(9,10) Church Parking Lot
(10) End of Wishart Place
NOTE : The above areas are located on Colwood Street Maps. (You would see accompanying Map
for locations of bracketed items.)
ENTER CHILD'S HOME ADDRESS: ________________________________________
SECTION E
SCHOOL LAYOUT
This section would show the school layout, as well as, all rooms by floor.
SECTION F
PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE
Compiled from lectures given by RCMP and District Coroner. This information is to be given to
Field Team Leaders only in certain situations (this is a very sensitive topic).
In the case of suspected foul play, or death of the missing person:
Safeguard the scene by sealing off the entire area. Allow only people actually engaged in the
investigation into the area. Record the names of all people who came into contact with the
scene area. If relieved of this duty by Police officer in charge, note his/her name, and time.
a. Note any vehicles in the immediate area and record their licence plate numbers.
b. Note any people in the area not involved with the search, and write down a general
description of each person.
The first member on the scene, or the Team Leader if immediately available, will be
responsible for completing a file including: names of all persons present: all relevant times;
the condition of the scene; the condition, description, and location of the victim; type of day;
description of the area; a rough sketch of the scene also noting any peculiar or unusual items
or pieces of evidence (signs of struggle, weapons, bloodstains, etc.).
Try to hold all witnesses, if any, and limit conversation between them. Treat suspects as
witnesses, try and hold as a witness.
In the case of violent or sexual crime, record the FIRST statements of the victim, and who
the victim made them to.
First-aid and evacuation, if necessary, must be the prime concern. However, try to protect the
scene as much as possible. Use only the people necessary, the rest of the team must be
excluded from the area.
One person should approach the scene to determine the course of action. The rest of the team
should stay back.
All team members who had any part of 1,2,3,4 or 5 above should record their observations
and should be prepared to attend a Coroner's inquest if one is called.
This concludes the Search Action Plan.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia
Hypothermia Discussion Forum - Usenet Like
Res-Q-Air and Heat Treat Discussion Forum
Altitude Illness - Hypothermia
Cold Injuries from National Outdoor Leadership School
Cold Injuries & Cold Water Near Drowning Guidelines "Alaska Protocols"
Hypothermia (cold survival)
Hypothermia - Physiology, Signs, Symptoms and Treatment considerations
Hypothermia - Powerpoint - Zip Gaelic Wolf - Hypothermia Download Page
Hypothermia - Powerpoint - EXE (zip) Download here (690k)
Hypothermia - Powerpoint - ZIP Download here (657k)
Hypothermia Prevention, Recognition and Treatment
Hypothermia-Related Deaths -- Alaska, October 1998-April 1999
Hypothermia - SPECIAL SITUATIONS Andrew D Weinberg, MD An important study to be

read! Excellent paper! ***
Hypothermia / Surviving the cold / Workers' Compensation Board of B.C. link updated
again
Hypothermia Treatment Devices, Protocols & Articles Courtesy of Robert Douwens at
Res-Q Products
OA Guide to Hypothermia & Cold Weather Injuries
Safety And Survival Hypothermia
Special Report On Cold Stress (Hypothermia) And Heat Stress
THERMAL AND CARDIOVASCULAR CHANGES DURING THREE METHODS OF

RESUSCITATION FROM MILD HYPOTHERMIA John Hayward One of the most
important studies to be read! Check out the difference between cardiac, esophageal,
tympanic, rectal temperatures. ***
Winter Camping and Hypothermia
Winter Camping and Hypothermia Information
Hypothermia Graphics
Warning Signs of Hypothermia
Heat Loss - Losing it 5 ways
Treatment in the Field/Hospital
H.E.L.P. and Huddle - Cold Water Survival
More Links
http://www.islandnet.com/sarbc/hypo.html [5/10/2004 3:34:41 PM]
Liability
Liability
Some of these articles have appeared in SARNEWS or are published by SARBC
Liability of Search and Rescuers - Part 1 Introduction
Liability of Search and Rescuers - Part 2 Case Law
Liability of Search and Rescuers - Part 6 Example Scenarios
Liability of Search and Rescuers - Part 7 Scenarios Continued
Liability of Search and Rescuers - Part 8 (References)
The Risk of Rescue - The Plight of the Good Samaritan
A COMPENDIUM OF LEGAL ISSUES IN SEARCH AND RESCUE from John Chaffey
Liability - on a Search?
See the SAR and Disaster Links too
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RCMP Search and Rescue
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SEARCH AND RESCUE: RCMP ROLE
back
In Canada, except within federally owned National Parks, the overall

responsibility for land and inland water search and rescue (SAR) rests with the
provinces, territories and municipalities. Typically this responsibily is delegated
to the police force of jurisidiction.
The police force of jurisdiction in all provinces except Ontario and Quebec; in
both territories, and in various municipalities is the Royal Canadian Mounted
Police (RCMP). In these areas, police services, including SAR, is performed
pursuant to formal police services agreements.
The RCMP recently completed an extensive review of its search and rescue
policy and training requirements. The review resulted in a revitalized search
and rescue program which will enable the RCMP to provide SAR services in a
more effective and cost efficient manner.
In order to achieve these objectives the RCMP is placing special emphasis on:
Response;
Interdepartmental Cooperation;
Prevention, and
Volunteers.
New initiatives in these areas will create and maintain a solid framework for
search and rescue in the areas where the RCMP has a contractual responsibility.
RESPONSE
In the area of response, new RCMP policy will clearly outline the roles and
responsibilities of RCMP personnel within a province, territority or
municipality.
RCMP SAR Coordinators ensure that regional issues, including policy, training
and resources are prompty addressed. Each province or territory served by the
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RCMP has a SAR coordinator.

Detachment Commanders ensure that complaints of lost or overdue persons are
promptly investigated and a "Lost/Missing Person Report" is compiled. When
warranted, a SAR trained RCMP Search Commander is appointed and a search
is initated.
RCMP Search Commanders assume overall on-site authority for the
organization and management of the actual search and ensure the search is well
organized and managed according to proven management procedures. The
assistance of a SAR trained volunteer civilian Search Manager and SAR trained
volunteers may be requested.
Initial SAR responses may involve one or more of the following: Police Service
Dog Team; trained volunteer SAR civilian dog team; Trained volunteer "Hasty
Team" (in some areas RCMP Hasty Teams are used); RCMP helicopter
equipped with Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR); trained volunteer "specialist"
teams, e.g. avalanche, white water, ice rescue, etc.; trained volunteer SAR
divers (although most areas use RCMP Dive Teams); trained human trackers
and other SAR trained persons.
Subsequent or more concentrated searches may involve the use of SAR trained
volunteer teams; (who conduct open or closed grid searches); the Civil Air
Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), or other provincial agencies with
SAR capabilities; or in the case of inland water searches, the Canadian Coast
Guard Auxiliary (CCGA).
Training
Under recently released new SAR policy, the minimum training requirement for
RCMP Search Commanders will be a "basic SAR" and "SAR management"
course.
As a standard for training, the RCMP has formally recognized "basic",
"advanced" and "management" SAR courses produced by, or based on the
principles of, the United States based Emergency Response Institute (ERI), and
the U.S. National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR).
Canadian courses which meet these standards include, but are not limited to, the
Provincial Emergency Program (PEP), in the province of British Columbia, and
the Emergency Measures Organization (EMO), in the Yukon.
The RCMP has also initiated action to introduce sessions on SAR at the recruit
training level, as well as on Detachment Commander training courses.
These training initiatives will ensure a standard and uniform level of SAR
training is provided throughout the RCMP.
Equipment
A variety of RCMP-owned equipment may be utilized in SAR operations.
Equipment is generally referred to as "multi-tasked", which means that the
equipment used by the RCMP to conduct a wide variety of police services,
including SAR; and "primary SAR" which means the primary purposes for
acquiring this equipment was to perform a SAR function.
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Multi-tasked equipment owned and operated by the RCMP includes 404

inshore water transport; 8 patrol vessels (8 m or more in length), 26 fixed wing
aircraft and 9 helicopters, five of which are equipped with FLIR. The FLIR
equipped helicopters are stationed at Vancouver, British Columbia; Edmonton,
Alberta; Fredericton, New Brunswick; Gander, Newfoundland and Whitehorse,
Yukon. All multi-tasked helicopters are equipped with mounts to accommodate
FLIR.
Primary SAR equipment owned and controlled by the RCMP includes: 1 - 7.3
m Zodiac Hurricane 730-0B located in Iqaluit, NWT; 1 - 8.2 m Boston Whaler
located in Yellowknife, NWT; 8 - Zodiac markIII Grand Raid Inflatables
located at strategic locations in Newfoundland; 1 - 8.2 m welded aluminum
cuddy cabin boat located at Agassiz; and 1 - 9.1 m aluminum cuddy cabin
located in Hay River, NWT. In some instances, primary SAR equipment is
operated by SAR trained civilian volunteers, pursuant to formal written
agreements.
Interdepartmental Cooperation
RCMP divisions are identified by a single alphabetic prefix, i.e. British
Columbia is "E" Division. An RCMP division generally identified equates to a
province or territory (see map). As the province or territory has overall
responsibility for SAR, requirements may vary by region.
RCMP Divisions either have, or will be developing, formal written agreements
or Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) within each provincial or territory
served by the RCMP, as well as with other applicable federal departments.
These MOUs will clarify the respective roles of each agency.
The agreements will clarify, within the confines of the province, the roles of the
Civilian Air Search & Rescue Association, (CASARA); the Canadian Marine
Rescue Association (CMRA); Canadian Parks Service; Departments of Forestry
and Natural Resources, as well as Workers Compensation Coverage for
volunteers and other government and non-governmental agencies with an
interest in SAR and provincial expectations or standards for SAR volunteers.
On a national level the RCMP at "HQ" Ottawa works very closely with the
National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS). The role of the NSS is to
enhance the provision of effective, efficient and economical SAR service in
Canda by facilitating the development of the National Search and Rescue Plan
(NSP). The NSP is a unique undertaking by federal and participating provincial,
municipal and private SAR organizations with the objective of saving lives by
enhancing SAR prevention and the provision, throughout Canada's accepted
areas of responsibility, of effective and affordable SAR services.
RCMP "HQ" is also an active participant on the Interdepartmental Committee
on Search and Rescue (ICSAR) which includes representatives from DND,
CCG, Parks Canada, Fisheries and Oceans, and Environment Canada.
Prevention
It is often said that if the general public were properly trained through extensive
"preventive" programs, thee would be few requirements in Canada for either
"searches" or "resces".
Although individuals are primarily responsible for their own safety, the RCMP
has recently undertaken a number of new prevention initiatives. These
initiatives are being directed at three target groups: school children ages 5-12;
special interest groups, and the general public.
School children are taught how to survive in the woods when lost. Videos are
used to instill SAR awareness to special interest groups. Videos include two
1995 presentations developed by the RCMP in "K" Division (Alberta).
Prevention brochures are disseminated to the general public during police week
and during other special occasions. Brochures include one entitled "Prepared
for the Woods", which is produced by Emergency Preparedness Canada.
Volunteers
Properly trained civilian volunteers are, at the very least, equally as effective as
highly trained paid professionals, and in many instances are more readily
available.
While the RCMP Search Commander maintains authority for the organization
and management of the search, national RCMP policy promotes, whenever
feasible, the organization and use of this valuable resource. The exact level and
extent of civilian involvement in SAR generally varies by province, according
to provincial guidelines, standards, Workers Compensation and local RCMP
requirements.
Provincial standards and certification are invaluable in pre-determining the
qualfications of volunteers. This is especially true in the case of volunteer SAR
dog teams as the Search Commander has a obligation to ensure both the handler
and the dog will recognize clues; will not destroy evidence; will not injure the
lost person, and will not become lost or injured themselves.
To the extent possible, potential volunteer search managers will be encouraged
to attend RCMP-sponsored search management courses, together with potential
RCMP SAR Commanders. Furthermore, it is RCMP policy that when feasible,
the RCMP will also assist in the training of volunteers.
The RCMP is committed to the principles of community based policing and
SAR is an excellent example of the high level of partnership and commitment
between the police and the community.
Conclusion
Recent developments have brought a new level of SAR importance and
accountability in the RCMP and a greater reliance on the development and use
of trained volunteers. Through improved response, prevention and
inter-departmental cooperation, it is hoped that many search emergencies can be
avoided and that many lives will be saved.
The RCMP has undertaken numerous efforts to enhance the general

effectiveness of its national SAR program. This has involved an examination of,
and in some cases, a complete overhaul of our force's responsibilities, levels of
service, standards, training, allocation of resources, and types of resources.
No amount of police resources and equipment will ever replace the vital
knowledge and commitment of the citizen within the community. The role of
invaluable volunteers in SAR can only be expected to grow in the future.
Content created: date
Content revised: date
Return to Top
Important Notices
State of Alaska - Cold Water Near Drowning Guidelines
AK-HYPO.ZIP Download latest revision - 01/96 - Word 6 format (47K)
Cold Injuries & Cold Water Near Drowning Guidelines Now available as a pdf file zipped to 43k - by popular demand
Table of Contents
Introduction
Hypothermia: General Points
Hypothermia: General Public
Hypothermia: First Responder/Emergency Medical Technician I
Hypothermia: Emergency Medical Technician II
Hypothermia: Emergency Medical Technician III/Paramedic
Hypothermia: Small/Bush Clinic
Hypothermia: Hospital
Cold Water Near Drowning: General Points
Cold Water Near Drowning: General Public
Cold Water Near Drowning: First Responder/Emergency Medical Technician I
Cold Water Near Drowning: Emergency Medical Technician II
Cold Water Near Drowning: Emergency Medical Technician III
Cold Water Near Drowning: Paramedic
Cold Water Near Drowning: Small/Bush Clinic
Cold Water Near Drowning: Hospital
Frostbite: Introduction
Frostbite: General Points
Frostbite: Evaluation and Treatment
Frostbite: References
Alaska 24 Hour Emergency Departments
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Temperature Conversions
Acknowledgements
Index
INTRODUCTION
These guidelines have been developed for use by prehospital , clinic and hospital personnel dealing with cold problems in
Alaska. They are meant to be guidelines, not absolute rules, governing the treatment of hypothermia and cold water near
drowning.
Field personnel, from first responders through paramedics, may not want to carry the full set of guidelines with them. It may be
more practical simply to carry the portion pertinent to their level of training, and to be generally familiar with the content for
their level.
The full set of guidelines probably would be best utilized in hospital radio rooms, where calls come in from prehospital
personnel with various levels of training.
To illustrate:
If a call comes in to Dillingham hospital from Naknek about a hypothermic patient, the hospital personnel need to ask the level
of training of the prehospital personnel. If the caller is an EMT-II, for example, the hospital personnel can then turn to
Hypothermia-EMT-II and direct the EMT in appropriate treatment.
Readers should note that these protocols are primarily designed to be used in EMS education and as a reference for the
treatment of cold injuries and for use in assisting in the development of local standing orders. In the absence of standing orders,
they may be used to guide the treatment of cold injuries until communication with a physician is established.
These guidelines are not intended to serve as a comprehensive teaching document on cold related illnesses and injuries.
Consequently, those teaching the treatment of cold injuries must be prepared to elaborate on pathophysiology and treatment.
Back to the Table of Contents
HYPOTHERMIA: GENERAL POINTS
A.
The evaluation and treatment of hypothermia whether wet or dry, on land or water, are similar. Specific differences are
covered in the following pages.
B.
In the cold patient, a rectal temperature is one of the vital signs. In terms of the ABC's, think:
A - Airway B - Breathing C - Circulation D - Degrees
C.
In the cold patient, body core temperature becomes an important sign. While obtaining a body core temperature is
important and useful for assessing and treating hypothermia, there is tremendous variability in individual physiologic
responses at specific temperatures and a low reading thermometer may not always be available. Therefore, these
guidelines are not solely based on the patient's measured temperature.
D.
Assessment of temperature:
1. The simplest assessment of a patient's body temperature may be performed by placing an ungloved hand against
the skin of the patient's back or chest. If the skin feels warm, hypothermia is unlikely. This method, however, does
not provide a reliable estimate of the patient's core temperature.
2. Axillary and oral measurements are poor measures of core temperature. Rectal temperatures more closely
approximate the core temperature and are a practical method for use in the field. It is acknowledged that other
methods of estimating the core temperature exist. Use of techniques other than rectal measurements should be
evaluated for their accuracy and practicality in the field. The decision to use a methodology other than rectal
temperatures should be made in consultation with the service's physician medical director.
3. Patients with cold skin should have a rectal temperature taken with a low reading thermometer. Household
thermometers are useless in this setting. Low reading rectal thermometers should be capable of measuring
temperatures as low as 70F.
4. CAUTION: Electronic thermometers may not be accurate if they are left in the cold.
E:
The hypothermic patient should be assessed carefully for coexisting injuries and illnesses. The signs and symptoms of
hypothermia may be mimicked by alcohol, diabetes, altitude sickness, overdose and other conditions. As a result, a
thorough assessment of the patient is imperative. Associated significant illness or injury may exacerbate hypothermia.
Splinting should be performed, when indicated, with caution to prevent additional injuries to frostbitten tissues.
F.
Ensure that items, oxygen, and fluids (both oral and IV) coming into contact with the patient, are warmed.
G.
Since cold skin is easily injured, avoid direct application of hot objects or excessive pressure (e.g. uninsulated hot water
bottles, tourniquets).
H.
As in any resuscitation, a positive attitude is important. The hypothermic patient may appear to be beyond help because of
skin color, pupil dilation, and depressed vital signs However, patients suffering from severe hypothermia have been
resuscitated. Therefore, be cautious about assuming the patient cannot be resuscitated. It is also wise to be cautious about
what you say during the resuscitation. Seemingly unconscious patients frequently remember what is said and done.
I.
Severe cold injuries are encountered relatively infrequently. Consequently, it is necessary that you preplan the
management of these conditions and that you are familiar with the appropriate equipment.
J.
The inside of the ambulance and any rooms where hypothermia patients are treated should be warm enough to prevent
further heat loss, ideally above 80 F (26.7 C).
K.
CPR has no significant effect on survival of the hypothermic patient in the following situations, and, in accordance with
state law and local standing orders, CPR should not be initiated when:
1. Cold water submersion patients who have been under the water for more than 1 hour.
2. Hypothermia patients with a core temperature of less than 60 F (15.5 C).
3. Obvious fatal injuries, e.g. decapitation.
4. Frozen patients, e.g. ice formation in the airway.
5. The chest wall is so stiff that compression is impossible.
6. Rescuers are exhausted or at danger.
L.
Recent legislation (1994 HB 39) has empowered EMTs, paramedics and physicians-assistants to declare death in the field
following 30 minutes of properly performed advanced life support, even when the patient is hypothermic. It is
recommended in these cases, however, that resuscitations be continued for at least 60 minutes and be combined with the
rewarming techniques found in these guidelines before being terminated. Please note that this legislation does not
authorize Emergency Trauma Technicians and the general public to pronounce a patient dead.
M.
The patient with severe hypothermia must be handled very gently. The cold heart is very prone to cardiac arrest. Even
cautious movement of the patient may induce cardiac arrest.
N.
The indications for the pneumatic anti-shock garments are the same as for normothermic patients. The use of the PASG is
controversial and they should be used in accordance with established local protocols.
O.
The pulse should be checked for up to 45 seconds when assessing a hypothermic patient or a patient who has been
removed from cold water.
HYPOTHERMIA:
GENERAL PUBLIC
A.
Assessment of Patient
1. Severe Hypothermia: If the patient is cold and has any of the following signs or symptoms, he is considered to
have severe hypothermia:

a. Temperature of 90 F (32.2 C) or less.
b. Depressed vital signs, such as a slow pulse and/or slow respiration.
c. Altered level of consciousness, including slurred speech, staggering gait, decreased mental skills, or the
lack of response to verbal or painful stimuli.
d. No shivering in spite of being very cold. (Note: This sign is potentially unreliable and may be altered by
alcohol intoxication.)
2. Mild Hypothermia: If the patient is cold and does not have any of these signs or symptoms, he is considered to
have mild hypothermia.
B.
Basic Treatment for Hypothermia
1. Prevent further heat loss. Insulate from the ground, protect from the wind, eliminate evaporative heat loss by
removing wet clothing or by covering the patient with a vapor barrier (such as a plastic garbage bag), cover the
head and neck and move the patient to a warm environment. Consider covering patient's mouth and nose with a
light fabric to reduce heat loss through respirations.
2. Activate the emergency medical services system to provide transport to a medical facility.
3. Do not give alcohol.
C.
Treatment for Mild Hypothermia
1. Treat the patient as outlined in Section B.
2. If there is no way to get to a medical facility, rewarm the patient gradually by:
a. Placing patient in as warm an environment as possible.
b. Increasing heat production through exercise and calorie/fluid replacement. This method of adding heat is
particularly important when emergency care is not readily available as in remote or prolonged transport
environment.
c. Rewarming passively through the application of insulated heat packs to high heat transfer/loss areas such
as the head, neck, underarms, sides of the chest wall, and groin, and heavy insulation to prevent further heat
loss.
d. Considering warm showers and warm bath if the patient is alert.
e. Placing patient in a sleeping bag and providing contact with a warm body. The patient should not be
placed a sleeping bag with another individual who is hypothermic. This method should be considered a last
resort since it may endanger the rescuer and is less efficient than other methods.
3. Encourage the patient to drink warm fluids as soon as he, or she, is capable of swallowing and protecting his or her
airway.
D.
Treatment for Severe Hypothermia with Signs of Life (e.g. Pulse and Respirations Present
1. Treat the patient as outlined in sections B and C above with the following exceptions:
a. Do not put severely hypothermic patients in a shower or bath.
b. Do not give a patient oral fluids unless he or she is capable of swallowing and protecting his or her
airway.
2. Treat patients who are hypothermic very gently (do not rub or manipulate extremities).
E.
Treatment for Severe Hypothermia with No Life Signs
1. Treat as above.
2. If no pulse (after checking for up to 45 seconds) and no respirations and no contraindications as listed in section K,
start CPR.
3. Use mouth-to-mask breathing.
4. Reassess the patient's physical status periodically.
5. Transfer to a medical facility as soon as possible.
HYPOTHERMIA:
FIRST RESPONDER/EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN I
A.
c. Altered level of consciousness, including slurred speech, staggering gait, decreased mental skills, or the
B.
2. Treat and transport to a medical facility.
4. When administered, oxygen should be heated to 105 - 108 F (40.5 - 42.2 C), measured at the mouth, and
humidified, if possible.
5. Splinting should be performed, when indicated, with caution to prevent additional injuries to frostbitten tissues.
C.
environment.
loss.
e. Placing patient in a sleeping bag and providing contact with a warm body.
The patient should not be placed a sleeping bag with another individual who is hypothermic. This method,
however, should be considered a last resort, however, since it may endanger the rescuer and is less efficient
than other methods.
airway.
D.
Treatment for Severe Hypothermia with Signs of Life. (i.e. Pulse and Respirations Present):
1. Obtain a core temperature (rectal).
airway.
4. Transport patient to a medical facility as soon as possible.

E.
Treatment for Severe Hypothermia with No Life Signs:
1. Treat as above.
2. If no pulse (after checking for up to 45 seconds) and no respirations and no contraindications as listed in section K,
start CPR.
4. Advanced airway devices: The indications and contraindications for advanced airway devices are the same in both
the hypothermic and the warm patient. However, hypothermic patients may be more difficult to intubate,
precipitation of ventricular fibrillation may be a danger, and intubation should only be attempted under optimum
conditions by skilled personnel only if the airway is inadequate.
5. If the rescuers are authorized to use an automated external defibrillator and the device states that shocks are
indicated, one set of three stacked shocks should be delivered. If the core temperature of the patient cannot be
determined or is above 86 F, treat the patient as if normothermic. If the patient's core temperature is below 86 F,
discontinue use of the AED after the initial three shocks.
6. If resuscitation has been provided in conjunction with rewarming techniques for more than 60 minutes without the
return of spontaneous pulse or respiration, contact the base physician for recommendations. If contact with a
physician is not possible, Emergency Medical Technicians may consider terminating the resuscitation in
accordance with HB 39 and local protocols.
HYPOTHERMIA:
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN II
A.
b. Alternate level of consciousness, including slurred speech, staggering gait, decreased mental skills, or the
B.
6. Do not give coffee or alcohol.
7. I.V. Therapy
a. Indications for I.V.'s are the same for mildly hypothermic patients as they are for normothermic patients.
b. Most hypothermic patients are dehydrated and may require aggressive fluid resuscitation.
c. Do not delay transport, communications, or other therapy by taking a long time to start an I.V. I.V.'s are
difficult to start in cold patients.
d. The recommended fluid for rehydration is a balanced salt solution, such as normal saline or ringer's
lactate.
e. I.V.'s should be heated to 104 - 108 F (40 - 42 C), when possible.
8. Medications:
a. Indications for medications are the same for mildly hypothermic patients as they are for normothermic
patients.
b. Medications are inefficient and poorly metabolized in the hypothermic patient. In addition, due to delayed
metabolism, medications given in normal therapeutic doses to severely hypothermic patients can result in
toxicity when the patient is rewarmed.
c. As with any person with altered consciousness, Narcan and 50% dextrose should be considered when there
is a reasonable suspicion that their use is warranted.
d. Sodium bicarbonate is not to be used unless specifically ordered by a physician.
C.
environment.
loss.
e. Placing patient in a sleeping bag and providing contact with a warm body. The patient should not be
placed a sleeping bag with another individual who is hypothermic. This method, however, should be
considered a last resort, however, since it may endanger the rescuer and is less efficient than other methods.
airway.
D.
Treatment for Severe Hypothermia with Signs of Life (e.g. Pulse and Respirations Present:
airway.
4. Administer 10 cc/kilogram of a balanced salt solution as a bolus followed by 5 cc/kg/hr as a continuous infusion.
E.
Treatment for Severe Hypothermia with No Life Signs:
1. Treat as above.
2. If no pulse (after checking for up to 45 seconds) and no respirations and no contraindications as listed in section K
on page 2, start CPR.
5. If the rescuers are authorized to use an automated external defibrillator and the device states that shocks are
indicated, one set of three stacked shocks should delivered. If the core temperature of the patient cannot be
determined or is above 86 F, treat the patient as if normothermic. If the patient's core temperature is below 86 F,
discontinue use of the AED after the initial three shocks.
HYPOTHERMIA:
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN III/PARAMEDIC
A.
Temperature of 90 F (32.2 C) or less.
Depressed vital signs, such as a slow pulse and/or slow respiration.
Altered level of consciousness, including slurred speech, staggering gait, decreased mental skills, or the lack
of response to verbal or painful stimuli.
No shivering in spite of being very cold. (Note: This sign is potentially unreliable and may be altered by
B.
6. 6. I.V. Therapy
Indications for I.V.'s are the same for mildly hypothermic patients as they are for normothermic patients.
Most hypothermic patients are dehydrated and may require aggressive fluid resuscitation.
Do not delay transport, communications, or other therapy by taking a long time to start an I.V. I.V.'s are
difficult to start in cold patients.
The recommended fluid for rehydration is a balanced salt solution, such as normal saline or ringer's lactate.
I.V.'s should be heated to 104 - 108 F (40 - 42 C), when possible.
7. Medications:
a. Indications for medications are the same for mildly hypothermic patients as they are for normothermic
patients.
b. Medications are inefficient and poorly metabolized in the hypothermic patient. In addition, due to delayed
metabolism, medications given in normal therapeutic doses to severely hypothermic patients can result in
toxicity when the patient is rewarmed.
As with any person with altered consciousness, Narcan and 50% dextrose should be considered when there is
a reasonable suspicion that their use is warranted.
Sodium bicarbonate is not to be used unless specifically ordered by a physician.
C.
Placing patient in as warm an environment as possible.
Increasing heat production through exercise and calorie/fluid replacement. This method of adding heat is
environment.
Rewarming passively through the application of insulated heat packs to high heat transfer/loss areas such as
the head, neck, underarms, sides of the chest wall, and groin, and heavy insulation to prevent further heat
loss.
Considering warm showers and warm bath if the patient is alert.
Placing patient in a sleeping bag and providing contact with a warm body. The patient should not be placed
a sleeping bag with another individual who is hypothermic. This method, however, should be considered a
last resort, however, since it may endanger the rescuer and is less efficient than other methods.
airway.
D.
Treatment for Severe Hypothermia with Signs of Life (i.e. Pulse and Respiration Present:
Do not put severely hypothermic patients in a shower or bath.
Do not give a patient oral fluids unless he or she is capable of swallowing and protecting his or her airway.
4. Administer 10 cc/kilogram of a balanced salt solution as a bolus followed by 5 cc/kg/hr as a continuous infusion.
E.
Treatment for Severe Hypothermia with No Life Signs (CPR Required)
1. Treat as above.
2. If no pulse (after checking for up to 45 seconds) and no respirations and no contraindications as listed in section K
on page 2, start CPR.
5. Guidelines have not been established for the use of advanced cardiac life support procedures in the hypothermic
patient. One series of defibrillation attempts if the patient is in ventricular fibrillation (200 ws, 300 ws, 360 ws, OR
200 ws, 200 ws, 360 ws) is reasonable followed by a bolus of bretylium/lidocaine. If successful the patient should
be transported immediately to the nearest medical facility. If unsuccessful and the patient's core temperature is
below 86 F, the patient should immediately be transported to the nearest medical facility without further attempts
at defibrillation. If the temperature is above 86 F, continue with resuscitation as if the patient was normothermic.
Additional treatment should be determined by the medical director.
Note: Shivering can mimic ventricular fibrillation.
6. If the cardiac rhythm is asystole, as assessed in two different leads, do not attempt defibrillation. Additional ACLS
medications should be used with caution in accordance with physician signed standing orders and as stated in B--7
of this section.
HYPOTHERMIA:
SMALL/BUSH CLINIC
A.
The extent of the evaluation and treatment in small/bush clinics is defined by the training of the personnel and the
available equipment as outlined in the foregoing guidelines.
B.
For transfer to a higher medical facility, the patient must be stabilized in the clinic rather than transferred as an unstable
patient. If the patient is requiring CPR or is otherwise with unstable vital signs, then the necessary equipment and trained
personnel-if not already at the clinic-should be sent to the clinic in order to stabilize the patient for transfer to a higher
medical facility.
C.
Once the rewarming process has started in the clinic, it should be continued until transfer is possible and appropriate or
the patient recovers.
HYPOTHERMIA:
HOSPITAL
A.
General Points
1. Treat to the level of your ability as your hospital equipment, staff, and skills dictate.
2. All patients should be stabilized before any transport to another facility. The patient should be kept in the sending
hospital until the patient is stable or accepted by the receiving hospital.
B.
Evaluation
1. Initial attention to the ABCs and CPR as needed.
2. Vital signs, including rectal temperature.
3. Brief history.
4. Brief physical exam:
a. Feel for skin temperature.
b. Level of consciousness and neurological examination.
c. Cadiopulmonary exam.
d. Associated trauma.
e. Weight.
5. Suggested laboratory and x-ray evaluation, depending on available staffing and equipment:
a. Chest x-ray.
b. 12 lead electrocardiogram.
c. Urine: urinalysis, sodium and osmolality.
d. Blood: CBC, BUN, creatinine, electrolytes, sugar, platelets, PTT, prothrombin tine, liver function tests,
amylase.
e. Arterial blood gases.
C.
Monitoring and Treatment
1. Basic treatment is the same as that indicated for prehospital personnel in these guidelines.
2. Physiologic monitoring. Pulse oximetry or transcutaneous oxygen monitoring may be unreliable due to peripheral
vasoconstriction. Consider topical methyl salicylate as a skin vasodilator. All patients should be on a cardiac
monitor.
3. Administer 10 cc/kilogram of a crystalloid solution (5% dextrose in normal saline) as a bolus followed by 5
cc/kg/hr as a continuous infusion. Large amounts of fluid may be necessary for complete fluid resuscitation. A
CVP line may help to determine fluid status. I.V.'s should be heated to 104 - 108 F (40 - 42 C), when possible.
4. Urinary bladder catheter, preferably with a thermistor.
5. Nasogastric tube or orogastric tube, if the patient is unconscious and intubated.
6. Endotracheal/Nasotracheal tube is indicated in the unconscious patient after careful neck evaluation.
7. Ventilate with moist air or oxygen heated to 105 - 108 F (40.5 - 42.2 C), measured at the mouth, and
8. Continue monitoring until stable and warm.
D.
Adding Heat
1. The recommended possibilities include:
EXTERNAL METHODS
INTERNAL METHODS
Warm Steam Inhalation/Ventilation
Gradual Spontaneous Rewarming

(105 - 108 F) = (40.5 - 42.2 C)
Peritoneal Lavage
Warming Blankets
(105 - 110 F) = (40.5 - 43.3 C)
Tub Bath
Extracorporeal Circulation
(Up to 100 F (37.7C))
Warm Gastric/Bladder Lavage
(105 - 110 F) = (40.5 - 43.3 C)
Warm IV's
(104 - 108 F) = (40 - 42 C)
Chest Lavage via Chest Tubes
2. Regardless of the method chosen for adding heat, the patient must be under total physiologic control and the
temperatures of devices, fluids, and gasses used for rewarming should be monitored.
3. Tub bath is one of the most rapid rewarming methods and requires immediate laboratory results and extremely
close physiological monitoring.
4. For Severe Hypothermia without Signs of Life: Warm the core as rapidly as possible, using one or more of the
internal methods, preferably cardiopulmonary bypass, if available.
5. For Severe Hypothermia with Life Signs: Use the rewarming method available in the facility which is most
familiar to you.
E.
Most Common Problems
1. Arrhythmias:
a. Arrhythmias other than ventricular fibrillation will usually convert spontaneously with rewarming. If
treatment is not working, continue rewarming.
b. In ventricular fibrillation with a core temperature of less than 85 F, consider one attempt at defibrillation
(200 ws, 300 ws, 360 ws OR 200 ws, 200 ws, 360 ws) and intravenous bretylium/lidocaine.
2. Dehydration: Monitor and treat accordingly.
3. Hyperkalemia: Monitor and treat accordingly. (Do not infuse potassium in I.V.'s until serum potassium is
obtained.)
4. Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia: Monitor and treat accordingly.
5. Arterial Blood Gasses: Monitor and treat accordingly.
F.
Transferring Patients to Tertiary Care Facilities
1. The general indications to transfer the patient from a smaller hospital to a tertiary care facility are:
a. Lack of nursing and support staff.
b. Lack of equipment to properly provide for a critically ill patient.
2. Specifically, the patient should be transferred if there is:

a. no capability for continuous arterial blood gas monitoring;
b. profound neurological depression;
c. associated significant trauma; or
d. associated significant frostbite.
3. The patient should not be transferred until he or she has been accepted by the receiving medical facility and has
been stabilized as much as possible to ensure safe transport.
COLD WATER NEAR DROWNING:

GENERAL POINTS
A.
For the purposes of this document, cold water is defined as being less than 70 F (21.1 C).
B.
Anyone submerged long enough to be unconscious should be transported to the hospital, even if they he or she has
regained consciousness.
C.
If the person has been under water for LESS than one hour, full resuscitative efforts should employed. If the person has
been under water for MORE than one hour, resuscitation efforts are usually unsuccessful.
D.
Recent legislation (1994 HB 39) has empowered EMTs, paramedics and physicians-assistants to declare death in the field
following 30 minutes of properly performed advanced life support, even when the patient is hypothermic. It is
recommended in these cases, however, that resuscitations be continued for at least 60 minutes and be combined with the
rewarming techniques found in these guidelines before being terminated. Please note that this legislation does not
authorize Emergency Trauma Technicians and the general public to pronounce a patient dead.
E.
If it is not known how long the person has been under water, you should consider him/her to have been under water less
than one hour.
F.
There is no difference between fresh and salt water near drowning regarding outcome or treatment.
G.
If it does not delay rescue, maintain the patient's body in a horizontal position while removing him/her from the water.
H.
These principles apply to any near drowning, not just those in cold water. The difference between warm and cold water is
that in submersions greater than 6 minutes, the chance for survival in warm water is much less than in cold water. The
colder the water, the better the chance for survival.
I.
Because hypothermia is rarely profound (below 85 F (29.4 C) in cold water near drowning, the hypothermia aspect of
the problem is less critical than the pulmonary or coagulation aspects. Thus, rewarming is done very cautiously and
gradually, without the need for invasive techniques such as peritoneal lavage or AV shunts.
J.
Many near drowning patients die of a particular type of disseminated intravascular coagulation, not from their pulmonary
problems.
K.
Persons surviving an immersion episode should be transported to the nearest medical facility for further evaluation.
Accumulation of fluid in the lungs (noncardiogenic pulmonary edema) may develop 6 - 24 hours after submersion.

GENERAL PUBLIC
Evaluation and Treatment
1. The Heimlich Maneuver should be used only when a foreign body airway obstruction is suspected.
2. CPR must be started immediately when the patient is determined to be pulseless, pulse check of up to 45 seconds.
3. Assess carefully for associated injuries.
4. Follow the General Public section on hypothermia for additional therapy as needed.

FIRST RESPONDER/EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN I
2. CPR must be started immediately when the patient is determined to be pulseless after a pulse check of up to 45 seconds.
4. Follow the Emergency Medical Technician I section on Hypothermia for additional therapy as needed.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN II
4. Follow the Emergency Medical Technician II section on Hypothermia for additional therapy as needed, with the
following exceptions.
a. If the main problem is not severe hypothermia, medication should be used as in the normothermic patient.
b. Because hypovolemia is generally not a problem in cold water near drownings, a balanced salt solution should
be infused at a 'to keep open' rate.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN III
4. Follow the Emergency Medical Technician III/Paramedic section on Hypothermia on page 19 (including the 45 second
pulse check) for additional therapy as needed, with the following exceptions.

PARAMEDIC
4. Follow the Emergency Medical Technician-III/Paramedic section on Hypothermia on page 19 (including the 45 second
pulse check) for additional therapy as needed, with the following exceptions.

SMALL/BUSH CLINIC
1. The extent of the evaluation and treatment in small/bush clinics is defined by the training of the personnel and the
available equipment as outlined in the foregoing guidelines.
2. It is very important to clear the airway with any of the standard maneuvers, but no specific maneuvers are mandatory to
expel water from the lungs. Do not do the Heimlich maneuver on these patients unless there is evidence of a solid foreign
body airway obstruction.
5. Follow the Small/Bush Clinic Section on Hypothermia for additional therapy as needed, with the following exceptions.

HOSPITAL
A.
Evaluation
The evaluation of the cold water near drowning patient is generally the same as indicated in the Hospital section of the
hypothermia guidelines except for the laboratory evaluation, which in near drowning should be, in order:
1. Arterial blood gases.
2. Chest x-ray.
3. 12 lead electrocardiogram.
4. Electrolytes, BUN, CBC.
5. Scan the serum for pinkness (indicating hemolysis).
6. Institute cardiorespiratory monitoring.
7. I.V. therapy D5W at keep open levels. (In children, 1/4 - 1/2 maintenance rate.)
B.
Therapy
1. Attention to the ABC's, with respiratory support, intubation, etc., as needed.
2. Rewarming. Active rewarming methods (warm air inhalation, external heat sources, etc.) should be used as
indicated by rectal temperature.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Once circulation has been established, do only passive rewarming (light sheets or light blankets; room
temperature). Note that these patients often become hyperthermic.
Aspiration pneumonitis and pulmonary edema may be treated with appropriate diuretics, and mechanical
ventilation and oxygenation.
Profound neurological depression: Consider aggressive cerebral resuscitation, as per Conn3, with intraventricular
pressure monitoring, diuretics, and barbiturates.
Hemolysis - Treat as with any patient with hemolysis.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation - Treat as with any patient with DIC.
Renal insufficiency - Treat as with any patient with renal insufficiency.
Cardiopulmonary bypass is an appropriate therapy when the patient has resistant hypoxemia and cannot be
rewarmed.
C.
Transferring the Near Drowning Patient to a Tertiary Care Facility
1. First the patient should be stabilized at the nearest hospital with intubation as necessary, and ventilation.
2. The general indications to transfer the patient from a small hospital to a tertiary care facility are:
a. Lack of nursing and support staff.
b. Lack of equipment to properly provide ongoing care for a critically ill patient.
3. Specifically, the patient should be transferred if there is:
a. no capability for arterial oxygen monitoring..
b. deterioration of pulmonary status.
c. renal insufficiency.
d. hemolysis.
e. profound neurological depression.
f. significant associated trauma.
FROSTBITE:
INTRODUCTION
Frostbite is the freezing of tissue and may involve only superficial tissues or may extend to the bone. The onset and severity of
frostbite may be affected by air temperature, wind speed, duration of exposure, amount of exposed area, and predisposing
conditions such as:
poor or inadequate insulation from the cold or wind;
impaired circulation from tight clothing or shoes;
fatigue;
altitude;
immersion;
injuries;
circulatory disease;
poor nutrition;
dehydration;
hypothermia;
alcohol or drug use; and
tobacco products.
A discussion of the pathophysiology of frostbite is beyond the scope of this document. Simply put, damage to the frostbitten
tissues is caused by crystallization of water within the tissues, typically between the cells, as well as changes in electrolyte
concentration within the cells.

Frostbite is frequently seen in Alaska, although, in most circumstances, the frostbite is superficial and treated by the patient at
home. Occasionally, it is severe enough to warrant transport to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment. Seldom will it be
necessary for emergency medical personnel to perform in-field rewarming for deep frostbite. It may, however, be necessary to
treat patients with superficial frostbite who have sustained other injuries, (e.g. a motor vehicle crash patient who has been
exposed to sub-zero temperatures while awaiting the arrival of rescue and medical personnel).
These guidelines are designed to assist prehospital emergency medical personnel in assessing and treating frostbite. In-hospital
treatment is beyond the scope of this section and readers are encouraged to refer to "Cold Injury: A Collection of Papers by
William J. Mills, M.D. and Colleagues," which appeared in the January/February/March 1993 issue of Alaska Medicine, the
official journal of the Alaska State Medical Association and the American Society for Circumpolar Health.
FROSTBITE:
GENERAL POINTS
Hypothermia and other life threatening conditions may be present in the patient with frostbite and must be evaluated and treated
immediately.
When caring for a patient in extremely cold temperatures, take great care to prevent hypothermia, tissues from becoming
frostbitten, and already frostbitten tissues from becoming worse.
If transporting a patient with frostbite which will not be rewarmed in the field, the medical provider should protect the
frostbitten parts from additional injury and temperature changes.
Superficial frostbite affects the dermis and shallow subcutaneous layers of the skin and is recognized by white or gray colored
patches. The affected skin feels firm, but not hard. The skin initially turns red and, once frostbitten, is not painful. No tissue loss
will occur when treated properly.
Deep frostbite affects the dermal and subdermal layers and may involve an entire digit or body part. The skin feels hard and
cold and the affected tissue is white or gray. A pulse cannot be felt in the deeply frostbitten tissue and skin will not rebound
when pressed.
Large blisters on the frostbitten area indicate that deep frostbite has partially thawed.
Treatment of deep frostbite is usually extremely painful and best accomplished in a medical facility. If you can get the patient to
a medical facility within a reasonable amount of time, or do not have the capability to rewarm the tissues properly or cannot
prevent refreezing, you should transport the patient rather than attempt to rewarm the tissue in the field. Advice should be
sought from a physician by radio or telephone before electing to rewarm frostbitten tissue in the field, whenever possible.
In most circumstances, the risks posed by improper rewarming or refreezing outweigh the risks of delaying treatment
for deep frostbite.

Tissue which is thawed and then refrozen almost always dies. Consequently, the decision to thaw the frostbitten tissue in the
field commits the provider to a course of action which may involve pain control, maintaining warm water baths at a constant
temperature, and protecting the tissue from further injury during rewarming and eventual transport. If rewarmed in the field,
frostbitten extremities cannot be used for ambulation.
It is reasonable to consider rewarming the frostbitten tissue in a controlled manner if uncontrolled, spontaneous, rewarming is
likely to occur during prolonged evacuation or transport.
Make plans for transporting the patient as early as circumstances allow. In some circumstances, when frostbite is not severe and
is not complicated by other injuries, and there are resources available to monitor the patient's progress, a physician should be
consulted. He or she may decide the patient should not be transported. This should be clearly understood and carefully
documented by the prehospital provider.
Do not:
rub the frozen part;
allow the patient to have alcohol or tobacco;
apply ice or snow;
attempt to thaw the frostbitten part in cold water;
attempt to thaw the frostbitten part with high temperatures such as those generated by stoves, exhaust, etc.; and
break blisters which may form.
Frostbitten tissues should be handled extremely gently before, during, and after rewarming.
FROSTBITE:
EVALUATION AND TREATMENT
Anticipate, assess and treat the patient for hypothermia, if present.
Assess the frostbitten area carefully since the loss of sensation may cause the patient to be unaware of soft tissue injuries in that
area.
Obtain a complete set of vital signs and the patient's temperature.
Obtain a patient history, including the date of the patient's last tetanus immunization.
If there is frostbite distal to a fracture, attempt to splint the fracture in a manner which does not compromise distal circulation.
Determine whether rewarming the frostbitten tissue can be accomplished in a medical facility. If it can, transport the patient
while protecting the tissue from further injury from cold or impacts.
If the decision is made to rewarm frostbitten tissue in the field, you should prepare a warm water bath (approximately 100 106 F) in a container large enough to accommodate the frostbitten tissues without them touching the sides or bottom of the
container.
Advanced life support personnel should administer morphine or other analgesics in accordance with physician signed standing
orders or on-line medical control if the frostbitten area is extensive and the medical providers are authorized to do so.
A source of additional warm water must be available.
Shock due to frostbite is very uncommon. However, medical personnel should always be alert for shock and begin treatment at
the earliest sign it is developing. If the frostbite patient develops shock, personnel should perform a thorough examination for
additional injuries.
Remove jewelry and clothing, if present, from the affected area.
If possible, consult a physician regarding the administration of oral analgesics, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin.
Water should be maintained at approximately 100 - 106 F and gently circulated around the frostbitten tissue until the distal tip
of the frostbitten part becomes flushed.
Pain after rewarming usually indicates that tissue has been successfully rewarmed.
After re-warming, let the frostbitten tissues dry in the warm air. Do not towel dry.
After thawing, tissues that were deeply frostbitten may develop blisters or appear cyanotic. Blisters should not be broken and
must be protected from injury.
Pad between affected digits and bandage affected tissues loosely with a soft, sterile dressing.
Rewarmed extremities should be kept at a level above the heart, if possible.
Protect the rewarmed area from refreezing and other trauma during transport. A frame around the frostbitten area should be
constructed to prevent blankets from pressing directly on the injured area.
Do not allow an individual who has frostbitten feet except when the life of the patient or rescuer is in danger. Once frostbitten
feet are rewarmed, the patient becomes nonambulatory.
FROSTBITE:
REFERENCES
Community Health Aid Manual, Robert Burgess, M.D., U.S. Government Printing Office, SN 017-026-00106-9, pages
336-338.
Emergency Care, Seventh Edition, Harvey Grant, et al, Brady Publishing, 1995.
Paramedic Emergency Care, Second Edition, Bledsoe, Porter, and Shade, Brady Publishing, 1995, pages 876-877.
Emergency Care of the Sick and Injured, Sixth Edition, Crosby and Lewallen, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons,
1995, pages 410-412.
Hypothermia, Death by Exposure, Wm. W. Forgey, M.D., ICS Books, 1985, pages 105-110.
Wilderness EMT Curriculum, Goth, Peter, Wilderness Medical Associates, 1990, pages 16:1 - 16:3.
"Cold Injury: A Collection of Papers by William J. Mills, M.D. and Colleagues",Alaska Medicine, Volume 35, Number 1.
24 HOUR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS

24 Hour Emergency Departments
(All in area code 907)
For more information, contact your nearest referring medical facility or one of the following:
INTERIOR REGION
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, Fairbanks - 452-8181
SOUTHERN REGION
Alaska Native Medical Center, Anchorage - 279-6661
Central Peninsula General Hospital, Soldotna - 224-4404
Alaska Regional Hospital - Alaska, Anchorage, - 276-1131
Providence Hospital, Anchorage - 562-2211
Valley Hospital, Palmer - 745-4813
SOUTHEAST REGION
Bartlett Memorial Hospital, Juneau - 586-2611
TEMPERATURE CONVERSIONS
Centigrade
Fahrenheit
44.0
43.0
42.0
41.0
40.0
39.0
38.0
37.0
36.0
35.0
34.0
33.0
32.0
31.0
30.0
29.0
28.0
27.0
26.0
25.0
24.0
23.0
22.0
21.0
20.0
19.0
18.0
17.0
16.0
15.0
14.0
13.0
12.0
11.0
10.0
111.2
109.4
107.6
105.8
104.0
102.2
100.4
98.6
96.8
95.0
93.2
91.4
89.6
87.8
86.0
84.2
82.4
80.6
78.8
77.0
75.2
73.4
71.6
69.8
68.0
66.2
64.4
62.6
60.8
59.0
57.2
55.4
53.6
51.8
50.0
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Results of a Conference on
Hypothermia & Cold Water Near Drowning
July 11-12, 1981
Anchorage, Alaska
Participants:
William Doolittle, M.D.
John Hayward, Ph.D.
William Mills, M.D.
Martin Nemiroff, M.D.
Tim Samuelson, M.D., Moderator
Published by
Emergency Medical Services Section
Division of Public Health
Alaska Department of Health & Social Services
Juneau, Alaska
1982
1988 Revision:
Participants in the 1988 Conference on Cold Injuries and Cold Water Near Drowning:
Frank Hollingshead, M.D., Moderator
Matt Anderson, EMS Training Coordinator
Peter Hackett, M.D.
John Hall, M.D., State EMS Medical Director
Harvey Huyett, MICP
William Mills, M.D.
Capt. Martin Nemiroff, M.D.
David Sonneborn, M.D.
Michael Westley, M.D.
Casie Williams, R.N., M.Ed.
1996 Revision:
David Ingraham, M.D., Editor

Special thanks to the following individuals for their substantive reviews:
Sandy Call, EMT Instructor
Scott Call, MICP
Mike Motti, EMT Instructor
Leo Zeek, MICP, EMS Training Coordinator, IREMSC, Inc.
Reprinting
This booklet is copyrighted by the Alaska Community Health and Emergency Medical Services Section. It may be copied in its
entirety, or in part, so long as proper credit is given.
INDEX
ACLS
Advanced cardiac life support
Advanced life support
Airway
Ambulance
Arrest
Assess
Assessing
Assessment
Asystole
Authorized
Bicarbonate
Brady
Breathing
Bretylium
Certification
Certified
Chest
Code
Compression
CPR
Curriculum
17
17
2, 25, 45
1, 2, 6, 8, 12, 13, 16, 17, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37
2
2
27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 45
1, 3, 41
1, 2, 5, 7, 11, 15
17
8, 13, 45
12, 16
47
1, 6, 8, 13, 17
17, 23
7
7
1, 2, 5, 8, 12, 16, 21, 22, 39
49
2
2, 6, 8, 13, 17, 19, 21, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37
47
Defibrillation
Defibrillator
Device
Devices
Documented
Education
Evidence
Examination
Facilities
Fibrillation
First Responder
Fracture
Hospital
Hypovolemia
I.V.
Injuries
Intubation
Legislation
Lidocaine
Management
Mandatory
Manual
Medical Control
Medical Director
Medications
Monitor
Monitoring
Nursing
On-line medical control
Oxygen
Oxygenation
Pain
Paramedic
Paramedics
Patient
Physician
Physicians
Physiologic
Practical
Prehospital
Procedures
17, 23
8, 13
8, 13
8, 13, 17, 22
44
1
37
21, 45
23
8, 13, 17, 23
7, 29
45
1, 21, 23, 25, 39-41, 49
31, 33, 35, 37
11, 15, 21, 23, 39
1, 2, 7, 11, 15, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 41, 44, 45, 53
8, 13, 17, 39, 40
2, 25
17, 23
2
37
47
45
1, 17, 53
11, 15, 17, 22
21, 23, 44
21-23, 39, 40
23, 40
45
2, 7, 11, 15, 21, 22, 40
39
43, 45
15, 33, 35, 47
1, 2, 25
1-3, 5-8, 11-13, 15-17, 19, 21-23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35,
1, 9, 12, 13, 16, 17, 43-45
2, 25
1, 21, 22
1
1, 21, 41, 44
17
Protocols
1, 3, 7, 9, 13, 17
Pulseless
27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37
Radio
1, 43
Rate
31, 33, 35, 37, 39
Rescuer
6, 8, 12, 16, 46
Resuscitated
2
Resuscitation
2, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 21, 25, 39
Resuscitations
2, 25
Rhythm
17
Rules
1
Scope
41
Shock
3, 45
Shocks
8, 13
Skills
5, 7, 11, 15, 21
Stacked
8, 13
STANDARD
37
Standing orders
1, 2, 17, 45
Surgeons
47
Survival
2, 25
Training
1, 19, 37, 53
Transcutaneous
21
Transport
5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, 21, 23, 41, 43, 45, 46
Trauma
2, 21, 23, 25, 40, 46
Unconscious
2, 21, 25
Ventilation
22, 39, 40
Ventricular
8, 13, 17, 23
1. Community Health Aides should use the protocols for their level of EMS certification. CHAs who are not certified as
EMTs should use the EMT-I protocols for cold injuries.
2. Drug therapy should be moderated because in the cold patient medications are both inefficient and poorly metabolized.
3. "Cerebral Salvage in Near Drowning following Neurological Classification by Triage," A. W. Conn, Canadian
Anesthesia Society Journal, Volume 27, No. 3, May, 1980
Published in HTML code for WWW browsers by Mike Doyle - Feb. 1996
SARBC - Techniques of Instruction
Techniques of Instruction
SARBC
This Techniques of Instruction section comprises:
Techniques of Instruction AMOL - Lesson Plan Format
Techniques of Instruction Lesson Plan in more detail
Techniques of Instruction Basic Example - Interviewing Tips
See the Links too
Home Page | Index
by MCDPRI
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Ken Hill's Page
Ken Hill's Page
Ken Hill's other Home Page

Child Survival
Children's Woodsproofing Hill
Global Positioning System (GPS)
GPS Navigation in Land Search Hill, Bower
Ground Search Management (ICS)
A Checklist for Evaluating SAR Research Hill
An Introduction to Ground Search Management for the Police Authority Hill
Text version for DOS and Macintosh
Lost Person Behavior Research - Distance Travelled by Category of Lost Person Hill
From our FTP library
SCENARIO.ZIP
DOS program - Scenario Analyzer (36k)
SCHMASTR.HQX
MACINTOSH program - Searchmaster - It is a general purpose search management utility, having much
similarity to CASIE III (with additional features, such as graphics capabilities for estimating segment sizes,
utilities for determining distance and direction between two map points, etc., etc.) (use BinHex 4.0 or
Stuffit to convert - 216k)
Ken Hill may be reached at: [email protected]
Home Page | Index

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Medicinal herbfaq: contents
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Home > Herb FAQs > Medicinal herb FAQ
Medicinal herb FAQ: Intro - Single herbs - Herbs for specific things - Processing herbs - General info Information sources - Schools - Related forums
The Medicinal HerbFAQ

Contents
Last updated 25Apr04 - Have a comment? Tell me.
All you ever wanted to know - and ask on a newsgroup - more often than once a month - about
medicinal herbs. A FAQ for alt.folklore.herbs and the medicinal herblist. Version 1.38k.
Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Contributors
1.2 Wishlist
2 Single herbs
2.1 Valeriana
2.2 Yohimbe
2.2.1 Yohimbe is a MAO inhibitor, yohimbine isn't
2.3 Absinthe FAQ pointer
2.1.1 Valium is not derived from Valerian
2.3.1 More on Absinthe
2.4 St. John's Wort (Hypericum)
2.4.1 SJW and photosensitivity
2.4.2 SJW and MAO inhibition
2.4.3 About standardized hypericin content in SJW
2.5 Ginseng
2.6 Stevia Leaf - Too Good To Be Legal?
2.6.1 Changed legal status of Stevia Leaf
2.7 Poison Ivy / Oak / Sumac
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-cont.html (1 of 6) [5/10/2004 3:37:41 PM]
2.7.1 How to recognize PI/PS/PO
2.7.2 How to avoid the rash
2.7.3 Why does it give you a rash? / Spreading the oil about
2.7.4 What helps
2.7.5 Jewelweed, Impatiens
2.7.6 How to get rid of poison ivy in your yard
2.8 Echinacea
2.8.1 Using Echinacea
2.8.2 Echinacea - poaching and extinction
2.9 Feverfew and migraine
2.10 Kava kava
2.11 Pau d'arco - updated 25Apr04
2.12 Wild yam and contraception
2.12.1 Edible vs. true yam
2.12.2 Wild yam cream and natural progesterone
2.13 Red raspberry and pregnancy
2.14 Green tea and caffeine
2.15 Comfrey hepatotoxicity
2.15.1 Hepatotoxicity update
2.16 Pennyroyal
2.17 Cat's Claw
2.18 Golden Seal appeal - and Goldthread too
2.19 Ma Huang or Ephedra sinensis
2.20 Skullcap and Teucrium adulteration
2.21 Mellow mallows
2.22 Not an herb, but: Melatonin
3 Herbs for specific things
3.1 Herbs for mosquitoes and other bothersome bugs
3.1.1 Repelling them
3.1.2 And now you're bitten...
3.2 Herbs for migraines
3.3 Herbs for vivid dreams
3.4 Herbs and weight loss
3.5 Herbs to make you sleep
3.6 Aphrodisiacs
3.7 Herbal Abortives and Birth Control
3.5.1 Insomnia therapeutics
3.7.1 Herbal Abortives and Common Sense
3.8 Herbs and female infertility
3.9 Herbs, ADD, and replacing Ritalin
3.10 Herbs for Sunburn
3.11 The gall bladder flush
3.12 Herbs for cough
3.13 Herbs for constipation
4 Processing herbs
4.1 Making essential oil
4.2 Pointer to the How-to of Tinctures
4.3 Herbal oils
4.4 Balms and liniments
5 General Info
5.1 Introduction to side effects, safety and toxicity of medicinal herbs
5.1.1 Medicinal plant actions cannot be reduced to the effects of their isolated
'active constituents'
5.1.2 Medicinal herbs act 'multi-systemically'
5.1.3 Herbs act on the healing processes in the body
5.1.4 Herbs act multi-dimensionally
5.1.5 Side effects vs. contraindications
5.1.6 Safety and toxicity of herbal medicines
5.1.7 Pregnancy
5.1.8 Understanding toxicity research - politics and ideology
5.1.9 Further reading
5.2 Wildcrafting Ethics and similar things
5.2.1 Wildcrafting checklist
5.2.2 How do I find out about endangered plants (in the USA)?
5.2.3 What plants shouldn't I pick?
5.2.4 United Plant Savers
5.3 Different schools of Herbal Healing
5.3.1 Traditions in Western Herbal Medicine
5.3.2 Ayurveda - an introduction
5.3.3 Pointers to homeopathy sites etc.
5.3.4 What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
5.3.5 Flower essences
5.3.6 Aromatherapy intro
5.4 The Ames Test
5.5 Trying out the placebo effect
5.6 How to find an herbalist / ND
5.7 Politics and herbal medicine
6 Information Sources
6.1 Good books on herbal medicine
6.1.1 Good books to get started with
6.1.2 Specialty books: women's herbals, men's herbals etc.
6.1.2.1 Going for broke (and I wish you luck)
6.1.3 In-depth books, by organ system
6.1.4 Chinese herbs, or TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
6.2 Good books for further studies
6.3 Good periodicals
6.3.1 For enthusiasts (emphasis on color pictures)
6.3.2 For professional herbalists (emphasis on case studies)
6.3.3 For universities (emphasis on scientific studies)
6.4 Online commercial databases
6.4.1 Napralert
6.4.2 Medline
6.4.3 Ingenta
6.4.4 IBIDS
6.5 Herb programs
6.5.3 Demo or shareware herb programs
6.5.4 Commercial herb programs
6.6 Other online information sources
6.6.1 FTP
6.6.2 WWW
6.7 Pointers to related documents
6.7.1 Plants by Mail FAQ pointer
6.7.2 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome WWW page pointer
6.7.3 Hint for Kombucha posters
6.7.4 Hint for Essiac posters
6.7.5 Thinking of growing herbs for sale?
6.7.6 Saw Palmetto and Prostata problems: Newsgroup/FAQ pointer
6.7.7 Natural high FAQ pointer
6.7.8 Natural vision FAQ pointer
6.7.9 Smoking herbs document pointer
6.7.10 Pointer to herbal-medical glossary
6.7.11 Menopausal discomforts
7 Schools etc.
7.1 Some hands-on schools I know of in the US
7.2 Some hands-on schools in Canada
7.3 Some correspondence courses I know of in the US
7.4 Some schools and correspondence courses elsewhere
7.5 About correspondence schools, and licensing of herbalists
7.6 Accreditation of ND schools and ND licensing in the US
8 Related forums
8.1 Mailing lists (= email)
8.1.1 The Medicinal Herblist
8.1.2 The Aromatherapy List
8.1.3 The Kombucha List
8.1.4 The Paracelsus List
8.1.5 The Homeopathy List
8.1.7 The Culinary Herblist
8.1.9 The Wellpet List
8.1.10 The Holisticat List
8.1.12 The Apothecary List
8.1.13 The HolisticBird List
8.1.14 The Toiletries List
8.1.16 The Aboutherbs List
8.1.17 The UK Herbal List
8.1.18 The Herbgardening List
8.1.19 The Forageahead List
8.1.20 The HolisticPet List
8.2 Newsgroups
8.4 Newsgroup (and mailing list) netiquette
8.5 Dealing with spam and trolls
Home - Herb FAQs - Articles - Classic texts - Archives - Links I like - Pictures - Plant names
Henriette's herbal medicine pages
Henriette's Herbal Homepage

Herbal medicine and culinary herbs:
one of the oldest and largest herbal information sites on the net.
Welcome. On this site you'll find
The culinary herb FAQ and the medicinal herb FAQ
Classic herbal works - added more 03May04 - including major ones like
King's American Dispensatory
Felter's Eclectic Materia Medica
Ellingwood's American Materia Medica
as well as minor ones, and links to classic herbal works elsewhere

4668 Botanical plant photos, and a couple hundred less botanical photos
Herbal forum archives
Best of the Herbal Forums - (BoHF) - added more 04May04
Links I like
Plant names - updated 23Apr04
Herbal FTP files on ibiblio.org, mirrored on sunsite.sut.ac.jp
Henriettes rtsidor: my Swedish pages
Henrietten yrttisivuja: my Finnish pages
Neat stuff like Herbal articles
Site history, plus short author bio
Site statistics: size of the site, and some usage statistics - updated 08May04
Best of RHOD, which is completely unrelated to herbs
Last updated 08May04 - Have a comment? Tell me. Or try YIM

Please sign my guestbook - I love to see new things there.
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Home
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Henriette's herbal medicine pages
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Medicinal and Culinary herbFAQs
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Home > Herb FAQs | Medicinal herb FAQ - Culinary herb FAQ
The HerbFAQs
Last updated 25Apr04 - Have a comment? Tell me.
The Medicinal herbFAQ

"All you ever wanted to know - and ask on a newsgroup - more often than once a month - about
medicinal herbs." A FAQ and resource list for alt.folklore.herbs and the medicinal herblist. First
posted 24Mar95.
Version 1.38k, last updated 25Apr04.
Posted monthly on alt.folklore.herbs, alt.answers and news.answers; here's the html version. You'll
also find it as textfiles in seven pieces and as one big textfile, here: textfiles/
The Culinary herbFAQ

"All you ever wanted to know - and ask on a newsgroup - more often than once a month - about
culinary herbs." A FAQ on growing, harvesting, using and preserving culinary herbs, for
rec.gardens, alt.folklore.herbs, and the culinary herblist. First posted 28Jul95.
Version 1.17b, last updated 22Jul03.
Posted monthly on rec.gardens.edible, alt.folklore.herbs, alt.answers, rec.answers, news.answers
and rec.food.preserving; here's the html version. You'll also find it as textfiles in seven pieces and
as one big textfile, here: textfiles/
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/herbfaqs.html [5/10/2004 3:37:56 PM]
Medicinal herbfaq: intro
Search
Home > Herb FAQs > Medicinal herb FAQ >

1 Introduction
Hi all,
This is the (umpth + n) edition of the FAQ / Resource list. (I've lost track).
Feel free to send additions, corrections and comments.
hetta . spamcop.net (no blanks)
1.1 Contributors
FAQ Keeper: Henriette Kress, hetta . spamcop.net (no blanks)
Contributors so far (listed alphabetically): ; )
Aine Maclir, Al Czap, Alex Standefer, amethyst, Andy + Sharon, Anita Hales , August West,
bahwi.technologist.com, Barbara Heller, Callie, Carolyn Mohney, Cathy Weigl, Christopher
Hedley, Clarke Hoover, Colette Gardiner, Coyote Osborne, Craige Roberts, Dale Kemery, David
Powner, Dennis McClain-Furmanski, Dorene Petersen, Duane Weed, Elizabeth Perdomo,
Elizabeth Toews, Eric Yarnell, Eugenia Provence, George M. Carter, Gerry Creager, Gloria
Mercado-Martin, Howie Brounstein, Jack Campin, James Mally, N.D., Jim Bardon, J. Mark
Taylor, Jonathan Treasure, Julia Moravcsik, JunieWrite.aol.com, Kathjokl, Kay Klier, Kenneth R.
Robertson, Kevin Jones, Kris Gammon, Lawrence London, Lupo LeBoucher, Marcia Elston, Mark
D. Gold, Mary Jo Gilsdorf, Maven, Michael Moore, Michael M. Zanoni, Miriam Kresh, Noel
Gilmore, Patricia Harper, Paul Bergner, Paul Iannone, Penny, Peggy Wilbur, Peter&Janine, Peter
Gail, Peter L. Schuerman, P. Mick Richardson, Rene Burrough, Rob McCaleb, Robert Gault,
Robert Hensley, Robyn Klein, Ron Rushing, Roy Collins, Roy Upton, Rusty Taylor, Samson, Sara
Klein Ridgley, PhD, Satin, Shannon Brophy, Sharon Rust, skeevers.netcom.com, Stuart Cullen,
Suzanne E. Sky, Thimbleberry, Thomas Mueller, Tim Birdsall, Tim Keenan, Todd Caldecott,
vicki, urban shaman
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-1.html (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:37:56 PM]
Medicinal herbfaq: intro
1.2 Wishlist
Actually there isn't much important stuff missing anymore. The following topics are currently up
for grabs:
Wanted for chapter 2 (Single herbs):
Ginkgo
Wanted for chapter 3 (Herbs for specific things):
Herbs for flu
Wanted in addition:
Anything else you see posted every so often, but that I haven't included in the FAQ or on the
wishlist.
If you wish to contribute send me a short note; I'll keep track of who promised to do what, and if
you can't find the time to put something together in two months your topic will be up for grabs
again.
Your contribution can be as long as you wish to make it; but it should be GOOD (like all the
entries in this FAQ - thanks, folks).
Also, if you really know what you are talking about I'd like to hear your comments on any entry in
this FAQ.
(Strange - all I ever get is 'Good Show. Keep it up.', but no-one ever tells me if they found any
errors.)
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb entries
Search

2 Single Herbs
2 Single herbs
2.1 Valeriana
2.2 Yohimbe
2.2.1 Yohimbe is a MAO inhibitor, yohimbine isn't
2.4 St. John's Wort (Hypericum)
2.4.1 SJW and photosensitivity
2.4.2 SJW and MAO inhibition
2.4.3 About standardized hypericin content in SJW
2.5 Ginseng
2.7.3 Why does it give you a rash? / Spreading the oil about
2.7.4 What helps
2.8 Echinacea
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb entries
2.10 Kava kava
2.11 Pau d'arco
2.16 Pennyroyal
2.17 Cat's Claw
2.19 Ma Huang or Ephedra sinensis
2.21 Mellow mallows
2.22 Not an herb, but: Melatonin
Medicinal herbfaq: herbs for specific things entries
Search

3.1 Herbs for mosquitoes and other bothersome bugs
3.5 Herbs to make you sleep
3.6 Aphrodisiacs
3.10 Herbs for Sunburn
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-3.html [5/10/2004 3:37:57 PM]
Medicinal herbfaq: processing herb entries
Search

4 Processing herbs
4 Processing herbs
4.3 Herbal oils
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-4.html [5/10/2004 3:37:58 PM]
Medicinal herbfaq: general info entries
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5 General info
5 General info
5.1.1 Medicinal plant actions cannot be reduced to the effects of their isolated 'active
constituents'
5.1.7 Pregnancy
Medicinal herbfaq: general info entries
5.4 The Ames Test
Medicinal herbfaq: information source entries
Search

6 Information sources
6 Information Sources
6.2 Good books for further studies
6.3 Good periodicals
6.3.2 For professional herbalists (emphasis on case studies)
6.4.1 Napralert
6.4.2 Medline
6.4.3 Ingenta
6.4.4 IBIDS
6.5 Herb programs
6.5.4 Commercial herb programs
6.6.1 FTP
6.6.2 WWW
Medicinal herbfaq: information source entries
Medicinal herbfaq: schools
Search

7 Schools etc.
7 Schools etc.
7.3 Some correspondence courses I know of in the US
7.4 Some schools and correspondence courses elsewhere
7.5 About correspondence schools, and licensing of herbalists
7.6 Accreditation of ND schools and ND licensing in the US
So you want to to to a herb school? There's lots. Which are the good ones? Which will give you
value for your money and which will hand you fancy gold-plated diplomas instead of the
knowledge you went there for? Which are the ones where you'll have to arrive with a chastity belt
firmly locked in order to avoid the teachers' amorous advances? Where will you learn all about
goats and rather less about herbs?
The best way to find out juicy bits like that is to attend a herbal conference or two, and _gossip_. I
can recommend the Southwest conference for that myself, as I've been to that one (watch me listen
to horror stories with my chin on my collarbone...), but I expect others will be equally
enlightening.
Note, the herb school I attended gave excellent value for the money; the diploma is factual and not
that fancy; I didn't learn squat about goats; and I didn't have to fend off any of the teachers, either.
All this before I attended even one conference... lucky me, eh?
There is no really comprehensive up-to-date list of herbal schools anywhere. I've put some schools
into my list; there are other lists elsewhere. Here's a few:
The Natural Healers site lists a few (American) herb schools - sort them by specialty and/or
location: http://www.naturalhealers.com
The American Herbalists guild has put parts of their (US) Herbal Education Directory
online: http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/school_search.htm - the $12 version of the
same includes descriptions etc., at least according to their site:

http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com
The American Herb Association also has compiled a list of (US) schools:
http://www.ahaherb.com - theirs costs $3.50.
Herbnet also lists schools: http://www.herbnet.com/university_p1.htm
Whichever school you choose, do read the accreditation notes on this page - otherwise you might
end up taking a correspondence course at Clayton.
(Why do I dislike Clayton? A real ND degree means that you can get a license to legally practise as
an ND a few states in the US. The real thing also took about four years of hands-on training. In
comparison, Clayton's mail order ND degree isn't worth the paper it's printed on. As long as Clayton
hands out ND degrees without having the real ND degree backing they're a diploma mill in my eyes
- and I have a real dislike for diploma mills. Let them call it something else, something with no real
significance (which is what correspondence school diplomas should be), and I'll withdraw all my
objections to their operations. Until then, pffshaw.)

ND degrees:
These schools give you -real- ND degrees, with the possibility to get a ND license in one of the
licensing states. There are also fake ND schools - read about those here: 7.6, Accreditation.
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences. Tempe, Arizona.

http://www.scnm.edu/
Bastyr University. Kenmore, WA. http://www.bastyr.edu/
University of Bridgeport, College of Naturopathic Medicine. Bridgeport, CT.

http://www.bridgeport.edu/naturopathy/
National College of Naturopathic Medicine. Portland, OR. http://www.ncnm.edu/ (Needs

flash, which I abhor.)
Other herbal hands-on schools:

Full-time:
Southwest School of Botanical Medicine, Michael Moore. Bisbee, Arizona.
http://www.swsbm.com/
The Rocky Mountain Herbal Institute, Hot Springs, MT. Mainly Chinese herbology.
http://www.rmhiherbal.org
California School of Herbal Studies, Forestville, CA. http://www.cshs.com/
The North American College of Botanical Medicine (formerly the National College of
Phytotherapy), Albuquerque, NM. http://www.swcp.com/botanicalmedicine
Desert Woman Botanicals, Monica Rude, Gila, NM. Several 3-month apprenticeships in
medicinal herb growing, harvesting, drying, marketing, shipping, use in products.

Enthusiastic, hard working workers interested in herb growing should apply.
http://www.desertwoman.net/
NorthEast School of Botanical Medicine, 7Song. Ithaca, NY. A six-month, three days a
week school: http://www.ph.utexas.edu/~wolfe/NSBM/NSBMcur.html
Part-time:
Howie Brounstein, Columbines and Wizardry Herbs, Inc., Eugene, Oregon. A wildcrafting
class. http://www.teleport.com/~howieb/howie.html
Pacific School of Herbal Medicine, Adam Seller. Oakland, California. Classes range from a
couple of hours (for beginners) through 650 hours (to become a professional herbalist).
Adam also has clinical case studies for the practising herbalist. http://www.pshm.org
Christopher Hobbs, Williams, OR. 8 month apprenticeship program, one weekend a month.
http://www.christopherhobbs.com
Herbal Therapeutics, David Winston. Broadway, NJ. A two-year school with classes one
evening a week. http://www.herbaltherapeutics.net
Rosemary Gladstar, Vermont. 12 month apprenticeship program, one weekend a month.

http://www.sagemountain.com
Althea Northage-Orr, Chicago, IL. Evening classes.

http://www.chicagocollegeofhealingarts.com
I don't know if these are full- or part time:

Susun Weed has intensives and correspondence courses: http://www.susunweed.com

ND degree:
This school gives you a -real- ND degree, with the possibility to get a ND license in one of the
licensing states. There are also fake ND schools - read about those here: 7.6, Accreditation
The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, Ontario. http://www.ccnm.edu
Other herbal hands-on schools:

Dominion Herbal College, Burnaby, B.C. http://www.dominionherbal.com
Mohawk College of Applied Arts & Technology, Hamilton, Ontario. This is phytotherapy,
not herbalism, but then I'm a snob. http://www.mohawkc.on.ca/dept/cehs/phytotherapy.html
Wild Rose College of Natural Healing, Terry Willard. Calgary, Alberta. http://www.wrc.net/
7.3 Some correspondence courses I know of in

the US
It's rather difficult to judge these from their ads. I've added "good" to those which I've only heard
good things about.
Rosemary Gladstar has a correspondence course. http://www.sagemountain.com

"good"
The Australasian College of Herbal Studies. http://www.herbed.com
"good"
David Hoffmann, Therapeutic Herbalism. If you would like more information, his address
is:
2068 Ludwig Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95407. 707/544-7210. Stuck in the stoneage, eh,
David, with no URL yet? I'll drop this one in my next update, because addresses and phone
numbers change, and I can't check them from here.
Christopher Hobbs Home study course. http://www.christopherhobbs.com
Jeanne Rose has a correspondence course. http://www.jeannerose.net
The School of Natural Healing, founded by Dr. John R. Christopher. They have an Herbalist
course and a Master Herbalist course, among others. http://schoolofnaturalhealing.com
The East-West Herb Course, Michael Tierra. This is TCM, not western herbalism.
http://www.planetherbs.com
7.4 Some schools and correspondence courses

elsewhere
The School of Natural Health Sciences, London, UK.

http://www.learnbymail.com/courses/herbalism.htm
The Waikato Centre for Herbal Medicine is in New Zealand. Graduates are able to become
full Professional Members of the NZ Association of Medical Herbalists.
The course is 4 year, three years at college (one day a week) and the 4th year is working
alongside a Registered Medical Herbalist in Clinical Training. There is also a
correspondence programme. http://www.herbalcentre.co.nz
The International College of Herbal Medicine, in New Zealand.

http://www.HerbCollege.com
The UK Herb Society has a Herbs educational resources page with more UK schools:
http://www.herbsociety.org.uk/education.htm
The NIMH (the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, UK) also lists some schools;
unfortunately, their list is rather out of date: http://www.nimh.org.uk
7.5 About correspondence schools, and

licensing of herbalists
From: tim.thorne.thorne.com (Tim Birdsall, ND)
I have absolutely no quarrel with distance learning. However there is a substantive difference
between getting an MBA by home study and getting a health care degree! How can you learn
physical diagnosis without someone standing over your shoulder saying "No, the spleen is here."
or "Yes, this person's liver feels enlarged." To the best of my knowledge, no other health care
profession has any legitimate degrees offered exclusively via home study.
7.6 Accreditation of ND schools and ND

licensing in the US
From: Paul Bergner <bergner.concentric.net>
Subject: Clayton School
Someone recently posted that the Clayton School had obtained "accreditation". By what body, may
I ask? Is it something recognized by the Department of Education, or is it some form of gratuitous
self-accreditation? The test of legitimacy is whether students are eligible for government student
loans.
From Henriette:
Clayton's "ND" degree won't get you a ND license in the states where ND licensing is possible. If
you want a _real_ ND degree you need to attend one of the real ND schools mentioned above.
The accrediting agency for naturopathic schools is the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education
(CNME), Eugene OR. http://www.cnme.org
The CNME is accredited by the US Department of Education and is the only recognized licensing
agency for naturopathic medical schools in the US.
States in which you can get licensed as an ND:
If you're an ND who has graduated from one of the eligible ND schools you can get licensed in
these states:
Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Montana, Oregon, Vermont,
Washington, Utah,
after passing the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam (NPLEx).

There are additional recognized ND licenses in Florida. No new licenses are being granted there,
however.
British Columbia and Ontaria currently license NDs who pass licensing exams and who have
graduated from any of the legitimate naturopathic medical schools with an ND.
Other resources:
Federation of Naturopathic Medical Licensing Boards, Inc., 5002 W Glendale Ave, Ste 101,
Glendale, AZ 85301, USA, phone 602-937-4756.
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), Seattle, WA.
http://www.naturopathic.org/
Medicinal herbfaq: related forum entries
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8 Related forums
8 Related forums
8.1 Mailing lists (= email)
8.1.1 The Medicinal Herblist
8.2 Newsgroups
Medicinal herbfaq: related forum entries
Comments for Henriette
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Home > Comments for Henriette
Email a comment to Henriette

Use this form to send me your comments. I get lots of email, so I might not have time
to send you a reply. But I do love to see new things in my guestbook, which is a very
good place for your public comments.
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http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/contact.php [5/10/2004 3:38:00 PM]
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: valeriana
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Home > Herb FAQs > Medicinal herb FAQ > Single herbs >

2.1 Valeriana
Also see 3.5, Herbs to make you sleep.
> Valeriana - uses? pros? cons? safety? dosage?

From Todd Caldecott (toddius.netidea.com):
Valerian is an excellent herb to use, in combination with other herbs, or used alone. The active
constituents are the volatile oil (isovalerianic/enic acid) and valepotriates. Valerian depresses the
central nervous system, similar to GABA (which occurs naturally in the brain and inhibits nerve
impulse transmission.) There are no cons to taking valerian other than if you use it other than in a
capsule it can smell up your house as a tea. Or if you have cats they may rub up and down your leg
(they like it, similar to catnip) while you are drinking you tea, causing you to stumble and fall,
spilling hot liquid all over yourself. For Valerian to be effective you must take it in sufficient
quantities to work e.g. 1-2 tsp. of the tincture (alcohol extract) before bed, or 6-10 capsules of the
dried plant. Onset is typically 1 hour. You may awaken a little muddleheaded, which is quickly
relieved as soon as you move about. For a daily dose, 5 ml (1 tsp.) of the tincture 3 times a day
between meals is the standard dose.
About 20% of the population respond to Valerian as a stimulant, so if you take it and have
insomnia or buzzed out, try hops, chamomile, passionflower, skullcap or Avena, which are all
excellent herbs to relieve stress, anxiety and insomnia.
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-2-1-valeriana.html (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:38:01 PM]
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: valeriana

>Valerian is the parent of Valium isn't it?
From Michael Moore (hrbmoore.rt66.com):
There is absolutely NO connection between Valerian and Valium...believe me...just an accident of
circumstance...Valeriana is a classic Roman Latin reference...Valium is an invented trade name...a
copycat name from a pharmaceutical manufacturer to aid in making a conscious or unconscious
connection with "Librium", a successful tranq whose market Valium was originally aimed at.
Valerian HAS had some anecdotal use for ADD...the only problem is that extended use of enough
Valerian to have value has ALSO brought about emotional lability in some folks. Using herbs as
drug substitutes has value, but with Valerian having SO many different physiologic effects
(depressant for CNS, stimulant to gastric, pulmonary and cardiovascular functions) it is a botanical
that is best used within a constitutional framework...i.e. evaluating the PERSON metabolically to
find out if the profile of effects from Valerian is complementary or antagonistic.
From Colette Gardiner coletteg.efn.org:
Re the name Valium and its relation to the name Librium. For some weird reason I actually
remember reading an article in the newspaper on the new drug Valium. There was a quote from the
inventor basically saying he had been trying to invent something similar to Librium only better. He
went on for a paragraph or so about comparing the various sensations and effects, and concluded
that yes Valium was "nicer".
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-2-1-valeriana.html (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:38:01 PM]
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: yohimbe
Search

2.2 Yohimbe
From _urban shaman_, reached over Carras.aol.com:
If people wanted to obtain a legal hyperalert sexually aroused state, they might find some yohimbe
(Corynanthe yohimbe, Pausinystalia yohimbe) and brew it up by simmering a quart of water with
1 gm of ascorbic acid to 5 gm yohimbe until there's only 50% of the original water volume left.
Add a lot of sugar afterward. Mixes synergistically with sassafras and Pau d'arco if you're
adventurous and would like to cure your ills and get a hard-on at the same time. However, most
people who have tried yohimbe have been disappointed. They didn't know you need to brew it 20
to 30 minutes at approx. 200x with an organic acid to release the alkaloid components.
The active alkaloid, yohimbine bitartrate, is the component of the only allopathic medicines known
to cause erection in impotent males and approaches the concept of an aphrodisiac. Yohimbine
bitartrate particularly affects nerves and changes blood flow regulators in the genital area. The
medical texts never mention that it does the same thing to women, showing a typical disregard for
female erection.
In the best case scenario this decoction will cause many users to get a melting spinal sensation and
extreme epidermal sensitivity with high interpersonal perception and melding. It can be extremely
sexually arousing...or at least all the signs and signals are there...
And the worst case scenario for yohimbe? - well, you have to remember ethnographic reports
documenting cases of some African tribes drinking it in copious quantities in pre-raid rituals to
suppress fear and jack up physical aggressiveness. After getting to the point where they were
bouncing up and down so much they looked like a mosh pit full of spears, they'd run 10 miles over
to the next village and kill off most of the neighboring tribe, stopping only to rape the dogs, cattle,
women, children, surviving males, dead bodies, water jugs and tree holes before running back
home. I'm not sure this is something we need downtown on Friday night.
Yohimbe Caution: it will keep both partners up all night. In the male of the species this becomes
really inconvenient and irritating as after a few hours an erection becomes more of a liability than
an asset - especially as this aspect continues long past the point - as long as 8 hours - where you'd
like to go to sleep and there's this turgid log attached to you that won't go away and is just
beginning to ache.
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-2-2-yohimbe.html (1 of 4) [5/10/2004 3:38:02 PM]
Note on the Caution: A warm bath can help with the log-on problem, as can gentle massage.
However this should be avoided for at least four hours after ingestion because of the effect of
raised body temperature on metabolism of the alkaloid - i.e., heat could intensify the stimulant
effects.
Females are not exempt from this - it has the same effect on them, although it is easier to sleep on.
A possible downside of this erectile effect in high doses is the danger of blood vessel damage and
gangrene in the penis resulting from the localized poor circulation condition known as penile
erection.
More from _urban shaman_ on the subject:
There are a number of caveats re yohimbe - it shouldn't be taken with MAO inhibitors or by
persons with high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, or a history of mental disturbance,
especially including bipolar disorder.
A good dose prepared using methods as I described can have profound psychological effects enough so that 'set' and 'setting' can become issues if the concentration/quantity is sufficient. This
condition can easily be entered into by simply acquiring relatively recently
gathered/dried/imported specimens of the herb and using enough of it. Botanicals are very wiggly
in the potency dept. - a primary breakdown in the process occurs when practitioners have never
seen a 'good' specimen of the herb in question. There are no low cost analytical methods for
determining the active compound density of herbal materials gathered in the wild. It totally
depends on recognition by experts - and sometimes even the best of them may have to
compromise, as there just may not be any high quality material to be had.
Still more from _urban shaman_ on the subject:
The "approved" alkaloid is yohimbine hydrochloride. Herbal Yohimbe extracts are sold by a
number of health food companies including I believe Michaels and Herb Pharm. Yohimbe bark
and powder may be available from "...of the Jungle" in Sebastopol CA. Please remember, if you're
considering making extracts - Yohimbe is strongly synergized by alcohol. It is also easily extracted
in alcohol/water - but the alcohol should be evaporated off after extraction unless you're looking
for a real wow-wow effect. There could be high blood pressure complications from ingesting
strong concentrations of Yohimbe. Dayton Laboratories sells the prescription preparation Dayto
Himbin in tablet and liquid form. The tablets contain about 5.5 mg hydrochloride. The liquid
contains phenylalanine as well and should be used with caution. Total daily doses run on average
between 20-30 mg of the hydrochloride.
The medical action is to increase penile blood inflow and decrease penile blood outflow. The
action is cited as having an erectile function without increase in libido. I have not taken the
hydrochloride so don't speak from direct experience.
Although the caveats state that Yohimbine exerts no cardiac stimulation, it is later noted that
Yohimbine is an unpredictable CNS stimulant and may cause elevated blood pressure and cardiac
rates.
From this information I hazard we are to take it that in the same manner that yohimbine causes
erections without raising libido, it also causes cardiac rate increase without stimulating the heart?
(I love the guys who write this hype - they're so wise)
Buried deep in the caveats for the Dayto Himbin product is language saying you should not give
this to people with a history of mental instability, and that it causes recipients to express a range of
curious behaviors at doses lower than those required to cause erection - among which are tremors,
irritation, dizziness, flushing (note that niacin causes a body flush at sites almost identical to those
of a sexual flush).
Horse breeders administer large doses of niacin to both parties of a horse breeding "to get them in
the mood". I would not suggest, however, that taking niacin along with yohimbe would have a
parallel effect. If you don't know what a "sexual flush" is - take 200 mg of niacin and stand naked
in front of a 3 panel mirror and watch your face, neck, "loins", and chest.
From Henriette:
If you have problems keeping it up, or are too dry, you might want to start with these:
reduce your stress
sleep enough and regularly
change your contraceptive pills (if applicable)
check your medication(s) for side effects (there's often surprises in the fine print)
eat your vitamins
if your partner's idea of foreplay is "Brace yerself, Sheila!" then you might benefit from
some helpful books, imaginative games, or even from some softporn magazines.
If all that is OK, there are some herbs which remedy imbalances or work as aphrodisiacs, that
aren't as quirky as yohimbe:
Try muira puama (Ptychopetalum), cotton root bark (Gossypium), or damiana (Turnera).
A nice wine will relax both partners - after you've tried and had problems there's psychological
barriers, too, so you do need to relax. A romantic circumstance usually helps, too.
2.2.1 Yohimbe is a MAO inhibitor, yohimbine

isn't
From Michael Moore:
The alkaloid yohimbine is NOT an MAO inhibitor. The herb yohimbe IS.
The whole plant is potentially so evil and insidious BECAUSE it's complex chemistry contains
both adrenergics AND cholinergics...with effects that substantially mimic both sympathetic
adrenergic, sympathetic cholinergic AND parasympathetic neuroreceptors all at the same time. It
contains both yohimbine alkaloid groups (stimulating and hypertensive) and several potent
reserpinoid (Rauwolfia) alkaloids (tranquilizing and hypotensive) ...a warlock's brew.

Consistent use will, because of it's wildly opposite effects, find and widen metabolic chinks in
almost ANYBODY.
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: absinthe
Search

If you really are serious about absinthe go get the FAQ from
http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/absinthe/absinthe_faq.shtml
I put this on top of the absinthe entry of this FAQ long ago: "Be warned - thujone IS dangerous, no
matter what that FAQ says."
This sparked some debate, which follows.
But first, the La Fee Verte folks have made a very good absinthe FAQ:
http://www.feeverte.net/faq.html - they also debunk the thujone danger.

Dale Kemery wrote
>I've been puzzled by absinthe for a long time. My recent reading has only intensified my
curiosity. Is/was absinthe a true psychedelic beverage? Or what were/are its effects? For a long
time I relied on the traditional reports about absinthe turning the brain to mush.
>However, considering the hysterical disinformation campaign of Howard Anslinger aimed
against marijuana, I've become very suspicious of any official strictures. What *is* the story about
wormwood/absinthe?
>Where can I learn more?
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-2-3-absinthe.html (1 of 8) [5/10/2004 3:38:03 PM]
From christopher.gn.apc.org (Christopher Hedley):

This is from R.F.Weiss, Herbal Medicine. Weiss was an MD who taught herbal medicine in
medical schools in Germany, so I suppose he counts as fairly impartial and reliable:
"The plant contains 0.25-0.5% of a volatile oil the main constituent of which is
thujone as well as bitters. The bitter action predominates. Wormwood is a typical
aromatic bitter. The volatile oil is remarkably effective against worms. It is however
toxic, whilst the bitter principle is largely non-toxic. Absinthe is made with
wormwood oil, but in Germany its manufacture has been banned since 1923. The
usual wormwood preparations contain so little of the oil that there is no risk of toxic
effect. In some Mediterranean countries, where absinthe is consumed in large
quantities, the seriously damaging effects on the central nervous system which have
given the plant its bad name may develop and even lead to seizures. This shows that
wormwood also has central stimulant properties that are no doubt of benefit in the
small quantities normally used.
Wormwood herb, for tea, 1 teaspoon to a glass of boiling water, leave to infuse for 10
minutes.
Wormwood tincture. 10-20-30 drops three times daily in water."
Comment; so the story is the same one as coffee, i.e. abuse/overuse of a perfectly good and useful
herb.
Wormwood is Artemisia absinthium, it is used a lot in aperitif wines and spirits in Europe, but only
in small amounts or it dominates the taste.
It is mostly used for intestinal parasites, 'weak digestion', liver and gall bladder troubles and as an
emmenagogue. I always recommend it as a prophylactic for folk traveling to hot countries, 15
drops of tincture three times daily usually does the trick. The American spp of Artemisia, incl.
sagebrush and mugwort, have pretty much the same properties.
- No Artemisias should be taken during pregnancy.
I trust this is useful info. Christopher Hedley
From Howie Brounstein <howieb.teleport.com>:
>>Be warned - thujone IS dangerous, no matter what that FAQ says.
The reason this line is attached to the Absinthe Pointer is because the Absinthe FAQ is slanted.
Most sources say that long term use of Absinthe is dangerous and debilitating. I was under the
impression that many people became addicted to it and suffered mental and physical deterioration,
thus it became outlawed. I would stress that this is long term use. Wormwood, Artemisia
absinthium is pretty nasty stuff, you would have to drink a lot of tea to feel its narcotic like effects,
but by then you'd be retching from its foul taste. Of course, you could try to hide the flavor with
other stuff ... thus Absinthe.
Personally, I don't like it, don't feel its worth the havoc on your body for the effect. I like the smell
of it, and would keep it around for that. The Absinthe FAQ, however, takes the point that it may be
harmless, that the debility was caused by alcohol addiction, or Absinthe impurities, and a
marihuana - like political scare tactics. I am not sure what to make of it, but the warning does
remain that thujone is dangerous when taken in large enough quantities, and that the Absinthe of
history did hurt a generation of people no matter what the specifics.
>If thujone is so dangerous, what are we to make of it as the primary constituent of Artemisia? Are
we endangering ourselves whenever we inhale it?
Firstly, the chemistries of Artemisia absinthium and Mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris or douglasiana
are different. Some of the contraindications are different; the uses are different; their histories are
different. Also, it may be a bit premature to say that one chemical, thujone, is THE active
ingredient in either. That would be a bit too reductionist for my tastes. We can't even assume that
because a plant contains some small amount of a poison, that the plant is poisonous, or we'd have
to give up onions, spinach, mustard. The difference between food and poison is often dosage; the
difference between poison and medicine is dosage. So let's focus on thujone. A brief list of plants
containing thujone includes:
Salvia officinalis L. - Sage (Leaf)
Salvia triloba L. - Greek Sage (Plant)
Artemisia dracunculus L. - Tarragon (Shoot)
Mentha x rotundifolia (L.) HUDSON - Applemint (Leaf)
Pycnanthemum tenuifolium SCHRAD. - Slenderleaf Mountain Mint (Shoot)
Mentha pulegium L. - European Pennyroyal (Plant)
Thymus orospedanus H. del VILLAR - Orosped Thyme (Plant)
Achillea millefolium L. - Yarrow (Plant)
Capsicum frutescens L. - Cayenne (Fruit)
Carum carvi L. - Caraway (Fruit)
Glycyrrhiza glabra L. - Licorice (Root)
Juniperus sabina L. - Sabine (Plant)
Matricaria recutita L. - Annual Chamomile (Plant)
Mentha arvensis L. - Cornmint (Plant)
Sassafras albidum (NUTT.) NEES - Sassafras (Root)
Satureja hortensis L. - Summer Savory (Plant)
This list, and others like it is available free from the Phytochemical databases http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/ .
So as you can see, many plants that are very safe (in normal dosages) contain this chemical. So
smell your Mugwort, drink Mugwort tea, smoke it, smear the juice all over your body on a
vision-dream quest, just don't extract pure thujone from it and snort it.
>Someone on another list suggested smoking Artemisia because there's a strong connection with
marijuana --both affect the same (or similar) receptors in the brain, and are apparently similar
botanically (I don't know what that means technically). Additionally, a book called *Absinthe,
History in a Bottle* by Barnaby Conrad III mentions thujone-enol's structural similarity to THC.
Smoking Artemisias? Hmm, for me Mugwort is a flavor, used in small amounts as not to be too
overwhelming. Kind of mentholly. Or perhaps for it's dreaming effects. But once again folks are
implying a generalization: This one constituent (or group of constituents) is shaped like THC, and
perhaps affects the same receptor sites as THC, so it must make you feel like you smoked THC.
Oops, flawed logic again. Just because the shape of two molecules are similar doesn't mean that
they have similar biological effects.
They might, but its not guaranteed. My take on this: Ingesting Mugwort, or any Artemisia I've
tasted, does not make you feel like you've ingested Marihuana.
So enjoy the smells, drown your concerns, and a happy, aromatic holiday season to all you netters
out there.
Howie Brounstein
From Dale Kemery, DalePK.aol.com, to above:
I thought you might be interested in more complete information about absinthe, wormwood and
thujone, after our recent exchange on the subject. I've come across a comprehensive summary
about it in Jonathan Ott's superb "Pharmacotheon." (Although using his name with any glowing
adjective is redundant because everything I've seen of his is so complete, exhaustive and
thoroughly researched and studied.)
"Absinthe was prepared by distilling alcohol over mashed leaves of wormwood, and other
common ingredients were Angelica root, Acorus calamus rhizome (which may contain the
psychoactive asarones; ...), cinnamon, fennel seed, star anise (both of which contain anethole,
another potentially psychoactive compound...) and other plants. The characteristic and
much-desired green color of the liqueur, which was supposed to whiten when mixed with water,
was sometimes artificially enhanced by addition of indigo and other plants, or toxic metal salts like
copper sulfate and antimony chloride...
He chronicles the history of the banning of absinthe and a recent renewal of interest in absinthe,
then says:
"It is commonly assumed that the thujones were the neurotoxic principles of absinthe, although
alcohol also is a potent neurotoxin (absinthe contained from 68-85% alcohol) and significant
quantities of copper and antimony salts used as adulterants (particularly in cheap imitation
absinthe for the poorer classes) may have been present and responsible for the
neurotoxicity...While large doses of injected thujones are unquestionably toxic, modern
toxicological studies of thujones, in the quantities present in absinthe, without the copper and
antimony adulterants, are needed before concluding that the neurotoxicity associated with
absinthism was a consequence of thujone content. I suspect the copper and antimony salts, as well
as the unusually high alcohol content had more to do with absinthe toxicity than the thujone
content. Non-thujone essential oils commonly present in absinthe have also been shown to have
convulsant properties and are probably neurotoxic."
The obvious inference is that thujone is unlikely the culprit in "absinthism." And even though he
acknowledges the toxicity of "large doses of injected thujones," the operative words are "large"
and "injected." It may be assumed (without any evidence to support this statement) that
swallowing thujone in some form (tea, for example) would subject it to the chemical rigors of
digestion, a pathway that is much different from intravenous or even intramuscular injection.
Whether the same can be said for, say, smoking a thujone-containing plant is another matter since
inhalation effectuates a much more direct transfer into the blood without the intervention of
hydrochloric acid, pepsin and other digestive enzymes.
From christopher.gn.apc.org (Christopher Hedley):
A note.. Sage (Salvia officinalis) essential oil is 30% thujone and good sage has up to 2.5%
essential oil. Wormwood contains 1% essential oil, I don't have a figure on the % of thujone but if
we assume it to be less than half then it is possible to consume more thujone in Sage tea than in
Wormwood tea and no one has suggested that long term use of sage is toxic.
Distilling alcohol over Wormwood would extract mostly the volatile oil. Weiss says that the pure
volatile oil was also used in the making of absinthe - this is still an ingrained habit in food and
drink manufacture and one that should be condemned. Flavouring with volatile oils is NOT the
same as flavouring with plants.
Thujone has been given bad press but I still don't think that consuming large amounts of volatile
oil for long periods has anything to recommend it. Also the thujone has strong stimulating effects,
noticeable when smoking wormwood - which as Howie says is nothing like smoking Mugwort.
Presumably absinthe had the same degree of stimulation and thus people were encouraged to drink
more and abuse it.
The comparison between thujone and THC is an interesting example of just how far theory can
lead people astray. Always try for yourself I say.
From Howie Brounstein <howieb.teleport.com>:
> Also the thujone has strong stimulating effects, noticeable when smoking wormwood- which as
Howie says is nothing like smoking Mugwort. Presumably absinthe had the same degree of
stimulation and thus people were encouraged to drink more and abuse it.
Hmmm. Did I say that. Oh yes, so I did. It is hard to put into words. Mugwort can be used like
Wormwood for worms, warming, female reproductive system effects, and it has similar
contra-indications. Yet wormwood has something else, a more overtly drugged feeling it produces
that I have never experienced with other Artemisias. I don't know what chemical is responsible for
it, it may be thujone unrelated, for all I know. But I know the feeling.
From: "Rob Miedema" <8rm1.qlink.queensu.ca>
Thujone does not in fact act like THC at all. That belief was founded on the observation that they
have similar chemical structures, but was proven incorrect (Hold et al., 2000). Actually, it seems
that thujone exacts its effects on GABA-A receptors in the brain. This is the same receptor that
alcohol acts on, but the two chemicals have opposite effects. Therefore the balance between
thujone and ethanol in the absinthe is critical. Thujone, or rather it's active metabolites
(7-hydroxy-alpha-thujone, alpha-thujone), and other products in wormwood that steep into

absinthe (e.g. camphor) are actually convulsants. They inhibit the brains inhibitory system causing
overexcitation. Death in animals as large as cats and rabbits results from moderate doses and there
are documented cases of death in humans (Burkhard et al., 1999). One person's statement that oral
ingestion is not injection so it is probably fine is false, the thujone actually needs to be metabolized
by the liver to break it down into its active components.
If you still want to try it here's one how-to, and a vivid

description of the experience:
>Making Absinthe is extremely easy, as long as you don't require the full alcoholic content. Just
take Pernod, pour off about an ounce and cram wormwood herb in the top. Let it set for a week or
two. That's it. Pernod is Absinthe without the wormwood and about half the alcohol.
From ix.io.com (Lupo LeBoucher):
This is unlikely to absorb much thujone; for a really horrible and ridiculously potent absinthe, buy
a fifth of 100 proof vodka, pour it over an ounce of wormwood, and a quarter ounce of anise seeds,
and let it steep for a month or two. After straining the liquid, the resulting decoction will be a
horrible looking liquid with approximately the color and psychoactivity of 1970s gasoline, though
gasoline tastes better (long story).
To ingest (one cannot drink it), pour over a lump of sugar into a strong mixture of water & lemon
juice, hold nose, and swallow before you taste the bitter horror. Be sure to do this in the vicinity of
a sink with running water; one may need to wash the awful stuff down or provide your absinthe
with a convenient place to rest should it decide to come up for a breather.
Effects reportedly include, audio-visual hallucinations similar to the opiates, with a bit o nitrous;
numb mucus membranes; dizziness, nausea, picking up the ugliest member of the opposite sex one
has ever encountered and vomiting green bile over oneself while asleep (experts disagree whether
or not the latter was an effect of the previous, rather than an effect of the thujone - ask Heysoos, I
didn't do it).
The above recipe was taken from a book called "The Magical and Ritual Uses of Herbs" (by
Richard Allen Miller) which described Absinthe as "an excellent after-dinner liqueur" which
makes one wonder what types of dinners Mr. Miller has at his place.
From ix.io.com (Lupo LeBoucher):
>Anise has no effect; the active ingredients in absinthe are just wormwood and alcohol.
The anise went in the mix in a misguided attempt to kill some of the bitter flavor (since it was
what the standard recipes used). All I succeeded in doing was killing some of the wormwood
"flavor" *retch* upon burping.
>The plain wormwood probably could be swallowed as a tea followed by the booze as a chaser.
The plain infusion used to be prescribed as a "tonic".

I don't know if it would have the same effect; the essential oils in the wormwood, which contain
the active ingredients, are not likely to be water soluble.
From stygianv.shadow.net (Coyote Osborne):
> Anise has no effect; the active ingredients in absinthe are just wormwood and alcohol.
Ah, but anise does have an important effect here. It keeps the wormwood/absinthe from irritating
your stomach so much. I would recommend fennel and perhaps peppermint or basil for this also.
> The plain wormwood probably could be swallowed as a tea followed by the booze as a chaser.
The plain infusion used to be pre-scribed as a "tonic".
Actually, most of the things in wormwood are damaged or destroyed if added to hot water.
Warming it gently (like brandy) works, but not making an infusion with water that is boiling. I
suspect that a good rule of thumb is that if it is hot enough to destroy alcohol, it is also hot enough
to make the wormwood lose it's efficacy.
>From reading that book or other, somehow I got the idea to make absinthe by mixing a whole
ounce of wormwood in a half fifth of whiskey and forgetting about it for a few months. That shit is
impossibly bitter. It's one of the most bitter herbal substances you know.
Yes. Not even the worms like it. : )
It does have some interesting properties, though, and prepared properly can even taste... well I
won't say nice... but it will taste such a way that it is desirable.
Acquired taste perhaps? Good for the sensually indulgent? Weird?
From Stuart Cullen <stuartcullen.hotmail.com>
Just a little extra info from an experienced Absinthe drinker. I have drunk three different types of
absinthe (two Portugese [50% and 58% alcohol by volume] and One Czech [55% by volume]) on
innumerable occasions -- usually 4+ European shots a night.
In Portugal, to get its most extreme effect I was told to add sugar to the shot, light the absinthe,
blow it out, drink it through a straw, cup my hand over the glass and inhale as much of the fumes
as I could. I am sure this would be potent with any alcoholic drink. I have drunk stronger vodka
[63% by volume] yet it has never had the effect of absinthe.
I have experienced one 'hallucination' -- I was once positively sure that a girl was dancing beside
me for several minutes when there was no-one there. I have experienced numerous total blackouts
from its usage. I am not an expert on herbs or a student of any related subject but absinth/e is a
drug NOT an alcoholic drink (believe me).
An endnote from Henriette:
I'm told the "absinthe" recipes given above are completely off the wall. I'll believe that, because
nobody in their right mind would ever call tincture, tea or even leaf of wormwood straight off the
plant palatable.
Some say that wormwood has a nice "floral" scent. Yech, says I, because to me that "floral scent"
is a thoroughly nauseating smell, which carries over into the taste if ingested. Urgh.
Wormwood is intensely bitter. Couple that bitterness with the revolting taste and you're set for
something fit to give to your worst enemies, but not fit to serve at table.
On that note, I made about half a liter of wormwood tincture (1:5 45 %) years ago. Anybody over
18 (can't have kids getting drunk on this stuff) who drinks 1/2 dl (2 ounces) of that tincture in front
of me (outdoors, please, with convenient bushes nearby) can have the whole bottle -- if they still
want it after ingesting their half deciliter.
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: hypericum, st. john's wort, sjw
Search

2.4 St. John's Wort (Hypericum) (SJW)
photosensitivity - maoi - standardized extracts
Also see http://www.hypericum.com.
2.4.1 St. John's Wort (Hypericum) and

photosensitivity
Here's the question (on the herblist (see 8.1.1 below) in November 1994):
>As to Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) causing photosensitivity in humans, I have been
unable to find a single study that verifies this in vivo. Lots of research on the effects of hypericin
on cattle and insects, but humans? This may be an example of assumptive jumping from
mammalian lab results to humans. Anyone know a study that indicates photosensitivity in humans
due to Hypericum?
The discussion can be found here:
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/archives/Best/1994/sjw-photosens.html
Two years after above was included in the FAQ:
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-2-4-hypericum.html (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 3:38:04 PM]
In recent discussions on a high-quality herbal mailing list the conclusion was that yes, some very
few people can have problems with photosensitivity and Hypericum; that it might manifest a tad
more often with topical application of oil on skin which is exposed to sunlight; but that actually, in
very sensitive people, it might be enough to just take sensible amounts of tincture internally for
photosensitivity to appear (even without synergy with meds).
2.4.2 St. John's Wort (Hypericum) and MAO

inhibition
>>St John's Wort does in fact work like an MAO inhibitor and likewise causes the same dangerous
side-effects.
>That's the wrong term. They're not "side effects"; they're food or drug interactions. But if SJW is
an MAO-inhibitor then they're certainly "dangerous".
From smisch.tiac.net (Samson):
Yes, they would be if SJW really _were_ a MAOI. But it's not. That was a theory that was floating
around for a while without much support, and it has since been disproven.
See eg.
Thiede HM; Walper A: Inhibition of MAO and COMT by Hypericum extracts and
hypericin. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol, 7 Suppl 1:1994 Oct, S54-6
Bladt S; Wagner H: Inhibition of MAO by fractions and constituents of Hypericum extract. J
Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol, 7 Suppl 1:1994 Oct, S57-9
"Using pure hypericin as well as in all ex vivo experiments, no relevant inhibiting effects could be
shown. From the results it can be concluded that the clinically proven anti-depressive effect of
Hypericum extract cannot be explained in terms of MAO inhibition."
Hypericin does show some MAO-inhibition in vitro at _very_ high concentrations. At regular
human doses, though, virtually nil.
2.4.3 About standardized hypericin content in

St. John's Wort (Hypericum)
On alt.folklore.herbs in Oct 97:
>(somebody) wrote:
>>I gathered my own SJW when it was flowering, (snip)
(somebody else) replied:
>You don't know how strong a dose you are receiving in your homemade tincture. St. John's Wort
keeps the serotonin in your brain from breaking down so rapidly. This is called a selective
serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) and the level of serotonin in your brain goes up. This may be
good for people who have low levels of serotonin such as depressives but it is not good for people
with normal serotonin levels. I would stick to the companies who standardize their dose for 0.3%
hypericin and only take the recommended dose.
Then jmt.... (J. Mark Taylor) stepped in and replied to the recommendation to "stick to the
companies who standardize their dose for 0.3% hypericin":
... I would ignore this advice. We don't buy carrots by beta-carotene content and we don't buy
potatoes by carbohydrate ratings. Although neutraceutical interests may soon begin marketing
things that way, they only take away from the fundamental nature of wholistic health.
Comment from Henriette:
This 'standardization' is just yet another marketing trick to me. Get suppliers you trust, know your
tinctures, and don't fall for scams, not even 'scientifically proven' ones.
Pure hypericin -has- been shown to produce side effects in almost all laboratory tests, while side
effects with the whole plant extract (Hypericum tincture, made solely with Hypericum flowering
tops and alcohol) are exceedingly rare.
However, after the herb made it big in the US (in 1996? 1997 ?), tens of thousands of people have
been taking it, daily, in larger or smaller quantities (they don't always remember or even know that
more is not always better); as tinctures, "standardized extracts", capsules, and you-name-its. If
-you- experience side effects, you're just one of the unhappy few "exceedingly rare" cases. If that's
the case use your common sense and _stop_ taking it.
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: ginseng
Search

2.5 Ginseng
There are a number of plants called ginseng; a websearch (I don't recommend it, you'll get from
16000 to 90000 pages to wade through) will turn up a lot of different plants, not always correctly
named:
Ginseng, Asian (Panax ginseng)
also including Korean Red Ginseng, which is processed, making the root red and
giving it a bit differing properties from the unprocessed yellowish-white ginseng root
Ginseng, American (Panax quinquefolius)
Ginseng, "Siberian" (Eleutherococcus senticosus) - better to call this Eleuthero, as it isn't a

true ginseng.
Ginseng, "Brazilian" (Pfaffia paniculata) - better to call this Suma, as it isn't a true ginseng.
Ginseng, "Indian" (Withania somnifera) - better called Ashwagandha, as it isn't a true
ginseng
While not all of these are ginsengs, they are all adaptogens. Adaptogens help you with your
general stress response. The definition of an adaptogen is that it lets mice swim for longer in their
bucket of water before they drown; it will also give you more stamina.
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-2-5-ginseng.html (1 of 4) [5/10/2004 3:38:06 PM]
Further adaptogens are for example:

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)
Rose root, gold root (Rhodiola rosea or Sedum roseum)
Maral root (Leuzea rhaponticum or L. carthamoides, or Rhaponticum carthamoides), a

Russian plant - you use the root and/or seeds.
This is only a partial list. In any list of adaptogens you will find at least one plant that isn't found in
any other adaptogen list.
A couple of good webpages on ginsengs and adaptogens can be found here:
http://www.healthy.net/search/content/art/articles603.htm
http://www.healthy.net/search/content/art/articles628.htm
There are some practical considerations:

On the herblist Aug. 1994:
>Could someone be kind enough to summarize the possible adverse effects of ginseng? I've been
taking a popular brand for a month now and am generally happy with the effect on a chronic sinus
problem and energy levels, but beginning to feel kind of strung out ... I am drinking caffeine and
wonder if this could be a problem. Also need to know about possible adverse interactions with
prescription drugs such as blood pressure medications.
From Jonathan Treasure <jonno.teleport.com>:
Woah...."Ginseng Abuse Syndrome" is even recognised by the AMA. You do not mention what
kind of Ginseng or how much. I will defer to the TCM people on this list to give wither you from
the Chinese view but ... surely you're not really doing coffee and ginseng? Oh dear oh dear ... tut
tut.
1. It is nonsensical to take caffeine and ginseng together regularly. You will stress your
adrenals (*get strung out*) and possibly raise your *stress threshold* to a danger point.
2. Ginseng should be used with extreme caution in hypertensive situations especially if under
medication.
3. Sinusitis? Not the *usual* prescription. Pass.
4. Toxic signs - not uniformly predictable but can include hypertension, euphoria, nervousness,
skin eruptions, morning diarrhea.
5. Contraindications - nervous anxiety, nervous tension, hypertension, disturbed menstruation,
stimulant or rec. drug abuse, good vitality in younger persons.
Most recommend taking as a tonic for a period then alternating without e.g. 3 weeks on 2 weeks
off.
> the Peterson guide I have on edible wild plants recommends wild American ginseng as a trail
nibble...
If you did happen to find a Wild American ginseng, you should leave it right where it is! Shame on
Peterson. The plant is rare, and probably endangered throughout its range.
Paul Iannone
On alt.folklore.herbs June 1995:
> I've heard the ads for ginseng pills - are they worth the money? If so, are all brands the same?
You definitely want to buy from a reputable company. According to Professor Wang at the
University of Alberta, researchers found that many prepackaged ginseng products had a major
shortcoming designed to fool the consumer. You guessed it ... no ginseng.
Elizabeth Toews
The UP side of poison ivy
Rarely mentioned but soon enough found out, ginseng and poison ivy are childhood sweethearts:
they grow up in the same neck of the woods. If you go digging ginseng in the Cumberlands of
Tennessee, you will get poison ivy -- all over your fingers. With common roots in the forest loam,
the one looks out for the other.
But if that's not sufficient protection, the 'sang has yet another look-out in the plant kingdom:
Virginia creeper. A master of disguise, ginseng sets up housekeeping in the thick of creeper beds.
Takes a covite to tell them apart; the untutored need not apply.
Cumberland ginseng endangered? Don't think so. Most of the knowledgeable diggers have sense
enough to harvest after the seeds have matured, and don't have to be told to replant from what
they've dug. If there's to be "more where that came from" (talking car payments), they know they
have to replant. It's city slickers, out for a test drive of their bean boots, we got to look out for. For
their advancement, thank we heavens, there is poison ivy.
Alex Standefer (astandef.seraph1.sewanee.edu)
> I had read somewhere that women should not take ginseng on a regular basis (I'm cutting back
from six capsules to two per day), but was told by a friend that Siberian ginseng is suitable for
women to take.
Ginseng shouldn't be used as a stimulant, but where needed it can be taken for comparatively long
periods by children, women, old people, anyone.
I have many female clients who take ginseng on a regular basis, in formulas appropriate to their
health pattern.
As a general rule Chinese herbalists don't use ginseng by itself.
--Paul Iannone
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: stevia
Search

by Rob McCaleb, Herb Research Foundation
For hundreds of years, people in Paraguay and Brazil have used a sweet leaf to sweeten bitter
herbal teas including mate. For nearly 20 years, Japanese consumers by the millions have used
extracts of the same plant as a safe, natural, non-caloric sweetener. The plant is stevia, formally
known as Stevia rebaudiana, and today it is under wholesale attack by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration.
Stevia is a fairly unassuming perennial shrub of the aster family (Asteraceae), native to the
northern regions of South America. It has now been grown commercially in Brazil, Paraguay,
Uruguay, Central America, the United States, Israel, Thailand and China. The leaves contain
several chemicals called glycosides, which taste sweet, but do not provide calories. The major
glycoside is called stevioside, and is one of the major sweeteners in use in Japan and Korea. Stevia
and its extracts have captured over 40% of the Japanese market. Major multinational food
companies like Coca Cola and Beatrice foods, convinced of its safety, use stevia extracts to
sweeten foods for sale in Japan, Brazil, and other countries where it is approved. Europeans first
learned of stevia when the Spanish Conquistadors of the Sixteenth Century sent word to Spain that
the natives of South America had used the plant to sweeten herbal tea since "ancient times".
The saga of American interest in stevia began around the turn of the Twentieth Century when
researchers in Brazil started hearing about "a plant with leaves so sweet that a part of one would
sweeten a whole gourd full of mate." The plant had been described in 1899 by Dr. M. S. Bertoni.
In 1921 the American Trade Commissioner to Paraguay commented in a letter "Although known
to science for thirty years and used by the Indians for a much longer period nothing has been done
commercially with the plant. This has been due to a lack of interest on the part of capital and to the
difficulty of cultivation."
Dr. Bertoni wrote some of the earliest articles on the plant in 1905 and 1918. In the latter article he
notes:
"The principal importance of Ka he'e (stevia) is due to the possibility of substituting it for
saccharine. It presents these great advantages over saccharine:
1. It is not toxic but, on the contrary, it is healthful, as shown by long experience and according
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-2-6-stevia.html (1 of 4) [5/10/2004 3:38:07 PM]
to the studies of Dr. Rebaudi.

2. It is a sweetening agent of great power.
3. It can be employed directly in its natural state, (pulverized leaves).
4. It is much cheaper than saccharine."
Unfortunately, this last point may have been the undoing of stevia. Noncaloric sweeteners are a big
business in the U.S., as are caloric sweeteners like sugar and the sugar-alcohols, sorbitol, mannitol
and xylitol. It is small wonder that the powerful sweetener interests here, do not want the natural,
inexpensive, and non-patentable stevia approved in the U.S.
In the 1970s, the Japanese government approved the plant, and food manufacturers began using
stevia extracts to sweeten everything from sweet soy sauce and pickles to diet Coke. Researchers
found the extract interesting, resulting in dozens of well-designed studies of its safety, chemistry
and stability for use in different food products.
Various writers have praised the taste of the extracts, which has much less of the bitter aftertaste
prevalent in most noncaloric sweeteners. In addition to Japan, other governments have approved
stevia and stevioside, including those of Brazil, China and South Korea, among others.
Unfortunately, the US was destined to be a different story. Stevia has been safely used in this
country for over ten years, but a few years ago, the trouble began.
FDA ATTACK ON STEVIA
Around 1987, FDA inspectors began visiting herb companies who were selling stevia, telling them
to stop using it because it is an "unapproved food additive". By mid 1990 several companies had
been visited. In one case FDA's inspector reportedly told a company president they were trying to
get people to stop using stevia "because Nutra Sweet complained to FDA." The Herb Research
Foundation(HRF), which has extensive scientific files on stevia, became concerned and filed a
Freedom of Information Act request with FDA for information about contacts between Nutra
Sweet and FDA about stevia. It took over a year to get any information from the FDA, but the
identity of the company who prompted the FDA action was masked by the agency.
In May, 1991 FDA acted by imposing an import alert on stevia to prevent it from being imported
into the US. They also began formally warning companies to stop using the "illegal" herb. By the
beginning of 1991, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) was working to defend
stevia. At their general meeting at Natural Products Expo West, members of the industry pledged
most of the needed funds to support work to convince FDA of the safety of stevia. AHPA
contracted HRF to produce a professional review of the stevia literature. The review was
conducted by Doug Kinghorn, Ph.D., one of the world's leading authorities on stevia and other
natural non-nutritive sweeteners. Dr. Kinghorn's report was peer-reviewed by several other plant
safety experts and concluded that historical and current common use of stevia, and the scientific
evidence all support the safety of this plant for use in foods. Based on this report, and other
evidence, AHPA filed a petition with FDA in late October asking FDA's "acquiescence and
concurrence" that stevia leaf is exempt from food additive regulations and can be used in foods.
FDA, apparently attempting to regulate this herb as they would a new food additive, contends that
there is inadequate evidence to approve stevia. However, because of its use in Japan, there is much
more scientific evidence of stevia's safety than for most foods and additives. The extent of
evidence FDA is demanding for the approval of stevia, far exceeds that which has been required to
approve even new synthetic food chemicals like aspartame (Nutra Sweet).
AHPA's petition points out that FDA's food additive laws were meant to protect consumers from
synthetic chemicals added to food. FDA is trying, in the case of stevia to claim that stevia is the
same as a chemical food additive. But as the AHPA petition points out, Congress did not intend
food additive legislation to regulate natural constituents of food itself. In fact, Congressman
Delaney said in 1956, "There is hardly a food sold in the market today which has not had some
chemicals used on or in it at some stage in its production, processing, packaging, transportation or
storage." He stressed that his proposed bill was to assure the safety of "new chemicals that are
being used in our daily food supply," and when asked if the regulations would apply to whole
foods, he replied "No, to food chemicals only." AHPA contends that stevia is a food, which is
already recognized as safe because of its long history of food use. Foods which have a long history
of safe use are exempted by law from the extensive laboratory tests required of new food
chemicals. The AHPA petition, however, supports the safe use of stevia with both the historical
record, and references to the numerous toxicology studies conducted during the approval process
in Japan, and studies by interested researchers in other countries.
To date, the FDA still refuses to allow stevia to be sold in the U.S. but the recently-enacted Dietary
Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 may prevent the FDA from treating stevia and
other natural herbs as "food additives."
rmccaleb.herbs.org -- [also herbal.netcom.com]

> Where do you get your stevia? No one here in RI will sell it.
From: Mark D. Gold (mgold.holisticmed.com):
You should suggest to your local natural food stores and herb stores in RI that the legal status of
stevia has changed recently. While importation of stevia was banned to protect Monsanto's
NutraSweet sales and the future sales of other artificial sweeteners a few years ago, stevia can now
be sold as a "dietary supplement." I have a copy of the FDA's new "Import Alert" on my Web page
(or I can email it to you). Stevia products can and have been sold over the last few years as skin
treatment products. Therefore, your local natural foods store should be able to get stevia skin
treatment products and supplements from their distributor (or they should find a distributor who
does sell it).
Stevia still cannot be legally sold as a "sweetener" by itself or in another product. This will help
protect companies such as Monsanto (selling a dangerous artificial sweetener - aspartame) from
having to compete against a safe, natural sweetener on a large-scale basis. But at least individuals
can now use stevia as a supplement.
I have a list of stevia resources on my web page which you can use and give to your local natural
foods store. Hope this helps.

http://www.holisticmed.com/sweet/
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: poison ivy, oak, sumach
Search

recognize it - avoid the rash - why the rash? - what helps - Jewelweed, Impatiens - get rid of poison ivy
We're lucky in Finland in that we don't have any of these problem plants. But since it's asked every
week in season it has to be in the FAQ, so what's in here is mostly pulled from rec.gardens
archives 1992 - 1994, or from alt.folklore.herbs archives 1993 -, or taken off bionet.plants June
1995. If you wrote some text I've included here but you aren't mentioned please email - I'll be
happy to mention you in the next posting.

From Kay Klier (klier.fern.com):
POISON IVY (Toxicodendron radicans = Rhus radicans = Rhus toxicodendron)
Found in a wide range of habitats, but in the midwest often seen in disturbed woods, roadsides,
and flood plains. Most widespread of PI, PS, and PO.
Small, slightly woody plant, or shrubby, or vining. LEAVES ALTERNATE (= 1 leaf per node),
TRIFOLIATE (= 3 leaflets), with pedicel (leafstalk) and the CENTRAL LEAFLET WITH
PETIOLULE (= leaflet stalk). The lateral two leaflets are not distinctly stalked. Leaflets are a
variety of shapes, but generally ovate or obovate (roughly apple-leaf shaped). Leaflets may be
smooth-edged (entire), irregularly toothed, or shallowly lobed. Leaves of one variant look like
small oak-leaves (but look again!).
Leaves apple-green and shiny in the spring, deep green and often dusty in the summer, turning a
glorious reddish orange in the fall. Flowers tiny, whitish, in clusters; fruits white berries in late
summer or fall.
Closest look-alike: Box-elder seedlings (Acer negundo), which has OPPOSITE, trifoliate leaves;
the lateral two leaflets are often slightly stalked. Older box-elders generally have 5 leaflets per
leaf.
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POISON SUMAC (Toxicodendron vernix = Rhus vernix)

Shrub, to perhaps 15-20 ft tall, often branched from the base. LEAVES ALTERNATE WITH 7-13
LEAFLETS, lateral leaflets without a petiolule (leaflet stalk), TERMINAL LEAFLET WITH A
STALK. MIDRIB OF THE LEAF WITHOUT A PAIR OF WINGS OF TISSUE THAT RUN
BETWEEN LEAFLET PAIRS. More small, whitish berries in a long cluster. Usually in wetlands,
Maine to Minnesota, south to Texas and Florida.
Closest look-alikes: Staghorn sumac, Rhus typhina, which has clusters of fuzzy, red fruits and
toothed leaflets, and likes dry soils; Smooth sumac, Rhus glabra, with bright red fruits and slightly
toothed leaves; much drier soil than PS.
POISON OAK (Toxicodendron diversiloba = Rhus diversiloba).
Reputedly the worst of the bunch. Erect shrub, usually about 3-6 ft tall (to 12 ft!), bushy, with
ALTERNATE LEAVES OF THREE LEAFLETS, the LEAFLETS generally lobed slightly or as
much as an oak leaf; CENTRAL LEAFLET STALKED. Leaves generally bright, shiny green
above, paler below. Fruits are small whitish berries. Common on the west coast, esp. low places,
thickets and wooded slopes. Occasionally a 5-leafleted form is found.
Steve Hix (fiddler.concertina.Eng.Sun.COM), in response to above:
>POISON OAK description...
If it were only that simple! In addition to that form, you can find poison oak growing as a vine
(very like wild grape, but with smooth bark) up to six inches in diameter disappearing up into the
tree tops near streams, or in thickets that look a *lot* like blackberry without spines, or sometimes
as collections of leafless single branches (later the leaves appear, shiny and red, changing to oily
green, and so on).
Fortunately, it doesn't seem to grow much above 5000' elevation.

Difficult if you live near PO/PI/PS...
... the best way not to get the rash is to learn to recognize the plant(s) and avoid it (them) after that.
But:
- You can even get a dose if a bunch of the leaves get dumped into a stream or pond ... the oil ends
up floating on the surface of the water.
- Dogs / cats / horses can get it on their coats and you'll get it from them when you pet them
barehanded.
- If you burn these plants and inhale the smoke you'll get a bad case of internal PI.
2.7.3 Why does it give you a rash? / Spreading

the oil about
From Ron Rushing (f_rushingrg.ccsvax.sfasu.edu):
The irritant in poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak is urushiol. The rash you get is an allergic
reaction. Everything I say below about poison ivy should also apply to poison oak and sumac. If
you brush up against a healthy undamaged plant, you won't usually get urushiol on you. You
usually have to come in contact with a damaged leaf. Almost all plants have damaged leaves either from insects, weather, or from your stepping on them.
The oil is easily transferred from one place to another. For example, I got some on my shoelaces
once, and I kept getting poison ivy on my hands for a couple of months. Once it is on your hands,
it can, and will, end up anywhere on your body.
The rash from poison ivy can take up to 72 hours to appear after exposure, and is often spread on
the body by taking showers while the oils are still on the skin.
Once you get the oil on clothing, it can sit for months and still cause a rash upon contact with your
skin. For example, lets say you get some poison ivy oil on your boots, then put the boots away for
the winter. Next spring you get out the boots and go for a walk - but not in the woods. A few days
later, voila - your hands are breaking out from putting on your boots and tying the laces. As long
as you've washed the original oil off your skin, the exudate from the blisters should not re-infect
your skin. It's just exudate, and does not contain urushiol.
From krrobert.uiuc.edu (K. R. Robertson):
Washing with strong soap merely removes excess poison from the skin, but will not remove any
which has already reacted, because the poison is believed to form a complex with skin proteins and
therefore is not removable short of removing the skin! Even so, it is difficult to wash off this
insoluble poison completely.
Eating a leaf of poison-ivy may have disastrous results. One may surpass the normal level of
immunity by the first bite; in this case one is in for an internal case of poison-ivy, occasionally
known to be fatal.
The mechanism of sensitivity is not thoroughly understood. It does not behave like protein
sensitivities such as hay fever. It is a hypersensitivity of the delayed type, whose mechanism is
related to that of organ transplant rejection.
(Originally prepared by William T. Gillis, 1973, Revised by Kenneth R. Robertson, 1993, Illinois
Natural History)
Poison Ivy, oak, sumac: Clothes contamination

From: Gerry Creager <n5jxs.tamu.edu>
One thing a lot of folks don't seem to understand, especially now that a lot of laundry detergents
are available for cold water use, is that HOT water is a good element for elimination of the oily
residue that causes the allergic reaction. I noted several anectdotal comments about reinnoculation
that could have been prevented if the contaminated clothes were washed in hot water (not warm,
not warm/cold, HOT!) and alone so as to avoid cross contamination to other clothing. I've had
good result with this in our family as well as in the folks I have advised with the problem. Me? I'm
one of those who so far has not manifested an allergy despite a lot fo time in the woods!
From ab282.detroit.freenet.org (Robert Gault):
The active ingredient in poison ivy and other plants in the same family is 3-n-Pentadecylcatechol,
common name urushiol, which is a chemical in the phenol family.
Dermatitis (skin inflammation and blistering) is spread by the act of scratching which redistributes
the urushiol over the body. While the normal treatment for poison ivy does not include the
suggestion below, a reasonable approach would be to convert the urushiol into a water soluble
material. Phenols are acids so washing with a weak base like diluted house hold ammonia or a
paste of baking soda should do the trick.
From Kay Klier (klier.fern.com):
People who react to any of the species of PI/PO/PS will undoubtedly react to the others; further,
they may cross-react with mango (Mangifera indica), cashew (Anacardium occidentale), and
Chinese or Japanese Lacquer (Rhus verniciflua). (the cellulose-based spray paint that is called
lacquer is not involved in this... just "real" lacquer, like carved lacquer boxes, etc.). Generally
speaking, it's not a good idea to sit under any member of the Anacardiaceae in the rain... they all
tend to have a leaf toxin that falls on innocent bystanders below.
Most people are NOT sensitive to PI/PO/PS at birth, but become sensitized through repeated
exposures. Some people are apparently immune throughout their lives, but I really don't know how
to test that claim... ;-)
There is a barrier cream and a cleanup wash called Technu commonly used by those who are
sensitized to PI/PO/PS. Works quite well.
2.7.4 What helps

First a word of caution:
The recommendations listed here are without medical foundation and, if actually used, are at the
sole risk of the reader.
Jewelweed, Impatiens pallida, I. capensis, I. biflora, or similar species. AKA
Touch-me-not, silverweed.
The plant produces both cleitogamous (self-fertilized), and chasmogamous (cross- fertilized)
flowers. Mature seed pods will build tension as they dry, and can "shoot" seeds 5 feet away
when activated by a slight disturbance.
Jewelweed, fresh: crush some leaves and a bit of the stem and rub the resulting juice
on the rashy area. Repeat frequently.
Jewelweed decoction: take one part Jewelweed (or stronger as needed), and twenty
parts water. Boil water in non-metallic container, add jewelweed, boil for fifteen
minutes, strain and store in jar in fridge or freeze as ice cubes. Apply frequently.
Jewelweed juice:
From YE71.MUSIC.FERRIS.EDU (Robert King):
Gather the entire plant, leaves, stems, and all; the plant is very succulent and
juicy... I have never had a need to add extra water, but if you do, use distilled.
Don't be greedy, either trim tops & outer branches, or selectively take entire
plants from the center of a crowded stand. One large (4-foot) plant should be
adequate for the largest rash on one person. Plants will lose turgor and wilt
quickly after cutting, this is OK, just makes it easier to emulsify.
Liquefy the plants in a blender at the highest speed possible. Then extract the
juice by filtering thru cloth, common strainer, or fruit press... a little pulp in the
mix won't hurt, this will settle out after a couple hours, anyway. Use
immediately, or refrigerate... this stuff spoils rapidly at room temperature..!!
Apply the juice to the infected area with a common paint brush... I've found 1
to 2" size works best. Blow-dry the area as you apply it with a hair dryer on
low heat... after several coats of 'paint,' an orange-colored "skin" will develop.
This "skin" will protect uninfected areas against the poison ivy allergen.
Repeat this procedure as needed, especially first thing in the morning, and
before bedtime. Be sure to use common sense in keeping any fluid that happens
to come from blisters away from unprotected areas... yourself AND others.
Keeping the infected area as dry as possible will hasten the healing; continue
application until no more blisters are present... usually about 3 days.
Ironically, jewelweed favors growing in areas of similar habitat as poison ivy,
therefore it can often be found nearby, preferring moist ground, near water, or
often, even in shallow water. It grows rapidly in ideal environs, but usually
doesn't reach significant size until mid-summer; therefore, it might pay to keep
a bit frozen in the fridge from the previous year for early-season use. The
extract tends to spoil rapidly, even at cooler temperatures, so I wouldn't

recommend keeping it for much more than a week without freezing... the fresh
solution works best, anyway.
Catnip: rub fresh catnip leaves on the affected area.
Mugwort (Jilara [jane.swdc.stratus.com])
Pick two large handfuls of fresh mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) and let infuse in 1 cup
alcohol for overnight. Apply to affected area with a clean sponge/washcloth/q-tips/whatever
every four hours. Dries it up quickly.
Robert Gault reminded me that mugwort is a strong allergen (have I told you they keep track
of mugwort pollen in the air over here?). To quote Robert Gault: 'Can you imagine the result
if the poison ivy sufferer is also allergic to Mugwort?!' Ouch - yes, I can.
Aloe vera (Jilara [jane.swdc.stratus.com])
Take a large leaf from the aloe vera plant you keep on your windowsill for burns. (If you
don't have one, get one!) (NOTE: "aloe vera gel" sold commercially does NOT work!) Slice
lengthwise to expose the juicy interior of the leaf. (This will give you an upper and lower
leaf, with a juicy side to each.) Trim off leaf edges. Apply directly to affected area, juicy
side against the sores. Bandage in place. Apply a new leaf every day until healed. This
works phenomenally well, but you have to put up with bulky slabs of aloe vera leaf against
the area. Which would you rather have: oozing sores or a succulent slab of leaf? Thought so.
;-) I can't laude this one enough! It works faster than any other remedy! And relieves the
dreadful *itching*, too!
Gumweed Plant (Grindelia)
Native Americans used the resin from the gumweed plant to treat poison ivy.
Baking Soda
I swear by baking soda paste for poison oak. It not only soaks up the oozing mess, it
completely stops the itching throughout the day.
Mixed alcohol liniment
Take sweetfern, jewelweed, witch hazel, rubbing alcohol... Zip it all up in a blender until it's
green and mushed, let it sit for two weeks (ouch! I know...not for THIS outbreak, sorry),
strain it and voila, a marvy liniment.
Poison Ivy leaf
From: bear.helium.Gas.UUG.Arizona.EDU (Soaring Bear), May 1994:
Actually, this is just the time of the year to build up your immunity by nipping off a very
tiny piece of poison ivy leaf (size of a head of a pin) and put in a capsule and swallow. Do
1-2 times a week. Stop if you start breaking out.
Caution from krrobert.uiuc.edu (K. R. Robertson):
Eating a leaf of poison ivy may have disastrous results. One may surpass his normal level of
immunity by the first bite; in this case he is in for an internal case of poison-ivy,
occasionally known to be fatal.
Salt (from bss8n.galen.med.virginia.edu)
For the little initial blisters, I rub salt and burst them and leave the salt on to dry. They're
history. Also salt worked on the moist areas of my face and under my nose where lye soap
lather couldn't stay dried out long enough to dry out the rash. Works well on large surface
rashes in case the blister stage grew untreated (but it didn't work on the "mini-mountain"
reaction to p.i. that my mom got). MOST essential, leave the salt on to dry, adding more salt
moistened with water to help create a paste that will stick as it dries, thus drying out that
nasty, annoying p.i. The worse the spread, the longer the duration of salt/soap treatment
alternated 12 hours to 1) dry out the present fresh redness, and 2) dry out *new* fresh red.
Yep, you guessed it... the salt falls off everywhere. That's one reason I used the lye soap
during bed hours. The other reason was that neither treatment, in a prolonged battle (1 1/2
wks) stayed effective by itself, i.e. continuous dry-out, but alternating them did it. I've
wondered why?
Lye soap (bss8n.galen.med.virginia.edu)
- initially from a pioneer reenactment lady. The older/yellower the bar got, the less effective
it seemed. Now, I've found it at the grungiest grocery store in town, a soap called Oxygon.
Wet the bar and lather it up on the rash into a paste and let dry. Easier than the salt but since
discovering salt, I tend to believe salt is more effective for me, at least with my initial tiny
blisters, which is all I ever have to deal with now.
From Elizabeth Perdomo, ElizPer.aol.com:

Jewelweed is a plant I wouldn't be without here in the South, any time of the year! It works so
remarkably well for Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac, and for Fungal Infections, as well (try it on
athlete's feet!). People are always getting inspired to rake up leaves in the middle of winter, and get
into the roots or old leaves, producing the nasty itch. However, since the plant only grows in
mid-late summer, this is what I do to keep a supply around...
Harvesting: Jewelweed is an annual, which means it flowers, produces seeds and then dies all in
one year. Thus, I try to harvest Jewelweed well before flowering time, so it has a chance to
regroup, flower and seed before frosts. To do so, I cut off (with knife or pruner) the top 1/3 of
some of the plants, leaving many untouched. I don't pull or pinch the tops, as this often dislodges
or pulls up the plant. If you take more than about the top 1/3, the plant may not have enough time
to sprout side shoots and go to seed, thus diminishing future supply for you, others & the earth...
Preparing: Jewelweed is one of those plants which just doesn't dry well. It's too fleshy and juicy,
and loses it's good qualities when dried. I make a strong infusion, by adding LOTS of the plant to a
pot (non-aluminium) of boiling water. Then, I cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for at least 30
minutes. After simmering, covered, I put it into a blender or food processor and blend. Then, I
cover the mixture again and allow it to cool to room temp. After cooling, I strain the mixture
through a stainless steel strainer and/or cheesecloth. Then, if needed right away, I label and store
part of the mixture in a jar in the refrigerator. The remainder, I freeze in ice cube trays. After
frozen, pop the cubes into a zip lock bag and LABEL WELL with herb name/date before returning
to freezer. Then, I have a winter's supply. The cubes also feel really good on especially sensitive
areas, like on the face, between fingers, under arms and in private parts... I also use the fresh
Jewelweed and make it into a tincture by filling a jar with the plant, and then covering it with 100
proof vodka. If you are going to use it exclusively for EXTERNAL use, it could be "tinctured" in
rubbing alcohol.
Administering: Whether fresh, infused, tinctured or in ice cube form, apply Frequently!!! Cotton
balls work well to apply the infusion or tincture. Yes, the tincture burns some, so I dampen the
cotton ball 1st with water, then add the tincture. The alcohol also helps to dry out the ooze... If
someone has a really bad, "systemic" case (not just a few bumps on their ankles or hands), I
recommend that folks take the (vodka) tincture INTERNALLY, about 1/2 dropper 2-4 x Daily, in
liquid, But for only 2-3 Days! (I don't recommend using this orally if pregnant or nursing.) It
seems that the oral use in conjunction with frequent, liberal external use, can really turn a bad case
of poison ivy around fast! Also, for "oozy" spots, cosmetic grade (French) clay can be sprinkled on
as often as desired to help dry the spots out. Sometimes, I mix the clay with powdered oatmeal,
and apply the mixture to absorb and sooth.
Elizabeth Perdomo
From: Peter Gail <PETERGAIL.AOL.COM>
Re: the post about jewelweed tincture: Be extremely careful in applying an alcohol extract of
jewelweed on anybody. Over the past 8 years Steven Foster has reported one and I have observed
3 extremely severe skin reactions from such applications, in each case landing the person in
hospital. Euell Gibbons also referred to the possiblity of allergic reactions to jewelweed tinctures.
Comment from Henriette: the frozen cubes don't have these risks.

Suggestions from rec.gardens/alt.folklore.herbs:
1. Planting catnip should get rid of poison ivy.
2. Goats. They are very effective, but in the end will be a bigger bother than the poison ivy.
(Be suspicious if someone offers you free goats!)
3. Poison ivy again: buy the super concentrated form of Round-Up and dilute to 3 times the
recommended strength. (Well, hot damn! It killed off nearly every piece of PI in one
application and only a few (about a dozen) plants returned a year later.)
4. Pull it, but protect yourself (big plastic bag, disposable suit...) Immediately wash all clothes
you used two-three times. Do not touch the plastic bag / disposable suit from the outside. Do
not touch your clothes / boots / whatever from the outside before washing.
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: echinacea
Search

2.8 Echinacea
uses - poaching

(also see King's dispensatory, here: http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/echinacea.html)
From Todd Caldecott (toddius.netidea.com):

In my training with NA's I learned that Echinacea (blood purifier and antibiotic) can be used as
long as two weeks. The German research branch of their equivalent of FDA (called Komission E)
Drs. Wagoner and Bauer demonstrated this fact. Their studies also showed that tinctured extract of
this plant could be chemically potent or not depending on how it was grown, harvested and
extracted. In their studies, the extracts available on the commercial market were far less potent
than their own prepared version. So their conclusion was 2 weeks on then off for a week, then one
could use it for another two weeks at diminished activity. Also the plant varieties of Echinacea
angustifolia, E. purpurea and to a lesser extent E. pallida all had medicinal chemical activity. The
whole plant is medicinal but needs to be at least 3 years old before you should harvest.
There is no evidence to suggest that Echinacea cannot be used longer than 2 weeks. In the original
study (and please be patient I'm doing this from memory) Echinacea was found to be increasingly
effective for 5 days, after which the study ceased. This paper, originally written in German, was
mistranslated, leading one to believe that Echinacea's effects plateaued after five days. Echinacea
is being used by several professionals long term. Typically though, it is used as a surface immune
tonic, useful in chronically immunodepressed patients who suffer from chronic colds etc.
(although its use in AIDS is still a matter of some controversy). For most of us who take it
seasonally for colds etc. it is most effective when taken in combination with other herbs i.e. garlic,
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-2-8-echinacea.html (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 3:38:10 PM]
Baptisia, Thymus, Astragalus etc.
Thread on the phytopharmacognosy list:

> Over 90% of all Echinacea material in the U.S. and Europe comes from cultivated species.
There is very little wild harvested ech. on the market. The claim that the use of ech. preparations
contributes to the extinction of this plant species is nonsense. Such claims may apply to other
medicinal plants but not to the easy to cultivate Ech. spp..
From P. Mick Richardson <richards.mobot.org>, to above:
Disappearance of the plant in the wild may be nonsense to you but it is reality to those of us who
live in areas where the plant is native. Several points. The plant is easy to grow in cultivation but if
you have no land on which to grow it you can get ready cash by collecting it in the wild. Even if
90% comes from cultivated sources, the remaining 10% is still a massive amount in relation to the
ever decreasing number of plants in the wild, especially when consumption rises each year and the
10% translates into an ever increasing number of plants to be sought.
After receiving your message, I sought out a local person who collects seeds of Echinacea from
wild plants in Missouri for cultivation of the plant. He confirmed my suspicions that the plant is
becoming non-existent in many parts of Missouri as local populations are exterminated. So the
nonsense is in fact reality to the people who see the plants. I suggest greater cultivation of the plant
would decrease the demand for wild-harvested material. After all, no-one would be killing rhinos
and elephants for sale if there was not a market for them. Let's stop before Echinacea becomes a
great auk or a passenger pigeon example for textbooks. Sorry to ramble on, but extinction is for
ever and it would be shameful for herbalists to contribute to it.
... and more in the same thread:
From: P. Mick Richardson <richards.mobot.org>:
It is illegal to collect Echinacea unless it is on your own property in Missouri. However, if
someone offers cash for echinacea plants, then the demand will be met by poaching. Although on a
lesser scale, it is no different to the situation with rhino horm and elephant ivory. If there is a cash
market, people will provide the product. I could give descriptions of the nationalities of the buyers
but this is probably unnecessary. The plants end up in Europe, presumably the site of greatest
demand.
Hopefully, there will soon be enough Echinacea in cultivation that the price will fall and this may
remove the demand for wild-collected plants. Until then, if you encourage the use of Echinacea,
you endanger the plants growing wild in Missouri. Admittedly Echinacea is being poached on a
lesser scale than Panax or Hydrastis, but it is still disappearing. Let's aim for complete
domestication. It works for Ginkgo, which is a cultivated cash crop in the U.S.A. now.
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: feverfew and migraine
Search

by Eugenia Provence, Eprovence.aol.com

It's not at all unusual for people interested in using herbs to replace over the counter medications
with simple herbal counterparts. What has been unusual enough to generate headlines, though, is
the conventional medical community's research and acceptance of a traditional European folk
remedy, Feverfew, in preventing migraine headaches.
Migraines are believed to be caused by an upset in serotonin metabolism, causing spasms of
intracranial blood vessels, which then causes dilation of extracranial blood vessels.
In the 1970s an English research group sought volunteers already using Feverfew before beginning
a study of its efficacy. Their advertisement in a London newspaper brought more than 20,000
responses. Since then, several well-documented double-blind, placebo studies in England confirm
its value.
An interesting one reported in The Lancet (July 23, 1988; 2(8604):189- 192) followed 72
volunteers. After a one-month trial using only a placebo, half of the group received either one
capsule of dried Feverfew leaves a day (or a matching placebo) for four months. Neither the group
nor the researchers knew which group was receiving the Feverfew. The group kept diary cards of
their migraine frequency and severity. After four months, the groups switched medications, and
the trial continued for an additional four months. 60 patients completed the study, and full
information was available on all but one.
The study found Feverfew to be associated with reducing the number and severity of attacks
(including vomiting), with the researchers concluding that there had been a significant
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-2-9-feverfew.html (1 of 4) [5/10/2004 3:38:12 PM]
improvement when the patients were taking Feverfew. There were no serious side effects.
Feverfew is currently classified as Tanacetum parthenium, a member of the Asteracea (or
Compositae) family, and was formerly named Chrysanthemum parthenium, where you'll still find
it listed in some references. Feverfew is a corruption of Febrifuge, based on its tonic and
fever-dispelling properties. It's been called Maid's Weed, referring to its emmenagogue qualities,
which are also reflected in its Greek name, Parthenion ("girl").
Its primary actions are anti-inflammatory, bitter, emmenagogue and a vasodilator. Aside from
migraine relief, long-term users report relief from depression, nausea and inflammatory arthritic
pain. Drunk in cold infusion, it can relieve the cold, clammy sweats associated with migraine.
Additionally, it's been used externally as an insect repellant, and topically for insect bites. Perhaps
the insect-repelling quality accounts for the tradition of planting it around the house to ward off
illnesses and to purify the air.
The tea, drunk cold, has been used for sensitivity to pain, and for relief of face-ache or ear ache (all
migraine-like symptoms). The Eclectic physicians of the 19th century called it one of the
pleasantest of the tonics, influencing the whole intestinal tract, increasing the appetite, improving
digestion, promoting secretion, with a decided action on kidney and skin.
John Gerard's Herbal in 1663, said it to be "...good against summer headaches to inhale crushed
Feverfew blossoms. Dried and taken with honey or sweet wine good for those as be melancholic,
sad, pensive or without speech." Culpepper used in it poultice form for head ache.
Feverfew in blossom is easily identified by its flat or convex yellow disk and numerous short,
broad 2-ribbed white rays. The leaves are alternate, petiolate, flat, bi or tripinnate with ovate,
dentate segments. It quickly escapes cultivation, and has become naturalized in many areas of the
U.S. and Europe, in some places regarded as a nuisance weed.
Among its constituents are a volatile oil, containing pinene and several pinene derivatives, bornyl
acetate and angelate, costic acid, B-farnesine and spiroketal enol ethers; Sesquiterpene lactones,
the major one being parthenolide); and Acetylene derivatives.
Pharmacologists say it is likely that the sesquiterpene lactones in Feverfew inhibit prostaglandin
and histimine released during the inflammatory process, preventing the vascular spasms that cause
migraines. It appears to regulate the serotonin mechanism.
To attain the maximum benefit from Feverfew, it should be taken daily as a preventive. For
migraine prevention, parthenolide plays an important role. The parthenolide content in Feverfew is
highly variable in different populations grown in different locations or harvested at different times
of the year.
Recent Canadian tests of U.S. Feverfew products found all of them to be low in parthenolide.
Canada, which has recently recognized Feverfew products as official, over the counter drugs for
migraine prevention and relief, will require that they contain a minimum of 0.2% parthenolide.
So, this is one of the few cases where a standardized extract may be more desirable than the whole
plant, with a lot to be said for fresh or freeze-dried preparations. If you want to use the fresh plant,
the flowers have a higher parthenolide content than do the leaves. If you are picking the leaves,
they are best just before flowering.
In one of those magical bits of synergy that herbalists love, the isolated parthenolides used alone
don't work on migraines, nor does the whole plant with the parthenolides removed. The
parthenolide is bioavailable only in the whole plant.
PRECAUTIONS: I know of nothing, whether allopathic or herbal medicine, that I would feel free
in saying to have absolutely no unpleasant side effects. We're all unique individuals when it comes
to body chemistry. Some unfortunate people are allergic to chamomile. They may also be allergic
to Feverfew.
A few recent studies of parthenolide in vitro point to toxicity involving smooth muscle tissue.
However, no side effect resembling this has ever been reported in human use. Feverfew's safety
and usefulness are historic.
Pregnant women should never take Feverfew. Its traditional use as an emmenogogue underlines
the risk here.
The bitter tonic qualities, so useful for indigestion, can cause gastric pain in people with gall
stones or gall-bladder problems, by making the gall bladder try to empty. Likewise, the increased
production of stomach acid would make it highly aggravating to anyone with a gastric ulcer or
esophogeal reflux.
Some people have developed mouth ulcers from eating the fresh leaves.
DOSAGE: Feverfew is most effective fresh or freeze dried. Take the equivalent of 1 fresh leaf or
125 mg. freeze-dried herb once a day (0.2% parthenolides) 1-3 times daily (don't chew the leaf).
In addition to Feverfew on its own as preventive herbal therapy, one would want to look at one's
individual migraine triggers or pattern and add herbs whose actions complement Feverfew's
anti-inflammatory, bitter and vasodilator actions to support the affected body systems.
Please also check entry 3.2, Herbs for migraine.
From Rene Burrough <rburrough.dial.pipex.com>:
Eating feverfew leaves I learned this from a nursery woman here who grows herbs commercially
& was a nurse during WW2, and has suffered from migraines from years, and it extremely
sympathetic to herbal medicine. She swears that the GREEN leaf is far more efficacious than the
yellow or golden version. And she takes one leaf a day for months at a time to keep the migraine at
bay. What she does is to make a <bread pill> with the feverfew leaf inside and squished into a tiny
ball with a doughy bit of bread around it as a casing. Then the pill can be swallowed without the
leaf coming into contact with the lining of the digestive tract.
Feverfew dangers, in the best of the herbal forums:
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/archives/Best/1995/feverfew-3.html
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/archives/Best/1995/feverfew-se.html
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: kava
Search

2.10 Kava kava
by Dennis McClain-Furmanski (dynasor.infi.net)
Kava-kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant native to the Pacific Islands, originally from the island of
Vanuatu. Following the influx of missionaries over the last century, its cultivation and use has
decreased but not disappeared. Several botanical houses in the US and elsewhere have begun
regular cultivation. The supply remains low, as the harvest rotation period is from 1.5 to 5 years.
Restrictions on import have been considered and may be imminent, meaning only locally grown
supplies will be available. Indigenous growths are now being protected as endangered in some
areas, but this does not preclude cultivation.
Kava is more of a social and ceremonial preparation than it is medicinal. Its primary action is as a
relaxant, and at high levels an intoxicant and divinitory preparation. In normal use, the kava
drinker becomes relaxed and sociable, and may later drift off into revery. Large doses, as used by
village chieftains and seers, induces a trance-like state with vivid dreaming. It is still used in some
areas as a medicinal liniment, being prepared there as a tincture. Modern use of kava has included
a preparation given to electroshock therapy patients as a muscle relaxant.
The active constituents of the plant, such as the lactone resins yangonine and kawaine, are found
primarily in the root rhizomes, although some preparations such as the Hawaiian liniment make
use of the fresh stem. Most preparations use chopped root material. There are some commercial
products in the form of tablets made from a powder, but these tend to suffer in strength, apparently
due to excessive drying.
Use of kava requires bringing the insoluble resins into emulsion. Traditional preparation is done by
chewing the stems and spitting them with copious saliva into a bowl, to which water and coconut
juice is added. The mixture is then kneaded and strained through fiber and drunk immediately.
A more palatable preparation is to wrap about an ounce in a single layer of plain cotton cloth or a
few layers of cheese cloth, and tied off to form a ball. This is dunked in a quart or so of water,
lifted and squeezed out, repeating this until the bubbles forming from the dripping water tend to
remain on the surface of the water -- about 10 to 15 minutes. As with the traditional preparation,
this tastes strongly musty and not particularly pleasant. It is drunk immediately in gulps. A
tablespoon of sugar helps, and my favorite additive is a tablespoon of Ovaltine or other malted
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Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: kava
mixture. Most non-traditional preparations such as herb teas and other mixtures are either too low
a dosage or improperly prepared and so are ineffective, most probably due to the bad taste of
effective dosages.
A tincture is made by soaking the chopped root material in 3 times its volume of alcoholic liquor
such as brandy or gin. This is shaken daily over 2 or 3 weeks and then strained. Internal use is 1 to
2 ounces, and external use is an ounce rubbed into sore muscles or soaked into a cloth which is
laid over the affected area.
Some reports have been made regarding chewing and swallowing fresh root. All the same effects
are noted, with the addition of a decongestant-like opening of breathing passages. This is only in
healthy individuals; there is no true decongestant effect in congested individuals.
Heavy daily use of kava for years has been reported to cause dry, flaking skin, yellowing of the
eyes and persistent lethargy. The doses involved are those used by local chiefs and visionaries, and
normal recreational or medicinal use will not cause this. When this syndrome does appear, 2 to 3
weeks of abstinence cures it. Reports of lowered peripheral blood flow seem to be anecdotal only.
The plant itself is available from some ethnobotanical houses, and seems to thrive even in
non-tropical conditions, though it still requires indoor cultivation.
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Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: pau d'arco
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2.11 Pau D'Arco
by Dennis McClain-Furmanski (dynasor.infi.net)
Pau D'Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa), also known as Taheebo and Lapacho colorado, is a tree
native to the Andes and nearby rain forests. The bark, and in particular the inner bark lining, is
scraped and turned into a tea. It has been used for centuries by the indigenous peoples as an
immunofortifier.
Recent pharmacologic studies have uncovered the anti-tumor agent lapachol, as well as the
anti-candidas agent xylidione, and the consistent effects of both have gathered the interest of the
global pharmacological community. Claims that the tea contains a large proportion of oxygen in
solution have peaked the interest of the oxygen-therapy movement, and it is being considered for
anti-AIDS/HIV testing.
The normal preparation is a small amount of scraped bark prepared as a normal tea. The taste is
reported to be heady and pleasant.
From hrbmoore.rt66.com (Michael Moore), as a sidenote in a post on herbs and fibroids:
I, frankly, have no idea why you would want to use Pau D'Arco (Tabebuia spp.). It is a useful
anti-oxidant and anti-fungal. I fail to see its implication with fibroids. Besides, it is a
pocket-change byproduct of rain-forest timbering...don't let anyone fool you otherwise.
From Susan Marynowski (sumar.mail.ifas.ufl.edu):
Pau d'arco is a common street and park tree of central and southern Florida. It can easily be grown
in a Florida backyard where it would be protected from freezing. Because of the value of this tree,
I often encourage people to grow or collect their own in Florida instead of purchasing rainforest
product.
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-2-11-pau-d-arco.html [5/10/2004 3:38:13 PM]
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: wild yam
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This one is from Henriette, with help from unca Mike and unca Jonno.
A stubborn question, coming up on the newsgroups and mailing lists again and again: "How do
you use wild yam for herbal birth control?"
Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) does not work as a herbal birth control. People who try it invariably
end up being called "Mom", unless they're naturally infertile.
So why is this myth still going strong?
Back in the early 40's the only hormones available were very expensive, injectable slaughterhouse
hormones. An American, Dr. Russell Marker, had this great idea on making oral hormones from
saponins (actually they're not really hormones, just hormone look-alikes - but that's another topic),
and tried to get backing for research on this from the pharmaceutical companies of the time. None
of these thought this worth pursuing ("we -have- hormones, enough for our needs, why would
anybody want cheap oral hormones?") (which goes to show just how short-sighted people can be).
Dr. Marker then went abroad, and the Mexican ministry of health said yep, sounds like a good
idea. So he went to Mexico and started to look for plants with lots of saponins. Both Yucca and
Agave roots contain enough saponins, and both were abundant, but neither was acceptable to the
Mexican government as they were needed in the Tequila industry. So Dr. Marker settled for a plant
that was abundant and easy to grow: Dioscorea mexicana, Mexican yam. It took him a couple of
years to get the "Marker Degradation Process" going, and he proceeded to make progesterone, in a
lab, from the saponin diosgenin found in said Mexican yam. At first the process was not
economically feasible (at something like 37 steps), but when he got it down to something like 6
steps, industrial production of oral hormone look-alikes took off. And so did contraceptive pills.
A decade or three later: officials in strategic places in Mexico are looking at OPEC, thinking,
"Hmmm, those guys have a monopoly -and- money, we can do that too." So they doubled the
prices of the output of their oral hormone precursor factories, and whammy, next thing you see is
Japanese looking around for cheap raw material - aha, soybeans. So the Japanese put up a couple
of factories of their own, undercut the Mexican prices, and diosgenin the oral hormone raw
material was no more. It's all soybeans now, folks.
Back then you also saw lots and lots of semi-scientific herbalists latch on to the sentence
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"Dioscorea is a hormone precursor". These guys and gals were totally disregarding the fact that a
_lab_ is needed between raw root and hormone precursor. _People_ use cholesterols as steroid
hormone precursors. The only time you're short of cholesterols is when you're reduced to skin and
bones and one big belly - and if so, you've got far worse problems to worry about than an upset
hormone cycle.
Now why did the name "Mexican yam" morph into things like "Mexican wild yam", "wild
Mexican yam", and later on even into "wild yam" (which properly is another species altogether,
Dioscorea villosa)? In the 50's and 60's Mexico fell out of fashion and, in the minds of
norteamericanos, got an image as a poor country. In a stroke of genius some semi-scientific
herbalists, this time exclusively from North America (at least at first), thought "we don't want any
of that there imported stuff, we've got wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), let's use that".
Now, if you know your plants, you know that Dioscorea villosa is a North American plant that's
been widely used as an antispasmodic (it's also called "colic root"). It has -never- been used for
diosgenin extraction, nor has it therefore ever seen the inside of an oral hormone factory. It
probably won't ever be used that way, either, as a) it doesn't contain enough saponins to make
industrial hormone precursor manufacture worthwile, and b) it's really not all that abundant, nor all
that easy to gather in quantity.
However, thus was born the name and concept of wild yam cream. Both are _completely_ off the
wall, if you ask me. Be honest about it and call it progesterone cream, and tell folks just how much
natural progesterone you added to that there cream, so they know in advance just how well the
cream will work.

From Michael Moore:
Edible yams and sweet potatoes are simply different strains of the same plant...edible tubers of
several varieties of Ipomoea batatas. NO "true yam" (Dioscorea spp.) is used in North America
for food. Most Dioscoreas are about as edible as pencil shavings, with less taste.
From Thomas Mueller:
I can't recall ever tasting pencil shavings, but true yams, Dioscorea genus, are cultivated and eaten
in tropical countries, and some are available in some ethnic markets in the USA. In my experience,
these yams are starchy, not sweet, more like potato than sweet potato, but lower water content than
potato.
From bogus.purr.demon.co.uk (Jack Campin):
And they are widely available in the UK, anywhere there's a sizable Asian or Afro-Caribbean
population, i.e. pretty much any city. The smaller variety are usually called "eddoes", the large
variety just "yams". Nobody calls sweet potatoes yams here any more (they probably did after
WW2; that was what my father learned to call them when in the army in India and North Africa,
but he unlearned it fast enough in New Zealand).
From Henriette:
Edible yams roots are enormous. Peel, cut into chunks, boil with a bit of oil and salt. They take
longer than your usual starchy vegetable to boil. They don't get all that soft. The cooking water
transforms into an unappetizing whitish jelly overnight. Not really all that tasty.
Sweet potatoes, batatas, are smaller (in fact, somebody told me, long ago, the smaller the better).
Peel, cut into bits, boil. Add a dash of butter - yum, tasty! The ones I've tried have all been more or
less yellowish internally, with a whitish sap (sticky when dry) that turns gray on exposure to air.
They're done about as fast as potatoes, and go about as soft as potatoes, too.
I expect Michael means that the North American species of Dioscorea do not sport edible roots.

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) as such does not contain progesterone nor anything else that would
act like progesterone. It's a good antispasmodic, and that's it. So, unless your menopausal
symptoms include lots of cramps wild yam won't do squat for them.
The "wild yam" creams that work for menopausal symptoms (like hot flashes) contain synthetic
natural progesterone. Natural progesterone is a pharmaceutical term. It doesn't mean that the
progesterone is plant-derived, nor that the plants it possibly is derived from are organically grown
- it means that the progesterone is identical to the human hormone progesterone. Natural
progesterone is all synthetical, i.e. you need a lab to manufacture it from your raw materials.
Unless, of course, it's extracted from animal glands, in which case it's not identical to our own
progesterone (vide the allergic reactions from animal-derived conjugated hormones), and should
be called something else.
How come these creams can contain synthetic progesterone without that being stated on the
label? Natural progesterone is considered a cosmetic in the USA, because the FDA doesn't
recognize that topical progesterone works ("just look at those women, they'll believe -anything..."). Labeling of cosmetics is rather loose, and if you squint hard enough the legislation gets
blurred, too. So you end up with creams labeled "wild yam extract" or something equally unlikely.
This might be bordering on the illegal, particularly considering that you won't find any
progesterone derived from wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) on the market.
Like I said, be honest about it and call it progesterone cream, -and- add amounts to your labels.
For further reading you can try John Lee's book "Natural progesterone, the many roles of a
wonderful hormone". He's also written "What your doctor may not tell you about menopause". I
don't have either so can't say how good they are.
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: raspberry
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You use an infusion of the leaf of Rubus idaeus to ease pregnancy and/or childbirth. The
controversy is when to use it - throughout the pregnancy or just the last trimester. One piece of
advice on the paracelsus list:
From: herbal.got.net (Roy Upton)
Almost all popular texts state that red raspberry is good to use throughout pregnancy. On several
occasions I have seen first trimester women experience spotting each time they drank moderate
amounts of the tea. When they discontinued the tea, spotting stopped. Four tried the tea again and
spotting began again. I asked a few midwives about their experience and found that they too had
experienced the same thing, so did not generally recommend it in the first trimester. I do not feel
that red raspberry is inherently problematic, but also feel that is not necessarily inherently benign.
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-2-13-raspberry.html [5/10/2004 3:38:14 PM]
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: green tea
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The usual question is: does green tea contain caffeine? The answer is yes, if it hasn't been
decaffeinated. So does black tea, and oolong. A good post on teas in general and green tea in
particular:
From alczap.thorne.com (Al Czap):
It is thought that the traditional use of tea (Camellia sinensis) began in China about 4700 years
ago. Europeans were introduced to the beverage in the 1500's, and by the second half of the 17th
century it was being widely consumed throughout Europe. Today, tea is the second most
consumed beverage in the world (water is #1) with 2.5 million tons of tea leaves produced
annually.
The Chinese produce over 300 varieties of tea, which can be separated into three basic categories;
black tea, oolong tea, and green tea.
These three types of tea can actually be derived from the exact same plant. The difference between
them is how the leaves are handled after harvesting. Black tea is allowed to ferment, and is then
dried. Oolong tea is partially fermented. Green tea is dried without fermenting. Allowing the tea to
ferment oxidizes naturally-occurring catechins, transforming them into theaflavins and
thearubigin, chemicals responsible for the color and flavor of black tea. An increase in theaflavins
increases the commercial value of black tea, but decreases the catechin content.
Green tea infusion contains intact catechin polyphenols, which give rise to its bitterness and
astringency. Six catechin polyphenols have been isolated from green tea; (-)-epigallocatechin,
(-)-epicatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), gallocatechin-3-O-gallate (GCG),
methyl-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate, and (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (ECG). These substances
were tested for their antioxidant activity, and the gallic acid esters EGCG and EGC were found to
be the strongest antioxidants, with EGCG being over 200 times more active than Vitamin E in an
in vitro model. In another test, EGCG was more active against fat rancidity (lipid peroxidation)
than Vitamin C or Vitamin E, and also exhibited synergistic action with those vitamins.
Many nutritive and protective qualities have been associated with green tea, both in infusion and
extract form. A Japanese epidemiological study of 9500 non-drinkers/non-smokers age 40 and
above showed a decreased incidence of stroke (CVA) in those consuming green tea, with a direct
correlation between increased consumption and decreased incidence, so that at 3-4 cups a day the
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Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: green tea
overall incidence of CVA was 17 percent that of people drinking no tea. Other epidemiological
studies show a decreased risk of esophageal, gastric, and colon neoplasms with tea consumption.
Numerous studies have shown that standardized green tea extracts or components of the extract
exhibit antioxidant activity, stimulation of glutathione peroxidase and catalase, induction of phase
II enzymes, and inhibition of cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and angiotensin converting enzyme.
Green tea extract also has anti-platelet-aggregation activity, and inhibits delta-amylase and
sucrase, in addition to the known effects of catechin: collagen stabilization, histidine
decarboxylase inhibition, and hepatic support.
Green tea extracts can contain a substantial amount of caffeine, and may be standardized to low
levels of polyphenols. HPLC isolation and identification reveals that the main constituent of our
extract is EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), the most active compound in the extract.
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Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: comfrey
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From: Rene Burrough <rburrough.dial.pipex.com>

Comfrey is the victim of a bad press, inaccurate reports, and four true cases of toxicity which in
themselves are not straightforward, but suggest overdosing on comfrey. Governments in the UK &
Australia have restricted the uses of comfrey root or banned the plant respectively.
The problem is two-fold: firstly there are two "comfreys" and reference to them is often casual.
Regular, common, medicinal comfrey is Symphytum officinale. Russian comfrey, the great
compost heap maker, is Symphytum x uplandicum. Medical herbalists in the UK, from whose
written reports I am extrapolating, point out that Russian comfrey was probably the herb used in
the toxicity trials yet regular comfrey is also restricted or banned.
Secondly, when the toxicity tests were done in the late 70s, a chemical constituent called
pyrrolizidine alkaloid was isolated, extracted from <comfrey> leaves & injected into baby rats at
what many medical herbalists consider an "unrealistic level". In other words far more comfrey
than a human would eat to get such a toxic level of <PAs>. Also baby rats are smaller than
humans; they do not have the same metabolism as humans; and an isolated chemical injected
outside the rat's stomach wall is not the same as a human eating leaves with many chemical
constituents and digesting them normally. A chemical in isolation will cause different reactions
from a group of chemical constituents containing that one as well.
To digress, but to explain, I hope. Aspirin is a synthesized chemical, acetylsalicylic acid, based on
a real life plant constituent found in meadowsweet & willow. Aspirin can cause ulcerations of the
stomach lining; meadowsweet has a soothing, gummy constituent called mucilage which lines the
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stomach, preventing erosion of the stomach wall but allowing the anti inflammatory properties of
the salicylates of the herb to be utilized. OK?
So -- the bad guys in <comfrey>, the <PAs> were isolated & did bad things. But that too must be
qualified.
The early research, late 70s, concluded that these <PAs> do indeed cause liver damage in humans.
Medical herbalists would point out that Pyrrolizidine alkaloids can cause obstructions of the veins
in the human liver, known as hepatic veno-occlusion, but <were not shown to cause liver cell
abnormalities> and that the level of alkaloids in comfrey was too low to <cause specific damage to
liver circulation> in any case.
And finally, is comfrey carcinogenic? The carcinogenic alkaloid has been identified as symphytine
which apparently is about 5% of the total alkaloids in comfrey.
The original, often cited report was written by Culver et al in 1980. There have been many
criticisms since of the research itself; how the scientific testing was conducted, which comfrey was
really used, etc. What I found most interesting was the tumors in all but three of the rats were
benign -- out of three groups of 19-28 rats and 3 groups of 15-24 rats. <And the three malignant
tumors were of low malignancy>. There were clear cut cases of liver damage. That's in rats.
There are four cases involving humans which do implicate comfrey. One involved a woman who
was finally diagnosed as having veno-occlusive disease & did consume a quart of herbal tea/per
day that contained comfrey. A second case involved a boy with Crohns disease who was treated
with conventional medicine for some time before going over to comfrey root & acupuncture. The
long running malnutrition may have weaken the liver predisposing it to the venal obstruction
problem. Comfrey root was blamed. The drugs were not considered as possibilities. The third case
involves a woman who overdosed: 10 cups of comfrey tea a day & handsful of comfrey pills. After
9 years, she had serious liver problems. The fourth case became a fatality. A vegetarian, given to
specific food binges for weeks, took an unknown amount of comfrey for flu like symptoms
possibly over a period of four months. The particulars of his case are blurred. All cases involve
comfrey; in at least three, there are suggestions of overdose or abuse of the plant. WHICH plant, I
don't know.
There are also disagreements about the efficacy & safety of leaves vs. root. Some studies show the
leaf to be almost alkaloid free -- thus safe. The UK finally restricted the internal use of comfrey
root... saying that there are still too many unanswered questions. Most medical herbalists I know
will politely to vigorously disagree, but the law restricts the root. At least externally the root's OK
here & the leaves can still be used as tea or poultice.
I'm sorry this is so long, but bear with me one more paragraph, please. I must credit Penelope Ody,
MNIMH, former Editor, writing in Herbs, the British Herb Society magazine & Margaret
Whitelegg, MNIMH, whose paper for the National Institute of Medical herbalists to the UK
government in <Defence of Comfrey> was later published in the European Journal of Herbal
Medicine. Both were published in 1993. I cannot do justice to their articles so briefly, but I do
hope I have fairly summarized their writings. Any misstatements, confusion of explanations here
are mine.

Comment from Henriette:
Yes, the pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in comfrey do hurt your liver. Yes, you have to take lots of
the herb in order to get veno-occlusive liver disease. No, you can't blame that disease on
pharmaceuticals taken at the same time - they'd hurt the liver in _other_ ways. So don't take lots of
comfrey every day for weeks at a time; if you do believe that you need it (and not, say, Calendula,
which works much the same in wounds, or Plantago, which works much the same way both in
wounds and in coughs; neither of these are problematic), take it in small amounts.
Know that if your liver is healthy it'll get hit worse than if it's already compromised. That is
because the hepatotoxic PAs are catalysts, much like freons in the ozone layer - each cell tries its
best to detoxify this molecule, can't do it, dies, and the next one tries, until the PA is passed out
unchanged.
And know, too, that PAs are absorbed through the skin. That means that it's a really bad idea to use
comfrey long-term for wounds.
Some comfreys are more toxic than others. Russian comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum) is one of
the worst. And there's more hepatotoxic PAs in comfreys that are grown without a real winter, eg.
in California.
Other plants contain the same kinds of hepatotoxic PAs. Among these are, for instance, borage
(not in the seeds, not much in the flower), some of the senecios, germander (Teucrium
chamaedrys), and lungwort (Pulmonaria sp.). The most toxic ones of the lot are the
Lithospermums.
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: pennyroyal
Search

2.16 Pennyroyal
by Rene Burrough <rburrough.dial.pipex.com>
In answer to your question...how deadly & which one. The very brief answer is both IF you're
talking about ingesting the isolated, essential oil. So, here's a longer answer.
Pennyroyal, European Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium). Labiatae.
American Pennyroyal, Mock Pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides). Labiatae.
Other synonyms for American Pennyroyal: Pudding grass, Lurk-in-the-ditch, Squaw mint,
Mosquito plant.
I knew very little about pennyroyal, except that it seems to keep the ant population down in a large
stone planter I have. Six feet long by 2 feet wide & 3 feet deep to ground level, it has been a
hotbed of ant breeding for 15 years or so. Anything that grew there was by courtesy of millions of
ants. I put two creeping pennyroyals in...and for the last two years there have been considerably
fewer massive colonies of ants. Some have moved underground and over to the veggie patch, but
that's beside the point. Ants don't like pennyroyal, so that's my starting point.
Certainly the essential oil used topically or the fresh leaves crushed and rubbed onto the skin will
ward off mosquitoes and fleas (see section IX). Philbrick & Gregg, in their ancient & treasured
_Companion Plants_ agree. They also state that the American pennyroyal yields a commercial oil
which can repel gnats & mosquitoes. Soak a dog collar in an infusion of pennyroyal or add a
strong decoction into the floor washing water are well regarded folklore remedies by Adele
Dawson. Richard Mabey claims pennyroyal is also good with bites of all kinds, repelling ticks as
well as the above. Tierra suggests using citronella oil with pennyroyal oil for external application
against mosquitoes.
Topically, it is a refrigerant, antiseptic, insect repellent, and thus good for skin eruptions, itching,
formication [the sensation of small insects crawling all over the skin] & gout [presumably for its
cooling property applied to the affected, <burning> joint in an acute attack]. Parenthetically, it is
only the _British Herbal Pharmacopoeia_ that includes gout in the pennyroyal portfolio.
I HISTORY OF THE NAME
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from Malcolm Stuart's _Encyclopedia of Herbs & Herbalism_

Pennyroyal was held in very high repute for many centuries throughout Europe & was the most
popular member of the mint family. Pliny is regarded as the originator of its name "pulegium"
...derived from "pulex" meaning flea...since both the fresh herb & the smoke from the burning
leaves (smudging) were used to eradicate the insects. Linnaeus retained the association with fleas
when he gave the plant its botanical name. Prior to that scientific classification, the unusual aroma
led some to consider it a thyme.
"Puliol" was an old French name for thyme, & this plant was designated the royal thyme or "puliol
royale" which was corrupted into pennyroyal. In modern French, the herb is called "la menthe
Pouliot".
Herb books written in the US tend to list American Pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides) first , and
medical herbals written in the UK & Europe prefer Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium). All agree the
<other> pennyroyal has the same or similar properties. Where the real differences lie are in the
appearance & life cycle of the two herbs.
II DESCRIPTION OF PENNYROYAL
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is an aromatic Perennial and is common wild or garden plant in the
UK, France & Germany; found in wet grounds around the Med & in Western Asia. Mrs. Grieve
says the more common, at least in the UK, is the creeping or <decumbens> pennyroyal. With
weak, prostrate stems, though quadrangular -- as all mints have square stems -- it roots easily
where ever the leaf nodes touch the ground. H 10-15cm or 4-6in. S indefinite. <Erecta> the upright
or sub-erect has stouter stems, & obviously there's no rooting at leaf nodes. It is less common in
the UK but better for cultivation according to Mrs. G.. H 20-30cm or 8-12in. S indefinite. A
planting will last 4-5 years, though Mrs. G says frost may kill it, & a new planting should be made
each year. Deni Brown lists pennyroyal as fully hardy [minimum -5C or 5F). Ethne Clarke's _Herb
Garden Design_ shows pennyroyal appropriate for Zones 5-9.
The leaves of Pennyroyal are generally small, ovate, slightly serrate, slightly hairy, and opposite.
For the record, the leaf of the non-creeping pennyroyal can be up to 3cm or 1.5in long and may be
entire rather than slightly toothed. The color depends on the variety and whether wild or cultivar.
Greyish-green to light green. The IMPRESSION of the appearance of the leaves is similar to that
of wild oregano (Origanum vulgaris), marjorams (O. majorana, O. onites) & thymes...that is... tiny
& crowded together on thin stems but with more rounded leaves. Not surprisingly Mrs. G
described pennyroyal as <the smallest of the mints & very different in habit>.
The small flowers are produced in distinctive, dense whorls (similar to corn or fieldmint &
gingermint in bloom. ) The tight, axillary clusters appear in July-August with colors ranging from
reddish -purple to lilac. There are few flowering stems on the prostate form; they lie on top of what
appears to be "a dense green turf". Seed is light brown, very small & oval.
To harvest: for drying, the stems should be gathered just before flowering in July. Pungently
aromatic, it can be added to potpourris & insect sachets. The dried herb can also be made into
infusions, liquid extract, tinctures for medicinal uses. (see section X)
III DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN PENNYROYAL

According to Deni Brown, there are 39 species of annuals & perennials in the NAmerican genus,
Hedeoma. They have no great merit as garden plants, but are often seen in herb gardens. Its neat
habit & aromatic foliage makes it especially suitable for containers & planting near seats &
entrances, or between paving stones.
American pennyroyal is an Annual, found in dry fields & open woods from the East coast to
Minnesota/Nebraska. It is bushy plant with erect, square stems. H 10-40cm (4-16in) S 7-24 cm
(3-10in) it bears small, opposite, thin ovate leaves sparingly toothed. Axillary clusters of small,
tubular lavender or purplish flowers appear from June-October. The whole plant has a pleasant,
aromatic, mint-like smell. The name _Hedeoma_ comes from the Greek <hedys> for sweet and
<osme> for scent. It has also been described as having an acrid taste and aroma; none-the-less it is
used as the basic flavoring herb of North Carolina black pudding... hence the local name of
Pudding Grass.
A culinary aside: In the north of England, Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is also used in black
pudding, and in Spain it is added to sausages.
To harvest: plants should be cut when in flower for drying. The fresh herb can be gathered and
used almost as a "strewing herb" for deterring fleas.
IV THERAPEUTICS OF MENTHA PULEGIUM
For the basic framework, I am using the information from the _British Herbal Pharmacopoeia,
1983_ supplemented by Potter's, Culpepper's Colour, David Hoffmann, Deni Brown, & Simon
Mills.
Actions: Carminative, Spasmolytic = arresting or checking spasm especially of smooth muscle.
[Antispasmodic means preventing or relieving.] Diaphoretic. Uterine stimulant/ Emmenagogue...
principally used for delayed menses. (see section VIII)
Topically: Refrigerant. Antiseptic. Insect repellent.
Indications: Flatulent dyspepsia. Intestinal colic. The common cold. Delayed menstruation.
Topically: Cutaneous [skin] eruptions. Formication. Gout.
Specific indications: Delayed menstruation owing to chill or nervous shock.
Contraindication: Inadvisable in pregnancy. (see section VIII)
In small doses & as an infusion, pennyroyal is used for colds (as it promotes sweating), With its
richly aromatic volatile oil, pennyroyal will ease indigestion, wind, nausea, colic, dyspepsia, and
painful menstruation. It is considered a warming & stimulant herb by Culpepper, while Adele
Dawson also suggests its use in cases of stomach spasm & hysteria. Hoffmann explains that the
volatile oil will relax spasmodic pain & ease anxiety. NB: This should NOT be construed as
ingesting the isolated, essential oil which could be fatal. (see section IX) The volatile oil is a
constituent of the plant & will be released in the preparation of the infusion.
Pennyroyal is given to children with stomach & bowel upsets & also to ease feverish symptoms in
measles & whooping cough. Taken by infusion according to Culpepper.
BHP suggested dose: for an infusion: 1- 4gm of dried herb in 1C ** boiling water; steeped for
10-15 minutes. 3 times a day.
Or 1-4ml of liquid extract (1:1 in 45% alcohol). 3 times a day.
Other herbals consulted tend to suggest smaller doses: up to 2 or 3gm dried herb; up to 2ml
tincture...though Potter's range is from 0.5ml - 5ml of the liquid extract.
**NB: the general proportions for infusions are: 30gm dried herb or 75gm fresh herb to 500ml
boiling water. So "one cup" is the proverbial length of a piece of string.
Pennyroyal is available on the General Sales List in the UK. [In itself, that is an indication of its
considered safety.]
The BHP suggests the following combinations: for acute amenorrhea - may be combined with
Chamaelirium (False Unicorn Root), Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), & Picrasma (Quassia,
Quassia Wood, Jamaica Quassia); for flatulent dyspepsia - may be combined with Filipendula
(Meadowsweet), Althaea Root (Marshmallow root) & Melissa (Lemon Balm); in the common cold
- may be combined with Sambucus (Elderflower) & Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
V THERAPEUTICS OF HEDEOMA PULEGIOIDES
The basis of this information came from Lust's _Herb Book_, Deni Brown's _Encyclopedia of
Herbs, Tierra's Plant Herbology, & Earl Mindell's _Herb Bible_
Properties & uses: carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, sedative, expectorant. The Amerindian
tradition shows use of pennyroyal for headaches, feverish colds, & menstrual cramps & pain. It
was also used as a digestive herbal tea. It was listed in the _US Pharmacopoeia_ (1831-1916).
It is still used internally for colds, whooping cough(the expressed juice can be made into a
lozenge/sucking candy). In childbirth, the PLANT is used.
NB: the essential oil taken internally could be fatal. (see section IX). It should be used by qualified
practitioners only.
Topically: as a wash for skin eruptions, rashes, and itching.
Suggested dose: 1 tsp. herb/1C water. 1-2 cups/day. Tinctures 20-60 drops at a time, as needed.
For children, small, frequent doses.
VI CONSTITUENTS OF MENTHA PULEGIUM
(The American pennyroyal has similar constituents.) Sources: Potter's, Malcolm Stuart, Tierra, &
David Hoffmann.
Volatile oil (0.5-1%) of which approx. 85% is a ketone, pulegone; also isopulegone, menthol,
isomethone, limone, piperitone, neomenthol. There are also misc. bitters, tannins, & flavone
glycosides.
Pulegone is described as a toxic compound, "notorious for causing abortions". It is present in both
Mentha pulegium & Hedeoma pulegioides.
VII ADDITIONAL MEDICAL INTERPRETATIONS
Tierra in _Planetary Herbology_ collectively describes Hedeoma pulegioides & Mentha pulegium
...in much the same way as mentioned above. He does add the following: The Energetics are spicy,
bitter, warm . The Meridians/organs affected are liver & lungs.
In David Bellamy's & Andrea Pfister's _World Medicine_ they have a large section called The
Families of Healing Plants. Mentha pulegium is listed with two sources of information: The 1907
British Pharmaceutical Codex and Book I of Avicenna's _Canon_. The BPC states that Oil of
Pennyroyal (Ol. Pulegii) is given as an emmenagogue. During excretion, it mildly irritates the
kidneys & bladder, and reflexly excites uterine contractions. Avicenna lists the herb as Mint
(Podina in Urdu). The leaves are the part used. The herb's Temperament is described as Hot & Dry
in the 2nd Degree.
VIII HOW DEADLY IS DEADLY...AND WHICH PENNYROYAL ARE WE TALKING
ABOUT?
Simon Mills in _Out of the Earth_ issued the strongest warning that I found in my trawl of herbals.
There are a number of herbs which should be avoided altogether because they can damage the
fetus or provoke a miscarriage. In many popular herb books the term emmenagogue is found,
widely but erroneously, having come to refer to a gynecological remedy. In fact, the effect of an
emmenagogue is to bring on a delayed menstruation: it takes little imagination to realize that the
most common reason for a delayed menstruation is pregnancy and that emmenagogues are thus
abortifacients. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is among 21 herbs Simon Mills lists. This
information was part of a short section of herbs in pregnancy..those quite safe, and those not so.
In his first book, _The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism_ written 6 years earlier, Mills quite
carefully does NOT list emmenagogue among the actions. He does include uterine stimulant with
this caution: <pennyroyal should not be used in pregnancy or when any delayed menstruation
might denote pregnancy; it is as likely to damage the fetus as procure the abortion.>
The second most complete, cautionary listing was found in Earl Mindell's _Herb Bible_.
He is talking about American pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides).
<Back in the days when abortion was illegal, this herb was used to induce abortion. In some cases,
it resulted in hemorrhaging & serious complication for the mother. Therefore, it should never be
used for this purpose. Today, pennyroyal is one of the herbs used by herbalists to facilitate labor &
delivery. It should be used only under the supervision of a knowledgeable practitioner. If you do
use this herb, do not exceed the recommended dose & do not take for more than a week at a time.>
Richard Mabey in _The Compete New Herbal_ warns <...the oil taken internally can be highly
toxic and there are a number of cases of the deaths of women who tried to procure abortions by
taking the oil.>

Tierra in _Planetary Herbology_ goes further in his explanation. <To take the oil internally to
terminate an unwanted pregnancy is very dangerous, and in a few cases has resulted in death. All
essential oils are life-threatening if taken internally. There is a possibility of fetal damage from the
use of pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides or Mentha pulegium) to induce abortion, but this may be
true only of the undiluted oil and not the infusion.>
Malcolm Stuart raises an important, tangential danger. <Although long considered an
abortifacient, it has been found that this effect is usually only possible with a dose of the oil which
is highly toxic and leads to irreversible kidney damage.>
He then goes on to state:
<The plant oil can therefore be used as a flavoring agent, but only when the concentration of
pulegone does not exceed 20mg parts per 1kg of the final product being flavored.>
IX PS ON PESTS
And just to round things out, he adds that the plant may cause contact dermatitis which is certainly
worth noting before rubbing crushed, fresh leaves on your skin to avoid mosquito bites. He adds
that the pennyroyal leaves are also good for insect bites after-the-fact. They act as a
rubefacient...that is drawing more blood to the area which improves its cleansing action on the
affected tissue.
X ODDS AND SODS
While some herbalists maintain that a fresh herb/plant is medically more efficacious, I have not
seen any preferences specified for either Pennyroyal or American Pennyroyal. Most herbals
referred to the dried herb...so by omission one can assume dried is the preferred state. Why? I don't
know.
Forms of internal dosage:
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Mrs. Grieve, & Potter's call for a liquid extract to be taken.
Hoffmann & de Baiiracli Levy use infusions. Lust calls for a tincture to be used.
As a reminder, the differences are:
Tincture: solution of substances (both active & inactive therapeutically) extracted from medicinal
plants by the maceration or percolation of the plant with alcohol or alcohol-water solutions.
Liquid extract: product obtained by treating plant material with a solvent or mixture of solvents
designed to extract the desired constituents.
Infusion: made by pouring a given volume of boiling or just boiled water over a given quantity
weight of herb and letting it steep/infuse for a given time.
Always cover to keep the volatile oils in the infusion...otherwise they'll escape...evaporating into
the air.
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: cat's claw
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2.17 Cat's Claw
From Kris Gammon <ancientone.gnn.com>
Latin name: Uncaria tomentosa. Peruvian name: una de gato.
Cat's Claw is a thick, long, slow growing woody vine that grows between 400 and 800 meters
above sea level in the Amazon jungle. This vine gets its name from the small, sharp thorns, two at
the base of each pair of leaves, which looks like a cat's claw. These claws enable the vine to attach
itself around trees climbing to a height of 100 feet or higher.
In 1959, Nicole Maxwell made a journey to the Rio Putumayo. She painstakingly began her
collection of specimens and data of medicinal plants in the Amazon. This was her first long jungle
trip although she had made previous excursions. Her findings are well written in "Witch-Doctor's
Apprentice: Hunting for Medicinal Plants in the Amazon". She describes a number of plants and
their applications, among which is una de gato.
Research began on Cat's Claw in the early 1970's. Mr. Klaus Keplinger filed the first patent in the
US on Uncaria tomentosa in 1989 when the plant's alkaloids were isolated and tested. There are
mainly six oxindole alkaloids most prevalent in the Cat's Claw bark, known as: isopteropodine,
pteropodine, mitraphylline, isomitraphylline, ryncophylline, and isorynchophylline. Three of these
have been proven to be effective immuno-stimulants. Ryncophylline has been shown in laboratory
testing to display an ability to inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombosis. This means this alkaloid
may be useful in the prevention of stroke and reducing the risk of heart attack by lowering blood
pressure, increasing circulation, and inhibiting both the formation of plaque on the arterial walls
and formation of blood clots in the vessels of the brain, heart and arteries.
As well as these alkaloids, Peruvian and Italian researchers have discovered other beneficial
phytochemicals inherent in the plant, including proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, triterpines, and
the plant sterols: beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol. These might explain the
antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-tumor and anti- inflammatory properties attributed to this plant.
In 1991 there was a new study to isolate the chemical compounds found naturally within the plant
that would be responsible for anti- inflammatory principles. This led to "the isolation and
characterization of a new quinovic acid glycoside called glycoside 7 as one of the most active
anti-inflammatory principles to be uncovered."
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Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: cat's claw
Many species of the genus Uncaria exist in nature...more than 30. It is the U. tomentosa species
that offers the most promise as a therapeutic agent. Uncaria guianensis is frequently confused with
Uncaria tomentosa. Consumers should check the Cat's Claw bottles they buy for "Uncaria
tomentosa" and choose from a reputable company. Cat's Claw is available in capsules, extract and
the raw bark for brewing tea.
Cat's Claw is used for: Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, leaky bowel syndrome, colitis, hemorrhoids,
fistulas, gastritis, ulcers, parasites, intestinal flora imbalance, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, chronic
fatigue syndrome, environmental toxic poisoning, organic depression and those infected with the
HIV virus.
Most of the clinical research which show these alkaloids to be antiviral, anti-inflammatory,
immunostimulating, antimutagenic, antioxidant, etc., are tests done "in-vitro" (proven in the test
tube) not "in-vivo" (proven in the human body).
Cat's Claw root should never be used as the medicinal qualities are most prevalent in the inner bark
and harvesting the root kills the plant. Consumers should refuse to buy any Cat's Claw root
products in order to ensure the plant is not destroyed. Peruvian law is now in place to help protect
Uncaria tomentosa.
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Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: goldenseal
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Please use alternatives to Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) whenever possible. If you have to use
Goldenseal please grow your own.
Here's why: http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/archives/Best/1996/goldenseal.html
There were some quality articles on goldenseal in Medical Herbalism, Vol.8, Nr. 4, online
at: http://www.medherb.com/84.HTM
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-2-18-goldenseal.html [5/10/2004 3:38:18 PM]
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: ma huang
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2.19 Ma Huang or Ephedra sinica
From T. R. Hastrup:
Ephedra contains ephedrine which is a drug very similar to adrenaline but with a longer halflife. It
acts on exactly the same receptors as adrenaline does and has exactly the same side effects and
dangers. It does not induce hallucinations and it's stimulative effect is not very far from caffeine.
Even when taken in extreme doses with constant use, it is questionable if ephedrine can cause a
psychosis. It has nowhere the power to push the body to the limits. I know some people out there
love to spread scare but ephedrine is a very safe and natural drug. The only dangers from
ephedrine is because it can cause high blood pressure and vaso-constriction, exactly like
adrenaline. People with high blood pressure or heart problems should naturally be careful with this
herb.
Also, ephedrine is chemically related to the amphetamines but everybody should know that
similarity in molecular structures does not mean the action of the drugs are similar. Ephedrine acts
purely on adrenergic receptors, unlike the amphetamines which have powerful CNS stimulative
effects.
From Henriette:
The problem with Ephedra sinica (and other Eurasian species of Ephedra - there is no ephedrine to
speak of in the American species) is that we as are a culture are -used- to 4- or 5-hour drugs. Take
coffee, or aspirin, and it'll be out of your system in 4-5 hours. Ephedrine will let you stay jittery for
8 hours - but because you're used to dosing yourself every 3-4 hours you overdose -very- easily on
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Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: ma huang
ephedrine. Especially if you abuse the plant (ie. you use it to keep awake), or worse, mix it with
things like caffeine and aspirin to -really- get that weight down.
That way lays your first (and perhaps last) heart attack, a -lot- of jittery nervous overstrung
adrenergic problems, and that way lays madness.
Chinese Ephedra (Ma Huang) is not -used- by the great unwashed masses in the US, it's -abused-.
That's a big difference, even if it only looks like two letters.
As an herb Ma Huang has its uses in TCM, and in western herbalism it's used in small discrete
doses for things like bronchial spasms. NOT long-term, nor for frivolous things like "but I have to
keep awake". Herbalists try to keep you -in- balance, not get you -out- of balance. If you value
your health you should do the same.
On Ma Huang and drug tests:
From "Michael M. Zanoni" <zanoni.netcom.com>:
Ma Huang (the Chinese variety Ephedra sinensis, not the American Ephedra plant) can produce a
positive urine test for amphetamine metabolites that will also be read by the mass spec as being
meth metabolites. It is because of the combination of both l- and d- forms of ephedrine. Things
such as Ephedra nevadensis have only the non-psychoactive form of ephedra.
If someone were to take a moderate amount of Ma Huang for a few days it is possible that the
serum titer could go high enough to be beyond the threshold level of detection used by most labs
for gas chromatograph screening.
Pseudophedrine found in OTC drugs will not test as a meth metabolite.
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Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: scullcap
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The question, on the herbinfo -list in July 1998:

>I remember reading somewhere about the possibility of liver toxicity from pyrrolidizine alkaloids
or adulteration of skullcap. A web search didn't turn up anything useful. (Would you believe you
can type "skullcap" and "liver" into a search engine and bring up x-rated sites?)
I found plenty of information about comfrey and PAs but that's not really what I needed.
My reply (thanks for all those tidbits, Uncle Mike):
Scutellaria, aka Skullcap is not dangerous.
However, it has been adulterated with Germander (Teucrium sp.) for decades, if not centuries;
though that matters a great deal qualitywise it has no implications on toxicity as long as only the
'mercans did it, as the 'mercan species of Teucrium do not contain toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Again HOWEVER, then the Europeans thought "Hmmm, that's a great idea, money for nothing,
chicks for free", (sorry, got carried away). So they imported Scutellaria from America and added
their local -European- Teucrium species to it. Then they re-exported the mix to the folks on the
other side of the pond... there is a very big problem with quality here, AND in this case there is a
problem with toxicity. The European species of Teucrium do contain toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
So it's not good for your liver to buy your skullcap from sources you do not trust, like the -reallylarge herbal houses; THEY ALL DO IT.
To get them to stop it you'll have to ask your suppliers where they got their skullcap from. If they
bought it, ask them where from; ask them to ask -their- supplier(s) where from... if it's one of the
big houses ask them to PROVE that there is no Teucrium in that there Scutellaria.
Perhaps, if enough of us do this, we'll have unadulterated Scutellaria in another couple of decades.
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Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: scullcap
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Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: mallow
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2.21 Mellow mallows
Malva sylvestris
By Miriam Kresh, Tsfat, Israel
Some weeds grow just anywhere, persvasive green presences of which you don't take much notice
as you hike along. The common mallow is one, and I welcome it whenever I see it, for it is a
friendly and useful plant. From it's roots to it's edible seed pods, mallow's nutritious and medicinal
properties have been known since Pharaonic times, and probably before.
Here in Israel, mallow starts putting forth tiny, heart-shaped leaves everywhere at the beginning of
the winter rains in October. By December the leaves are shapely and large, looking something like
the geranium; in some parts of the country they grow as big as soup plates. Throughout the winter
and spring, the stands will grow up to four feet high, given the right conditions of moisture. In the
meadows, on the roadsides, in any vacant lot, competing with cultivated vegetables in the fields,
invading your garden - there seems to be no end to that green Nosey Parker. And pollution seems
to bother it not at all: sometimes the most beautiful stands will be seen flourishing next to a
crowded parking lot.
The roots of mallow are rich in beneficial mucilage. Boiled, they make a drink which is diuretic
and soothing to the urinary tract at the same time. This is good wherever there is painful urination.
A painful chest, as in bronchitis or flu, can obtain relief from this drink too.
The leaves, dark-green and coarse, are a powerhouse of minerals and vitamins (calcium, iron,
vitamin C, copper traces and more) and an abundant, free source of organic nutrition. They also
release soothing mucilage. I decoct mallow leaves for my cough or iron tonic syrups, slice it into
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soup for a cold or flu patient, add them to the infusion for moisturizers.
As a poultice, mallow leaves will draw out boils and pus from old infections. Put a few large
leaves in your blender with some mineral water, and apply the green, goopy mask to your
teenager's acne for cleansing and healing. If he or she objects, add a drop of essential oil of
lavender to make it smell good. Allow it to dry, then rinse off. The skin will look brighter and feel
silky.
Rashes and burns can be successfully treated with mallow leaves, crushed or blended. When
gathering nettles, I look for a nice big mallow leaf to wrap around the hairy, stinging stalks so I
can cut them easily. If I do get stung, a poultice of crushed mallow will take away the irritation
quickly.
During the siege of Jerusalem during the War of Independence in 1948, food supplies to the city
were cut off and near-famine conditions prevailed in the city. Mallow was an important source of
nutrition to the imprisoned population then: the leaves were gathered, chopped fine and fried as
patties or eaten raw. The seed pods were collected to eat raw or cooked. (They're not bad raw; I
often stop to nibble a few. This I learned from the children, who call them "arab bread", and forage
for them all the spring.) Folks who lived in Jerusalem then will serve mallow patties, or stuff the
leaves like cabbage rolls on Israeli Independence Day, to commemorate that time.
The pink or purplish, flowers can (and should) be added to any formula for cystits, coughs, and
inflammation in the digestive tract. Again, the abundant mucilage, easily released from the
flowers, benefits all irritable, painful conditions in these areas.
Mallow has only a neutral, greenish taste, so you can add it to almost any dish at all. Following are
some ideas for using mallow to boost the nutritional content of your family fare; youll get the idea
as you read along.
Wash your mallow carefully, and check for bugs, as you would any other edible leaf. Dont
be put off by a few holes: birds peck at mallow, so the holes dont mean that the leaf is
infested. Little yellow bumps imbedded in the underside do, however.
Add whole small leaves to your salad greens: make sure the dressing is a little
stronger-tasting than usual, since the taste of raw mallow is sort of uninteresting.
Almost any soup you cook will accept a handful of chopped leaves, added the last 15
minutes of cooking. Allow the soup to sit a further 10 minutes before serving, to allow the
beneficial mucilage (or goop) to be extracted out of the leaves.
Further tip: soup made for invalids, i.e., cold or flu sufferers, or someone needing a
Strengthening Tonic as for after surgery, a bout of illness, etc., can be enriched with the
scrubbed, chopped roots of mallow, as well as the leaves. The roots are especially rich in
minerals and mucilage, and so especially benefit a patient with a cough.
Saute your chopped mallow leaves; add to an omelet.
Stuff and roll the leaves as you would cabbage leaves.
Stir-fry mallow chopped into ribbons as part of your vegetable stir-fry medley.
Mallow Soup (serves 6 - 8)
1 large onion
1 large tomato
2 bell peppers, preferable of different colors
bunch of celery
4 carrots
3 large potatoes
3 garlic cloves
olive oil to cover the bottom of your soup kettle
6 cups of water, enriched with 2 Tblsp. of good-quality soy sauce or the same quantity of chicken
broth
2 tsp. salt plus black pepper to taste.
2 large handfuls of clean mallow leaves and/or roots
1. Dice the onion; chop tomato, peppers, celery, carrots and potatoes.
2. Saut the onions, adding the other vegetables as the onions start to wilt
3. Chop the garlic finely; add to the sauted vegetables when they are looking golden and start
smelling cooked.
4. Add water and seasonings; simmer for 15-20 minutes. A nice touch at this point is to blend
the cooked vegetables, with some of the soup, and return the blended mass to the pot.
Children especially appreciate blended soups.
5. Chop the Mallow into narrow ribbons: if using roots, slice finely. Add to the pot and cook a
further 10 minutes.
Serve with croutons, or chopped parsley, or simply on its own.
Henriette's comments:
You can use most any Malvaceae in the same way as you can use Malva sylvestris. So you've got
Althaea sp., Alcea sp., Malva sp., Lavatera sp., Hibiscus sp., Sphaeralcea sp., Sidalcea sp. etc. etc.
growing in your garden or in that nearby wild spot? Pick the leaves and (where applicable) roots,
and use them. Some species (for instance, most species in the genus Sphaeralcea) have itchy hairs,
so don't use the leaves of these as wild food, and use a coffee filter before you ingest teas made
from them. Other species (like Hibiscus sabdariffa) have a very sour tang to the flowers, so don't
use them in quite as large quantities. But they all contain loads of mucilage in all parts, and they all
help your mucous membranes.
Medicinal herbfaq: single herb: melatonin
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2.22 Melatonin
from Paul Bergner (bergner.concentric.net), Editor, Medical Herbalism (http://medherb.com):
I'm not surprised that melatonin is gone in Canada, and I predict that it will go the way of DHEA
here in the U.S. -- meaning that it will be a prescription-only controlled item, treated like opiates.
I've just researched and written a lengthy article about melatonin, and frankly I am shocked that
natural healers would use this substance casually like a sleeping pill. Melatonin is a powerful
hormone that affects the entire metabolic cycle, not just the sleep- wake cycle. We rail against
hormone-replacement therapy with estrogen- progresterone, and then casually offer patients
enough melatonin to raise blood levels 10-20 times their normal levels. This is bound to be a
Devil's bargain, and it is only a matter of time till regulatory agencies throughout the world
discover this and rightfully take measures to protect the public.
For instance: melatonin production by the pineal gland appears to be an important part of the aging
clock. The pineal glands of young mice, transplanted to old mice, make the old mice "younger"
and they live about 1/3 longer. On the other hand, the pineal glands of older mice, transplanted
into younger mice, immediately makes them "older" and they live about 1/3 shorter lives.
So what happens when some guy named Joe in Iowa takes ten mg of melatonin (about twenty
times what you need to achieve normal blood level peaks) to sleep most nights for three years (this
is actually happening all over the place today) and then can't get the melatonin? Will his pineal
have lost its ability to produce the same levels as previously? Most hormones have a negative
feedback loop of one sort or another -- would levels that high reduce endogenous production over
time? Will poor Joe then age ten years over the next few months?
I think melatonin has a proper place in natural medicine, in the treatment or palliation of cancer,
used for brief periods for jet lag, and possible for the elderly, and may be a few more uses. But
IMO over-the-counter status is inviting health disaster.
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Medicinal herbfaq: herbs for specific things: mosquitoes
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Home > Herb FAQs > Medicinal herb FAQ > Herbs for specific things >

3.1 Herbs for mosquitoes and other bothersome
bugs
repelling - bites
Actually this isn't medicinal - if you don't count doing something for the bites. But it's asked every
year come bug time, so I'm including it anyway.

>I'd heard rumors of vitamins and herbs that naturally repel insects, though I'm not sure which
ones.. any help is greatly appreciated
From Aine Maclir (amaclir.unibase.unibase.com):
There are a couple of things that I know of.
1. Wear Citronella essential oil (which isn't the greatest smelling stuff around, but I guess it
beats Off).
2. Take the equivalent of 1500 mg of fresh garlic clove (a 15 mg capsule of garlic powder or 3
x 5 mg capsules) orally every day. Taking garlic will cause your skin to secrete a natural
insect repellent.
For best results, do both. Don't wear perfumes or scented deodorants and wear light-coloured
clothing as darker colours attract bugs...this is particularly true of blue denim jeans. To make
sleeping more comfortable, burn either an insect coil or a couple of sticks of citronella incense in
your cabin before going to bed, making sure that all the doors and unscreened windows are closed,
so no more of them get in.
If you do get bitten, applying a small dab of ammonia to the bite immediately after being bitten
can help ease the itching. And there's always the old favorite...calamine lotion...if you're not going
to be anywhere that being coated in pink polka dots will be unfashionable (g). Aloe vera and witch
hazel will also soothe insect bites.
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If you are going to be in an area that's also known for tics, just be on the lookout for them
whenever you've been in a wooded area and if you find one stuck to you, use rubbing alcohol to
make it let go and carefully remove it with a pair of tweezers. Salt applied to a leech will get rid of
it (in case you're around water that has any of those "suckers" (g)).
I think that should about cover every blood-thirsty creature you're likely to run into at a summer
camp, recalling my own experiences. I've been on canoe trips through Algonquin Park, Ontario
(known for having some of the biggest and thirstiest mosquitos, blackflies and leeches in Canada)
and I live in Saskatchewan, where we could make mosquitos our provincial bird!
From "Peter & Janine" pjerlandsen.cox.net:
> 1. Wear Citronella essential oil (which isn't the greatest smelling
I would not wear Citronella when out camping where there is bears. They have found that the
female black bear love the smell of Citronella. It does not attract the male bear.
From sfrye.interaccess.com (amethyst):
I've had good results taking B-complex supplements daily. Seems the bugs like the odor of B-1
about as much as I like the taste of it. ;P
From starla lacy (lacys.cadvision.com):
Here in Canada, we struggle with flies the size of horses! This essential oil mix has always worked
great for me:
3 parts lemongrass (or citronella)
1 part thyme
2 parts lavender
1 part peppermint (or eucalyptus)
Mix together in a new plant sprayer (you may dilute with springwater if desired). This mix also
has the advantage of smelling pleasant and is safe for use around kids and pets.
Shake the mixture well before using if you decide to dilute it with water.
From Henriette to above:
Remember to dilute essential oils in carrier oils (like almond, jojoba, olive ...). As a general rule
you should not ingest essential oils.
From Mateo Rutherford (mcrutherford.lbl.gov):
I have used tobacco tea to kill lice and gnats. It is easy to prepare. Buy a cigar or some rolling
tobacco and boil the hell out of it in a liter or so of water. When cool shlop it on your hair and
cover your hair with a plastic shower cap or something like that for 20 minutes then shampoo. One
application should be enough, but I would often do a follow up about three or four days after the
first application.
From fukada.uhunix.uhcc.hawaii.edu (Mach T. Fukada)
However, keep in mind that nicotine that is extracted from the tobacco is also toxic to humans
(people don't get too much of it when the smoke it because it burns up). It should be used with care
if there are cuts on the scalp which may increase the rate that it is absorbed into the bloodstream
> I was wondering if there are any herbals that can be taken to reduce the attack of mosquitos. I
happen to live in an area where they are abundant.
From amy.winans.psl-online.com (Amy Winans) to above:
I do well know what you mean! Here's what I've gathered on that subject, and keep (all) on hand as
needed:
1. You can join the rest of America and buy a caseload of Avon's Skin So Soft. I have about a
dozen friends who worship it religiously.
2. You can stock up on anything containing Citronella, although I fear it may still be too new
to really know if there is Life for it after the Candles. I'm seeing a lot of oils and lotions
saying it's in there, though.
3. Continue to use the old standby's with DEET in them, like Off's Offtastic, or whatever, or
Cutter's. Have heard personal testimonials on Cutter's.
4. Investigate local ancient customs; as I discovered when I read the area's native Indians, the
Karankawas, employed an effective remedy to a problem which was (unbelievably) much
more horrid than it presently is; that is, they killed them an alligator, skinned him, liquified
the fat and slathered it on! Kept quite a few things away, one of which WAS mosquitoes!
Seriously, though, there is probably something in that we could replicate today with something
similar but more sweet-smelling. So, if anyone has any ideas, as well as things to ingest that might
make your "scent" less attractive to mosquitoes, please post!

From EderChiro.aol.com:
Use lavender oil (small drop) applied directly on mosquito bites.
From Henriette:
Lush Stellaria media does the trick, too - just roll into a ball and let the juice drop onto your
bite(s).
From Noel Gilmore (ngilmore.gate.net):
Allow me to pass on my husband's rather simplistic (and annoying) remedy to keep mosquito bites
from itching and swelling...DON'T SCRATCH 'EM. For years I suffered all summer while he did
not and he would always tell me it was because he disciplined himself not to scratch. Last year we
went to the Yucatan jungle for vacation and I couldn't bear to cover myself from head to toe each
day with repellent, so I asked him to help me remember not to scratch, and I have to admit it
worked!
From Tim Keenan (tkeenan.uoguelph.ca) to above:
As someone who has lived and worked on the arctic tundra and in the boreal forest for decades, I
have to agree...I never use DEET or any other repellent. If the bugs are so thick I can't breath
without inhaling them, I use a "SkeeterGuard" fine-mesh net jacket, with a net hood that zips
across the throat. Otherwise, I hit 'em if I feel 'em. If I don't feel 'em, I hardly ever develop any
reaction. If I have a reaction, usually if I get bit somewhere where the skin is thin (over a wrist
bone, etc.) I generally ignore it and it goes away. I never get a bump _unless_ I scratch. This goes
for black flies, too. I think the best answer is to get bit early and often, and you will become
acclimatized to it. Rubbing and scratching causes all sorts of local histamine response, which
really aggravates the situation.
From Lane.monty.rand.org (Janis Lane) to above:
I have been getting TERRIBLE spider bites. The doctor told me that I was having a chemical
reaction (arm was burning hot and swollen). He told me the SAME thing..."do NOT scratch". I
stopped scratching and it seems that the bites are not swelling but are just turning to bruises. Any
suggestions for THIS?
From Sharon Rust (ntlor.primenet.com) to above:
For spider bites I have used fresh papaya and when I haven't had the fresh stuff papaya - pineapple
enzymes, these work for bee and wasp and scorpion stings as well. I chew up the enzyme tablet to
make a paste and stick it on the bite , the papaya I just stick a chunk on . When I use to live where
plantain (Plantago rotundifolia, or lanceolata) grew I used it for bites, it seemed to work on bee,
spider and mosquito bites. To use plantain I would get a fresh leaf and chew it up with my front
teeth, taking care not to swallow the juices and then stick this wad of chewed up plant on the
bite(s). When my daughter and niece stepped into a swarm of yellow jackets luckily it was in a
field filled with plantain, I started chewing up and applying the plantain to my daughter and my
sister-in-law did the same for her daughter, the bites on my daughter were disappearing but my
niece was getting no relief, so when I was finished with my daughter's bites, I started applying
plantain to my nieces, the ones that I worked on were also disappearing , the key was that my
sister-in-law was swallowing the juices released from the plant and I was not. I suppose you could
use a blender or something but most of the time I feel that this is the fastest and simplest way to
treat a bite.
Medicinal herbfaq: herbs for specific things: migraines
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by Eugenia Provence, Eprovence.aol.com
What are migraines? A whole variety of headaches associated with vascular constriction and
dilation make up the unpleasant world of migraines. The two most common are classic migraine
and common migraine. They may first appear in childhood, but usually in the late teens or early
twenties. More women than men are subject to them, and they frequently end after menopause.
Classic migraines start with warning signs (called the aura by medical folks). Before the headache
begins, you may temporarily lose some of your vision, see flashing lights and feel very strange
altogether, maybe even feeling a burning sensation or muscle weakness.
The pain usually begins on one side of the head, but can spread. The headache may take hours to
develop and several days before it goes, leaving a desire to sleep (replacing the desire to die!). You
may experience nausea and sensitivity to light and noise.
I've had only one of this kind and never want another. I thought I was losing my vision (along with
my wits and my lunch). Other symptoms may include muscle numbness, tingling, scalp
tenderness, dizziness, dry mouth, tremors, sweating and chilliness.
Common migraines don't begin so dramatically, but a few hours or days before onset, you may
feel tired, depressed (or paradoxically) have a burst of energy, be anxious or feel hyper. The
common migraine may begin more slowly and last longer than the classic type. Except for the
aura, the symptoms are the same.
What causes migraines? The exact range of mechanisms producing migraines isn't well
understood, but is believed to be an upset in serotonin metabolism that causes dilation of cerebral
arteries, followed by vascular spasm in extra-cranial blood vessels.
Migraine triggers are as varied as the individuals afflicted by them. About 70% of sufferers have
family histories of migraine.
Food triggers are common, and can be nearly anything. Some of the most frequent food triggers
are anything aged, canned, cured, pickled or processed or that contain tyramine or nitrites. Aged
cheese, bananas, caffeine, chicken livers, MSG, alcohol (especially red wine,) yeast products
(including bread), chocolate, red meat, shellfish are common, but the list is extensive and
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individual. Try eliminating these first. If that doesn't work, see if you are sensitive to citrus, lentils,
nuts, any kind of green beans or peas, vinegar or yogurt.
Stress, strong emotional reactions and fatigue may be triggers, in addition to compounding the
symptoms. Weather or altitude changes may contribute to them. There's a hormonal trigger for
some women, causing migraines prior to or during menstruation or when using birth control pills
or estrogen replacement therapy. There seems to be an association with sluggish liver function
from eating too much fatty food or heavy drinking.
How can they be prevented or treated? If you can catagorize your migraines as being related to
physical stress or emotional upheaval, stress reduction techniques, meditation and biofeedback
have been found to be helpful, as have acupuncture and bodywork. Chiropractic or Osteopathic
treatment may help if there is a structual problem in the neck. Again, it's very individual and
complex issue, and you may need the assistance of a professional conventional or complementary
practioner.
HERBAL THERAPIES:
To ease pain, David Hoffmann suggests that at the first sign of attack equal parts of Black
Willow, Meadowsweet, Passion Flower, Valerian and Wood Betony may be helpful.
For migraine associated with stress, use equal parts of Hawthorne berries, Lime Flowers,
Wood Betony, Skullcap and Crampbark.
Nervine tonics, such as Oats and Skullcap are appropriate long-term therapy, accompanied
by Siberian Ginseng as an adaptogen.
Massage Lavender oil into the temples at first sign of an attack.
If the migraine is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, Chamomile, Meadowsweet or
Peppermint may help.
If migraine is associated with hormonal problems, long-term treatment should include herbs
to try to balance the hormonal system. Vitex, Black Cohosh, or Wild Yam may be useful.
European herbalists emphasize the importance of liver support in migraine treatment. Herbs
like Burdock, Dandelion root or Milk Thistle would be ideal.
The following delicious Migraine Tea from Ana Nez Heatherly of Gatesville, Texas, appears in the
July 1995 Mother Earth News. She prepares a cold infusion of:
6 parts Rosemary leaves 4 parts Peppermint leaves
4 parts Lemon Balm leaves 4 parts Sweet Violet
3 parts Feverfew 1/2 part sweet Violet Flowers
Please also check the entry 2.9, Feverfew and migraine; and then you could search the net for the
Natural Migraine Treatment FAQ by Catherine Woodgold <an588.freenet.carleton.ca> - archive
name: medicine/migraine/natural-cures.
Medicinal herbfaq: herbs for specific things: vivid dreams
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From Colette Gardiner, on mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) as a dream enhancer:

There's quite a bit of info out there about this topic, probably recently discussed on this list as well.
I've used it to induce more vivid dreaming for years and have seen strong effects in many people.
Some people have been known to wake up in the night cursing loudly and toss the pillow across
the room, they were dreaming so vividly. A bundle of it hanging near your head at night works as
well as a pillow of the cut and sifted stuff available in stores. It's also useful as an incense or in
incense blends before any divinatory work such as tarot, rune reading etc. Just take a small amount
of the dried herb and toss it on top of a wood stove or on a small charcoal disc that's been lit
(available in magic stores or sometimes in catholic supply stores). Mostly I'd recommend simply
getting some and trying it out for yourself. I've heard a lot of stories over the years from students
who've used it.
Other herbs for vivid dreams:
Plantain- Plantago majus or P. lanceolata - tea in evening.
Watercress - Ingested at daybreak to increase dreams that evening.
Peppermint - Mentha spp. burned as an incense at sunset and thru the evening for visionary
dreams.
From Dennis McClain-Furmanski (dynasor.infi.net):
Calea zacatechichi (Dream Herb) is a shrub from the Chiapas region of Mexico, related to the mint
family. It has been used by the Chontal people as a divinitory for many years. Traditional use as a
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Medicinal herbfaq: herbs for specific things: vivid dreams
tea brings about a drowsy dream state, in which answers to questions are revealed and lost objects
are located.
Clinical testing in double blind studies have been shown to induce sleep and vivid dreaming, with
the subjects reporting profound meaning in the dreams.
Preparation is almost invariably as a tea. However, zacatechichi is intensely bitter and soapy
tasting and little can be done to mask the taste (though mixture with the sweetener herb Stevia or
preparation by taking Miracle Berry which makes everything taste sweet sound like reasonable
suggestions). My experience has been to mix a rounded teaspoon of zacatechichi with an ounce of
kava kava and preparing it as normal kava. The berries/seeds seem to have more effect, though the
leaf material itself is potent.
Little empirical or pharmacologic data exists so far, one notable study being Lilian Mayagoitia's
(1986) "Calea Zacatechichi: Psychopharmocologic Analysis of an Alleged Oneirogenic Plant" in
vol. 18 of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
Please also see entry 2.10, Kava kava.
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Medicinal herbfaq: herbs for specific things: weight loss
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From Patricia Harper <harperp.aol.com>:
Many herbs are used for temporary weight loss, including some that you can buy at an herb store.
However, there are many herbalists who consider weight loss formulas to be harmful, and will not
make them for their clients. Typically, herbal diet pills use herbs with the following properties to
cause weight loss:
1. Stimulants: encourage the body to burn more calories.
2. Diuretics: cause the body to excrete water through excess urine.
3. Cathartics: cause evacuation of the bowels, reduce calorie consumption by impeding full
digestion.
4. Appetite suppressants: reduce hunger by expanding in the stomach, altering mood, or
satisfying taste.
They may also use herbs to increase perspiration, (more "water weight" loss), and kill pain, or
balance nerves.
Some formulas are definitely going to be better balanced than others, but in general, we are not
talking here about gentle herbs that nourish and support you, as you bring your habits into balance.
Herbal weight loss formulas may have drastic physical effects on your body. "Effective" diet pills
--herbal or not-- are potent, depleting, and temporary, if effective. They do not cure overweight
conditions.
There are herbs which can be used as supplements while you diet, but weight loss involves your
whole lifestyle. Why not consider using herbs to change your lifestyle?
Instead of just using dried, capsulated, herbal products, start including *whole* herbs in your life.
Eat them everyday, as fresh as possible, (e.g. take walks, check out the vegetable stand, or tend a
garden), everyday. Instead of taking a capsule, eat a handful of fresh parsley. Experiment with
tasting each of your favorite culinary herbs made up as "diet" tea. Collect dandelion leaves,
plantain, mints, lettuce, whatever, and whip it up in your blender as special diet "green drink."
Almost no calories in most herbs.
Also, get to know specific weeds and plants in your neighborhood. Learn their names and uses;
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Medicinal herbfaq: herbs for specific things: weight loss
look at them. Watch how they grow, Think about their growing condition and responses to it. You
can even keep a journal noting everything you learn about each plant. Spring is the perfect time to
bring herbs into your lifestyle.
Eating and living with herbs can bring you a lifestyle which may be more conducive to weight
loss.
Best of the Herbal Forums: http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/archives/Best/2000/weightloss.html
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Medicinal herbfaq: herbs for specific things: insomnia
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3.5 Insomnia
Also see entry 2.1, Valeriana.
> I REALLY need some herbs to take for insomnia. My doctor says I am in excellent health, and I
am not depressed, but insomnia has been a terrible problem for me since I was a child. Can anyone
recommend some herbs to me that either taste good-ok (not valerian--it smells so bad to me :( )
OR tell me how to make a herbal sleep pillow?
From trowan.ivory.trentu.ca (The Literate Tomboy):
Rub a little lavender oil under your nose and breathe deep as you lie in bed...
From burleigh.tcg.anl.gov (darin)
Organic chemistry textbooks. It was a surefire thing in college.
From dsm2.ix.netcom.com (sherree moore)
Okay, I've been lurking around reading the herbal newsgroup and I JUST have to give my remedy
for insomnia. When I can't sleep I make a tea from chamomile (of course), valerian, hops, and a
smidge of passion flower. Works every time. Of course, this combination might become a bit too
much every single night! Therefore, a hops pillow might help. Make a small pillow and fill it with
hops. Really doesn't smell bad at all. Oh yes, the tea is an acquired taste, but honey helps.
From carl.mork.nwcs.org (Carl Mork):

The various mints are good in tea for making you relax. I make a nice mix of peppermint, cat mint
and apple mint to brew up the tea. A pillow is simple to make. Use the same mints plus lavender.
There are other herbs that are used for sleep, but those are the ones I know from practical
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experience.
The mix for tea and pillows should be to your taste. Oh and I suggest honey in the tea.

From Henriette:
Insomnia. The first thing to do is to cut out _all_ caffeine. That means coffee, tea, cocoa, cola
drinks, guarana, mate, etc.
Do you exercise? You might not be tired if you don't move during the day. 30 minutes daily
walking is good, but more is better (up to a limit).
Don't eat too heavily before bedtime.
Do you have problems with depression? SJW (Hypericum, St. John's wort) helps with mild to
moderate depression, and one of the signs of depression is that you wake up early in the morning
and can't go back to sleep. Simple insomnia is another sign. SJW needs to be taken regularly for a
few weeks before you notice a difference.
Is your room dark enough? Before you shop for dark dark drapes for your windows you can test by
investing in a set of those thick cloth goggles to put over your eyes. You know, the type that makes
it easier to sleep when you travel by plane.
If all that is OK here's a herbal blend that has worked nicely for all people I have given it to:
1 part Hypericum tincture (fresh flowering tops, 1:2 95 %)
1 part Eschscholtzia tincture (fresh herb, 1:2 95 %)
Mix, take 30 drops as needed. Keep the bottle near your bed, or make a tea of the recently dried
herbs and keep the tea ready on your bedside table.
Another blend would be
1 part Hypericum tincture (fresh flowering tops, 1:2 95 %)
1 part Avena tincture (fresh milky seed, 1:2 95 %)
Mix, take 30 drops as needed. This can't be substituted with a tea, as Avena milky seed has to be
used fresh.
Or you could try some of the herbal suggestions given above. Whatever you do, don't put lavender
essential oil (EO) on your upper lip - that smell will keep you awake. If you want to use lavender
EO, put it on a tissue and keep that under your pillow. That way, when you get tired of the smell,
you can remove the tissue.
Medicinal herbfaq: herbs for specific things: aphrodisiacs
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3.6 Aphrodisiacs
From Peter L. Schuerman <plschuerman.ucdavis.edu>:
Try this:
2 parts safflower (or 1 part saffron)
2 parts hibiscus flower
2 parts rose flower
in tea (1 tsp. per cup) or capsules (1-2 OO caps).
According to Ayurvedic philosophy, the floral structures of plants have their medicinal effects on
the reproductive system. This formula is made of three flowers; the first is an aphrodisiac, the
second exerts an influence on the sexual chakra and the third exerts and influence on the heart
chakra and acts to harmonize the blend.
From Back in Black <skeevers.netcom.com>, to above:
If you find the effect of this mixture too overwhelming (depending on your constitution, it might
be) you can also add 1 part myrrh to soften the effect. Without the myrrh, it has quite a punch, with
the myrrh, it has a much more diffuse effect, spread throughout the entire body rather than being
so focused on the lower two chakras (or at least, those are the effects it had on me).
Personally, I couldn't stomach this mixture as tea -- capsules are preferable -- but it's also not bad
in vanilla yogurt, if you don't have capsules.
From Henriette:
Germans use celeriac root as an aphrodisiac. It works because it enhances blood flow to the pelvic
area; but any aphrodisiac will work better if both partners know about it.
So here's a recipe for a Waldorf salad for two:
1,5 dl grated raw celeriac
1 apple, grated or cut into pieces
1-2 tblspoons walnuts
dressing: 1 dl sourcream, 1/4 teaspoon mustard, herbsalt.
Mix and enjoy.
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Medicinal herbfaq: herbs for specific things: abortives
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common sense
Disclaimer: This is not anything you should try at home without supervision from a
knowledgeable herb person.
From Colette Gardiner <coletteg.efn.org>:
Current and reliable information on herbal birth control is rare. In the Western tradition much
information on birth control as well as safe birthing techniques was destroyed during the European
Witch hunts circa 1450-1700. Having such knowledge was proof positive that you were a witch.
Other historical information is often incomplete, with only a local common name, or no exact
dosages. Researchers often discard supportive techniques such as fasting or ritual as mere
superstition. Current studies tend to be anecdotal rather than strictly lab controlled data. This does
not mean they are not of value, but again pertinent info may be missing. Such as was the woman
pregnant in the first place? Anecdotal info can give us ideas on where to start and what the
possibilities are. They have also shown us that herbal abortives are not themselves without side
effects, often severe. All herbal info on abortives should be thoroughly researched before use.
Some herbalists feel that herbal abortions are more dangerous than clinical abortions. Abortive
herbs are toxic and do have side effects. They are not safer because they are natural. Clinical
abortions are certainly more effective. Most importantly an herbal abortion should never be
undertaken unless a women is willing to follow up with a clinical abortion if the herbs fail.
EFFECTIVENESS
Varying success rates have been claimed for herbal birth control. Estimates vary from 20%-80%. It
is important to remember that most of these rates are based on the incidence of successfully
bringing on a delayed period, not in aborting a definite pregnancy. Since many herbs seem to work
the best close to the time of the first missed menstrual period, many women have not had a
pregnancy test at the time they took herbal abortives. Studies on the success rate of herbal
abortives in non-confirmed pregnancies is quite high (70%-80%). Success rates with confirmed
pregnancies is substantially lower, 20% or less. Also there's not as much research on herbal
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abortives with confirmed pregnancy.

SPECIFICS
Rina Nissim, founder of the Dispensaire des Femmes in Switzerland claims a success rate of
60%-80% in women who believed they were pregnant (non-tested). Their method involved the use
of at least two herbs at a time. Generally one emmenagogue (bleeding stimulator) with an oxytocic
(uterine contraction stimulator) for no more than six days starting as soon as a woman's period is
late. They have found that starting the herbal regimen later than six days overdue drops the success
rate to 20%.
In a survey I conducted (appendix A) with a small group of women there appeared to be a high
success rate (about 75%). However only one of the women had a positive pregnancy test, so actual
success rates were certainly much lower. My experience with women where there has been more
complete information, such as positive pregnancy tests and follow up leads me to guess at a
realistic success rate of 20% at this time. In a highly quoted New Mexico study, Cotton root bark
had a very high success rate, with a fairly low toxicity. However it appears that very few of the
women were actually pregnant based on blood tests and screening.
Less info is available on prevention of pregnancy with herbs. In an informal study (appendix B) by
Robin Bennett with Wild Carrot Seed used on a semi- regular basis as an implantation preventer
she had a 98% success rate with few side effects. There is also a much quoted seven year study
involving one hundred women in Alaska that also claimed high success rates for wild carrot seed.
But no one seems to have any specifics on it.
SAFETY
In general many herbal abortives are mildly poisonous to potentially fatal in large doses.
Almost all women report at least one of the following side effects:
Increased bleeding
Dizziness and nausea sometimes extreme enough to cause fear.
Visual disturbances
Sweats or chills
Diarrhea
Less commonly reported side effects:
Incomplete abortion
Irregular cycles for 1-3 months
The above can also occur in clinical abortions.
Kidney irritation
Breast Lumps (Tansy)
Almost all women reported heavier bleeding and clotting than normal and felt that this was an
indication of an aborted pregnancy. While this is indeed a sign of aborted pregnancy it's also
common with use of emmenagogues. Common sense would indicate that when using
emmenagogues there would be the chance of hemorrhage, but it appears to be a not very common
side effect compared to the other effects. Most side effects appear to be of short duration. I do
know of one case where a women experienced severe long term endocrine imbalance after using
herbal abortives.
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS
The most serious side effects seem to occur when women use herbal abortives, remain pregnant
and attempt to carry to term. There is a high enough rate of reported instances to call for extreme
caution.
Incomplete or low implantation of the placenta
(reported frequently by many practitioners)
Premature detachment of the placenta before or during birth
Consequences of these side effects can be severe and potentially fatal. Severe hemorrhage can and
does occur under these circumstances. In one case a women lost 1/3 of her blood volume before
bleeding could be stopped. Treatment consists of total bed rest and staying close to a hospital. The
risks to both mother and fetus are extreme.
A few isolated reports of toxaemia possibly related to herbal abortives.
ONE FINAL VERY SUBJECTIVE NOTE
Clinic workers who see many clinical abortions note that women who used herbal abortives on
their current pregnancy seem to have darker, thicker blood with more clotting.
USE OF HERBAL ABORTIVES AS A LABOR FACILITATOR
A few of the herbs that are used as herbal abortives maybe safely used in the last trimester of
pregnancy under specific conditions to help facilitate healthy labor. While safe if properly used
they should not be used unless a problem exists and only with the help of a practitioner.
HERBAL SPECIFICS
There are two main types of herbs used as abortives. Emmenagogues and oxytocins.
EMMENAGOGUES
Emmenagogues stimulate blood circulation to the pelvic area and uterus and help to stimulate
menstruation.
Vitamin C - no buffers or fillers. Dose: 500 mg every hour for 12 hours up to 5 days.
Toxicity: possible kidney irritation, loose bowels.
Ginger - Zingiber officinale, Dose: 1 oz. fresh or dry root to pint of water.
Toxicity: possible light-headedness.
Pennyroyal - Mentha pulegium & Hedeoma pulegiodes, Dose: 1/4 cup of herb to 1 quart
water once a day for no more than 6 days.
Toxicity: nausea, numbness in hand and legs, liver irritation, kidney and bladder irritation,
diarrhea, The essential oil is fatal internally. Contraindications: kidney conditions.
Angelica root - Angelica archangelica, Dosage: 1/4 cup herb to 1 quart water as tea.
Tincture - 10-20 drops every two hours. Dried root less toxic than fresh.
Toxicity: irritant to kidney and liver, not studied as much as pennyroyal. Contraindicated in
diabetes as it raises blood sugar levels.
Mugwort Leaf - Artemisia vulgaris, Dosage: 3 teaspoon per cup tea, 3 cups per day, for no
more than six days.
Toxicity: higher doses can cause liver damage and convulsions. Nausea. Contraindications:
Uterine inflammation or recent pelvic infection.
Black Cohosh Root - Cimicifuga racemosa, Dosage: 3 teaspoons per cup, 4 times a day.
Tincture 20 drops every 6 hours.
Toxicity: Diarrhea, dizziness, headache, decreased pulse rate, tremors, fatalities can occur in
large enough doses.
Tansy - Tanacetum vulgare. Note: Do not confuse with tansy ragwort, Senecio jacobaea,
which is a poisonous plant known to cause death in cattle thru liver failure. Dosage: Tea, 4-8
teaspoons per qt. sipped throughout day. 10 drops tincture in warm water every two hours til
bleeding commences, for no more than 5 days.
Toxicity: breast lumps, possible hemorrhage, liver irritant. Essential oil is fatal - do not
ingest.
OXYTOCIC HERBS
They imitate oxytocin in the body to stimulate uterine contractions and release prostaglandin
hormones. All oxytocic herbs are toxic to some degree. Women can experience very painful
contractions. They are generally hard on the liver. Women with a history of liver disease such as
hepatitis may wish to avoid them all together.
Blue Cohosh root - Caulophyllum thalictroides, Dosage: Tea - 3 teaspoons herb per cup, 3
cups per day, tincture - 20 drops every 4 hours, for six days or til bleeding commences.
Toxicity: nausea, vomiting, headaches, convulsions in large doses, kidney and liver irritant,
Contraindications: low blood pressure. Some of the constituents of Cohosh are more soluble
as tincture.
Angelica - see emmenagogues.
Cotton root bark - Gossypium herbacetum, Dosage: 12 teaspoons per quart, 1/2 - 1 quart
thru day. Tincture 10 drops every few hours til bleeding commences, for no more than 6
days.
Toxicity : seemingly low based on the New Mexico study. Cotton is a heavily sprayed crop
with pesticides that are only used on non food crops. Those pesticides can cause liver
irritation, and other problems. Organic cotton root bark may be difficult to find.
OTHER HERBS USED
Wild Carrot Seed - Daucus carota, used as a preventative. Dosage: 1 teaspoon a day chewed
and washed down with fluid. Believed to work as an implantation preventor by making the
uterine lining unsuitable. See appendix B.
Toxicity: So far appears to be low toxicity, long term effects unknown. Identification must
be absolute as many wild members of this family look similar and can be fatal.
Trillium root - Trillium spp. Dosage: tincture 30 drops 3-4 times a day. Tea 3 teaspoons per
cup, 1 quart per day. Trillium root is used by midwives to facilitate softening of the cervix
and is often used as a labor adjunct in the case of rigid os or as a preparatory agent before
trying to induce labor with stronger herbs. It occasionally will start labor on it's own. As an
abortive there is not a lot of current use info on effectiveness and side effects. Trillium root
should only be harvested from garden grown plants as it is rare in the wild due to habitat
destruction by logging and urban growth.
Parsley - Petroselinum spp. Used as a fresh plant vaginal insert for 24 hours. Personally I
have heard of no cases of even bringing on a delayed period with this method.
Toxicity: low.
Misc. Herbs listed as abortives: Agave, Osha, Mistletoe, Rue, Peyote, Sweet flag, Papaya seed,
Feverfew, Motherwort, Wood Sorrel, Damiana.
The above is by no means an exhaustive list, many mild emmenagogues are listed as abortives in
literature both scientific and folkloric: Marjoram, Oregano, Beet, Celery, Papaya fruit, Peppermint,
Valerian, etc. While they may help facilitate onset of a slow period, such as the type where there's
cramping and pelvic heaviness but bleeding has not yet commenced, it's doubtful they would act as
abortives.
Dosages mentioned above may be on the conservative side in many cases. However, since the
serious side effects show up at higher doses it's best to be cautious. I've seen better results with tea
than with tincture and with mixing 2 -3 herbs together in a blend. Herbal abortives effects may be
enhanced by a day of fasting, working with ritual, and massage of the uterine acupressure points
along the ankles several times a day for at least ten minutes at a time. Again the success rate is
very low for actual pregnancies.
Ideally if a woman wished to use herbal abortives I would recommend finding a clinic that does
early pregnancy testing of the type that can detect pregnancy within a few days of conception,
preferably one that can see women on a walk in basis so you don't have to wait for an appointment.
Then if you are not pregnant you can use a mild emmenagogue such as marjoram, without
stressing your body. Since early testing is not 100% accurate and if you are fairly sure you are
pregnant, you may wish to use one of the less toxic abortives such as Vitamin C. Since most of the
abortives are so hard on the body they should only be used in cases of confirmed pregnancy. Why
put your liver thru more stress than it already gets in today's world?
APPENDIX A
SURVEY ON HERBAL BIRTH CONTROL AND ABORTIVES

Colette Gardiner
Of the 10 women in the study:
None had used herbs preventatively as contraception
6 had previously been pregnant
8 could tell very accurately when they ovulated
8 of the women had used herbal abortives
1 women had delayed ovulation time with herbs use
1 women was a practitioner who counseled about herbal abortives
6 of the women had side effects
6 of the 8 women who used herbal abortives brought on a delayed period with herbs. Only one of
these women had a confirmed pregnancy, but all the women felt they were pregnant. Two of these
women were a few weeks late. A few of these women had unsuccessful herbal abortive attempts at
other times.
Time Frame Abortives Used:
Brought on period with herbs at:
Three weeks overdue - 1 women
Two weeks overdue - 1 women
When period was due - 4 women
Many of the women reported friends who used herbal abortives successfully, but I did not use
those accounts in my survey. In general the second hand reports were very similar to the survey
results.
A practitioner reported that several women in her area were drinking sassafras tea as a
contraceptive. She didn't give details on safety or effectiveness.
One women reported that either Vitamin A or Goldenseal seemed to delay ovulation. I've heard no
other instances of this.
My next project is to do a larger survey on herbal abortives with women who have had a positive
early pregnancy test. For info or to participate contact me at:
coletteg.efn.org
or
P.O Box 10914
Eugene,Or.
U.S.A. 97440
APPENDIX B
Wild Carrot Seed as an Herbal Contraceptive
Survey conducted by Robin Bennett

In Robin's info she stresses that it was a small study, and that she did not use scientific, double
blind methods etc.
In her survey there were three dosage regimes
1) Every day
2) Daily for 7 -8 days surrounding ovulation
3) For 7 days following intercourse
The dosage for all women was one teaspoon daily chewed and washed down with fluids. Half of
the women in the study used it as their only form of birth control. The study lasted for one year.
Out of the ten women in the study: one became pregnant and had a clinical abortion. She became
pregnant when she used the seeds for only three days around ovulation instead of the
recommended 7-8. She had a clinical abortion. Two other women suspected they were pregnant
and used herbal emmenagogues to bring on their period. One of these women was using the seeds
daily. The other women was using them for 7-8 days surrounding ovulation. One of the women
discontinued seed use in order to become pregnant and did. There were some mild side effects
such as gas and slightly earlier periods. Some women felt that anything less than the full dose
actually enhanced fertility. None of the women reported any symptoms of uterine irritation and
subsequent exams showed no signs of it. In her handout Robin mentions some lab studies using
WCS as an implantation preventor in mice, but did not give details.
Her address:
Robin Bennett
R.R. 2 - Box 301
Garrison, N.Y.
U.S.A. 10524
From allissa.foxcomm.net (Allissa Gaul): the lab studies are:
Comparitive Physiology and Ecology, 9:70-74, "Abortifacient effect of carrotseed extract
and its reversal by progesterone in albino rats", by Kaliwal, BB, first author.
Journal of Advanced Zoology 7:36-41, "The estrogenic efficacy of carrot seeds" by Kant,
A., et al.

Somebody wrote:
>> A friend of mine does not use birth control. Is there an natural form for the abortion process?
Somebody else tried to be helpful:
> Here is a formula that is intended to induce a miscarriage:
> 20 drops blue cohosh
> 20 drops black cohosh
> 20 drops pennyroyal

> Measure the tinctures into a cup of warm water ...
And finally some Common Sense; Jonathan Treasure <jonno.teleport.com> replied to above:
It is debatable whether using herbal medicine to cause uterine rejection of a conceptus is any more
"natural" then an a D&C. Herbs can be potent and potentially dangerous - just because they grew
out of the ground doesn't confer the status "natural" on anything they may be used for especially
when the only alternative is orthodox procedural medicine. However the answer is YES, herbal
abortion is possible, in certain circumstances.
It would however be quite insane to take a recommendation from an internet list and simply
believe that is the end of it....we are not talking about a common cold here. The reply giving
cohosh/pennyroyal recipes was just plain daft - how late is she, how old is she, what is her general
health, nutritional status, psychological state, emotional strength, domestic situation, support
network etc etc etc etc etc. All these questions come before some generic formula can be given.
Then the formula given was not related to strength of tincture, dried or fresh plant used, etc. The
dose pattern given was potentially excessive. It might harm or her or it may not work at all. Would
you then write to this list again? Grow up! I would urge your friend to consult someone who is
experienced in the herbal management of ob/gyn if there is a real need (e.g. legality/finance) to go
this route.
Medicinal herbfaq: herbs for specific things: female infertility
Search

By Roy Upton (herbal.got.net).
There are a number of options to try for <this person>. I have worked with infertility for many
years with a decent degree of success. As I do not know what is specifically the cause of <this
person's> infertility; i.e. inability to conceive, incompatibility with sperm, low level infection,
inability to maintain the pregnancy due to insufficient progesterone levels, etc. I will provide some
general rules of thumb. Most of what I will outline is based on traditional Chinese medicine.
Gynecological imbalances are considered to be associated with poor pelvic circulation which
prevents the gynecological system from being as healthy as it can be. Most botanical formulas are
geared to promoting pelvic circulation. The most commonly used are formulas that include at least
four herbs; Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis), Ligusticum, Rehmannia, and White Peony. This is a
classic Chinese formula known as Dang Gui Four and can be found in any Chinatown and some
health food stores. There are many variations of this formula. Another is called Women's Precious,
or Eight Precious Pills. Either would be a good general formula to try. They should not be used
during bleeding, menses, and generally not during pregnancy.
Another botanical to use in conjunction with any Dang Gui-based formula is Chaste berry (Vitex
agnus-castus). Vitex is a progesterone agonist which can help to minimize the risk of miscarriage.
In addition, it can also stimulate ovulation. It works specifically by enhancing pituitary function,
thus improving ovarian function. A few other herbs that I add either to the Dang Gui formula or to
the Chaste Berry are False unicorn, Partridge Berry and Cramp Bark. I sometimes recommend a
thyroid glandular as well, and insure the woman is not anemic or borderline anemic.
The basic protocol is to utilize the Dang Gui Four formula in conjunction with Chaste Berry
throughout the month except during menses. We could get fancy and give one formula during the
estrogenic phase of the cycle, and the Chaste Berry for the progesteronic phase, but this is seldom
necessary. I use custom- blended teras or ready made commercial formulas. My suggestion would
be to go to a health food store, TCM practitioner or naturopathic physician and ask which are the
best Dang Gui/Chaste Berry products available. You have to be diligent in getting a decent
product. There are many Dang Gui products consisting of only Dang Gui, or which are not put
together that well. There is also a lot of bogus chaste berry floating around on the market,
especially that available from Chinatown. One of the more popular capsuled products is 85%
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Medicinal herbfaq: herbs for specific things: female infertility
millet, and is largely ineffective.

Lastly, it is important to encourage those trying to conceive to look at conception just as you
would look at a garden. Before you ever plant a seed you cultivate the soil. In this case, you do not
want to attempt conception for at least three cycles, ideally six cycles. Both the man and women
should be brought into this process by recommending the man use herbs that increase sperm count
and motility (Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Kidney tonics, avoiding excessive sexual activity and hot
tubs, etc.). The woman should also be exercising regularly, focusing on improving abdominal
tonicity. Kegels are excellent exercises to try. This is to insure adequate tonicity of tissue internally
so implantation can hold.
Focusing on nutritional well-being is very important for obvious reason, even if the women is not
anemic. This basic protocol has worked in dozens of women that I have worked with, with
conception taking place anywhere from 3 weeks to four months. I do not know of anyone
specifically that it has not worked for, but this may be due to the fact that if it didn't work they may
not have come back to me, or went on to try something else. I have had several women who
continued to use the Dang Gui formula even after conception, one for up to six months because
she forgot that I told her not to use it during pregnancy. The reason it is generally contraindicated
is because it increases blood flow, something you do not want to do in pregnancy. However, once
the system is healthy and conception takes place, nothing short of a strong abortive is going to
dislodge the fetus. She had a normal pregnancy, and the baby was apparently healthy and happy.
I hope this helps. Best of luck.
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Medicinal herbfaq: herbs for specific things: ADD
Search

>Does anyone know of any viable substitutes for Ritalin for ADD? I have heard of a substance
called Pycnogenol. Are there any other substitutes for taking Ritalin? How long does a person
need to take Pycnogenol in order for it to take effect?
From herbal.got.net (Roy Upton):
I have seen at least 70 children weaned of Ritalin. I usually recommend weaning off of Ritalin for
a 2-3 week period, while administering the herbs. Usually, the program consists of dietary
modification, exercise, and nutritional and herbal supplementation. Though treatment is similar,
differentiate between ADD and ADHD. ADD might be a direct result of
under/poor nourishment. The brain is the most energy intensive organ of the body. If the body is
deprived of energy, the brain is first to suffer. In ADHD there is often a rapid heart beat that may
have varying underlying causes such as specific allergies.
DIETARY
Elimination of most simple sugars including fruit juices, foods with colors and
preservatives. Concentrate on a whole foods diet.
Magnesium supplementation. Dosage based on weight, age of child.
I have used a combination of the following herbs with significant success (according to
parents and teachers): Chinese zizyphus, chamomile, lemon balm, catnip, hawthorn berry,
and gotu kola flavored with cinnamon, anise, and a touch of cloves. Usually this is prepared
as a glycerite extract (approx. 1:3-1:5 concentration). 20 drops 2-3 daily. I alternate this with
Hawthorn berry syrup, 1 tsp 2 x daily.
Exercise is a must for ADHD.
In Germany, Chamomile tea, and small doses of valerian root are utilized.
I think it is important to note that ADD and ADHD is one of the most frequently diagnosed
conditions in children, and that is rising dramatically, much to the concern of many practitioners
who feel that the diagnosis is handed out much too casually. I believe the makers of Ritalin have
done an excellent job of marketing. There have been a series of articles (and a few books) I have
seen over the past number of years on the need to provide a "proper diagnosis" of these children
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Medicinal herbfaq: herbs for specific things: ADD
rather than labeling them as 'bad". Teachers have become the prime target for providing the initial
grounds for diagnosis. Oftentimes, a child will be diagnosed in kindergarten or early grade school
and not adequately reassessed for a number of years. The inherent problem in both of these is
obvious. I also do not believe the diagnosis should be made until all lifestyle protocols (including
supplementation, diet, exercise, etc.) have been attempted and failed.
I am of the firm belief, from many of the parents that I have seen, that it is often the parents that
primarily require the help, the children secondarily. This is especially true of ADHD. Relative to
the energy levels of the majority of exhausted, "burned-out at the end of the work day" parents, the
majority of children are "hyperactive". We try to force them to be little adults before they have
developed the coping mechanisms or social skills we design to stifle their natural impulses. We
expect them to sit still when they have boundless physical energy. We ask (tell) them to pay
attention to educational materials that mean little to them. This is an indictment of our education
system as well.
Also, the typical American child is raised on nutritionless foods, challenged with numerous
stresses, and spends an average of six hours a day in front of the television, when they should be
expending the physical energy. While I believe that medicating, especially with amphetamines, is
beneficial for some, by-and-large, it should be a last resort.
I hope this is of some help.
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Medicinal herbfaq: herbs for specific things: sunburn
Search

3.10 Herbs for sunburn
From Howie Brounstein <howieb.TELEPORT.COM>:
I have found plant tannins to be the best sunburn treatment. Tannins are found in most plants, and
are particularly high in many plants. They bind with alkaloids and proteins. This is helpful in the
case of burnt skin --- broken proteins. The tannins bind with the broken skin proteins to form a
layer of tanneoproteins, or was that proteotannins (it's a little late). This layer is protective and
soothing.
I generally throw some Manzanita leaves into water and boil. If you're preparing a wash for
sunburn and are primarily concerned with extracting tannins, you can just boil it, no matter what
the herb. You can wash the sunburn with the tea when it cools.
Some astringents with tannins (to name a few):
Manzanita
Uva ursi (kinnikkinik)
Polygonum roots (bistort)
Heuchera (alum root)
Currant and Gooseberry Bark (Ribes)
Geum
Potentilla
Rosa's Bark and roots
Rubus (blackberry root)
Ceanothus bark and root
Cornus Dogwood Bark
Chimaphila Prince's Pine pipsissewa
Pyrola
Black Tea
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These contain salicylates which may have some topical analgesic effects:
Willow Bark
Oak Bark
Poplar Bark
Meadowsweet (Filipendula)
From Satin <satin.TOPAZ.USAFA.AF.MIL>:
I use an aloe and comfrey lotion on sunburn. I am a strawberry blonde with my red-headed Mom's
complexion - I don't tan. It's either burn or nothing. So I wear sunscreen and keep the aloe/comfrey
lotion on hand.
From Craige Roberts <croberts.MAGNUS.ACS.OHIO-STATE.EDU>:
For some reason, aloe vera hasn't proven to be the miracle for my skin that it is for some people's.
One of the best burn treatments I know of is lavender essential oil, applied neat. The aromatherapy
literature is full of references and documentation of its use in this connection and the impressive
results. Since lavender e.o. is quite benign and doesn't sting, this would be quite good for a child.
In my experience, the burning and redness begin to subside quite soon after application. In
contrast, the aloe takes much longer and at least initially the relief seems to be due more to the
cooling effect of its evaporation.
Another therapy that has been used for burns, as well as infected wounds, for thousands of years is
human urine, or its derivative, urea. There are a number of articles on this and other medicinal uses
of human urine and its derivatives in the contemporary establishment medical literature, such as
The Lancet and JAMA, for those who find this reassuring. (As usual, a simple, inexpensive
remedy doesn't receive the press or research money that patentable, synthetic drugs do.) I haven't
tried this myself on burns yet, but apparently one applies urine or urea-soaked compresses to the
affected area, keeping them wet with fresh applications of urine. Though urea is said to sting a bit,
straight urine supposedly does not.
From Mary Jo Gilsdorf <viomist.CASTLE.NET>:
For burns, I find oatmeal poutices and cold tea bags works best to take out the sting and stop the
rash like effect. Also know some who swear by taking two to three regular aspirins.
From JunieWrite.aol.com:
Mary Jo writes that she knows some people who swear by two or three aspirin: may I point out
that taking aspirin even in small quantites (less than 300mg) may be positively dangerous to
hypertensive BP sufferers. OTOH, aspirin is proving to be invaluable in the prevention of coronary
occlusion and CVA in normotensives; especially in diabetics and those suffering from lipid
dyfunction.
All burns are less painful and less damaging if the 'heat' is countered asap, preferably by
immersing the affected part in cold water and keeping it there until help arrives.
N.B. It may be supposed that Heatstroke victims ( who are often also suffering from sunburn)
would also respond to cold water; but that is not so; heatstroke victims should be placed in _tepid_
water as a first-aid measure to reduce body-core temp until medical help arrives.
BTW, severe sunburn occurs to people with my skin type even when the sky is overcast as I
discovered after falling asleep on a Moroccan beach (January) on a _very_ overcast day. Standing
under a cold shower made me yelp and shriek like a banshee; but later, the only 'peeling' was to
nape of neck and backs of knees.
Medicinal herbfaq: herbs for specific things: gall bladder flush
Search

From: James Mally, N.D. <jmally.usa.net>:
I am suspicious of gallstones that dissolve or that liquefy when passing. I have done several gall
bladder flushes myself using a formula from a book titled "Encyclopedia of Digestive Disorders"
by ? Roberts, of Roberts formula fame. The flush involved taking divided doses of olive oil and
lemon juice every fifteen minutes over a two hour period to stimulate the gall bladder to contract
and release stones. The effects were very dramatic - one time causing drastic elimination out both
ends simultaneously. It also made me lose my taste for olive oil for many years.
I also worked as a massage therapist in a clinic where a similar flush was used for detox and
cleansing. The "stones" people would pass needed to be kept in the freezer or they would melt. I
then read in a book the suggestion that these "stones" were a product of saponification, the olive
oil mixing with the alkaline bile salts creating a soap (similar to mixing lye and fat).
At naturopathic college I obtained a real gallstone from the gall bladder of the cadaver we worked
on in anatomy lab. It was as hard as a rock and it would not dissolve in olive oil and lemon juice,
even after several months. I didn't try dissolving it in coke or ortho-phosphoric acid.
I believe it's possible that a gall bladder flush may cause stones to be eliminated, but these stones
will sink to the bottom of the toilet. The "stones" that float and that are easily squashed are most
likely soap. I have heard of people passing hundreds of such "stones" which would imply that they
must have a huge gall bladder.
I still think there may be some benefit in the flush as it will thin the bile by removing some of the
bile salts so they won't be recycled.
Several areas for conjecture: I wonder if such a loss of bile salts would cause any mineral
deficiencies? Also has anyone done any blood tests for direct and indirect bilirubin and/or any
lipid panels before and after a gall bladder flush? How about X-ray or diagnostic ultrasound of the
gall bladder before and after?
Maybe you could get harder "gallstones" to pass by doing a flush using a more saturated oil such
as coconut oil. : ) Do not try this at home.
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From: Sara Klein Ridgley, PhD SaraKlein.aol.com

I tend to agree with you somewhat on the nature of the soluble stones. However, when I did the
cleanse both for myself and with clients, what I found was both kinds were there. In several cases
where the people were scheduled for gallbladder surgery and we did the cleanse beforehand, there
was no sign of the stones upon ultrasound scan. One woman, who was 86 at the time (11 years
ago), collected the stones (that were rock hard) and put them in a jar, and took them to her
physician. She announced that "this doctor from America (I was visiting another country when this
happened...) took my stones out". The doctor first thought that she was nuts, but when she showed
him the jar, he went white in the face. Then he ordered another ultrasound and found the gallstones
that were there the week before were gone. This woman is still alive and kicking happily and in
good health!
Regarding your second, very valid question regarding mineral depletion following the cleanse, I
have found that it CAN be the case, but not always. I have noticed, for example, that many, many
people who undergo gallbaldder removal surgically, become depressed shortly thereafter. I also
have thoughts and "speculations" regarding the energy/spiritual factors behind gallbladder
problems, but that's another story..
I have used another flush, which is very simple, very safe, yet very dramatic, and even old people
with various ailments can do it safely. However, I always like to observe, assist and take care that
nothing strange goes on (My control issues? maybe, or just caution...). This one involves 5 days of
preparation with eliminating all fat from the diet, and it includes epsom salts, olive oil and freshly
squeezed grapefruit juice. I usually do a kidney cleanse prior to the liver/gallbladder flush, which
dramatically improves the body's ability to handle the flush.
From: Michael Moore <hrbmoore.primenet.com>
In the early 1980s, after recommending and teaching Robert's protocol, a PhD physiologist
STRONGLY suggested that these "stones" were probably artifacts of the therapy. The next time
someone passed some, I took them in a cooler to a local Santa Fe medical lab I had a working
relationship with. They showed only traces of chenic and cholic bile salts, and had no discernable
cholesterol content. Their educated guess was that they were saponified fatty acids...probably
linoleic or oleic acid salts. They were DEFINITELY not "gallstones". I have not recommended
this grim regimen since.
One of the great scams amongst 19th century medicine shows was this HUGE capsule, made out
of a colored and sealed gelatin capsule. It cost $1, and was GUARANTEED to pass a tapeworm.
Indeed, everyone who took one raved about this long "worm" they passed.
The capsule contained a long coiled spiral of a thin strand of gutta percha (crude rubber), dusted in
Lycopodium. This was the "worm".
Robert's protocol, similarly, seems to result in the consistant passing of "stones" consisting of
saponified olive oil, acted on as well as possible by the stressed digestive apparatus.
That doesn't mean that the shocked pancreas and gall bladder don't, on occasion, vomit out a small
cholesterol stone. But, as anyone who has worked with cholelithiasis will vouch, this is risky stuff,
since an obstruction by a REAL stone of the biliary duct or common duct from the gall bladder
spasms may be just as likely. Most gallstones exist WITHOUT symptoms. Most obstructions
require surgery.
I find the tapeworm "pill" a safer phenomena-inducing placebo.
Medicinal herbfaq: herbs for specific things: cough
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By Barbara Heller (BHpurple.aol.com) and Carolyn Mohney (Ccmoherb.aol.com)
Coughs are one of the main signs of a respiratory tract disease and also a very common symptom
associated with a variety of physical problems. For example, a cough may be the result of an
infection, or a defensive response to inhaled irritants like cigarette smoke, or an allergy symptom.
Coughs may also signify a more serious illness like chest tumors or lung congestion from heart
insufficiency. Chronic coughs, like any chronic symptom, should be evaluated by a healthcare
professional.
(For an in-depth discussion of the various types of coughs, see Treatment of Coughs with Herbal
Remedies at Healthy Net; http://www.healthy.net/ )
In this article we will discuss the herbal treatment of "ordinary, common" coughs. Coughing, itself,
may be beneficial since it helps clear the airways for us to breathe better. We generally treat the
cough symptoms when the cough is unproductive or it becomes irritating to the throat or chest. We
are partial to herbal treatments which are easily available and have few cautions associated with
them.
Herbal treatment will include teas and tinctures, steams, and cough drops and syrups. The latter
have more direct contact with the throat and are locally soothing. Some are store-bought; others
can be made at home from garden or wildcrafted plants.
Common-sense aids for coughs include reducing ones exposure to irritants like smoke, drinking
more fluids and increasing moisture throughout the household. Individual steam inhalation can be
very helpful too:
Fill a basin with hot water and a handful of fresh or dried herbs (or 3 drops of an appropriate
essential oil). "Tent" a towel over your head and the basin so you can carefully breathe in
the healing warmth and aroma. Suggested herbs include sage, eucalyptus, peppermint, or
hyssop.
Some of the medicinal properties we look for in cough remedies include the following:
anti-tussives, which prevent coughing; suppressants, which limit the coughing reflex; expectorants,
which help remove excess mucous from the respiratory system; and demulcents, which heal
inflamed tissue. Herbal antihistamines are helpful in the treatment of postnasal-drip coughs due to
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allergies. Immunostimulants and antibiotics may be used to build up the system and fight
infection.
Echinacea (angustifolia or purpurea), primarily in tincture form, is highly recommended at the

first sign of a cold, flu, or cough. Considered "the herbalists herb" it receives high praises as an
immunostimulant and antibiotic. Revered by Native Americans, it is easy to grow in the garden
where its common name is the purple coneflower. (Note: wild echinacea is being overharvested;
consideration to its source is important.)
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is my specific favorite for coughs. Dr Weil, in Natural Health,
Natural Medicine, recommends tincture of mullein to relieve chest congestion and dry, bronchial
coughs. He also states that the plant has no known toxicity. So it is a remedy I feel confident using
with my family. Whenever my adolescent daughter gets a cold or flu, it seems to settle in her chest
as a cough. This year we have treated the coughs with mullein tincture and the symptoms
diminished quickly. Mullein is a beautiful biennial plant that grows wild in the Eastern US. In
present-day herbal medicine its primary form is as a tincture. Historically, Native Americans
smoked dried mullein and coltsfoot cigarettes as a remedy for asthma and bronchitis. If used as a
tea, it should be well-strained because the small hairs of this fuzzy plant can be irritating.
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara), whose botanical name Tussilago means "cough dispeller", is not
surprisingly another very popular cough remedy. A nice image of the flower is evoked by Grieve
in her statement that it was painted on the doorpost of the apothecarie's shop. This is the first
blooming wildflower in our area of upstate NY; it flowers before its leaves appear. The flowers
and leaves are used medicinally for their demulcent and expectorant properties. Coltsfoot has
traditionally been used to treat coughs, whooping cough, asthma, excess mucous, bronchitis, and
laryngitis. Because of its low-level of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (the same controversial substance
found in comfrey), coltsfoot is recommended for only short-term use. Use as a tea or a tincture.
Herbalist David Hoffmann (in his book The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal) recommends a
cough tea made of equal parts of mullein, coltsfoot, and licorice:
An infusion of 1 tablespoon of the mixed herbs is steeped in one cup of water. Sip 3 cups of
this brew throughout the day.
Licorice(Glycyrrhiza glabra) and marshmallow (Althea officinalis) are included in cough remedy
recipes for their demulcent qualities. They are soothing herbs that reduce inflammation and add
flavor. In additon, licorice itself may have an anti-tussive effect similar to codeine for cough
suppression, without the side-effects of codeine. A reminder here to be aware of the cautions of the
various herbs added to a mix - in this case, licorice may have its own side-effects. Specifically, it is
not recommended for continued use by people with high blood pressure.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), a very common culinary herb also has medicinal properties qualifying
it as a wonderful cough remedy. Thymol, thyme's volatile oil with antiseptic, antibiotic, and
expectorant properties, is used in commercial cough syrups. At home, one can benefit from these
properties by drinking a hot tea of thyme or a mixture of thyme and plantain; or by drinking a
small amount of water with a few drops of thyme tincture. Do not use thyme oil as a home remedy.
Even a few teaspoonfuls can be toxic. In Germany, thyme is used to treat coughs, whooping
cough, and emphysema.
"German medical herbalist Rudolph Fritz Weiss, M.D. writes: "Thyme is to the trachea (windpipe)
and the bronchia what peppermint is to the stomach and the intestines."" (Quoted in M Castleman,
The Healing Herbs).
Elecampane (Inula helenium) is also considered an important resource as an expectorant and
anti-tussive. It can be taken on a long-term basis and is helpful for healing the irritating bronchial
cough as well as for asthma. Elecampane is a wonderful garden plant of tall stature that bears
bright yellow, sunflower-like flowers (one of its "nicknames" is wild sunflower); it can also be
harvested wild. A tea or tincture is made from the dried root gathered in the fall.
Most contemporary herbalists recommend horehound (Marrubium vulgare) and hyssop (Hyssopus
officinalis) for treating minor respiratory problems - coughs, colds, and bronchitis. In addition to
horehound's expectorant and demulcent qualities, as an antispasmodic it helps to relax the
coughing spasms so common with bronchitis. The added sweetness of horehound
candy/coughdrops that are available commercially make the very bitter herb more accessible. Or
one can obtain horehound's healing qualties with a tea, tincture, or syrup. Hyssop is similar in
chemical makeup and function to horehound but is much less bitter. Both of these herbs mix well
with peppermint. Tea formulas for colds might also combine them with yarrow and elder.
Some other herbs that can be helpful in treating coughs are: wild cherry bark, violets, osha, bee
balm, slippery elm, nasturtium, red clover and plantain.
Wild cherry bark (Prunus serotina) continues to be a favorite ingredient in cough and cold
remedies, primarily due to its sedative effect on the respiratory system. Susun Weed suggests a
homemade violet flower syrup for cough treatment which turns a beautiful lavender shade but is a
very labor-intensive remedy to make. Bee balm was another Native American remedy for coughs
and headcolds, drunk as a tea three times a day. The Peruvian Indians utilized the natural antibiotic
qualities of nasturtium leaves to treat coughs. The leaves were eaten fresh daily or drunk as a tea.
And last, Native Americans also used slippery elm bark as a tea, gargle, or by chewing on small
pieces of the bark to soothe the annoying symptoms of a cough.
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) and plantain (Plantago major and lanceolata) are two very
common wildplants in the area we live and write, the Northeastern US. Red clover is an
expectorant and anti-spasmodic especially good for children (over the age of 2) with whooping
cough. A tea of the dried flower tops is the most convenient; a tincture may also be used. The
expectorant and demulcent qualities of plantain are often used in teas for bronchitis and whooping
cough.
One cough syrup you can make at home is Kathy Kevilles Homemade Honey Cough Syrup:
1 tablespoon licorice root
1 tablespoon marshmallow root
1 tablespoon plantain leaf
1 teaspoon thyme leaf
1 pint water
4 tablespoons honey
4 ounces glycerin
1/8 teaspoon anise essential oil (optional)
Prepare a triple-strength tea by simmering the herbs in water for 10 minutes, then steeping for 20
minutes. Strain the tea, then stir in honey and glycerin while the tea is still warm. Add optional
essential oil. Take 1 tablespoon at a time. Stored in a cool place, this syrup will keep for 2 weeks.
In the refrigerator, it will keep for several months.
This recipe is suitable for children, but not for infants, who should not have honey.
Medicinal herbfaq: herbs for specific things: constipation
Search

Barbara Heller - BHpurple.aol.com
WHAT IS CONSTIPATION
Constipation, the "difficult, incomplete, or infrequent evacuation of dry hardened feces from the
bowels" (The American Heritage Dictionary) can be an occasional, acute, or chronic problem. It
can be caused by many factors including lack of fluids, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, emotional
state, or as a side-effect of specific medications. Be aware of the constipating effect of other drugs
or supplements you may be taking, like iron tablets,opiates, antidepressants, and antihistamines.
Constipation is almost always a nuisance; it can also be a sign of a more serious condition.
Chronic constipation should be evaluated in conjunction with a healthcare professional.
NATURAL REMEDIES TO TREAT CONSTIPATION
Laxatives, even herbal laxatives, should be used with caution. Other natural remedies should be
tried first. The gentlest remedies for constipation include increased movement and exercise, certain
yoga postures, increase of fluid intake, and dietary changes including increased fiber and fruit.
Acidophilus liquid or powder relieves chronic constipation (says herbalist Susun Weed in her Wise
Woman Ways for the Menopausal Years). And prune juice may be the most effective and gentlest
remedy for constipation.
Dr. James Duke, a scientist who worked for the USDA, recommended in his typical iconoclastic
fashion, that Dan Rather ask the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) if he
considered prune juice a safe and effective laxative. "If he answered no, I suggested that Rather
request that Dr. Kessler (the commissioner) drink some and experience the results for himself. If
he answered yes, I suggested that Rather ask why FDA labeling regulations prohibit prune juice
marketers from stating that prune juice is a safe, effective, gentle laxative." "...(It) is probably the
cheapest, least unpleasant laxative now available." (The Green Pharmacy, p140)
Apple-pear juice is also highly recommended; and stewed fruits like prunes, figs, or dates
especially when mixed in licorice tea makes a tasty laxative snack
SOME OTHER OPTIONS
Not a usual topic of discussion, at least here in middle-class America, is the position in which one
attempts a bowel movement. Squatting can really help alleviate mild constipation - but may be
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awkward on traditional toilets. Some families find that using a small footstool to raise and open the
legs helps to facilitate an easier evacuation. Massaging the abdomen with essential oils with
laxative properties (in a carrier oil base) like chamomile, marjoram, or peppermint can also be
helpful.
HERBAL LAXATIVES
There are three classes of herbal laxatives - bulk, mild (but not bulk) and purgative.
Whichever category you use, remember that it takes time for laxatives to work. The bulk herbs
may need 12 to 24 hours to encourage a bowel movement, and irritating herbs somewhat less time,
perhaps 6 to 12 hours. So be patient, and do not take another dose prematurely.
BULK LAXATIVES
Bulk laxatives are the gentlest for occasional constipation. Flaxseed (also known as linseed),
psyllium, and fenugreek are three well-known herbal bulk laxatives. In The Family Herbal, the
authors recommend flaxseed as a "laxative without side effects". You can take one tablespoon of
whole seeds two to three times a day, followed by two cups of liquid. To help bulk laxatives do
their job properly, one must drink a lot of water, otherwise gastrointestinal obstructions can occur.
Psyllium, another bulk laxative, is more well-known to most consumers as the main ingredient in
Metamucil. A combination of psyllium seeds and a large glass of water can help lubricate the
bowels and ease the passage of dry stools. In addition, this seed may also help cut cholesterol. It is
quite popular in Germany to take 3 to 10 tablespoons a day for chronic constipation. The seeds
swell; they also need plenty of water to motivate their transit through the digestive tract. Caution asthmatics shouldn't take this herb; if you generally have allergies, take only with caution. ("There
have been several reports of allergic reactions to psyllium, including a few serious asthma attacks
from inhaled seed dust." - reported by James Duke in The Green Pharmacy)
MILD (NOT BULK) HERBAL LAXATIVES
Dandelion root is a mild laxative often recommended by practicing herbalists. Susun Weed says it
is especially helpful for bed-ridden elders and others with chronic constipation. "The root in tea
will have little effect on constipation due to nervousness, diet, fevers, and such occasional causes,
but acts reliably when it is chronic, related to age, long-tern illness, or general intestinal blahs; a
teaspoon of the root boiled in water three or four times a day." Use dandelion leaves in salad, or
1-2 teaspoons of dandelion vinegar or 10 - 20 drops of tincture taken with meals.
Chickweed as a laxative is controversial but not seemingly harmful. It would seem from the debate
surrounding it that the worse that can happen while using chickweed for constipation is - more of
the same. Varro Tyler heavily disparages its medicinal use "...there is no indication (in the
"extensive scientific literature devoted to chickweed") that any of the plant's constituents possess
pronounced therapeutic value; ... most writings concern various methods of controlling this pesky
weed. (HeK comment: check this to see why Tyler isn't very respected as a herbal authority:
http://www.herbological.com/deconstructing.html ) " This is in sharp comparison to how Susun Weed
sings this herb/weeds virtues:
"Those with digestive system problems crave plates of chickweed salad, for mineral-rich bulk and
soothing, cooling energies to nourish their weak stomachs and bowels. Chickweed eases and helps
those with yeast overgrowth, constipation, hard stools, hemorrhoids,stomach ulcers, intestinal
ulcers, colitis, internal inflammation, stomach cancer, and those healing after treatment for
appendicitis, peritonitis, or the like." (Healing Wise, p 121).
Both Susun Weed and Deb Soule also recommend yellow dock root tincture as a remedy for
constipation.
CONSTIPATION AS A MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOM
In Wise Women's Ways for the Menopausal Years, herbalist Susun Weed explains that
"Menopausal constipation and indigestion are generally due to the slowing of the gastrointestinal
tract (estrogen is a gastrointestinal stimulant) and heavy demands on the liver." Again yellow dock
root, as vinegar or tincture, and dandelion are highly recommended. "Menopausal women will
want to avoid the use of bran as a laxative in deference to building strong bones." Instead try
prunes, figs, or rhubarb with maple syrup. Daily doses of 1 teaspoonful vinegar or 5 - 10 drops
tincture of yellow dock eliminate constipation, indigestion, and gas. "Yellow dock is especially
recommended for the woman who finds her early menopausal menses getting heavier."
PURGATIVE OR CATHARTIC LAXATIVES
Purgative laxatives is the category most utilized; and purgative herbs are used in healthfood store
formulations and in many commercial over-the-counter laxatives. This group includes aloe,
buckthorn, cascara sagrada, rhubarb, and senna. All the herbs in this category contain
anthraquinones, strong and irritating chemical compounds that force the bowels to evacuate. They
should be used only as a last resort.
Pregnant or nursing mothers should not use these irritants, nor should people with gastrointestinal
problems including ulcers, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and hemorrhoids.
Avoid the prolonged use of purgative laxatives. The continual use can cause lazy bowel syndrome.
When this negative cycle develops the result is a sluggish digestive system unable to evacuate
without the use of more laxatives. Studies also show that chronic over-use of constipation relieving
drugs can lead to disturbances of the bodies electrolyte equilibrium. In turn this can result in
potassium deficiency and a concomitant problem for those who are taking heart medications. ("In
Germany, the law requires that the labels on all anthraquinone preparations must bear the warning
that possible potassium deficiency can intensify the effect of chemical heart drugs -cardiac
glycosides"; The Family Herbal, p.188)
The gentlest of this class of cathartic laxative herbs is cascara sagrada, known as "sacred bark"
from a native American tree (Rhamnus purshiana). Michael Castleman says cascara sagrada is the
"World's most popular laxative". Many herbalists claim that in addition to its laxative quality it
also tones the intestinal tract and colon. It can be purchased in over- the-counter preparations or
taken as a tincture (1/2 teaspoon at bed). Although a decoction (tea) is sometimes recommended, it
is very bitter. It should never be used for more than 2 weeks, and a reputable source is important
because unless the cascara is prepared correctly it can have negative side-effects. (Fresh bark
cannot be used; the bark needs to be dried and stored for at least a year).
Dr. Weil, the well-known physician/author and lecturer, says "If you must use an irritant laxative,
try rhubarb root (Rheum officinale). It is one of the safest and least violent, but it should be
reserved for occasional use only. You can get preparations of rhubarb root in health food stores.
(Natural Health, Natural Medicine, p 274)
Senna (Cassia acutifolia) is a bit stronger and also quite popular. It, too, is a main ingredient of
many over-the-counter laxatives. Kathi Keville states that it is the most often purchased laxative
herb in North America. And my perusal of over-the-counter laxatives supports this. In fact, the
company that manufactures Ex-Lax recently updated its formula. Senna has replaced the key
ingredient, the chemical phenolphthalein, which proved to have carcinogenic tendencies. Again,
taste is a reason that herbalists might not recommend this remedy in its natural state. "The taste of
senna is nauseating... herbalists generally discourage using the plant material and instead
recommend over-the- counter products containing it."
Some herbalists recommend blends that pair the strongly bitter herbs with others that are better
tasting and more easily tolerated. Kathi Kevilles approach is to combine the irritant herbs with
tasty ones like peppermint, ginger, and fennel, that also relax the intestines and prevent cramping.
A commercial example of such a mixture is the blend Smooth Move sold by Traditional
Medicinals. The main ingredient is senna, combined with licorice, and cinnamon, ginger, orange
peel, fennel and coriander seed.
Another herb in this category, aloe, is even more problematic. Its popularity has recently increased
and it is a wonderful herb to use externally for skin care. But because of its use, its name is
becoming more known, and some people assume that because it is safe for one purpose, that it is
ok to try for another reason. But this is not so!
A recent magazine article suggested drinking aloe vera juice on a daily basis. But many western
herbalists do not recommend aloe as a laxative because it is too strong, although it has a history of
use in Ayurvedic medicine. Michael Castleman in his popular book The Healing Herbs, has a
headline under aloe, "Never a laxative". He says it is the "most drastic" of the cathartics and that it
is least recommended "because it often causes severe intestinal cramps and diarrhea."
AYURVEDIC HERB MIXTURE
Dr. Andrew Weil suggests using Triphala, an herbal mixture from the Ayurvedic tradition. He says
this mixture of three herbs is a "superior bowel regulator rather than a laxative,...take it regularly,
it's benefits accumulate the longeryou stay on it." Available in health food-stores in capsule form,
follow the directions on the label.
RECIPES FOR RELIEVING CONSTIPATION, compiled from some popular herbal guides
Constipation tea/tincture (Deb Soule, The Roots of Healing, p92)
Dandelion root 2 parts
Yellow dock root 1 part
Angelica root 2 parts
Burdock root 1 part
Ginger root 1 part
Licorice root 1/2 part
Place 7 to 8 tablespoons of herbs in 1 quart of water and simmer, covered for 30 minutes. Drink
warm as needed. As a tincture, take 25-50 drops as needed. For chronic constipation, take 3x a
week for 1 to 3 weeks.
Laxative Tea (Michael Moore, Herb Formulas for Clinic and Home)
3 parts Psyllium seed

3 parts Licorice root
2 parts Rhubarb root (Rheum officinale)
2 parts Senna pods, crushed
2 parts Angelica root
Drink as a simple tea/infusion in the evening.
Herbal Laxative Syrup - for adults (Kathi Keville, Herbs for Health and Healing, p 84)
1 teaspoon honey (or barley syrup or some other natural liquid sweetener)
2 teaspoons cascara sagrada bark tincture
1 teaspoon licorice root tincture
1/2 teaspoon tincture of fennel, ginger, or peppermint
Warm honey enough to make it liquid. Combine it with the remaining ingredients and stir well.
Take 1 teaspoon.
CHILDREN'S CONSTIPATION - Keville suggests tea (recipe below); elderberry jam; catnip
enema; ground psyllium seed in juice; and slippery elm gruel. For children's constipation, Susun
Weed suggests violet flower syrup.
Slippery Elm gruel - for children (Kathi Keville, Herbs for Health and Healing, p 221)
1 tablespoon slippery elm powder
3/4 cup water
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Combine powder and water in saucepan and heat until warm, stirring the mixture to prevent
clumping. Add optional lemon juice for flavor. Can also sweeten the gruel with child's favorite
herbal or fruit based sweetener. Child can drink entire amount (for every 50 lbs of body weight).
Drink before it cools - as gruel cools down, it thickens and the thicker it gets, the more likely your
child will push it away.
Constipation Tea - for children (Kathi Keville, Herbs for Health and Healing, p.220)
1 cup boiling water
1/2 teaspoon licorice root
1/4 teaspoon ginger root (or fennel seeds)
1/4 cup apple juice (optional)
1/4 cup prune juice (optional)
Steep first 3 ingredients; strain; add juices. Recommended - 50 lb child, 1/4 cup every 2 hours
"until a change for the better becomes apparent".
Medicinal herbfaq: processing herbs: making essential oil
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Home > Herb FAQs > Medicinal herb FAQ > Processing herbs >

This info is copyright by the Australasian College of Herbal Studies, Aromatherapy Certificate
Home Study Course. Posted with permission.
>I would really be interested in finding out how to make essential oils.
From Dorene Petersen <dorenep.EUROPA.COM>:
The most important production method for Essential oils is distillation. The basic principle of
distillation is the same but it is carried out in different ways depending on the botanical material
and the condition of the material.
Three types of distillation are used:
1. Water
2. Water and steam
3. Direct steam
Distillation is basically, producing steam. The steam is passed through the herbal material. The
steam carries the Essential oil from the plant in suspension which means the droplets of Essential
oils are not dissolved in the steam but remain separate as droplets of oil. When the steam is cooled
it reverts to the liquid state which is water and in most cases the oil floats on the surface of the
water. The oil is then separated from the water by dripping or pouring.
1. Water distillation is used when the plant material has been dried and will not be damaged by
boiling. It is also used for powdered materials such as powdered almond, and flowers, such
as orange and rose, that need to float freely as they tend to lump together when just steam is
passed through them. The material comes into direct contact with the boiling water and
much care needs to be taken that the water does not boil away and cause the plant material
to burn. Another example of an oil prepared by this method is turpentine gum. Turpentine
gum is collected from a species of Pine (Pinus palustris) and the gum, wood chips and pine
needles are placed in the distilling chamber with rain water. This mixture is heated until the
plant and oil are condensed in the condensing chamber. Turpentine oil is not affected by
very excessive heat.
2. The second method of distillation is water and steam. This is used for either fresh or dried
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plant material that would be damaged by boiling. The plant material is supported on a
perforated grid. The water level is below the grid and low pressure, wet steam passes
through the plant material. The most important aspect of this method is that the steam is
never really hot and always at low pressure. Cinnamon and clove oils are prepared by this
method.
3. Direct steam distillation is similar to the second method but the steam is hotter and passed
through the plant material at a higher pressure. This method is used for fresh plant material
that has a high boiling point such as seeds, roots and wood. It is also used for fresh plant
material such as peppermint and spearmint. The crop is cut and placed in a metal distilling
tank on a truck. It is then taken to the distilling tank on the truck. Steam is forced through
the fresh herbs and the oil droplets are carried by the steam through a vapor pipe at the top
of the tank onto a cool condensing chamber.
Cold Pressing or Expression:
This method is mainly used to prepare citrus oils such as orange, lemon and tangerine. One
method involves puncturing the oil glands by rolling the fruit over sharp projections that actually
pierce the oil glands. The fruit is then pressed which removes the oil from the glands. It is then
washed off with a fine spray of water.
The juice is extracted by another tube. The oil is then separated from the water by rotating it at a
very high speed. Another method involves separating the peel from the fruits and then cold
pressing them. The Essential oil is collected along with small amounts of juice, which is separated.
Enfleurage:
This is an old method which was used in the production of perfumes and pomade extracts for
perfumery. Flower petals such as rose or jasmine are layered onto warm oils, cold fat or wax. This
process is repeated each day until the base is saturated with the Essential oil. The resulting waxes
or pastes contain up to 1 percent of Essential oil. The Essential oil is then extracted from the wax
with a volatile liquid such as ethyl alcohol. In the final step the ethyl alcohol is evaporated at low
temperatures and reduced pressure so that the pure Essential oil remains as a fairly thick liquid.
Cold enfleurage has the advantage that even the most delicate components of the flower oils are
preserved. The disadvantages are that it is not very effective and it is very expensive. Flower oils
prepared with this method do not contain terpene-hydrocarbons, which indicates that these
compounds are not present as such in the flower, but form during distillation.
Solvent Extraction
This is the most widely used modern method to prepare oils from flowers. The petals are mixed
into a volatile solvent such as petroleum, ether or benzene, until the Essential oil is completely
dissolved in the solvent. The solution is then filtered and the solvent is evaporated at reduced
pressure. The result of solvent extraction is a concrete. The solvent is removed from the concrete
by vacuum pressure without the use of heat to avoid any harmful effect to the oil. The concentrated
essence that results is called an absolute. Absolutes are highly concentrated flower products
without the natural waxes.
The main advantage of extraction over distillation is that uniform temperatures are maintained
throughout the process. High temperatures during the distillation process can produce altered
chemical composition of the oil which alters the natural odor. However, this method is expensive
compared to distillation, and chemicals or solvents used in the process may still be present after
evaporation.
I know this is kind of lengthy but it is not a quick topic. Hope this helps.
Dorene Petersen
Australasian College of Herbal Studies 1(800)48-STUDY
Medicinal herbfaq: processing herbs: tinctures
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Go get the latest edition of Michael Moore's Materia Medica from his WWW site:
http://www.swsbm.com .
If you wish to use anonymous FTP go to ibiblio.org or to sunsite.sut.ac.jp and cd to
/pub/academic/medicine/alternative-healthcare/herbal-medicine/SWSBM/
Go for the manuals.
A question on the herblist in November 97:
>Hi All, when it says on a bottle of tincture that the herb to menstruum ratio is (say) 1:5, is this by
weight? volume? and then if it is (say) 60% alcohol, 40% water, does this mean that the 5 in the
ratio is made up of 60% alcohol and 40% water?
>Also, how do you personally decide how much dried herb to put in that canning jar before you
add the vodka? I've recently been thinking that I have probably been putting too much dried herb
in, since in most jars it doesn't have an easy time sloshing around.
From Henriette:
A specification of 1:5 60% is most probably for dried herb. Weight the herb - let's say it's 100 g.
The menstruum is by volume; metric is easier (for me)(1 g water = 1 ml), so to get 5 parts of
menstruum you add 500 ml (= 1/2 liter) 60 % alcohol to the 100 g of herb. With dried herb you
can either macerate or percolate. Maceration is the normal 'put herb in a jar, pour menstruum over,
put lid on, leave 2-4 weeks, shake every day or two'. Percolation is faster, and actually quite easy,
but the description of it is lengthy...
You'll want a reliable materia medica to get ratios and percentages for different herbs - a good one
is available on Michael Moore's website at http://www.swsbm.com (go for the Manuals, go for the
Materia Medica).
Fresh herbs are usually done at a ratio of 1:2 and 95 % alcohol - unless you use the 'simplers'
-approach, which is to jam as much shredded herb as you can fit into a jar, cover it with 95 %
alcohol, close the lid, wait a day, and top it up. Fresh herb is usually macerated.
The simplers approach doesn't give you very consistent quality from batch to batch, so most more
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Medicinal herbfaq: processing herbs: tinctures
professional herbalists stick to given ratios and menstruum strengths.

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Medicinal herbfaq: processing herbs: oil
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4.3 Herbal Oils
From Dorene Petersen <dorenep.EUROPA.COM>:
I have made quite a lot of infused oils and the following is from the Aromatherapy Certificate
Correspondence Course offered by the Australasian College of Herbal Studies.
It's not that technical but hope its helpful:
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR OWN INFUSED OILS AT HOME
There is nothing more satisfying than gathering a basket of fresh jasmine, honeysuckle or rose
blossoms on a warm summers day and then preparing your own infused oil. There are three
methods for preparing an infused herbal oil. You can use fresh or dried herbs. Flowers are best
fresh, although the perfume of some flowers intensifies with drying such as gardenia, daphne and
boronia. If using fresh, double the quantity as all recipes given are for dried herbs. If using fresh
herbs for any of these methods leave the herbs to wilt for six hours to reduce their water content
which will spoil the final product.
WATERBATH METHOD
15 gm (1/2 oz) dried or if fresh use 30 gm (1 oz) herb (this is the total amount so if you are using a
blend make sure you do not have more than this)
1 cup of oil
Measure the herbs and oil and mix the oil to the herbs in a stainless steel bowl. Heat over water
bath (a saucepan 1/4 filled with water) also known as a double boiler, which should be simmering.
Make sure the bowl is not sitting on the bottom of the pot but is floating in the water. Keep the lid
on the oil. Stir occasionally and simmer for 30 minutes. Watch the oil does not get too hot. It
should not smoke or bubble. It can burn easily and will develop an acrid smell if it overheats,
which is very difficult to disguise. Strain through four layers of butter muslin or some other very
fine non-metal strainer. Strain twice if necessary as it is important to get all herbs out of the oil to
prevent the herbal oil from going rancid or moldy. Essential oils can be added at this stage for
perfume and added therapeutic benefits.
SOLAR METHOD
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Medicinal herbfaq: processing herbs: oil
Use the same quantities of herbs and oil as for the waterbath method or approximately 3
tablespoons of finely cut herbs to 300ml (10 oz) of oil. The quantity of herb can be increased to
produce a stronger oil. Put the herbs in a jar with a tight fitting lid and pour over the oil. Make sure
the herbs are completely covered with oil. Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or white
wine to help break down the plant material. Leave the jar to sit in the sun all day and in a warm
cupboard at night for two weeks. Strain through four layers of muslin. This process can be
repeated two to three times to give a stronger oil. The final product should be strong enough to
leave an aroma when massaged on the skin. Always test infused oils on the skin. Don't rely on just
your nose.
CROCKPOT METHOD
Use the same quantities of herbs and oil as for Waterbath method. Place the herbs and oil in a
crockpot and leave on a low heat for two hours. Follow the recipe above for straining.
TO PRESERVE OILS
This is only necessary if you are preparing large quantities that you intend to store.
1. Add 1/4 tsp. simple tincture of Benzoin to 1 cup vegetable oil. Tincture of Benzoin is
prepared from the gum of an Indonesian tree, Styrax Benzoin. Make sure it is simple
tincture of Benzoin. Compound tincture of Benzoin, also known as Friars Balsam, is not
suitable.
2. Add 500 I.U. of natural mixed Tocopherols or Vitamin E to 1 cup of vegetable oil.
Dorene Petersen <dorenep.EUROPA.COM>
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Medicinal herbfaq: processing herbs: balms and liniments
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> Hi,I just wonder if anyone has any info about how to make your own balms and liniments.
From: Shannon Brophy <shannon.yoga.com>:
To make a liniment:
First infuse the plant in oil. Do this by baking at low heat (120-170 degrees) in a glass pan with
herb and oil together, stir occasionally.
Then strain with cheesecloth and a funnel to separate plant material from the oil. Squeeze out the
cheesecloth. Then grate beeswax and add to hot oil, maybe heating again over a double boiler on
the stove. Pour the viscous green stuff into jars and allow to cool. Can keep in the fridge for a
longer shelf life. Also, adding vitamin E oil to the mixture helps preserve it.
Shannon Brophy, Midwife
visit the Roots & Wings Website at http://www.yoga.com
From: Andy & Sharon <email.naturesway.ukonline.co.uk>:
One of the most popular liniments for muscle-, head- and backache is Tigerbalm.
Tradition will have it that the Mongolian Horsemen from Genghis Khan, roaming the plains of
central Europe, had a very effective ointment against saddle and back ache. Part of this ointment
came from the Siberian Birch Tree. A mixture was made out of lard, camphor and birch tree oil.
For ages this ointment was in use and got quite famous.
At the end of the last century many products were replaced by synthetic components. The useful
part of the birch oil (methyl salicylate) and the camphor oil (the crystals) were available in
synthetic form. This made the ointment cheap and within reach for everyone.
A Chinese merchant composed a mixture of methyl salicylate, camphor crystals and petroleum
jelly, which he called Tigerbalm. It became famous throughout the Orient and parts of Europe
under this name.
How to make it: First you have to blend the oils. You can use the mix pure or add it to petroleum
jelly (vaseline) later on to make a balm.
Tigerbalm Oil - Natural - Recipe 1
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Wintergreen oil
Camphor oil
Eucalyptus oil
Lavender oil
Peppermint oil
Almond oil
45
15
7
5
8
20
ml
ml
ml
ml
ml
ml
Tigerbalm Oil - Natural - Recipe 2

Peppermint oil
25 ml
Camphor oil
15 ml
Wintergreen oil 20 ml
Lavender oil
15 ml
Eucalyptus oil
15 ml
Jojoba oil
10 ml
Tigerbalm Oil - Partly natural
Methyl salicylate
25 ml
Menthol crystals
5 g
Camphor crystals
10 g
Eucalyptus oil
10 ml
Lavender oil
5 g
Paraffin oil
45 ml
Tigerbalm
To make tigerbalm take 100 gram petroleum jelly (vaseline) (acid-free) and melt this by placing,
for instance, a glass with vaseline in a pan of hot water. The vaseline will melt quickly.
Once melted place the glass in a pan of cold water, and as soon as the vaseline hardens again on
the side of the glass, add 20 ml of your Tigerbalm oil mix. Stir until cool. If you prefer the balm to
have a colour, add a drop of chlorophyll.
Apply a little bit to the forehead for headaches, or use it for muscle pains and insect bites.
>I find tiger balm/vaseline, to be too greasy for me. I created a simple rub for my lower back pain
(due to herniated disk) that provides some relief. It consists of essential oil of Wintergreen and oil
of St. John's Wort, added to a base of Aloe Vera gel.
>The Aloe Vera gel is non-greasy and absorbs completely (to the touch). This mixture also feels
like it absorbs completely, and no staining of my clothes as of yet.
>Can I make the above "Tigerbalm", but use the aloe vera gel? As well, my herb book indicated
that oil of wintergreen is good for pain and inflammation. Could you also post what the other herbs
are targeted for?
From: email.naturesway.ukonline.co.uk to above:
I cannot see any reason why you should not use your gel; the vaseline is used to hold the oils
together.
Here are some ways the oils react with your skin; as you can see lavender detoxifies, while
eucalyptus vitalizes, peppermint refreshes etc.
Essential oils and how they affect your skin

1. GREASY SKIN
Sage
: relaxes, improves blood circulation
Peppermint: refreshes, cools
Valerian : calms
Clove
: disinfects
Camphor
: Disinfects, sedating
Cypress
: Refreshing, relaxing
2. UNCLEAN SKIN
Cajeput
: Improves perspiration
Rosemary
: Improves blood circulation
Valerian
: Calming
Camphor
: Disinfects, sedates
3. THICK, PALE AND WEAK SKIN
Oregano
: Widens the blood vessels
Melissa
: Refreshes, tonic
Geranium : Refreshing
Linden blossom : Soothing
4. INFECTED SKIN
Juniper
: Disinfects
Lavender : Healing
Cajeput
: Improves perspiration
Fir
: Refreshes, regulates
5. SENSITIVE, THIN, QUICKLY IRRITATED SKIN
Cypress
: Relaxes, refreshes
Pine
: Balances, refreshes
Melissa
: Against cramps
Chamomile : Sedating
Therebinth : Softening
6. TIRED SKIN
Lavender
Eucalyptus
Cajeput
Verbena
Lemongrass
:
:
:
:
:
Detoxifying
Vitalizing
Improves perspiration
Calming
Improves blood circulation
7. BODY CARE (GENERAL)

Oregano
: Strengthening
Thyme
: Disinfecting
Mint
: Tonic
Geranium
Refreshing
Medicinal herbfaq: general info: side effects, toxicity, and safety of herbs
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Home > Herb FAQs > Medicinal herb FAQ > General info >

5.1 Introduction to side effects, safety and
toxicity of medicinal herbs
5.1.1 Medicinal plant actions cannot be reduced to the effects of their isolated 'active
constituents'
5.1.7 Pregnancy
by Jonathan Treasure http://www.herbological.com

This introduction concerns WESTERN medical herbs and their clinical use. Some herbal agents
are common to different traditions but the indications and methods of use may vary between e.g.
TCM, Ayurvedic and Western practices.
The purpose of these notes is to provide a general understanding of the actions of herbal
medicines, and hence a background for understanding questions of safety and toxicity - NOT to
provide a list of problematic herbs. A brief bibliography gives sources of reliable information on
the safety of herbal medicine and further reading.
Conventional medicine considers that if a drug is to be effective, it will inevitably have side
effects. The medical establishment considers herbal medicines as drugs, and as such, they must
either have side effects - or ergo be ineffective.
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Paradoxically tens of thousands of people every year turn to herbal medicine because they regard
plant remedies as being free from undesirable side effects. Herbal medicines are considered to be
generally safe AND effective agents.
Although there is a spectrum of viewpoints in western herbal medicine, most herbalists reject the
view that plant medicines are naturally occurring analogues of the pharmaceuticals used in
orthodox clinical medicine i.e. drugs.
This is ultimately a rejection of the dominant paradigm of orthodox clinical science. It is necessary
to outline the elements of the alternative paradigm shared by most herbalists, before questions of
toxicity and safety can be discussed in context of clinical herbal therapeutics, rather than of
orthodox medical science
5.1.1 Medicinal plant actions cannot be reduced

to the effects of their isolated 'active
constituents'
There ARE a few plants that are almost "drug like" and whose action approaches that of
pharmaceuticals. Digitalis is the classic example. Herbalists use these plants in near allopathic
treatment strategies if at all, and in some countries e.g. UK, their availability is restricted by law.
The number of herbs in this category is relatively few.
The vast majority of medicinal herbs contain dozens of different compounds, often of great
complexity, mucilages, tannins, polysaccharides etc. that buffer, modulate and modify the effects
of any "active principles". Study after study has shown that effects produced by extracts of whole
plants cannot be mimicked by administering isolated purified constituents of the plant.
(It is ironic this proposition even has to be asserted given that biological sciences have for some
time used a systems theory model in which the whole being greater than the sum of the parts is
axiomatic - this simply reflects the inherent conservatism of the medical establishment. However
for most herbalists the view of the whole being greater than the parts is derived from vitalism, not
systems theory!)

Pharmaceutical drugs are designed to elicit very specific reactions. Their associated "side effects"
are undesired actions, usually traded as a "risk" against the "benefit" of the primary effect. Herbs
tend to have several broad actions on a number of whole physiological systems at the same time.
These actions are usually oriented in the same general therapeutic direction, and are usually
complementary or synergistic, often non-specific, and very rarely adverse. Herb actions cannot be
adequately described using the vocabulary of "drug" action terms, e.g. diuretic etc. - they are too
complex. The clearest example of this is the coining of the term "adaptogenic " used to describe
the multiple non-specific effects of herbs such as Ginseng.
5.1.3 Herbs act on the healing processes in the

body
A pharmaceutical drug addresses symptoms caused by specific disease mechanisms as understood
by scientific pathology. Herbal medicines are directed towards aiding the body's own healing
processes. These approaches are diametrically opposed. Herbal medicines act gently, usually
attempting to "nudge" or "support" systems and processes that have become deficient or help
remove excesses that have become preponderant. Symptom relief is only a component of herbal
therapeutic strategy.
This is a crucial difference. For example, serum arthritic conditions are conventionally treated with
steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. These have widespread and disturbing side effects, which at
sustained high doses become intolerable and potentially dangerous if not lethal. The herbal
approach to these conditions uses dietary modification of metabolism; facilitation of elimination
via kidneys and hepatic/ biliary routes; stimulation of circulation in the affected regions,
moistening of dry synovia, etc. Topical treatments for acute joint pain or systemic
anti-inflammatory herbs that help joint pain are used as required, but this is not the thrust of the
treatment strategy. Lay persons often make the related mistake of seeking a "natural alternative" to
a pharmaceutical they have been prescribed rather than challenging the diagnosis and therapeutic
strategy.

Herbal medicine is a wholistic therapy, it integrates mental, emotional and spiritual levels
seamlessly into its understanding of both human function and of the plant remedy, while
respecting the planetary and ecological dimensions of natural medicine provided by plants.
Although subject to differing interpretations this view is held in one form or another by most
herbalists .
Life style, mental, emotional and spiritual considerations are part of any naturopathic approach,
herbalism included. Flower essences, homeopathic preparations and drop doses of standard herb
extracts all demonstrate that herbal agents can produce consistent and powerful effects at subtle
levels in ways quite inexplicable by the pharmacokinetic model underlying orthodox
pharmacology.
Centuries of medicinal plant usage overarch even the Graeco - Roman heritage of medical thought,
itself already forgotten by its amnesiac infant technological medicine, extending into magical,
esoteric and religious domains of prehistory. The great Asian systems of medicine have continued
uninterrupted for thousands of years to today, integrated into profound cosmological and
philosophical systems. From any serious study of the application of herbs to healing a perspective
emerges that reveals modern doctors to be tragicomically "like educated peasants running around
pretending to be chiefs" (Grossinger).

Many herbalists would tend toward the radical homeopathic view that the "side effects" of
orthodox medicine are in fact iatrogenic developments of the very disease for which the
pharmacological intervention was intended. The symptoms simply change, and the real underlying
dysfunction is further obscured - or driven further into the interior to manifest in deeper and more
intractable ways.
Notwithstanding this iatrogenic view of side effects, we have seen that the use of herbs anyway
does not generally involve "drug" actions or adverse effects. Of course, if the body processes are
nudged in the wrong direction for long enough, then imbalances can worsen rather than improve.
Hence the need for informed knowledge of the effects of herbs as well as a clinical training to
understand their appropriate medical application. Herbalists learn about the
CONTRAINDICATIONS as well as the indications for using a herb. This term is more useful and
appropriate than "side effects".
CONTRAINDICATIONS are incongruences between the metabolic/systemic predisposition
(constitution) of the individual - and the spectrum of multi-systemic actions of a given herb agent
or class of agents. Essentially, herbalists use their in depth knowledge to devise a mix'n'match
prescription tailored precisely to fit an individuals unique profile. This approach is most
sophisticated in the tonic energetics of the Oriental medical traditions, but is empirically applied
by most herbalists.
Contraindicated remedies can account for apparently idiosyncratic "bad reactions" to a herb.
Valerian is a classic example, its powerful autonomic effects can make it "disagree" with stressed
adrenergically hyperactive individuals, who paradoxically are often those seeking sedative
treatment for insomnia. Anyone experiencing such reactions to a herb for more than a couple of
days should stop taking it and seek further advice. However a second and vital aspect of
contraindications especially today is the question of DRUG INTERACTIONS.
Many people seeking herbal medical treatment are already involved in pharmaceutical therapies.
Herbal remedies may act either as agonists or potentiate some drug therapies, and an
understanding of conventional drugs is an essential prerequisite for effective herbal therapeutics.
In many cases, herbalists would not treat the primary presenting symptom undergoing drug
treatment - be it ulcers treated with Zantac or cardiac arrythmia treated with Digoxin - but rather
concentrate on supporting other systems and functions stressed by the primary symptom. This
allows the body to recover its strength and healing potential so it can then direct these capabilities
toward repairing the presenting condition. In other cases, it can be a priority to wean someone off
drugs, e.g. steroids, in which case supportive therapy to restore adrenal function is vital.

The definition of *toxic* is a ultimately a matter of viewpoint. Many ordinary foods contain
constituents that could be regarded as poisonous, such as the alpha gliadin produced by gluten in
wheat oats and rye, the cyanogenic glycosides in many fruit seeds, the thiocyanates of the brassica
vegetables, alkaloids of the Solanaceae and lectins of many pulses including soya and red kidney
beans. Nonetheless these foods are generally regarded as safe. Similarly, both water and oxygen can kill in excessive amounts, so quantity is often an important consideration. In practice however,
three groups of herbs can be identified from a safety point of view.
Firstly there are a handful of herbs that contain near pharmaceutical concentrations of poisonous
constituents which should on no account be taken internally by unqualified persons except in
homeopathic potencies. Examples are Atropa belladonna, Arnica spp, Aconitum spp, Digitalis spp.
In many countries availability of these herbs is limited by law. Regulations vary from country to
country and the appropriate regulatory authorities or Herb Organisations can be consulted for
details. Wildcrafters should be unshakably confident in their identification of the local variants of
these species, and children warned to avoid them. Fortunately this is a numerically tiny category.
Secondly, are herbs with powerful actions, often causing nausea or vomiting, (that usually were
traditionally prized for this action). They are perfectly safe used under appropriate conditions.
Some of these herbs are restricted in some countries but freely available in others. Lobelia and
Eonymus spp are examples. There is some inconsistency here, for example Ephedra is restricted,
perhaps with justification, in the UK, but is freely available in the US.
Finally, there is an idiosyncratic grouping of herbs which have been alleged, with some scientific
support, to exhibit specific kinds of toxicity. The best known is the hepatotoxicity of
pyrrolizidine-alkaloid-containing plants such as Comfrey (Symphytum). Other examples are
Dryopteris (Male Fern), Viscum (Mistletoe) and Corynanthe (Yohimbe). Although much of the
evidence is contentious (see below), lay users would be advised to avoid internal consumption of
these herbs.
The vast majority of medical herbs are safe for consumption, but for those without specialised
knowledge, it would be prudent to follow simple but sensible guidelines in self treatment:
Use only herbs recommended in respected herb books, especially in countries like the US
where there are few restrictions on availability.
Avoid new or unproven *wonder remedies*.
Do not persist with a remedy if no benefit or result obtains after a moderate period, and if
adverse reactions take place, stop the treatment and seek experienced advice.
Do not persist with a treatment that has brought improvement without testing to see if
continued further consumption is necessary to maintain improvement.
Do not engage in self treatment for complex conditions without experienced advice. Drug
interactions and contraindications must be considered on an individual basis and herbal
treatment strategies are often involved and multifaceted.
Unfortunately, training and licensing of herbalists is not internationally consistent. In the US the
situation is especially complex - no recognised herbal licensing exists. ND's are licensed in a few
states, but their herbal training could theoretically be less than that of an unlicensed but
experienced herbal practitioner. In the UK, the NIMH accredits herbalists who have trained at
approved courses: practitioners are recognised by MNIMH or FNIMH qualifications.
5.1.7 Pregnancy
It is axiomatic that pregnancy should be a time of minimal medical intervention, and herbalists in
particular regard pregnancy as a "contraindication" to taking herbal medicines. Nutritive "food
herbs" such as nettle, and uterine tonics such as raspberry leaf are encouraged, and perhaps gentle
treatments against typical symptoms such as constipation or morning sickness are in order. There
is NO evidence of teratogenicity in humans arising from herbal remedies, but since such evidence
would be hard to come by, erring on the side of caution is regarded as prudent.
5.1.8 Understanding toxicity research - politics

and ideology
Medical orthodoxy at best does not understand herbal medicine, and at worst, sees it as a threat
which it attempts to rubbish, regulate or ridicule. Quackery has a fascinating role in the history of
medicine and its institutions, but much of the hostility towards herbal medicine comes from its
apparently greater proximity to orthodoxy than say acupuncture or homeopathy. This is the
unfortunate political context in which toxicity and safety of herbal medicines are debated.
Additionally, both professional herbalists and regulatory authorities exhibit differing degrees of
education, organisation and aptitude in different countries. In the United States, the situation is
particularly lamentable, with scare mongering stories regularly aired in medical, scientific and
popular press, whilst the lack of accredited professional herbalist training means that well
intentioned self-appointed spokespersons for herbalism can cause more harm than good, and the
quixotic federal regulatory stance on herbs as foodstuffs means that the potential of lay
self-iatrogenesis with freely available OTC herbal products is a serious possibility.
Toxicity of herbal medicines needs to be seen in context however. As Paul Bergner, Editor of the
journal Medical Herbalism and author of several articles on herbal toxicity recently pointed out:
*Approximately 8% of all hospital admissions in the U.S. are due to adverse reactions to synthetic
drugs. That's a minimum of 2,000,000. At least 100,000 people a year die from them. That's just in
the U.S., and that's a conservative estimate. That means at least three times as many people are
killed in the U.S. by pharmaceutical drugs as are killed by drunken drivers. Thousands die each
year from supposedly "safe" over-the-counter remedies. Deaths or hospitalizations due to herbs are
so rare that they're hard to find. The U.S. National Poison Control Centers does not even have a
category in their database for adverse reactions to herbs.*

Similar figures apply in the United Kingdom, and even hepatoxicity, where perhaps the strongest
case against some herbs lies, the statistics are horrendously clear - over 80% of cases of fulminant
hepatic failure presenting for liver transplant (or death) over ten years in the UK were due to
poisoning by freely available OTC non-prescription NSAID's, such as paracetomol and aspirin.
Not one case was due to ingestion of medicinal herbs.
For the lay person, analysis of so called "scientific evidence" about toxicity is clearly problematic.
Some of the most useful sources of information are to be found in review presentations made by
representatives of the herbalist community to regulatory authorities such as the FDA or MCA.
Informative reviews of the literature in defence of Comfrey and Mistletoe have been made in this
way.
Herbalists justifiably point out that scientific studies with isolated compounds, on non human or
even non mammalian organisms, or in vitro, with doses tens or even hundreds of times the
equivalent medicinal dose, simply have no arguable extrapolation to the clinical situation using
whole herb at appropriate medicinal doses.
Lack of herbal knowledge by some scientific investigators (let alone journalists or self appointed
defenders of the public) leads to often ludicrously misleading results - one of the commonest
mistakes being the failure to verify the actual identity of plant material used in their experiments,
let alone the detection of contaminants!
These points beg the question of what paradigm can be used for research into the safety and
efficacy of herbal therapies. That shibboleth of orthodoxy - the double blind placebo controlled
clinical trial is open to a range of criticisms from the paradigm employed by herbalists - but that,
as they say, is another story.

HERBAL /MEDICAL CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Synergistic and Iatrogenic Potentials when some herbs are used concurrent with Medical
Treatment or Medical Health Care by Michael Moore, 1995, on line at http://www.swsbm.com
HERB INFORMATION RESOURCE:
The Information Source book of Herbal Medicine: David Hoffmann, Crossing Press 1994.
TOXICOLOGY:
Brinker F : An Introduction to the Toxicology of Common Botanical Medicines, NCNM 1983
AMA Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants AMA, Chicago 1985
NAPRALERT database at UIC.
Example REVIEWS OF PROBLEMATIC HERBS:
In Defence of Comfrey: EJHM1.1 1994 11-17
The Case For Mistletoe: EJHM1.1 1994 17-22
EJHM = European Journal of Herbal Medicine (see the entry on periodicals, 6.3.2)
HISTORY:
Planet Medicine - Richard Grossinger, North Atlantic Books 1990
The Magical Staff, Matthew Wood North Atlantic Books, Berkely 1992
GENERAL HERB BOOKS:
(as in 6.1):
J.A. Duke, CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs.
C. Hobbs, many booklets.
D. Hoffmann, The Herbal Handbook.
S. Mills, Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbalism.
M. Moore, Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West.
M. Moore, Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West.
M. Moore, Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West.
R.F. Weiss, Herbal Medicine.
Medicinal herbfaq: general info: wildcrafting
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5.2 Wildcrafting Ethics
by Howie Brounstein (http://www.teleport.com/~howieb) (posted with permission)

This are the guidelines I teach to my students. It is copyrighted material that took me years to
develop. Please respect this copyright. I ask you not to publish it without permission. Happy
Herbing.
Do you have the permission or the permits for collecting at the site?
Do you have a positive identification?
Are there better stands nearby? Is the stand big enough?
Are you at the proper elevation?
Is the stand away from roads and trails?
Is the stand healthy?
Is there any chemical contamination?
Is there any natural contamination?
Are you in a fragile environment?
Are there rare, threatened, endangered, or sensitive plants growing nearby at any time of the
year?
Is wildlife foraging the stand?
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Is the stand growing, shrinking, or staying the same size?

Is the plant an annual or a perennial?
Is tending necessary and what kind?
How much to pick?
Time of day? Time of year?
What effect will your harvest have on the stand?
Do you have the proper emotional state?
Move around during harvesting.
Look around after harvesting. Any holes or cleanup needed?
Are you picking herbs in the proper order for a long trip?
Are you cleaning herbs in the field? Do you have the proper equipment for in-field
processing?
Wildcrafting is stewardship
c1993hb
5.2.2 How do I find out about endangered plants

(in the USA)?
Check your local Heritage Program Database, call the Dept. of AG or a local Native plant society
chapter to find its address. This will connect you to experts on particular plants and current lists.
The endangered species act has many flaws, I personally believe there should be an endangered
ecosystems act instead but it's all we've got and better than nothing.
Some listed plants are truly rare, once numerous but destroyed by loss of habitat through man or
nature.
Many listed plants are endemics, located in a specific area. These may be geographically isolated
islands of flora as are often found in the intermountain west, or they can be found at the border of
major plant systems. Many endemics are found in southern Oregon, where the Northern California
system blends with the Pacific Northwest system, with a spattering of Great Basin plants. This
does not mean these plants are sensitive, just unique. The threatened Penstemon peckii grows only
within twenty miles of my house, and nowhere else on earth.
It can withstand trampling, wildlife grazing, and disturbance. In fact, now that the forest service
has realized that this species thrives with moderate disturbance (partial cuts), it has become a
reason to log, i.e. increased health of the population of this plant.
Plants become listed due to political boundaries. Gentiana newberryi grows nearby, and is
threatened in Oregon. It's northernmost sighting is within a half hours drive. There you can see
people play football on it, run horses on it, pick its beautiful flowers only to find they wilt
immediately, and then the flowers end up on the ground.

Sometimes hundreds of them. Elk graze it heavily. It isn't a sensitive plant, and it's population is
healthy and stable in California, but the population happens to cross over to Oregon where there
isn't that many stands. Thus it receives the same protection as the truly rare plant. Southern Oregon
has many of these kinds of listed plants.
There has to be a perceivable threat to the plant population in order for it to be listed. Sometimes
the threat is obvious, and sometimes the threat is obscure.
What about an introduced plant that has become a pest, or a native out of control in a system out of
balance. When the St. John's Wort, Hypericum perforatum, is down to a handful of populations, it
will fit the definition of threatened, even though humans intentionally irradicated it!!

Some plants are not damaged easily. Blackberry (Rubus sp.), and Dandelion (Taraxacum
officinale), are two that are nearly impossible to eliminate, even if you dig their roots. If a piece of
root stays in the ground, it will grow back. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), can be cut with a
lawnmower and still flourish regularly. Nettles (Urtica dioca), when grown for fiber can have 3-4
aboveground harvest in a growing season. Plants that fit into this category are generally perennials.
You can pick them and not threaten their survival.
Rare, Threatened and Endangered Plants
Endangered plants are species in danger of becoming extinct in the foreseeable future. Threatened
plants are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. A species can be threatened or
endangered throughout its range, which means if it goes extinct we will lose its hidden secrets
forever.
Many of these plants only grow in one special area (endemic). The Columbia Gorge on the border
of Oregon and Washington hosts many endemic species. Peck's Penstemon, Penstemon peckii,
grows only in the Ponderosa Pine Forest in Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. A species can also
receive protection for part of its range. Newberry's Gentian, Gentiana newberryi, has stable
populations in California, but is listed as threatened in Oregon. Deschutes County is at the end of
its range, and there are less of them. Rare plants have small, localized populations. They may not
be listed as threatened or endangered if the populations are both stable and numerous.
The US. Fish and Wildlife Service determines which plants receive federal protection.
Unfortunately, they are very slow in reviewing candidate species.
Many have become extinct while waiting to be listed. The Department of Agriculture and the
Department of Fish and Wildlife of each state is responsible for determining state protection. We
also have the Oregon Natural Heritage Program. This program has its own list of plants that
deserve protection, but haven't made it into the clogged federal and state lists. They also have a list
of plants to watch and monitor. A copy of Rare, Threatened and Endangered Plants and Animals
of Oregon is available from:

The Oregon Natural Heritage Program
1025 NW 25th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97210
(503)-229-5078
Do not pick these plants. Unfortunately, they are not always easy for an amateur to identify. They
are not always showy. There may be large amounts of them in one spot, so that they appear
plentiful.
There are some good picture books available. All folks who pick plants from the wild should try to
familiarize themselves with the local protected plants. When in doubt, don't pick it.
Sensitive Plants
Some plants are sensitive to disturbance. Please do not pick them even if they aren't protected. The
Calypso Orchid, Calypso bulbosa, is a fragile plant that lives partially off leaf mold. Its little root
is close to the surface, and easy prey to slugs and others. Minor disturbances can easily dislodge
the root from the mold. If someone picks its flower, it can ooze fluid and essentially "bleed" to
death. Even disturbing the area around it during flowering could kill it. The law does not protect
this plant because it is too numerous.
It is our responsibility to help sensitive plants survive.
How can you tell if a plant is sensitive? Most plants that are not green (contain no chlorophyll) are
"no picks." These weird species are white, brown, red, or purple and just plain eerie. Botanists call
them parasites or saprophytes. They are particularly fascinating. These include Broomrape,
Orobanche sp., Coral Roots, Corallorhiza sp., and Indian Pipe, Monotropa uniflora. Other "no
picks" include the Orchid Family (Orchidaceae) and almost all the Lily Family (Liliaceae). The
Orchid Family includes Calypso Orchid, Calypso bulbosa, and the Rein Orchids, Habenaria sp.
The Lily Family includes Trillium, Trillium ovatum, and Mariposa Lilies, Calochortus sp. These
families are easy to recognize with a little practice. Not every Lily and Orchid is sensitive, but it's
a good place to start.
Most (but not all) of the unusual or showy plants are no picks. If you are not sure, don't harvest it.
Howie B
Columbines and Wizardry Herbs
Eugene, Or USA

From Gregg Pond <gpond.integ.micrognosis.COM>:
United Plant Savers - Statement of Purpose
These are exciting times for herbalists. The current "herbal renaissance" in American health care is
accompanied by an ever growing demand by the American public for herbs an herbal products.
While positive on one hand, this situation has endangered a unique new set of problems for the
wild plant world and for herbalists who love plants.
The pressure on our wild medicinal plant communities is growing yearly. Vast numbers of plants
have been and continue to be taken, and indiscriminate wild harvesting has devastated many areas
of former abundance. Perhaps even more disturbing, native North American medicinal plants are
being exported to meet the demand in other countries, where wild plant populations have already
been gravely depleted.
United Plant Savers was formed in a spirit of hope, as a group of herbalists committed to
protecting and re-planting threatened species and to raising public awareness of the plight of our
wild medicinal plants. Our membership reflects the great diversity of American herbalism and
includes wildcrafters, seed collectors, manufacturers, growers, botanists, practitioners,
medicine-makers, educators, and plant lovers from all walks of life.
Our Goals
Identify and compile information on threatened medicinal plants in each state and/or
bioregion.
Make this information accessible to herbal organizations, communities and individuals.
Provide resources for obtaining seeds, roots, and plants for replanting and restoration.
Secure land trusts for the preservation of diversity and seed stock for future propagation
efforts.
Raise public awareness about the tragedy of over-harvesting and the current plight of native
wild herbs.
Identify and disseminate information on the therapeutic alternatives to threatened species.
Encourage more widespread cultivation of endangered medicinal plants and greater use of
cultivated plants.
Develop programs for school systems and communities to re-plant threatened plant species
back into their native habitats.
For more information see this: http://www.unitedplantsavers.org
Medicinal herbfaq: general info: paradigms
Search

5.3.3 Homeopathy sites:

Check these sites:
The Homeopathy Homepage: http://www.homeopathyhome.com
ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/academic/medicine/alternative-healthcare/ faqs/homeopathy (an olde
document from the stoneage - 1993 or so...)
The homeoinfo -pages: http://www.homeoinfo.com/ pretty good. Check, for instance, the Materia
Medica section on Common questions: "Contaminating pills by touching them".
Homeopathy online is good, too: http://www.lyghtforce.com/HomeopathyOnLine/index.html
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-5-3-paradigms.html [5/10/2004 3:38:41 PM]
Medicinal herbfaq: general info: paradigms: western herbal traditions
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by Peter Cook, DBTh, FETC
This Article is taken from The Herbalist, newsletter of the Canadian Herbal Research Society.
COPYRIGHT June 1989.
Thanks to Jonathan Treasure for sending this one over.
The Development of Theory in North America
Introduction: To one trained as a medical herbalist in Britain, it is a curious fact that herbal
medicine, as it seems to be most widely known in Canada and the U.S., has been so little
influenced by the great systems of herbal thought which once flourished here. Only remnants of
these systems can now be found in the writings of Kloss, Christopher, Shook and others whose
primary sources appear to be the European and native North American folk traditions.
These folk traditions are very valuable medical resources in their own right; a fact which has been
recognized and supported by the World Health Organization (1978). It has also been recognized
and increasingly exploited by the pharmaceutical industry. Folk medicine however, is also
important as a rich source for the periodic historical development of major systems of traditional
medicine. Examples of the development of two such systems in North America will be discussed
here, together with some of the more important theoretical and practical contributions to herbal
medicine which these systems generated.
Early American Folk Medicine: Eleanor Sinclair Rohdes (1922) has written very eloquently of the
hardships faced by early American settlers in their efforts to cultivate the familiar medicinal plants
of England and Europe. In many cases it seems these efforts failed completely and the pioneers
were forced to supplement their folk medicine traditions with lore relating to indigenous plants
obtained from the native people. To the extent that any special knowledge would have been likely,
then as now, to remain a closely kept secret by the native medicine societies, it is probable that the
native plant-lore passed onto these settlers was a matter of common knowledge amongst the native
people. In fact, it may be said that a distinguishing feature of any folk tradition is that the lore
contained in that tradition is, or has once been, common knowledge.
Another distinguishing feature of folk medicine, regardless of its historical or ethnic origin, is that
the indications for the use of individual remedies are always given in terms which refer to specific
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symptoms or illnesses. Thus, comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is said to be useful in healing

fractures, while white horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is recommended for cough. Typically, such
lore has been handed down from generation to generation, often for hundreds if not thousands of
years. Each new generation learns at first hand the look and 'feel' of particular symptoms and
illnesses. They learn which plants may be used to treat these illnesses, and the best methods for
collecting, preserving and administering them. Such a tradition is entirely dependant upon repeated
experience and observation; usually only minor changes can be detected in these traditions over
relatively long periods of time.
Thomsonianism: The popular medicine of all peoples however, has always given rise to, and been
counterbalanced by a more specialized type of knowledge, acquired by individuals who have
devoted their entire lives to the study and practice of healing. As resource persons, these
individuals have served their communities by providing access to that specialized knowledge in
circumstances where the more common folklore was insufficient to meet the needs of the moment.
A very popular figure in early American medicine, who managed to combine native and settler
folklore with a more specialized approach, was Samuel Thomson (1769-1843). Thomson came
from a farming family and evidently learned some of the 'root and herb' practice at an early age.
Later, he seems to have become an avid reader of medical literature and was particularly impressed
with the Hippocratic writings.
Probably as a consequence of his regard for Hippocrates, Thomson believed that medicine should
be based exclusively upon observation. The formulation of theories, he felt, prevented ordinary
people from taking responsibility for the care of their own health, and that theories obscured the
simplicity and made a needless mystery of medicine.
Thomson himself however, after 'long observation and practical results', borrowed theory from
Hippocrates and used it as a basis to explain the 'why and how' of his own medical system.
According to this theory, disease was the result of a decrease or derangement of the vital fluids,
brought about by a loss of animal heat. The resulting symptoms were interpreted as efforts of the
Vital Force to rid itself of the toxic encumbrances thus generated. Essentially, treatment was aimed
at restoring vital energy and removing disease-generated obstructions. In specific terms, Thomson
believed that in restoring vital heat by means of steam baths and cayenne (Capsicum annum),
toxins which obstructed health would be thrown into the stomach where they could be eliminated
by emetics such as Lobelia inflata (Griggs, 1981).
This simple theory constituted a dramatic departure from pure folk medicine in that it recognized
and sought to treat an underlying, fundamental cause of illness. Moreover, in perceiving symptoms
as an expression of the organism's defensive efforts, this theory implied that the treatment of
symptoms and illnesses, per se, might actually hinder the healing process. It is interesting to note
that Thomson believed this theory was quite complete and needed no further refinement or
extension. Nevertheless, despite his vehement opposition, Thomsonianism became a potent
influence on the development to two major streams of thought within American herbalism.
Eclecticism: The earliest of these was 'Eclecticism', founded by a man who had originally
apprenticed to an old German non-Thomsonian herbalist, and who later qualified as a 'regular'
medical doctor. Although the founder of this system, Wooster Beach (1794-1868), had been
horrified by the 'regular' medicine of his day, and fervently wished for radical reform,
Thomsonianism had impressed him negatively in two ways. First, Beach was keenly aware of the
bitter antagonism which Thomson had roused in the regular medical profession. As a result he
decided to attempt reform (unsuccessfully as it turned out) from within, rather than as another
medical 'outsider'. Secondly, Beach was disgusted by Thomson's evident arrogance in thinking that
no further learning could possibly enhance the practice of herbal medicine.
Beach was well acquainted with the developments then taking place in such fields as chemistry,
physiology, pathology and even botany. He was also quick to realize that this new thinking might
have a valuable role to play in botanic practice, and began to move in this direction with the
creation, in 1829, of his own school of 'Reformed Medicine'.
In terms of the study of medicinal plants, Beach's orientation resulted in the development and
proliferation of an entirely new style. Eclectic monographs on individual herbs became more
formal and typically included notes on the plant's chemistry, toxicology, physiological and
therapeutic actions, as well as appropriate forms of preparation and dosage (e.g. King, 1900). Later
Eclectic physicians became increasingly interested in obtaining preparations which represented the
entire chemistry of the original plant as closely as possible. Although this preoccupation had
near-disastrous consequences in at least one instance (Griggs 1981a), in general their research
supported and developed the fundamental position of the value of using whole plant preparations
rather than isolated extracts of a particular plant constituent (Lloyd, 1910).
Eclecticism was also a major contributor to herbal medicine in other areas. Beach himself, for
instance, realized the fundamental importance of the blood and circulatory system in maintaining
health, and began to develop herbal methods for 'equalizing the circulation'. Several valuable
techniques used in the modern herbal treatment of fevers are probable directly attributable to
Beach's work.
A later physician by the name of W.H. Cook (1879) expanded on this work in his correlation of
the functions of the nervous and circulatory systems. Cook also developed a concept which related
illness to deviations in trophic (i.e. structural) and/or functional tone. According to this view,
disease consisted of excessive or diminished tone in organs, or in the functions of those organs.
Corresponding herbal approaches to the correction of these kinds of imbalance were also
eventually developed (Priest & Priest, 1982).
Another major development fostered by Eclecticism, was the clinical emphasis placed on treating
a group or pattern of symptoms, usually with small doses of only one so-called 'specific' remedy.
As the pattern of symptoms changed with the progress of disease, a new and more currently
appropriate remedy would be indicated (Felter, 1922; Lloyd 1927).
Perhaps significantly, this approach was and is still fundamental to the practice of homeopathic
medicine, which was rapidly becoming the most popular of all medical systems in the U.S. during
the mid-19th century (Coulter, 1973). In fact Hahnemann (1810), the founder of homeopathy, had
already written at some length concerning the relative merits of prescribing for what he called the
'Totality of symptoms', versus the treatment of individual symptoms or named diseases. The use of
small doses of a single remedy was also an established fundamental tenet of homeopathy (e.g.
Kent 1900).
Prescribing for patterns of symptoms had also been typical in traditional Chinese medicine for
many generations. Clear examples of the fluidity of prescribing in accord with changes in
symptom patterns may be found in the Chinese classic, 'Shang Han Lun' (Hsu & Peacher, 1981).
However, although the use of a single remedy is an established technique within Chinese medicine
under certain circumstances, Chinese herbal prescribing more often involves the use of formulae
(e.g. Bensky & Gamble, 1986).
Physiomedicalism: The second major stream of thought in American herbal medicine, which
arose directly out of the Thomsonian movement, was 'Physiomedicalism'. Although not so heavily
influenced by the developing sciences as Eclecticism, the originator of this 'neo-Thomsonian'
movement, Alva Curtis, felt, like Beach, that Thomson's resistance to theoretical development was
a mistake.
Above all, Curtis wanted to open a school based upon Thomsonian principles, but encouraging a
freer atmosphere for broader intellectual enquiry and learning. In 1835, despite Thomson's
opposition, Curtis realized his ambition and opened the 'Botanico-medical School and Infirmary' at
Columbus, Ohio. As evidence that he was not alone in his thinking, during that same year, a
colleague opened the 'Southern Botanico-Medical School' in Georgia (Griggs 1981b).
Ultimately this new system of herbal medicine retained much of what had been accepted as
fundamental in the Thomsonian theory. Thus, organic function was thought of as the aggregate
expression of Vital Force, acting through cellular metabolism to maintain the functional integrity
of the entire organism. Illness was seen as a disordered response at the cellular level, brought about
by internally or externally generated toxic obstructions. Essentially, treatment remained a matter of
supporting the efforts of the Vital Force, and of eliminating the toxic encumbrances which
hindered those efforts.
A significant departure form Thomsonian thinking however, came with the recognition that some
symptoms represented positive, eliminate and reconstructive efforts of the Vital Force, while
others resulted from physical impediments to those efforts. If treatment was to be directed to the
underlying cause of illness, therefore, symptoms which expressed a purely functional disorder had
to be distinguished clinically from those produced by organic changes in cells and tissues.
Eventually it was also realized that the organism was capable of establishing a compensatory
equilibrium in which toxic encumbrance would be tolerated to a degree, in order to maintain a
relative functional integrity. This was a major step forward in understanding and had important
implications for herbal therapeutics. Certain symptomatic crises which had been observed,
particularly in the context of treatment with herbal alteratives and eliminatives, could now be
explained and avoided.
Another significant development in Physiomedical thinking was stimulated through the work of
W.H. Cook (see above). If health could be understood as the unimpeded and balanced function of
all cells and tissues, then it was clear that the blood and circulatory system played a vital role in
maintaining health, both in terms of nutrient delivery, and of waste and toxin transport to
eliminative organs.
Cook had shown that, in addition to the quality of the blood itself, the chronic relative contraction
or relaxation of tissues and particularly arterioles and capillary beds could also have serious
consequences. Cellular function, and eventually cellular structure, could be strongly influenced by
a relative excess or deficiency of blood and tissue fluid. Further, as understanding of human
physiology increased it became obvious that hyperaemia in one part of the body would necessarily
imply a relative ischaemia elsewhere.
The implications of this thinking for herbal medicine were threefold. Firstly, herbs which acted to
increase or decrease tone in the three primary divisions of the circulatory system (arterial, capillary
and venous) had to be distinguished. Secondly, the general, portal and pulmonary aspects of
circulation had to be considered in treatment, as did the distinction between visceral and somatic
components. Thirdly, the circulation to particular organs and tissues had to be taken into account,
not only to support or modify the related functions, but also to restore normal trophic conditions,
where possible.
The achievement of these goals became much more accessible following the work of J.M.
Thurston (1900), which stressed the regulatory importance of the autonomic nervous system.
Thurston made many important contributions to Physiomedical thought in the areas of diagnosis,
prognosis, treatment and, perhaps especially, in the area of herbal pharmacy. A number of aspects
of his work, and of Physiomedicalism in general, have been described by Priest & Priest (1982a).
Even by the close of the 19th century, Physiomedicalism could be described as a system which
emphasized the role of herbal remedies in supporting Vital Force, balancing the circulation to
various tissues, modifying and enhancing body functions, restoring optimum trophic or structural
conditions, and in eliminating toxic encumbrances (Mills, 1985).
Unfortunately, the publication of the Flexnor report in 1910 and the subsequent forced closure of
the 'irregular' medical schools put an end to any further developments of the kind described here in
American herbal medicine (Cody, 1985; Gort, 1986).
Conclusion: Curiously, despite the slightly more open attitudes which prevailed in Canada (e.g.
the government regulation of naturopathy on Ontario, 1925; Govt., 1986), neither the Eclectics nor
the Physiomedicalists seem to have moved north across the border. In fact both systems, together
with a version of Thomsonianism, had been taken to England where they were eventually
integrated into one system of professional herbal medicine, regulated by law and still taught in the
U.K.
In Canada and the U.S. however, only traces remain of these once influential and effective
systems. The Dominion Herbal College in British Columbia for instance, has referred in its course
notes to the need for 'equalizing the circulation' (1969). References can also be found in these
notes and elsewhere to 'relaxing' or 'stimulating' herbs (i.e. plants capable of increasing or
decreasing functional tone). The importance of supporting vital force and of eliminating
accumulated toxins is also still widely recognized and practised. Nevertheless, there are probably
few today however, who can apply physiomedical principles in distinguishing for instance, those
lung, bowel and kidney conditionsrespectively requiring relaxing or stimulating expectorants,
laxatives and diuretics.
Due principally to repressive legislation, herbalists in North America must once again rely heavily
on folk traditions as their major source of learning and inspiration. It should be noted here that
much of the
valuable herbal lore once utilized widely by native North Americans is now known by only a small
handful of native elders (PC. 1988). It is very fortunate therefore, that Canadian and American
herbalists have preserved some of this knowledge in their own practices.
Folk medicine traditions are virtually impossible to legislate against directly, and even in the
recent Ontario government recommendations, treatment of oneself and one's family had been
specifically exempted from prosecution under the proposed legislation (HPLR, 1989). Direct
legislation however, was not the only factor contributing to the decimation of native culture and
the virtual loss of their traditional healing knowledge.
The proposals tabled in the Ontario legislature will almost certainly impose or support severe
restrictions on the cultivation and/or sale of medicinal plants, should they be passed into law.
Furthermore, such legislation will definitely prevent or seriously delay the free development and
re-emergence of a professionally oriented system of herbal medicine in Ontario.
Consequently, those who choose to make use of this 'valuable medical resource' (W.H.O., 1975a),
will be forced to rely on their own experience and to gather and use only wild plants. This assumes
however, that environmental policies in Ontario and the rest of North America will not poison
even this source in the very near future.
References
Bensky, D., Gamble, A. (Compl. & Ed.) Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica;
Eastland Press; Seattle, 1986.
Cody, G. 'History of Naturopathic Medicine', in A Textbook of Naturopathic Medicine,
Pizzorno, J.E.; Murray, M.J.; John Bastyr College Pulos, Seattle, 1985.
Cook, W.H. The Science and Practice of Medicine; 1879 - quoted in Priest & Priest, ibid.
Coulter, H. Divided Legacy: a history of the schism in medical thought Vol. 111. McGrath
Pub. Co., Washington, D.C., 1973.
Dominion Herbal College, Home Study Notes, 1969.
Felter, H.W. The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Scudder,
Cincinnati, 1922.
Gort, E.H. A Social History of Naturopathy in Ontario: the formation of an occupation;
M.Sc. Thesis; Univ. Toronto, 1986.
Griggs, B. Green Pharmacy, a history of herbal medicine; J.Norman & Hobhouse Ltd.;
London, 1981.
Hahnemann, S. Organon of Medicine. 1810; 6th Ed. Trans. Hahnemann Foundation; Victor
Gollancz Ltd.; London, 1983.
HPLR, Striking a New Balance: a Blueprint for the Regulation of Ontario's Health
Professions', Government of Ontario. 1989.
Hsu, H.; Peacher W.G.(D) (Trans. & Ed.) Shang Han Lun; Oriental Healing Arts Institute;
Los Angeles, 1981.
Kent, J.T. Lectures on Homoeopathic Philosophy: 4th Indian Reprint, B. Jain Publishers;
New Delhi, 1977.
Kings's American Dispensatory; Felter & Lloyd, 1900; Reprinted by National College of
Naturopathic Medicine; Portland (undated).
Lloyd, J.U. Fragments from an Autobiography, a paper read at the 63rd meeting of the Ohio
Eclectic Medical Assoc., Arkon, May, 1927; Eclectic Medical Journal, 1927.
The Eclectic Alkoloids. LLB no. 12, Pharmacy Series 2, P41; 1910.
Mills, S. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism; Thorsons Pub. Gp.; Wellingbourgh, New
York, 1985.
Personal Communication, Art Solomon and other Ojibwa Elders; Native Elders Conference,
Trent Univ., Peterborough, 1988.
Priest, A.W.; Priest, L.R. Herbal Medication, a clinical and dispensary handbook; Fowler &
Co. Ltd.; London, 1982.
Rohde, A.C. The Old English Herbals, 1922; 3rd Ed. Rohde, E.S.; Minerva Press Ltd;
London, 1974.
World Health Organization The Promotion of Traditional Medicine; Technical Report
Series No. 622; Geneva, 1978.
W.H.O. Document EB/57/21, Training and Utilization of Traditional Healers and Their
Collaboration with Health Care Delivery Systems; Nov. 1975.
Medicinal herbfaq: general info: paradigms: ayurveda
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5.3.2 Ayurvedic Medicine - an introduction
by Dr. Duane Weed, D.C. (drweed.delphi.com)
The Ayurvedic system traces its roots to the Himalayan Mountains of India over five thousand
years ago. According to legend, a conference was held in a Himalayan cave in which the greatest
sages of India--some after having traveled thousands of miles--met to discuss their knowledge of
their healing arts. These scholars and teachers possessed traditional knowledge about the medicinal
plants of India that had been handed down orally by the tribes of the Indian forests since the
beginning of history. At this conference, these sages compared and combined their knowledge into
one body which they called the Ayurveda, from two Sanskrit words; Ayus, or "life", and Veda, or
"knowledge". "Ayurveda" has been translated as "the knowledge of life", and as "the science of
life". It has been suggested that a more appropriate translation would be "the knowledge of life
span".
After this historic conference, the Ayurvedic knowledge was passed orally from teacher to student
for over a thousand years, continuously growing as each Ayurvedic physician added his insights
and experiences. It was finally written down in the first century A.D. by the Ayurvedic physician,
Charaka.
By that time--and hundreds of years before the birth of European medicine--Ayurveda had
specialists in psychiatry, pediatrics, gynecology, ear nose and throat, ophthalmology, surgery,
toxicology, virility, and fertility.
Ayurvedic medicine probably predates any other healing tradition in existence today--even
Chinese medicine. Even before the Ayurvedic conference, knowledge of the medicinal plants of
India had spread to other continents. Seeds from plants indigenous to India have been found in the
tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs. Travelers had carried information about Indian plants through
Tibet into China, and Arabs had traded for Indian herbs before the birth of Islam.
At the time of King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba traded herbs and spices of India to the Israelites.
Ayurvedic medicine began to be studied by Arab physicians and knowledge of the plants of India
was passed on to the Greeks and Romans. By the first century A.D., when Charaka was writing
Ayurveda's first written records, Pliny was already describing the plants of india to the Roman
Empire in his NATURAL HISTORY. And much more recently, as any American school child can
tell you, a Portuguese sailor by the name of Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492,
while searching for a trade route to India to acquire her herbs and spices.
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According to Ayurvedic philosophy, health is dependent upon one's ability to live in harmony with
one's self and with the external universe. As much attention was given to illnesses of the mind as
to illnesses of the body.
The Ayurvedic physician taught that in order to avoid illness and pain, the patient must control the
destructive (and self-destructive) nature. Living in harmony with the environment was recognized
as essential to one's mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Ayurvedic physicians taught that prevention was more desirable than a cure. Their ideal was to
develop an individual's natural resistance to disease to the point where one's immune system could
function as one's best medicine.
Their goal was to maintain an individual in his or her optimal health throughout life, so that the
ultimate goal of life--the awareness of his or her connection with the life principle--could be
pursued.
Today's Ayurvedic physicians, like their predecessors, recognize three major body (or physiology)
types which they refer to as the three DOSHAS: VATA, PITTA, and KAPHA. One's body type is
also referred to as one's PRAKRITI, and is determined by heredity. Most people are actually a
combination of types; a VATA/PITTA type for example. Ayurvedic physicians evaluate their
patients using such techniques as observation, interview, and pulse diagnosis to determine the
patient's body (or physiology) type. They then determine the imbalances that are present in the
body and make recommendations according to the patient's body type. Dietary and herbal
recommendations make up a large part of their treatments; but many other techniques such as
meditation, hatha yoga, aroma therapy, and music therapy are also employed.
Thanks to the Ayurvedic tradition, many herbal combinations based on centuries of accumulated
knowledge are available to today's eclectic herbalists and natural health enthusiasts. Ayurvedic
herbal formulations, like Chinese herbal formulations, are combinations of many different herbs
that work synergistically. Single herbs are rarely if ever employed. Even though there are
competent Ayurvedic physicians in practice today, one does not have to see an Ayurvedic
physician to use an Ayurvedic herbal combination, as long as the recipe of an Ayurvedic master is
carefully followed.
Some of the most common herbs currently used in Ayurvedic formulations are:
Acacia catechu, Adhatoda vasica (Vasaka), Andrographis paniculata, Aegle marmelos (Bel),
Alpina galanga, Alstonia scholaris, Apium graveolens, Ashwagandha root, Azadirachta indica
(Margosa), Boerhaavia diffusa (Hogweed), Boswellia serrata, Caesaipinia crista, Clerodendrum
indicum, Commiphora mukul (Indian Bedellium), Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Cyperus rotundus,
Enicostemma littorale, Fumaria parviflora, Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice), Gymnema sylvestre,
Hedychium spicatum, Hemidesmus indicus (Ind. Sarsaparilla), Holarrbena antidysenterica, Inula
racemosa, Momordica charantia (Bitter Gourd), Myrica nagi, Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil),
Paederia foetida, Phylianthus emblica, Picrorhiza kurroa, Pimpinella anisum, Pistacia
integerrima, Pterocarpus marsupium, Rubia cordifolia (Indian Madder), Sida cordifolia, Smilax
china, Swertia chirata, Syzygium cumini (Jamun), Terminalia belerica, Terminalia chebula
(Chebulic Myrobalan), Tinospora cordifolia, Trachyspermum ammi, Tribulus terrestris,
Trigonella foenum-graeceum, Vitex negundo, Withania somnifera (Winter Cherry), Zingiber
officinale (Ginger)
REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL READINGS:

THE GARDEN OF LIFE, AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HEALING PLANTS OF INDIA
by Naveen Patnaik, Doubleday, New York, 1993.
PERFECT HEALTH, THE COMPLETE MIND/BODY GUIDE by Deepak Chopra, M.D.,
Harmony Books, New York, 1991.
PERFECT WEIGHT, THE COMPLETE MIND/BODY PROGRAM FOR ACHIEVING
AND MAINTAINING YOUR IDEAL WEIGHT by Deepak Chopra, M.D., Harmony
Books, New York, 1994.
RESTFUL SLEEP, THE COMPLETE MIND/BODY PROGRAM FOR OVERCOMING
INSOMNIA by Deepak Chopra, M.D., Harmony Books, New York, 1991.
RETURN OF THE RISHI by Deepak Chopra, M.D., Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston,
1988.
From Robert Hensley (Hensleys.aol.com):
Ayurveda is the world's oldest science of health care. The written tradition dates back around
5,000 years, but the oral tradition in India is timeless.
The basic principles of Ayurveda include:
1. Mind, body, emotions, and spirit are more than connected, they are one.
2. There are 3 fundamental principles of nature: called Vata, Pitta and Kapha, which govern all
processes in all levels of our life.
3. Vata governs all movement, Pitta all heat and transformation, and Kapha all growth,
structure and lubrication.
4. Everything we experience influences these governing principles.
5. If these principles that guide the processes of our body, mind, etc get "out of balance" due to
poor diet, activity, etc. they can become overactive, and disease results.
6. If vata gets out of balance, for instance, it leads to overactive mind, poor circulation, poor
nerve conduction, loss of memory, irregular elimination, uncomfortable menses, etc. - all
things related to movement.
7. If pitta is out of balance, we can get excessive digestive fire, resulting in heartburn, excess
stomach acid, a hot temper, inflammations, etc. -all things related to heat and digestion.
8. If kapha gets out of balance, it can lead to chronic congestion, weight gain, cellulite,
cholesterol buildup, acne, oily skin, etc. - all things related to structure and lubrication.
9. Herbs in synergistic combination, diet, routine, meditation, etc are used to restore balance to
restore proper operation of the various systems. Balance restores health.
10. Ayurveda does not focus on decreasing symptoms, it focuses on increasing health. Where
there is health, there is no room for disease.
11. Symptoms are only used as one of eight ways to determine the underlying imbalance or
weakness that has allowed the disease to occur.
Due to foreign intervention in India for hundreds of years, Ayurveda became fragmented, and it
has been revived over the past 35 years by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. As a result of growing
scientific verification at major research institutions, it is the worlds' fastest growing health care
system.
Medicinal herbfaq: general info: paradigms: TCM
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From Suzanne E. Sky, L.Ac. (avena.aloha.net)
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a phrase used to describe a complex system of medicine
developed in China that has now spread around the world in its various forms. This system is over
3,500 years old. Its fundamental basis is a philosophy which views humans as a microcosm of the
universe and inherently connected to it, to Nature and to all Life.
Chinese Medicine is actually a part of what is called Oriental Medicine, because there are many
different styles practiced, with the same origins and medical foundation, in China, Japan, Korea
and other Asian countries. This medicine spread to America and Europe as practitioners migrated
and settled in different countries. Now Oriental Medicine is practiced and taught all around the
world.
I. HISTORY & CURRENT USE
The history of Chinese Medicine is very long, complicated, and fascinating. There have always
been many different styles of practice and theories of medicine in China. The early Communist
leaders destroyed much of the old information but finally decided that Chinese Medicine was a
valuable method. The principles were simplified and began to be taught in colleges. Before this,
Chinese Medicine was passed down through generations of families, through apprenticeship and
training that began at a young age. Now there are several well established Colleges in China that
train Chinese Medicine practitioners. Westerners can study there as well. In Chinese hospitals,
Chinese Medicine is practiced alongside modern Western Medicine. For example, cancer patients
in China receive radiation treatment or chemotherapy, and they also receive Chinese herbal
medicine to ameliorate the side effects.
II. WHAT MODALITIES DO CHINESE MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS USE?
Chinese Medicine is a large area of study and practice. Some of the modalities it includes are:
Herbal Medicine: An advanced and effective system of herbal medicine.
Acupuncture & Acupressure: Use finger pressure or special fine needles to harmonize and
activate the body's own healing ability.
Moxibustion (moxa): Special therapeutic warming techniques.
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Medicinal herbfaq: general info: paradigms: TCM
Diet & Nutrition: A unique and effective system which teaches the energetic qualities of
food and how it effects us.
Chi Kung and Tai Chi: Systems of movement and breathing that promotes health. Chi Kung
is also an ancient healing method.
Tui Na: Chinese medical massage
Practitioners are trained in several or many of these modalities and specialize in one to a few areas
of expertise.
III. SCHOOLING AND PRACTICE
Many schools in America and Europe are fully accredited and confer Master's Degrees in Oriental
Medicine. Schooling takes 4 to 6 years. The requirements include Western science and medical
courses along with about 2,000 hours in Chinese Medical Theory, techniques and practice. This
includes in-depth study of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and other modalities. In
addition, anywhere from 800 to 1,200 hours of clinical observation and internship are required in
an acupuncture clinic. The traditional way of learning, apprenticeship, is still in existence, but is
less common today. In America about 20 states certify or license Acupuncturists for practice,
through an examination process. There are over 30 schools in America and many schools and
practitioners in Europe.
IV. ACUPUNCTURE IS RECOGNIZED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes over 250 illnesses successfully treated by
acupuncture and the list continues to grow. Among these are included: PMS (pre-menstrual
syndrome), gynecological disorders, anxiety, depression, arthritis and joint problems, colds, flus,
sinusitis, cough, bronchitis, headaches, numbness and poor circulation, stress, fatigue, recovery
from injuries.
V. QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR ACUPUNCTURIST
How and where (or with whom) did they study? (School or apprenticeship)
How long was their training? Currently some health professionals can attend what amounts
to a weekend class and then practice acupuncture under their medical license. They may
know where to stick a few needles, but they are not trained in Oriental Medicine.
What modalities do they use?
How long have they been practicing?
VI. INTERNET RESOURCES
A great Acupuncture page with lots of resources: http://www.acupuncture.com/
Foundation for Traditional Chinese Medicine: http://www.ftcm.org.uk/
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Medicinal herbfaq: general info: paradigms: flower essences
Search

From Suzanne E. Sky, L.Ac. (avena.wave.net)
Flower essences are liquid preparations, containing only minute traces of actual flowers, which
convey the vibrational pattern and essence of specific flowers. Because of this, their action is
subtle and extends beyond the physiological. Their action is not biochemical, but is vibrational.
These gentle essences enjoy a reputation of being very safe. They have no side-effects and are
non-toxic. Some people state they don't 'feel' any change or effect from using flower essences.
However, many people find the flowers provide an essential factor in their healing process. Each
person responds to flower essences according to their inner rhythm and needs.
Research in the modern field of psychoneuroimmunology shows a clear interrelationship between
physical illness, stress and emotional/mental outlook. Flower essences help address issues which
often underlay stress and health problems, helping to 'untie' or release these mental/emotional
energetic knots. Flower essences can help transform emotions, attitudes or patterns of behavior to
enhance one's development, growth and awareness. Flower essences expand our understanding of
health care, recognizing the interweaving of spiritual, mental, emotional and physical aspects of
wellness. The name most closely associated with flower essences is that of Dr. Edward Bach, the
English physician who first discovered them. In the 1930's, he introduced his set of 39Flower
Essences that changed the world of natural medicine forever.
Dr. Bach's Life and Discovery of Flower Essences
Dr. Edward Bach was a remarkable man. He was an early pioneer of natural medicine who
discovered results when he treated the person rather than the disease. Born in 1886, Bach entered
the medical profession from a sincere desire to help others. Early on in his practice he noticed that
the patients personality or temperament was more helpful in deciding which medicine would be
most effective than any other factor.
Early in his career, Bach studied bacteriology and became fascinated by the connection between a
person's colon flora and their health. He discovered that a vaccine made from the patient's
intestinal bacteria, and injected into their blood stream, gave excellent results, especially in chronic
diseases. When Bach discovered homeopathy, he modified his method and made homeopathic
preparations known as nosodes (remedies made from pathological tissues). He classified the
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intestinal bacteria into seven main groups and made preparations still known today as Bach's
Seven Nosodes. Soon, he found that when a patient entered his office, he could immediately tell
which type of flora would be predominant in that person, and which nosode they would need.
From this Bach correlated seven main personality types and began prescribing the Nosodes solely
on the basis of the patients personality, rather than laboratory tests. The results were even greater
than he expected, and he saw clearly the importance of treating the person rather than their disease.
While Bach had great respect for homeopathy and its founder, Dr. Hahnemann, he refuted the
basic premise of homeopathy, that like cures like. Bach states "It is obviously fundamentally
wrong to say that 'like cures like'. ...Like may strengthen like, like may repel like, but in the true
healing sense like cannot cure like. ....And so in true healing, and so in spiritual advancement, we
must always seek good to drive out evil, love to conquer hate, and light to dispel darkness. Thus
must we avoid all poisons, all harmful things, and use only the beneficent and beautiful."
(Collected Writings, page 113)
Bach became dissatisfied with using the intestinal Nosodes, desiring to find a natural method
which would not require using pathological material. He felt herbs would provide the most suitable
material and began investigating the plant world. As Bach continued to work with and observe
people, he became even more convinced that a person's temperament and personality were the
factors that determined what illnesses they were prone to and what medicines would help them.
The first two plants he discovered and used in his practice, that are still flower essences today,
were Impatiens and Mimulus. The third one was Clematis. This was in 1930. Bach was so pleased
with the results, he decided to give up his use of nosodes altogether and seek out other herbal
remedies to add to his repertory. Dr. Bach gave up his successful, lucrative and prestigious Harley
Street office and set out for Wales to discover new healing plants. Little did he know he was about
to discover a whole new form of natural medicine and herbal preparation.
Tromping around Wales for many years led him to discover the remaining 36 flower remedies.
Bach was very particular in his selection of flowers and where he found them. Each of his
remedies is a specific botanical entity, and substitutions are not equally effective. Bach was a
sensitive as well as a medical researcher and physician. This blend made him search out only
non-toxic plants that offered the highest vibratory patterns. Of the 39 essences we attribute to
Bach, 37 are from plants, trees and bushes. One remedy, Rock Water, is from a special spring. The
39th, is a combination of several remedies, used for acute and emergency situations.
Bach found great results using the flower essences with people who came to him from all over. No
matter what illness the person had, he only gave remedies in accord with their mental/emotional
state of being. Bach himself became ill several times and only recovered after discovering and
using the appropriate flower essence. He discovered several essences in this way.
Dr. Bach died in his sleep in 1936, feeling his life work was complete. He stated that the 38 flower
essences he discovered would cover every possible area of need. His goal was to discover a safe,
effective system of medicine that even the simplest person could use to help themselves, without a
doctor. He felt he achieved this goal with his system of the Flower Remedies, which anyone can
learn and apply with a little study.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Flower essences work most beneficially as part of a wholistic program of health care, including
exercise, nourishing diet, stress reduction, inner work, play, and rest. They are not a substitute for
medical attention or professional psychological counseling. If you are ill, please consult a qualified
physician.
This entry was much longer - but this is the medicinal herbFAQ, not the flower essence FAQ, so
for the full entry go to this page: http://ibiblio.org/herbmed/neat-stuff/bachflow.html
Medicinal herbfaq: general info: paradigms: aromatherapy
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From: Marcia Elston <samara.wingedseed.com> - http://www.wingedseed.com
What is Aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is a true medical science and is the skilled use of specific
essential plant distillates (essential oils), singularly or in combination, for health and well being.
How Does Aromatherapy Work? The essential plant distillates (essential oils) interrelate with the
human body within four distinct modes of action, pharmacological (as phytopharmaceuticals),
physiological (physically and chemically), psychological (affecting mental states and processes)
and incorporeal (spiritual). Our body uses the aromatic molecules (essential oils) both (1.) through
our olfactory system which is connected to the limbic system in the brain where our most primal
feelings, urges and emotions reside, (2.) and by inhalation and skin absorption of the low weight
molecular structure of essential oils. Aromatherapy works best within a holistic approach to
wellness.
Is Aromatherapy New? We know from the study of ancient manuscripts that priests in India some
4,000 years ago practiced aromatherapy very much like it is practiced today. Modern Ayurvedic
medicine includes an aromatic component that has evolved from this ancient practice. Scent was
very important to ancient Egyptians who used plant-oil infusions, gums and resins, as well as
aromatic herbs and flowers in rituals, relaxation and skin care extensively in their culture. Modern
aromatherapy, as we know it today, was revived in 1910 by the French chemist, Gattefosse, after
having been badly burned in a laboratory explosion and plunging his arm into a nearby vat of
lavender essential oil. The amazing speed of recovery and lack of scarring led him into a lifetime
study of essential oils and their medicinal uses for skincare.
Can I Do This Myself? Most essential oils have been approved as G.R.A.S. (generally regarded as
safe when used by various trades at their normal levels of use). However, these standards were
developed by the food and perfume industries and were not developed specifically for the use of
essential oils in aromatherapy. Aromatherapy, as a medical healing modality, has been in existence
in England and parts of Europe for quite some time, and the United States is fast developing a
similar model, however there is at present no FDA approval for the use of essential oils
medicinally. An individual can use essential oils themselves (self medication) provided they are
thoroughly familiar with the uses, safety precautions and contraindications and have available
thorough and accurately referenced information on the potential hazards associated with using
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essential oils.
SAFETY FIRST! Essential oils are very potent and strong concentrated plant constituents
(chemicals). Always keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets. Do not apply undiluted
essential oils directly to the skin. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth and other tender mucous
membranes. Essential oils should never be taken orally. Essential oils are flammable and should be
kept away from fire or flames. Some essential oils can cause dermatitis; always do a skin test with
2% dilution before applying to large area. Some oils are not recommended by use in infants and
very young children, pregnant women, persons with epilepsy, hypersensitive individuals, just to
name a few. Some essential oils can cause photosensitivity. Some essential oils may not work
well when taking prescription drugs. Be well informed before you use any essential oil. The best
manual on the market for the safety data of essential oils is The Aromatherapy Practitioner Manual
by Sylla Sheppard-Hanger. This reference of over 350 plant extracts, in two volumes, includes an
index of biologically active phytochemicals, clinical index and taxonomical index and is a must
for anyone seriously considering using aromatherapy intelligently and effectively. When not used
properly, essential oils can be harmful and they should never be used indiscriminately.
Where Can I Learn More? There are numerous and rapidly emerging educational programs and
home study courses being offered throughout the United States and Canada. Here is a short list.
Valerie Cooksley, Principal Instructor
The Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy http://www.aroma-rn.com
Issaquah, WA
Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, Principal Instructor
Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy http://www.pacificinstituteofaromatherapy.com
San Rafael, CA
Sylla Sheppard-Hanger, Principal Instructor
The Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy http://ww.AtlanticInstitute.com
Tampa, FL
Michael Scholes, Principal Instructor
Michael Scholes School of Aromatic Studies http://www.michaelscholes.com
Los Angeles, CA
Laraine Kyle, Principal Instructor
The Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy http://www.aroma-rn.com
Boulder, CO
Jade Shutes, Principal Instructor
The Institute of Dynamic Aromatherapy http://www.theida.com
Seattle, WA
Dorene Petersen, Principal
The Australasian College of Herbal Studies http://www.herbed.com
Portland, OR
Medicinal herbfaq: general info: ames test
Search

5.4 The Ames Test
>Does anyone know more about this Ames test?
The Ames test cultures mutations of bugs (usually Salmonella spp) that are unable to grow without
the amino acid histidine and adds suspected mutagens to the culture medium (after incubating
them with liver extract to expose them to lysosymal activity). If the bugs then grow, the mutation
is deemed to have reversed (ie they now synthesise histidine) and the test substance is regarded as
(ultimately) mutagenic. It is the case that the majority of known chemical carcinogens are also
mutagens according to the Ames Test.
The problem is that also according to the Ames Test the prevalence of environmental mutagens is
so high that the human population should long ago have been wiped out by cancer if the
extrapolations were correct. (The extrapolations being histidine gene mutagenicity equals ultimate
carcinogenic action, and salmonella bugs equals people.) This is of course acknowledged by
pathologists - but seems not to be understood by the rank and file scare mongers who like to
appear to be *scientific* in their attacks on herbalism.
jonno.teleport.com (Jonathan Treasure)
From: Kevin Jones <100621.17.CompuServe.COM>
There are several drawbacks to the Ames test which basically make it worthless on its own.
Firstly carcinogens are divided into those which require to be metabolised in a cell (activated) and
those which don't. Obviously the metabolism of a bacterial cell is going to differ from that of a
mammalian cell. Compounds which are activated in a bacterial cell may therefore show no activity
in a mammalian cell and vice versa.
Secondly carcinogens act by reacting with genetic material. The type which are metabolically
activated generally form free radicals which then react with DNA. Many carcinogens have an
affinity for a specific sequence of nucleotides. Obviously the number of sequences that are shared
between mammals and bacteria are going to be very small! There may well be many chemicals
which cause mutations in bacteria but which have absolutely no effect on mammals.
In short, all the Ames test does is show that a chemical produces a mutation in Salmonella
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Medicinal herbfaq: general info: ames test
bacteria. It might possibly indicate the potential for being carcinogenic in higher organisms - and
then again it might not. It also is quite possible that the Ames test could declare a chemical safe
which is quite powerfully carcinogenic in mammals simply because it does not affect bacteria.
In any case, relying on the Ames test shows a distinct lack of understanding of the nature of cancer
and cell growth. Mammalian cells are programmed to die. Only chemical messages keep them
alive and keep a particular gene turned off. It's like a dead man's handle. The moment a genetic
error is detected the cell is told to stop dividing. If the error is serious, this gene is turned on and
the cell destroys itself. This gene and its backup copy have to fail before a cancer can develop _or_
the chemical messenger system has to become defective and keep it turned off _or_ the
self-checking mechanism has to become defective. Many cancers have genetic defects in one or
more of these command chains. Presumably it is also possible for an error to develop in the
signalling system between the self-destruct gene and the lysosome - the dead man's handle is
released but the grenade doesn't go off.
Another gene which codes for ras protein is part of the cell division mechanism. If it is defective
the cell goes on dividing. Similarly other parts of the cell division command chain (growth
hormone receptor, cytokines etc) can have errors. Some viruses (eg: Epstein-Barr in some
circumstances) cause a proliferation of growth hormone receptor on the cell's surface which keeps
the cell dividing. The more a cell divides, the more the chance of a mistake and therefore the
higher the risk of a cancer developing.
Now the likelihood of being able to show that these specific genetic defects are going to be caused
in humans from a bacterial model is laughable. A bacterium is a single-celled organism. It has no
use for programmed cell-death!
The Ames test may have some value as an initial screening test, but only as long as its limitations
are acknowledged. To rely entirely on it as definite proof that a compound is carcinogenic is not
only laughable - it is also bad science!
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Medicinal herbfaq: general info: placebo effect
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> It's really hard to judge whether the effects were the result of the ..herb.., or whether I just
thought these effects were occurring because I was seeking for them to happen (constantly
checking myself to see if I notice any change - a bit like the placebo effect I guess).
It's nice to see someone wondering whether they were subject to the placebo effect! Too many
people seem to be a bit too convinced by their own personal experiences.
If you are concerned about a placebo effect you might want to try your own little experiment. Get
some large empty gelatin capsules from a health food store. Put sugar in half of them and your
ginkgo capsule (which should be small enough to fit) in the other (with sugar to fill up the rest of
the space. Have a friend label some bottles with numbers (the more bottles your use, the more
likely it will be that you aren't just guessing right). The numbers will correspond with whether the
bottle contains the sugar or the ginkgo but only your friend will know which is which. Then have
your friend put the capsules in the bottles. Complete one bottle and then go on to the next. Don't
look at the capsules as you take them and be aware of any subtle ways that you might be
discerning the difference (e.g. weight, aftertaste etc.) You might want to use a rating scale of your
alertness. Be aware that if you choose the ginkgo, it might simply be a coincidence, so make sure
that the difference in ratings is big.
MORAVCSIK.clipr.colorado.edu (Julia Moravcsik)
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Medicinal herbfaq: general info: finding a herbalist / ND
Search

I get a lot of emails saying, eg, "I have Hep C and my dad has Lupus and Crohn's, and my mon's
hypothyroidal, what herbs can you recommend for that?" - I don't recommend herbs for that at all,
I give a list of referral sites and addresses for alternative healthcare associations. Here it is,
gathered over a couple of years:
Try the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP):
http://www.naturopathic.org
Or the American Herbalists Guild (AHG): http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com
Canadians can check the Canadian Naturopathic Association (NDA):
http://www.naturopathicassoc.ca
Then there's the Ontario Herbalists Association (OHA): http://www.herbalists.on.ca
Brits can look for member of the National Institute of Herbal Medicine (NIMH):
http://www.nimh.org.uk
Australians have the National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA):
http://www.nhaa.org.au
If you're in New Zealand check the New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists (NZAMH):
http://nzamh.org.nz
If you still can't find a practitioner near you, you can try the bulletin boards at your local coop
/ health food store / vegetarian restaurant / other similar place.
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Medicinal herbfaq: general info: Politics and herbal medicine
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The growing awareness of herbs is nothing but growing competition to profitable product lines - at
least if you're a pharmaceutical company. Which is why pharmacogiants do their very best to
spread FUD (Fear Uncertainty Doubt) about herbs and herbal medicine.
A case in point: the German kava debacle, leading to its banning in many countries without any
published details on the adverse effect cases whatsoever. In fact, these oh-so-dangerous adverse
effects were mostly due to meds taken together with or even instead of kava, or due to
pharmaceutical-type kava products (50+ % kavalactones, extracted with acetone? That's not a
herb, that's a med!).
Adverse effects from kava, the herb, extracted at 1:2 in 95 % ethanol are very rare. In fact, I'd
suggest the use of education (don't extract insanely high amounts of "active constituents", and
don't use toxic solvents) and common sense (stop using kava if you get the telltale scaly skin)
instead of legislation, to help clear up the rather few (and quite benign) adverse effects from kava,
the herb.
Kava, Piper methysticum, is a direct competitor to Paxil and other anti-anxiety agents. It's cheap,
can't be patented, and has next to no side effects. Oops.
Another case in point: headlines (and study conclusions) like "<herb> does not work" hide the fact
that the med compared in the same trial was way below placebo, too:
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/287/14/1807 - a better headline would have been
"<placebo> better than <herb> and <med>!" And this is but a single example of the multitude of
skewed research headlines that have been shouted over the rooftops over the last 6 years - ever
since St. John's wort made it big on 20/20, back in 1997. FUD. Fight it.
St. John's wort, Hypericum perforatum, is a direct competitor to Zoloft and other antidepressants.
In addition it's cheap (or even free - pick your own!), can't be patented, and has next to no side
effects. Oops.
How to know who's right and who's wrong, then? There's two types of medical journals, the biased
ones and the unbiased ones. This is my take on two of the big ones - the ones that get quoted in
headlines:
if the BMJ publishes something on alternative healthcare it's unbiased unless proven biased.
if JAMA publishes something on alternative healthcare it's biased against unless proven
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Medicinal herbfaq: general info: Politics and herbal medicine
unbiased.
I'm not saying there aren't quacks in herbal medicine - there are, foremost among them those that
take advantage of the desperate (like selling essiac to terminal cancer patients at exorbitant rates)
(those people are despicable), and the multitude of MLM'ers (multi level marketing biz people)
(these people are just clueless and annoying). And don't let me get started on the supplement
business ...
However, mainstream medicine and pharmaceutical companies aren't any angels either. Perhaps
they believe in what they are doing to alternative healthcare in general and herbal medicine in
particular, but that doesn't make them right.
So herbal medicine is under siege. And you generally see only the anti-herbal headlines, because
the ones critical to meds and MDs are hidden away as well as they ever can be. How then do you
find balancing information? Here's a few links. I hope they are as enlightening to you as they were
to me:
Oops - there goes unbiased medical research: http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/326/7400/1167
How to make new diseases for fun and profit. Nicholas Regush has collected some very
interesting links on his page: http://www.redflagsweekly.com/special_edition.html . Among
them these gems:
Drug companies and Female Sexual Dysfunction:
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/326/7379/45
Ritalin and ADD/ADHD:

http://www.house.gov/ed_workforce/hearings/106th/oi/ritalin92900/baughman.htm
Paxil and Social Anxiety Disorder (what used to be called shyness):

http://www.policyalternatives.ca/publications/articles/article315.html
Paxil and Generalized Anxiety Disorder:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4471963,00.html
A summary of the tactics pharmacogiants use to discredit herbal medicine:

http://www.rmhiherbal.org/review/2003-2.html
Too many doctors prescribe based on favors received from pharmaceutical companies:
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/326/7400/1189
You've heard of the quackwatch site. Here's something to put quackwatch into perspective:
http://www.quackpotwatch.org/opinionpieces/aaaaaaaa.htm
The morbidity and mortality site is downright scary, and very hard to find:
http://webmm.ahrq.gov
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Medicinal herbfaq: information sources: books
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Home > Herb FAQs > Medicinal herb FAQ > Information sources >

6.1 Good Books on Herbs and Herbal Medicine
Please also check Jonno's Herbal Bookworm page: http://www.herbological.com .

And let me know if I've left out -your- favorite book. Be aware, however, that I won't even
consider stinkers such as Tyler or Hutchens.

Real basics
Lesley Bremness: The Complete Book of Herbs - a practical guide to growing and using
herbs.
288 pages, paperback, 11.60 x 7.66". Penguin Studio, Sep 1994. ISBN 0140238026.
Listprice USD 22.
A good allround book for the beginner, it includes one-page articles on 100+ herbs, and a
wide variety of uses for them (culinary and medicinal uses, cleaning, beauty, etc.). There's
also a section on how to grow herbs. Lots of clear plant and how-to color pictures.
Richard Mabey: The New Age Herbalist - How to use herbs for healing, nutrition, body
care, and relaxation.
288 pages, 9.71 x 7.69". Fireside, Nov 1988. ISBN 068481577X. Listprice USD 22.
A beginner's herbal, lots of pictures, not as practical as the others, but still worthwile.
Andrew Chevallier: The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.
336 pages, 11.25 x 9". DK Publishing, Dec 2000. ISBN 0789467836. Listprice USD 40.
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Like all Dorling Kindersley books it's big on pictures, so it's good for beginners. This one
contains one-page articles on 100 plants (lots of pictures for each of these) and very short
paragraphs on 450 more (with pictures for about a third of them), in addition to the
obligatory history and making remedies bits. If you're out where there's no herb stores you
won't like it too much - there's far too many plants from TCM.
David Hoffmann: The Holistic Herbal - A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using
Herbal Remedies
288 pages, 9.66 x 7.44". Thorsons Pub, 4th ed., Jan 2003. ISBN 0007145411. Listprice USD
17.
The 1996 edition had 256 pages, of which 200+ half-page articles on single herbs and a
section on problems and herbal remedies by organ system. Also includes the usual how-tos teas, ointments, lozenges, etc. Very visual.
John Lust: The Herb Book.
700 pages, 6.84 x 4.2". Benedict Lust Publ., Jun 2001. ISBN 0879040556. Listprice USD 9.
Short notes on the medicinal use of a lot of herbs. Also tables you can look up things in.
Some black-and-white plant drawings.
Susun Weed: Healing Wise - Wise Woman Herbal.
312 pages, 8.44 x 5.52". Ash Tree Pub., Jul 1989. ISBN 0961462027, listprice USD 13.
In-depth information on seven very common herbs. Some black-and-white plant drawings.
Michael Tierra: The Way of Herbs.
416 pages, 9.31 x 6.19". Pocket Books, Aug 1998. ISBN 0671023276, listprice USD 17.00.
A beginner's herbal. No pictures.
Michael Tierra is online at: http://www.planetherbs.com/
James Green: The Herbal Medicine Maker's Handbook - A Home Manual.
384 pages, 10.62 x 8.48". Crossing Press, Dec 2000. ISBN 0895949903. Listprice 23 USD.
(I have his 40-page booklet on the theme, and find that the allround beginner's herbals cover
the topic distinctly better. This almost 400 page treatise might cover ground not found
elsewhere, though.)
Igor Vilevich Zevin: A Russian Herbal.
250 pages, 8.97 x 6.06". Inner Traditions Intl Ltd., Feb 1997. ISBN 0892815493. listprice
USD 15.
For a different view on how to use herbs (still beginner's level) get this book. Some
black-and-white plant drawings.
No longer in print (my but time flies!):
Penelope Ody: The Complete Medicinal Herbal.
192 pages, hardcover, 11.75 x 8". Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Jun 1993. ISBN
1-56458-187X. Listprice USD 30.
A good allround book for the beginner, with one-page articles on 120 plants, charts
that tell you which herbs to use for which problems, and the obligatory history and
making your own remedies bits. A very visual book.
Penelope Ody: Home Herbal - a practical family guide to making herbal remedies
for common ailments.
144 pages, hardcover or paperback, 9.75 x 7.75". Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Jun
1995. ISBN 1564588637. listprice USD 20.

A short introduction to making your own herbal remedies, and the ailments to use
them for. Lots of clear plant and how-to color pictures.
Christopher Hedley and Non Shaw: Herbal Remedies - A beginner's guide to
making effective remedies in the kitchen.
96 pages, 12.25 x 9.5". Parragon Jan 1999. ISBN 075252416X. Listprice GBP 7 or
so.
Very good recipes. It's down to earth and well-written, and you'll get to know (and
probably expand) your spice rack in ways you didn't expect when you bought your
spices. Lots of clear plant and how-to color pictures. I have both the original
hardcover and a later smaller paperback; the content is identical.
Often mentioned, but perhaps not really worth it:

(If you feel I'm wrong in my assessment of these books let me know why you disagree - my email
address is [email protected] (no fix)).
James A Duke: The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook - Your Everyday Reference to the
Best Herbs for Healing.
352 pages, 6.74 x 4.16". St. Martin's Press, Jun 2002. ISBN 0312981511. Listprice USD 7.
I have the 1997 edition of this. It's a book written by a researcher, not by a practitioner, and
it shows in some of the herbal recommendations. Don't trust it, get one of the books written
by a practitioner instead.
David Hoffmann: Medical Herbalism - The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine.
672 pages, 10.9 x 8.68". Inner Traditions Intl Ltd., Aug 2003. ISBN 0892817496. Listprice
USD 60.
I'm told (I don't have this book) that this is a reprint of the usual Hoffmann database with
scientific research thrown in. If that is indeed the case it's not all that much use to the
practising herbalist (scientific research on herbs being mostly theoretical), at least if you
already have a couple of Hoffmann's works. Add to that that it's very expensive - well, it's
not on my list of books to buy anytime soon. If you have this book, are a herbalist, see
clients, and disagree with this assessment, let me know.
Varro Tyler. Read Jonno's review of Tyler's "Honest herbal" and "Herbs of choice" to see
why Tyler's writings aren't respected by professional herbalists:
http://www.herbological.com/deconstructing.html .
If you want a good scientific book on herbs try Rudolf Fritz Weiss, MD, Herbal Medicine
(don't buy the "updated" version, stay with the original from 1988) (listed in entry 6.1.3,
In-depth books, by organ system)
The Complete German Commission E Monographs - Therapeutic Guide to Herbal
Medicines
This is a very expensive set of committee summaries (380 monographs, Listprice USD 189).
Jonno has reviewed the monographs; find his comments here:
http://www.herbological.com/understanding.html
Simon Mills, Kerry Bone: Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy - Modern Herbal
Medicine.
448 pages, 9.96 x 7.75". Churchill Livingstone, Nov 1999. ISBN 0443060169. Listprice
USD 83.
I'm told this book constantly praises the use of 1:1 extracts as made by Kerry Bone's
company MediHerb. If that's indeed the case it should be given away for free, not sold for
rather too much money.
Whatever, you're probably distinctly better off buying Simon Mill's earlier work, "Out of the
Earth" (also called "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"). And stay away from other
books by Kerry Bone, unless he's writing with co-authors who have the guts to put their
foots down about hidden marketing.
Volker Fintelmann, Rudolf Fritz Weiss: Herbal Medicine - second edition, revised and
expanded.
448 pages, 9.25 x 6.75". Thieme Medical Publ, 2nd ed., Aug 2000. ISBN 0865779708.
Listprice USD 59.
Stay FAR away from this rewrite.
Read Jonno's review if you want to know why: http://www.herbological.com/weiss.html
Field guides
Steven Foster, James A. Duke: A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern
and Central North America. (A Peterson guide).
424 pages, 7.22 x 4.48". Houghton Mifflin Co, 2nd revised ed., Dec 1999. ISBN
0395988144, listprice USD 19.
I have the 1990 edition, and it really has very little in the way of text. It's possible that the
1999 edition is distinctly better.
Jim Pojar, Andrew MacKinnon: Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast.
528 pages, 8.53 x 5.57". Lone Pine Publishing, Dec 1994. ISBN 1551050404. Listprice
USD 20.
You'll find the most common plants of the PNW USA, including photos, drawings, maps,
and short paragraphs on usage. It's an excellent field guide - we need more of this caliber.
One peeve: botanical works should always mention Genus species auct.; there's no auct in
this book.
Diving deeper
Michael Moore: Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West.
351 pages, 9.30 x 6.14". Museum of NM Press, Aug 2003. ISBN 0890134545. Listprice
USD 25.
Michael has rewritten the 1979 Mountain West book; it's now in the same format, with the
same depth of detail and with as many funnies as his extraordinary Pacific West book. Go
buy it.
Michael Moore: Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West.
359 pages, 9.23 x 6.14". Red Crane Books, 1993. ISBN 1878610317, listprice USD 22.5.
The single best book on medicinal plants I have seen to date. Don't let the title throw you,
it's got universal appeal. I use it, and I'm rather far away from the Pacific west.
Michael Moore: Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West.
200 pages, 8.48 x 5.48". Museum of NM Press, Apr 1990. ISBN 0890131821. Listprice
USD 15.
A good book on the medicinal uses of some southwestern herbs.
Michael Moore's books on medicinal herbs are very good and fun to read, too. You're in for
a treat if you haven't visited his homepage yet - he's got some good practitioner-level
booklets online, free for downloading: http://www.swsbm.com
Michael Moore: Los Remedios - Traditional Herbal Remedies of the Southwest.

108 pages, 8.47 x 5.48". Red Crane Books, Oct. 1990. ISBN 1878610066. Listprice USD
10.
If you ever decide to do a book on traditional medicinal uses of your local flora, check this
book to see how it's done. It's the only work in this genre (that I've seen) that includes a
paragraph labelled "usefulness" with the usual traditional uses.
Matthew Wood: The Book of Herbal Wisdom
250 pages, 9.05 x 6.05". North Atlantic Books, Sep 1997. ISBN 1556432321, listprice USD
19.
Well worth the price, as Matthew Wood opens a rather different point of view on plants. His
tales are sprinkled with personal experience and herbal wisdom. Very very good.
Gazmend Skenderi: Herbal Vade Mecum - 800 Herbs, Spices, Essential Oils, Lipids, Etc.
Constituents, Properties, Uses, and Caution.
496 pages, 8.86 x 6". Herbacy Press, Jun 2003. ISBN 0971320926. Listprice USD 25 plus
shipping. Available directly from the publisher: [email protected] . (better buy it there Amazon wants USD 50 for it - plus shipping, too, of course.)
Uses are given, dosages aren't - you need to know your plants before you use this book. It's a
very good materia medica for practitioners, focusing on the essential; beginners might not
do all that much with it, except they'd get solid, practical, sensible cautions for the listed
plants, instead of the usual overblown and overly theoretical ones. No pictures.
Janice Schofield: Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, Western Canada, The Northwest.
355 pages, 10.9 x 8.45". Alaska Northwest Books, 1998. ISBN 0882403699. Listprice USD
40.
A delightful book, it includes information on a lot of plants found up here in Finland, too.
Great pictures, lots of tried and true recipes, sensible medicinal uses - you need this book if
you live up north.
Janice Schofield: Alaska's Wild Plants.
95 pages, 8.02 x 4.55". Alaska Northwest Books, 1995. ISBN 0882404334. Listprice USD
13.
Compared to her excellent Discovering Wild Plants: this one is a tenth (or less) of the scope
and a third of the price. You makes your choice and you pays your price.
Thomas Bartram: Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - The Definitive Guide to
the Herbal Treatments of Diseases.
496 pages, 9.10 x 6.12". Marlowe & Company, Sep 2002. ISBN 1569245509. Listprice
USD 18.
A lot, and I do mean a LOT, of short notes on herbs, supplements, and diseases, listed
alphabetically. Very good as a repertory - a work which gives you treatment options for
diverse ailments. No pictures.
Maud Grieve: A Modern Herbal - Vol. 1, A-H, and Vol. 2, I-Z.

443 + 476 pages, 2 x 9.17 x 6.49". Dover Publ. 1971 reprint of the 1931 original. ISBN
0486227987 (I), 0486227995 (II), listprice USD 13 each.
A fairly good materia medica, especially for its history value. It's online too, scanned and
OCR'd in full by Ed Greenwood: http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/mgmh.html
Thorough but easy to understand descriptions of some plants and/or some organ systems
Janice Schofield: Nettles. (A Keats good herb guide).
96 pages, 6.77 x 4.18". McGraw-Hill, Jan 1998. ISBN 087983840X, listprice USD 5.
Despite the small format you'll get real in-depth information about that nicest of plants, the
stinging nettle. I can personally vouch for Henriette's Potato Mush, with nettles of course.
Excellent work!
Michael Moore: Herbs for the Urinary Tract. (A Keats good herb guide).
96 pages, 6.77 x 4.18". McGraw-Hill, Jan 1999. ISBN 0879838159, listprice USD 5.
A short but thorough introduction to the urinary tract and what gets it out of and back into
kilter.
Aviva Romm: ADHD Alternatives - A Natural Approach to Treating Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder.
128 pages, 8.49 x 5.54". Storey Books, Jul 2000. ISBN 1580172482. Listprice USD 13.
Christopher Hobbs: Medicinal Mushrooms - An Exploration of Tradition, Healing &
Culture.
264 pages, 9.38 x 6.66". Book Pub Co, 2003. ISBN 1570671435, listprice 19 USD.
It's _the_ book on medicinal mushrooms. Go get it, it's good.
Christopher Hobbs: Natural Therapy for your Liver: Herbs and Other Natural Remedies
for a Healthy Liver. 128 pages, 2002, ISBN1583331328, listprice USD 10.
Christopher Hobbs: Vitex, the Women's Herb. 95 pages, 2003, ISBN 1570671575,
listprice USD 8.
Accurate and balanced booklets.
He's online here: http://christopherhobbs.com
Steven Foster's botanical booklets. Web site here: http://www.stevenfoster.com
No longer in print - a shame really:

Paul Bergner: The Healing Power of Garlic
304 pages, 8.25 x 5.50". Prima Publishing, Oct 1995. ISBN 0761500987, listprice
USD 16.
Paul Bergner: The Healing Power of Ginseng and the Tonic Herbs
288 pages, 8.75 x 5.25". Prima Publishing, May 1996. ISBN 0761504729. Listprice
USD 15.
Paul Bergner: The Healing Power of Echinacea, Goldenseal and other Immune
system herbs
336 pages, 8.75 x 5.50". Prima Publishing, Feb 1997. ISBN 0761508090, listprice
USD 15.
Paul Bergner: The Healing Power of Minerals, Special Nutrients, and Trace
Elements.
320 pages, 8.50 x 5.75". Prima Publishing, Jul 1997. ISBN 0761510214, listprice
USD 15.
These are very good in-depth books both about the herbs and the organ systems
involved. Get them if you can.
Paul Bergner is the editor of Medical Herbalism (see the professional level journal
list, ch.6.3.2). He has a website at http://www.medherb.com.
6.1.2 Specialty books: women's herbals, men's

herbals etc.
Let's get gender-specific:
Rosemary Gladstar: Herbal Healing for Women - simple home remedies for women of all
ages.
304 pages, 9.17 x 7.35". Fireside Books, Nov 1993. ISBN 0671767674, listprice USD 14.
A very good book on herbs and women's health - and at that price it's a steal.
Rosemary Gladstar's website is at http://www.sagemountain.com
Amanda McQuade Crawford: Herbal Remedies for Women.

304 pages, 9.23 x 7.41. Prima Health, 1997. ISBN 0761509801. Listprice USD 20.
A very good book on herbs and women's health.
Ruth Trickey: Women, Hormones & The Menstrual Cycle - Herbal & Medical Solutions
from Adolescence to Menopause.
680 pages, 9.22 x 6.68". Allen & Unwin, 2nd ed., Apr 2004. ISBN 186508980X. Listprice
USD 30.
A good book about the hormonal system and what gets it out of and back into balance.
Learn how to remedy, for instance, endometriosis, fibroids, or painful menses with diet,
herbs and supplements.
My copy of this book (1st ed.) is misbound (parts are upside down and, obviously,
back-to-front), and the publisher promised me a new copy over a year ago. Haven't seen it
yet. Tut tut, bad publisher.
Amanda McQuade Crawford: The Herbal Menopause Book.
224 pages, 9.10 x 7.08". Crossing Press, Oct 1996. ISBN 0895947994, listprice USD 17.
Great notes on menopausal discomforts, and how to remedy them.
Susun Weed: New Menopausal Years, the Wise Woman Way.
304 pages, 8.42 x 5.52". Ash Tree Pub., rev. ed., Nov 2001. ISBN 1888123036. Listprice
USD 13.
Susun Weed: Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year.
196 pages, 8.42 x 5.52". Ash Tree Pub., Jun 1985. ISBN 0961462000. Listprice USD 10.
Susun Weed: Breast Cancer, Breast Health, the Wise Woman Way.
380 pages, 8.42 x 5.52". Ash Tree Pub., Mar 1997. ISBN 0961462078. Listprice USD 15.
Susun has her own very wise way of looking at things. You buy one first, and then you go
out of your way to get the others when you or somebody close to you needs them.
Susun is online here: http://www.susunweed.com
No longer in print:
Anne McIntyre: The Complete Women's Herbal - a manual of healing herbs and
nutrition for personal well-being and family care
287 pages, 10 x 7.75". Henry Holt & Co., Jan 1995. ISBN 0805035370, listprice USD
25.
A very good book on herbs and women's health.
James Green: The Male Herbal - health care for men and boys
278 pages, 9 x 6". Crossing Press, Apr 1991. ISBN 0895944588, listprice USD 15.
The only book about herbs for men that I've seen so far.
Kids
Aviva Romm: Naturally Healthy Babies and Children - a Commonsense Guide to Herbal
Remedies, Nutrition, and Health.
2000, Storey Books, Pownal, Vermont, USA. ISBN 1-58017-285-7, listprice USD 17.
A good, practical, all-round book for parents.
Linda B. White, MD, and Sunny Mavor: Kids, Herbs and Health - practical solutions for
your child's health, from birth to puberty.
1998, Interweave Press, Loveland, CO, USA. ISBN 1-883010-53-5, listprice USD 22.
Another look at herbs for kids, this combines the conventional approach with the herbal one.
Pets
Mary L. Wulff-Tilford and Gregory L. Tilford: Herbs for Pets.

1999, BowTie Press, Irvine, CA, USA. ISBN 1-889540-64-1, list price USD 30.
A blockbuster of a book, this really is worth getting. It includes, among other things, 200
pages of herbal materia medica for pets with glorious pictures, and notes on diet for dogs
and cats.
Cancer
There are three books on cancer and herbal medicine for the serious herbalist. These will help you
understand the research. They also make it easy to see what's real and what's hype around herbs for
cancer:
Donald Yance: Herbal Medicine, Healing & Cancer.
1999, Keats Publishing, Lincolnwood, Ill, USA. ISBN 0-87983-968-6, listprice USD 22.
John Boik: Cancer & Natural Medicine - A Textbook of Basic Science and Clinical
Research.
1995, Oregon Medical Press, Princeton, Minnesota, US. ISBN 0-9648280-0-6.
John Boik: Natural Compounds in Cancer Therapy.
2001, Oregon Medical Press, Minnesota, USA, http://www.ompress.com . ISBN
0-9648280-1-4.
If you want to get some knowledge about TCM, but keep your western herbalist bias:
Steven Foster + Yue Chongxi: Herbal Emissaries - bringing Chinese Herbs to the West.
1992, Healing Arts Press, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-89281-349-0, listprice USD 17.
Very thorough description of Chinese plants (with growing instructions) for us Westerners.
(I LIKE books with more than 2 pages per plant. These guys use about 6 pages per...)
... or the other way around:
Michael Tierra: Planetary Herbology - An Integration of Western Herbs into the
Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic Systems.
Lotus Press, Santa Fe, NM, USA. ISBN 0-941524-27-2, listprice USD 18.

There's a very good series of books on how to turn a herb enthusiast into a cottage industry: the
bootstrap guides(at www.bootstraps.com). They're practical, down to earth, and they tell you not
only what plants will sell but also what kind of American bureaucracies you need to look out for.
They are:
Lee Sturdivant: Profits from your backyard herb garden
1995, San Juan Naturals, PO Box 642, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USA. ISBN
0-9621635-3-8, listprice USD 11.
Starting with a smallish herb garden, this book tells you what you need to know in order to
sell fresh herbs to local restaurants and markets.
Lee Sturdivant and Tim Blakley: Medicinal Herbs in the Garden, Field and Marketplace
0-9621635-7-0, listprice USD 25.
The first half of the book gives a view into successful herb businesses, the second part tells
you how to grow herbs for the bulk trade - machinery, techniques, hints and tips, and
growing and picking specific plants. At the very end of the book you'll find contact
information of some American tincture and tea makers, including what plants they need and
how to approach them.
Lee Sturdivant: Herbs for sale
0-9621635-2-X, listprice USD 15.
Interesting views into diverse successful herb businesses.
Not in the same series, this one comes from the other side of the world:
Greg Whitten: Herbal Harvest
Bloomings Books, The Stables, 21 Isabella Grove, Hawthorn Victoria, Australia 3122.
ISBN 1876473045.
(review by Rosemary Jones:) Just got a copy from the publisher and it seems to answer most
questions on the bulk processing of herbs for commercial use. How to build drying sheds
and so on. The farming advice is geared towards Australia but could work elsewhere with
some modification.
If you're in the US you can order it from Rosemary (healingpgs.aol.com or Healing Pages
1-800-561-2909) and save on freight. Or order it straight from the publisher.
Simon Y. Mills: The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine.

1993, Arkana, Penguin Books, London, UK. First published under the title "Out of the
Earth", by Viking Arkana 1991. ISBN 014-019309X. Listprice GBP 15.00, USD 17.
Excellent in-depth information for the practitioner.
Daniel B. Mowrey: Herbal Tonic Therapies.
1993, Keats Publishing Inc., New Canaan, Connecticut, USA. ISBN 0-87983-565-6,
listprice USD 15.
Good information on the use of mild tonic herbs, organized by organ system.
David Hoffmann: The New Holistic Herbal
1991 (3rd edition), Element Books Ltd, UK. ISBN 1-85230-193-7, listprice 17 USD.
David Hoffmann: An Elders' Herbal - Natural Techniques for Promoting Health and
Vitality
1993, Healing Arts Press, Vermont. ISBN 0-89281-396-2, listprice USD 18.
David Hoffmann: The Herbal Handbook: A user's guide to medical herbalism.
1988, Healing Arts Press. ISBN 0-89281-782-8, listprice 15 USD.
I don't think it really matters which of David's books you get - they seem quite similar, one
and all. So go for the newest, or the cheapest, or the prettiest cover picture - but don't go out
and buy them all.
An online Materia Medica, by Hoffmann:
http://www.healthy.net/clinic/therapy/herbal/herbic/herbs/index.html . Therapeutics to go
with that: http://www.healthy.net/clinic/therapy/herbal/prevent/body/index.html . - The
healthy.net site is spamming everybody and their uncle. Whatever you do, don't give them your email
address; if you do, they'll spam you forever and ever.
He's also made a good herbal CD-ROM. Review here: section 6.5.4.
Priest & Priest: Herbal Medication, A Clinical and Dispensary Handbook.

1982, L.N.Fowler & Co. Ltd., Essex, UK. ISBN 01-85243-368-9.
Great notes for the herbal practitioner.
So you're a mainstream medical professional with an interest in herbs? Try these:

Rudolf Fritz Weiss, MD: Herbal Medicine.
1988. AB Arcanum, Gothenburg, Sweden / Beaconsfield Publishers, Beaconsfield, UK.
ISBN 0-906584-19-1. Expensive!
Translated from the sixth German edition of Lehrbuch der Phytotherapie. Written by one of
-the- experts on herbal medicine in Germany, it's a gem for practising herbalists and MDs
interested in herbs. Don't buy the "updated" version, stay with the original from 1988.
Francis Brinker: Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2. edition.
1998. Eclectic Medical Publications. ISBN 1888483067, USD 19.95.
It's just what it says on the title, and it's written by a ND who works with herbs. What more
can I say? Buy it.
Steven G. Ottariano: Medicinal Herbal Therapy.

1999, Nicolin Fields Publishing, Portsmouth, NH, USA. ISBN 0-9637077-6-0, listprice
USD 14.95
A pretty good summary for the MD or pharmacist who wants to know more about herbs.
6.1.4 Chinese herbs, or TCM (Traditional

Chinese Medicine)
Dan Bensky, Andrew Amble, Ted Kaptchuk: Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica,
2nd. edition.
1993, Eastland Press, Inc., Seattle, WA. ISBN 0939616157.
The standard Materia Medica for western-trained TCM practitioners.
Dan Bensky, Andall Barolet: Chinese Herbal Medicine Formulas & Strategies, 1st. edition.
1990, Eastland Press, Inc., Seattle, WA. ISBN 0939616106.
The companion Formulary.
Roger Wicke: TCHS vol. 1, The Language and Patterns of Life, USD 55
Roger Wicke: TCHS vol. 2, Herbs, Strategies and Case Studies, USD 55
These are the two major textbooks for the Rocky Mountain Herbal Institute's Chinese
herbology course. Description, table of contents and brief excerpts at:
http://www.rmhiherbal.org/a/c.publ.rmhi.html
While Roger, in these books, tries to integrate western physiological understanding of TCM
theory where possible, the major focus is on using Chinese herbs according to the traditional
TCM clinical rules (any other way simply doesn't work as well, as verified by clinical
studies in several countries).
> starting a course of acupuncture and Chinese herbology -- does anyone know any good books on
this subject?
From healingpgs.aol.com (HealingPgs):
Read Ted Kaptchuk's The Web That Has No Weaver. Most of the Seattle acupuncture
schools use this as a first year text and it's a lovely, intelligent explanation of the basics of
TCM. The herb book that is most popular with our local acupuncturists is Dagmar Ehling's
Chinese Herbalist Handbook. It's laid out in a very user-friendly fashion. The big herbal
reference works for most Western trained acupuncturists are the Eastland Press books by
Dan Bensky -- they are probably available through your school bookstore.
Medicinal herbfaq: information sources: books for further studies
Search

6.2 Good Books for further studies
So now you feel you've read enough books, but you're still glassy-eyed from reading the
'constituents' -part of the books (or the various ailment descriptions) - time to go shopping for
some (literally) (pun intended) heavier stuff:
If you're a practising herbalist:
Harvey Wickes Felter, John Uri Lloyd: King's American Dispensatory, in two volumes.
1898, 18th edition, 3rd revision. Reprinted 1993, Eclectic Medical Publications, OR, USA.
Phone 1-800-332-4372. No ISBN number.
http://www.eclecticherb.com/emp/historicalresearch.html Listprice USD 285.
This one lists everything they knew about plants (and chemicals used in medicine) back
then, and does it exhaustively. It is REALLY good.
It's online here: http://ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/intro.html - that's all plant-related
entries.
If you're a pharmacognosist or pharmacist with an interest in herbs:
Norman Grainger Bisset (Ed.): Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals, A Handbook for
Practice on a Scientific Basis.
Translation of Max Wichtl (Ed.): Teedrogen (see next entry).
1994, CRC Press. Very expensive.
This book has 181 monographs on European herbs with descriptions and photographs of the
herbs, with lists of constituents, indications, side-effects, delivery system, method for
authenticating the herb (usually a TLC), and the quantitative standards of the European
pharmacaopeias where it is listed as official. Although it does not explain mode of action,
this is a technical, and scientific book of excellent quality and a must for serious herbal
students. It is also expensive as are all CRC books. (kathjokl.aol.com)
Max Wichtl (Hrsg.): Teedrogen, ein Handbuch fuer die Praxis auf wissenschaftlicher
Grundlage. 2., erweiterte, ueberarbeitete Auflage
1989, Wissensch.VG., Stuttgart, Germany. ISBN 3-8047-1009-3, listprice DEM 198.
It's expensive in the original, too, but still a good reference for pharmacognosists and
pharmacists.
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Medicinal herbfaq: information sources: books for further studies
Trease + Evans: Pharmacognosy, 13th edition.

1989, Bailliere Tindall, London.
There is a great deal of chemistry involved in this book but again it is an excellent reference
if this is the type of information you want. (kathjokl.aol.com)
Then you might want:

A basic chemistry textbook.
A good biochemistry textbook.
A good anatomy/physiology textbook (good to put you to sleep, too).
The Anatomy Coloring Book.
The Physiology Coloring Book.
The latest Merck Manual, which lists main illnesses plaguing mankind - not for us
hypochondriacs. You might need a Medicinese - English dictionary to understand it. The
Merck Manual (17th edition) is now on the web:
http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual/sections.htm
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-6-2-books-more.html (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:38:50 PM]
Medicinal herbfaq: information sources: periodicals
Search

6.3 Good Periodicals
Also check FTP ftp.ibiblio.org
/pub/academic/medicine/alternative-healthcare/herbal-references/literature/herb-journals .
Robyn has a list of journals on her page, too: www.rrreading.com
You'll find a list of alternative healthcare journals (only one on herbs) here:
http://www.healthwwweb.com/journals.html
The Herb Companion

The Herb Companion, KS, USA. http://www.herbcompanion.com
Bimonthly, USD 20/year or USD 39/2 years (foreign USD 30/year or USD 59/2 years).
Mainly herb gardening and culinary uses of herbs.
HerbalGram (Journal of the American Botanical Council and the Herb Research
Foundation)
American Botanical Council, TX, USA http://www.herbalgram.org
Quarterly, USD 50/yr. (Foreign USD 70/yr).
Technical and scientific, ethnobotany, latest medical research.
Do check Jonathan Treasure's in-depth reviews of Tyler's books and the Comm. E.
monographs before you let this journal talk you into buying them:
http://www.herbological.com/
Herbs for Health.
Herbs for Health, KS, USA. http://www.herbsforhealth.com
Bimonthly, USD 20/year or USD 39/2 years (foreign USD 30/year or USD 59/2 years).
The American Herb Association Quarterly Newsletter
American Herb Association, CA, USA. http://www.ahaherb.com
Subscriptions: USD 35/supporting, USD 20/regular membership per year.
North East Herb Association Newsletter.
email: northeastherbal . hotmail.com
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Subscriptions: USD 30-USD 100/yr depending on what you can afford.

The United Plant Savers newsletter
United Plant Savers, VT, USA. http://unitedplantsavers.org
USD 35 - USD 100 sliding scale.
The Herb Quarterly
San Anselmo, CA, USA. http://www.herbquarterly.com/
Quarterly, ISSN 0163-9900, USD 19.95/year (internet price). (Canada and Mexico add USD
5, other foreign add USD 7).
Herbs at Home Magazine,
Ontario, Canada. http://www.herbsathomemagazine.com/ - (link dead 12Apr04, perhaps the whole mag is
gone? -Henriette)
Quarterly, USD/CAD 15/year, USD/CAD 27/2 years.
6.3.2 For professional herbalists (emphasis on case

studies)
These lead the field:
Medical Herbalism
Bergner Communications, Boulder, CO, USA. http://www.medherb.com - back issues
available as single issues, as a bound volume, by online subscription, or on CD.
Subscription by year; 4 issues per; USD 36 (US), 39 (Canada), 45 (overseas). Credit cards
accepted.
The European Journal of Herbal Medicine.
National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH), Exeter, UK, Europe.
Their website http://www.ejhm.co.uk/ includes full articles of issues 1-3, and TOC of later
issues.
Subscription by volume; 3 issues per; GBP 19.50 (UK), 24.50 (EC), 29.50 (overseas). They
don't take Visa, but check or money-order is OK.
Journal of the American Herbalists Guild
http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/
Subscription by year; 2 issues per; USD 45 (US), 60 (foreign).
The Modern Phytotherapist.
MediHerb Pty Ltd., Qld., Australia. http://www.mediherb.com.au/
Subscription by year; 2-3 issues per; AUD 33 (straya), 40 (overseas).
Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism
National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA), NSW, Australia.
http://www.nhaa.org.au
Subscription by year; 4 issues per; AUD 220 (full members (practitioners)) + AUD 30
joining fee; AUD 55 (students) + AUD 10 joining fee; AUD 110.50 (supporting members) +
AUD 20 joining fee. Overseas + AUD 15 (rates per 0700)
The British Journal of Phytotherapy - sorry, no info - I'll add an URL if and when they get
around to getting one.
This one I don't know:

The Canadian Journal of Herbalism
Ontario Herbalists Association, Ontario, Canada. http://www.herbalists.on.ca/journal/
Subscription CAD 40.00; I don't know how many issues a year or a volume.
Auf Deutsch:
Zeitschrift der Phytotherapie
Stuttgart, Germany. http://www.phytotherapy.org/presse/zeitschr.htm - einige Volltext
Artikel, a few full-text articles even in English. The publisher's page is here:
http://www.thieme.de/phyto/index.html
Not really worth it; unless you're interested in phytotherapy as opposed to herbal therapy, ie.
scientific studies as opposed to hands-on experience.
6 issues per year, EUR 62 + Versandkosten.
These are secondary in importance to the practitioner:
The Protocol Journal of Botanical Medicine - this journal is no more. Do buy used journals,
if you can find them.
The Eclectic Medical Journals
P.O. Box 936, Sandy, OR 97055 USA.
Subscriptions: USD 84/yr for 6 issues.
Comment stolen from an article by Jonathan Treasure: '... the articles in The Eclectic
Medical Journals, while giving a useful insight into the grass-roots of the Eclectic
movement, hardly justify their annual cost of USD 84 subscription to the average
practitioner.'
Planta Medica http://www.thieme.de/plantamedica/fr_inhalt.html
Fitoterapia http://www.indena.com/fitoterapia_profile.asp and

http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/620051/description
Economic Botany http://www.econbot.org/home.html
And any other journals which consistently pop up when you do a medline or napralert search (see
next section). They should be available at your local university. Subscription rates for these
journals run into hundreds, if not thousands of dollars a year, so they are rather out of reach for
people, institutions and companies without a sizeable literature budget.
Medicinal herbfaq: information sources: commercial databases
Search

6.4.1 Napralert
There's an introduction to NAPRALERT on this www page:
http://info.cas.org/ONLINE/DBSS/napralertss.html
Mary Lou Quinn, Managing Director, NAPRALERT, states the difference between Medline and
Napralert as follows:
"NAPRALERT is and always has been restricted to world literature regarding natural products.
Medline is not restricted. Just as one example, if you query NAPRALERT on the key word
AMYGDALIN, you will get only that literature pertaining to the compound AMYGDALIN
(otherwise known as LAETRILE).
If you query Medline, not only will you get the above, but you will also get lots of articles dealing
with the Amygdala of the brain, anatomy, physiology, etc. It has never been NAPRALERT'S goal
to be all inclusive regarding medical science. However, if you want the most comprehensive
database on Medicinal plants and Natural products, then NAPRALERT is the way to go."
Quoted from the NAPRALERT information package:
"Napralert (NAtural PRoducts ALERT) is a relational database of world literature on the chemical
constituents and pharmacology of plant, microbial and animal (primarily marine) extracts.
It's housed and maintained by the Program for Collaborative Research in the Pharmaceutical
Sciences, within the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, in the College of
Pharmacy of the University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 South Wood Street (M/C 877), Chicago, IL
60612, U.S.A.
Phone (312)-996-2246, Fax (312)-996-7107."
And here is what it'll cost you:
You can access Napralert by paying bulk rate (subscribing) or by paying per question. Annual
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-6-4-databases.html (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 3:38:52 PM]
subscription fee for individual user with no ties to government agencies, small or large businesses,
research institutes or libraries: USD 100, of which half gets you manuals, a user ID/password, and
limited disk storage space, and the other half gets you answers (at USD 0.75 per reference
obtained).
Per question rate: USD 25 + USD 0.75 per reference obtained.
Off-line (snailmail rate): USD 25 + USD 0.75 per reference obtained.
NAPRALERT is also available on-line through STN in the US, Europe and Asia.
6.4.2 Medline
You can get free Medline access here http://www4.infotrieve.com/newmedline/adv_search.asp or
here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/
One has the niftier search engine, while the other will tell you right away if it was 'in vitro' or 'in
vivo'. (Why is that important? Section 5.1.8 in this FAQ has a nice introduction to the ins and outs
of herbal research.)
There is, of course, a caveat with depending on a (a bit skewed) database like Medline: you won't
get much outside of the 'white' world; you won't get much outside of English language, you won't
get much of the multitude of (occasionally very useful) far-out research. And it helps to add a
keyword like 'herb' or 'plant' to your search. Medline is not made for herbalists, it's made for MDs.
Live with it, but learn where to get hands-on information, as well. Like the practitioner-level
journals I mention in the 'Good Periodicals' -part of this FAQ (section 6.3.2).
Comment by Mark D. Gold (mgold.holisticmed.com):
"I find it (Medline) a very useful tool. But it is important to realize that there are several articles
which warn about the "dangers" of herbs (particularly in JAMA) which are little more than
inaccurate hatchet jobs."
6.4.3 Ingenta
Another commercial database of scientific journals; it's Carl Uncover in new clothes (well, they
merged). Good selection of herbal articles. Enable javascript for the search engine.
http://www.ingenta.com
6.4.4 IBIDS
IBIDS is a database where you can search for scientific articles on herbs and supplement. From the
NIH (National Institute of Health), Office of Dietary Supplements:
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/IBIDS/index.html
Medicinal herbfaq: information sources: programs
Search

6.5 Herb programs
In my www space (here: http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/programs/) and my FTP space (FTP to
ibiblio.org, cd to /pub/academic/medicine/alternative-healthcare/herbal-medicine/programs/) you'll
find olde DOS programs, made before even Win3.1 really took off (Herb power, v.2.1; Herb
Power, v.3.0; Dr. Weed's E-herbal guide v. 3.0; Healing power of herbs, v.2.0; The Herbal
Browser, v.1.0; Herbage, v.1.0; Health, v.5.2). They're all shareware or demoversions which have
bigger brothers you can buy. Now, five to six years later (06Jun01), they're _really_ pathetic.
For more recent herbal programs try a search for 'herb', 'plant' or 'botanical' on one of the larger
shareware sites, like http://www.shareware.com/, http://itprodownloads.com/,
http://www.winsite.com/search/ or http://www.download.com/
A few links to get you started:
Get the demo of HerbBase, an empty database structure ready for you to fill up:
http://www.DynamicArray.com.au
Zentrum Publishing has a few programs, here:
http://www.self-realization.com/alternative_medicine_software.htm (Wellness, v.1.84,
Naturheilkunde, v.1.8, Herbs v.1.2, Side Effects v.1.0).
Vitamaster, v.?, is found here: http://www.vita-master.com/software.html
6.5.1 Commercial Herbprograms

From Paul Bergner <bergner.concentric.net> 29Jun96:
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-6-5-programs.html (1 of 4) [5/10/2004 3:38:53 PM]
Christopher Hobbs' Herbal Prescriber. Info: Botanica Press, 10226 Empire Grade, Santa
Cruz, CA 95060 (408) 457 9095
- It comes on 5 diskettes, for Windows 3.1 only. About 36.95 USD.
It's the best software yet on medical herbalism. It's thorough, clinically based, and
inexpensive. It has therapeutic information from the Eclectic works, and also from German
texts that have not been translated into English.
Comment from Henriette: the information certainly is reliable. However, the interface isn't
all that good - there is no 'automatic' closing of the current window, so if you want to look at
something else, and neglect to click the various 'ok' buttons, you get a 'beep' and nothing
else. Frustrating.
CD-ROMs:
The Herbalist, ver.2.0, by David L. Hoffmann, CD-Rom database, listprice USD 54.95,
DOS, Windows31, Mac.
Available from Hopkins Technology, 421 Hazel Lane, Hopkins, MN 55343-7116. Phone
612-931-9376 or 800-397-9211.
More info found at http://www.hoptechno.com/herbmm.htm.
"The Herbalist" was made before crosslinking really took off, but it has a nice index/search
engine. It gives you fast access to thorough plant / ailment information. As a bonus there's
pronounciations of some plant Latin - the British way. HeK evaluation: Excellent.
This is the best herbal therapeutics program on the market.
Traditional Chinese Medicine & Pharmacology. Hopkins Technology (as above).
Listprice USD 54.95.
More info found at http://www.hoptechno.com/cherbal.htm.
Well worth the price, if you do have some basic knowledge about Traditional Chinese
Medicine. I can't say how good it is if you really know your Chinese herbs, but for my
knowledge of TCM (basic) it's perfect.
The Herbal Pharmacy, ver. 1.2, with Brigitte Mars; CD-Rom database, listprice USD 43,
Win95. (no longer offered on brigittemars.com - 22Dec03)
Available from Hale Enterprises, 2507 North Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80304. Phone
(303)-938-0840, fax (303) 938-0839.
More info found at http://www.brigittemars.com
"The Herbal Pharmacy" consists of a Materia medica (300 herbs) and a Formulary (100
formulas). It is extensively crosslinked, well organized, and includes a score of ways to
search for information. There's goodies all over the program: for example, if you add your
own notes these will be crosslinked, too. The information is quite reliable - Brigitte Mars
has been a practitioner for 16 years. HeK evaluation: Excellent.
This is the best herbal materia medica / formulary program on the market.
The Interactive Herbal, with Dr. Terri Willard; CD-Rom database, published by The
Follgard Group Inc. The CD is available on the web at
http://www.cdromshop.com/cdshop/desc/p.779810113001.html
At first glance "The Interactive Herbal" is a nicely done CD-Rom, with some multimedia
and a medium-sized database. However, a closer look is disappointing:

The "Formulas" section (54 so-called formulas) is severely lacking (there are no
amounts given), and not too homogenous (one aromatherapy entry, three
homeopathy, 8 TCM, 9 vitamin/nutrient...). HeK evaluation: Don't bother.
The "Diet" section (57 regimens) compounds the frustration by telling you to use
these formulas, in almost every single diet regimen. How -can- you, if you cannot
make them? It made me wonder who the CD was made for, and what the purpose of it
really is - to sell preparations? HeK evaluation: Don't bother.
The "Herb" section gives details on 141 herbs, including herbs both from the western
tradition and from TCM; here you'll even find some working formulas. HeK
evaluation: So-so.
The "Ailment" section gives thumbnail sketches of 124 ailments or disorders, outlines
therapeutic approaches, and recommends herbs, vitamins/nutrients, and formulas.
This is the most useful part of the CD. HeK evaluation: So-so.
There is no search capability at all. Also, the index of herbs is by common name only, and if
you cannot guess that you're out of luck.
The Interactive Herbal needs -extensive- changes before it's as good as its introduction
screen promises.
The Herbal Remedies CD-ROM, v.2.1, published by PhytoPharm Consulting GmbH.
A German CD-ROM, seen from a phytopharmaceutical viewpoint. USD 99 / DEM 149.
The database is divided into two main parts:
a Materia medica (which lists, in addition to basic plant information, latin name
synonyms -and- variations - quite smart, that.). HeK evaluation: Good.
a drug information sheet - instead of "Aesculus hippocastanum" we get "Hippocastani
semen", with preparations, constituents, and indications. HeK evaluation: Good.
In addition to above, the "indications" search page needs mentioning. This contains five
alphabetical lists of ailments, with links to above drug sheets. If you wish to see what
"BfArM", "ICD10", "Homeopathic", "Asian" or "Other" (no "all" possible,
sorry) recommends for, say, "migraine", you'll get a choice of drug information sheets for
each. I have not been able to find an explanation for the terms "BfArM" or "ICD10" in the
database. If you, once you've selected a drug sheet, click on ICD10, you'll be baffled with
further unexplained remarks, like "170", or "N 41". These need to be explained somewhere
as they are not self-evident (unless you're a German physician?).
MD's and ND's take note - this one is for you.
IBIS 99, CD-ROM, published by Integral Medicinal Arts Group Inc. (IMA).
A program for the practitioner, it's divided into four major parts:
Therapeutics - subdivided by modality; among others diagnosis, herbs, nutrition,
TCM (herbs and needles), and homeopathics. HeK evaluation: Excellent.
Materia Medica - the same subdivision as for Therapeutics. In addition to the
expected information sheets there's also patient handouts.
The herbal information is a weird concoction - some (of the about 300) entries have
nothing but the name, others have name, dosage, and cautions, still others have full
information including what to use it for, which part to use, how much of it, etc. If you
still need to look up herbs this one won't help too much - except on the interactions,
cautions and contraindications side. HeK evaluation: So-so.
I can't say how good the TCM, homeopathy or flower remedy parts of the Materia
medica are; they're not in my area of expertise.
Notes - the same subdivision as for Therapeutics. Enter your own notes here; it's
easiest to import information from .html files as the editing functions are quite
modest. HeK evaluation: So-so.
Patients - keep your patients' visits straight. HeK evaluation: Excellent.
Do remember to make backups of the files the program generates for you when you add
things to the notes or to the patient info. Otherwise a fatal disk crash (not generated by IBIS
- that's a very stable program; but I use Win98...) might mean that you have to re-enter
everything from scratch.
All in, I think this is a pretty good package for the practitioner - at least, if you're a herbalist
and already know your herbs. At the current price of USD 200 (previously USD 700) it's
now affordable. (USD 700 for clinics (3+ workstations); USD 150 for students.)
More info here: http://www.ibismedical.com/
Interactions 1.01, CD-ROM, published by Integral Medicinal Arts Group Inc. (IMA).
Besides containing good in-depth information about the interactions of some 3-400 drugs, a
respectable amount of nutrients, and about 20 of the most talked about herbs, it also includes
a short section on herbal pharmacodynamics. HeK evaluation: Pretty good.
A pretty good package for the price (USD 100).
More info here: http://www.ibismedical.com/
Medical Herbalism Resource Disc, CD-ROM.

Paul Bergner's excellent journal Medical Herbalism is now available on a CD-ROM, as
.html and .pdf -files. Both contain the complete set of back issues. While the links in the
html part aren't always correct (the files are there, but the links don't always point to them),
the pdf files work very nicely indeed. HeK evaluation: Pretty good.
Price USD 59.
Considering that the back issues on paper are priced at USD 99/149, and that the
information in this format is searchable and well indexed, it's a bargain.
Also included on this CD-ROM, in the same .pdf and .html formats, are King's American
Dispensatory (from my site, here: http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/intro.html
(used with my permission)) and William Cook's Physiomedical Dispensatory (available on
the Medical Herbalism site, see below).
More info here: http://www.medherb.com/MHHOME.SHTML
Medicinal herbfaq: information sources: other online sources
Search

Among the goodies you'll find herbal mailing list and newsgroup archives, Michael Moore's files,
and some nice WWW pages.
6.6.1 FTP sites with info on medicinal herbs:

ibiblio herb archives
Try this: ftp ibiblio.org /pub/academic/medicine/alternative-healthcare/herbal-medicine/ or ftp
sunSITE.sut.ac.jp /pub/academic/medicine/alternative-healthcare/herbal-medicine/.
More here: ftp ibiblio.org /pub/academic/agriculture/sustainable_agriculture/gardening/ or here:
ftp sunsite.sut.ac.jp /pub/academic/agriculture/sustainable_agriculture/gardening/.
Still more: ftp ibiblio.org
pub/academic/agriculture/sustainable_agriculture/gardening/gardening-faqs/ or ftp sunsite.sut.ac.jp
/pub/academic/agriculture/sustainable_agriculture/gardening/gardening-faqs/
And you'll find a wealth of herbal information here - unfortunately not very well organized, but if
you do have the time to browse you'll find it is a treasuretrove: ftp ibiblio.org
/pub/academic/medicine/alternative-healthcare/herbal-references/ or ftp sunSITE.sut.ac.jp
/pub/academic/medicine/alternative-healthcare/herbal-references/
6.6.2 Interesting WWW pages

I'll only list the most important herbal WWW pages here. You'll find the rest of the good sites
from links on Howie's and my pages. And you should use a search engine to look for information
on specific plants.
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Medicinal herbfaq: information sources: other online sources
Michael Moore's homepage: http://www.swsbm.com , the Southwest School of Botanical

Medicine.
Have a good look at all the goodies; if you are not a beginner, get the big textfiles - Herbal
Materia Medica, Herbal Repertory, Herbal/Medical Dictionary, Herbal-Medical
Contraindications, Specific Indications, Herbal Tinctures, Herbal Energetics, Plant Folders,
Classic Texts, and anything else that might have been added. There's also a -lot- of pictures
on site.
_Do_ download the Herbal Energetics - these are summaries of how to prepare and use
plants you already know in ways you already know (even though you didn't necessarily
know that you can use THAT plant in THIS way before reading the booklet).
Howie Brounstein's homepage: http://www.teleport.com/~howieb/howie.html
Columbine and Wizardry Herbs, wildcrafting school and herb catalog.
Go get a laugh at the Fad herbs, or read up on smoking herbs, or mugwort. Have fun.
Jonathan Treasure's Herbal Bookworm page: http://www.herbological.com
All you need to know about herb books: excellent in-depth reviews, a list of must-read
books, a list of stinkers, and a Reality Check.
The Health World Online site. - The healthy.net site is spamming everybody and their uncle.
Don't go there, and whatever you do, don't email them using a real account; if you do, they'll spam
you forever and ever amen.
Henriette's Herbal Homepage: http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed

Home of the herbfaqs (you're reading part of one right now), you'll also find plant pictures,
classic texts, plant names in several languages, archives, links - it's an extensive site.
(Me? Biased? Naah.)
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Medicinal herbfaq: information sources: related documents
Search


Here you'll find lots and lots of catalogs to get living plants, and some seeds, too:
http://gardenwatchdog.com
6.7.2 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome WWW page

pointer
Take a look at the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Home Page at http://www.ctsplace.com/ and
specifically, at http://www.ctsplace.com/preventative.php
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-6-7-related.html (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 3:38:55 PM]

Please subscribe to the Kombucha list (see 8.1.4). Do not post on alt.folklore.herbs about
Kombucha.
You could go visit the Kombucha Homepage, which should answer anyone's questions about the
subject: http://w3.trib.com/~kombu/

You can find a wealth of info on Essiac at this web location: http://essiac-info.org/

Visit this site first: http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/
It's the Gateway to the NewCrop Resource Online Program at the Indiana Center for New Crops
and Plant Products at Purdue University; it has lots of information about different plants.
Next go for Richters' FAQ pages: http://www.richters.com/QandA.html
Then go get the 'herb-growing.faq' at metalab (see 6.6).
6.7.6 Saw Palmetto and Prostate Problems:

Newsgroup/FAQ pointer
Try news:alt.support.prostate.prostatitis, where they also have an excellent FAQ posted
periodically.
6.7.7 Natural High FAQ pointer

The hyperreal archive is gone - try the erowid vault:
http://www.erowid.org/psychoactives/faqs/natural_highs_faq.shtml

This interesting document can be found here: http://www.cia.com.au/vic/faq.html

THE document on herbal smokes, which also tells you how to stop smoking, is Howie
Brounstein's Herbal Smoking Mixtures -booklet. You'll find it here:
http://www.teleport.com/~howieb/howie.html .

I got email 'yes but what does MAO inhibitor and adrenergenics and cholinergics mean?' ... so
here's a pointer to Michael Moore's medicinese - English dictionary:
http://www.swsbm.com/ManualsMM/MedHerbGloss2.txt
you get there from Michael Moore's Clinical Herb Manuals page:
http://www.swsbm.com/ManualsMM/MansMM.html

A very good place to start is the alt.support.menopause newsgroup. Next, check this page:
http://www.geocities.com/menobeyond/ . Also see the entry on wild yam, 2.12
Medicinal herbfaq: related forums: mailing lists
Search
Home > Herb FAQs > Medicinal herb FAQ > Related forums >

8.1 Mailing lists
Mailing lists have a distinct advantage over the online WWW chat pages: you don't have to be
online. Just pull down your email from the server, and read and reply at leisure. It's lots cheaper for
those of us who pay phone and/or ISP by the minute (this includes most Europeans).
In addition the lists mentioned below there's Herbal Hall, a low-volume, high-quality list for
professional herbalists, but that's by invitation only.
Any other lists you think should be here? Any changes in the lists listed?
You can try a search on "herb" on these list listers: http://groups.yahoo.com/ ,
http://www.topica.com , http://www.tile.net and http://www.lsoft.com .
8.1.1 The Herblist

(Alive and well. Oct03)
A high-volume list for discussions about herbal medicine and medicinal herbs.
To subscribe: go to the mailman site: http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/herb
or write to [email protected] with only the following text:
subscribe
Be sure to read the Rules before posting: http://ibiblio.org/herbmed/archives/herblist/rules.html
Archives found here: http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/archives.html

(Alive and well. Mar02)
To subscribe, write to [email protected] with the following text: join aromatherapy
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The problem with this list, as per several emails in December 00 from former aromatherapy
listmembers, is that it's become extremely chatty, with next to no aromatherapy posts. If that
changes I'd appreciate an update.
Two less contentious and slightly slower lists with aromatherapy:
The Essentials List:
to subscribe: write to [email protected] with just SUBSCRIBE in the subject line,
and no text.

(Alive and well. Dec00)
To subscribe: write to [email protected]
Website here: http://lists.topica.com/lists/kombucha/ and here: http://w3.trib.com/~kombu/
Pretty good for newbies but mostly the same stuff over and over and over. Good FAQ.

Subscription is limited to practitioners, educators, researchers and students in alternative and
conventional medical fields.
To subscribe: visit this site: http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/paracelsus and follow the
instructions, or write to [email protected] with the following text: subscribe
As part of the subscription approval process, send a biographical note indicating training, practice
and interests to the list at [email protected].

(Alive and well. High volume, no chat. Dec00)
To subscribe: write to [email protected] with the subject: subscribe
The archives for this list and a FAQ on homeopathy are kept on
http://www.homeopathyhome.com/web/descriptions/homlist.shtml

(Briefly alive in season. Oct03)
This is the list for the gardening and use of culinary herbs:
To subscribe: write to: [email protected] with the text: subscribe herbs-l
Archives found here: http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/archives.html

(Alive and well. Dec00)
A list for a holistic approach to animal health.
To subscribe: write to: [email protected] with the text: sub wellpet
Webpage: http://www.listservice.net/wellpet/

(Alive and well. Chatty. Oct03).
A chatty list for the use of nutrition, herbs, homeopathy, acupuncture etc. as it relates to cats.
To subscribe: write to: [email protected] with the text: subscribe holisticat
OR the text: subscribe holisticat-digest
The list FAQs, archived old posts, articles etc. are available here: http://www.holisticat.com

(Almost dead. Mar02)
A list for preparing oils, ointments and suchlike. I'm told that the chatters have moved on.
To subscribe: write to: [email protected] with the text: subscribe

(alive and well. Oct03)
The HolisticBird list focuses on natural health for birds. Most of the discussions are around bird
diseases, nutrition, and herbs, but there is occasional contributions about homeopathy and other
modalities.
To subscribe: write to [email protected], URL:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HolisticBird/
HolisticBird Newsletter http://www.holisticbirds.com
HolisticBird Website http://www.holisticbird.org

(Alive and well. Many many ads. Oct03)
A list for various aspects of making your own lotions, cremes, soaps, personal care products, and
related subjects.
To subscribe: write to: [email protected] , URL:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/1Toiletries/

(Almost dead. Oct03)
A list focused more on growing and preserving herbs. Animal health and natural beauty are
ontopic, as are herbs for health.
Website found here: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/aboutherbs/

The ukherbal -list for practitioners in Europe is closed, low on volume and high on quality. If you
wish to join, and are a practitioner in Europe, send an email with your resume to
gcwhite.ntlworld.comx (no x).

To subscribe: write to [email protected] , URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/herbgardening

Website found here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/forageahead/

Website found here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HolisticPet/
Medicinal herbfaq: related forums: newsgroups
Search

8.2 Related newsgroups
You might want too check
alt.folklore.herbs (archives found here: http://ibiblio.org/herbmed/archives.html)
misc.health.alternative
rec.gardens
rec.gardens.edible
rec.food.preserving
bionet.plants
sci.med.*
alt.healing.flower-essence
alt.support.cancer.prostate
alt.support.sinusitis
alt.support.prostate.prostatitis
alt.support.*
alt.aromatherapy (comes complete with the usual complaint: 'my site doesn't carry this one' well, mine doesn't, so I can't say what they talk about over there)
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-8-2-newsgroups.html [5/10/2004 3:38:56 PM]
Medicinal herbfaq: related forums: netiquette
Search

Here's a good page on snipping as you go: http://learn.to/quote .
Another good page is among the FAQs found in news:news.announce.newusers , a resource all
usenet (= newsgroup) newbies should make themselves familiar with:
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/usenet/posting-rules/part1/
The main rule is, contributors to these forums are real live people - so don't be a jerk. And
remember, Things get Archived.
All of usenet (except binary groups, but read their FAQs), and most mailing lists are plain text.
Email, too, is plain text. That means you should not use any kind of html nor any kind of graphics
in your posts and/or emails. Also please note that most people who've been around for a while use
email and/or usenet programs that don't even see your nicely formatted text - they see the html
code instead. <ht ml><body bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><font size="2">It's gibberish. Take my word for
it.</font></body></h tml>
Also, a lot of people (including most Europeans) still pay for their online time and/or their phone
by the minute. Yes, European phone companies charge for local calls, too. Some Europeans even
pay their ISP (internet service provider) by the byte. Html code and graphics in your posts and
emails make for longer downloads, and thus, for higher cost.
So change your habits -- and your email program settings. People on slow lines, people who pay
by the minute or by the byte, and usenet and email "oldbies" will thank you for your consideration.
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-8-4-netiquette.html [5/10/2004 3:38:57 PM]
Medicinal herbfaq: related forums: spam and trolls
Search

Instead of fretting over commercial posts, we all should take a cool approach to the problem.
Whenever I see a message like "Make quick cash!", "Great Anti-Cellulite Cream!", "Don't be
Lonely!", "Earn $50,000 a week!" or something along those lines, I forward the message to the
postmaster where the message originated from, explaining why I find the post inappropriate or
offensive. Chances are that the postmaster will look into the issue and have a talk with the abuser,
if not go ahead and cancel his/her account altogether (has been known to happen).
If the offensive message originated at an academic institution, then I know I am going to get the
sucker in a lot of trouble. Universities have strong policies about the misuse of their computer
resources. It is likely that after receiving complaints, the offenders will lose their accounts, and in
addition experience the wrath of some disciplinary committee.
So, for the good sake of the net, if you see a commercial message posted by idiot.morons.are.us,
forward the message with a piece of your mind to postmaster.morons.are.us. You will be doing
everyone a favor.
Gloria Mercado-Martin
desidia.community.net
The same goes for trolls. Also, the right thing to do about trolls is to report, killfile, and forget. If
you react to a troll on a newsgroup you are feeding it. If you ignore the troll it'll go back under its
bridge sooner or later. Trolling: sending off-topic and/or inflammable messages to newsgroups
and/or mailing lists. For example, posting anti-herbal messages to a herbal newsgroup.
A note on finding correct abuse addresses: I quite like http://www.spamcop.net
You'll find more hints on news:news.admin.net-abuse.* - these newsgroups are very flammable
because they attract the wrath of the spammers they fight, but you will find information on how to
fight spam, unwanted ads, unwanted binaries in non-binary newsgroups, and UCE (unsolicited
commercial email). Have fun!
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Medicinal herbfaq: related forums: spam and trolls
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Articles, mostly about medicinal herbs
Search
Home > Articles
Herbal articles
Last updated 15Sep03 - Have a comment? Tell me.
I'm moving these, slowly but surely, to the Best of the Herbal Forums -section of this site.
Suomeksi - P svenska
Papers
Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids: Prof. Dr. E. Rder.

Pharmazie 50 (1995), pages 83-98
An interesting view on the possible why of liver toxicity in acetone extracts of kava,
received with thanks from Peter A. Whitton: Kava lactones and the kava-kava controversy:
Peter A. Whitton, Andrew Lau, Alicia Sainsbury, Julie Whitehouse, Christine S. Evans.
Phytochemistry 64 (2003), pages 673-679. (232 kB) - added 15Sep03
Picking plants: hints and tips
Todd had a question about bark medicines: barkmedi.html
A meditation on picking figs: figs.html (Miriam Kresh)
Picking burdock: burdock.html (Henriette)
Some medicinal plants
Avena sativa (oats) avena2.html (Karen Vaughan)
Cimicifuga, Black Cohosh: a monograph - cohosh.html (Andrew Pengelly)
How to make a dandelion (Taraxacum) syrup: dandsyru.html (Henriette)
Fruitleather out of cranberry (and other berries): vaccleat.html (Henriette)
Uses for Vaccinium myrtillus, aka blueberry: vaccinium.html (Henriette)
Thoughts on Valeriana: valeriana.html (Howie Brounstein)
A nice writeup on Viola sp.: viola.html (Karen Vaughan)
How to candy violet flowers: violcand.html (Mary Emme)
Using mullein: mullein.html (Henriette)
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/neat-stuff/neatstuf.html (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 3:38:58 PM]
Some disorders
A summary of gut hormones: brain-gut.html (Michael Moore)
Herbal treatments for hepatitis hepatit.html (Andrew Pengelly)
A good post on juvenile diabetes and how to live with it: juvediab.html (Alan Tillotson)
Good advice about mononucleosis: mononucl.html (Howie Brounstein)
General info on allergies: allergies.html (Henriette)
What are pinworms? pinworms.html (Henriette)
Miscellaneous
Making tinctures: tincture.html (Henriette)
A tincture is not an essence: tincture1.html (Henriette)
Getting the most out of your herb: usage.html (Henriette)
Flower Remedies bachflow.html (Suzanne Sky)
A list of books you might wish to read: culibook.html (Chris Reeve)
Making herb butter: butter.html (Henriette)
Making an herbal gift basket: basket.html (Henriette)
Making salves: salves.html (Henriette)
Every now and then I get a question on a project for schoolkids. Here's a small selection of
them: herbproj.html (Henriette)
Jerusalem artichoke: helianthus.html (Henriette)
Alcohol, vodka, proof and percentages - some definitions and pet peeves: etoh.html
(Henriette)
Lots of fun
The alternative herbFAQ: funstuff.html
Then there was a nice silly thread on rec.food.preserving, deserving a wider audience:
vowels.html
Timid about asking something on the newsgroups? You're not alone: query.html
Fun with twining plants: climber.html
Poking fun at advertisers and hustlers
Got tired of all the scams? Here's the one to top them all; it'll cure dandruff, death and taxes
(among other things), and make you irresistible to the opposite sex: sbganoni.html (Alan
Tillotson)
Henriette's herbal classic texts and other old works
Search
Home > Classic Texts

Classic texts: King's - USDisp - Ellingwood - Felter - Petersen - BPC - DMNA - Thomas - Sayre - Cook - Potter HistVD - Journals
Classic Herbal Texts

Last updated 03May04 - Have a comment? Tell me.
All scanned works on this site are copyright 2000-2004 Henriette Kress - unless otherwise
specified.
Index of plants in the classic texts on this site

Books
King's American Dispensatory, (intro page) (preparations page) (cool tidbits), by Harvey Wickes
Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd, Phr.M., Ph.D., 1898.
*The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy (intro page) (plant page), by
Finley Ellingwood, M.D., 1919.
*The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics (intro page), by Harvey
Wickes Felter, M.D., 1922.
*Materia Medica and Clinical Therapeutics (intro page) (part II), by Fred J. Petersen, M.D.,
1905.
The British Pharmaceutical Codex (intro page) (preparations page), 1911. - added more 03May04
*The US Dispensatory (intro page) (preparations page), edited by Joseph P. Remington and
Horatio C. Wood, 1918.
Drugs And Medicines of North America (intro page), Vol. I-II, by J. U. & C. G. Lloyd,
1884-1887. (not yet done)
*The Eclectic Practice of Medicine, by Rolla L. Thomas, M. D., 1907.
*A Manual of Organic Materia Medica and Pharmacognosy (intro page), by Lucius E. Sayre,
1917.
*The Physiomedical Dispensatory (intro page), by William Cook, M.D., 1869.
*History of the Vegetable Drugs of the Pharmacopoeia of the United States, by John Uri
Lloyd, 1911.
A Compend of Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Prescription Writing (intro page), by Samuel
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/main.html (1 of 6) [5/10/2004 3:38:59 PM]
O. L. Potter, M.D., 1902.

Specific Medication and Specific Medicines by John M. Scudder, M.D., 1870.
*Ginseng and Other Medicinal Plants - a grower's and collector's guide. A. R. Harding, 1936.
*Tea leaves by Francis H. Leggett & Co, 1900.
Flora Fennica - Suomen Kasvio (johdanto) (parhaat palat), by Elias Lnnrot, 1866.
Aus Wald und Feld den Tisch bestellt, by Walther Schoenichen, 1947.
And this is helpful if you want to read the numbers:

"Appendix: II: Tables of Weights and Measures" (the first part), from The Dispensatory of
the United States of America, by George B. Wood and Franklin Bache, 1876.
Journals and Periodicals

Ephemera
John Uri Lloyd: Alcohol Adversely Criticised. OCR'd from a 1922 reprint of articles from
1875 and 1889.
John Uri Lloyd: Licorice (picking and processing it in Turkey). OCR'd from a reprint from
The Eclectic Medical Journal, 1929.
*John Uri Lloyd: The Eclectic Alkaloids, 1910.
*Harvey Wickes Felter: Biographies of King, Howe, and Scudder, 1912.
Alexander L. Blackwood: Observations with Medicago Sativa. Lloyd Brothers Leaflet, 1915.
Elias Lnnrot: Afhandling om Finnarnes magiska medicin. Helsinki, 1832.
*: .html versions of works which are found as .pdf files on Michael Moore's site.
*: cleaned-up and crosslinked .html version of a scan from Paul Bergner's site.
*: .html version of a textfile + images as rec'd from Richard and Margie Druery
Wow, that's a lot of text. (59.3+ MB (on ReiserFS), 74.2+ MB (on ibiblio), 7280+ files, and counting.). And
there's never enough time, is there? So where should you concentrate your efforts?
The later the better (up to a point) - but however you look at it, King's is still the best,
because of the sheer amount of detail. Also, I've linked the journals (and ephemera and such)
to and from King's only.
Eclectic (and physiomedical) MDs are better than pharmacists - at least if you're a practising
herbalist. But King's was written by an eclectic MD and was extensively revised by both an
eclectic MD and an eclectic pharmacist - it's not considered the best classic herbal work there
is for nothing.
The best recent herbal work? Forget MDs there, they concentrate on more or less irrelevant single
constituents (that being what they're used to). Go for books written by herbalists, by people who
work with whole plants and with whole people. The ones I've found worthwile are listed in the
medicinal herbfaq.
The Fine Print: scanned texts
Yes, it is possible to copyright scanned texts, even where copyright for the printed version has
expired. If it were not, nobody would bother to scan any of these olde ones. Because in that world, the
minute you'd put your hundreds of hours worth of scanning, OCR'ing and html'ing online, some
busybody would copy it over to his/her site. And/or flog a CD of it. Without even so much as a by
your leave. Because they'd be legally entitled to, right? Funny how right and wrong never seems to
enter into it.
Talking of legally entitled: Paul Bergner has the full text of King's American
Dispensatory (from this site) on his MH Resource CD. That CD also features the full
text of Paul Bergner's excellent journal Medical Herbalism, and his scan of Cook's
Physiomedical Dispensatory: http://www.medherb.com/full_text.htm. It's excellent
value for your money.
Back to those entrepreneurs. I haven't scanned these works for busybodies to make money off them;
I've scanned them because I want to, and because I like the full-text searchability of them. If you want
the full text of one or the other classic text on your site, why, scan one. Locke's Syllabus Materia
Medica might be good; or try anything by the Lloyd brothers, or by Ellingwood. Or Hager's
Handbuch, if you can find it in English. Or any of the journals that are repeatedly mentioned in
King's. The best years are from 1880 through to 1930 or so. Really, there's lots of good herbal books
at your local antiquarian's, or over at http://abebooks.com or http://bibliofind.com. Send me the URL
after you've gotten a good start (say, 100 pages or so online), and I'll link to you. If that's not feasible,
well, you may copy a few pages (less than ten) of the larger works to your site, but if you do, you have
to link back to this page from every page you've taken. The URL to link to is
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/main.html.
Classic herbal texts on other sites
For some historical perspective read this article by Francis Brinker:

http://www.eclecticherb.com/periscop.htm
Michael Moore has lots of olde works on his SWSBM site. (You'll find the ones marked * as
.html-files in the upper regions of this page.)
Books: *Felter, *Ellingwood, *Petersen, Fyfe, Culbreth, and *Sayre,
Periodicals: (*)Ellingwood's therapeutist, (*)American Journal of Pharmacy,

*Transactions of the Nat'l Eclectic Medical Assoc.,
and others: Other Manuals, SWSBM
David Winston has some old works on his site, including Felter's Syllabus and excerpts from
Locke's Materia Medica: http://www.herbaltherapeutics.net/herbal_therapeutics_library.htm
There's a new trend out there: scan enormous old encyclopediaeaea and have people
spellcheck them online. I've seen two such efforts so far - kudos to both projects:
in German: Meyers Konversations-Lexikon. 1888-1889. 16 Bnde, 16000 Seiten.
Hier: http://susi.e-technik.uni-ulm.de:8080/meyers/servlet/index
in Swedish: Nordisk familjebok, Konversationslexikon och realencyclopedi.

1876-1899, 20 band; 1904-1926, 38 band; totalt 45000 sidor. Hr:
http://www.lysator.liu.se/runeberg/nf/
Maude Grieve's Modern Herbal from 1931 should be mentioned here, even if it's almost a
modern work: http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/mgmh.html
Michael Tierra's Planetherbs site currently boasts one classic work of interest: Eli Jones'
"Cancer - Its causes, symptoms and treatment".
Culpeper's "The English Physitian" from 1652 is online:

http://www.med.yale.edu/library/historical/culpeper/culpeper.htm
Paul Bergner's Culpeper-to-modern Plant Names page:

http://medherb.com/culpeper_names.html
Dioskorides' Materia Medica

Julius Berendes' 1902 German translation: http://www.tiscalinet.ch/materiamedica/
The very first pages of John Goodyer's 1655 middle English translation, from the 1933
Gunther edition: http://heronbotanicals.com/links/hblinks.html
You'll find a library of online Homeopathic works here:

http://www.homeopathyhome.com/reference/books_online.shtml - NOTE: homeopathy is not
herbalism.
Resources of the Southern Fields and Forests, being alsoa Medical Botany of the Confederate
States by Francis Peyre Porcher, 1833: http://docsouth.unc.edu/imls/porcher/porcher.html
Kruterbuch von Jacobus Theodorus "Tabernaemontanus" anno 1625 - 1600 pages, 3000
plants (they're still working on it - typing by hand, this kind of text can't be scanned), in
German: http://www.kraeuter.ch/
Part of Purdue's Newcrop site: The Herb Hunters Guide by A.F. Sievers, 1930.
Khler's is a good picture book:

one version:
http://ridgwaydb.mobot.org/mobot/rarebooks/title.asp?relation=QK99A1K6318831914
(287 images) - and they have the full text of Khler's online, too.
another: http://pharm1.pharmazie.uni-greifswald.de/allgemei/koehler/koeh-sta.htm
(282 images)
another: http://www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/b-online/koehler/koeh-sta.htm (146
images)
Ooooh. Shiny! Kurt Stber's pages include lots of German botanical works von anno
dazumal: http://www.mpiz-koeln.mpg.de/~stueber/stueber_library.html
among them a very good German picture book, Otto Wilhelm Thom, 1885-1905:
http://www.mpiz-koeln.mpg.de/~stueber/thome/index.html
and yet another version of Khler's (124 images, at 1-2 MB per image):
http://www.mpiz-koeln.mpg.de/~stueber/koehler/index.html
and Siebold's Flora Japonica, 1870:

http://www.mpiz-koeln.mpg.de/~stueber/siebold/flora3/index.html
Another German picture book, Fuchs Botanical, 1545:

http://www.med.yale.edu/library/historical/fuchs
Paintings from Curtis' Botanical Magazine, running from 1787 to 1807:

http://www.nalusda.gov/curtis/
The Indian Household Medicine Guide, by J. I. Lighthall, 1883:

http://www.meridianinstitute.com/echerb/Files/classics/lighthal/contents.html
There are lots of old (and new) pharmaceutical and botanical texts at the University of
Braunschweig; unfortunately, they are scanned .gifs, not OCR'd .html files, which makes
downloads expensive and reading cumbersome - unless you have broadband, of course. For
pharmaceutical texts, try http://sun250.biblio.etc.tu-bs.de/pharma.htm; for botanical ones go
for http://sun250.biblio.etc.tu-bs.de/botanik.htm.
Among the pharmaceutical works these are worth mentioning:
Baillire et Fils, 1866: Codex medicamentarius - Pharmacope francaise.
http://www.digibib.tu-bs.de/2676-9024/start.htm
Friedrich A. Flckiger: Lehrbuch der Pharmakognosie des Pflanzenreichs:

1867. http://www.digibib.tu-bs.de/2231-2886/start.htm
1883, 2. Aufl. http://www.digibib.tu-bs.de/Ab-175/start.htm
Wilibald Artus, 1876: Hand-Atlas smmtlicher medicinisch-pharmaceutischer

Gewchse, 5. Aufl. 1. Band. http://www.digibib.tu-bs.de/1425-1298/start.htm
2. Band. http://www.digibib.tu-bs.de/1425-1308/start.htm
Hermann Hager, Handbuch der Pharmaceutischen Praxis:

1. Theil, 1876. http://www.digibib.tu-bs.de/Aa-5226-a(1)/start.htm
2. Theil, 1878. http://www.digibib.tu-bs.de/Aa-5226-a(2)/start.htm
Technik der Pharmaceutischen Receptur, 5. Aufl., 1890:
http://www.digibib.tu-bs.de/Ab-220/start.htm
G. Pabst: Khler's Medizinal-Pflanzen, 1887, also with the complete text:

Band 1. http://www.digibib.tu-bs.de/3202-0935/start.htm
Band 2. http://www.digibib.tu-bs.de/3202-0948/start.htm
Band 3 (Ergnzungsband). http://www.digibib.tu-bs.de/3202-0951/start.htm
O. Schlickum, 1886: Kommentar zur 2. Auf. der Pharmacopoea Germanica.

http://www.digibib.tu-bs.de/2231-3995/start.htm
Julius Berendes, 1902: Des Pendanios Dioskurides aus Anazarbos Arzneimittellehre

aus fnf Bchern. http://www.digibib.tu-bs.de/2700-1943/start.htm
Edmund White, John Humphrey, 1904: Pharmacopedia - A Commentary on the British

Pharmacopoeia 1898: http://www.digibib.tu-bs.de/2708-3026/start.htm
Scans of ancient works, for instance a 1585 Italian translation of an even earlier Portuguese
history of medicinal plants: http://www.abocamuseum.it/bibliothecaantiqua/prodotti.asp
Earthly Pursuits: a few old gardening books:

http://www.earthlypursuits.com/Books/OldBooklibrary.htm
More scans of ancient works, these at the Bodleian Library:

http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/dept/scwmss/wmss/medieval/browse.htm
I've seen parts of Gerard's Herball online, but that's mainly been some culinary bits (Cindy has lots
of other older culinary texts online, and links to even more).
Archives for herbal mailing lists and Alt.folklore.herbs
Search
Home > Archives
Mailing list / Newsgroup archives

Last updated 22Dec03 - Have a comment? Tell me.
Rainy day, with 56 channels and nothing on? Get a couple herbal mailing list or newsgroup
archives here and start reading. If you download them all you'll even make it through a month or
four of being snowed in, in that mountain cabin.
You'll find a list of all the public herbal forums I'm aware of in the medicinal herbfaq, part 8.1.
Have fun! The archive files are also available in my FTP space, and on the mirror in Japan.
Henriette
The Best of the Herbal Forums

I've long been thinking about making these archives actually useful, as opposed to just archiving it
all blindly. So here they are: the Best of the Herbal Forums -files. That is, the best as I perceive
them. You might still want to plod through the complete archives.
There's currently only a few monthly sets online. I'll add more of the older ones as I find time; and
I don't expect it'll be all that much work to add new archive files as they accrue, so to speak. After
all, I've been doing the BoRHOD files for - is it three years already? Four, you say? My, doesn't
time fly.
Enjoy!
The medicinal herblist (The Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Discussion List) archives
(Formerly the [email protected] -list. Before that it was the [email protected] -list and the list at
[email protected])
Please read this before posting: Rules of the Game

Latest archive file available: log0307.zip. Have a look at the other medicinal herblist logs in
WWW space.
You can subscribe, unsubscribe, and set list options on the web. The URL is:
http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/herb
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Archives for herbal mailing lists and Alt.folklore.herbs
Or write to [email protected] with only the following text:

subscribe
The herb-2 -list
is found here: http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/herb-2
Or write to [email protected] with only the following text:
subscribe
This list has fewer members than the main herblist, but posting rules (like "no html" and "don't
quote the full text of the message you're replying to") are practically non-existent.
Alt.folklore.herbs archives
You can subscribe to newsgroups if
your ISP (Internet service provider) carries them and
you have a newsreader.
If both are true for you, and your browser is configured as your newsreader, you can see what's
generally posted in this newsgroup by clicking here: news:alt.folklore.herbs.
The name might throw you - nothing to do with folklore, it's the newsgroup for medicinal herbs,
even if there's a culinary herb thrown in every now and then. In this WWW -space you'll find the
monthly zipfiles from 1993 to 2001.
This group is no longer archived, because 1) there is overmuch quoted text 2) I no longer read
afh, and 3) it's all on googlegroups, anyway.
The HerbInfo -list archives

A now defunct list. List archives from 1997 through 2000 here: WWW.
Archives slow: The culinary herblist

A currently very dormant list. List archives from 1996 to 2001 here: WWW. No longer archived.
To subscribe: write to [email protected] with only the following text: subscribe
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Links I like
Search
Home > Links I like
Links I like.
Last updated 25Apr04 - links last checked 22Dec03 - Have a comment? Tell me.
Feel free to link to my site if you like it -- the URL is http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed .
Feel free to send me URLs to check out for inclusion on this page. Note, however, that I don't do reciprocal links.
That means that you'll really only find links to sites I like on this page. Note also that I only link to commercial
sites if they have no blinking or moving text, no moving pictures, and lots of information.
Herbal medicine - Good Materia Medicas - Botany - Culinary herbs - Other fun things
Herbal medicine, mostly

Herbalists
Michael Moore - quality information on herbal medicine, including manuals, classic texts,
and images: http://www.swsbm.com
Jonathan Treasure's Herbal Bookworm includes critical in-depth reviews of major herbal
sellers and herb-drug interaction info, among other things: http://www.herbological.com
Paul Bergner's Medical Herbalism (see medicinal herbfaq part 6.3):

http://www.medherb.com - quality articles and links, geared towards the herbal practitioner
David Winston's site: http://www.herbaltherapeutics.net/ - added 25Apr04
I like Charlie Kane's site: http://tcbmed.com/ - it's got good info on herbs around Tucson,
AZ, and nice pictures that remind me of the time I spent in the area. Cool!
Christopher Hobbs: http://www.christopherhobbs.com
Michael Tierra: http://www.planetherbs.com - mostly TCM -style herbal articles
Howie Brounstein has articles on herbal smokes, fad herbs and wildcrafting:
http://www.teleport.com/~howieb/howie.html
Robyn Klein's recommended reading site: http://www.rrreading.com
Chanchal Cabrera: www.gaiagarden.com
Rosemary Gladstar's Sagemountain site: http://www.sagemountain.com
Brigitte Mars: http://www.brigittemars.com
Tieraona Low Dog: http://www.fihm.com
Susun Weed: http://www.susunweed.com
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/goodlink.html (1 of 7) [5/10/2004 3:39:01 PM]
Links I like
Alan Tillotson: http://www.oneearthherbs.com - Ayurvedic herbal medicine, with an

emphasis on herbs for the eye.
Jaime De La Barrera: http://www.infoherb.com
Todd Caldecott: http://www.wrc.net/phyto/
Joshua Muscat's SanFran BotMed Clinic site: http://www.sfbmc.org/
Hall Newbegin is cool, and he sells herbs'n'soaps'n'stuff: http://www.juniperridge.com
J Mark Taylor: http://www.arcadyholistic.ca/yhnc_m.htm
Graham White: http://ww.gcwhite.co.uk/herbs.htm
Jeanne Rose: http://www.jeannerose.net
Herbalist organizations:
The National Institue of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) is online: http://www.nimh.org.uk/
The European Herbal Practitioners Association (EHPA):

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~ehpa
The National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA): http://www.nhaa.org.au
The American Herbalists Guild (AHG) is found here, these days:

http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/
The Ontario Herbalists Association (OHA): http://www.herbalists.on.ca/
The International Register of Consultant Herbalists and Homoeopaths: http://www.irch.org
New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists (NZAMH): http://nzamh.org.nz/
Databases
Go for Jim Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases:

http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke
Or try Dan Moerman's Native American Ethnobotany Database: http://herb.umd.umich.edu
The herbmed database used to be useful, but now it says "licensed content" for most entries,
and "database error" for the rest. Sad, that - but it's simply not worth a visit anymore.
Other
Try the Herb Research Foundation, with their slant towards scientific phytotherapy:
http://www.herbs.org - you need to read Jonno's review of the Honest Herbal before you
decide to buy any of Tyler's work, and read Jonno's review of the Comm. E Monographs
before deciding to buy that exceedingly expensive set of committee compromises.
The Herb Society of America has nice pages: http://www.herbsociety.org
The Present Moment site has some good herbal articles:
Links I like
http://www.presentmoment.com/article/toc_health..html - check, for example, the

horehound article. Heh.
The Merck Manual, 17th edition, is online at:
http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual/sections.jsp
A comprehensive glycemic index page is found here:
http://diabetes.about.com/library/mendosagi/nmendosagi.htm - you need this if you have
blood sugar problems.
A site with tapes of conferences: http://www.botanicalmedicine.org/ and a conference
calendar: http://www.botanicalmedicine.org/conferences/index.htm
The herbalchem site dives into the chemistry of herbs: http://www.herbalchem.net/
Most of the Suite101 article collections are worthwile, especially if you're new to herbs.
Check, for instance, these: historical_plants - herbal_medicine - herbalism - herbal healing
(Susun Weed) - botanical - or just do a search for "botanical medicine" here:
http://www.suite101.com
Good Materia Medicas
In addition to Michael Moore's own Materia Medica (manuals) you'll find olde Eclectic
tomes (other manuals, Felter, Ellingwood, Fyfe, Culbreth ...) on his site:
http://www.swsbm.com
A nice materia medica with accompanying therapeutics: http://www.herbs2000.com
Nope. Healthy.net is still spamming.

David Hoffmann's Materia Medica is found here:
http://www.npicenter.com/library/herbal/materiamedica
All herb-related bits of King's American Dispensatory (1898) are here:

http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/intro.html (yes, it's part of this site.)
A Himalayan herb site: http://www.himalayahealthcare.com/herbfinder/english.htm
A Modern Herbal (1931): http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/mgmh.html
The Raintree Tropical Plant Database includes information on about 100 plants:
http://www.rain-tree.com/plants.htm
The TCM Herbal Database from The Rocky Mountain Herbal Institute has info on about
220 commonly used Chinese herbs: http://www.rmhiherbal.org/ai/pharintro.html
Healthnotes, widely available on the web; try

http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/health/Index/Herb.htm,
http://www.gnc.com/health_notes/Index/Herb.htm, or any of the other clones. Note that the
Healthnote Files are slanted towards a "scientifically correct" way of thinking, ie.
pharmaceutical industry; therefore the herbal files are overcautious and more or less
Links I like
theoretical.
Holisticonline has a rather comprehensive database here:
http://www.holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/Hol_Herb_Directory_Index.htm
Christine Haughton's files have been moving around a lot; let's hope they'll stay here for at
least a little while: http://www.purplesage.org.uk/
Phytotherapy: the herbal monographs of the Australian Naturopathic Network,

http://www.ann.com.au/herbs/herbal.htm
More phytotherapy: practitioner-level information at http://www.phytotherapies.org (if

you're a practitioner you can register and gain access to the info.)
Mary O'Connell has compiled information on some Southwest Medicinal Plants:
http://medplant.nmsu.edu/plantindex.htm
Auf Deutsch
Thomas Schoepke hat eine Botanische Datenbank inkl. den Anwendungsmglichkeiten von
Nutzpflanzen: http://www.pharmakobotanik.de/systematik/1_ti_reg/reg-arzn.htm
Die Heilpflanzen-Suchmaschine: http://www.heilpflanzen-suchmaschine.de
Die Bad Heilbrunner Selbstmedikationsdatenbank, highly technical, with about 150 plants
and some vitamins: http://tee.org
Das kleine Heilpflanzen-Brevier, about 50 plants, by Klaus Zoellner:

http://www.rga-net.de/~zoellner - enable JavaScript if you want see the info. German
language only.
Die kleine Kruterhexe, eine recht sympatische Seite die Du auch herunterladen kannst:
http://www.folk.de/kraeuterhexe
Heilpflanzenlexikon, Natur & Gesundheit: http://www.natur-und-gesundheit.de/lexikon.htm
Das Kruterlexikon bei Heilkruter.de: http://www.heilkraeuter.de/lexikon/index.htm
Materialien zum Thema Phytotherapie:

http://www.naturheilkunde-online.de/naturheilkunde/fachartikel/phyto_index.html
Other languages (fi - sv)
1001 solutions alternatives des problmes de sant:

http://www.reseauproteus.net/fr/Solutions/PlantesSupplements/Index.aspx- cool!
Skyttaputtens urtesidor: http://home.online.no/~gjessin/krydder.html
A Spanish site: Vademecum de Prescripcin. Plantas Medicinales.

http://www.fitoterapia.net/vademecum/indexp.html
An Italian site: Erboristeria Dulcamara: http://www.erboristeriadulcamara.com/

Links I like
Botanical things
Need to find a new scientific name from an old book, or see which plants are actually
identical nowadays?
The GRIN taxonomy database is very good indeed, even if it does have a few
interesting gaps here and there:
http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxgenform.pl
If you're looking for plants found wild somewhere in the US, your best bet is the
plants database at http://plants.usda.gov/ - they're lumpers (yay!), but a tad too keen
on adding the newest botanical binominals ASAP. Europeans are generally splitters
(boo hiss!) but usually we wait a bit before introducing shiny new latin names, which
often means we don't have to introduce them at all -- because botanists just can't make
up their minds.
Here's an excellent site for algae: http://www.algaebase.org/SpeciesSearch.lasso
For the Fabaceae, the best database is Ildis: http://www.ildis.org/LegumeWeb/
Then there's tropicos: http://mobot.mobot.org/W3T/Search/vast.html - do pay

attention to the "Author" part of the botanical name. While it does give a lot of
synonyms it's not always clear on which of the results given is the currently correct
botanical binominal. They also have way too many circular references (plant a? Nah,
that's b these days. Nah, that's c these days. Nah, that's a these days. Argh, says I.)
The IPNI database can be helpful: http://www.ipni.org/ipni/query_ipni.html - current
botanical binominals are given in comments only, which of course means that a lot of
the entries don't have them.
The best Swedish botanical database is of course Den Virtuella Floran; if you're even
close to being able to understand Swedish go have a look:
http://linnaeus.nrm.se/flora/welcome.html
CNIP is a good botanical database for Brazil:

http://150.161.125.13/db/pne_acc/st_geog.shtml
Lichens. The Index Fungorum also covers lichens - yay! Still no data on Variolaria
dealbata, though. http://www.indexfungorum.org/Names/NAMES.ASP - added
25Apr04
Scott's botanical links: http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/
Russian wild nature (plants, fungi, animals); pages in Russian and English:
http://rwn.boom.ru
DELTA Descriptions of flowering plants, a treasuretrove for botanists:

http://biodiversity.uno.edu/delta/angio/index.htm
Flora Celtica, folkloric use of a lot of plants:

http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/celtica/dbase/genera/GENERA.HTM
Some nice pictures by botanical family: http://www.keiriosity.com/
Links I like
Culinary and gardening sites, mostly
The Gardening Launch Pad: http://gardeninglaunchpad.com
The GardenGuide pages: http://www.gardenguides.com
The Weekend Gardener / The Official Seed Starting Homepage / Herb Seeds:
http://www.chestnut-sw.com/seeds/herbseed.htm
Here's an extensive site with a lot of information on culinary herbs and spices - just browse
around: http://www-ang.kfunigraz.ac.at/~katzer/engl/index.html
The Sustainable Farming Connection, a nice site for farmers:

http://ibiblio.org/farming-connection
Here's a very good site on soap-making: http://www.millersoap.com
And here's a good selection of info on natural health and beauty:

http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/3893/
Not plants at all, but still fun

Missing your daily dose of Calvin and Hobbes? At the official site they I've been
have reruns, from 10 years ago:
entertained by the
http://www.ucomics.com/calvinandhobbes/
unitedHeroes
folks for years, or
Frazz rocks. It's the new Calvin and Hobbes. I'm itching to see it in
at least it seems
print though: http://www.comics.com/comics/frazz/
so. They do
Schlock is extraordinary. It includes one of the best strip gags in any
wacky or
comic ever: http://www.schlockmercenary.com/d/20010813.html - but
mysterious web
read it from the first strip to the current one, it's great.
serials (as in,
I spend some of my copious free time on news:rec.humor.oracle.d.
written
Here's some gems from that ng:
adventures). It's
http://ibiblio.org/herbmed/rhod/main.html
all free of charge,
and it's also all
Recent columns by Dave Barry, at the Miami Herald:
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/living/columnists/dave_barry/ great fun. Here's
their tidbot:
One of the greatest rants of all time (you go, Russ!):
No javascript? Oh
http://www.eyrie.org/~eagle/writing/rant.html
well, here's the
Great site for website design: Sarah's Kinda Helpful Web Site
plain URL then:
http://www.united
Lovely Linux links
heroes.net
Geek news:
Links I like
http://slashdot.org/ - news for nerds.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/ - The Register: "biting the hand

that feeds IT".
Linux specific:
http://www.suse.de/de/index.html - SuSE.
newsgroup: news:alt.os.linux.suse - very helpful.
http://www.kde.org/ - one of the desktop environments of linux

distros - ooh, shiny! I love the file preview in the file manager.
MySQL:
http://dev.mysql.com/doc/mysql/en/index.html - the online
version of the manual is much better than the one included in
your linux distribution, because it includes reader comments examples, caveats, etc. Very helpful.
newsgroup (in German): news:de.comp.datenbanken.mysql +
FAQ: http://mysql-faq.sourceforge.net
PHP:
http://www.php.net/manual/en/ - this manual, too, includes

reader comments in the online version. Extremely good.
http://pear.php.net/ - what CPAN is for perl, PEAR is for PHP even if it's still young. Start with the manual.
newsgroup (in German): news:de.comp.lang.php.datenbanken +
FAQ: http://www.dclp-faq.de
Henriette's plant photos
Search
Home > Pictures
Pictures: P01 (a-anem) - P02 (anem-az) - P03 (b-ce) - P04 (cf-cyn) - P05 (cyp-eru) - P06 (erv-go) - P07 (gr-lar) P08 (las-malv) - P09 (malv-ni) - P10 (nj-phys) - P11 (phyt-rho) - P12 (rhp-sco) - P13 (scp-thym) - P14 (thyn-z) Unknown - Misc - People - Fungi

Last updated 17Jan04 - Have a comment? Tell me.
26Nov03, major site update: I've added authors to the botanical binominals (prompted among
other things by the Illicium anisatum confusion), added common names in languages other than
English (mainly Finnish, Swedish and German, but there's some French and Italian, too), updated
outdated latin names, put both names and image info into a MySQL database, and added a few
PHP scripts which pull info from said database. The single picture pages don't take info from the
database yet - that's an upcoming project. My heartfelt thanks to David Robley and JR Conlin for
their help with PHP and MySQL.
The plant name search
which also includes links to URLs across this site,
and links to all the plant pics on this site.
Index pages: pics.php
plants (sorted botanically): P01 (a-anem) - P02 (anem-az) - P03 (b-ce) - P04 (cf-cyn) - P05
(cyp-eru) - P06 (erv-go) - P07 (gr-lar) - P08 (las-malv) - P09 (malv-ni) - P10 (nj-phys) - P11
(phyt-rho) - P12 (rhp-sco) - P13 (scp-thym) - P14 (thyn-z)
some plants which I haven't been able to identify: The Unidentifieds
treasures, landscapes, fauna, etc.: Misc
Special Report: There's baby greenfinches in my Clematis
herbalists and people working with herbs: People
fungi: Fungi
Thumbnails: thumbs.php
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/pictures/herbpics.html (1 of 4) [5/10/2004 3:39:03 PM]
A abronia-actaea - actaea-ajuga - ajuga-aloysia - alpinia-anemone anemone-araucaria - arcium-aronia - artemisia-asplenium asplenium-azadirachta B bacopa-brassica C brassica-calluna - calluna-carnegia
- carnegia-cetraria - chaenactis-cinnamomum - cinnamomum-codonopsis codonopsis-corydalis - corydalis-cynoglossum D cyperus-dicentra E
dichelostemma-echinacea - echinacea-epilobium - epilobium-eruca F
eryngium-fagonia - fagonia-fraxinus G fraxinus-gentiana - gentiana-gossypium
H gratiola-hibiscus - hibiscus-hyssopus I hyssopus-isatis JKL isatis-larrea lathyrus-levisticum - levisticum-lonicera M lonicera-magnolia magnolia-malva - malvaviscus-mentha - mentha-monarda N monarda-nepeta - nepeta-nigella O
nolina-orychophragmus P oryza-pedicularis - pediomelum-peucedanum peucedanum-physostegia - phyteuma-platanthera platycerium-prosopis - prostanthera-punica QR
pycnanthemum-rhododendron - rhus-rosa - rosa-rubus S
rubus-salvia - salvia-saponaria - saponaria-scorzonera scrophularia-solanum - solanum-stevia T stevia-tanacetum tanacetum-thymus - thysanocarpus-tropaeolum UV tropaeolum-vaccinium valeriana-viburnum WXYZ viburnum-zinnia
Copyright 1995-2004 Henriette Kress.
None of these pictures are public domain. None of these pictures are free.
Personal use? Non-commercial use? Commercial use? Read the fine print.
Thank you for your help with the IDs, John on Vashon Island (WA, USA), Howie Brounstein,
Akemi Yoko, Leslie Ann Rose, John Goude, Antti Hovi, Dr Gbor Turcsnyi, Jack Belmont, Sally
Perkins, Michael Moore, Pier Jones, John F. Sorenson, Iris from Texas, Natalie Schutz, David
Eppele, "fellow plant lover", Ricki Todd, "sister Zeus", Richard R. Old, Manfred Tillian, Pierre
Mercan, Bartosz Pacula, Martin Reith, Sirpa Nousiainen, Mark Richards, Esa Kalska, Petr Sutka,
Arne Anderberg, Jan De Langhe.
The Fine Print: my photos
Henriette's plant photos are licensed under a Creative Commons License,
with the addendum that German-language sites need to ask first, as a
German company holds exclusive German language-area internet rights to a
lot of my pictures.
Personal use
You may copy pics for your own personal use, but you may not change them in any way.
Note, personal use is just that. It does not include posting these photos to your favorite
mailing list, webforum, or similar - that's republishing them, which is anything but
personal. So you like these pics, and want others to see them, too? Post the URL, not the
photo. Or, if you have to post the photo, non-commercially, of course, you must include
this: "Photo copyright Henriette Kress, http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed" with every
posted image.
Non-commercial website use
Link and/or copy away. Two Three Four things to remember:
1. The pics may not be changed in any way. Three reasons for that: they contain
embedded info (you can see it if your photo editing program can read IPTC), I
want my name and URL to be legible, and I've made artistic decisions along the
way, which changes would, umm, change. So don't. Thanks.
2. Do put this: "Photo copyright Henriette Kress, http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed"

right next to every picture you've used. Note, that should be a working link, not
just text.
3. If you deeplink please link to the single picture .html pages instead of the images.
Thanks.
4. German-language sites should ask first - a German company has exclusive

German-area internet rights to a lot of my pics. Don't be in a tearing hurry, though,
I'm not always in town.
That goes for non-commercial website use only. Commercial use, see below.
Other non-commercial use
Feel free to use my pics in your school homework projects and such. But don't change the
pics in any way, and remember to put
"Photo copyright Henriette Kress, http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed"
right next to every picture you've used. If it's show-and-tell type use like teaching and
such, remember to add that same line to your handouts.
Commercial use
Rights to use pictures in online and print publications are one of the ways I put butter on
my bread. So ask me -- or make me an offer.
Use in journals
If it's a journal for professional herbalists (EJHM, Medical Herbalism, and the like), use
away. If you need larger pics just ask me - for those, I request a copy or two of the journal
in return (unless I subscribe, in which case I expect the subscription be extended a tad). I'll
also require photographer credits. Don't be in a tearing hurry, though - I'm not always in
town.
Others? See commercial use. Yes, I do favor professional herbalists. I am one.
Technical details:
All photos here are taken with my Canon AE1 Program -camera, with a 35-70 mm zoom lens. I
usually do slides, as I do herb talks (and herb walks, but I don't need slides for that). The oldest
pics were copied to Kodak Photo-CD's, a couple of negatives in between were scanned with a
negative scanner, older pics were scanned with a Polaroid SprintScan 35/LE, and newer pics are
scanned with a Nikon LS-1000, using vuescan under Linux.
Pictures: P01 (a-anem) - P02 (anem-az) - P03 (b-ce) - P04 (cf-cyn) - P05 (cyp-eru) - P06 (erv-go) - P07 (gr-lar) P08 (las-malv) - P09 (malv-ni) - P10 (nj-phys) - P11 (phyt-rho) - P12 (rhp-sco) - P13 (scp-thym) - P14 (thyn-z) Unknown - Misc - People - Fungi
Plant name database
Search
Home | Henrietten yrttisivuja | Henriettes rtsidor
Plant name database

Data last updated 23Apr04 - Have a comment? Tell me.
The plant names - you always did want to know what Achillea millefolium is called in Finnish,
didn't you? Here's your chance ...
A bit of background on the Jan04 update: from Jun03 through Nov03 I went through all my
pictures and gave them the currently correct botanical binominals, complete with genus, species
and author, adding common names in any of a number of languages I speak, and a few that I don't.
That exercise brought home to me just how many errors the old dinosaur of a plant name database
contained, so I decided to do something about it. Here it is:
The all shiny and new plant name search
which also includes links to URLs across this site (not all that many yet, but that's
changing),
and links to all the plant pics on this site.
That means that the delimited textfiles, uploadable into any good spreadsheet or database program,
are no more.
Those of you who actually asked instead of just copying things wholesale from this site, do ask
again; the lot is in MySQL now, which probably is what you use anyway. It's currently 9440 latin
names (including 2368 synonyms) and 28266 common names.
http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/database.html [5/10/2004 3:39:04 PM]
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Jicama,
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Basics For Beginners

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Fending Off The FleasOverview of
the flea problem, how to check for
them and safety of natural
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Rescue RemedyThe original rescue
remedy and using it with pets.
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Stress-Relieving Holistic Blends Depression (8)

for Dogs Contributed by Francoise
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AnemiaOnions and garlic are
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Alternative/Holistic Medicine Net link resources from
About.com's veterinarian medicine guide.
Basics of Natural Flea ControlAddressing the use of "natural"
insecticides and other natural alternatives.
European Herbs For AnimalsThe U.K.'s view and usage of herbal
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Herbal Article - Herbs and Your PetsEver seen the movie

Homeward Bound? Well.Chance, Sassy and Shadow can all
benefit from herbs too. Here are some of the ways:by Viable
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Herbs in Veterinary MedicineBy by Susan Gayle Wynn.
Home Made Cat FoodSomething to really to think about if you

want your cat to go vegetarian. From About.com's cat guide.
newsletter.
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Kava Kava Veterinary MonographFor dogs, cats and horses from

the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association.
Milk Thistle Veterinary MonographFor dogs, cats and horses from
the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association.
Onion Salt and Powder in Pet FoodQuestions and answers from
IAMS.
Owners turn to alternative treatments such as herbs, acupuncture
for petsThough some vets - like conventional physicians - are
skeptical of alternative medicine, believers say the proof is in the
prognosis.
Pet SageProducts, toys, books, nutrtion and news.
The Herbs Place Pet NewsThe Herbs Place PET NEWS is a short
weekly newsletter with natural health solutions, tips for emotional
issues, success stories, pet web links and more. Subscribe with a
blank email using link above.
The Medicine Garden Great information on various pet ailments
and treatments.
Use of Herbal Remedies to Control Pet Behavior As the
movement moves into the pet world, so do the same concerns of
research, safety and usage.
Using Herbs To Treat Liver Disease For DogsAs dogs age, we
start to see an increased frequency of organ problems.
Vaccines, Friend or FoeRecently, annual vaccinations have come
under suspicion for causing a usually fatal form of cancer seen in
cats.
Vegetarian PetNet link resources from About.com's vegetarian
guide.
Veterinary Botanical Medical Association
ApplicationMembership in the VBMA is open to all veterinarians
with an interest in practicing safe, effective herbal medicine.
Non-veterinarians with experience in herbal medicine may join as
associate members. Professional certification by VBMA will be
granted to members who qualify.
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Herb Profiles / Monographs

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Monograph publications and some on-line published
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A - Z EncyclopediaMonographs and profiles of herbs,
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American Herbal PharmacopoeiaThe primary goal of the

AHP is to produce authoritative herbal monographs
containing accurate, critically reviewed information on
botanicals which can provide guidance in the appropriate use
of herbal therapeutics.
Essential Oils MonographsMonographs on 57 common
essential oils includes documented info on their historical
uses, medicinal activity, safety information and suggested
uses for fragrance, inhalation, baths and massage.
European Scientific Coop on Phytomed.(ESCOP)European
Monographs summarizing the medicinal uses of plant drugs
(including their safety) - an area which ESCOP considers to
be of prime importance for scientific harmonization.
German E Commission MonographsThey represent the most
accurate information available in the entire world on the
safety and efficacy of herbs and phytomedicines.
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The Hermits Grove Offering over 150 monographs for .75
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Comfrey From InteliHealth.
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Flax Seed From the Hermits Grove.
Ginkgo From the Hermits Grove.
Ginger From InteliHealth.
Kava KavaFrom Thorne Research.
Valerian From InteliHealth.
St. Johns Wort From InteliHealth.
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Nicotinic Toxic
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characteristics and plants
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MonographsConsumer Safety / ToxicologAromatherapyPreparations And Natural FatalityBeautiful but
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DamageSometimes when we
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AlkaloidsAlkaloids in herbs and plants are nitrogen containing
substances which are typically bitter in taste and in most cases
toxic.
Natural Born Killers - WildcraftingIf you plan on wildcrafting,
be aware that there are many poisonous plants all around us.
Some have the same appearance as safe herbs.
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Homeopathy
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Flower Essences

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Alaskan Flower Essence ProjectThe Alaskan Flower Essence

Project is dedicated to providing vibrational essences of the
highest quality that are relevant to the life issues and health
care challenges currently facing sentient beings in all
countries of the world.
A Modern History of Flower EssencesBy Bobbi Gay.
Bach Flower Remedy CategoriesWithin these general
categories you will find listed a number of flower essences,
each with their particular attribute.
Bach Flower Remedy DescriptionsA list of flowers and their
properties.
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The Flower Essence SocietyThe Society conducts seminars

and certification programs for active flower essence
practitioners and the general public throughout the world.
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Getting The Most Out Of Your Flower EssencesBy Bobbi

Gay.
Making Flower EssencesHow they are created by Bobbi Gay.
New Bach Flower RemediesAbout Dr. Edward Bach, papers
and information.
Self Mastery Through Flower EssencesIf you want to
improve your life physically, mentally, emotionally, or
spiritually, consider flower essences: an extraordinary healing
method both time-tested and dynamic.
QuestionnaireInstructions and questionnaire to help you
decide which remedies you should use.
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Juli Kight - Guide

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Juli Kight is dedicated to introducing others to the diverse Articles

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controversial herbs. We will explore all facets of medicinal Encyclopedia A
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Summers Top Ten - Herbs for Health Archives
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May 07, 2004
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Tonic Herbs

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Tonic Herbs
Gifs by Juli
Dateline: 12/05/98
Overview
More Information/Links
Books on the Subject
Overview
Tonic herbs strengthen and improve specific organs,
systems, weaknesses or the body as a whole. They are
generally gentle herbs that can be gently stimulating.
There is a difference between tonics and stimulants.
Stimulants tend to stimulate and organ or system
eventually ending up in depletion, thus "coming down",
"crashing" or exhaustion you experience after using
them for a period of time. Tonics, gently build and do
not exhibit the instant effects of stimulants. You will not
experience the "crash" when you stop using them.
Tonics like American ginseng will gently build your
energy and at the same time helps to you remain calm
and focused during stress, also allowing for better
sleep.
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Tonic herbs can be described as "normalizers" which

nurture and nourish. As Paul Bergner quotes "Taking a
tonic is like putting money (chi) in the bank. Taking a
stimulant is like withdrawing the money, at some point,
your account becomes over-drawn." Lesley Tierra
states that tonics "strengthens and promotes the overall
body processes or particular organs to function better;
use to improve any organ or system function and to
strengthen and build blood or energy."
If you ever get that feeling that your not feeling your
best, but then your not feeling sick, perhaps a tonic is
all you need.
More Information and References

[1] Bergner, Paul; The Healing Power of Ginseng and
the Tonic Herbs; 1996
[2] Tierra, Lesley; The Herbs of Life;1992
[3] Hoffmann, David; The New Holistic Herbal; 1990
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Tonics for the Upper Respiratory System
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NativeTech: Spring (amiskowehkuskwa) or Mint Tonic Encyclopedia A
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Beyond Mu Tea - Chinese Tonic Herbs - By Ron

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Teeguarden who is an author, educator and master
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Chinese Tonic Herbs
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Books On The Subject

Herbs To Boost Immunity: Herbal Tonics to Keep
You Healthy and Strong
by Gail Ulrich
No review available at this time. Paperback
Chinese Tonic Herbs
by Ron Teeguarden
Follow link to read readers comments. Paperback
The Healing Power of Ginseng and the Tonic Herbs
by Paul Bergner
This book shows readers how to use ginseng and the
tonic herbs safely and effectively. Paperback
BE SURE TO CHECK BACK LATER FOR MORE
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Got a question to ask? GO TO THE BOARDS!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any
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Chickweed - Stellaria media

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Herb
From Juli Kight,
Overview: Revered as a nuisance to most gardeners, this
inconspicuous little plant grows world wide and in abundance. It is
usually one of the first plants in spring and in the heat of summer it
can be found in cooler, damp shady areas. It makes a wonderful
addition to fresh spring salads.
Actions And Properties:
Topical anti-pruritic (itch)
Anti-rheumatic
Astringent
Emollient
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Hypotensive
Vulnerary
Consitutents:
Mucilage
Saponin glycocides
Coumarins and hydroxycoumarins
Flavonoids
Triterpinoids
Carboxylic acids
Vitamin C
Uses:
Chickweeds best uses are for skin issues and as a tonic. Topically,
chickweed addresses skin ailments from minor rashes and itching to
eczema and psoriasis. It is also effective against relieving pain from
bug bites. Young green tops in spring are excellent in salads and used
like spinach for tonic purposes.
Warnings:
None found at this time.
References:
Chickweed - By David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.
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Healthy Salads

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Add healing potential to your salads my making a few
adjustments with your greens.
Related Resources
Dandelion
We are half way through the
summer and I'll bet you are tired of
From Other Guides
salads based on iceberg lettuce.
Salad Greens Jigsaw Puzzle
Not only is iceberg lettuce lower on Guide to Salad Greens
the nutritional value scale than
other lettuces or salad greens,
Elsewhere on the Web
commercial heads may contain
Herbs as Food CD
sulfites to prevent it from turning
brown.[1] You can increase the
healing potential of your salads by adding a variety of fresh herbs
and greens.
Changing your salad from plain iceberg lettuce to a variety of

vegetable and herbal greens not only awakens your taste buds,
but also serves as a healthy tonic as well as supplying more
nutritional values. It completely changes the flavor profile leaving
your salad choices less boring, and less susceptible to loading
them with all the wrong fixings. You will also feel more satisfied
and nourished instead of hungry an hour later, leading to
snacking.
It is easy to make the change by purchasing specialized salad
mixes available in the produce section at your grocery store. My
favorites are the spring or field herb blends. This allows you to
try a little at a time to see what you do or don't like. Try mixing
some new greens in with your basic iceberg until you find a taste
you like. I still use iceberg myself because I like the added
crunch and there are some nutritional values to it.
Below are some herbs to ideas to add to your salads. Be sure to
check out the links below for even more unusual ideas and
recipes.
Borage - Several ways to use. Rich in minerals and an

adrenal tonic.
Chervil - Rejuvenation.
Chicory (French Endive).
Dandelion - Cleansing, diuretic.
Lavender - Ways to use, good with fruit salads.
Lemon balm - Nice aroma, add to salads to cut down on

vinegar or lemon juice.
Monarda - Add flowers for a unique flavor and look.
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Mustard Greens - Add sparingly for congestion, aches,

digestion and circulation to mention a few. Plus it adds
some spunk to your salad.
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Parsley - Chop a little fresh parsley for flavor, digestion
to ZHerb
and inflammatory conditions.
Raspberry - Internal astringent. If you don't like berries Encyclopedia A
to ZHorny Goat
on your salad, raspberry walnut dressing is a good
alternative.
Weed Salad burnet - For a fresh spicy taste. Internal astringent. Epimedium
Sorrel - Folk cancer remedy. Adds a lemony taste.
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Resources and Salad Greens Information
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[1] Nutriquest - Scroll down to msg Q08
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Chinese Herb Seeds for salad use

Holy basil, Oriental garlic, sanguisoba minor, perilla,
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Borage Cucumber Salad
Dandelion Salad
Dandelion dressing etc.
Dandelion and Cheese Salad
Chicory and Endive Salad
Nasturtium, Lemon Balm Salad
Raspberry walnut dressing
Warm Mushroom Salad

With mixed mushrooms and leaves.
Sorrel Salad - As well as some other herb recipes.
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Spring Cleansing

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From Juli Kight,
As we spring clean our homes, so

should we spring clean our
bodies.
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If there is any best season to rejuvenate and cleanse your body, spring
is it. Over the fall and winter months you have probably increased
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your intake of fats, holiday sweets and processed foods while fresh
Basics For BeginnersFind A Condition Or SymptomHerb Profiles / organic produce plummeted. Toxins have built up from being held up
indoors most of the time, air has been filled with garbage from home
heating systems and fireplaces and you've definitely had a lack of
sunshine. You are probably feeling sluggish or a little "off" and your
skin is dull. It's time to shake the cob webs out and turn on the lights.
I am not a fan of drastic cleansing and detox programs so they will not
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be addressed in this feature. If you are considering this route I
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recommend doing it gradually and under supervision of a specialist as
Before You BuyTop PicksTop 3 Essential Oil BrandsTopical Pain it can be harsh and result in unpleasant side effects or even increase
illness. Cleansing should never be done when you are weak or ill. You
can get great results by changing your diet and taking spring tonic and
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cleansing herbs over the next couple of weeks which will make you
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look and feel like a million bucks. Some detoxification programs
target specific areas such as excess phlegm, inflammation or nerves.
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The liver is the major organ for detoxification. It's role is to remove
toxins and chemicals from our system. It is also a key player in fat
metabolism. Excess weight, digestive problems and general poor
health can be caused by liver dysfunctions. Heavy "sticky" foods eaten
in excess will increase impurity and toxin levels. Most of us increase
these foods during the colder months leaving us sluggish and
unhealthy by the end of winter. A simple liver flush done twice per
year is easy without ill side effects.
Your herbal arsenal for liver cleansing is simple. They can be
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purchased if not wildcrafted just about anywhere. They can be found

and used in combination as well.
Herbal Suggestions:
Milk Thistle - inhibits liver damaging factors. Also has the ability to
rebuild new liver cells for all ready damaged livers. Can also build a
protective layer of cells so toxins can not enter.
Dandelion - Helps clear obstructions and stimulates the liver. Assists
with toxin elimination through urine.
Turmeric - Cleanses and regenerates liver cells.
Bupleurum - Increases circulation to the liver.
Burdock Root - Stimulates liver and bile.
Red Clover - Blood purifier.
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February 14, 2004
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Psyllium not only helps you stay
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regular but helps lower cholesterol, Weed - Epimedium
assists with appetite control and
sagittatumItchy Skin neutralizes and removes toxins in the
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colon.
Other herbs and information to help
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you cleanse your system are:
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07, 2004
From Juli Kight,
Herbs.
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herbs!
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Tonic Herbs - What do they do?
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Spring Tonic Herbs

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Recipes | Main | Summers Top
Ten
April 28, 2004

Spring Tonic Herbs
renew your system with tonic Goat Weed - Epimedium
herbs!
sagittatumItchy Skin Tonic Herbs - What do they do? Dermatitis
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How To Make Flax / Peanut

Butter Cookies

From Juli Kight,
Contributed by Lisa Kiefer. An easy to make peanut butter cookie
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using flax as it's base.
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Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 2 hrs.
Here's How:
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1. Mix until ingredients are mixed well.
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2. Spoon onto a greased cookie sheet.

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3. Bake at 350 until brown (approx 15-20 min.).
What You Need:
2 cups ground flax

1 Egg
2 Sticks of butter
1 C. sugar
1 C. chunky peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
More How To's from your Guide To Herbs for Health

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Super Sea Glow Recipe
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How To Make Super Sea

Glow Recipe
from Shannon Winczura
A salt glow recipe contributed by reader Shannon Winczura.
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Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 40 - 60 min.
Here's How:
1. Arrange blankets on massage table with the electric blanket
between the two flannel sheets.
2. Turn on the electric blanket to heat.
3. Mix the salt, vegetable oil and rose oil together.
4. Have the person lay on the blankets.
Before You BuyTop PicksTop 3 Essential Oil BrandsTopical Pain 5. Apply the salt mixture to the skin.
6. Wrap the blankets around the individual and have them rest for 15
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minutes.
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7. After 15 minutes, have the individual shower to remove the salt
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and dead skin cells. Pat dry.
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8. While the individual is in the shower, apply a clean sheet to the

table and prepare the moisturizer.
9. Lightly massage a light moisturizer into the skin
Tips:
1. The skin will absorb moisture in the delicate state that it is in
after all the skin will be very thirsty.
What You Need:
2 c. Sea / Mineral Salt
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Super Sea Glow Recipe
1 c. Vegetable Oil
7 drops rose oil
2 flannel blankets or sheets
1 electric blanket
2 oz. moisturizer
1 clean sheet

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Make Indulging Sugar Scrub

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How To Make Indulging

Sugar Scrub
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From Juli Kight,

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Forum Post by LINZEE1522. I just created this recipe for sugar scrub.
Everyone who tried it loves it! You can use it at the sink or shower,
for your hands or as a body exfoiliator.
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Here's How:
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 20 min.

1. Add dry ingredients and mix well.
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2. Add oil and glycerin
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3. Mix until wet, and ingredients stick together.
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4. If its to crumbly, add a little more glycerin and fragrance.

5. Put in jar or plastic container. Enjoy!
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Tips:
1. I like to add some yummy scented body cream, about 1/4 tsp.
2. I recommend that you apply some lotion after using this it will
make you feel even more velvety!
What You Need:
3 T. Raw Sugar
2 T. White Sugar
2 T. Brown Sugar
3 T. Epsom Salt
1 T. Kosher (sea) Salt
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Make Salt Glow Scrub
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How To Make Salt Glow

Scrub
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From Juli Kight,

A wonderful blend of sea salt and oils to exfoliate and smooth skin.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 15 Min.
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Here's How:

1. Mix all ingredients in a jar.
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2. Seal jar when not in use.
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3. Stir mixture well before applying.
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4. Massage in circular motions towards the heart.
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5. Leave on for a few minutes then rinse off.
Tips:
1. Do not use on face.
2. You can also use it with a body shampoo more for exfoliation.
3. Choose base oils such as sweet almond, kukuki nut, hazelnut
etc. according to skin type.
4. Choose essential oils appropriate for intended purpose.
5. Do not rub over irritated or broken areas of the skin.
What You Need:
2 c. sea or mineral salt
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Make Salt Glow Scrub
1 c. vegetable oil/blend
15 drops essen. oil/blend

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Recipes - Herbs for Health Archives

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April 19,
2004
Herbs for Health Blog Archives Most Popular Articles
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28, 2004 Spring Cleansing Herbal
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Grow Medicinal Herbs In Containers
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Grow Medicinal Herbs In

Containers
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From Juli Kight,

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Page 1 - Pro's and Con's of Container Gardens

Page 2 - Selecting Herbs
Page 3 - Planting Guide
I like growing herbs in containers for several reasons.

You create changeable groupings.
Smaller plants are more visible and can compliment each other.
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Growing conditions and exposure to pests can be more easily
controlled.
They are closer to you where you can really appreciate them
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instead of being buried in the garden away from the living areas.
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You can be quite creative and have beautiful miniature living
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gardens full of color.
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There are only a few disadvantages to having a container garden

however, once it's growing it is well worth the effort. They are:
They need to be watered more as they dry out very fast.
May require additional feeding.
Large pots are heavy and require a dolly or two people to move.
You may be limited in what you can grow in reference to size,
however, I like to push the limits and try many in containers.
If you are planning a roof-top, deck or porch garden, make sure
you know your weight limitations. Containers full of wet soil
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Grow Medicinal Herbs In Containers
and plants can get extremely heavy. One gallon of water weighs
8.34 pounds.
The containers can be just about anything as long as they have a drain
hole. Keep in mind that the more porous the container material is, the
faster it will dry out. If it is moisture retentive or does not have
adequate drainage, the roots will most likely rot. Interesting containers
I have used where metal baskets and even plastic milk crates. I just
simply lined them with plastic, filled it with potting soil then punched
holes in it for drainage and the plant plugs. My favorites are ceramic
and clay pots however they get very heavy to move so I use primarily
light weight imitation clay pots for the large ones.
1
2
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Butterfly And Hummingbird Herbs
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Herbs
From Juli Kight,
Create a healing space using herbs which attract butterflies and
hummingbirds. This can be a space in your garden or a space created
by a container herb garden. A few years ago while living in Minnesota
I had been planting various and unusual herbs, roses and growing
geraniums into standards. We had two warm seasons and had been
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seeing a lot of unusual life in the garden that I normally had not seen
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including hummingbirds. One early morning after putting the dog out,
A - Z EncyclopediaSubmit A Feature ArticleAromatherapy Free I stood on the porch among the plants and saw what I thought was a
really unusual hummingbird. Then I noticed the antenna, and really
had to look closer to make sure that is what I was seeing, and was
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captivated. Apparently we were being visited by some sort of
Basics For BeginnersFind A Condition Or SymptomHerb Profiles / hummingbird or Sphinx Moth and I have not seen one since. Now that
I live in Central Texas and still very much a novice at this, I have
noticed huge amounts of butterflies and moths as well as
hummingbirds and have decided to add more plants to attract them.
Butterfly plants provide nectar for adult butterflies and food for the
offspring. It is important to learn how to garden organically to make it
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a safe haven and supporting area for these little life forms. Many
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nectar plants are shared by both the butterfly and hummingbird.
Before You BuyTop PicksTop 3 Essential Oil BrandsTopical Pain According to Hummingbirds.net, hummingbirds lack the sense of
smell and go by "visibility and nectar production". I had noticed they
seem attracted to reds especially.
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Find out which butterflies and moths are native to your area. You can
do this by going to the Butterflies Of North America web site. This
site offers distribution maps, butterfly and moth identification by
region and information on the species. For hummingbirds visit
Hummingbirds.net Species list by state.
For selecting plants for butterflies, visit the Butterfly Website which
offers a list by species, then gives both nectar and host plant
suggestions. Some easy herb selections include: Lavenders
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Butterfly And Hummingbird Herbs
Thyme
Sassafrass
Savory
Yarrow
Nasturtiums
Catmint
Sages
Oregano
Echinacea
Hyacinth Bean Vine
Beebalm
Joe Pye Weed
Goldenrod
Nettle
Fennel
Parsley
Hummingbirds:
Bee Balm
Nasturtiums
Salvias
Digitalis
Yucca
Mimosa
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The Fragrant Garden

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The Fragrant Garden

A fragrant healing garden can do more for you
than you think.
Many of us lead busy and complicated lives, forgetting
the beauty of simplicities in life. A fragrant herb garden
can calm, stimulate, heighten the senses, heal and add
beauty and life to even the smallest of garden spaces.
Fragrant herbs combined with other garden and
wildflowers create what is sometimes referred to as a
sensory garden.
What is an aromatic herb? One which possesses a
strong and usually pleasant odor. Not all will agree that
all plant aroma's are pleasant, and one plant may not
smell the same to different people. Some aromatic herbs
will exude a heavy scent on their own, some are more
mild and are activated by brushing by or running your
hand lightly through it. Scents range from mild to
pungent floral, citrus, spicy, fruity and blends. Let's not
discount fragrant bedding plants, perennials, shrubs and
trees either for this purpose. I believe any plant that is
aromatic and pleasing to you has emotional and
psychological healing properties.
Aromatic gardens are personal healing spaces. The
plants you select are pleasing to you whether it be for
the scent, texture or visual effects. For example, I have
just started my aromatic healing space for a small
patio. Along with a varied fern selection to soften the
area, I have added scented geraniums (rose and old
spice), rosemary and various patio roses, all in
containers. My plans are to add some basil and thyme,
nutmeg and ginger scented geraniums, lavender and
some fragrant vines.
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The more open your fragrance garden is, the lighter the
scent will be if any especially on breezy days. Partially
enclosed areas or areas behind wind breaks work well.
You can create areas of quiet air using vines, trellises,
shrubs and small trees. Add comfortable seating or a
hammock, a wind chime, small fountain and you have a
wonderful place to relax, rejuvenate and focus.
I personally like to purchase my plants first hand instead Most Popular

of on-line. Its fun to take a few hours and just smell the Articles
different varieties and see how they effect your mood,
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emotions etc. Only you know if you like the scent of
that particular plant. If you purchase your chosen scent Herbal
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online, make sure you are getting the same plant variety
Basics For BeginnersFind A Condition Or SymptomHerb you tested in person. For example, southernwood can Encyclopedia A
to ZHerb
smell like tangerines, or camphor depending on the
variety. There are several types of rose geraniums such Encyclopedia A
ToxicologAromatherapyPreparations And RecipesHerbal as Attar of Roses, Gray Lady Rose or Snowflake Rose,
each with their own subtle differences which you may or to ZHorny Goat
Weed EssencesResearchFamily And PetsWild HerbsTraditional may not like.
Recipe!
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Below are links to help guide you in creating your

fragrant healing garden with ideas, plants to use and
plans.
Epimedium
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Plant Some Aromatic Herbs To Attract Butterflies!

How your garden can keep you well
The Fragrant Garden-Fragrant Plants
The Fragrant Herbs
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Helen's Garden of Fragrant Plants
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The Gardeningguru's Scented Geranium Page!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
P04-17
February 6, 2004
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Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA
FDA Issues Regulation Prohibiting Sale of Dietary

Supplements Containing Ephedrine Alkaloids and
Reiterates Its Advice That Consumers Stop Using
These Products
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today issued a final rule prohibiting the sale of dietary
supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids (ephedra) because such supplements present an unreasonable
risk of illness or injury. The rule will become effective 60 days from the date of publication.
"This FDA rule reflects what the scientific evidence shows - that ephedra poses an unreasonable risk to those
who use it," Health and Human Services Tommy G. Thompson said. "The regulations prohibit the sale of
dietary supplements containing ephedra, and we intend to take swift action against anyone who puts
consumers at risk by continuing to sell such products after the prohibition takes effect."
"In December, we advised consumers to stop using ephedra products, and we asked responsible companies to
stop selling them," said FDA Commissioner Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Ph.D. "We intend to use this
regulation to make sure consumers are protected by removing these risky products from the market."
Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, FDA may remove a dietary
supplement from the market if it presents a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury when used
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according to its labeling or under ordinary conditions of use. FDA's final regulation presents a framework for
applying this unique statutory standard.
To meet the standard required by the dietary supplement law, the FDA gathered and thoroughly reviewed
evidence about ephedra's pharmacology; peer-reviewed scientific literature on ephedra's safety and
effectiveness; adverse event reports; and a seminal report by the RAND Corporation, an independent
scientific institute. The FDA also reviewed tens of thousands of public comments on the agency's request in
March 2003 for information about ephedra-associated health risks.
In recent years, dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids have been extensively promoted for
aiding weight control and boosting sports performance and energy. The totality of the available data showed
little evidence of ephedra's effectiveness except for modest, short-term weight loss without any clear health
benefit, while confirming that the substance raises blood pressure and otherwise stresses the circulatory
system. These effects are linked to significant adverse health outcomes, including heart attack and stroke.
"Until the final rule prohibiting the sale of ephedra-containing dietary supplements takes effect, FDA
reiterates its warning to consumers: 'Do not take these products. They are simply too risky,'" said Dr.
McClellan.
Ephedra, also called Ma huang, is one of the plants that are a source of ephedrine alkaloids, including
ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. When chemically synthesized, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are regulated
under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as drugs. In contrast to the DSHEA-regulated dietary
supplements that contain ephedrine alkaloids, the safety and effectiveness of drug products containing
ephedrine alkaloids in drug products have to be proven by the manufacturer.
The issuance of this final rule continues a process that started in June, 1997 when FDA first issued a proposal
that required a statement on dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids warning that they are
hazardous and should not be used for more than seven days. FDA also proposed to restrict the amount of
ephedrine alkaloids in dietary supplements and to prevent combining ephedra with other ingredients that
have a known stimulant effect.
FDA modified this proposed rule in 2000, and in February 2003 it announced a series of measures that
included taking enforcement actions against firms making unsubstantiated claims regarding enhanced athletic
performance for their ephedra-containing products. FDA also issued warning letters to firms promoting these
products as alternatives to illicit street drugs. Many firms have complied with FDA's warning against making
such claims. FDA has also followed up with seizures and injunctions and joint enforcement actions with the
Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice. (More detail on these actions can be found at
http://www.fda.gov/ola/2003/dietarysupplements1028.html.) As a result, most ephedra-containing dietary
supplements advertised for enhanced sport performance have been removed from the market.
Additional information relating to ephedra is available online at www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/ds-ephed.html.
####
Questions and Answers about FDA's Actions on Dietary Supplements Containing Ephedrine Alkaloids
Federal Register - Final Rule
Final Rule Summary
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Definition: The acute seasonal form of allergic (pollens (weed, tree,

grass etc.)) rhinitis, recognized by sneezing, nasal discharge, nasal
obstruction, itching/tearing eyes, and pruritus. Can be present anytime
plants are pollinating. Food sensitivities seem to be a contributing
factor [1].

Most places in the United States get a break from pollen assaults
during the winter months. Here in Central Texas, we are plagued with
Mountain Cedar Allergies which pollinates November through March.
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Cedar allergies not only carry the classic hayfever symptoms, but can
Basics For BeginnersFind A Condition Or SymptomHerb Profiles / also manifest downright flu symptoms such as sore throat and ears,
facial discomfort and lethargy.
Help For Hayfever Sufferers:
Select herbs with the following actions:
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Anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhals, expectorants, anti-spasmodics,
astringents, bitters, adaptogens and anti-histamines.
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Before You BuyTop PicksTop 3 Essential Oil BrandsTopical Pain Herb Suggestions:
Urtica (Stinging nettle)
Euphrasia officinale (Eyebright)
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Plantago (Plantain)
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Solidago virgaurea (Golden rod)
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Quercetin (derived from Sophora Japonicas) - Anti-inflammatory,
inhibits histamine release.
Lemon Balm
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Aralia racemosa - American Spikenard

Gnaphalium uliginosum (Cudweed) - British Herbal Pharmacopoeia
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
Ephedra
Homeopathic Suggestions:
Luffa operculata (Spurge cucumber)
Allium Cepa (red onion) - Burning of the nose, watery red eyes, throat
inflammation.
Apis (honey bee) - Facial redness and swelling, burning eyelids.
Arsen Alb - Burning eyes and tears, relentless sneezing, restlessness.
Natrum Muriaticum (sodium chloride) - Dry red eyes.
Pulsatilla (wind flower) - Eye and lid inflammation, itching and
burning, thick discharge
Ambrosia - Itchy eyes, sneezing, dull mind.
Nux vomica - Headache, stuffed up with nasal drip, sneezing,
irritability.
Other Supporting Suggestions:
Use essential oils for respiratory symptoms in conjuction with other
aids.
Vitamin C - A powerful anti-histamine, helps eliminate histamines
from the body.
Zinc - Inhibits histamine activity.
Diet - Reduce dairy and meat intake.
References
[1] IBIS; Integrative Body/Mind Information System; Integrative
Medical Arts Group, Inc.; 1992-1999.
[2] Hayfever - Homeopathic Medical Association.
Allergies - by Stephen Terrass.
Hay Fever - Allergic Rhinitis - David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons),
M.N.I.M.H.
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Selecting Herbs For Itchy

Skin
From Juli Kight,
Selecting herbs and essential oils for itchy skin should include both
external and internal approaches.
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Most itchy skin is an allergic reaction to either an external

contaminant or a food reaction (see Itchy Skin for types of dermatitis.)
Here are some herbs to consider taking:
Alteratives-The "blood cleansers". These herbs work slower by cleansing the blood of toxins and should
Basics For BeginnersFind A Condition Or SymptomHerb Profiles / be used long term. They work gradually to "alter" existing conditions
which could be aggravating your skin conditions. (See Alterative
Herbs.
Adaptogens-The "stress defenders". EssencesResearchFamily And PetsWild HerbsTraditional
Stress can definitely aggravate skin conditions. These herbs help your
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body deal with on-coming environmental, emotional and physical
stresses your body encounters on a daily basis. They are also used long
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term with gentle actions. (See Adaptogenic Herbs.
For itch relief- Use anti-itch herbs and essential oils as well as
anti-inflammatories.
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Aloe gel - Can be used as a base for combinations.
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Witch hazel
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Carrot seed oil
Tea tree oil
Manuka oil
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Chickweed
Colloidal Oats
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Rose oils - Itching due to dryness and aging. Evening Primrose Oil topical/diluted
Lavender oil - topical/diluted
Peppermint oil - topical/diluted
Nettle Ointment
Calendula - How to make calendula oil.
Chamomile - unless allergic to the ragweed plant family. Also see
Chamomile oils.
Hua She Jie Yang Wan (patent) or Tri-snake Itch-Removing Pills
Tang Kuei Four C. (Si Wu Tang) plus Xiao Feng San - For chronic
eczema.
Base or Carrier oilsSweet almond
Jojoba
Olive oil - acute dermatits
Infused calendula oil - How to make calendula oil.
Refined coconut oil
Evening primrose oil
Kikui nut oil
References
Agora - Carrier oils.
IBIS; Integrative Body/Mind Information System; Integrative Medical
Arts Group Inc., 1992-1999
Phytotherapy for atopic dermatitis - Townsend Letter for Doctors and
Patients, May, 2003, by Kerry Bone.
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it by taking a multi-faceted
short term remedies. This guide ZSpring Cleansing
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Alterative - Definition

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Definition:
Blood purifiers.
Alteratives change or alter long term conditions through metabolic
elimination of toxins.
Commonly used in detox, skin and glandular programs.
Generally used long-term.
Imparts a gradual transition towards good health.
Alterative Herbs
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References
Glossary - Holistic On-line.
Also Known As: Blood purifiers.
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Adaptogens

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Glossary
From Juli Kight,
Definition: Adaptogenic herbs help you adapt to changes in life,
environment and may increase stamina and sports performance. They
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are gaining ground as treatments for stress and fatigue. An important
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mediator of the stress system.
Before You BuyTop PicksTop 3 Essential Oil BrandsTopical Pain Consist of two main chemical groups: Terpenoids and aromatic
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In order for an herb to be classed as an adaptogen:
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1. It must cause only minimal disorders in the body's physiological

functions
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2. Must increase body's resistance to adverse influences

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3. Must have an overall normalizing effect, improving all kinds of

conditions and aggravating none.
These originally were set during Lazarevs studies of a chemical
substance called dibazole. His student I.I. Brekhman changed the
focus to natural substances.
Adaptogens are split into two categories, primary and secondary.
Primary are the well known most studied herbs such as eleuthero,
schizandra and reishi. Secondary show some normalizing effects, but
have not been studied as much or support the adrenal system.
References
Adaptogens - Earlier and more recent aspects and concepts on their
mode of action (very scientific and detailed).
Also Known As: Whole body tonics
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Lycopene

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Lycopene
Phytochemical
From Juli Kight,
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Description:
Lycopene has been found to be the most powerful antioxidant of the
A - Z EncyclopediaSubmit A Feature ArticleAromatherapy Free dietary carotenoids. It is basically responsible for the red coloring in
some fruit such as tomatoes. It is believed to protect against several
cancers, macular degeneration, heart disease and much more (see
Browse Categories
Basics For BeginnersFind A Condition Or SymptomHerb Profiles / resources below).
Sources:
What are the best sources? Surprisingly, processed tomato products.
Processed products provide a better availability of lycopene to the
body which is increased when heated and consumed with oil. If you
can not eat tomato products, lycopene can also be found naturally in
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pink grapefruit, guava, papaya and apricots. Lycopene supplements
are also available.
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Before You BuyTop PicksTop 3 Essential Oil BrandsTopical Pain Lycopenes have also been discovered in rosehips [3].
Studies:
Tomato paste has the best absorbency rate of lycopenes into the blood
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system, nearly four times as much as fresh tomatoes. [1]
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Tomato juice contains 50 percent more lycopenes than paste in
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equivalent weight portions and at least three times more lycopene per
gram of edible product than a slice of tomato. The juice was found to
be poor in contributing to the blood concentration unless consumed
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with oil. [1]
Lycopene Content [2], [3] :
Tomato paste - 42.2 mg/100 g
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Spaghetti Sauce - 21.9 mg/100 g
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Chili Sauce - 19.5 mg/100 g
Ketchup - 15.9 mg/100 g
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Lycopene
Tomato juice - 9.5 mg/100 g

Raw tomato - 3 mg per medium tomato
Rosehips - 12.9-35.2 mg/100 g
Research And References:
Research
Heart Disease - Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003.
Prostate Cancer - Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2004.
Antioxidant Activity - J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2004.
Reduced Cancer Risk? - Integr Cancer Ther. 2002. (review)
Prostate Cell Enlargement - J Nutr. 2003.
References
[1] Studies - From Helmut Sies and his colleagues at Heinrich Heine
University.
[2] Lycopene Content
[3]Rosehips - New source of lycopene.
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Polysaccharides
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Definition: The form in which most natural carbohydrates occur.

Starch, glycogen, and cellulose.
Non-digestible polysaccharides - Dietary fiber.
May lower risk of diseases of the colon.
Attenuate blood glucose and insulin levels.
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Reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Before You BuyTop PicksTop 3 Essential Oil BrandsTopical Pain Lowers risk of coronary heart disease.
Actions can include:
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Immunomodulator
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Demulcent
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Sweetener
Vulnerary
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Expectorant
Hypoglycemic
It is believed that the protein bound polysaccharides are responsible
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for the immunomodulating and anti-cancer activities of medicinal
mushrooms.
References
Food Research Program
Polysaccharide - 2004 Encyclopdia Britannica, Inc.
Also Known As: Glycans
Common Misspellings: polysaccarides
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Phytochemicals which are readily available
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Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

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From Juli Kight,
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Overview: The Maitake mushroom is a highly regarded Japanese

mushroom in both the culinary and medicinal world. Wild Maitake
have been over harvested in Japan however it can be found in
Northern temperate forests of Europe, North America and parts of
Asia. Maitakes unusual appearance resembles a hens tail.
Actions And Properties [1], [2], [3]:

Adaptogen
Tonic
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Anti-cancer
Basics For BeginnersFind A Condition Or SymptomHerb Profiles / Total cholesterol lowering
Reduces tryglyceride levels
Lowers arterial blood pressure
Immunomodulator
Anti - HIV
Anti-hypertension
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Anti-obesity
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Liver damage - prevention and recovery
Before You BuyTop PicksTop 3 Essential Oil BrandsTopical Pain Constituents:
Beta-glucan polysaccharides - These are the most important
constituents being researched. They are unique and differ than other
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mushroom beta-glucans [3].
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Uses:
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The main focus of maitake today is on it's anti-cancer and immune
system capabilities. The best results in cancer studies are shown
against breast, lung and liver cancers. It is also used to balance blood
cholesterol, sugars and pressure. One promising study showed maitake
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improved T-cell activity and killed AIDS however much more
research needs to be conducted.
Warnings / Safety:
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Since Maitake effects blood pressure in animals, persons using
medications for diabetes and blood pressure should consult with their
physician first. No other warnings have been found at the time of this
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writing. Use with caution as it is still under investigation.

Research And References: Research
Anti-tumor Effect - Zhong Yao Cai. 2003.
Cyclooxygenase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Compounds - J Agric
Food Chem. 2002.
Can maitake MD-fraction aid cancer patients? - Altern Med Rev.
2002.
Antihypertensive and Antidiabetic - Mol Cell Biochem. 2002.
Anti-tumor Activity -Cancer Lett. 2001.
Cholesterol-lowering Effects - Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2001
References
[1] Cancer Research UK - Medicinal mushrooms and cancer.
[2] Maitake - A to Z of Health.
[3] Maitake MD Fraction - A literature review by Mark Mayell.
Maitake - Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.
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you if you are worried about cancer,Herbal Encyclopedia A
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Summers Top Ten Herbs for Health Blog Archives

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From Juli Kight,
Herbs.
Summers Top Ten
These are my picks for ten herbs
Read more... #
Spring Tonic Herbs
herbs! Tonic Herbs - What do
they do? Chickweed - This
abundant and pesky Read
more... #
Recipes
Related: Indulging Read
more... #
with: Herbal Container Gardens
Herbs The Fragrant Garden
Read more... #
supplements containing
ephedrine alkaloids are banned
and prohibited for sale in the
United States. For more
information see Read more... #
Hayfever
help you select herbs and offer
suggestions to help reduce Read
more... #
The best way to relieve itchy
skin it by taking a multi-faceted
short term remedies. This guide
helps you select the Read
http://healthyherbs.about.com/b/archives.htm (1 of 7) [5/10/2004 3:41:42 PM]
more... #
I used to get these two terms and
their uses mixed up. They are
herbs with common end goals
and can be used together for
Read more... #
Phytochemicals which are
readily available and easy to
consume are showing to be
preventatives against some
cancers. Lycopene - Updated
with a new source found. Read
more... #
Maitake Mushroom
you if you are worried about
cancer, cholesterol, blood
pressure and diabetes. Read
more... #
Maca
Updated from the previous
version written in 1999, this
"Peruvian Ginseng" shows
promise for fertility and
impotence as well as energy,
fatigue and debility. This Read
more... #
Healing Mushrooms
Two medicinal mushrooms
stand out in front as their
historical uses are being proven
through research. These
outstanding performers may help
with allergies and stress Read
more... #
South American Libido
Enhancers
From the forests of Brazil, these
two trees have been used
traditionally as effective libido
help for both men and women.
They also possess other Read
more... #
Psyllium not only helps you stay
regular but helps lower
cholesterol, assists with appetite
control and neutralizes and
removes toxins in the colon.
Other herbs Read more... #
Hormones And HRT
Are the new HRT (hormone
replacement therapy) warnings
leaving you feeling helpless?

There are alternatives! Many
herbs herbs have been
successfully used for symptoms
of Read more... #
Recipes
Two new recipes have been
submitted by readers like you. If
you have a recipe you would like
to share just use the Submit A
Read more... #
Grow Your Own Herbs!
I have noticed the new growth
starting to pop up through the
leaves and thats always a
reminder to start planning what
you are going Read more... #
Libido Spice Ups
Spice up your love life with
some herbal helps. Wether it is
of physical or emotional hurdles
one of the following suggestions
may be for Read more... #
Wildcrafting
Is wildcrafting as simple as just
going out and picking herbs? Do
you need a class or can you learn
yourself? Simple questions to
ask Read more... #
Heartworms
As the number of pets infected
with heartworms rises, so do
costs in prevention and
treatment drugs. Are there any
alternatives? What natural
programs if Read more... #
If you are counting on the
thermogenic actions of weight
loss and fat burning products,
you are going to have to change
your approach soon. Read
more... #
Colloidal Oats
What is colloidal oatmeal?
Something I swear by for itchy
dry skin. I like it so much I tried
it on my terminally itching pet.
Read more... #
Home
Essentials
Need To Warm Up?

You are cold, want something
hot to drink however you are
tired of coffee and boring tea.
Try this quick easy hot drink
right out Read more... #

Browse Categories
Herbs
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Articles
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Dry Winter Skin

Cold dry wind chapping your
hide? It is mine! This article
features simple ways to combat
dry winter skin and has been
updated with what Read
more... #

Indigestion? Muscles Ache?
Two more herbs which are my sagittatumItchy Skin favorites for indigestion and that Dermatitis
achy feeling all over are
chamomile and peppermint. You What's Hot Now
can even combine them for Read
more... #
ZSpring Cleansing
Avoid Holiday Stress
Herbs can help you avoid the
stress and anxiety of the
holidays. Kava has been my
favorite for myself and my pets.
Mimosa is another Read
more... #
Holiday Spices
Ancient spices and herbs we
commonly use over the holidays
besides imparting a wonderful
aroma, have many wonderful
benefits from warming and
clearing to blood Read more... #
Nuts To You!
There is no need to shun those
holiday nuts. New research
suggests even pecans are a
healthy food to include in your
daily diet. This Read more... #
Pumpkins For Health?
You bet! With such a good
nutritional profile, why would
you want to savor pumpkin only
during the holidays? Both
Traditional Chinese Medicine
and Ayurveda Read more... #
Wild Cherry Bark
When that nasty irritaing cough
still manages to break through
all your prevention efforts, Wild
Cherry Bark is a good herb to
have on hand. Read more... #
Garlic
Still on of the best herbs you can
use for prevention (and research
is pointing to cancer prevention),
this profile is updated with new
links Read more... #
Ginger
Ginger is one of my absolute
favorite herbs to keep on hand

during the colder months. Not
only is it warming, it comforts
the stomach Read more... #
Pumpkin Seeds
Don't throw out those pumpkin
seeds! They are packed with
nutrients and you can easily
roast them for a healthy snack.
Read more... #
Herb Profile - Hyacinth Bean
Even if you never use the beans,
Hyacinth bean (Dolichoris
Lablab (Bai Bian Dou)) is an
impressive heat loving vine to
add to your herb Read more... #
Reader Q&A - Bellis Perennis
A reader asks about using Daisy
(Bellis perennis) for her childs
croup. Find out what other
ailments this commonly used
herb is used for. Read more... #
Helpful How To's For Cold
Season
Great recipes have been
submitted for combatting the
upcoming cold and flu season.
Get prepared and stock up on
these herbs ahead of time. Cold
Read more... #
Reader Q & A - Bitters
A reader asks about bitters and
digestion. Recipes on making
your own have been included.
Read more... #
Acne Helps
Acne can hit any one at any time
whether it is due to stress,
seasons changing, environmental
change, cosmetics, diet or even a
combination of Read more... #
Eurycoma Longifolia
Eurycoma Longifolia is yet
another herb with strong
traditional use as an aphrodisiac
for men AND women as well as
possible anti-cancer,
anti-malarial and other Read
more... #
New Free Herbal Gift Tags
New free gift tags have been
designed for your personal use.
The older tags have been
updated to a newer, easy to print
format. These Read more... #
Cnidium Monnieri
The Chinese herb Cnidium
Monnieri traditionally used for
skin ailments shows promise as
an aid for male sexual
dysfunction. Read more... #
Essential Oil - Eucalyptus
Stock up with eucalyptus oil and
be prepared for the up-coming
cold and flu season. Other
helpful oils: Manuka Oil Tea
Tree Oil Read more... #
Essential Oil Profiles
Understanding what the different
"notes" mean and how to profile
your own essential oils will help
you in creating the right blend.
Read more... #
School Helps
Help your kids make it through
another year of school with
natural solutions from dealing
with head lice to clearing the
mind and improving memory.
Read more... #
Back To School Prevention
Protect your kids early by using
herbs as a preventative against
common colds and flu. Usnea is
a lesser known but powerful
herb you can Read more... #
Plant / Herb Food - Quinoa
If you like the healthy benefits
of barley, check out the "super
grain" from the Andes highlands
called quinoa, complete with
recipe resources and suppliers
Read more... #
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola is a 'brain" herb you
may want to look into for mental
clarity and memory as well as
problems with phlebitis,
varicose veins, Read more... #
Reader Response
A. Carlton responds to
Fractionated Coconut Oil with
her uses of solid food grade
coconut oil and castor oil. Read
more... #
Smitten With Smudging
I would smudge every now and
then until my recent two week
stay in the Colorado mountains.
I made my own smudge sticks
out of Read more... #

Remember The Simple Things
Sometimes we are so focused on
the new products being
developed that we forget the
simple herbs around us every
day. For instance, I had Read
more... #
Have You Started To Harvest?
In my part of the country, many
herbs are ready to harvest either
for fresh use for cooking or
drying for processing. If my
garden Read more... #
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Horny Goat Weed - Epimedium sagittatum

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Horny Goat Weed - Epimedium

sagittatum

From Juli Kight,
PetsWild HerbsTraditional EthnicPopular Herbs The mechanism of how horny goat weed works for increasing sexual desire is still unknown
at the time of this writing. It is believed that horny goat weed may be able to restore levels
Buyer's Guide
of testosterone and thyroid hormones. The herb has been traditionally used for liver and
kidney tonification as well as sexual dysfunction. It has improved the life of chronic renal
failure patients in a Chinese study. It is found in formulas for psychological and physical
impotence.
Reviews
Common Name - Horny Goat Weed
Articles
Scientific / Latin Name - Epimedium Sagittatum
Forums
Pin Yin Name - Yin Yang Huo
Parts Used - aerial parts harvested in spring and autumn.
Help
Actions and Uses - Libido enhancement, anti-fatigue, adaptogen,
Thermal Qualities - Warm
Taste - Pungent, sweet
Stay Current
Chinese Uses - Yang tonic for yang deficiency
Resources and Information
newsletter.
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Supplement Watch - Article stating theory and scientific support.

Epimedium spp. - Clinical trials, case studies, pharmacology.
Horny Goat Weed [/llink]- by Ray Sahelian, M.D.,
[link
url=http://www.healthlink.com.au/nat%5Flib/htm%2Ddata/htm%2Dherb/bhp931.htm]Herba
Epimedii - Monograph
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Itchy Skin - Dermatitis
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Itchy Skin
Home
From Juli Kight,
Essentials
If you are like me, the summer season can bring out a malady of itchy
skin problems ranging from contact dermatitis to allergic reactions and
poison ivy. many times the heat, sun and sweat of summer can
aggravate conditions. Dermatitis means skin inflammation and there
are several types which encompass a wide range of ailments.
Types of Dermatitis
Contact Dermatitis - Caused by exposure to an irritant which results
EthnicPopular Herbs
in mild rash which may or may not itch limited to an area of skin. The
Buyer's Guide
most common dermatitis which is normally a mild allergic reaction to
Before You BuyTop PicksTop 3 Essential Oil BrandsTopical Pain plants, fruits, vegetables, cosmetic ingredients, detergents, fabric
chemicals and some soaps.
Atopic (eczema) Dermatitis - Chronic itching, scaling, swelling or
Articles
blistering of the skin. It tends to be genetic and can be caused by
Forums
allergies, asthma and stress.
Nummular Dermatitis - Common in people 55 or older who live in
Help
dry environments, take very hot showers or have dry skin. Red itchy
patches of weeping, scaling or encrusted skin. This condition can be
aggravated by stress.
Stay Current
Seborrheic Dermatitis - Usually on the scalp and other hairy parts of
the body as well as the face and genitals. Yellowish or reddish greasy
scaling associated with over production or blockage of the oil glands.
Enter email address
It can be aggravated by stress.
newsletter.
Stasis Dermatitis - Skin irritation and unhealthy growth around
ankles which is caused by poor circulation.
Browse Categories
Page 2 discusses the first step of relieving the discomfort and itching.
Page 3 will be added next week focusing deeper on the root causes and
prevention of reoccurances.
1
2
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Movable Type 3.0
12.22.2003
We realize that official news has been scarce over the
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development strategy and
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Topic Index |
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Plants by Their Alphabetical Listing

Return to Cover Page
A Through G
H Through M
N Through S
T Through Z
A Through G
Alsike Clover
Azalea, Rhododendron
Star of Bethlehem
Black Locust
Black Walnut
Bouncing Bet
Brackenfern
Buckeye and Horsechestnut
Bulbs
Common Burdock
Buttercup
Castorbean
Catnip
Cherry
Christmas Plant (Poinsettia)
Cocklebur
Dumbcane (Aroids)
Dutchman's Breeches
Easter Lily
English Ivy
Ergot
Fescue
Foxtail Barley
Green False Hellebore
H Through M
Poison Hemlock
Water Hemlock
Horsetail
English Ivy
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Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Jimsonweed
Johnsongrass
St. Johnswort
Larkspur
Easter Lily
Black Locust
Lupine
Red Maple
Marijuana
Milkweed
Mustards
N Through S
Stinging Nettle
Nightshades
Red Oak
Oats
Oleander
Pigweed
Poison Hemlock
Pokeweed
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Senecio, Ragwort
Red Maple
Rhubarb
Rosary Pea
White Snakeroot
Spurges
St. Johnswort
Star of Bethlehem
Yellow & White Sweetclover
T Through Z
Tansy
Tobacco
Black Walnut
Water Hemlock
White Snakeroot
Yew
Toxic Plants by Degree of Toxicity

Extremely Toxic
Moderately Toxic
Minimally Toxic
Extremely Toxic
Castorbean
White Snakeroot
Senecio, Ragwort
Water Hemlock
Poison Hemlock
Cocklebur
Pigweed
Jimsonweed
Johnsongrass
Cherry
Yew
Red Maple
Easter Lily
Oleander
Rosary Pea
Moderately Toxic
Dumbcane (Aroid Family)
Bulbs
Lupine
Rhubarb
Oats
Ergot
Fescue
Yellow, White Sweetclover
Tobacco
Larkspur
Brackenfern
Milkweed
Horsetail
Mustards
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Spurges
Nightshades
Buckeye, Horsechestnut
Black Walnut
Red Oak
Black Locust
Minimally Toxic
Foxtail Barley
Common Burdock
English Ivy
Catnip
Poinsettia, Christmas Plant
Tansy
Alsike Clover
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Dutchman's Breeches
Buttercups
Stinging Nettle
Marijuana
St. Johnswort
Star of Bethlehem
Pokeweed
Bouncing Bet
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Plants by the Animals Affected

All Animals
Pets
Livestock and Horses
All Animals
Foxtail Barley
Common Burdock
Bulbs
Rhubarb
Castorbean
Tansy
Ergot
Tobacco
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Milkweed
Water Hemlock
Poison Hemlock
Buttercup
Stinging Nettle
Cocklebur
Marijuana
Jimsonweed
Spurges
Pokeweed
Bouncing Bet
Nightshades
Cherry
Red Oak
Yew
Oleander
Rosary Pea
Pets
Dumbcane (Aroids)
English Ivy
Catnip
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Easter Lily
Livestock and Horses
Lupine
Oats
Fescue
Alsike Clover
Larkspur
Dutchman's Breeches
White Snakeroot
Brackenfern
Senecio, Ragwort
Horsetail
Pigweed
Mustards
St. Johnswort
Star of Bethlehem
Johnsongrass
Black Walnut
Black Locust
Red Maple
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Plants by Type
Plants by Type
Grasses
Houseplants
Other Non-woody Plants
Woody Bushes/Trees
Grasses
Foxtail Barley
Oats
Ergot
Fescue
Johnsongrass
Houseplants
Aroid(Dumbcane)
Easter Lily
Oleander
Other Non-woody Plants
Common Burdock
Bulbs
English Ivy
Lupine
Catnip
Rhubarb
Castorbean
Tansy
Sweetclover
Tobacco
Alsike Clover
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Larkspur
Dutchman's Breeches
White Snakeroot
Brackenfern
Senecio(graound seed)
Green Falsehellebore
Milkweed
Waterhemlock
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Plants by Type
Poison Hemlock
Horsetail
Buttercups
Stinging Nettle
Cocklebur
Pigweed
Mustards
Marijuana
Jimsonweed
Spurges
St. Johnswort
Star-of-Bethlehem
Pokeweed
Bouncingbet
Nightshade
Rosary Pea
Woody Bushes/Trees
Buckeye, etc.
Black Walnut
Black Cherry
Red Oak
Black Locust
Yew
Red Maple
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Picture Directory of Plants by Their Alphabetical Listing
Picture Directory of Plants by Their Alphabetical

Listing
Alsike Clover
Star of Bethlehem
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Black Locust
Black Walnut
Bouncing Bet
Brackenfern
Bulbs
Common Burdock
Buttercup
Castorbean
Catnip
Cherry
Cocklebur
Dumbcane (Aroids)
Dutchman's Breeches
Easter Lily
English Ivy
Ergot
Fescue
Foxtail Barley
Poison Hemlock
Horsetail
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Jimsonweed
Johnsongrass
St. Johnswort
Larkspur
Lupine
Marijuana
Milkweed
Mustards
Stinging Nettle
Nightshades
Red Oak
Oats
Oleander
Pigweed
Pokeweed
Senecio, Ragwort
Red Maple
Rhubarb
Rosary Pea
White Snakeroot
Spurges
Tansy
Tobacco
Water Hemlock
Yew
18. ALSIKE CLOVER
INDEX
18. ALSIKE CLOVER

Trifolium hybridum
(pea family)
TOXICITY RATING: Low.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All grazing animal may be affected.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: All green parts (when dewy).
CLASS OF SIGNS: Gastrointestinal irritation, photodermatitis (sunburn or sunscald).
PLANT DESCRIPTION: These perennial legumes (fig. 18) are commonly grown for pasture or
hay and may be found as escapes in fields, roadsides, and waste areas. They have the familiar
three-parted clover leaf. The flowers are axillary, not terminal as in red clover, and are pink to
white in a clover head.
SIGNS: This is not a commonly reported toxicity, and is usually not serious even if toxicity
occurs. It is unknown if the wet clover causes problems by contact or ingestion. The typical signs
associated with alsike clover are gastrointestinal distress, including mild colic and diarrhea.
Photodermatitis ("sunburn") is also possible, especially on the parts of the body that contact the
wet grass (lower legs, mouth). Liver damage has been suggested, but not well-verified. This
syndrome, which can be caused by plants in addition to alsike, is sometimes called "dew
poisoning" or "trifoliosis".
In rare cases, the sunburn may spread to the entire body, especially in lightly pigmented areas.
Newly shorn sheep may be particularly at risk. Large amounts of alsike must be consumed before
serious body-wide sunscald develops.
FIRST AID: Remove the animals from the pastures especially in the early morning when the
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18. ALSIKE CLOVER
plants are dew-covered. Animals severely affected by sunscald need to be kept out of the sun until
recovered (turn them out at night). Care for gastrointestinal and sunburned areas symptomatically.
Call a veterinarian if signs are severe or if the animal does not recover in a day or two.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Alsike clover is safe when dry, therefore prepared feeds
containing alsike is safe for consumption.
PREVENTION: Keep sensitive animals off alsike pastures in the early morning or during wet
weather. Provide other feed if animals are consuming large quantities of the clover and if they are
showing clinical signs. Keeping the pastures mowed will lessen the effects of the toxicity for
sensitive animals.
NOTE: Red clover (Trifolium pratense, pea family), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum, dock
family), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa, pea family) can sometimes cause similar poisoning.
However, white clover (Trifolium repens, pea family) poisoning, when it occurs, causes cyanotic
or estrogenic (hormone) symptoms, especially in swine. All of these plants sometimes cause
bloating, especially when the animals are put out in lush growth that they are not accustomed to
eating.
10. AZALEA, RHODODENDRON
INDEX

(Rhododendron spp.)
(heath family)
TOXICITY RATING: Moderate. These plants grow wild in the East and cause significant
problems there, the danger from these plants in Indiana is much less.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals may be affected.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: all parts, especially leaves.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Stomach irritation, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rate and rhythm,
convulsions, coma, death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: These perennial shrubs have tough, glossy, smooth-margined evergreen
leaves. The large, showy flowers are in terminal clusters and have five white, pink, or red petals
(fig. 10). Some horticultural varieties have yellow or orange petals. Common and local names for
these plants include "lambkill" and "calfkill". These plants have been used by people to commit
suicide.
SIGNS: These plants, as well as mountain laurel (Kalmia spp.) contain grayanotoxins (glycosides)
which affect the gastroenteric (stomach and intestines) and cardiovascular systems. The older
name for this toxin was andromedotoxin.
In order for toxic signs to manifest, 0.2% by weight of green leaves needs to be ingested.
Gastroenteric signs develop first, generally within 6 hours of ingestion, including salivating,
vomiting (in capable species), diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tremors. Disturbances in cardiac rate
and rhythm may then be noted. If sufficient quantites were consumed, convulsions may occur,
followed by coma and death. Not all affected animals will die, and livestock may recover without
treatment, depending upon amount ingested.
FIRST AID: Prevent further ingestion and provide supportive care. Veterinary attention is needed
if ingestion was recent, or if clinical signs are present.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: These plants are not safe in hay nor in any other prepared feed.
PREVENTION: Animals should not be allowed to graze these plants. Keep hungry livestock away
from areas where these plants grow. Pets may nibble or taste the leaves out of curiosity or
boredom, and this is not advised, but seldom leads to clinical toxicosis. Honey made from the
nectar of these flowers is also toxic and should not be consumed, so exercise caution when placing
beehives.
39. STAR-OF-BETHLEHEM, SNOWDROP, NAP-AT-NOON
INDEX

(lily family)
TOXICITY RATING: Moderate to low. While very toxic, exposure is not commonly reported.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Cattle, sheep, horses, and potentially any grazing animal.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: All parts, especially bulbs.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Stomach and intestinal irritation, abdominal pain, irregular heart rate, death
(rarely).
PLANT DESCRIPTION: This perennial (fig. 39), a close relative of wild garlic (but without the
smell), reproduces mostly by clumps of bulbs. The central flower stem grows 4 to 12 inches long.
The leaves are about as long as the stem and have a light green midrib. Star-shaped flowers, six
white petals with green stripes on the back, appear in spring. Usually the tops die back after
flowering and before the fruit, a capsule, can be produced. Originally introduced to Indiana as a
garden plant, star-of-Bethlehem has now gone wild along roadsides, in fields, and in woods,
especially in the southern and western parts of the state.
SIGNS: Star-of-Bethlehem contains cardiac glycosides in all parts of the plant, with the bulbs
containing a higher percentage of the toxin. This is not a commonly reported toxicosis, but it can
be severe if encountered and if enough of the bulbs have been consumed. The bulbs may become
more readily accessible after plowing, frost heaving or other such activity, thus increasing the risk
of toxicosis. The toxic component (and therefore the toxic signs) are very similar to foxglove
(Digitalis). The first signs are stomach and intestinal irritation, which is followed by abnormalities
in the heart's rate and rhythm, and this can progress to fatal cardiac arrythmias.
FIRST AID: If animals are observed eating Star-of-Bethlehem, contact a veterinarian immediately,
since evacuation of the gastrointestinal tract may be attempted to remove the toxin. Beyond this,
therapy is symptomatic and supportive, often necessitating a veterinarian's care.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: The toxin remains after the plant has dried. Since the toxin is
powerful, there is no level that can be considered safe when feeding processed feeds containing
Star-of-Bethlehem.
PREVENTION: Do not let animals graze Star-of-Bethlehem, and avoid incorporating this plant
into hay and other feeds. It would be advisable to eliminate the plant from pastures, especially if
they grow in any significant numbers.
48. BLACK LOCUST
INDEX
48. BLACK LOCUST

Robinia pseudo-acacia
(pea family)
TOXICITY RATING: High to moderate.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Horses are particularly at risk, but all animals ingesting the plant may be
poisoned.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Leaves, especially wilted leaves, young shoots, pods, seeds,
inner bark.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Depression, poor appetite, weakness, paralysis, abdominal pain, diarrhea
(which may be bloody) and abnormalities in the heart rate and/or rhythm. Death is possible.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: These moderate-sized trees with rough bark often bear two short spines
at the base of each leafstalk (easiest to see on young leaves). Leaves are alternate and pinnately
compound with oval, entire leaflets (fig. 48). The fragrant flowers are creamy white,
sweet-pea-like, and arranged in long drooping clusters. The fruit is a flat brown pod which
contains kidney-shaped beans (fig. 48A). Black locusts are common in well-drained woods,
thickets, and waste areas, especially in the southeastern part of the state. They are often planted
along highways and fencerows as ornamentals and for erosion control.
SIGNS: This discussion will center on the effects in horses, the species most likely to be poisoned
by black locust. Horses may ingest the bark or leaves when hungry and no other forage is
available, or if they are confined or bored in the vicinity of the tree.
There are several toxic components in black locust including the toxic protein robin, the glycoside
robitin, and the alkaloid robinine. The toxins affect the gastrointestinal tract as well as the nervous
system. Clinical signs can manifest as soon as one hour after consumption and can include
48. BLACK LOCUST
depression, poor appetite, generalized weakness to paralysis, abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may
be bloody) and abnormalities in the heart rate and/or rhythm. With sufficient amounts ingested,
death may occur within a few days, although black locust is not always lethal. Some animals
recover despite showing clinical signs, an indication of the dose-dependent nature of the toxin.
Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos, pea family) has been implicated in causing similar toxic
signs, but the information on this is not clear. Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum, citrus
family) superficially resembles black locust in vegetative aspect and has been blamed for loss of
sheep.
FIRST AID: If horses are observed eating black locust, contact a veterinarian immediately, since
emergency measures to rid the gastrointestinal tract of toxin may be implemented. Beyond this,
therapy is aimed at preventing further exposure and keeping other animals away from the trees,
and treating clinical signs symptomatically. Recovery may take days to weeks. Be extra cautious
around affected horses to prevent human injury, and these horses should not be ridden until all
clinical signs have resolved.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Reports are not clear on this matter, but given the potentially
toxic nature of black locust, it should never be allowed to contaminate feeds, especially those
destined for horses.
PREVENTION: Do not confine horses in an area where black locust grows. If this is unavoidable,
provide enough palatable feed so that the horses leave the trees alone. Some horses are wood and
bark chewers, however, and for these horses is may be necessary to fence off the trees or utilize a
different pasture to prevent toxicosis. Paints and sprays to prevent wood chewing may be tried, but
long-term success with these treatments may be difficult.
45. BLACK WALNUT
INDEX
45. BLACK WALNUT

Juglans nigra
(walnut family)
TOXICITY RATING: Moderately toxic, depending upon length of exposure.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Horses, dogs, possibly other animals.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Laminitis, breathing problems, gastroenteritis.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: These familiar trees are recent additions to the list of poisonous plants.
Little information is yet available about their toxicity. Black walnuts are large (60-80 foot) forest
trees often
planted as ornamentals. The bark has characteristic broad, round ridges. The leaves are alternate,
pinnately compound, 1 to 2 feet long, with 13 to 23 sharply toothed, tapered-pointed leaflets (fig.
45). Often there is no terminal leaflet. The fruit is a very rough nut enclosed within a clammy
glandular husk, 2 to 4 inches in diameter (fig. 45A).
SIGNS: Horses are most often affected. When horses are bedded on wood shavings containing
more than about 20% of black walnut shavings (which tend to be dark in color), clinical signs of
laminitis (inflammation of the laminae in the hoof) can occur within 12 to 18 hours of contact, but
24 hours may elapse before signs manifest. Consumption of the shavings may cause signs of
laminitis as well as mild colic. Affected horses become unwilling to move or have their feet picked
up, are depressed, may exhibit limb edema and signs of laminitis. Difficulty in breathing
(increased rate and depth) may be noted. Horses on pasture may show mild respiratory signs from
pollen or fallen leaves. Poisoning in dogs is reported occasionally when the seed hulls are
consumed, causing stomach upset and diarrhea (gastroenteritis).
The toxin causing equine laminitis has not been clearly identified. It was once thought to be
45. BLACK WALNUT
juglone, but this is not believed to be the toxin. Juglone is produced by the tree which limits the
growth of other plants in the vicinity. Walnuts are also lethal to earthworms.
FIRST AID: Remove black walnut shavings immediately; cooling the hooves and legs with a hose
can help. Call a veterinarian if signs are severe or if shavings were consumed. Prompt removal of
shavings typically results in complete recovery. Respiratory signs in horses usually do not require
treatment unless severe or long-lasting. Stomach upset in dogs will resolve when hulls are no
longer eaten.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Reports are not clear concerning the safety of black walnut
leaves in processed feeds. The bark and seed hulls are toxic, and these should never be
incorporated into any feeds. In the interest of safety, any part of the black walnut plant should not
be allowed to contaminate feeds.
PREVENTION: Do not use shavings containing black walnut, limit access of horses to pastures
with walnut trees. Purchase bedding shavings only from reputable dealers. Do not let dogs eat
walnut hulls.
41. BOUNCINGBET, SOAPWORT, Saponaria officinalis, (carnation family)
INDEX
41. BOUNCING BET, SOAPWORT

Saponaria officinalis
(carnation family)
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals have the potential to be affected.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: All parts, especially seeds and roots.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Mouth, stomach, and intestinal irritation.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: A very common and familiar weed of summer and autumn throughout
the United States, bouncing bet (fig. 41) is found in colonies along roadsides and railroad tracks, in
meadows, and waste areas. It is a knee-high, spreading, perennial weed with jointed stems. The
leaves are opposite, simple, toothless, and slightly hairy. Phlox-like, flat-topped flower clusters
consist of white or pinkish-white to red blossoms that have five petals, each with a slight notch at
the tip.
SIGNS: Bouncing bet contains saponins, substances that when mixed with water produce a
soap-like foam. These saponins produce gastrointestinal irritation upon ingestion. Animals will
typically avoid eating this plant, however they may ingest it if extremely hungry and no better feed
is available, or if parts of the plant (especially the seeds or the roots) are incorporated into prepared
feeds. The plant needs to be consumed for several days before toxic signs are noted, which can
include: mild depression, vomiting (in those species that can vomit), abdominal pain, diarrhea
(which may become bloody). Overall, this toxicosis is not encountered frequently.
The seeds of corn cockle (Agrostemma githago) contains saponins and cause toxicity similar to
that of bouncing bet. In the case of corn cockle, the poisonings occurred when seeds contaminated
prepared feeds. Swine are particularly susceptible to this toxicity.
41. BOUNCINGBET, SOAPWORT, Saponaria officinalis, (carnation family)
FIRST AID: If the animals are eating the plant in the pasture, either remove the animals or
eliminate the plants. Provide better forage, since most animals will not eat this plant unless there is
little else to eat. If the feed is contaminated, it may need to be discarded, since the continual
presence of the saponins will perpetuate the gastrointestinal irritation. Call a veterinarian if
animals are severely affected and do not recover within 12 to 24 hours, or if the animals were
observed eating a large amount of the plants.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Feed and hay contamination with bouncing bet (especially the
seeds) is the primary route of poisoning. The toxicity remains with drying and upon storage, and
the feed is not safe for consumption.
PREVENTION: Maintain pastures in good condition, keeping weeds mowed. This alone will
discourage most broadleaf plants from growing, including bouncing bet. Exercise caution when
preparing hay or other feeds, so that no seeds or other plant part becomes incorporated into the
mixture. When buying feeds, only do business with reputable suppliers.
23. BRACKENFERN, BRAKE FERN
INDEX

Pteridium aquilinum
(fern family)
TOXICITY RATING: Moderate.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Ruminants (especially cattle), horses, sometimes swine. Any grazing
animal is susceptible.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: All parts, especially the roots.
CLASS OF SIGNS: In horses and swine: Weight loss, weakness, gait abnormalities, abnormal
heart rate and/or rhythm, inability to rise, death.
In ruminants: Bleeding disorders (bruising, hemorrhaging, anemia), breathing difficulties, weight
loss, death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: The broad, triangular leaves (fronds) of this perennial fern rise 2-3 feet
tall (sometimes to 4 feet) from a thick, brown or black, horizontal rootstock. Each frond divides
into three main parts, and each of these is twice subdivided (fig. 23). The edges of the leaves
usually turn under. Late in summer the lower edges of mature fronds bear powdery clusters of
brown spores (fig. 23A). These ferns are common in open, acid woodlands, burned-over areas, and
open pastures in dry, sandy, or gravelly soil. Stands of bracken may be so dense that they crowd
out all other plants. Although brackenfern grows statewide, it is more common in the northern
prairie and lake regions.
SIGNS: Toxic signs vary between ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats) and monogastric animals
(like horses and swine):
Horses: The toxin in brackenfern is thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1).
The horse then essentially suffers from a vitamin deficiency of thiamine, which causes myelin
degeneration of peripheral nerves ( a loss of the fatty insulation layer to nerves that primarily
control muscles). Poisoning can occur at any time of year, but is more likely in the late summer
when other forages are scarce and the level of thiaminase is at its peak. Bracken is not considered
palatable, but horses will eat it if no other forage is available, or they will consume it in hay or
bedding, where it remains toxic. Some horses are believed to acquire a taste for it, and these horses
will consume it even if other forages are available.
Horses need to consume bracken for one to two months prior to manifesting clinical signs. After
this time horses may then be fed bracken-free forage and yet still develop clinical signs within 2 to
3 weeks. The first signs in horses is weight loss after a few days on bracken. Later, weakness and
gait abnormalities are present, which progress to staggering, hence "bracken staggers". Affected
horses may stand with their legs widely placed and their back arched. Muscle tremors and
weakness is apparent when the horses are forced to move. Early in the course of the syndrome, a
slow heart rate and abnormalities of the heart rhythm may be noted. Near the end of the clinical
course, the heart rate and temperature rise, and the animals cannot get up and may have spasms
and an upward arching of the head and neck. The syndrome runs its course, with death occurring
within 2 to 10 days of the onset of signs, but it can be treated.
Swine would show signs similar to those in horses.
Ruminants, especially cattle: Thiaminase does not adversely affect ruminants since the ruminal
bacteria degrade the enzyme. However, other toxins in bracken affect ruminants, most notably
ptaquiloside, a lactone toxin that affects the bone marrow. The toxin is present in all parts of the
plant, but is concentrated in the rhizomes, and is toxic in fresh as well as dried plants.
Consumption of bracken results in the depression of bone marrow (and thus red and white blood
cell and platelet production), and the plant has a direct or indirect anti-coagulant property. Cattle
show signs after grazing bracken for 1 to 2 months, although death may occur within this time
frame as well. Affected cattle have an increased temperature, weight loss, and exhibit increased
bruising and bleeding. From the excessive bleeding, cattle are anemic, and can die within a week
of showing signs. Young cattle may develop swelling in the larynx and have difficulty breathing.
Sheep may be poisoned in a similar manner, but are apparently more reluctant to consume
bracken.
The plant is also reported to contain carcinogenic substances, but instances of cancer in animals
resulting from bracken fern ingestion is not well reported.
FIRST AID: Horses: If horses are observed eating bracken, immediately remove them from the
pasture, or in some way prevent access to the plant. Hay with bracken in it should never be fed. If
large amounts were consumed, and especially if clinical signs are present, call a veterinarian
immediately. The antidote is daily injections of thiamine for up to two weeks. Do not wait until the
animal cannot rise, by then it may be too late. Provide similar first aid to swine.
For ruminants: Immediately remove cattle from bracken pastures, or fence off the bracken areas to
limit access. Do not feed hay or bed animals on straw that contains bracken. A veterinarian can
assist with treatment of affected animals, but this may be cost prohibitive. Evacuation of the rumen
and intestinal tract is usually not of value, since the poison accumulates in the system for many
days, and there may be little or no toxin remaining in the digestive tract to be removed once
clinical signs appear. Treatment is concerned with alleviating the clinical signs and providing
supportive care. Blood transfusions may be attempted, but the prognosis is poor for clinically
affected animals.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Bracken remains toxic when dry, and is never safe for
consumption.
PREVENTION: Grazing animals should not be allowed access to bracken fern, especially if they
have developed a taste for it. Provide supplemental feed if the pasture is low in adequate forage.
Never use hay or bedding material that contains bracken.
NOTE: Sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis, fern family), may also be poisonous. Horses reportedly
have become nervous and uncoordinated after eating this common fern of marshy areas.
44. OHIO BUCKEYE HORSECHESTNUT
INDEX

Aesculus glabra Aesculus hippocastanum
(horsechestnut family)
TOXICITY RATING: Moderate to high.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals may be affected, especially grazing animals and those
consuming the honey.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Buds, nuts, leaves, bark, seedlings, and honey.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Two effects: gastrointestinal and neurologic: excessive salivation,
gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting in those species that can vomit, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
Neurologic signs can include staggering, trembling, breathing difficulty, dilated pupils, collapse
and paralysis, which can proceed to coma and death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: The thick twigs of these medium-sized trees have glistening buds in
spring and bear opposite leaves composed of five leaflets in a finger-like arrangement (fig. 44).
The yellowish flowers rise in large, upright, dense, candle-like clusters at branch ends during June.
The prickly fruit contains 1 to 3 nutlike seeds, glossy and leathery brown with a pale scar on each
that gives the tree its name. These trees commonly grow in rich, moist woods or along river banks
and are often planted as ornamentals.
SIGNS: The toxins in Buckeye and Horsechestnut affect the gastrointestinal tract as well as the
nervous system. The saponic glycoside aesculin in addition to suspected alkaloids cause the toxic
signs. Initially, gastrointestinal signs manifest, which can include salivation, vomiting (in those
species that can vomit), abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If enough was ingested, neurologic signs
may develop, including trembling, staggering, and difficulty in breathing. Toxicity may then
progress to collapse, paralysis, coma and death.
These trees are among the first to leaf out in the spring, and hungry animals on pasture may be
tempted to eat them if no other forages are available.
FIRST AID: If animals are observed eating Ohio Buckeye or Horsechestnut, contact a veterinarian
immediately; emergency measures can be used to remove plant material from the digestive tract.
Once clinical signs are present, and if it has been several hours after the plants were consumed,
supportive care is all that can be provided, since there is no antidote for this toxicosis.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Reports are unclear concerning the safety of Ohio Buckeye or
Horsechestnut in processed feeds. Therefore, in the interest of safety, consider these plants as toxic
and do not feed processed feeds if contaminated.
PREVENTION: If animals are to be pastured with these trees, be certain that adequate, nutritious
forage is available. In this way, the animals are likely to avoid consuming toxic quantities of these
trees.
4. BULB-BEARING PLANTS OF HOUSE AND GARDEN
INDEX

TOXICITY RATING: Moderate. Incidents of poisoning by these plants is rare, but special care
must be taken, especially with lily of the valley.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Pets are primarily at risk, cattle have been poisoned by iris.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANTS: Bulbs, rootstocks, whole plants.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea. For lily of the valley, additional signs may
include irregular heartbeat, convulsions, and death.
PLANT DESCRIPTIONS:
1. Convallaria majalis (lily-of-the-valley, lily family). A familiar low-growing garden perennial,
forms dense clumps from slender rootstocks called "pips.'' The lily-like leaves are parallel-veined
(fig. 4A), and from them rise flower stalks that bear small white blossoms all on one side. The
flowers are bell-like and fragrant and rarely develop into the red to orange-red berries.
2. Hippeastrum vittata (amaryllis, amaryllid family). A houseplant (fig. 4B) that blooms in only a
few weeks after forcing in the wintertime. At first one or two 1 to 3 feet tall, naked stalks appear,
each bearing from one to four large, six-petaled, red, blue, white, or bicolored flowers. Later
several sword-shaped, fleshy leaves develop from the base of the plant.
3. Hyacinthus spp. (hyacinth, lily family). These potted or garden plants grow from a 1 to 2 inch
diameter bulb (fig. 4C). The 8 to 12 inch long leaves are narrow, somewhat trough-shaped, and
fleshy. The small fragrant, white, pink, or blue lily-like flowers are borne on a leafless stalk that is
taller than the leaves.
4. Iris spp. (iris or blue flag, iris family). These commonly grown garden perennials also occur
wild in wet
meadows, marshes, roadsides, lakeshores, and stream banks. Branching, fleshy rootstocks bear
clusters of long, sword-like leaves in which the base of each leaf is folded over the base of the next
higher leaf (fig. 4D). The flowers, blue with a yellow heart in our wild species but purple, blue,
yellow, or reddish-brown in cultivated varieties, have three upright "standard" petals and three
pendant "fall" petals. The fruit is a dry capsule.
5. Narcissus spp. (daffodil, jonquil, narcissus; amaryllid family). Springtime in Indiana is officially
proclaimed by the yellow trumpets of daffodils (fig. 4E). These perennials produce lily-like leaves
and slender stalks that each bear a conspicuous orange, white, or yellow flower with six petals,
parts of which fuse to form the trumpet.
SIGNS: This group of plants is divided into two sections. The first section includes lily of the
valley, and the second section includes the other bulbs.
Lily of the valley is the far more dangerous plant, producing a mixture of many cardiac glycosides,
especially convallatoxin. Toxic signs in pets after they chew on the plant would include stomach
upset, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, convulsions, and death if sufficient quantities are consumed.
The toxin in lily of the valley acts in a similar manner to the toxin in foxglove, a plant from which
digitalis, a powerful cardiac medication, is derived.
The bulbs or corms of tulip, daffodil, jonquil, narcissus, amaryllis, and iris produce primarily
gastrointestinal signs (vomiting and diarrhea) after consumption, and are not as toxic as lily of the
valley. Pets are more likely to come into contact with these plants than are horses or livestock,
however, livestock (cattle) have been poisoned when grazing wild-growing iris and eating the
rootstocks.
Concerning pets, dogs are the most likely to consume the bulbs, and the usual time for poisoning is
when the bulbs are removed from the ground or stored prior to planting. This is not a common
poisoning, but some animals, once they find the stored bulbs, will consume them. While unlikely,
some animals will dig the bulbs up in the yard and eat them. The toxic components in these bulbs
is not well identified, but may be a mixture of alkaloids, having an irritant action on the
gastrointestinal tract.
FIRST AID: For lily of the valley, contact a veterinarian immediately. If the animal is vomiting,
allow it to continue to do so, since this will remove the toxin from the gastrointestinal tract. If the
vomiting is severe or persists, a veterinarian needs to be contacted. In cases where the pet has
eaten a large quantity, emergency treatment is imperative. For the other bulbs and for iris,
vomiting and diarrhea should resolve in a few hours. If the signs continue, or if the pet is weak,
sick, pregnant, nursing ,or old, a veterinarian can provide supportive care until the toxin is
eliminated.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: It is unlikely that these plants would be incorporated into
animal feeds. On the rare event that this occurs, the toxins would remain, and the feed is then
unsafe for consumption.
PREVENTION: Do not allow livestock to graze where iris grows, especially if there is insufficient
forage available. For pets, do not allow access to stored bulbs, and restrict access to bulb beds and
newly planted bulbs. Never pen or place an animal within reach of these plants, especially lily of
the valley, since the pets (including birds) may nibble them out of boredom.
2. COMMON BURDOCK
INDEX
2. COMMON BURDOCK
Arctium minus
(daisy family)
TOXICITY RATING: Low. Burs cause local irritation and possibly intestinal hairballs, and most
animals avoid ingesting these plants. Serious illness and death are rare.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals may be affected. Pastured animals and outdoor dogs are
particularly at risk. Poultry may get burs lodged in the esophagus.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Burs.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Skin, eye, mouth, nose, and ear irritation; stomach irritation; hairballs.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: This familiar biennial weed (fig. 2) of waste places and roadsides grows
from a fleshy taproot and produces large, heart-shaped, hairy leaves and red-violet flower heads
surrounded by numerous hooked bracts that form a bur-like cup.
Burdock is often confused with cocklebur (a far more dangerous plant). Burdock burs are rounder
and have softer, more Velcro-like hairs than cocklebur. Cocklebur burs are oblong and have
hooked spines on the bur, and have, on the end of the bur, two spines which are larger and not as
strongly hooked.
SIGNS: These burs, and those of cocklebur, crimson clover, rabbitfoot clover, sandbur, and
buffalobur may lodge in the skin, eyes, ears, mouth, throat, or stomachs of grazing animals (and
sometimes pets). Direct irritation may result, with swelling and pain, or the bur may form the
center of a "hairball", a mass of plant matter, hair, and debris that can cause digestive tract
irritation and possible obstruction. These burs also tend to lodge in the fur, manes, and tails of
animals.
2. COMMON BURDOCK
FIRST AID: Remove all visible burs (some may need to be cut out of the hair). If the irritation is
minor, provide supportive care. If the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, feet, or hooves are involved, or in
cases of digestive upset or inability to eat, a veterinarian needs to be contacted. Burs and hairballs
may require surgical removal.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Only poor quality hay and feeds would contain these burs. If
the number of burs is small or only in certain sections of the hay (which should be discarded), few
problems may result. If there are many burs, especially if the animals are forced to eat these feeds,
problems are likely to develop.
PREVENTION: Prevention consists of removing these plants from the pasture. Mowing is
effective in reducing the number of flowers and burs that will develop.
30. BUTTERCUPS
INDEX
30. BUTTERCUPS
Ranunculus spp.
(buttercup family)
TOXICITY RATING: Low. Most animals avoid buttercups, and seldom ingest enough to cause
any serious toxicity.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals that chew on or ingest the plant can be affected.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Fresh leaves and stems.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Oral and gastrointestinal irritation are the primary signs (oral irritation,
salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhea which may be bloody).
PLANT DESCRIPTION: Buttercups arise from fibrous roots, thickened rootstocks, or bulbs to
form a rosette of basal leaves and often a low stem with alternate and divided (three-parted) leaves.
The axillary, solitary flowers have five green sepals, five glossy yellow petals, and numerous
reproductive parts and seeds. Buttercups usually are found in moist woods, meadows, fields,
pastures, and sometimes along roadsides and in drier sites. Bristly buttercup (Ranunculus hispidus,
fig. 30A) is typical of the wet site species; celeryleaf buttercup (cursed crowfoot, Ranunculus
sceleratus, fig. 30B) is typical of the small-flowered, dry-site species.
SIGNS: The toxin in buttercup is protoanemonin, a volatile yellow oil, which causes intense oral
irritation and gastrointestinal irritation. Problems in livestock tend to occur most often in the
spring, herbivorous pets may be poisoned at any time if they have access to the plant. The plant is
not palatable, and causes almost immediate oral irritation, so animals tend to avoid it. The toxicity
of buttercup varies greatly among the different species and during the course of the growing
season. Seldom is buttercup reported as a significant threat to animals. In experimental feeding
30. BUTTERCUPS
trials with greater quantities of buttercup, prostration, coma and death have been reported, but
these signs are rarely reported under field conditions.
FIRST AID: No treatment is necessary unless severe gastrointestinal signs are present (colic,
bloody diarrhea) or if a large quantity was observed to be eaten. Minor oral irritation will resolve
on its own.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Reportedly, the toxin is volatilized ("evaporates off"), so
processed feeds and hay may be safe for consumption. However, consumption of any significant
quantity of contaminated feeds is not recommended.
PREVENTION: Buttercup is a common pasture contaminant, and tends to not cause problems as
long as there is sufficient quantities of good forage available. Eradication is not usually necessary,
since animals tend to avoid this plant on their own. If it has become a problem, mowing or
eradication are recommended.
NOTE: Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), a closely related plant found in similar habitats, also
contains protoanemonin and causes mouth and stomach irritation as well as generalized distress
when cattle, sheep, or horses eat the fresh tops. Hay has been considered safe for consumption.
First aid is the same as for buttercups.
11. CASTORBEAN, CASTOR OIL PLANT, Ricinus communis, (spurge family)
INDEX
11. CASTORBEAN, CASTOR OIL PLANT

Ricinus communis
(spurge family)
TOXICITY RATING: High. Death is likely with consumption of even small amount of
castorbean.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: The seeds are the primary source of toxin, but the rest of the
plant may be considered to be slightly toxic as well.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Stomach irritation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, increased heart rate, profuse
sweating, collapse, convulsions, death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: This stout, robust shrub-like plant with reddish to purple stems may
reach 12 feet in height. A perennial in its native tropics, it is grown as a garden annual in Indiana.
The large (4 to 30 inches across), umbrella-like leaves (fig. 11) have 5 to 9 pointed, finger-like
lobes. Long purple leaf-stems are attached near the centers of the leaf blades. Greenish-white or
reddish-brown flowers are produced in narrow, upright clusters. The fruit is a three-lobed, green or
red capsule with a soft, spiny
exterior. One large, mottled, attractive seed (fig. 11A) develops in each lobe. Some people think
the seeds look like well-fed ticks.
SIGNS: The phytotoxin ("plant toxin") in castorbean is ricin, a water soluble protein, which is
11. CASTORBEAN, CASTOR OIL PLANT, Ricinus communis, (spurge family)
concentrated in the seed. Also present are ricinine, an alkaloid, and an irritant oil. As a side note,
commercially prepared castor oil contains none of the toxin. There is great species variability in
susceptibility to ricin toxin, with humans and horses being the most at risk (25 grams of castorbean
seed is lethal for the horse). Due to the powerful toxin however, it is best to keep all animals
(livestock and pets) away from this plant.
The seed is only toxic if the outer shell is broken or chewed open. Seeds swallowed intact usually
pass without incident. Signs of toxicity may not manifest for 18 to 24 hours after ingestion. The
animal first shows signs of depression and a mild increase in temperature. Later, gastrointestinal
signs predominate, including vomiting in humans and other species that can vomit (horses cannot
vomit), profuse diarrhea (which may be bloody), colic and abdominal pain. The affected animal
may then go into convulsions, collapse and die, with death generally occurring within 36 hours of
consumption. The toxic signs are the result of severe gastrointestinal irritation, anaphylaxis and
shock. This toxin is closely related to the toxin in rosary pea (a section on this plant is also
included in this book).
FIRST AID: If animals are observed eating castorbean, call a veterinarian immediately, since
emergency measures need to be undertaken. If consumption occurred several hours ago, a
veterinarian will be able to provide supportive care and treat for shock, but death may still result
from this powerful toxin.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: The seeds may become incorporated into hay or grains. The
seeds are never safe to eat, especially by horses or livestock, since these animals could easily crack
the seed coat. After making castor oil, the remaining seed cake is sometimes used for animal feed.
This needs to be boiled or heated to remove the toxin.
PREVENTION: Do not allow seeds or any other part of the plant to be incorporated into animal
feeds. It is advisable to not let castorbean grow in the vicinity of pastures used for grazing or
forage production. Do not allow pets access to this plant. To decrease the chances of intoxication,
snip off the flower heads before they develop into seeds; this will protect children as well as pets.
7. CATNIP
INDEX
7. CATNIP
Nepeta cataria
(mint family)
TOXICITY RATING: Low
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Cats.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Stems, leaves.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Behavioral changes.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: Catnip (fig. 7) has all the characteristic earmarks of a member of the
mint family: stems square in cross-section, leaves opposite and fragrant, and small flowers in tight
clusters at the ends of branches. This perennial herb may grow up to 3 feet tall and be highly
branched. The gray-green to green leaves are heart-shaped with scalloped edges and are often
crowded toward the top of the plant. The flowers are white, dotted with purple, two-lipped, and
produce four tiny, dark nutlets per flower.
SIGNS: Only cats are affected, and some cats are affected more than others. Aromatic oils and the
monoterpene, nepetalactone, cause the signs. Cats will rub and sometime ingest the plant, and then
act "drunk" or "wild" for up to an hour or more. No lasting toxicity is reported. If excessive
amounts are ingested, vomiting and diarrhea can result, but the signs are self-limiting. Catnip can
be considered as a legal recreational drug for cats!
7. CATNIP
FIRST AID: None is required.

SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Not applicable.
PREVENTION: Catnip is safe, however avoid excessive ingestion since vomiting or diarrhea may
occur.
46. WILD BLACK CHERRY
INDEX

Prunus serotina
(rose family)
TOXICITY RATING: High.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals may be affected. Ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats, deer) are
more at risk than monogastric animals (dogs, cats, pigs, horses) and birds.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Damaged leaves pose the greatest risk. All parts are
potentially toxic.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Anxiety, breathing problems, staggering, convulsions, collapse, death (which
may be sudden).
PLANT DESCRIPTION: This cherry may grow as a tree or shrub. Bark of young branches and
twigs is scaly and reddish-brown with prominent cross-marks ("lenticels"). Leaves (fig. 46) are
alternate, simple, elliptic-pointed, leathery in texture, and finely toothed on the margins. Flowers
are showy, fragrant, and white, hang in drooping clusters, and produce dark-red to black cherry
fruits (fig. 46A). The wild black cherry commonly grows in fence rows, roadside thickets, and rich
open woods.
SIGNS: Black cherry contains cyanogenic precursors that release cyanide whenever the leaves are
damaged (frost, trampling, drought, wilting, blown down from the tree during storms). Most
animals can consume small amounts of healthy leaves, bark and fruit safely; however when hungry
animals consume large amounts of fresh leaves or small amounts of damaged leaves (as little as 2
ounces), clinical cases of poisoning will occur, and many animals may die. This is especially true
if there is no other forage for the animals to consume, or in the case of pets, when confined and/or
bored, the chances for toxic levels of ingestion can occur. The conditions of cyanide poisoning
have also been discussed under Johnsongrass.

Healthy cherry leaves contain prunasin, a cyanide precursor that in itself is non-toxic. When the
leaves are damaged, the prunasin molecule is split and free cyanide (also called prussic acid or
hydrocyanic acid) is liberated. Many plants, especially those in the rose family, have the potential
to produce toxic levels of cyanide under certain conditions. Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is
also toxic. There are reports of peach sprouts, leaves, and pits poisoning sows. Apricot pits and
apple seeds are toxic as well. Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima) contains a cyanogenic glycoside
and has caused poisoning in livestock. Johnsongrass, discussed earlier, has a similar toxicity.
Cyanide prevents the body from being able to utilize oxygen at the cellular level, so although the
animals physically can breath, their tissues and cells "suffocate". After consumption, signs will
manifest within a few minutes, but sometimes up to an hour may pass. The animals will try to
breath more rapidly and deeply, and then become anxious and stressed. Later, trembling,
incoordination, attempts to urinate and defecate and collapse is noted, which can proceed to a
violent death from respiratory and/or cardiac arrest within a few minutes to an hour. If an affected
animal is still alive 2 or 3 hours after consumption, chances are good that it will live.
FIRST AID: The clinical signs of cyanide poisoning tends to come on quite rapidly, and the
animals may be found dead without much warning. If the animals are exhibiting toxic signs, call a
veterinarian immediately. There is an antidote, but it needs to be given intravenously and within a
few minutes of the onset of signs, and it is often impossible to get help in time. Prevent the animals
(especially the unaffected animals) from eating any more of the grass or feed. Do not handle or
stress affected animals any more than absolutely necessary, since this will worsen the signs. Also,
affected animals are extremely stressed and may be dangerous to work with, therefore exercise
caution so no human injury results.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Cyanide is lost to the air with time, so processed feeds
containing cherry may technically be free of the toxin. However, green chop and silage containing
cherry will still retain large amounts of cyanide aside from being feeds of poor quality. Dried
products would also not be of high quality if they contain cherry, but the cyanide levels will be
much lower. Caution is still advised when feeding cherry-contaminated feeds.
PREVENTION: Do not allow animals to have access to damaged cherry leaves, especially if they
are hungry and there is no other forage available. Do not place fallen branches or tree trimmings
where animals can graze them. Exercise caution with animals on pasture after storms, during
droughts or after a frost since these conditions will increase the chances of toxic levels of
ingestion. For pets, do not house or confine animals in the vicinity of cherry, since boredom will
increase the likelihood that the plant will be eaten. For most species of cherry, the fruit is safe for
consumption. It is the leaves and bark which pose the greatest risk.
8. CHRISTMAS PLANT
INDEX
8. CHRISTMAS PLANT
Poinsettia pulcherrima (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
(spurge family)
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals can be affected, but pets are more likely to come into contact
with Poinsettia than are livestock.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Leaves and stems primarily, but all parts may be toxic.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Skin, mouth, eye, and stomach irritation.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: People commonly display this potted plant (fig. 8) in houses and offices
in the wintertime. These 1 to 4 feet tall plants with yellow stems bear alternate, coarsely toothed,
smooth, green leaves. The top leaves turn red. Although many people mistake them for petals, they
function as "bracts", calling attention to the true flowers which are tiny, yellow, and clustered at
the top of the plant. The inconspicuous fruits are small, green, three-lobed, fleshy capsules.
SIGNS: The milky sap (a latex) is irritating to skin, eyes, and mucus membranes. Once considered
extremely poisonous, toxicity is more likely to manifest as irritation, discomfort, rash, and stomach
upset. Nausea and vomiting may occur if sufficient quantities are consumed. Typically, animals
will show head-shaking, salivation, and pawing or rubbing at the mouth or eyes.
FIRST AID: Wash sap off the animal to prevent further ingestion. Call a veterinarian if the eyes
are affected, or if signs do not resolve in a few minutes.
PREVENTION: Poinsettia should not be allowed near curious animals.
http://vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant08.htm [5/10/2004 3:44:52 PM]
32. COMMON COCKLEBUR
INDEX

Xanthium strumarium
(daisy family)
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals may be affected. Cattle, swine, sheep, and poultry are more
at risk than horses and pets.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: The seeds and seedlings contain the highest quantity of toxin,
yet the whole plant can be considered toxic. The seed burs can cause mechanical damage.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Gastrointestinal irritation, weakness, breathing difficulty, behavioral changes,
cardiac abnormalities, death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: The angled, sometimes red- or black-spotted stems of cocklebur grow 1
to 3 feet high. Leaves of this many-branched annual are alternate, hairy, rough-textured
(sandpaper-like), somewhat heart-shaped, toothed, and lobed (fig. 32). Flowers are inconspicuous
with male flowers in terminal spikes, female flowers in clusters in the leaf axils. The fruit is a hard,
oval, prickly bur about 3/4 inch long containing two seeds (fig. 32A). Because seeds germinate
best after being soaked in water, the plants are usually found along the shores of ponds where
water has receded. The edges of farm ponds may be lush with young cockleburs. Seedlings have
small strap-shaped leaves 1/4 inch wide by 11/4 inches long (fig. 32B). They also pop up in
gardens, fields, roadsides, and other areas of nearly full sunlight.
SIGNS: There are several types of toxins in cocklebur, one being a glycoside,
carboxyatractyloside, which causes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and a group of sesquiterpene
lactones which can cause vomiting (in those species capable of vomiting), weakness, tremors,
weak pulse, a loss of appetite and convulsions. Liver damage may also result from these toxins,
and death is likely if a sufficient dose was consumed (ingestion of green plant at approximately
0.75% of body weight). The seed bur can cause mechanical damage (please refer to the section on
Foxtail barley). The most common time for toxic signs is late spring and early summer for the
seedlings, later in the summer for the burs, and at any time seed-contaminated prepared feeds are
ingested. As the cocklebur plant matures, the toxicity decreases (except for the seeds). The
seedlings are extremely dangerous, and typically sprout in wet areas, such as alongside streams, at
the edges of ponds, in receding floodplains, etc. Animals will tend to avoid cocklebur, even the
seedlings, as long as there is sufficient forage available. Species that are less discriminant eaters
(cattle, swine) are particularly at risk where cocklebur grows. Once toxic signs develop, death may
follow within 48 hours. Some animals may recover, but this may take some time (weeks).
Other conditions of toxicity can occur when seeds are incorporated into prepared feeds. Feeds that
may become contaminated include hay (especially if cut later in the growing season when
cocklebur has gone to seed), silage, or grains (corn, beans). If the feeds (especially the grains) are
highly processed, it may be difficult to arrive at an accurate diagnosis of cocklebur toxicosis. The
seed is highly toxic, and any species may become poisoned upon consumption.
FIRST AID: If animals are observed eating cocklebur, contact a veterinarian immediately. In the
meantime, prevent further consumption of the plant by all animals. Keep animals quiet until the
veterinarian arrives.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: The seedling, when dried, retains its toxicity, therefore feeds
with dried seedlings are not safe for consumption. Mature plants are less toxic, but consumption is
still not advised. Feeds that contain burs and/or seeds are a mechanical threat as well as a toxic
one, therefore these feeds are also not safe for consumption at any dosage.
PREVENTION: Pasture management is essential to prevent poisonings by cocklebur. Mature,
seed-bearing plants should be removed from the pasture to prevent seeding and germination. This
is particularly important if the pasture contains any wet areas that are subject to seasonal drying. If
removal of the plants is impractical, fence off areas where seedlings are likely to germinate and/or
provide for supplemental feed to decrease interest in the seedlings. For prepared feeds, exert extra
caution when harvesting for hay, silage, or grains and do not allow any cocklebur to be included.
Buy prepared feeds only from reputable dealers.
3. THE AROID FAMILY
INDEX
3. THE AROID FAMILY

Aglaonema: CHINESE EVERGREEN
Anthurium: ANTHURIUM
Arisaema: JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT, GREEN DRAGON
Caladium: ELEPHANT EARS
Colocasia: TARO
Dieffenbachia: DUMBCANE
Monstera: CUT-LEAF PHILODENDRON, CERIMAN, MEXICAN BREADFRUIT
Philodendron: PHILODENDRON
Scindapsus: DEVIL'S-IVY, POTHOS
Symplocarpus foetidus: SKUNKCABBAGE
Syngonium: TRI-LEAF WONDER, ARROWHEAD VINE, NEPTHYTIS
TOXICITY RATING: Moderate. Pets may sample these commonly available plants with a nibble
3. THE AROID FAMILY
or two, but rarely ingest any quantity sufficient to cause serious problems or death. Risk increases
with hungry or bored animals housed in close proximity to these plants.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Any animal that chews or ingests the leaves will be affected. In Indiana,
nearly all of these plants would be grown as houseplants, therefore pets (including birds and
reptiles) are primarily at risk.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Roots, leaves, stems.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Mouth and throat irritation, salivating, possibly stomach irritation, diarrhea
(rarely).
PLANT DESCRIPTION: All 2,000 species of this family of plants should be treated as potentially
toxic. A few are eaten, such as poi and taro (Colocasia esculenta) in Hawaii, but only after the
poison is eliminated by cooking. Seven species of aroids occur naturally in Indiana, mostly in wet
areas. Jack-in-the-pulpit and skunkcabbage are the most common and best known of these.
Dumbcane (fig. 3), pothos, and philodendron are potted plants of offices, restaurant lobbies, and
homes.
Aroids are perennials, many arising from corms or rhizomes. Some may be vines. The large
net-veined leaves, which may have white or colored spots, are borne on leaf stalks that sheathe the
stem. Most of these plants have simple leaves, but jack-in-the-pulpit has three-parted foliage (fig.
19). The aroid flower is a fleshy green, white, or yellow spike (spadix) borne inside a wraparound
hood or bract (spathe). The fruits are brightly colored berries, borne in tight clusters, not often
produced by the house plant species.
SIGNS: The plant cells contain needle-like crystal of insoluble calcium oxalate which penetrate
the skin and mouth causing discomfort. In addition, the plants contain proteolytic enzymes which
release histamine and kinins, causing swelling and an itching or burning sensation. Affected
animals will shake their head, paw or rub the face and mouth, may salivate or foam at the mouth,
may seek water, or may have visible swelling. Very severely affected animals may experience oral
swelling to the point that swallowing and breathing become impaired. Typically, animals are not
severely affected, since a few bites of the plants are often a sufficient deterrent to further
consumption. Occasional reports of these plants causing kidney failure in cats have not been
well-verified. Effects in cats appear to be limited to the signs described above. Some of these
plants have been used with humans to prevent individuals from talking by causing excessive
tongue swelling, hence the name "dumbcane".
FIRST AID: For minor irritation, provide supportive care and prevent further exposure. For more
severe signs, if the animal does not improve within a few minutes, or if swallowing or breathing is
impaired, consult a veterinarian immediately.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: These plants are not likely to be incorporated into hay or other
feeds, but if so, the toxins are likely to remain.
PREVENTION: Animals should not be allowed to consume these plants. Offer small amounts of
fresh grass or other safe plant material (depending on the species), or remove the plant from the
pet's environment. Some pets do not "learn their lesson" and may return to chew on these plants. In
these situations, it is best to remove the plant from the pet's environment.
3. THE AROID FAMILY
21. DUTCHMAN'S BREECHES, STAGGERWEED
INDEX

Dicentra cucullaria
SQUIRRELCORN, STAGGERWEED
Dicentra canadensis
CULTIVATED BLEEDING HEART
Dicentra spectabilis
(poppy family)
TOXICITY RATING: Low. The plant is unpalatable and is not eaten when better forages are
available. Also, larger quantities need to be consumed to show clinical signs, and only rarely is
consumption of Dicentra lethal.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Cattle are primarily affected, horses and sheep also appear susceptible.
Due to the nature of the toxic component (morphine-like derivatives), all species are likely to be
susceptible at sufficient dosages.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Leaves, stems, roots.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Salivating, breathing difficulty, abdominal pain, collapse, convulsions,
neurologic signs (running with head held up).
PLANT DESCRIPTION: These delicate perennials with finely-cut, fern-like leaves bear 1 to 10
showy flowers on slender stalks. The 4 to 10 creamy white flowers of Dutchman's breeches (fig.
21A) have spurs like bloomer legs. The white-flowered squirrel corn (fig. 21) and pink-flowered
bleeding heart plants bear heart-shaped petals with teardrop-shaped appendages at the bottom.
Small, yellow, pea-like tubers are scattered along the underground stem of squirrelcorn. The wild
staggerweeds are common spring wildflowers in established woodlands.
SIGNS: This plant is one of the first to grow in the spring. It is considered to be unpalatable, but
may be consumed if no other forages are available. The plant contains isoquinoline alkaloids, such
as apomorphine, protoberberine, and protopine. Debate exists over whether the plants cause
immediate signs, or if the plant needs to be consumed over several days before signs develop.
Clinical signs begin with salivation and difficulty in breathing. Later, colic (abdominal pain) and
possibly diarrhea may be noted. The animals may run with held up high, become uncoordinated,
and may collapse and exhibit convulsions. Some have reported a loss of milk production in
affected animals. Other disorders resembling Dicentra poisoning may also occur in the spring,
making a diagnosis difficult. Death with Dicentra poisoning is rare, and animals tend to recover on
their own in a few hours after they are removed from the plant. A plant called Corydalis (fitweed)
will cause similar signs in animals (similar toxic component).
FIRST AID: Remove all animals from the plant and provide adequate safe forage. Signs tend to
resolve in a few hours. For seriously affected animals, or those who are very young or ill, a
veterinarian can provide basic emergency care and provide relief.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Precise information could not be located. Consider Dicentra
unsafe in hay and other prepared feeds.
PREVENTION: Provide adequate feed for pastured animals, especially in the early spring.
Animals will avoid Dicentra if better feed is available. If animals continue to eat this plant,
consider fencing off the area where Dicentra grows to limit access.
51. Easter lily
INDEX
51. Easter lily

Lilium longiflorum
Lily family
ANIMALS AFFECTED: The only reported toxicity is in cats.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Leaves primarily, stems and flowers may also be toxic.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting), depression, lack of appetite.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: (I need to get this to you)
SIGNS: This is a newly reported toxicosis, apparently lethal only to cats. Upon consumption of
Easter lily (the exact amount is unknown), the cats begin to vomit within an hour or so. The cat
then becomes depressed over the next half day, presumably as the toxin begins to affect the
kidneys. Within 48 to 96 hours after consumption, the cat will tend to show signs of clinical
kidney failure: increased urination, depression, stomach upset, dehydration. Death tends to occur
within 5 days.
FIRST AID: If a cat is seen eating Easter lily, contact a veterinarian immediately. If emergency
treatment is begun within 6 hours of consumption, the chance are good that the cat will recover.
This generally consists of emptying the gastrointestinal tract of the affected cat and intravenous
fluid therapy in a hospital setting. If more than 18 hours has elapsed, the cat may not survive, even
with emergency care.
PREVENTION: Easter lily is a popular plant at certain times of the year, and extra caution must
be used when bringing these plants into the house where cats can get at them. Make sure the plant
is kept away from cats, especially ones that like to nibble on things. If nibbling plants is
unavoidable, have a selection of safe plants available (grass or catnip are two possibilities).
5. ENGLISH EVY
INDEX
5. ENGLISH IVY
Hedera helix
(ginseng family)
TOXICITY RATING: Low. Although reported to be very toxic in a few scattered reports, this is
not a frequently encountered toxicosis.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Cats, dogs, birds, other pets.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Leaves, berries.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Oral irritation, stomach irritation, diarrhea, breathing problems, coma, death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: The vines that give many colleges their "halls of ivy" appearance may be
poisonous. These woody vines, also used as groundcovers, have alternate, palmately-lobed, dark
green leaves with lighter green veins (fig. 5). Flowers are uncommon but are borne in small
umbrella-like clusters and produce small black berries.
SIGNS: A saponic glycoside, the aglycone hederagenin, is found in the leaves and berries. This is
an uncommon poisoning, but incidents have been reported in dogs, cats, and pet monkeys,
especially when the green berries were eaten. The most common signs relate to mouth and
stomach irritation, but coma and death may occur if large quantities are consumed.
5. ENGLISH EVY
FIRST AID: There is no specific antidote. If animals are observed eating English ivy, contact a
veterinarian immediately, especially if a large quantity of the plant was consumed. A bite or two of
a leaf is not likely to cause a serious problem, but this should be discouraged.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: There are no clear reports on this, but consider English ivy
unsafe in prepared feeds.
PREVENTION: Keep animals, especially curious nibblers, away from English ivy. Exercise
caution for indoor animals as well, since English ivy grows up the sides of buildings and can grow
through window openings.
14. ERGOT
INDEX
14. ERGOT
Claviceps purpurea
(fungus)
TOXICITY RATING: Moderate. While ergot itself is extremely dangerous, modern feed
production practices are vigilant in not allowing ergot into grain mixtures. Pasture poisoning
remains the most likely source for toxicosis.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Any animal consuming affected grain or grass seed heads: primarily
swine, cattle, sheep, and goats. Poultry and horses may also be affected.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANTS: Fungal bodies in the seed heads of grains and grasses.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Behavioral changes, lameness, abortions, convulsions, gangrene, death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: Ergot (fig. 14) is a fungus parasite of the heads of grasses. In mid- to
late-summer, entire grains are replaced by the black, hardened bodies of the fungus. Each body is
up to 1 inch long, larger than the normal grain, and protrudes conspicuously from the head. One to
a half dozen ergot bodies may develop on one head of grass. Ergots on wheat are straight. On rye
they usually are curved. Ergot is found wherever its host plants grow. Rye is the most frequently
attacked grain. Other grain, hay, turf, and weedy grasses may be affected, including wheat, oats,
wild rice, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, redtop, smooth brome, orchardgrass,
quackgrass, reed canarygrass, etc. When grain or hay is harvested, ergot bodies may fall to the
ground and be left behind to infect the next season's crop.
SIGNS: The amines and the alkaloids in ergot (ergotamine being one of the major alkaloids)
produce a number of clinical signs relating primarily to vasoconstriction and psychoactive effects.
The ergot toxins are very similar structurally to lysergic acid (LSD). Wheat and rye contaminated
with ergot has affected humans, and the resulting disorder is called St. Anthony's Fire. It is also
believed that the one of the reasons for the Salem witch trials was due to the abnormal behavior of
14. ERGOT
persons affected with ergot toxicosis from contaminated rye flour. Ergot has been used in herbal
medicine to control hemorrhage during childbirth, and is used currently as a drug to help control
migraines.
Animals may be affected by ergot from eating small amounts over a long period of time, or eating
greater quantities in a short period of time. Chronic toxicity is more common, with signs
manifesting within several weeks of ergot consumption, and field exposure to ergot is more
common than processed feed or flour exposure.
The clinical signs can vary, but often begins with swelling of and pain in the extremities,
especially the hind legs, due to the constriction of blood vessels. Later, sensation is lost in the
affected areas, and dry gangrene can develop. Eventually, the affected areas may slough ("fall
off"), with typical losses including claws, hooves, teats, ears, or tail. In addition to the vascular
effects, neurologic signs are often seen, such as apprehension, nervousness, and convulsions. Some
animals may show signs of depression. Death can occur, but only with significant quantities
ingested. In sublethal cases, once the source of ergot is removed, recovery from neurologic signs is
likely, but recovery from the vascular effects and gangrene is not likely. Ergot poisoning has been
implicated in cases of abortion in large animals.
FIRST AID: Remove animals from the source of ergot, whether in feed or pasture. Call a
veterinarian if nervous signs are present. In cases of dry gangrene, the affected portion will be
likely to spontaneously amputate. A veterinarian can advise and assist. Always exercise caution
when working around animals that have nervous and behavioral changes to prevent human injury.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Ergot remains toxic in feed and should never be fed. Most feed
producers are aware of ergot, so it is rare to have it contaminate commercially prepared feeds.
PREVENTION: Screen grains carefully prior to feeding or planting. Affected pastures may
produce ergot each year under the right environmental circumstances (typically after wet, cool
spring growing seasons). Commercially prepared feeds will not contain ergot. Pasture managers
need to be able to identify ergot and limit animal access to affected fields. Keeping the pasture
grasses mowed to prevent seed head formation will greatly decrease the presence of the ergot
fungus. The fungus is likely to be present in the pasture, so infestations may occur in any year with
the right environmental conditions.
15. TALL FESCUE
INDEX
15. TALL FESCUE

Festuca arundinacea
(grass family)
TOXICITY RATING: Moderate to high, depending upon individual circumstance.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Horses, cattle, possibly other ruminants.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF THE PLANT: Seed head, stem and leaf sheath.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Reproductive problems, "poor doers", lameness, dry gangrene, fever, death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: This grass (fig. 15), often cultivated in wet pastures for forage or for
turf, is a perennial, 3 to 4 foot tall clump grass with medium-wide leaves that are rough-ribbed on
top. It has no rootstocks (rhizomes). The heads are open and many-branched. Escaped plants may
be found along roadsides and in waste areas, especially in the southern half of the state.
SIGNS: Toxicity is the result of an endophytic ("inside the plant") fungus, Acremonium
coenophialum, which is believed to enable the grass to be more hardy and outcompete other grass
species. The grass itself is not toxic. The fungus is passed in the seed, and is not transmitted
directly from plant to plant.
In horses, pregnant mares are most at risk when eating fescue, since the alkaloids produced by the
fungus inhibit prolactin release. Mares will have an increased risk of prolonged gestation, abortion,
stillbirth, dystocia (difficult birth), foal mortality, retained or thickened placenta, no milk, and
mare death (in foaling, or from a retained placenta).
In cattle, several syndromes have been reported, including fescue toxicosis (summer slump),
fescue foot and abdominal fat necrosis. Summer slump causes slower gains, decreased milk
production, poor appetite, retention of winter coat, reproductive problems, and elevated
15. TALL FESCUE
temperature. Diarrhea may also be present. Summer slump tends to occur in the warmer months,
but has been noted at any time of year, and is the most common of the three syndromes. Fescue
foot tends to develop in the late fall and winter, and the extremities (typically tail, ears, and rear
feet) undergo necrosis ("death"). Another name for this type of necrosis is "dry gangrene". Fat
necrosis develops when areas of fat inside the abdomen die.
Additional note: Fescue can accumulate nitrates under conditions of overfertilization (see the
section on oats for more information on nitrate toxicosis).
FIRST AID: There is only supportive and symptomatic treatment once signs appear. A
veterinarian can advise on treatment of more severely affected animals. Pregnant mares will be
likely to need assistance when foaling and in the post-foaling period. Foals that survive will
require supplemental colostrum. Management and prevention are the best means to minimize
losses.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: The toxin remains active in hay.
PREVENTION: There are several options, depending on the farm situation. Fungicides do not
work, so animal and pasture management are the only viable alternatives. Pastures can be tested
for the presence and degree of fungal contamination, and reseeding may be required. If reseeding
the pasture is not feasible, keeping the pasture short will prevent seed formation. Feeding other
forages, such as other warm season grasses or legumes, will be of benefit. Fescue pastures can also
be diluted with legume planting (red or white clover). Heavy fertilization may make the problem
worse, especially in cattle. If fescue has to be used for mares, at least avoid feeding fescue hay or
pasture during the last 30 to 60 days of gestation to minimize problems. Endophyte-free strains of
fescue exist, although they do not grow as well as tall fescue with endophyte.
1. FOXTAIL BARLEY, SQUIRRELTAIL BARLEY, WILD BARLEY
INDEX

Hordeum jubatum
(grass family)
TOXICITY RATING: Moderate. Irritation from the awns is likely, but serious illness and death
are rare.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals can be affected. Grazing animals and outdoor dogs are
especially at risk.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Seedheads (awns).
CLASS OF SIGNS: Skin, mouth, ear, nose, and eye irritation; stomach irritation, abscesses.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: This perennial weedy grass (fig. 1) of fields, waste places, and roadsides
gets its name from the long bushy flower spikes. Each long, slender, wiry bristle bears small teeth
or barbs that point backwards like tiny fishhooks.
SIGNS: The seed heads (especially the awns) of this and several other types of grasses can cause
mechanical irritation to the skin, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and stomach of animals. The grasses can
cause problems in pasture as well as in prepared feeds like hay. Embedded seed heads can cause
local irritation and infections, or become more deeply embedded in tissues and migrate in the
body. Irritation and infection often develop, necessitating removal of the plant matter. Signs
depend on location of the seed awn, and can include head shaking; sneezing; nasal or ocular
discharge; rubbing at the ears, eyes, or mouth; difficulty in chewing or swallowing; or signs of
digestive disturbance. Yellow or green foxtail, rye and millet can cause similar problems.
FIRST AID: For minor irritation, supportive care is all that is required. Minor irritations will
resolve in about a day. If any of the following are noted, a veterinarian needs to be contacted: if
signs are severe, if signs of irritation do not resolve, if the eyes or ears are involved, or if the
animal cannot eat. Infections and abscesses require veterinary care, and some awns may need
surgical removal.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Small amounts incorporated in hay and other feeds may not
cause much harm, most animals will avoid eating these plants if better quality feed is available
(good hay and feeds do not contain many seed heads of these grasses). Hay and other feeds
containing large quantities of these seed heads are not safe for consumption, especially if animals
are forced to eat these feeds.
PREVENTION: These plants are common weeds in pastures and along roadsides. If problems
occur with these plants, consider mowing to reduce seedhead formation or otherwise removing
them. The foxtail that commonly grows in the western U.S. (Setaria) is especially problematic and
animals should have little or no contact with this grass.
25. GREEN FALSEHELLEBORE, WHITE HELLEBORE, INDIAN POKE
INDEX

Veratrum woodii
(lily family)
TOXICITY RATING: Moderate to high, depending on individual circumstance.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Sheep are affected primarily, but chickens and cattle may also be at risk.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: All parts, especially roots.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Gastrointestinal irritation, salivating, weakness, trembling, heart problems,
breathing difficulties, birth defects.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: These perennial herbaceous plants (fig. 25) have stout, erect,
unbranched, 1-8 feet tall stems arising from short, thick rootstocks. There are clusters of large,
broad, alternate leaves that to some people resemble garden cabbage or skunk cabbage. These
leaves are parallel-veined and pleated like a skirt. Green to greenish-white, inconspicuous flowers
occur in large terminal clusters. Veratrum woodii grows in woods or on hillsides and bluffs, most
commonly in the central and southern parts of the
state.
SIGNS: False hellebore can cause toxicity in grazing animals or more commonly, cause birth
defects. Both of these syndromes are more common in sheep than in other species. It is possible
that the toxins causing birth defects are not the same toxins that affect the grazing animals. Since
toxicity of grazing animals is exceedingly rare and usually not lethal, this section will briefly cover
the grazing animal toxicosis, and will focus on the teratogenic effects of false hellebore.
The toxic component in false hellebore is a mixture of alkaloids (primarily jervine, cyclopamine,
and cycloposine). In grazing animals that consume a toxic dose, salivation, gastrointestinal
irritation, weakness, incoordination, decreased heart rate, and breathing difficulties may be noted.
Rarely, animals may convulse and die.
More important are the effects that false hellebore has on fetuses. The toxins are known teratogens,
causing developmental problems with lambs in utero. Specifically, if a pregnant ewe eats false
hellebore on the 14th day of gestation, the lamb may die or have severe developmental problems.
The problems in the lamb affect mostly the brain, skull and face, and the lambs can be born with a
"monkey-face", or with the eyes in the center of the face ("cyclops") or hydrocephalus, or failure
of the head to develop. These lambs are usually born dead or tend to die shortly after birth. In
some cases, the ewes gestation is prolonged and the lamb grows too large, necessitating assistance
at delivery or a C-section. It is possible that only one of a pair of twin lambs will be affected.
In addition to the well researched aspects in lambs, false hellebore, when ingested at any time prior
to the 32nd day of gestation can cause many birth defects and death of the fetuses.
FIRST AID: For grazing animals, treatment is symptomatic. Call a veterinarian if signs are
prolonged or severe. Nearly all animals will recover once removed from the plants. For affected
fetuses, there is little that can be done other than to assist the ewe in delivery, since some of the
lambs are large and/or malformed.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: False hellebore reportedly remains toxic when dry, therefore
feeds containing this plant should not be fed, especially to sheep.
PREVENTION: False hellebore is a big problem in western ranges, but can affect animals in
Indiana. The danger is particularly high with sheep. It would be best to keep all pregnant ewes
away from false hellebore until after their 33rd day of gestation. In addition, plants are more toxic
in the spring, and toxicity decreases through the growing season. The roots and rhizomes are
considered to be more toxic (lethal), with the leaves containing more of the teratogenic (birth
defect) compounds. Therefore, be cautious with animals who appear to be eating this plant, and
attempt to limit all access to false hellebore as much as possible.
28. POISON HEMLOCK
INDEX
28. POISON HEMLOCK

Conium maculatum
(parsnip family)
TOXICITY RATINGS: Moderate to high.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals may be affected. Grazing animals, swine and animals that
may eat the seeds (especially poultry) are more at risk than pets.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: All parts, especially young leaves and seeds.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Nervousness, trembling, incoordination, depression, coma, death, birth
defects.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: This biennial herb (fig. 28) grows 3 to 8 feet tall and has a smooth
purple-spotted stem and triangular, finely divided leaves with bases that sheathe the stem. Fresh
leaves and roots have a rank, disagreeable, parsnip-like odor. The small but attractive white
flowers, arranged in umbrella-like clusters, open in early summer. The fruit is tiny, flattened, and
ridged. Underground is a fleshy, unbranched white taproot (fig. 28A). Unlike wild carrot (Daucus
carota, parsnip family), there are no hairs on the stems or leaves of poison-hemlock and no
branching, feathery bracts beneath the flower clusters. These plants are commonly found along
roadsides, edges of cultivated fields, railroad tracks, irrigation ditches, stream banks, and in waste
areas.
SIGNS: The toxic components include the volatile alkaloids coniine and gamma-conicine. A lethal
dose for a horse is 4 to 5 pounds of leaves, cattle may be poisoned with 1 to 2 pounds, and sheep
with a half pound or less . Humans are often poisoned, mistaking the roots for parsnips, the leaves
for parsley, or the seeds for anise.
Affected animals show signs within 2 hours of eating the plant, and tend to become nervous, and
will tremble and become uncoordinated. After the excitement phase, the animal becomes
28. POISON HEMLOCK
depressed. The heart and respiratory rates slow down, the legs, ears and other extremities become
cold, colic and/or bloating may occur. Even at this stage, the animal may not die, but may remain
like this for several hours to days, and then recover. In lethal cases, the animals tend to die within
5 to 10 hours after the onset of the clinical signs, typically from respiratory failure (in which case
the mucus membranes will appear blue). A mousy odor has been reported to emanate from
affected animals.
The primary time of year for poison hemlock is spring, often when there is insufficient forage
available. At this time, the plant may also be more palatable. The toxicity increases throughout the
growing season, and the roots become toxic only later in the year. Once dried, the toxicity is
considered to be reduced but not eliminated.
Poison hemlock can also cause birth defects in ruminants and swine, with cattle and swine more
susceptible than sheep and goats. The most often reported birth defects are cleft palate and spinal
abnormalities. The gestational ages that have been associated with birth defects are: for goats, days
30 through 60; for cattle, days 40 through 70; for pigs, days 30 through 60. The birth defects
resemble those seen with lupine, with lupine being the more dangerous plant.
FIRST AID: If animals are seen ingesting poison hemlock, call a veterinarian immediately.
Treatment consists of eliminating the toxin from the gastrointestinal tract and providing supportive
care. If the animals become comatose but do not die, they will require intense nursing care until
they recover.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Reportedly, poison hemlock has a decreased toxicity when dry,
but hay that contains a large proportion of poison hemlock may still cause problems (besides, it
would have a low nutritional value). Recommendations are to feed little or no hay that contains
poison hemlock. Seeds may contaminate grain-type feeds, making these feeds unsafe for
consumption.
PREVENTION: Most animals will avoid poison hemlock if other forages are available. Tiny
amounts may be consumed with little problems resulting, but significant consumption, especially
of the seeds, will produce clinical signs and possibly death. Eliminating the plant from the pasture
is the best solution; treatment with herbicides may be tried. Be sure all plants are dead prior to
re-introduction of animals, since treated plants may be more palatable. Poison hemlock may be
difficult to eradicate.
27. SPOTTED WATER-HEMLOCK, WATER-HEMLOCK, SPOTTED COWBANE
INDEX

Cicuta maculata
(parsnip family)
TOXICITY RATING: High. This is one of the most toxic plants in the U.S.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals can be affected, but cattle are especially at risk.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: The roots contain the highest concentration of toxin, but all
parts are toxic.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Nervousness, breathing difficulties, muscle tremors, collapse, convulsions
(seizures), death (which may be sudden).
PLANT DESCRIPTION: The perennial stem of water-hemlock (fig. 27) may grow to 7 feet from
its cluster of 2 to 8 fleshy or tuberous roots. Stems are smooth, branching, swollen at the base,
purple-striped or mottled, and hollow except for partitions at the junction of the root and stem (fig.
27A). A yellow, oily liquid smelling like parsnips exudes from cut stems and roots. Leaves are
alternate, two to three times pinnately compound, and toothed, with the leaf veins extending to the
leaf notches. Leaf petioles partially sheath the stems. The small white flowers are borne in
flat-topped, umbrella-like clusters at the tips of stems and branches. Seed pods are small and dry
with rounded, prominent ribs. Water-hemlock is found in swampy areas and marshes, wet
meadows and pastures, and along streambanks and low roadsides.
SIGNS: This plant is considered to be one of the most toxic plants in the United States since so
little of it needs to be consumed to cause death. Humans have been killed after only one or two
bites of what they thought were "parsnips" (water hemlock root resembles a parsnip). Cattle are the
primary species affected, hence the name "cowbane", especially in early spring when the plants are
smaller and apparently more palatable and the roots are easily pulled up. Animals may also be
poisoned if water hemlock is plowed under or if ground is reclaimed, since this may expose the
root. Toxicity decreases through the growing season, and the toxicity of above-ground parts may
be negligible when dry. The roots however are toxic at all times, even when dry. Animals have
been poisoned by drinking water that had been contaminated with trampled water hemlock roots.
The toxin is cicutoxin, a yellow, viscous resin with a carrot-like odor, which affects the central
nervous system. The toxic dose (the dose needed to cause clinical signs) and the lethal dose are
nearly the same, with a little more than 1 gram of water hemlock per kilogram of body weight able
to kill sheep, and 8 ounces (approximately 230 grams) will kill a horse.
Once the animal has ingested even a small amount of the plant, signs will develop within an hour,
and as soon as 10 to 15 minutes. The syndrome is typically very violent. Stimulation of the central
nervous system begins with nervousness, and dilated pupils. Later, muscle tremors occur, the
animal has difficulty breathing, falls down and goes into convulsions. Death, from respiratory
paralysis and terminal convulsions, is a typical outcome, occurring within 30 minutes of the onset
of signs. If a sublethal dose is consumed, and the animal survives for 4 to 6 hours (or in one report,
over 2 hours), the animal may recover, but may suffer from temporary or permanent damage to
heart and/or skeletal muscle.
FIRST AID: If animals are seen eating water hemlock, especially the roots, get all animals away
from the plant, and call a veterinarian immediately. Emergency measures (emptying the stomach
or rumen and the use of medications to control seizures) may be tried, but death may still occur.
The seizures cause severe damage to the heart and skeletal muscle, and this damage can be
avoided if the seizures are controlled. However, this is rarely possible under farm and field
conditions since the toxin acts so quickly.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: The above-ground parts of water hemlock decrease in toxicity
over the growing season and lose additional toxin with drying. Therefore, the hay may not cause
clinical toxicosis, but it is still advisable not to feed hay, or other prepared feeds, that contain water
hemlock. The root is never safe, and remains toxic when dry, and should never be fed.
PREVENTION: Do not allow livestock (especially cattle) to graze in areas containing water
hemlock. Prevent access to these areas or completely remove the plant (most importantly the roots)
prior to introducing livestock, especially in the spring or when the roots may be exposed due to
plowing, ditch maintenance, or other such activity. Never allow water hemlock to be incorporated
into hay or other prepared feeds.
29. FIELD HORSETAIL SCOURINGRUSH
INDEX

Equisetum arvense Equisetum hyemale
(horsetail family)
TOXICITY RATING: High for horses, moderate for other species.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Horses are the species most affected, cattle and sheep may be affected,
but this occurs rarely.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: All parts, both fresh and dried.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Weight loss, weakness, gait abnormalities, abnormal heart rate and/or rhythm,
inability to rise, death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: Two types of shoots 1 to 3 feet tall merge from horsetail's underground
rootstock. Both types are round, hollow, stiff, and jointed. The stem sections easily pull apart. The
first type of shoot (fig. 29A) is tan, appears early in spring, and ends in a terminal, cone-like
structure. The later, green, sterile shoot (fig. 29A) bears whorls of pine-needle-like branches and
looks like a horse's tail. Scouringrush sends up long, tapering, cane-like shoots 1-6 feet tall. These
stiff, evergreen shoots terminate in spore-producing cones. Leaves are reduced to teeth-like scales
arranged in whorls around the joints of the stems (fig. 29B). The plants commonly grow on
shaded, moist soil in meadows, along roadsides, in ditches and thickets, along stream banks, at the
borders of swamps, and on railroad embankments.

SIGNS: The toxic signs associated with horsetail are essentially the same as for bracken fern, since
the toxin is the same: thiaminase. Horsetail does not contain the bone marrow toxin found in
brackenfern. See the section on bracken fern (horses) for more details.
FIRST AID: A veterinarian needs to be called to assist in the treatment of thiamine deficiency. For
more discussion, see brackenfern.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Consumption of horsetail in feeds is the most likely route of
poisoning, but fresh plants are also toxic (but considered unpalatable).
PREVENTION: Do not allow horsetail to be incorporated into feeds, especially if these feeds are
intended for horses. Do not feed contaminated hay.
19. JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT, INDIAN TURNIP
INDEX
19. JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT, INDIAN TURNIP

Arisaema triphyllum
(aroid family)
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Bulbs, stems, possibly leaves.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Oral and gastric irritation, mouth and throat swelling on rare occasions may
be severe enough to affect breathing.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: These herbaceous perennials (fig. 19) pop up in spring in Indiana
woodlands. They grow 1 to 2 feet tall from a tuberous root. The large leaves are three-parted,
smooth-margined, and net-veined. Each plant produces one bloom beneath the leaves on a short
stalk. The "jack" is a fleshy green spike ("spadix") bearing a number of inconspicuous male and
female flowers. The most noticeable
part of the bloom is the "pulpit", a modified leaf ("spathe") that wraps around and hides the spadix.
It may be all green or striped with red or reddish-violet. In late summer the spathe falls away,
revealing a cluster of bright red berries.
SIGNS and FIRST AID: See the section for the Aroid discussion. Rarely is enough of this plant
consumed to cause a problem, but the potential exists, especially in spring when other forages are
not readily available and if the livestock have access to a wooded area. Signs are self-limiting, and
a veterinarian only needs to be contacted if signs do not resolve or if breathing is affected.
PREVENTION: Jack-in-the-Pulpit grows in wooded, shaded areas in the spring, so limit animal
access to these areas when plants begin to emerge.
36. JIMSONWEED, THORNAPPLE
INDEX

Datura stramonium
(nightshade family)
TOXICITY RATING: High. The plant and seeds are extremely toxic, this plant is abused as a
hallucinogen in humans, and deaths in humans and animals have been reported.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals (including pets and poultry) may be affected.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: All parts, especially seeds.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Dilated pupils, agitation, trembling, delirium, may appear to be experiencing
hallucinations, convulsions (which may be violent), coma, and possible death. Abortions and birth
defects have also been reported.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: This stout, coarse annual (fig. 36) grows to 5 feet tall with
strongly-scented, coarsely toothed, green or purplish alternate leaves. The large trumpet-shaped
flowers are white or purplish and are formed singly at the forks in the stems. The fruits are hard,
spiny capsules (fig. 36) which split open along four lines at maturity to release numerous tiny
black seeds. Jimsonweed commonly grows in cultivated fields, waste areas, barnyards, abandoned
pastures, roadsides, and feedlots. Other Datura species (angel's-trumpets) are grown as
ornamentals.
SIGNS: Animals will avoid eating Jimsonweed whenever possible. Even when forages are scarce,
animals are reluctant to consume this plant. For animals, the danger lies primarily in the
consumption of seeds that contaminate prepared feeds (hay, silage, grains, processed feeds). The
plants may become palatable after the application of herbicides, thus greatly increasing the risk of
toxicosis.
Once the plant is consumed, signs become apparent within a few minutes up to several hours. The
alkaloids in Jimsonweed act on the central nervous system as well as the autonomic nervous
system that controls bodily functions. Animals may seek water to drink, have dilated pupils,
become agitated, may exhibit increased heart rate, tremble, become delirious, may appear to be
experiencing hallucinations, have convulsions (which may be violent), become comatose, and
possibly die. Consumption of Jimsonweed during gestation may result in abortions or birth defects.
Jimsonweed contains many toxic components, in particular the alkaloids, including atropine,
hyoscyamine, and hyoscine (scopolamine). As much as 0.7% of the fresh weight of the leaves may
be the toxic alkaloids, which is a very large quantity. The seeds are the greatest risk, with alkaloid
concentrations believed to be greater than the leaves and stems, and even the nectar is toxic.
FIRST AID: Prevent further exposure to the plant or contaminated feed. Exercise caution when
working with affected animals to avoid human injury. Contact a veterinarian if signs are severe,
since there are medications that can counteract the effects of the toxin. Also, if consumption was
recent, contact a veterinarian quickly, since it may be possible to evacuate a large amount of the
plant from the digestive tract before the toxicosis becomes severe. For less severely affected
animals (a veterinarian will be able to assist in determining this), the clinical signs will resolve
within a day or two, so keep animals quiet and undisturbed.
SAFETY IN FEEDS: Jimsonweed remains toxic when dry, therefore feeds are not safe for
consumption. The small black seeds are very toxic and may contaminate prepared or processed
feeds. Toxic signs will occur even when good forage is fed, and there is no reported "safe"
quantity of Jimsonweed that can be fed.
PREVENTION: Do not allow animals to graze on Jimsonweed. Provide adequate forage whenever
animals are in contact with the growing plants. If the plants are treated with herbicides, make sure
they are completely dead prior to introducing animals to the pasture. Use caution when harvesting
feeds, especially near the edges of fields where Jimsonweed is likely to grow. In this way,
incorporation of the plant or the seeds into the feeds will be prevented. When buying processed
feeds, only work with reputable dealers.
43. JOHNSONGRASS
INDEX
43. JOHNSONGRASS
Sorghum halepense
(grass family)
TOXICITY RATING: Moderate to high.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All types, especially ruminants.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANTS: Leaves and stems, especially young plants.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Breathing problems, staggering, severe anxiety, convulsions, coma, death
(may be very sudden).
PLANT DESCRIPTION: Johnsongrass (fig. 43), a coarse perennial grass, produces large, scaly
rootstocks and grows in dense stands up to 6 feet high. Seed heads are large and loose. This plant
grows commonly in the fields, fencerows, and ditch banks of the southern part of the state and is
rapidly spreading northward. Once grown for dike stabilization or for hay, it is now classified as a
"noxious" weed.
SIGNS: The toxic signs resulting from ingestion of Johnsongrass are due to the presence of
cyanide in the leaves and stems. This toxicity is identical to that resulting from the ingestion of
wilted or damaged cherry leaves. In normal, healthy Johnsongrass plants, the levels of free cyanide
43. JOHNSONGRASS
are low, and the plant can be consumed safely. Other members of this grass genus have been bred
as grain or forage plants (milo, Sudan grass, etc.) and also have the potential to produce cyanide,
although not as much as Johnsongrass. The young shoots are the most dangerous, and when
wilted, trampled, herbicide treated or frost damaged, a great deal of free cyanide is liberated in the
leaves. Upon ingestion, the animals quickly develop signs related to cyanide poisoning. Mature
plants have much lower toxicity, and well-cured hay is relatively safe for consumption.
The most common occurrence of Johnsongrass toxicity is on pasture after the plants have been
damaged somehow. Cyanide prevents the body from being able to utilize oxygen at the cellular
level, so although the animals physically can breath, their tissues and cells "suffocate". After
consumption, signs will manifest within a few minutes, but sometimes up to an hour may pass.
The animals will try to breath more rapidly and deeply, and then become anxious and stressed.
Later, trembling, incoordination, attempts to urinate and defecate and collapse is noted, which can
proceed to a violent death (respiratory and/or cardiac arrest). If an affected animal is still alive 2 or
3 hours after consumption, chances are good that it will live. Under rare circumstances, a chronic
cyanide toxicity can develop, which causes weakness and partial paralysis, but this is not a
common occurrence. In the southwestern U.S., a syndrome affecting the urinary bladder and
nervous system in horses has been reported after consumption of sorghum grasses. This disorder is
called equine sorghum cystitis ataxia, and the animal is uncoordinated, has urinary incontinence
(dribbles urine uncontrollably), and foals of affected mares may be aborted or be born with birth
defects. The disorder can also cause death.
Johnsongrass, like other plant species, can accumulate toxic levels of nitrates, depending on
fertilization practices. Nitrates are extremely toxic and can also cause death, especially in cattle,
sheep and goats. Look in the section on oats for more discussion of nitrate poisoning. The signs of
nitrate poisoning may be confused with cyanide poisoning.
FIRST AID: The clinical signs of cyanide poisoning tends to come on quite rapidly, and the
animals may be found dead without much warning. If the animals are exhibiting toxic signs, call a
veterinarian immediately. There is an antidote, but it needs to be given intravenously and within a
few minutes of the onset of signs, and it is often impossible to get help in time. Prevent the animals
(especially the unaffected animals) from eating any more of the grass or feed. Do not handle or
stress affected animals any more than absolutely necessary, since this will worsen the signs. Also,
affected animals are extremely stressed and may be dangerous to work with, therefore exercise
caution so no human injury results. Similar recommendations exist for nitrate poisoning, although
death usually doesn't occur as quickly as with cyanide.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: When johnsongrass is dry, the level of cyanide is extremely
low, so properly cured hay is safe for consumption. If the grass is used for silage or green chop, the
levels of cyanide may still be quite high and potentially lethal. If the grass has accumulated toxic
levels of nitrates, the hay, silage and chop will continue to be toxic. This may be fed in small
amounts along with an adequate supply of good forage, although it would be best to discard feeds
that are high in nitrates.
PREVENTION: Johnsongrass and other sorghums may be grazed safely throughout most of the
growing season. Extra care must be taken when the grass is young, especially if damaged
somehow. Animals should not be allowed access to the grass if these circumstances occur. Care
43. JOHNSONGRASS
must also be taken when fertilizing johnsongrass (as well as many other types of grasses) so as to
not accumulate toxic levels of nitrates. Do not use johnsongrass as green chop or silage.
38. COMMON ST. JOHNSWORT, KLAMATH WEED
INDEX

(St. Johnswort family)
TOXICITY RATING: Low to moderate.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and swine.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: All parts.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Sunburn, skin slough, eye irritation.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: This perennial herb (fig. 38) grows 1 to 11/2 feet 1/2 to 1 inch long and
flat-topped clusters of golden yellow flowers 3/4 to 1 inch broad which bloom from midsummer to
late fall. The five petals often have distinctive black dots around their edges (fig. 38A) and the
leaves may have similar dots (fig. 38B). St. Johnswort commonly grows in droughty, poor, or
over-grazed meadows, pastures, fields, and waste areas, usually on dry, gravelly, or sandy soils in
full sunshine. Other species of Hypericum occur in Indiana, some as garden plants. Although the
evidence of their toxicity is not as clear, it may be prudent to avoid them, too.
SIGNS: The toxin in St. Johnswort is called hypericin. When animals ingest the plant, the
hypericin is absorbed from the intestinal tract and goes into the circulation. Hypericin is
photodynamic, able to convert sunlight into energy (primarily heat), causing cellular damage and
sunburn (which can be severe). Cattle and sheep are the most sensitive to this toxin, but swine and
horses may also be affected.
St. Johnswort is not palatable and is eaten only when better food is unavailable. Animals must
consume the plants for 4 to 5 days or more before clinical signs are noted. The affected skin first
becomes swollen and tender, then reddened. This occurs primarily on the lightly pigmented areas
(pink or white skin), and on the areas of the body that receive more sunlight (head, neck, back).
The skin can be burned to the point where large areas of skin peel off. This is extremely painful,
and predisposes the animal to infection. Affected animals are reluctant to have the areas examined,
and may act abnormally and not want to eat due to the discomfort. Occasionally the eyes will be
affected, causing redness and inflammation of the eyelids and the eye itself. These animals may
not be able to see.
There are many plants that can cause sunburn either by contact or ingestion. In addition to St.
Johnswort, some types of clover, vetches and buckwheat (Fagopyrum) have caused sunburn and
skin scald in animals.
FIRST AID: The first steps are to prevent further consumption of the plant and to get the animals
into the shade or a barn. Emergency evacuation of the gastrointestinal tract is not required since
the toxin takes several days to build up in the body and cause signs. If the sunburn is mild,
conservative treatment and supportive care is all that is required. Animals will resent handling, and
horses will not be able to be ridden for at least 1 to 2 weeks. Keep animals in the shade, consider
turning them out at night only. For more severely affected animals, including animals whose eyes
are affected, or where the skin is blistered or sloughing, a veterinarian needs to be contacted, and
antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications provided.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: The toxin in St. Johnswort remains active even when the plants
are dry, therefore hay or processed feeds will still be toxic and should not be fed. However, if the
hay needs to be fed under extreme circumstances, keep all animals out of direct sunlight for up to
one week after the contaminated feed is no longer being used.
PREVENTION: Animals will voluntarily avoid St. Johnswort if more nutritious and palatable
forage is made available. If the pasture contains large stands of this plant, it may be best to mow,
spray, or re-seed to improve the pasture quality and eliminate potential problems. If the plants are
to be sprayed, keep animals off the pasture until the plants are completely dead, since herbicide
treatment often increases plant palatability.
20. DWARF LARKSPUR, STAGGERWEED, POISON WEED
INDEX

Delphinium tricorne
CULTIVATED LARKSPUR
Delphinium ajacis
(buttercup family)
TOXICITY RATING: Moderate for Indiana. These plants are a more serious threat in the western
ranges.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Cattle are the primary animals affected; toxin can also affect other
ruminants as well as horses.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: All parts, especially seeds and young leaves.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Nervousness, incoordination, staggering, salivating, bloating, abnormal heart
beat, breathing difficulty, paralysis, convulsions, death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: These short annual or perennial herbs (fig. 20), 1/2 to 4 feet high, bear
alternate, deeply-lobed ("crowfoot") leaves and elongate clusters of spurred white, blue, or purple
flowers in the spring. Roots grow in tuberous clusters. This weed commonly grows in rich open
woods, along
streams, in old fields, along roadsides, and on sand hills. Wild larkspur is most common in the
southern two-thirds of the state, but the equally poisonous cultivated larkspur may be found in
gardens statewide.
SIGNS: Larkspur is primarily a problem in western ranges, especially with cattle. Apparently, the
plant is palatable, which increases the risk of clinical toxicosis. The toxicity of larkspur varies,
with the highest periods of toxicity occurring during early growth, and when the plant goes to
seed. The toxin is a mixture of alkaloids, including ajacine and delphinine, and blocks
communication between nerves and muscles (like curare). Signs appear within a few hours of
ingestion. Approximately 1/4 pound of larkspur per 100 pounds body weight may be lethal for
cattle. A higher dose is needed before sheep and horses show clinical signs.
FIRST AID: There is no antidote for larkspur poisoning, and treatment is supportive. A
veterinarian needs to be called if the animals are bloated, or if consumption was very recent (the
veterinarian may be able to empty the stomach or rumen). Affected animals should not be handled
any more than necessary, since stress will worsen the signs.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Larkspur remains toxic when dry, therefore hay and other
prepared feeds will be toxic.
PREVENTION: Do not let animals (especially cattle) graze larkspur, particularly during the early
growth and seed stages. Keeping pastures mowed will greatly reduce the number of larkspur
plants.
6. LUPINE, BLUEBONNET, QUAKER-BONNETS
INDEX

Lupinus perennis (wild)
Lupinus polyphyllus (cultivated)
(pea family)
TOXICITY RATING: Low to moderate in Indiana. In the western rangelands, where lupine grows
plentifully, the risk of toxicosis would be high. Different species of lupine have different toxicities.
According to reports, L. leucophyllus (velvet or wooly-leafed lupine) is the most toxic and should
never be grazed since all stages of plant growth are toxic.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Sheep are primarily affected, but all animals are susceptible.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: All parts, especially pods with seeds.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Breathing problems, behavioral changes, trembling, birth defects, coma,
death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: Lupines (fig. 6) are herbaceous perennials grown in gardens or found
wild along roadsides, in fields, and in open woods. Wild lupines are common only in the prairie
and lake counties of Indiana. In the rangelands of the West, they are a leading cause of livestock
poisoning. Several stems often grow from one creeping root and reach 12 to 30 inches in height.
The leaves are alternate and palmately compound with 7 to 11 spear-tip-shaped, softly hairy segments. Elongate spikes of blue,
purple, white, magenta, or bicolored pea-like flowers in early summer are followed by 1- to 2-inch,
fuzzy, pea-like pods.
SIGNS: Toxicity in lupine is believed to result primarily from the alkaloid D-lupanine. The signs
of lupine poisoning can develop within an hour or may take as long as a day. The signs are related
to the nervous system and resemble the signs seen with excessive consumption of nicotine
(tobacco): twitching, nervousness, depression, difficulty in moving and breathing, and loss of
muscular control. If large quantities were consumed, convulsions, coma, and death by respiratory
paralysis may occur. In cows that graze lupine, skeletal birth defects in calves can occur, and the
syndrome is called "crooked calf".
FIRST AID: There is no antidote. Allow affected livestock to rest quietly, especially if they are
unfamiliar with human contact. Handling, trailering, or other stress on the animals after they have
been grazing lupine will make the signs worse and can increase losses.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: The alkaloids in lupine remain after the plants have dried, so
prepared feeds are unsafe for consumption, especially if the feeds contain lupine seed pods.
PREVENTION: Do not allow hungry animals access to lupine, particularly when in the seed stage,
if other forage is not available. If lupines are prevalent in the pasture, become familiar with the
particular species, since toxicities vary. Do not handle, process, or ship animals that are heavily
grazing lupine since this type of stress will increase the number of animals that will become sick
and/or die. Livestock can graze lupine without incident as long as excessive ingestion is avoided
and animals are not handled or trailered while on lupine pastures (and if the animals are not
pregnant). In cattle, to avoid birth defects, do not allow grazing between days 40 and 70 of
gestation.
50. Red Maple
INDEX
50. Red Maple

Acer rubrum
(maple family)
TOXICITY RATING: High, death is common.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Horses only.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Leaves, especially when fallen, damaged, or wilted.
CLASS OF SYMPTOMS: Breathing difficulties, jaundice, dark brown urine, death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: Red maple is a tree of medium size, occurring naturally or planted as an
ornamental. Young bark is a smooth gray color, older bark is dark and broken. Leaves are 3 to 5
lobed, with shallow notches between lobes. Underside of leaves are white. Leaves are green during
the growing season and turn red in the fall. Buds, twigs, flowers, and petioles are red. The sap is
not milky.
SIGNS: The toxin has not been identified, but is believed to be an oxidant due to its effects on red
blood cells. Only horses are known to be affected. The ingestion of wilted or fallen leaves causes
massive destruction of red blood cells, and the blood can no longer carry sufficient oxygen.
Ingestion of 1.5 pounds of leaves is toxic, and ingestion of 3 pounds is lethal. Wilted or dry leaves
remain toxic for about a month. Fresh and undamaged leaves have not been implicated, but
ingestion is still not advised. Clinical signs develop within one or two days and can include
depression, lethargy, increased rate and depth of breathing, increased heart rate, jaundice, dark
brown urine, coma, and death. Approximately 50% to 75% of affected horses die or are
euthanized.
50. Red Maple
FIRST AID: The first step is to prevent further consumption by the horse (and any other horses on
the same pasture). There is no specific treatment, and contacting a veterinarian is advised. The
veterinarian may use methylene blue, but this is not often effective in horses, but can be tried early
in the course of the disorder. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive and can include mineral oil
and activated charcoal to prevent further absorption in the stomach, oxygen, fluid support, and
blood transfusions.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Reports are lacking, but red maple should not be considered
safe in hay, especially if it is freshly baled.
PREVENTION: Do not allow horses access to red maple. Most poisoning occur in the late
summer and fall when leaves fall into pastures, or at any time when fallen limbs are placed in
pastures. Apparently the leaves are palatable, thus increasing the risk of toxicosis. Do not
incorporate red maple leaves into hay bales.
35. HEMP, MARIJUANA, HASHISH, HASH
INDEX

Cannabis sativa
(nettle family)
TOXICITY RATING: Low. Animals tend to avoid this plant, and toxic encounters are rarely fatal.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals, pets as well as horses and livestock, may be affected.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Leaves, stems, flowers, seeds.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Behavioral changes, trembling, incoordination, gastrointestinal signs,
sometime breathing difficulty.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: This coarse, roughly hairy, herbaceous annual, at least 3 to 6 feet tall,
has opposite leaves on the lower part of the plant, alternate leaves above (fig. 35). The leaves are
made up of from 3 to 7 coarsely-saw-toothed, rough-to-the-touch, long, narrow leaflets borne in a
finger-like arrangement. Male and female flowers are found on separate plants, the male flowers
on branch tips and the female along the length of the branches. Hemp may be found in weedy
pastures, fence rows, brushy stream banks, and illicit plantings.
SIGNS: Nearly all animals will voluntarily avoid marijuana. Toxic cases are usually encountered
when the plant is mixed in prepared feeds or bedding materials, or if the animal is forced into
consuming or inhaling smoke from the plant. Signs can include nervousness and disorientation
which can progress to depression, trembling, vomiting (in those species that can vomit), and
sometimes diarrhea and breathing difficulties. Fatalities are rare. Animals more likely to be
poisoned are pets (especially dogs and birds), and perhaps swine, but all species are susceptible.
The primary toxic component is tetrahydrocannabinol, a resin. In addition, alkaloids and
glycosides are present in marijuana. Toxicity varies greatly in the plants. The top leaves and flower
buds of the female plants contain the highest toxin concentration, with the rest of the plant as well
as male plants being toxic to a lesser degree.

FIRST AID: In nearly all cases, effects will wear off within a few hours with little or no permanent
damage done. In cases of massive (or malicious) poisoning, contact a veterinarian as soon as
possible. Emergency evacuation of the gastrointestinal tract may be necessary with followup
supportive care. In cases where an animal (most often a dog) has consumed marijuana in baked
goods (typically brownies), chocolate toxicosis may be additive to marijuana toxicosis. A
veterinarian needs to be contacted in both cases of toxicoses.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Marijuana remains toxic when dried, therefore prepared feeds
will still be toxic.
PREVENTION: Do not allow animals to have contact with the plant or any "preparations" where
it might be contained and do not allow malicious intoxication.
26. MILKWEEDS
INDEX
26. MILKWEEDS
Asclepias spp.
(milkweed family)
TOXICITY RATING: Low to moderate. Milkweeds are unpalatable, and have variable toxicities.
Death is not likely unless large quantities are consumed.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals may be affected. Sheep are most at risk, but cattle, goats,
horses, poultry, and pets are also at risk.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Stems, leaves, roots.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Gastrointestinal irritation (primarily vomiting and diarrhea), incoordination,
tremors, heart problems, respiratory difficulty, death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: Milkweeds, such as common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca (fig. 26), get
their name from the thick, sticky, milky sap that oozes out of cut or torn leaves, stems, and fresh
pods. The usually solitary stems of milkweed grow 1 to 5 feet tall and bear opposite (sometimes
whorled), sometimes fleshy leaves with entire margins. Flowers emerge in umbrella-like clusters
and range in color from pink to rose-purple to orange or white. The fruit (fig. 26A) is a pod with
"tufted" seeds. A dozen species of milkweeds grow in Indiana woods and swamps, but most
commonly in dry soils of fields and roadsides. Dogbanes (Apocynum spp.), which are easily confused with milkweeds, are found in the
same habitats and may cause similar poisoning.
SIGNS: There are several different types of milkweeds with varying degrees of toxicity, with the
whorled milkweeds being the most toxic. Milkweed plants are considered unpalatable and are
eaten only when other forages are not available, and may also be found in hay and processed feeds.
The primary toxicants are cardiac glycosides that cause gastrointestinal, cardiac and respiratory
26. MILKWEEDS
problems and can cause death if enough is consumed. Resins (especially galitoxin) in the milky
sap may also contribute to the toxicity of milkweed. In ruminants, the first signs are
incoordination, muscle tremors and spasms, bloat, increased heart rate, breathing problems, and
occasionally death. Horses are very reluctant to eat this plant, and its toxicity is only rarely
reported: colic, diarrhea, abnormal heart rate and rhythm, rarely death. In animals that are capable
of vomiting (pigs, dogs, cats, humans), this is the first sign to develop and is beneficial in that
further absorption of the toxin is lessened. Horses cannot vomit, and vomiting is not generally
observable in ruminants (if vomiting occurs, the contents still remain in the rumen), therefore toxic
signs will be worse in these species.
FIRST AID: There is no antidote if an animal consumes milkweed. It is important to limit further
ingestion of the plants or contaminated feed. If the animal recently consumed a large amount of the
plant, a veterinarian should be called so that the gastrointestinal tract can be emptied and
supportive care provided. Small tastes of the plants tend to result in minor oral irritation, and serve
as a deterrent to further consumption, and these little nibbles typically do not require treatment.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Milkweed is toxic both fresh and dried, therefore hay, silage,
green chop, and processed feeds that contain milkweed are never safe for consumption.
PREVENTION: Animals will avoid milkweed as long as there is sufficient forage available. Care
must be taken to avoid incorporation of milkweed into prepared feeds and hay, and these feeds
should be discarded.
34. MUSTARD FAMILY
INDEX
34. MUSTARD FAMILY

Brassica (wild mustard)
Thlaspi (pennycress)
Lepidium (peppergrass), etc.
TOXICITY RATING: Low to moderate.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Cattle, horses, sheep, poultry.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: All parts, especially seeds.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Oral and gastrointestinal irritation, photosensitivity, breathing difficulty.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: Mustard family members have a pungent, sulfurous odor or taste. They
may be annual, perennial, or biennial, with a basal cluster of leaves and alternate leaves on the
stem that are usually smaller and shorter-stalked than the basal leaves. Flowers of most mustard
species are yellow, but some are white, blue, or purple, and all have four petals in a cross-like
arrangement (fig. 34A). The seedpod (silique) is dry and may be broad and flat (fig. 34B) or
skinny and much longer than it is wide (fig. 34C). The mustard family includes weeds such as
yellow rocket, black mustard (fig. 34), tansy mustard, peppergrass, and pennycress. These are
found in fields, pastures, lawns, roadsides, waste areas, and sometimes in woods. Cultivated
34. MUSTARD FAMILY
mustards, which may be harmful if eaten in large quantities, include cabbage, rape, broccoli,
turnip, rutabaga, horseradish, and radish.
SIGNS: Mustard plants are capable of causing several types of problems. The most common is
oral and gastrointestinal irritation primarily the result of the isoallyl thiocyanates and irritant oils.
The plants are not palatable and tend to be avoided unless there is little else to eat or if the seeds
have been incorporated into processed feeds. Clinical signs could include oral irritation, head
shaking, salivating, colic, abdominal pain, vomiting (in those species capable of vomiting), and
possibly diarrhea. Swine and younger animals (lambs and calves) appear to be more susceptible to
the irritant effects of mustard seeds in processed feeds. In order to cause toxicity, fairly large
amounts need to be consumed over a period of time.
Mustard plants can cause other problems, although these are not reported as often.
Photosensitization has been reported in cattle after rape (B. napus) was consumed. There are also
reports of abortions, goiter and blindness due to mustard consumption, but these are not major
problems. Mustard plants may accumulate nitrates under certain fertilization conditions, and thus
cause nitrate toxicosis.
FIRST AID: There is no antidote for mustard poisoning. Supportive care and providing adequate
quality forage is necessary. For more serious signs, or if animals do not recover when mustard feed
is withdrawn, consult a veterinarian.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Mustard plants retain their toxic components upon drying. The
seeds in particular contain a high concentration of toxins, and may be incorporated into grain
mixes or hay. Care must be taken to insure that these plants and seeds do not contaminate feeds,
since they are toxic in any quantity. If small amounts have been incorporated into hay, animals are
likely to voluntarily avoid the plants. However, if the hay is highly contaminated and there is no
other forage available, the animals will eat the mustard out of necessity and suffer toxic signs as a
result. Therefore, avoid feeding mustard, but if this is not entirely possible, provide for additional
and more nutritious forage.
PREVENTION: Do not feed hay or other feeds that contain mustard plants or seeds. Do not let
animals onto pastures that are overgrown with mustard plants without providing adequate edible
forage. Use caution when feeding animals (especially swine) crop harvest leftovers from plants in
the mustard family.
31. STINGING NETTLE WOOD (BULL) NETTLE
INDEX

Urtica dioica Laportea canadensis
(nettle family)
TOXICITY RATING: Low. Local irritation is the most common sign which shortly resolves on its
own.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Any animal that brushes against or consumes the plant can be affected.
Short-haired hunting dogs and other dogs that run through the underbrush are more likely to
encounter this plant.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Stems, leaves.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Facial, skin and oral irritation, salivation, pawing at the mouth, possible
ocular irritation.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: These herbaceous perennials are common on moist ground in flood
plains, woodlands, and along stream and river banks. They often occur in colonies so large that
they are the only herbaceous plant present. The tough unbranched stems grow 2 to 5 feet tall from
fibrous roots and are covered with stinging bristles. The leaves are opposite, thin, egg-shaped,
toothed, and tapered at the tip. They measure 2 to 6 inches by 1 to 2 inches in stinging nettle and 3
to 8 inches by 3 to 5 inches in wood nettle. The 3 to 5 main veins from the base make the leaf
(especially in wood nettle) strongly resemble the leaves of white snakeroot. However, the stinging
hairs on the lower surface of the leaves prove the plant's identity. The tiny, green or greenish-white
flowers droop in axillary clusters in stinging nettle (fig. 31) and stand upright in branching clusters
at the top of the stem in wood nettles.
SIGNS: The small, hollow hairs in stinging nettle contain several irritating substances such as
histamine (the mediator of some allergic reactions), serotonin, acetylcholine and formic acid (ants
contain a high concentration of formic acid). These substances, coupled with the hairs ability to
scratch the skin and mucus membranes, results in almost immediate burning, itching and irritation.
Typically, signs are present for a few minutes to a few hours, and resolve on their own. If oral
contact was made, the animal may shake its head, salivate, and rub its mouth. Skin irritation is
possible, especially with short-coated dogs, and ocular (eye) irritation is also possible. It is
possible that the animals attempts to comfort itself and relieve the irritation may cause more
damage than the plant itself. On very rare occasions (and only after significant amounts were
consumed or contacted) will more severe systemic signs manifest (trembling, weakness,
disturbances in heart rate). Nearly all animals (including humans) learn to stay away from nettle.
FIRST AID: Limit further exposure as much as possible. Remove affected animals from the areas
where the plants are located, and monitor the animals so they don't self-traumatize. Recovery
should occur within a few minutes to hours. If animals continue to have difficulty, or if more
serious signs develop, or at any time if the eyes are affected, contact a veterinarian.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: There is little information on the safety of nettle in feeds.
However, due to its irritant potential, inclusion of this plant into hay or feeds is not recommended.
PREVENTION: Use caution in marshy or wooded areas where dense stands of nettle may be
located. Prevent animals from contacting the plants as much as possible.
42. BLACK NIGHTSHADE
INDEX

Solanum nigrum
CAROLINA HORSENETTLE, BULL NETTLE
Solanum carolinense
BITTER NIGHTSHADE, CLIMBING BITTERSWEET
Solanum dulcamara
(nightshade family)
TOXICITY RATING: Moderate. While the plant itself is very toxic, it is also unpalatable, and
rarely does an animal consume enough to cause a serious or potentially lethal poisoning. Toxic
risk is higher if the plant is included in processed feeds.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals, including pets, may be affected.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: All parts are potentially toxic, the berries are often higher in
toxicity.
CLASS OF SIGNS: The nightshade plants cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract and can
also affect the central nervous system. Signs can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea,
incoordination, weakness, depression, apparent hallucinations, convulsions, and possible death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: Black nightshade is a low-branching annual (fig. 42A), 1 to 2 feet tall
with triangular stems that bear oval, thin-textured, alternate leaves with wavy margins. The tiny
white flowers, borne in drooping clusters on lateral stalks between the leaves, resemble tomato
flowers. The berry fruit is green when immature, purplish-black when ripe. Bitter nightshade
resembles black nightshade except that the stems are climbing, the lower leaves are lobed at the
base, the flowers are purple, and the ripe fruit is red. Horsenettles (fig. 42B) are similar but have
coarser, prickly stems, larger white to purplish flowers in loose clusters, and yellow fruits that look
much like small tomatoes. All three species commonly grow in open woods, old fields, waste
areas, pastures, along roadsides, and around farm buildings.
SIGNS: Clinical signs of poisoning in the nightshade family tend to reflect gastrointestinal
irritation and/or effects on the central nervous system. The plant is not palatable and is eaten only
when animals have no other forage available. The plant may be a contaminant in hay, where it will
still cause toxicity. Pets may eat the green, red, or black berries and be poisoned. The major toxin
is solanine, an alkaloidal glycoside, and along with other glycosides and atropine have numerous
and powerful effects on the body.
Gastrointestinal signs can include: vomiting (in those species that can vomit), poor appetite,
abdominal pain, and diarrhea which may become bloody. Central nervous system signs can
include depression, difficulty breathing, incoordination, weakness, collapse, convulsions, and
possible death. In one report, one to ten pounds of plant material was potentially lethal for a horse.
A chronic toxicity has also been reported, where the animal eats small amounts of the plants each
day. These animals tend to present with general unthriftiness, depression, and diarrhea or
constipation.
FIRST AID: If a large amount of nightshade plant was consumed, contact a veterinarian
immediately, since emergency measures may need to be undertaken. In most cases the animals
will avoid eating this plant, so clinical cases are rare. Curious or bored pets are particularly at risk,
and a veterinarian should be contacted if these animals are seen eating a nightshade plant.
Treatment is largely symptomatic until the clinical signs wear off (which can take a day or two,
sometimes longer). Death is rare in animals, but has occurred in people who have abused these
plants.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: The nightshade plants lose some toxicity with drying, but the
toxin is not eliminated. Therefore, feeds containing nightshade are not considered to be safe. If
there are just a few plants in hay bales, the animals may voluntarily avoid the nightshade if
provided with enough nutritious and safe hay. In the case of hay then, careful observation to see
that the nightshades are being left may make it allowable to feed the rest of the affected bales. If
the feed is more highly processed (silage, chop, pellets), the feed is not safe at all since the animals
will not be able to avoid the nightshade plants.
PREVENTION: Nearly all grazing animals will avoid eating plants in the nightshade family unless
they are extremely hungry and there is little else to eat. The exception to this is if nightshade plants
are incorporated into prepared feeds and the animals eat them unknowingly, therefore only feed
quality feeds and only purchase from reputable dealers. Pets may be attracted to and eat the
berries, so always keep pets away from nightshade plants, especially if the pet is confined, bored
or unattended.
NOTE: Other Solanum species contain the same poisonous principle. These include buffalobur
(Solanum cornutum), the ornamental Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum), and the
common white potato (Solanum tuberosum). Sprouts and sunburned (green) or spoiled potato
tubers should not be mixed in feed because they also contain solanine. Vines of tomatoes
(Lycopersicon esculentum, nightshade family) contain similar glycoalkaloids. Toxicity is also
related to that seen with Jimsonweed.
47. RED OAK
INDEX
47. RED OAK

Quercus rubra
(beech family)
TOXICITY RATING: Moderate high.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals may potentially be affected, but the primary risk is to cattle.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Buds (fall), young shoots (early spring), sprouts, acorns.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Poor doer, poor appetite, weight loss, diarrhea or constipation, increased
drinking, increased urination, edema, death is possible.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: Oaks are trees with leaves that turn brown but hang on through the
winter. In the southwestern U.S., Gambel's oak, shinnery oak, and post oak frequently cause
poisonings. In our part of the country, red oak has produced problems. Red oak is a large tree of
well-drained woodlands, parks, and home plantings that bears broad-bladed leaves with deep lobes
ending in bristle-tips (fig. 47). The
fruit is the familiar nut borne in a scaly cup and called an acorn (fig. 47A).
SIGNS: This discussion refers primarily to cattle, the species most often affected by oak toxicosis.
47. RED OAK
It also seems that cattle less than 2 years of age succumb to oak toxicosis more than do older
animals, however older animals are still at risk. Other species at risk include sheep and possibly
deer. Goats and swine are more resistant to poisoning, and horses are rarely affected (likely due to
a unwillingness to consume oak). Pets rarely consume sufficient quantities to do harm. Many
species of oak have been implicated in the poisoning of livestock, with red and black oak
exhibiting greater toxicity than white oak.
While short-term acute poisoning by oak has been reported, the most commonly encountered oak
poisoning is of a chronic nature. Oak is most dangerous early in the spring when the leaves and
buds are the highest in toxicity and when there is little else to eat. The fall is another at risk period,
when acorns and leaves fall and better forage dies back. Therefore, management plays a key role in
preventing oak toxicosis.
The toxins in oak are called gallotoxins and are converted in the body to tannic acid, gallic acid
and pyrogallol, all of which are very toxic to the kidney. It is the resulting kidney failure that
causes the clinical signs. Typically, a significant amount of oak needs to be consumed over a
period of time before clinical signs appear. Signs can develop over 2 to 14 days, or signs may be
present with the animals becoming progressively worse over many weeks. The number of animals
affected in the herd can vary greatly, but of those showing clinical signs, up to 80% may die. Signs
of oak poisoning can include depression, lack of appetite, a gaunt and emaciated appearance, poor
or rough hair coat, dependent edema (fluid buildup under the skin under the neck, abdomen or on
the legs), digestive disturbances (both diarrhea and constipation have been reported, with mucus
covered or tarry stools), increased drinking, passage of copious amounts of urine which may
contain blood, and death.
FIRST AID: The most important step is to get the animals back on to plentiful and nutritious feed,
and to limit stress, shipping and handling during the recovery period. Also, make sure that plenty
of fresh water is always available, since affected cattle cannot maintain their own water balance
very well while recovering. Since this is a long-term chronic toxicity, there is little in the way of
an antidote to relieve signs. Severely or more chronically affected animals may not recover, but the
less affected animals may, and may return to previous rates of gain and milk production. A
veterinarian will be able to assist in management, and will be able to assist in emergency measures
if large amounts of oak were recently consumed. Beyond this, treatment is supportive and
symptomatic.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: The toxin in oak remains when dry, so no feeds are safe that
contain oak.
PREVENTION: Oak toxicosis is easily preventable with proper livestock and pasture
management. Animals tend to eat oak only out of necessity, therefore by providing adequate and
nutritious feed in the spring when the oak leaves bud out and again in the fall when leaves and
acorns drop, the incidence of toxicosis should be minimized or eliminated.
13. CULTIVATED OATS
INDEX
13. CULTIVATED OATS

Avena sativa
(grass family)
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, horses.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Breathing difficulty, skin irritation, paralysis, convulsions, death (rarely).
PLANT DESCRIPTION: This widely cultivated annual grass has escaped into waste places. The
plants grow up together in small tufts. The fruiting structure is a terminal, loose panicle (fig. 13).
SIGNS: Oats may cause up to three separate problems, depending upon the conditions:
a) Oats can accumulate excessive amounts of nitrates, especially when heavily fertilized. Many
grasses and forages can accumulate toxic levels of nitrates depending upon fertilization practices.
This is a serious problem, especially in cattle. The signs are then consistent with nitrate toxicosis:
the blood turns a brownish color due to the action of nitrate on hemoglobin. The blood is not
capable of carrying oxygen efficiently, and animals show signs of hypoxia: increased respiratory
rate, anxiety, collapse, convulsions,and death. Nitrate toxicosis is less often reported in
non-ruminants (horses, swine, etc), but can occur. The primary signs in these species is stomach
and intestinal irritation, although an inability of the blood to carry oxygen may develop and require
treatment.
b) Oats can also induce a photosensitivity reaction in animals, although the exact mechanism
(direct contact and/or ingestion) is uncertain. The skin becomes increasingly susceptible to damage
by ultraviolet radiation, and the typical presentation in affected animals is sunburn on the lightly
13. CULTIVATED OATS
pigmented parts of the body. Both fresh oats and oat straw can cause a skin reaction.
c) Moldy oats (called smutty oats), which result from the improper curing or storing of oat hay,
can cause paralysis, convulsions or death if sufficient quantities are ingested.
FIRST AID: In all three cases of possible toxicoses, the first and most important step is to remove
the oats from the animals.
a) For nitrate toxicosis, it is best to call a veterinarian, especially when cattle or other ruminants
are affected. There are emergency measures that can be performed, but severely affected animals
still may die. Horses, swine, and poultry are less likely to be affected, but if clinical signs develop,
they may require treatment as well, although it may be impractical to attempt treatment on swine
or poultry.
b) For photosensitization, allow the animal access to shade. The animal may need shade for a week
or two until the sunburned areas heal. Animals on pasture can be turned out at night and stabled
during the day. Remove oat straw if used for bedding. The sunburn may be severe enough to
prevent normal function, such as seeing, eating, walking, allowing young ones to nurse, etc. In
these cases, a veterinarian needs to be called to provide supportive care until the lesions heal. In
addition, a veterinarian needs to be called if the sunburned areas are extensive or if they appear
infected, or if the animal is depressed and unwilling to eat.
c) For moldy oats, discard affected feed and provide proper forage. If clinical signs develop, call a
veterinarian.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Ideally, oat hay with excessive levels of nitrate should not be
fed. If feeding this hay cannot be avoided, the animals should receive a well-balanced and
adequate diet, since these animal will be less likely to show toxic signs. Nitrate contaminated feed
should only make up a small portion of the total ration. Since the cause of oat photosensitivity is
unknown, consumption of oat hay or grass may induce the clinical syndrome. Moldy oats are not
safe for consumption and should be discarded.
PREVENTION: Ideally, the oat feed should be discarded. If this is impossible, know that properly
fed cattle can consume forages higher in nitrate than can poorly fed cattle, therefore, feed cattle an
adequate and balanced diet, especially if high nitrate forages are to be included in the diet. Do not
over-fertilize oats or any grass forage, to reduce the likelihood of this common toxicosis.
Photosensitive individuals may need to have oats permanently removed from their diet. Moldy
oats should never be fed.
52. Oleander
INDEX
52. Oleander
Nerium oleander
Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)
TOXICITY RATING: High. Ingestion of even small amounts can kill.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals can be affected.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: The entire plant is toxic. Most animals are poisoned by
consuming leaves, fresh or dried.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac abnormalities, death (may be sudden).
PLANT DESCRIPTION: This plant grows outdoors in warmer regions, and in Indiana is grown as
a houseplant. Oleander grows as a shrub or sometimes to the size of a small tree. The leaves are
lance-shaped, thick and leathery, and grow opposite each other. Sometimes, leaves may grow in
whorls. The leaves are 8 to 10 inches long, although smaller specimens will have shorter leaves.
Flowers are showy, approximately 1 to 3 inches in diameter, and grow in large clusters at the ends
of the branches, and can be white or any shade of pink or red.
SIGNS: Oleander contains the toxins oleandrin and nerioside, which very similar to the toxins in
foxglove (Digitalis). This is a tropical plant, but is grown as an ornamental and as a houseplant in
Indiana. Apparently the plant is not palatable, but will be eaten by hungry animals. It is reported
that dried or wilted leaves may be slightly more palatable than fresh leaves, and the leaves are still
toxic when wilted or dried. In one report with horses, it was indicated that approximately 1/4
pound of leaves (about 30 or 40 leaves) could deliver a lethal dose to an adult horse.
Clinical signs may develop rapidly, and the animal may be found dead with no prior warning. In
other cases, depression coupled with gastrointestinal distress is evident: vomiting (in those species
that can vomit), diarrhea (which may be bloody), and abdominal pain. Irregularities in the heart
52. Oleander
rate and rhythm will occur: the heart may speed up or slow down, and beat erratically. As the
toxicosis progresses, the extremities may become cold and the mucous membranes pale.
Trembling and collapse can occur, followed by coma and death within a few hours.
FIRST AID: If animals are observed eating oleander, contact a veterinarian immediately. The
toxin acts quickly, and is lethal in small amounts. Emergency measures may be used to empty the
gastrointestinal tract of remaining plant matter, and medications may be administered to control
the effects that the toxin has on the heart. Despite emergency care, the animal may still die, but the
sooner treatment is begun, the better the prognosis for survival.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Oleander is extremely toxic, even in small quantities, and the
toxin is not eliminated by drying. Therefore, feeds containing oleander are never safe for
consumption.
PREVENTION: Be able to identify oleander and exercise extreme caution when pets (and
humans) are in the vicinity of these plants. The plants should never be placed where animals can
have contact with them. Extra care needs to be taken in cases where leaves can fall into a pasture
or in the vicinity of a confined, bored or hungry animal.
33. REDROOT PIGWEED
INDEX
33. REDROOT PIGWEED

Amaranthus retroflexus
(pigweed family)
TOXICITY RATING: High. The plant is quite common and very toxic.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Cattle and swine are the animals most likely to be affected; goats and
sheep can also be poisoned.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Leaves, stems, roots.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Breathing problems, trembling, weakness, abortions, coma, death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: Redroot pigweed (fig. 33) is a large (to 5 feet tall), coarse, annual with
red stems and simple, egg-shaped, wavy-margined, alternate leaves. The green, inconspicuous
flowers are borne in short, compact clusters along with green spines. Seeds are small, shiny, and
black. Fields, barnyards, and waste areas are the favorite habitats of this weed.
SIGNS: Pigweed contains a nephrotoxin that causes kidney failure, and also contains soluble
oxalates and is capable of accumulating nitrates. Therefore, toxicity can be due to any combination
of these toxicoses.
33. REDROOT PIGWEED
Animals need to consume pigweed in fairly significant quantities over several days before signs
appear. Typically, onset of signs is 3 to 7 days from the onset of ingestion. Animals will usually
avoid pigweed if there are better forages available. Common incidences of poisonings have
occurred when swine have been raised in confinement and are then turned out into a
pigweed-infested pasture in the late summer to early fall. Under these circumstances, the swine
consume large amounts of the plant quickly, with 5-90% of the animals becoming affected, with
75% or greater mortality among the affected animals. Modern management practices have largely
eliminated this type of poisoning, but it can still occur. In cattle, pigweed toxicosis resembles oak
toxicosis.
In affected animals, early signs include weakness, trembling and incoordination. This progresses to
an inability to stand and paralysis, yet the animals may still be alert and able to eat. Near the end of
the clinical course, the affected animals may go into a coma, and have edema under the skin of the
abdomen and the legs, have a bloated abdomen, and die. The course of the disease is
approximately 48 hours and is primarily consistent with kidney failure. Cases where animals
consume smaller amounts of plants over long time periods have not been well studied, but this is
also believed to cause toxicology problems.
Treatment with herbicides may render pigweed even more palatable, therefore make sure all
treated plants are dead prior to introducing animals.
FIRST AID: If pigweed is being rapidly consumed, limit further access and ingestion of the plants.
A veterinarian will be able to provide supportive care for the different toxicants contained in
pigweed, but the animals may still succumb to the nitrates, soluble oxalates or the kidney toxin.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Pigweed is not safe in hay or other prepared feeds.
PREVENTION: To prevent pigweed poisoning, do not allow animals to have access to affected
pastures, especially if the animals are hungry. Spray or mow plants down, making sure they are
dead before animals are on pasture. Provide for supplemental feed if pasture quality is poor, since
well-fed animals are less likely to consume pigweed.
40. COMMON POKEWEED, POKEBERRY, POKEROOT, INKBERRY, POKE
INDEX

(pokeweed family)
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals may potentially be affected.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: All parts, especially roots and seeds.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Gastrointestinal irritation (colic, diarrhea which may be bloody). Rarely:
anemia, possibly death. Birth defects and tumors may also be possible.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: Pokeweed (fig. 40) is a tall (to 10 feet), smooth-stemmed, perennial herb
with a large, fleshy taproot (fig. 40A). Stems are succulent, purplish, and bear alternate,
lance-shaped, shiny leaves with smooth, curled margins. The small, white to greenish flowers hang
in long, drooping, grape-like clusters. Each flattened, spherical, green berry turns dark-purple or
ink-black and usually contains 10 seeds. Pokeweed commonly grows on recently cleared land, in
open woods, barnyards, pastures, fence rows, and roadsides.
SIGNS: Animals do not voluntarily eat this plant unless there is no other forage available. If the
animals are forced to eat pokeweed (especially if it has been incorporated into processed feeds),
the primary signs relate to the irritant effects of the saponin toxins, in particular phytolaccigenin.
Salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may become bloody) can be noted. Horses and
ruminants do not exhibit vomiting, which is seen in humans, dogs, cats, and pigs. Signs usually
resolve within a day or two. Only if large doses are consumed will the animal display more serious
signs: anemia, alterations in the heart rate and in respiration, and in very rare cases, death.
Noted in the human literature but not well published in the veterinary literature is the mutagenic
and teratogenic properties of pokeweed, that is the ability to induce mutations (and possibly
cancer) and birth defects. For humans, even handling the plant is considered dangerous, so it
would seem wise to not only prevent human contact with the plant, but animal contact as well.
Despite this, the plant is eaten as a spring vegetable in the southern U.S. after cooking it first in
several changes of water. Consumption of the plant is not advised.
FIRST AID: For gastrointestinal irritation, provide better feed and symptomatic care, and signs
should abate in about 24 hours. Discard all feeds containing pokeweed, since the plant is never
safe for consumption. For severely affected animals, or if it is known that a large amount was
consumed, consult a veterinarian promptly for emergency care.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Reports are not clear, but consider pokeweed as unsafe in hay
and other feeds.
PREVENTION: Pokeweed should be removed from pastures and barnyards. Exercise caution
when doing so, since the plant is toxic to humans as well. Good pasture management, with
mowing and weed removal, will suffice in keeping pokeweed under control.
24. GROUNDSEL, RAGWORT
INDEX

Senecio spp.
(daisy family)
TOXICITY RATING: High. Senecio is very toxic both fresh and in hay, affected animals often
die.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All grazing animals may be affected, but horses and cattle are
particularly susceptible. Young, growing animals are more susceptible than mature animals, and
fetuses may be affected in utero.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: All above ground parts, with higher concentrations in the
seeds.
CLASS OF SIGNS: "Poor doer", weight loss, unthriftiness, poor hair coat, anorexia, behavioral
changes, sunscald, liver failure, jaundice, death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: There are several species of ragworts. In Indiana they are perennial
herbs about 1 foot tall (rarely to 3 feet tall). Basal leaves are spoon-shaped and stem leaves are
alternate and pinnately cut into narrow segments. At the top of the plant are clusters of yellow
composite (daisy-like) flowers with yellow ray petals. Most ragworts grow along roadsides, in
pastures, and in wet or waste areas. Senecio aureus (golden ragwort) blooms in early spring in
woodlands or meadows statewide (fig. 24).
SIGNS: Poisoning from ragwort may be chronic or acute, with the chronic form more commonly
encountered. The disease is also called "seneciosis" or "pictou" disease. The toxic principle is a
mixture of pyrrolizidine alkaloids which adversely affect the liver. The plant grows in late winter
through the spring and tends to be incorporated in first cutting hays. Animals may not show signs
until the fall or winter after eating this hay for some time. In horses especially, the clinical signs
may develop months after ragwort hay is no longer being fed, making an accurate diagnosis
difficult.
In the rare acute toxic case (20 or more pounds consumed in a short period of time for a horse), the
animals may become very excited and violent, with gastrointestinal signs (colic, diarrhea), dilated
pupils and increased heart rate, and sudden death. Chronic toxicity is far more likely to be
encountered. The animals must consume the plants fresh or in hay for weeks to months before
clinical signs appear. The toxin is cumulative, and continues to damage the liver until enough of
the liver is affected to cause clinical signs. Approximately 50 to 150 pounds of ragwort needs to be
consumed by a horse before signs appear. Cattle are more resistant to the toxic effects than horses
and reports have indicated that cattle may be fed small amounts of ragwort hay without ill effects.
There are reports that sheep are relatively resistant to this toxin.
In chronic cases, the first clinical signs are weight loss, "poor doer", unthriftiness, and a decreasing
appetite. These and all clinical signs are reflective of the gradual loss of liver function. Later,
nearly total anorexia, jaundice, behavioral changes (depression, drowsiness, confusion, aimless
wandering, "sleepy staggers") and an uncoordinated gait may manifest. Some animals will head
press, where the animals lower their head and press it and/or their neck against a sturdy object.
Some animals have been noted to stumble over objects and to appear blind. Since the liver is
responsible for degrading diet-derived plant pigments, these pigments are not destroyed, and enter
into the circulation. The pigments react with light and can cause photosensitization and sunscald,
especially to the more lightly pigmented areas. Near the end of the course of the disease,
abdominal fluid may build up ("ascites"), and fluid may build up under the skin in the "lower"
parts of the body (throat latch, under the abdomen, legs), and the animal may develop diarrhea.
Loss of blood's ability to clot (another important liver function) may be present as well, with
bruising and hemorrhaging noted (which may occur in the urinary tract and present as red to black
colored urine). Just prior to death, the animal may collapse and go into convulsions. Once clinical
signs become apparent, the chances that the animal will recover are very unlikely.
In cattle, other signs can be noted in addition to those listed above. The muzzle may become dry
and scaly, and animals may strain to defecate, causing the rectum to prolapse. Affected animals
will produce milk with an unusual odor. It is not known, but it is suspected, that this milk may be
toxic.
FIRST AID: Once clinical signs are present, recovery is less likely. Newer and experimental
treatments exist, but the prognosis is poor for survival. Remove all ragwort hay from animals and
provide proper feed. A veterinarian may be able to provide some treatment or referral to an animal
hospital for care of valuable animals, but even this treatment option has a low rate of success,
especially for severely affected animals.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: All plants that contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids remain toxic in
hay, silage and other feeds. Horses should never be allowed to consume any feed containing
ragwort. Ruminant (cattle primarily) may be able to tolerate small amounts of ragwort hay if it is
fed intermittently and enough good forage is made available. The recommendation for cattle is that
ragwort hay be fed at 10% or less of the body weight over the course of a year. This would amount
to 50 pounds per year for a 500 pound animal. If at all possible, the ragwort hay should never be
fed, even to cattle.

PREVENTION: Learn to recognize ragwort both fresh and in hay, and only deal with reputable
feed dealers. Never feed ragwort to horses, and it is advisable not to feed it to cattle. If ragwort hay
must be fed to cattle, follow the guidelines listed above.
NOTE: Plants that also may cause similar signs due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids:
Stinking willie (Senecio jacobea), common groundsel (S. vulgaris), fiddleneck and tarweed
(Amsinckia spp), rattlebox (Crotalaria), Hound's tongue (Cynoglossum officinale), heliotropum
(Heliotropium spp) and salivation Jane (Echium lycopsis). Ragwort poisoning is a major problem
in the western United States and may be increasing in the East. The greatest risk in Indiana seems
to be in the southwestern counties where cressleaf groundsel (Senecio glabellus) grows. Another
species, prairie ragwort (Senecio plattensis), occurs in the northern half of the state. Ragwort
growing in alfalfa fields has been reported.
9. RHUBARB, PIE PLANT
INDEX

Rheum rhaponticum
(dock family)
TOXICITY RATING: Low, unless animals are fed the leaves intentionally.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals may be affected, those being fed garden trimmings are
particularly at risk (cattle, swine, sheep and goats).
CLASS OF SIGNS: Staggering, trembling, breathing difficulties, weakness, diarrhea, increased
drinking and urinating, death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: This herbaceous garden perennial (fig. 9) develops from a heavy
rootstock. Its leaves grow from the base of the plant on stout, shiny, red stalks. Heart-shaped and 1
to 2 feet long by 1/2 to 11/2 feet wide, the leaf blades have a smooth and shiny surface, darker
above, with five main veins and wavy margins. The hollow stems end in greenish-white flower
clusters in late spring.
SIGNS: The leaves contain oxalic acid, soluble oxalates,and citric acid, although the stems are
edible. Some oxalates are insoluble and cause local irritation but the oxalates in rhubarb (and other
species, such as sorrel or dock, Rumex) are soluble, and cause systemic problems, especially in the
kidneys, or they can affect the electrolytes in the body, such as the balance of calcium and
magnesium. Poisoning can be acute, when large amounts of oxalates are consumed quickly, or
may be chronic, where smaller amounts are eaten over a longer period of time. Low blood levels
of calcium and kidney failure are commonly reported findings in soluble oxalate toxicity.
Affected animals will appear depressed, and may stagger and tremble and be weak. Often, they
will drink and urinate more as kidney function declines. Diarrhea may be noted, and affected
animals may die if the electrolyte balance is extremely deranged or if the kidneys fail.
FIRST AID: There is no specific antidote for oxalate toxicity. If an animal is observed eating a
large quantity of rhubarb or other oxalate plant, call a veterinarian immediately. If the plants were
ingested a day or more previously, only supportive care can be given. A veterinarian will be able
to provide assistance, although death may result from electrolyte imbalance or from kidney failure.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Rhubarb is not safe in hay, nor is any other oxalate-containing
plant.
PREVENTION: Ruminants have some ability to adapt to oxalate plants if they are introduced to
them gradually, since the rumen bacteria will detoxify the oxalates to a certain degree, although
feeding these plants is never recommended. Do not allow animals to ingest large amounts of
oxalate plants quickly, and it is best to not allow the feeding of oxalate plants at all. Do not
incorporate weeds or rhubarb leaves into feed for animals, especially ruminants and swine, since
these animals are not finicky eaters. Always make sure that animals have sufficient water, since
oxalate toxicity is worsened if animals go thirsty.
53. Rosary Pea , Precatory beans, crabs eye, jequirity bean
INDEX

Abrus precatorius
legume or pea family
TOXICITY RATING: High. Even one bean can kill.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals may be affected, although the primary risk is to pets.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF THE PLANT: The beans are the primary risk.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Severe gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain,
collapse, death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: Twisting perennial vine, grows naturally in tropical climates. Rosary pea
is established in certain areas of southern Florida. The leaves are alternate and compound, with 8
to 15 leaflets. The flowers are small, and can be any shade of white to red to purple. The seed pod
is about 1 and 1/2 inches long, containing several seeds, bright red with a black spot.
SIGNS: The toxic signs resulting from rosary pea ingestion are very similar to those of castorbean,
except rosary pea contains a more powerful toxin. It is reported that one seed if well-chewed can
kill an adult human. The toxins are a protein called abrin and a glycoside called abric acid, which
cause severe gastrointestinal signs: vomiting (if the species can vomit), diarrhea (which may be
bloody) and abdominal pain. This progresses to weakness, shock and death within a short period of
time.
The plant does not grow in Indiana, but sometimes seeds are imported to make jewelry and
rosaries. If the seed is swallowed without damage to the seed coat, poisoning is unlikely, and the
seed will tend to pass without incident. In cases where the seed coat is chewed or opened (as in
drilling to make jewelry), toxic signs and death are likely.
FIRST AID: If rosary pea was ingested, contact a veterinarian immediately. Prevent further
exposure and get other animals away from the source. Emergency measures may be used to
eliminate the toxin from the stomach and intestines. Once gastrointestinal signs appear, it may be
inadvisable to try to evacuate the stomach and intestines for fear of doing even greater damage, but
a veterinarian will decide this. Beyond this, care is symptomatic and supportive of the digestive
upset, weakness, and shock. Affected animals are likely to die even with care.
SAFETY IN FEEDS: The seed is toxic in feeds, and is never safe at any level of feeding. Discard
all feeds if contaminated with rosary pea.
PREVENTION: Rosary pea should never be allowed around the home or pasture for the safety of
animals and humans alike. If jewelry or rosaries are made of rosary pea, discard them immediately.
22. WHITE SNAKEROOT, WHITE SANICLE, RICHWEED
INDEX

Eupatorium rugosum
(daisy family)
TOXICITY RATING: High. White snakeroot will be eaten, especially in the late summer and fall,
and is often lethal.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Cattle, horse, goat, sheep, swine. All grazing animals can be affected by
white snakeroot, and the toxin passes in the milk, so nursing animals and humans are also at risk.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Leaves and stems, possibly flowers. Roots seem to have a
lower toxicity.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Trembling, sweating, depression, stiff gait, heart failure, jaundice, toxic milk,
death (may be sudden).
PLANT DESCRIPTION: White snakeroot (fig. 22) grows from fibrous, matted roots as a smooth,
erect, perennial herb 1 to 3 feet high with opposite, oval, pointed-tipped leaves with
sharply-toothed edges. The upper surfaces of the leaves are dull, the lower surfaces shiny with
three prominent main veins. Small white flowers in compound terminal clusters are conspicuous in
late summer. White snakeroot is found in woods, damp and shady pastures, and occasionally in
thickets and clearings (especially at the edges of wooded areas) in all 92 Indiana counties.
SIGNS: Clinical signs include: depression, stiff gait, periods of sweating, normal or subnormal
body temperature, labored or shallow respiration, muscle tremors, trembling, partial throat
paralysis, jaundice, passage of hard feces, prostration, death (death may be sudden with no prior
signs). Onset of signs is typically 2 days to 3 weeks. Death occurs within 1 day to 3 weeks, with
horses typically succumbing in 1 to 3 days. Even if the horse does not die from this toxin, it may
suffer permanent heart damage and be unsuitable for work or pleasure purposes. The toxic
component is tremetol, and the toxic dose of the green plant is approximately 1% to 10% of the
body weight of the animal at one time or over several doses. The toxin is cumulative, so one large
dose or multiple smaller doses over time can kill. The toxin is excreted in the milk, so lactating
animals are slower to show signs of toxicity, but the nursing animals will then be affected by the
toxin. Humans who drink raw milk from affected animals can also be poisoned, sometimes fatally
(the disorder was called "milk sickness" in colonial times).
The primary danger occurs in late summer throughout the fall, especially in overgrazed pastures or
where there is insufficient food. Poisonings in early winter where the animals eat stalks that extend
above the snow have also been reported. The edges of woods or thickets are common locations for
white snakeroot. Dry years are also associated with more reports of toxicity, perhaps due to
inadequate pasture forage.
FIRST AID: Supportive care is required, since there is no specific antidote. Many affected animals
will die or be permanently disabled. Remove all animals from the pasture or fence off the wooded
areas, especially in the fall through winter. Continue to milk lactating animals, and discard milk. A
veterinarian will be able to provide supportive care to animals showing signs, but death is likely
once clinical signs develop.
SAFETY IN FEEDS: Drying decreases but does not eliminate the toxin, therefore hay with white
snakeroot in it is unsafe for consumption.
PREVENTION: Learn to recognize and avoid white snakeroot. Do not allow animals to graze this
plant under any circumstance. To do this, fence off wooded areas, provide supplemental feed
(especially in the late fall and winter), or treat the snakeroot with herbicides. Be cautioned that
treatment with herbicides may make the plant more palatable, so allow several weeks to pass
between spraying and allowing animal access (be sure the plants are completely dead). The
problem may recur the following year, so plan ahead to avoid animal loss. Under no circumstances
should raw milk from affected animals be used for animal or human consumption.
37. SPURGES, EUPHORBIA
INDEX

Euphorbia spp.
(spurge family)
EXAMPLES:
Euphorbia cyparissias, cypress spurge, fields and gardens (fig. 37A)
Euphorbia esula, leafy spurge, noxious weed
Chamaesyce maculata (Euphorbia maculata, old name), prostrate spurge, weed (fig. 37B
E. marginata, snow on the mountain, garden plant
E. splendens, crown of thorns, houseplant
E. lactea , candelabra cactus, houseplant
E. tirucalli, tinsel tree, milk bush, houseplant
E. pulcherrima, poinsettia, houseplant
TOXICITY RATING: Moderate. Spurges are highly unpalatable, and are rarely consumed in
quantities sufficient to cause serious toxicity, but are very irritating upon contact.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: Any animal consuming spurge or coming in contact with the sap may be
affected.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Gastrointestinal irritation, dermal and ocular irritation, poor doer, weakness.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: These spindly annuals or herbaceous, sometimes succulent or even

cactus-like perennials with milky, acrid sap have simple, alternate or opposite, entire or toothed
leaves. The tiny flowers are clustered in small, cup-like structures themselves resembling
white-petaled flowers in some species. The fruit, three-lobed and three-seeded, is borne on a stalk
extending from the cup-like flower structure. Spurges grow in old fields, open woods, roadsides,
waste areas, and around homes as cultivated or escaped plantings. Some are houseplants.
SIGNS: Spurges contain sap that is highly irritating upon contact, especially to the eyes and
mouth, and upon prolonged exposure to skin (legs and head primarily). Irritation, redness, pain and
swelling will result, and salivation and head-shaking if the oral mucosa is affected. Blistering and
open sores are possible with spurge sap, and some plants have historically been used as a chemical
brand for cattle. If the plants are swallowed, stomach and intestinal irritation can occur, with
vomiting (in those species that can vomit), abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
FIRST AID: Prevent further contact and ingestion of spurge. If a large quantity was consumed, if
an eye is affected, or if the animal cannot eat, contact a veterinarian immediately. For minor
irritation, provide supportive care, since the signs are usually self-limiting within about 12 to 24
hours.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Spurges remain toxic when dry, therefore feeds are not safe for
consumption. If small amounts have been incorporated into hay (where the plants are still
recognizable), animals may voluntarily avoid consuming spurge if there is enough good feed
available. Caution must be used in more highly processed feeds where consumption is
unavoidable, such as silage, chop, and pellets.
PREVENTION: Animals should not be pastured where spurges grow. Mow or spray to eliminate
them, since skin irritation can occur just by the animal's contact with the plant. Do not feed
spurge-contaminated feeds, especially the more highly processed ones where consumption cannot
be prevented. Small amounts of spurge in hay may be safe for most animals since they typically
will avoid eating it, although all efforts should be made to provide clean feed.
16. YELLOW SWEETCLOVER WHITE SWEETCLOVER

Melilotus officinalis Melilotus alba
(pea family)
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals that eat affected hay may be poisoned.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANTS: All above-ground parts when present in moldy hay.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Bruising, spontaneous bleeding.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: These coarse biennial herbs (fig. 16) have alternate, three-parted,
toothed leaves and bear white or yellow flowers in long, slender, spike-like clusters in the leaf
axils. The numerous small, pea-like, white or yellow flowers fall soon after blooming. Pods are
small, egg-shaped to round, inflated, and contain 1 to 4 seeds. Sweetclover grows along roadsides,
fence rows, and in old fields. It is cultivated as a forage crop and soil builder. The plants favor
alkaline or calcareous soils.
SIGNS: Clinical signs are related to the anticoagulant ("prevents blood clotting") activity of
dicoumarol (also called dicoumarin). Coumarin, present in sweet clover, is converted to
dicoumarin during improper curing of sweet clover hay, or when the plant is excessively stressed
(frosts, drought). Fresh, undamaged sweetclover is safe for consumption.
Signs are related to the consumption and inadequate production of vitamin K, responsible for
blood clotting, therefore excessive and uncontrolled bruising and bleeding will occur. The
bleeding may be noticeable (through the nose, mouth or a wound), or may occur under the skin as
large bruises, but can also occur inside the body, making an accurate diagnosis more difficult. The
toxin can be passed in the milk, therefore nursing animals may be affected. The moldy hay needs
to be consumed for 2 weeks or longer before signs manifest and this toxicosis is most often seen in
winter after several weeks of moldy sweetclover has been consumed and is typically a herd
problem.
Affected animals are weak, anorexic, may exhibit visible bleeding, have pale mucus membranes,
increased respiratory rates, rapid and weak pulses, and may die. Often more than one animal is
affected at a time.
Dicoumarin and related drugs are used in human medicine as "blood thinners" and are commonly
used in rat and mouse poisons (which if ingested by any other animal can cause excessive bleeding
and death if not treated).
FIRST AID: Remove all moldy hay from the animals. A veterinarian needs to be called if animals
are bleeding, although once bleeding starts, it may be difficult to save the animal. Treatments can
include blood or plasma transfusions (which may not be available or practical with large numbers
of livestock) or treatment with vitamin K1. Vitamin K1 therapy requires a minimum of 12 to 24
hours to be effective, therefore severely affected animals may not survive this time period.
PREVENTION: Toxicity can be prevented by properly curing sweet clover hay, especially by
allowing the stems to dry before baling. Extra caution must be taken with second year growth,
since it contains a higher concentration of toxin. Affected hay may remain toxic for years. Moldy
sweet clover hay should not be fed, but if it has to be fed, alternating with a non-moldy quality hay
every few days will minimize clinical signs. Moldy sweet clover hay should be withheld for 4 to 6
weeks prior to anticipated parturition ("giving birth") or surgical procedure, to lessen the chances
of these animals bleeding to death. Discard milk from affected animals to prevent signs developing
in nursing animals.
12. COMMON TANSY
INDEX
12. COMMON TANSY

Tanacetum vulgare
(daisy family)
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Leaves, stems.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Salivating, colic, abdominal pain.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: These old-fashioned garden plants (fig. 12) were introduced from
Europe and are now found in old gardens or along roadsides, creek banks, and waste areas. They
are perennial herbs from a short, stout rootstock and bear alternate fern-like leaves with
saw-toothed margins. The yellow, strong-scented, bitter-tasting flowers are in flat-topped clusters
at the tops of the plant.
SIGNS: This is not a commonly reported toxic plant. Animals rarely ingest it, and this plant rarely
occupies significant acreage in pastures. Illness and death in humans has been reported due to
attempts at medicinal uses of concentrated plant extracts. Toxic signs may include salivating and
abdominal pain (colic), with the possibility of convulsions and abortions occurring. The oil
tanecetin is believed to cause the clinical signs.
FIRST AID: The risk of serious illness and death is slight with this tansy. Provide adequate and
proper forage if the animals are eating this plant, and do not let pets nibble on the leaves or
flowers.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Information is lacking on this, however, consider the plant
toxic in prepared feeds.
12. COMMON TANSY
PREVENTION: The risk of toxicosis is low with tansy, however if a pet begins to chew this plant,
consider keeping the pet and plant separated (especially if the pet is confined in the plant's
vicinity). If tansy occupies a significant amount of a pasture, consider mowing or otherwise
eliminating the plant, or keeping the animals and plants separated.
17. TOBACCO
INDEX
17. TOBACCO
Nicotiana spp.
(nightshade family)
TOXICITY RATING: Low to moderate, depending on the situation.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals may be affected, but pets in contact with tobacco products
are at risk as are pigs allowed to forage on harvested tobacco fields.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Leaves.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Gastrointestinal irritation, trembling, staggering, weakness, breathing
problems, heart problems, collapse, birth defects, death.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: These tall annual plants grow from fibrous roots and produce large,
hairy leaves and terminal clusters of tubular, 2 inches long, white, red, lavender, or yellow flowers
on short stalks. Many-seeded capsules may appear in late summer. The tobacco species with
colorful flowers (fig. 17) are grown as garden ornamentals. Those with yellow-green flowers and
the largest leaves are an economic crop in the southern counties of the state.
SIGNS: The toxin in tobacco is nicotine, an alkaloid with an irritating effect on the stomach and
intestines and also the nervous system. This toxin is related to the toxins in poison hemlock and
lupine. Concerning nicotine concentrations, an average cigarette can contain between 20 and 30
mg, and 120 mg for a cigar. One report indicates that for a human unaccustomed to tobacco, 4 mg
can cause clinical signs, and 60 mg at one time can cause death.
Pets can easily be poisoned by tobacco products in the home, either accidentally or maliciously.
The primary route of poisoning is by ingestion (eating tobacco products or drinking
tobacco-tainted water), but inhalation of smoke is also possible. Clinical signs nearly always are
present, but only rarely is a lethal dose ingested. The initial signs of poisoning can develop within
17. TOBACCO
10 to 15 minutes or may not manifest for several hours. At first, the irritating effect that tobacco
has on the stomach and intestines will cause salivating, vomiting (if capable), and diarrhea. Shortly
after the digestive signs develop, neurologic signs appear. Initially, nicotine stimulates the nervous
system, with depression of the nervous system occurring at a later time. Early signs include
nervousness, shaking, trembling, a stiff and uncoordinated gait, weakness and collapse. Cardiac
abnormalities may be noted as well as breathing difficulties, to the point of respiratory paralysis
(the cause of death in lethal cases). Tobacco is also teratogenic, causing birth defects if the mother
animal was pregnant when the toxicosis occurred.
In large animals, pigs are the most likely to suffer tobacco poisoning, since they are allowed to
forage on harvested tobacco fields. In addition to the gastric and neurologic signs, birth defects
have been well documented when pregnant sows ingest tobacco. The most common defects are
limb deformities in the piglets.
FIRST AID: For pigs and other large animals, it is unlikely that a lethal dose would be consumed.
Keep the animal quiet and undisturbed and clinical signs should resolve within a few hours,
although birth defects may still occur. For more severely affected large animals or in cases where
it is known that a large quantity was ingested, call a veterinarian as soon as possible, since
emergency evacuation of the gastrointestinal tract may be necessary. For pets, contact a
veterinarian if any ingestion has occurred. With their smaller size, pets will show clinical signs
more rapidly and more severely than large animals. In addition, the effects of nicotine can come on
rapidly.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Tobacco remains toxic when dried, therefore processed feeds
containing tobacco are not safe for consumption.
PREVENTION: Do not allow pets to be in contact with tobacco or tobacco products. Do not let
animals drink from puddles or cups that have leached tobacco juice in them (such as when a
water-filled cup has been used as an "ashtray", or spittoons), since this water can have extremely
high concentrations of nicotine. Forced ingestion or inhalation is inhumane and potentially lethal.
Concerning sows, there is disagreement over whether there exists a "danger window" for
consumption of tobacco during gestation (currently there exists two thoughts, that on days 10 to 30
of gestation the piglets are susceptible, and another that indicates that anything after 30 days is
dangerous). Until more clarity is brought to bear on the issue, do not let pregnant sows graze on
tobacco.
49. ENGLISH YEW JAPANESE YEW
INDEX

Taxus baccata Taxus cuspidata
(yew family)
TOXICITY RATING: Extremely toxic, death is likely.
ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals (livestock, pets and birds).
PLANT DESCRIPTION: Several species of yew are planted as ornamental shrubs or hedges. They
are woody perennials with flat 1/2-1 inch long evergreen leaves (fig. 49) lighter green on the
underside and broader than pine needles. The "berry" (technically called an aril) is grape-sized,
juicy, and bright scarlet, with a hole in the end which makes it look cup-like.
CLASS OF SIGNS: Sudden death is the typical sign. Occasionally: breathing problems, trembling,
weakness, heart problems, stomach upset.
SIGNS: "Found dead" is the typical presenting sign. Very rarely will animals show signs up to 2
days later: trembling, slow heart rate, difficulty breathing, gastroenteritis (stomach upset and
diarrhea). The plant is exceptionally toxic, with one mouthful able to kill a horse or cow within 5
minutes. Toxicity is compounded by the apparent palatability of yew. Many animals are poisoned
accidently when yew trimmings are thrown into the pasture or when yew is planted as an
ornamental within browsing reach. Infrequent reports of dogs chewing the leaves resulted in
gastroenteritis, seizures, and aggressive behavior.
The toxin is taxine, a mixture of alkaloids, that slow down cardiac conduction. As little as 0.1 to
0.5% of the fresh plant per body weight is lethal. Death is due to cardiac and/or respiratory
collapse.
FIRST AID: First aid is usually impractical, since the animals die so quickly. Prevent other
animals from being exposed and use caution around animals showing clinical signs to prevent
human injury. If animals are still alive, contact a veterinarian. Cardiac drug therapy may be
attempted, but success is unlikely.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Yew is toxic even when dry, therefore hay with yew in it is
never safe in any amount.
PREVENTION: Never allow yew plants or trimmings within reach of horses, cattle, sheep, goats,
pigs, birds, or any other animal likely to eat plants. Dogs and cats rarely chew on this plant, so it is
not necessary to remove it from ornamental gardens. Toxicities in dogs occurred when puppies
were confined to a pen with yew and chewed the plant out of boredom. The fleshy red "berry" is
not considered toxic, but consumption is not advised.
Poisonous Plant Garden, UIUC
THE POISONOUS PLANT GARDEN
The University of Illinois Poisonous Plant Garden will help individuals become familiar with
plants that are potentially hazardous to a range of animal species including human beings. The
garden includes over ninety species of plants native to Illinois or commonly used as ornamentals
or house plants.
Toxic effects of plants vary with the species, health status, and age of the individual(s). Time of
year, humidity, growth conditions, growth stage, and other factors also play a role in the hazards
posed by toxic plants.
The Poisonous Plant Garden is located just northwest of the College of Veterinary Medicine Basic
Science Building, near the corner of Lincoln Avenue and St. Mary's Road in Urbana, Illinois. The
Garden is open to the public free of charge throughout the year.
Toxicology Homepage
Updated on: 10-15-2002 KMD
http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/garden.htm [5/10/2004 3:46:10 PM]
Bibliography for Plants Toxic to Animals database-- UIUC Veterinary Medicine Library
Bibliography
1. ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center. Household Plant Reference. New York,
NY: ASPCA, 1998.
2. Beckett, Kenneth A. The RHS Encyclopedia of House Plants, Including Greenhouse Plants.
London: Swallow Editions Ltd., 1987.
3. Boon, W. and H. Groe. Nature's Heartland: Native Plant Communities of the Great Plains
Illustrated in Seasonal Color. Ames, IA: Iowa State University Press, 1990.
4. Burger, Sandra M. Horse Owner's Field Guide to Toxic Plants. Ossining, NY: Breakthrough
Publications Inc., 1996. ISBN: 0-914-32762-3
5. Campbell, Alexander. Handbook of poisoning in dogs and cats. Oxford ; Malden, MA, USA
: Blackwell Science, 2000. ISBN: 0632050292.
6. Cheeke, Peter R. Natural Toxicants in Feeds, Forages, and Poisonous Plants. Danville, IL:
Interstate Publishers, Inc., 1998. ISBN: 0-8134-3128-X [Table of Contents]
7. Colegate, S. M. and P. R. Dorling. Plant-Associated Toxins: Agricultural, Phytochemical &
Ecological Aspects. Wallingford, U.K.: CAB International, 1994.
8. Davis, Brian. The Gardener's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Trees & Shrubs. Emmaus, PA:
Rodale Press, 1987.
9. Dictionary of Plant Toxins. Jeffrey B. Harborne and Berbert Baxter, eds. Chichester, U.K.:
Wiley, 1996. [Description]
10. Evers, Robert A. and Roger P. Link. Poisonous Plants of the Midwest and Their Effects on
Livestock. Urbana, IL: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of Agriculture,
1972. (Special Publication 24).
11. Foster, Steven, and Roger A. Caras. A Field Guide to Venomous Animals and Poisonous
Plants: North America North of Mexico. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1994.
12. Fowler, Murray E. Plant Poisoning in Small Companion Animals. St. Louis, MO: Ralston
Purina, 1981.
13. Gfeller, Roger W. and Shawn P. Messonnier. Handbook of Small Animal Toxicology and
Poisonings. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, 2004. [Description]
14. Great Plains Flora Association. Flora of the Great Plains. Coordinated by R. L. McGregor.
Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas, 1986.
15. Hails, Michael R. Comp. Plant Poisoning in Animals: A Bibliography from the World
Literature: no.3 1983-1992. Wallingford, U.K.: CAB International, 1994.
16. Hall, Jeffery O., William B. Buck, and Loise-M. Ct. Natural Poisons in Horses. Second
edition. Urbana, IL: National Poison Control Center; University of Illinois, 1995.
17. Kingsbury, John M. Poisonous Plants of the United States and Canada. Englewood Cliffs,
NJ: Prentice Hall, 1964.
18. Knight, Anthony P. and Richard G. Walter. A Guide to Plant Poisoning of Animals in North
America. Jackson, WY: Teton NewMedia, 2001.
http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/bib.htm (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 3:46:11 PM]
19. Lampe, Kenneth F. and Mary Ann McCann. AMA Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious
Plants. Chicago, IL: American Medical Association, 1985.
20. Mohlenbrock, R.H. and D.M. Ladd. Distribution of Illinois Vascular Plants. Carbondale, IL:
Southern Illinois University Press, 1978.
21. Murphy, Michael J. A Field Guide to Common Animal Poisons. Ames, IA: Iowa State
University Press, 1996.
22. North, Pamela M. Poisonous Plants and Fungi in Colour. London: Blandford Press, 1967.
23. Pojar, Jim and Andy MacKinnon. Plants of Coastal British Columbia Including
Washington, Oregon & Alaska. Vancouver, British Columbia: B.C. Ministry of Forests and
Lone Pine Publishing, 1994.
24. Ricciuti, Edward R. The Devil's Garden: Facts and Folklore of Perilous Plants. New York:
Walker and Company, 1978.
25. Ross, Ivan A. Medical Plants of the World: Chemical Constituents, Traditional and Modern
Medicinal Uses. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press, c1999.
26. Spoerke, David G. and Susan C. Smolinske. Toxicity of Houseplants. Boca Raton, FL: CRC
Press, 1990.
27. Stephens, H.A. Poisonous Plants of the Central United States. Lawrence: The Regents Press
of Kansas, 1980.
28. Tehon, L.R. C. C. Morrill, and Robert Graham. Illinois Plants Poisonous to Livestock.
Urbana, IL: University of Illinois, 1946. (Circular 599 of College of Agriculture Extension
Service in Agriculture and Home Economics.)
29. Tichy, William. Poisons, Antidotes & Anecdotes. New York: Sterling Publishing, 1977.
30. Turner, Nancy J. and Adam F. Szczawinski. Common Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms of
North America. Portland, OR: Timber Press, 1991.
31. West, Erdman and M.W. Emmel. Plants That Poison Farm Animals. Gainesville, FL:
University of Florida, 1987.
32. West, Erdman. Poisonous Plants Around the Home. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida,
1984. (Bulletin 175D of Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences.)
33. Whitson, Tom D. Weeds of the West. Laramie, WY: The Western Society of Weed Science
in cooperation with the Western United States Land Grant Universities Cooperative
Extension Services, 1991.
34. Whitson, Tom D. Weeds of the West. Laramie, WY: The Western Society of Weed Science
in cooperation with the Western United States Land Grant Universities Cooperative
Extension Services, 1995.
Comments to: M. Williams
Updated on: 02/17/2003 KMD, 10/13/2003 KJH
Toxic Plant Database - Veterinary Medicine Library, UIUC
LIST OF PLANTS BY COMMON NAME
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

American Coffee Berry Tree see Kentucky Coffee Tree
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis L.)
Bouncing Bet (Saponaria officinalis L.)
Bull Nettle (Solanum carolinense L.)
Bracken or Brake Fern (Pteridium aquilinum L.)
Burning Bush see Fireweed
Buttercup (Ranunculus spp.)
Carelessweed see Pigweed
Castor Bean (Ricinus communis L.)
Clover, Alsike & Other Clovers (Trifolium hybridum L. & other species)
Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.)
Creeping Charlie see Ground Ivy
Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)
Curly Dock (Rumex crispus L.)
Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)
Delphinium (Delphinium spp.)
Devil's Trumpet see Jimson Weed
Dogbane (Apocynum spp.)
Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria (L.) Bernh.)
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis L.)
English Ivy (Hedera helix L.)
Ergot (Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul.)
Fern, Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum L.)
Fireweed (Kochia scoparia L.)
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea L.)
Ground Ivy (Glecoma hederacea L.)
Hemlock
Poison (Conium maculatum L.)
Water (Cicuta maculata L.)
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) (being reviewed - 7/25/2003)
Horse Chestnut, Buckeyes (Aesculus hippocastanum L.)
Horse Nettle (Solanum carolinense L.)
Horsetails (Equisetum arvense L. & other species)
Hyacinth (Hyacinth orientalis)
Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)
Ivy
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English (Hedera helix L.)

Ground (Glecoma hederacea L.)
Poison (Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze)
Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema spp.)
Jamestown Weed see Jimson Weed
Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata Sieb. & Zucc.)
Jerusalem Cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum L.)
Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium L.)
Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioica (L.) K. Koch)
Kentucky Mahagony Tree see Kentucky Coffee Tree
Klamath Weed see St. Johnswort
Lamb's Quarters (Chenopodium album L.)
Lantana (Lantana camara L.)
Larkspur (Delphinium spp.)
Lily-of-the-Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
Mad Apple see Jimson Weed
Maple, Red (Acer rubrum)
Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum L.)
Milkweed, Common (Asclepias syriaca L.)
Mint, Purple (Perilla frutescens)
Nicker Tree see Kentucky Coffee Tree
Nightshade (Solanum spp.)
Oleander (Nerium oleander L.)
Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra Willd.)
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Pigweed (Amaranthus spp.)
Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum L.)
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze)
Poke (Phytolacca americana L.)
Purple Mint (Perilla frutescens)
Redroot see Pigweed
Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
Rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum L.)
Squirrelcorn (Dicentra canadensis (Goldie) Walp.) see Dutchman's Breeches
Staggerweed (Dicentra spp.) see Dutchman's Breeches
St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum L.)
Stink Weed see Jimson Weed
Stump Tree see Kentucky Coffee Tree
Sudan Grass (Sorghum vulgare var. sudanense Hitchc.)
Summer Cypress see Fireweed

Thorn Apple see Jimson Weed
Tulip (Tulipa spp.)
Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata L.)
White Snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum Hout.)
Wild Onion (Allium spp.)
Yellow Sage see Lantana
| Scientific Name List | Toxic Plant Homepage | Veterinary Medicine Library |

Updated on: 7/25/2003 KMD
LIST OF PLANTS BY SCIENTIFIC NAME
Acer rubrum -- (Maple, Red)

Aesculus glabra Willd. -- (Ohio Buckeye)
Aesculus hippocastanum L. -- (Horse Chestnut, Buckeye)
Allium spp. -- (Wild Onion)
Amaranthus retroflexus. -- (Pigweed)
Apocynum spp. -- (Dogbane)
Arisaema spp. -- (Jack-in-the-Pulpit)
Asclepias syriaca L. -- (Common Milkweed)
Cannabis sativa L. -- Hemp (being reviewed - 7/25/2003)
Chenopodium album L. -- (Lamb's Quarters)
Cicuta maculata L. -- (Water Hemlock)
Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul. -- (Ergot)
Conium maculatum L. -- (Poison Hemlock)
Convallaria majalis -- (Lily-of-the-Valley)
Datura stramonium L. -- (Jimson Weed)
Delphinium spp. -- (Delphinium)
Dicentra spp. (Dutchman's Breeches & Squirrelcorn)
Digitalis purpurea L. -- (Foxglove)
Equisetum arvense L. & other species -- (Horsetails)
Eupatorium rugosum Hout. -- (White Snakeroot)
Euphorbia milii -- (Crown of Thorns)
Glecoma hederacea L. -- (Ground Ivy)
Gymnocladus dioica (L.) K. Koch -- (Kentucky Coffee Tree)
Hedera helix L. -- (English Ivy)
Hyacinth orientalis -- (Hyacinth)
Hydrangea spp. -- (Hydrangea)
Hypericum perforatum L. -- (St. Johnswort)
Kochia scoparia L. -- (Fireweed)
Lantana camara L. -- (Lantana)
Lupinus spp. -- (Lupine)
Medicago sativa L. -- (Alfalfa)
Narcissus spp. -- (Daffodil)
Nerium oleander L. -- (Oleander)
Perilla frutescens -- (Purple Mint)
Philodendron spp. -- (Philodendron)
Phytolacca americana L. -- (Poke)
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Podophyllum peltatum L. -- (Mayapple)

Pteridium aquilinum (Desv.) Hier. -- (Bracken or Brake Fern)
Ranunculus spp. -- (Buttercup)
Rhododendron spp. -- (Rhododendron)
Rheum rhaponticum L. -- (Rhubarb)
Ricinus communis L. -- (Castor Bean)
Rumex crispus L. -- (Curly Dock)
Sambucus canadensis L. -- (Elderberry)
Sanguinaria canadensis L. -- (Bloodroot)
Saponaria officinalis L. -- (Bouncing Bet)
Solanum spp. -- (Nightshades)
Solanum carolinense L. -- (Horse or Bull Nettle)
Solanum pseudocapsicum L. -- (Jerusalem Cherry)
Sorghum vulgare var. sudanense Hitchc. -- (Sudan Grass)
Taxus cuspidata Sieb. & Zucc. -- (Japanese Yew)
Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze -- (Poison Ivy)
Trifolium hybridum L. & other species -- (Alsike & Other Clovers)
Tulipa spp. -- (Tulip)
Xanthium strumarium L. -- (Cocklebur)
Common Name List
Toxicology Homepage
Comments to :M. Williams
Updated on: 7/22/2003 KMD
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Format of Toxic Plant Database -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
STRUCTURE OF DATABASE
The following is a brief explanation of the structure which will aid you in your navigation around
the database.
Within the Toxic Plant Database Homepage and at the bottom of this page you will find links to
two alphabetical lists of plant names, one by common names and the other by scientific names.
When you select a plant in either of the lists, you will be guided to the description of that plant.
The description contains a representative plant image at the height of its growth and a brief
description for identifying the plant. This section may also contain links to other images of the
same plant at different growth stages.
From the description, you can access 5 other parts of the same plant entry as shown below:
(1) Distribution
This section describes the geographical and the type of area in which the plant is commonly found.
(2) Conditions of poisoning
This section describes how animals are most often poisoned, i.e., time of year, weather conditions,
etc.
(3) Control
This section contains general information about controlling the growth of the plant to prevent
poisoning.
(4) Toxic principle
This section identifies the chemical principle of the plant which causes the poisoning.
(5) Clinical signs
This section describes the signs displayed by animals that may have been poisoned by the plant.
Common Name List
Scientific Name List
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Format of Toxic Plant Database -- Vet Med Library, UIUC

Updated on: 9-24-1999
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Plants Toxic to Animals, Home Page -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
PLANTS TOXIC TO ANIMALS
Mitsuko Williams
Veterinary Medicine Librarian
Introduction
Plant Entries by Common Names
Plant Entries by Scientific Names
University of Illinois Poisonous Plant Garden
Bibliography
Database Structure
National Animal Poison Control Center
Links to Related Sources

Updated on: 6/8/2001 MKS
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E-mail to Mitzi Williams

VetMed Library
Please note that e-mails using this form are sent to the above address at the UIUC
Veterinary Medicine Library only.
Please provide your correct contact information
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Submit Comments
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Updated on: 03.04.99 may
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Description, Alfalfa -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Alfalfa
(Medicago sativa L.)
Description
Alfalfa is an excellent forage crop when harvested and stored properly. However, the plant can
cause "hepatogenous photosensitivity syndrome" if water-damaged (Monlux AW . J Am Vet Med
Assoc, Vol. 142, 9, p. 989-994, 1963).
Additional images of Alfalfa
| Plant Lists: Scientific or Common | Veterinary Medicine Library | UIUC Library |
Last updated: July 01, 2002 KMD
Please direct all comments or requests for information to M. Williams.
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Description, Alfalfa -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
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Description, Kentucky Coffee Tree -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Kentucky Coffee Tree

(Gymnocladus dioica ( L. ) Koch)
Other common names include: American coffee berry, Kentucky mahogony, nicker treet, stump
tree.
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Description, Kentucky Coffee Tree -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Description
Kentucky coffee tree is a large round-barked tree belonging to the legume family and reaches
heights of 60 to 100 feet. Its short trunk, 1 to 2 feet in diameter, divides into several large branches
that end in contorted, stout twigs. Twice-compound leaves are arranged feather-fashion in 3-7
pairs of leaflets which are more or less ovalish without marginal teeth and 2-4 inches long. The
tree is most easity identified in fall and winter for its large deressed leaf scars. The leaf which
emerges late in spring is made up of a hundred or more separate oval leaflets arranged on the
branches of the rib.
The flower, which blooms in May, is inconspicuous, greenish-white in terminal racemes, and has a
tubular base about 1/2 inch long. Male and female flowers are found on the same tree. The fruit is
a thick, flat pod, containing 4-7 flat broad seeds with a sticky pulp between them. The pulp dries at
maturity and the seeds become olive-brown, 1/2 - 3/4 inches in diameter.
Additional images of Kentucky Coffee Tree
| Distribution | Conditions of poisoning | Control | Toxic principle | Clinical signs |
Last updated: March 18, 1996
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Description, Bloodroot -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Bloodroot
(Sanguinaria canadensis L.)
Additional images of Bloodroot

| Description | Distribution | Conditions of poisoning | Toxic Principle |
Last updated: July 16, 1995
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Description, Bouncing Bet -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Bouncing Bet
(Saponaria officinalis L.)
Additional images of Bouncing Bet

|Description |Distribution |Conditions of poisoning |Control |Toxic principle| Clinical signs |
Last updated: June 20, 1996
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Description, Horse Nettle -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Horse Nettle or Bull Nettle

(Solanum carolinense L.)
Additional images of Horse Nettle

See Nightshade (Solanum spp.) for toxicology information.
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Description, Horse Nettle -- Vet Med Library, UIUC

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Description, Bracken Fern -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Bracken Fern or Brake Fern

(Pteridium aquilinum)
Description
Bracken fern is a typical fern. Its large triangular fronds are divided into three main parts with each
part bipinnately subdivided. These fronds are 2 to 4 feet long by 1 to 3 feet wide. They are borne at
the tips of erect, rigid, straw-colored, smooth stalks 1 to 3 feet tall. The stalks rise at intervals from
stout black underground rootstocks sometimes a yard or more long.
Spores are borne in late summer at the edges on the lower sides of mature fronds, and the edges
fold under to form the spore cover. The rootstocks also spread the fern.
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Description, Bracken Fern -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
|Distribution |Conditions of poisoning |Control |Toxic principle |Clinical signs|

Last updated: January 16, 1996
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Description, Fireweed -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Fireweed
(Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.)
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Description, Fireweed -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Other names: Summer Cypress, Burning Bush, Mexican Fireweed
Additional Images of Fireweed

Last updated: February 14, 1996
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Description, Buttercup -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Buttercup
(Ranunculus spp.)
Additional images of Buttercup

| Description | Distribution | Conditions of poisoning | Control | Toxic principle | Clinical signs |
Plant Lists: Scientific or Common | Veterinary Medicine Library | UIUC Library |
Please direct all comments or requests for information to M. Williams
http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/butcup/butcup.htm [5/10/2004 3:47:07 PM]
Description, Pigweed -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Pigweed
(Amaranthus retroflexus L.)
Other common names
Carelessweed, Redroot
Last revised 12/07/95
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Description, Castor Bean -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Castor Bean
(Ricinus communis)
Additional images of Castor Bean

Description
Castor bean is a herbacious annual which can reach to nearly 15 feet tall when growing in open
spaces in warm climates. Large leaves are alternate, palmately lobed with 5-11 toothed lobes.
Leaves are glossy and often red or bronze tinted when young. Flowers appear in clusters at the end
of the main stem in late summer. The fruit consists of an oblong spiny pod which contains three
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Description, Castor Bean -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
seeds on average. Seeds are oval and light brown, mottled or streaked with light and dark brown
and resemble a pinto bean. The plant itself is fast growing, but the seeds require a long frost-free
season in order to mature.
| Distribution | Conditions of poisoning | Toxic principle | Clinical signs |
Last updated: August 4, 1996
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Description, Clover, Alsike and Other Clovers -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Clover, Alsike and Other Clovers

(Trifolium hybridum L. and other species)
Description
Alsike clover is a many-stemmed herb 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 feet high, much like the common red and
white clovers, of which it is a hybrid. Its stems and leaves are not hairy. Its leaves, like those of all
other clovers, are made up of 3 leaflets grouped at the ends of the long leafstalks. There are no
crescents in the leaflets. Its flowers, borne in rather compact, stalked heads, are usually pink but
range from red to white. Its seeds are smaller than those of red clover and are dark yellow-green.
The flowers of Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) are usually rose purple or magenta. The stems
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Description, Clover, Alsike and Other Clovers -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
and leaves of American strains are generally hairy.

Please direct all comments and suggestions to M. Williams.
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Description, Cockleburs -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Cockleburs
(Xanthium pennsylvanicum L. and other species)
Additional images of Cocklebur

Description
The cocklebur plant is a coarse herbaceous annual about 3 feet high. They have erect, stout stems
and spreading branches that are angled and often red-spotted. The leaves are alternate, rough to the
touch, and broadly triangular to heart-shaped. Cockleburs produce two kinds of flowers. One kind,
in short terminal branches, produces only pollen; the other kind, in clusters in the axils of the
leaves, produces seed. The fruit is a small, hard, 2-chambered bur, oval in shape and about 3/4 inch
long. It is covered with strong, hooked spines. This plant reproduces only by means of its seed.
The seedling, the plant's most dangerous stage, is very different from the mature plant. It consists
of a slender, straight whitish green stem 1 to 3 inches tall. Capping this stem are two strap-shaped
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Description, Cockleburs -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
green leaves, each about 1 1/4 inches long and l/4 inch wide. Leaves produced after these first
leaves gradually assume the characteristic shape of those of the mature plant. Proof of the identity
of young seedlings may be found in their attachment underground to the easily recognized burs
from which they sprout.
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Description, Ground Ivy -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Ground Ivy
(Glecoma hederacea L.)
[No Image Available]

Description
Ground ivy is a low, prostrate perennial herb with slender 4-sided stems that hug the ground, root
at their joints, and often cover areas of many square feet. Its leaves, two at a joint, are raised on
slender stalks. They are roundish and have scalloplike teeth on their margins. Its small bluish
flowers, found in the axils of the leaves, appear from April to May and even into July.
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Description, Crown-of-Thorns -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Crown-of-Thorns
(Euphorbia milii)
Description
A low-growing evergreen shrub with very thorny grooved stems and branches. The stems are
purplish brown and are 1-2 feet tall on average, but can reach 3 feet in a warm climate. The thorns
are sharp pointed and are 1/2 inch long on avarage. The ovate leaves are 1-3 inches long, few in
number, and are found mostly at the growing ends. The cyathia, a type of inflorescence
characteristic of the genus Euphorbia, are born in small umbels and have showy, ovate and bright
red bracts. The small flowers are produced in clusters of 2-8 at the tips of green flower stem about
1 inch long. Genus Euphorbia includes other commonly available plants such as poinsettia (E.
pulcherrima) and snow-on-the-mountain (E. marginata).
|Distribution |Conditions of poisoning |Control |Toxic principle |Clinical signs
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Description, Crown-of-Thorns -- Vet Med Library, UIUC

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Description, Curly Dock -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Curly Dock
(Rumex crispus L.)
Additional images of Curly Dock

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Description, Daffodil -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Daffodil
(Narcissus spp.)
Additional images of Daffodil

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Description, Delphinium -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Delphinium
(Delphinium spp.)
Additional images of Delphinium
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Description, Jimsonweed -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Jimsonweed
(Datura stramonium L.)
Other common names
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Description, Jimsonweed -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Jamestown Weed, Thorn Apple, Devil's Trumpet, Mad Apple, Stink Weed
Additional images of Jimsonweed
Description
Jimsonweed is a stout, coarse annual herb 2 to 5 feet tall, with spreading branches. It has a
pale-green stem and large, ovate, green or purplish, strong-scented leaves, coarsely toothed on
their margins. Its flowers are large, white, and tubular, 2 to 4 inches long, and set on short stalks in
the axils of branches. Its circular seeds, about 1/8 inch across, are contained in a hard, prickly
capsule which, when ripe, splits lengthwise into four parts.
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Description, Dogbane -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Dogbane
(Apocynum spp.)
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Description, Dogbane -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
| Additional images of Dogbane | Description | Distribution | Conditions of poisoning | Control |

Toxic principle | Clinical signs |
| Plant Lists: Scientific or Common | Veterinary Medicine Library |
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Description, Dutchman's Breeches-- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Dutchman's Breeches
(Dicentra cucullaria)

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Description, Elderberry -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Elderberry
(Sambucus canadensis)
Additional images of Elderberry

http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/elder/elder.htm [5/10/2004 3:47:34 PM]
Description, English Ivy -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
English Ivy
(Hedera helix L.)
Additional images of English Ivy

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Description, Ergot -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Ergot
(Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul.)

Description
Ergot is a fungus that lives as a parasite in the blossoms of grasses. When the grass heads are
nearly mature, it appears as jumbo grains protruding from the heads. Ergot grains, which are
fungus bodies and not seeds, are several to many times the size of the grass seed. They are dark
violet to almost black and are curved, hard, and hornlike. Ergot varies in abundance from year to
year.
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Description, Poison Hemlock -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Poison Hemlock
(Conium maculatum L.)
Description
Poison hemlock is a coarse biennial herb with a smooth, purple-spotted, hollow stem and leaves like
parsley. It grows 3 to 6 feet tall and in late summer has many small white flowers in showy umbels. Its
leaves are extremely nauseating when tasted.
Although sometimes confused with water hemlock, poison hemlock can be distinguished by its leaves and
its roots. The leaf veins of the poison hemlock run to the tips of the teeth; those of the water hemlock run
to the notches between the teeth. The poison hemlock root is long, white, and fleshy. It is usually
unbranched and can be easily distinguished from the root of water hemlock, which is made up of several
tubers.
Additional images of Poison Hemlock
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Description, Poison Hemlock -- Vet Med Library, UIUC

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Description, Water Hemlock -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Water Hemlock
(Cicuta maculata L.)
Additional images of Water Hemlock

Description
This 2-10 feet tall herbaceous perennial or biennial native of the Umbelliferae family is very
difficult to separate from other species of the same family. It has a tuberous root with 2-8 oblong
tubers which are 1.5-3 inches long and about 1/2 inch thick at the thickest point near the middle
and stem end. The purple-streaked stems are stout and erect with much branching. The stems are
solid when very young, but become hollow with nodes where the leaflets are attached. The stems
are chambered with horizontal diaphragm of pith tissue which are more closely arranged at the
base of the stem. The horizontal plates of piths are most easily visible by cutting the stem base
lengthwise.
The alternate leaves are pinnately 2-3 times compound. The leaves of most species are lanceolate,
2-5 inches long, and sharply toothed. The base of the ong petioles clasp the stem.
Flowers are white and tiny (no more than 1/8 inch across), have 5 petals, and appear in loose
compound umbels at branch ends in mid summer. Umbels measure from 2 to 8 inches across and
become somewhat spherical in fruit. Fruits are ovoid and ribbed on the outer surface.
New growth begins from tubers as well as from seeds.
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Description, Water Hemlock -- Vet Med Library, UIUC

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Description, Horse Chestnut -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Horse Chestnut, Buckeyes

(Aesculus hippocastanum L.)
Additional images of Horse Chestnut

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Description, Horsetails -- Vet. Med. Library, UIUC
Horsetails
(Equisetum arvense L.)
Additional images of Horsetails

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Description, Hyacinth -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Hyacinth
(Hyacinth orientalis)
Additional images of Hyacinth

Description
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Description, Hyacinth -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Hyacinth is one of all the early spring blooming flowers most favored by home gardeners. It is a
bulbous herb of the lily family with its origin in the Mediterranean region and cultivated in many
color varieties. Green leaves, 7-8 per bulb, all arising from the ground level, are fleshy, glossy,
narrow with smooth margins, 4-12 inches long and about 3/4 inches wide without marginal teeth.
Flowers, borne in a dense raceme on a 6-8 inch long stem, are bell-shaped, and eventually open
into 6 reflexed tepals. The flower is most well known for its fragrance. Fruits are globose and have
3 divisions. The bulb is 1-1/2 to 2 inches in diameter, light purple or cream colored, and covered
with dry skin-like layers.
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Description, Hydrangea -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Hydrangea
(Hydrangea spp.)
Additional images of Hydrangea

Description
The cultivated species, Hydrangea macrophylla Ser. (= H. hortensis), is a deciduous shrub which
can reach to nearly 6 feet. The common cultivated species is grown widely in gardens and as
potted plants. The flowers among the cultivated species include white, pink, mauve, bluish purple,
to blue. The forms of the flower clusters and the leaves of the cultivated species are similar to
those of the cold-hardy wild species (H. arborescens L.).
Wild hydrangeas, H. quercifolia Bartr. and H. arborescens L. , are shrubs which reach 3.5 to 10
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Description, Hydrangea -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
feet in height. The stems are light green when new, turning light brown and woody with time.
Leaves are alternate, 4-10 inches in length, dark green above, lighter or pale green on the
underside. The leaves of H. quercifolia Bartr. are deeply lobed, while those of the other species (H.
arborescens L.) are broadly rounded with apex tapering to a point. Flowers appear in clusters or
heads, mostly with 4 petals in white or cream color, blooming from June to July. The capsular fruit
is less than 1/8 inch in length and has many small, thin brown seeds.
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Description, Poison Ivy -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Poison Ivy
(Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze)
(=Rhus toxicodendron L., Rhus radicans L.)

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Description, Jack-in-the-Pulpit -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
(Arisaema spp.)
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Description, Jack-in-the-Pulpit -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Additional images of Jack-in-the-Pulpit

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Description, Japanese Yew -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Japanense Yew
(Taxus cuspidata Sieb. & Zucc.)
Additional images of Japanese Yew

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Description, Jerusalem Cherry -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Jerusalem Cherry
(Solanum pseudocapsicum L.)
Additional Images of Jerusalem Cherry

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Description, St. Johnswort -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
St. Johnswort
(Hypericum perforatum L.)
Additional images of St. Johnswort

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Description, Lamb's quarters -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Lamb's Quarters
(Chenopodium album L.)
Additional Images of Lamb's Quarters

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Description, Lantana -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Lantana
(Lantana camara L.)
Description
Lantana (yellow sage) is a native of tropical Americas and West Africa. In the northern states
including Illinois, it is grown as a garden annual reaching 12-18 inches tall . In the south, from
Florida to California, it grows as a perennial shrub of 3-6 feet tall. In the tropics, it may grow even
taller. Leaves are opposite, ovate, 1-5 inches long and 1-2 inches wide, with very small rounded
teeth, somewhat rough and hairy. Leaves are aromatic when crushed. Flowers are borne in dense
clusters 1-2 inches across on the axils near the top of the stem. Each flower is tubular with 4 lobes
flaring to about 1/4 inch, initially yellow or pink gradually changing to orange and deep red. Often,
the different colored flowers are present on the same cluster. Fruit is fleshy, greenish-blue to black,
and berry-like with each containing one seed.
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Description, Lantana -- Vet Med Library, UIUC

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Description, Dwarf Larkspur -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Dwarf Larkspur and Other Larkspurs

(Delphinium tricorne Michx. and other species)

Description
Dwarf larkspur is an erect, little-branched herb 1 to 3 feet tall. Its leaves, alternately placed and
slender-stalked, are deeply divided into 5 to 7 nearly separate lobes, each lobe itself again rather
deeply lobed or toothed. Its stout stem ends in a flower-bearing part that carries several blue or
white, spurred blossoms 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. Three short-pointed rather fragile, widely
spreading pods about 1/2 inch long develop from each blossom. These pods contain numerous
small, dark seeds.
The rocket larkspur (Delphinium ajacis L.), which is cultivated and sometimes escapes, may be
recognized from the above general description. It is supposed, in common with all other larkspurs,
to be poisonous.
Please direct all comments or requests for inforemation to M. Williams.
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Description, Lily of the Valley -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Lily of the Valley

(Convallaria majalis)
Additional images of Lily of the Valley

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Description, Lupine -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Lupine
(Lupinus)
Additional images of Lupine

| Description | Distribution | Conditions of poisoning | Toxic principle | Clinical signs |
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Maple, Red
(Acer rubrum)
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Photo is copyright 1996 by Mitsuko Williams.
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Description, Mayapple -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Mayapple
(Podophyllum peltatum L.)
Additional images of Mayapple

Description
Mayapple is a perennial herb of the Barberry family. Leaves are umbrella-shaped and are about 8
inches wide with 5-9 lobes. Plants that have a single leaf do not flower, while those with two
leaves develop a single flower in the axil of the leaf stalks. The flower appears at the end of the
downward-curved flower stalk about 1 inch long. The flower, with 6 or more white petals and
about 1.5-2 inches across, blooms in April to May, and is eventually replaced by a green ovoid
fruit. The plant withers away by mid-summer.
Although the creeping, fleshy rhizome has been used to prepare medicine commercially, it is
poisonous by contact. The green leaves and unripened fruit are poisonous but the fruit becomes
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Description, Mayapple -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
edible as it ripens and turns greenish-yellow in color.

Please direct all comments or requests for inforemation to M. Williams.
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Description, Milkweed -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Common Milkweed
(Asclepias syriaca L.)
Additional Images of Common Milkweed

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Description, Purple Mint -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Purple Mint
(Perilla frutescens)
Additional images of Purple Mint

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Description, Nightshade-- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Nightshade
(Solanum spp.)
Description
About 1,500 Solanum species exist in the world, and they include some of the most common
garden plants such as potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). One
of the species, Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapcicum L.) is grown as a house plant for its
compact form and small round berries which turn bright red at maturity. The tomato (Lycopercison
esculentum Mill.) is also a related plant. Included in this entry are descriptions of Black
Nightshade, Bittersweet Nightshade, Silverleaf Nightshade, and Horse Nettle. Other related
species may be found under their own names.
Bittersweet Nightshade (S. dulcamara)
Bittersweet nightshade is also known as European bittersweet or climbing nightshade. This plant
grows from rhizomes and is a slender climbing or trailing perennial reaching 6 feet in length.
Leaves are alternate, ovate, simple or deeply lobed, 1-1/2 to 4 inches long, and pointed at the tip.
Flowers are deep purple or bluish purple with flower stalk arising between the leaf nodes or
opposite the leaves. Nearly round fruits turn red when mature and stay on the vines through mid
winter.
Black Nightshade (S. nigrum)
Black nightshade is an annual herb with a tap root. Stems are erect and much branched reaching 3
feet tall. Leaves alternate, ovate or lanceolate, and long-stalked. The flower has 5 white petals,
sometimes with a yellow inner star, and ranges from 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch across. Berries are round
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and about 1/4 or so inches across, green, and turn purplish to black when ripe. Immature berries
and foliage are toxic, but ripe fruits are reportedly edible.
Plants commonly known as back nightshade may include two native species, American Black
Nightshade (S. americanum P. Mill.) and Eastern Black Nightshade (S. ptycanthum Dun.), as well
as S. nigrum which was introduced from Europe and is widely naturalized. Solanum ptycanthum
may be more commonly found in the midwest since S. americanum appears to be more
concentrated in the southern states.
Horse Nettle, Bull Nettle (S. carolinense)
A perennial with a deep taproot and rhizome below ground. Its stem and leaves have yellowish
spines and sometimes are hairy. Leaves are alternate and ovate with irregularly wavy or lobed
margins. Flowers appear in June to August, are light purple to white, 3/4 to 1 inch across, and in
short racemes near the top of the plant. Petals are united with 5 points at the margin. Fruits are
globose, about 1/2 inch in diameter and yellow when mature. Yellow or brownish seeds are
numerous, and irregularly circular, about 1/8 inch across.
Silverleaf Nightshade or White Horse-Nettle (S. eleagnifolium)
This perennial herb gets its common name because of its silvery appearance caused by the
numerous fine hairs. Its thick, lanceolate leaves are wavy and roughly indented (sinuate). The
stems and parts of the leaves have short stiff spines. The flowers appear at the end of branches and
have petals which are pale to deep blue or lavender in color.
Jerusalem Cherry (S. pseudocapsicum)

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Description, Oleander -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Oleander
(Nerium oleander L.)

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Description, Oleander -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
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Description, Ohio Buckeye -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Ohio Buckeye or Horse Chestnut

(Aesculus glabraWilld.)
Additional images of Ohio Buckeye

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Description, Philodendron -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Philodendron
(Philodendron spp.)

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Description, Poke -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Poke or Pokeberry or Pokeweed

(Phytolacca americana L.)
(= P. decandra L.)
Additional Images of Pokeweed

Description
Poke is an erect, branched, smooth herb with coarse, succulent, purplish stems; at maturity it is 3
to 10 feet tall. Its leaves, borne on short stalks, are alternately placed and ovate and are without
teeth on their margins. Leaves grow up to about 5 inches long. Poke bears small white flowers on
short flowerstalks along separate branches at the growing tip of the plant and in the axils of the
leaves. Each flower becomes a dark purple berry, flattened and spherical. The berries contain
crimson juice and about 10 seeds each.
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Description, Poke -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
A perennial, poke comes up year after year from an enormous taproot but it is spread only by seed.
http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/poke/poke0.htm (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:49:16 PM]
Description, Rhododendron -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Rhododendron
(Rhododendron spp.)
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Description, Rhododendron -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Additional images of Rhododendron

Description
Rhododendron is a genus of a shrub with about 800 species worldwide. Its ovate evergreen or
deciduous leaves are alternate, 1/2 - 8 inches in length depending on variety, with smooth untoothed
margins. They are dark green with a glossy upper surface and a dull underside. Large trusses of
bell-shaped flowers bloom from spring to early summer. Plants are available with flowers in colors
such as white, purple, deep rose, red, yellow, and orange. Rhododendron and its closely related
azalea have been hybridized for many uses in gardens and rarely reach above 3-5 feet tall in
northern states including Illinois.
| Distribution | Conditions of poisoning | Toxic Principle | Clinical signs |
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Description, Rhubarb -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Rhubarb
(Rheum rhaponticum)
Additional images of Rhubarb

http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/rhub/rhub.htm [5/10/2004 3:49:19 PM]
Description, Sudan Grass -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Sudan Grass
(Sorghum vulgare var. sudanense Hitchc.)
Additional Images of Sudan Grass

http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/sudan/sudan.htm (1 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:49:21 PM]
Description, Sudan Grass -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
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Description, Tulip -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Tulip
(Tulipa spp.)
Additional images of Tulip

http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/tulip/tulip.htm [5/10/2004 3:49:23 PM]
Description, White Snakeroot -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
White Snakeroot
(Eupatorium rugosum Hout.)
(formerly known as Eupatorium urticaefolium)
Additional images of White Snakeroot

Description
White snakeroot is an erect, branched herb usually about 3 feet tall but varying from 1 to 5 feet. It
has slender, round stems and branches bearing pointed, oval, oppositely placed leaves. These
leaves, 3 to 5 inches long and petioled, are sharply toothed on the margins. Each leaf has 3 main
veins that show prominently on the underside. The roots are fibrous, coarse, and shallow.
In late summer, numerous small heads of minute white flowers appear at the top of the stem and
the ends of the branches. These flower heads, except that they are white, are almost exactly like the
flower heads of the familiar ageratum of gardens. Later the flowers are replaced in the heads by
small black seeds each with a crown of soft white hairs.
Because the leaves of white snakeroot resemble those of the nettle, other plants with nettle-like
leaves are often mistaken for it. Two such plants are the nettle-leaved sage and the nettle-leaved
vervain. Even without flowers or fruit, these plants can be easily distinguished from white
snakeroot. The nettle-leaved sage, a rare plant in some southern Illinois counties, has square stems;
white snakeroot stems are round. The nettle-leaved vervain, a common weed throughout Illinois,
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Description, White Snakeroot -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
has lance-shaped leaves; white snakeroot leaves are broad at the base but narrow quickly in a
wedge-shaped part to the petiole.
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Description, Wild Onion -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Wild Onion
(Allium spp.)
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Description, Wild Onion -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Additional images of Wild Onion

Description
Wild onion (A. validum or A. canadense) is a bulbous herb of the Amaryllis family and is a close
relative of cultivated onion (Allium cepa L.). It has a distinct onion odor. It has slender grass-like
leaves and reaches about 2 feet in height when flowers appear in late summer. Leaves are narrow,
long, and with parallel edges arising from the small underground bulb. Flowers, varying in color,
depending on the species, from white to pink, appear at the top of a leafless stem and eventually
become bulblets which drop to the ground and propagate.
It is thought that the name Chicago is derived from the smell of wild onions:
"Indians, mainly Potawatomi, who were the most powerful tribe around the south end of Lake
Michigan, hunted, traded furs, and occasionally camped in the area they called "Checagou,"
evidently referring to the garlic wild onion smell which permeated the air."
Encyclopedia of Illinois, 2nd. Edition. Somerset Publishers, New York, 1994. p. 138.
Last updated: May 7, 1999
http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/wonion/wonion0.htm (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 3:49:35 PM]
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http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/maple/0530056.jpg
http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/maple/0530056.jpg [5/10/2004 4:09:03 PM]
Nightshade, Bittersweet
(Solanum dulcamara L.)

http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/nightsha/nightsh.htm [5/10/2004 4:09:04 PM]
Additional Images, Alfalfa -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Alfalfa
(Medicago sativa L.)
Additional Images
Below are small images of additional photographs taken of Alfalfa. If you would like to see any of
these images enlarged, simply click on the photo.
Return to Description for Alfalfa

http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/alfalfa/alfalfaa.htm [5/10/2004 4:09:32 PM]
Additional Images, Bouncing Bet -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Bouncing Bet
Additional Images
Below are small images of additional photographs taken of Bouncing Bet. If you would like to see
any of these images enlarged, simply click on the photo.
Bouncing Bet in mid summer
Bouncing Bet in Autumn
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Additional Images, Bouncing Bet -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Bouncing Bet with seed pods
Return to Description for Bouncing Bet

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Bouncing Bet
Additional images of Bouncing Bet

Description
Bouncing bet is a herbaceous perennial, 1-3 feet tall, which grows from rhizomes. Its close
relative, cow cockle (Saponaria vaccaria L.), is an annual. The stems are erect and jointed with
opposite elliptic leaves which are 3-4 inches long and 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches wide at the middle. The
leaf margins lack teeth.
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The flowers come in clusters of cylindric sepals and bloom from June to September, displaying
5-6 petals notched at the apex. Petal colors range from white to pink. The fruit is a capsule about 1
inch long and 1/4 inch thick containing many somewhat round black seeds. The seeds have minute
bumps on the surface.
|Distribution |Conditions of poisoning |Control |Toxic principle |Clinical signs |
http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/bucinbt/bucinbt0.htm (2 of 2) [5/10/2004 4:09:48 PM]
Distribution, Bouncing Bet -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Bouncing Bet
Distribution
Originally from Europe, bouncing bet and the related species, cow cockle (Saponaria vaccaria L.),
grow in open unused areas, along roadsides and railroad tracks, and waste grounds throughout the
U.S. Bouncing bet is found in nearly all counties of Illinois, while cow cockle is limited only to
scattered counties in northern and central Illinois. Bouncing bet and cow cockle are considered
weeds, although they are attractive plants.
|Description |Conditions of poisoning |Control |Toxic principle |Clinical signs|
http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/bucinbt/bucinbt1.htm [5/10/2004 4:09:48 PM]
Conditions of Poisoning, Bouncing Bet -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Bouncing Bet
Conditions of poisoning
The abundance of bouncing bet along roadsides and in other wastelands makes it easily accessible
to animals allowed to graze in such places. Although the entire plant is poisonous, the seeds
contain the largest concentration of the toxic principle.
|Description |Distribution |Control |Toxic principle |Clinical signs|
Control, Bouncing Bet -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Bouncing Bet
Control
Screenings of grain should be checked for large quantities of Saponaria seeds. Animals tend to
avoid contaminated feed because the plants apparently are distasteful. Animals should not be
grazed where Saponaria species is abundant, especially when the pasture grasses are present in
short supply or are exceedingly dry.
|Description |Distribution |Conditions of poisoning |Toxic principle |Clinical signs|
Toxic principle, Bouncing Bet-- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Bouncing Bet
Toxic principle
Bouncing Bet contains large amounts of saponins, which froth when extracted with water. The
saponins are soluble in water and alcohol. The sapotoxins of these saponins are similar or identical
to those of corn cockle (Agrostemma Githago). Hydrolysis of the saponins yields sugars and
sapogonins, a group of physiologically active substances.
The toxic material is contained in highest concentration in the seeds. Most animals refuse to eat the
seeds and avoid grains or screenings containing them. Feeding of the plant itself to sheep in an
amount of 3% of the body weight caused death within 4 hours; the plant weight being expressed
on a dry-weight basis.
|Description |Distribution |Conditions of poisoning |Control | Clinical signs|
Last updated: April 2, 1996
Clinical signs, Bouncing Bet -- Vet Med Library, UIUC
Bouncing Bet
Clinical signs
Poisoning caused by bouncing bet is usually mild, as animals tend to avoid the feed that contains
this plant. The poison irritates the digestive tract and may cause vomiting, signs suggestive of
nausea, and diarrhea. Slowed or rapid breathing as well as unsteadiness, ataxia and coma also are
associated with poisoning by this plant.
|Description |Distribution |Conditions of poisoning |Control |Toxic principle|
Please direct all comments or requests for informatino to M. Williams.
Systme canadien d'information sur les plantes toxiques
Introduction
Recherche interactive
Systme canadien
d'information sur les
plantes toxiques
Liste de toutes les plantes toxiques par nom

scientifique
prpar par
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spcialiste de l'informatique biologique
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Introduction
Les principaux sites Web sur les plantes
toxiques
Liste de toutes les plantes toxiques par nom scientifique
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Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility
Coming events
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Biological name search
April 25-30, 2004

Eighth meeting of the GBIF Governing Board (GB8)
Oaxaca, Mexico
The eighth meeting of the Governing Board (GB8) of the Global
BiOSC
Global specimen information networks Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), GBIF committee and
subcommittee meetings, and the Science Symposium will take
place in April 2004 (25th-30th).
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ITIS
About the Canadian

Biodiversity Information
Facility
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Make your own map
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Partners in the network
Some of the problems that CBIF will address
Reports and background information
Partners in CBIF
CBIF is made up of the five federal natural resource departments
(5NR departments) and other partners:
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ITIS
Canadian Biodiversity Information Network (CBIN) -CBIN is a node

an international clearinghouse of information on biodiversity. Its goal is
to provide information on Canadian biodiversity from ALL sectors.
Explore Canadian environmental policy and agreements, technology,
data, funding programs, web sites, upcoming events, reference material,
expertise, and more.
[http://www.cbin.ec.gc.ca/search/default.cfm?lang=e]
Plant Gene Resources of Canada -Search the Genetic Resource

Information Network, Canadian version. Canada uses a computerized
database management system to assist in handling the massive amounts
of data associated with the genetic resources. Researchers can learn about
specific characteristics for each accession in the collection. All nodes
interact with the database regularly, entering data, conducting searches
and so on. Seed requests can also be made through the database.
[http://pgrc3.agr.gc.ca/search_grinca-recherche_rirgc_e.html]
Consultation on FAO Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources -Agriculture

and Agri-Food Canada is soliciting comments on the FAO International
Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture leading to a
decision on Canadian ratification and signature of the Treaty. The text of
the Treaty, FAO Conference resolution, the text of the Canadian
statement to the FAO Conference presented by Associate Deputy Minster
Diane Vincent and some relevant communication information are
presented for your consideration. Although the formal part of this
consultation ended on March 31, 2002, your feedback is still welcome.
[http://pgrc3.agr.gc.ca/itpgrfa/index_e.html]
Biodiversity: Connecting with the Tapestry of Life, prepared by the

Smithsonian Institution Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity
Program
[http://www.si.edu/simab/ and click on link to view this publication in
PDF format]
Global Biodiversity Information Facility - "an interoperable network
of biodiversity databases and information technology tools that will
enable users to navigate and put to use the world's vast quantities of
biodiversity information to produce national economic, environmental
and social benefits."
[http://www.gbif.org/]
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information networks
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documentation on the Species Analyst project, particularly for the
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various software components that make up the network.

[http://tsadev.speciesanalyst.net/documentation/ow.asp?TsaHome]
World Biodiversity Information Network (REMIB), Mexico -"a

computerized biological information system (i.e., it includes databases of
curatorial, taxonomic, ecological, cartographic, bibliographic,
ethnobiological and use type, and catalogues of natural resources and
other topics) based on a decentralized inter-institutional academic
organization formed by research centers and universities, both public and
private, that possess both scientific biological collections and information
banks."
[http://www.conabio.gob.mx/remib/doctos/remib_esp.html]
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), United States

-access to specimens and exhibits from museums around the world;
newsletter; FrogWeb; and BioBot, the NBII's biological search engine.
[http://www.nbii.gov/index.html]
Ecoinformatics.org -"online data and information management resource

for ecologists" sponsored and developed by the Long Term Ecological
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[http://www.ecoinformatics.org/]

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Reports and publications

ITIS
BiOSC
Toward a Biodiversity Knowledge and Innovation Network

(BKIN) for Canada
[If you would like a copy of a document, please send an email to:
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Strategic Report from Canadian Biodiversity Network
Conference, Ottawa March 14, 2001.
Species Access
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Implementing a BKIN [February 2002]

The need to formally "organize" the stakeholders into a
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manage that network, setting out the rationale for a biodiversity
knowledge and innovation network and recommendations for its
structure, mandate, and preliminary budget requirements.
The Urgent Need for a BKIN [February 2002]

Describes the impacts already being experienced by not having a
well-functioning biodiversity knowledge and innovation network.
These impacts also show where a BKIN could be useful to
support decision-making in these areas.
The Requirements for a BKIN [February 2002]

This document indicates the infrastructure that is required to
establish and maintain a strong biodiversity knowledge and
innovation network.
The Biota of Canada Information Network: Documenting and
Analysing Canada's Living Capital for Science and Society
Final report on the inaugural workshop of the 5NR Biota of
Canada Information Network project, Ottawa March 2-3, 2000.
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ITIS
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Information Facility
(CBIF)
BiOSC
Global specimen information networks As a member of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility
(GBIF), Canada is exploring new ways to improve the
Species Access
organization, exchange, correlation, and availability of primary
Canadian specimen information networkdata on biological species of interest to Canadians. By enhancing
access to these data, CBIF provides a valuable resource that
supports a wide range of social and economic decisions including
Point Mapper
efforts to conserve our biodiversity in healthy ecosystems, use our
Make your own map
biological resources in sustainable ways, and monitor and control
pests and diseases.
SpeciesBank
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CBIF has developed the following tools to help users find the
information they need.
Species Access Canada

Species Access Canada is the Canadian component of a global
project to allow Internet access to information associated with the
billions of specimens housed in the world's natural history
collections. The Canadian network currently incorporates
collections on five servers; many more will be added over the
next few years.
Users can search these collections by species name, source
collection, collector, or location.
Note: If you have a specimen database you would like added to
Species Access Canada, please contact CBIF
Integrated Taxonomic
Information System
ITIS is a catalogue of common and scientific names that will
eventually include all species found in Canada, the United States
and Mexico. The database also contains synonyms.
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Search results pages for individual species include the taxonomic

hierarchy for the species (genus, order, family, etc.). They also
provide links to search engines, automatically searching on the
pertinent terms for the species you select.
The Biological Observations,

Specimens and Collections
Gateway
The BiOSC Gateway is a global metadata search engine that
cross-walks multiple distributed biodiversity networks and
facilitates access to their combined holdings. As of early January
2002, the BiOSC Gateway contained approximately 2.4 million
biological records. The gateway associates a biological names
harvestor with a multilingual taxonomic authority file
(ITIS*North America), providing international users with access
to biodiversity records by scientific names, vernacular names,
synonymy, country of collection or geographic coordinates. Each
individual metadata record (either an individual specimen or a
single observation) is hyperlinked directly to its primary source
on its native biodiversity network, ensuring that end-users access
detailed records exclusively via the facility of the owners who
remain in full control of their records. Interactive world maps are
provided for those biological records that are associated with
explicit latitude and longitude coordinates.
More information about BiOSC
SpeciesBank
Butterflies of Canada is the pilot project in this section of CBIF's
web site. Identifying information, photographs, distribution maps,
and more are available for all butterflies found in Canada.
Home
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Introduction
Introduction - Canadian
poisonous plants
Interactive
Intended audience
What the Information System does
What the Information System does not do
Illustrations
Acknowledgments
Project history
The CANADIAN POISONOUS PLANTS INFORMATION

SYSTEM presents data on plants that cause poisoning in
livestock, pets, and humans. The plants include native, introduced,
and cultivated outdoor plants as well as indoor plants that are
found in Canada. Some food and herbal plants are also included
that may cause potential poisoning problems.
Plant poisoning is caused by chemicals in plants that have
undesirable affects upon animals and humans. Some poisons must
be ingested whereas others, such as chemicals in poison-ivy, only
require contact to elicit response in sensitive humans. Some
chemicals must be modified before they are poisonous to animals,
such as prunasin and other cyanogenic glycosides. These
chemicals must be hydrolyzed by plant enzymes or by rumen
organisms.
Plants that cause dermatitis are discussed in this program if the
reactions are severe. The more obscure dermatologic plants are
not included. For more information on plant-induced dermatitis
[see Mitchell, J. C., Rook, A. 1979. Botanical dermatology.
Greenglass Ltd, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. 787 pp.].
Other excluded plants are those that only cause mechanical injury,
poisonous blue-green algae, and plants causing hay fever.
While the Information System is oriented primarily to a Canadian
audience, much of the information is useful elsewhere. Certainly
the plants grown in and around homes can be grown throughout
the temperate regions of the world. Indeed, many house plants are
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tropical in origin. Other plant species included here have been

introduced to North America as well as other temperate regions of
the world. The information on the native plant species is
applicable wherever they grow in North America.
Information included in this program has the following
limitations:
much literature on poisonous plants is anecdotal and
therefore of limited reliability
many plants are only mildly poisonous or cause symptoms
in unusual circumstances such as when prodigious
quantities of material have been consumed
the author has attempted to find the most current literature
available on each included plant species (up to the 1993
publishing date of the original document). However, in
many cases, current information refers to works published
early in that century.
Home
Important Notices
Introduction
Canada: lists of
poisonous plants
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1.
Common plant names.
2.
Botanical (scientific plant) names.
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1.
Complete list of poisonous plants.
2.
Poisonous house plants only.
3.
Plants with Illustrations.
4.
Humans/Animals.
5.
Poisonous Plant Parts.
6.
Toxic chemicals.
7.
Distribution (by province).
8.
Symptoms.
9.
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10.
Humans/Animals || Provincial Distribution.
11.
Poisonous Plant Parts || Provincial Distribution.
12.
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Important Notices
All poisonous plants

Introduction
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Botanical
name
Scientific name
Abrus precatorius
Acer rubrum
Aconitum napellus
Aesculus glabra
All poisonous plants by Common Aesculus hippocastanum
name
Agrostemma githago
Important WWW Poisonous Plants Ailanthus altissima
Allamanda cathartica
sites
Allium canadense
Allium cepa
Allium sativum
Allium schoenoprasum
Aloe arborescens
Aloe barbadensis
Alstroemeria ligtu
Amaranthus blitoides
Common name
precatory-pea
red maple
monk's hood
Ohio buckeye
horse-chestnut
purple cockle
tree-of-heaven
golden-trumpet
wild onion
onion
garlic
chives
candalabra aloe
aloe - A. barbadensis
Peruvian lily
prostrate pigweed
Amaranthus hybridus
Amaryllis belladonna
smooth pigweed
redroot pigweed
amaryllis (A. belledonna)
Amaryllis vittata
Amelanchier alnifolia
Anagallis arvensis
Anthurium andraeanum
Apocynum androsaemifolium
Apocynum cannabinum
Arisaema triphyllum
Armoracia rusticana
Asarum canadense
amaryllis (A. vittata)

Saskatoon (a serviceberry)
fiddleneck
scarlet pimpernel
flamingo lily
spreading dogbane
hemp dogbane
Jack-in-the-pulpit
horseradish
wild ginger
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Asclepias speciosa
showy milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
Asclepias verticillata
Asimina triloba
Astragalus adsurgens
Astragalus bisulcatus
Astragalus canadensis
Astragalus lentiginosus
Astragalus miser
Avena sativa
Baptisia leucantha
common milkweed
eastern whorled milkweed
pawpaw
Astragalus (A. adsurgens)
two-grooved milk-vetch
Canadian milk-vetch
Astragalus (A. lentiginosus)
timber milk-vetch
oats
wild false indigo
Baptisia tinctoria
Barbarea vulgaris
Bassia hyssopifolia
wild indigo
yellow rocket
five-hooked bassia
Brassaia actinophylla
Brassica campestris
Brassica juncea
Australian umbrella tree

bird rape
Indian mustard
Brassica napus
Brassica oleracea
Caladium bicolor
Calla palustris
Cannabis sativa
Caulophyllum thalictroides
Centaurea repens
Ceratocephalus testiculatus
Chelidonium majus
Chenopodium album
Chrysanthemum indicum
Chrysothamnus nauseosus
Cicuta douglasii
Cicuta maculata
Cicuta virosa
Clivia miniata
Codiaeum variegatum
Colchicum autumnale
rapeseed
wild cabbage
caladium
wild calla
marijuana
blue cohosh
Russian knapweed
yellow star-thistle
bur buttercup
greater celandine
lamb's-quarters
chrysanthemum
stinking rabbitbrush
western water-hemlock
spotted water-hemlock
northern water-hemlock
Kaffir lily
croton
autumn crocus
Conium maculatum
Convallaria majalis
poison-hemlock
lily-of-the-valley
Cyclamen persicum
Cynoglossum officinale
cyclamen
hound's tongue
Cypripedium acaule
Cypripedium calceolus
Cypripedium reginae
Daphne cneorum
Daphne laureola
Daphne mezereum
Datura innoxia
Datura stramonium
Delphinium bicolor
Delphinium glaucum
Delphinium menziesii
pink lady's-slipper
yellow lady's-slipper
showy lady's-slipper
garland daphne
spurge-laurel
February daphne
angel's trumpet
jimsonweed
low larkspur
tall larkspur
Menzies larkspur
Descurainia pinnata
Dicentra canadensis
Dicentra cucullaria
green tansy mustard

squirrel-corn
Dutchman's-breeches
Dicentra formosa
Dictamnus albus
Dieffenbachia amoena
western bleedingheart
gas plant
giant dumbcane
Dieffenbachia bausei
Dieffenbachia maculata
Dieffenbachia seguine
Digitalis purpurea
Dirca palustris
Echium vulgare
Equisetum arvense
Equisetum palustre
Erysimum cheiranthoides
Euonymus atropurpureus
Euonymus europaeus
Eupatorium rugosum
Euphorbia cyparissias
Euphorbia esula
Euphorbia helioscopia
Euphorbia lactea
dumbcane
spotted dumbcane
mother-in-law plant
foxglove
leatherwood
blueweed
field horsetail
marsh horsetail
wormseed mustard
burningbush
European spindletree
white snakeroot
cypress spurge
leafy spurge
sun spurge
candelabra-cactus
Euphorbia lathyris
Euphorbia milii
Euphorbia peplus
caper spurge
crown-of-thorns
petty spurge
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Euphorbia tirucalli
poinsettia
penciltree
Fagopyrum esculentum
Galanthus nivalis
Ginkgo biloba
Glechoma hederacea
Gloriosa superba
Glyceria grandis
Gutierrezia sarothrae
Gymnocladus dioicus
Hedera helix
Helenium autumnale
Helenium flexuosum
buckwheat
snowdrop
maidenhair tree
ground-ivy
glory lily
tall manna grass
broom snakeweed
Kentucky coffeetree
English ivy
sneezeweed
naked-flowered sneezeweed
Helianthus annuus
Heliotropium curassavicum
Heracleum mantegazzianum
sunflower
spatulate-leaved heliotrope
giant hogweed
Humulus lupulus
Hyacinthoides nonscripta
Hydrangea macrophylla
common hop
English bluebell
hydrangea
Hymenoxys richardsonii
Hyoscyamus niger
Ilex aquifolium
Ilex opaca
Ipomoea tricolor
Iris pseudacorus
Iris versicolor
Iva xanthifolia
Juglans nigra
Kalanchoe daigremontiana
Kalmia angustifolia
Kalmia polifolia
Kochia scoparia
Lactuca scariola
Colorado rubberweed
black henbane
St. John's-wort
English holly
American holly
morning glory
yellow iris
blue flag iris
false ragweed
black walnut
Devil's-backbone
sheep-laurel
bog-laurel
kochia
golden-chain
prickly lettuce
Lantana camara
Laportea canadensis
Lathyrus odoratus
yellow sage
Canada nettle
sweet pea
Lathyrus sativus
Leonurus cardiaca
grass pea
motherwort
Ligustrum vulgare
Linaria vulgaris
Lobelia cardinalis
Lobelia inflata
Lobelia siphilitica
Lonicera tatarica
Lonicera xylosteum
Lupinus argenteus
Lupinus burkei
Lupinus polyphyllus
Lupinus pusillus
common privet
yellow toadflax
cardinalflower
Indian-tobacco
blue cardinalflower
Tartarian honeysuckle
fly honeysuckle
silvery lupine
Burke's lupine
large-leaved lupine
small lupine
Lupinus sericeus
Maclura pomifera
Mangifera indica
silky lupine
Osage-orange
mango
Medicago sativa
Melilotus alba
alfalfa
white sweet-clover
yellow sweet-clover
Menziesia ferruginea
Monstera deliciosa
Narcissus poeticus
Narcissus pseudonarcissus
Nerium oleander
Nicotiana tabacum
Onoclea sensibilis
Oxytropis lambertii
Oxytropis sericea
Papaver nudicaule
Papaver orientale
Papaver rhoeas
Papaver somniferum
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
moonseed
western minniebush
Swiss-cheese plant
narcissus
daffodil
oleander
tobacco
sensitive fern
star-of-Bethlehem
purple locoweed
locoweed (Oxytropis sericea)
Iceland poppy
Oriental poppy
corn poppy
opium poppy
Virginia creeper
Pastinaca sativa
Persea americana
Phacelia campanularia
wild parsnip
avocado
California bluebell
Phalaris arundinacea
Philodendron cordatum
reed canarygrass
philodendron
Philodendron scandens
Phoradendron flavescens
Physalis alkekengi
Physalis peruviana
Pinus ponderosa
Primula obconica
Prunus pensylvanica
Prunus serotina
Prunus virginiana
heart-leaved philodendron
American mistletoe
Chinese-lantern
ground-cherry
pokeweed
ponderosa pine
May-apple
primula
pin cherry
black cherry
red chokecherry
Pteridium aquilinum
Quercus alba
Quercus rubra
bracken
white oak
red oak
Quercus velutina
Ranunculus bulbosus
Ranunculus sceleratus
black oak
bulbous buttercup
celery-leaved buttercup
Raphanus raphanistrum
Raphanus sativus
Rhamnus cathartica
Rhamnus frangula
Rheum rhaponticum
Rhododendron albiflorum
Rhododendron macrophyllum
Rhus diversiloba
Rhus radicans
Rhus vernix
Ricinus communis
Rudbeckia laciniata
Rudbeckia serotina
Rumex acetosa
Rumex acetosella
wild radish
radish
European buckthorn
alder buckthorn
rhubarb
white rose-bay
California rose-bay
western poison-oak
poison ivy
poison sumac
castor-bean
black locust
cut-leaved coneflower
black-eyed Susan
garden-sorrel
sheep sorrel
Rumex venosus
Sambucus canadensis
Sambucus nigra
veined dock
American elder
European elder
Sarcobatus vermiculatus
Scilla siberica
greasewood
Siberian scilla
Senecio integerrimus
Senecio jacobaea
Senecio vulgaris
Sinapis arvensis
Solanum dulcamara
Solanum nigrum
Solanum pseudocapsicum
Solanum tuberosum
Solidago mollis
Sorghum bicolor
Sorghum halepense
entire-leaved groundsel
tansy ragwort
common groundsel
wild mustard
climbing nightshade
black nightshade
Jerusalem-cherry
potato
velvety goldenrod
Sorghum
Johnson grass
Sorghum sudanense
Suckleya suckleyana
Sudan grass
poison suckleya
thin-leaved snowberry
Symphytum asperum
prickly comfrey
common comfrey
skunk cabbage
Tanacetum vulgare
Taxus baccata
Taxus canadensis
Taxus cuspidata
Thermopsis rhombifolia
Thlaspi arvense
Trifolium hybridum
Trifolium pratense
Trifolium repens
Triglochin maritima
Triglochin palustre
Tulipa gesneriana
Urtica dioica
Veratrum viride
Viburnum opulus
Vicia faba
tansy
English yew
Canada yew
Japanese yew
golden-bean
stinkweed
alsike clover
red clover
white clover
seaside arrow-grass
marsh arrow-grass
tulip
stinging nettle
false hellebore
Guelder-rose
broad bean
Vicia sativa
Vicia villosa
Wisteria floribunda
common vetch
hairy vetch
Japanese wisteria
Xanthium strumarium
Zigadenus elegans
cocklebur
white camas
Zigadenus venenosus
death camas
Another search?
Home
Important Notices

Introduction
Interactive
name
Common name
alder buckthorn
alfalfa
alsike clover
All poisonous plants by Common amaryllis (A. belledonna)
name
Important WWW Poisonous Plants American elder
American holly
sites
American mistletoe
angel's trumpet
autumn crocus
avocado
bird rape
Scientific name
Rhamnus frangula
Medicago sativa
Aloe barbadensis
Trifolium hybridum
Amaryllis vittata
Sambucus canadensis
Ilex opaca
Datura innoxia
Colchicum autumnale
Persea americana
Brassica campestris
black cherry
black henbane
black locust
Prunus serotina
Hyoscyamus niger
black nightshade
black oak
black walnut
black-eyed Susan
blue cardinalflower
blue cohosh
blue flag iris
blueweed
bog-laurel
bracken
Solanum nigrum
Quercus velutina
Juglans nigra
Rudbeckia serotina
Lobelia siphilitica
Iris versicolor
Echium vulgare
Kalmia polifolia
Pteridium aquilinum
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broad bean
Vicia faba
broom snakeweed
buckwheat
bulbous buttercup
bur buttercup
Burke's lupine
burningbush
caladium
California bluebell
California rose-bay
Canada nettle
Ranunculus bulbosus
Lupinus burkei
Caladium bicolor
Laportea canadensis
Canada yew
Canadian milk-vetch
candalabra aloe
Taxus canadensis
Aloe arborescens
candelabra-cactus
caper spurge
cardinalflower
Euphorbia lactea
Euphorbia lathyris
Lobelia cardinalis
castor-bean
Chinese-lantern
chives
chrysanthemum
climbing nightshade
cocklebur
Colorado rubberweed
common comfrey
common groundsel
common hop
common milkweed
common privet
common vetch
corn poppy
croton
crown-of-thorns
cyclamen
Ricinus communis
Physalis alkekengi
Solanum dulcamara
Xanthium strumarium
Senecio vulgaris
Humulus lupulus
Asclepias syriaca
Ligustrum vulgare
Vicia sativa
Papaver rhoeas
Codiaeum variegatum
Euphorbia milii
Rudbeckia laciniata
Cyclamen persicum
cypress spurge
daffodil
death camas
Devil's-backbone
Zigadenus venenosus
dumbcane
Dutchman's-breeches
English bluebell
English holly
English ivy
English yew
European buckthorn
European elder
Dicentra cucullaria
Ilex aquifolium
Hedera helix
Taxus baccata
Rhamnus cathartica
Sambucus nigra
Euonymus europaeus
false hellebore
false ragweed
February daphne
Veratrum viride
Iva xanthifolia
Daphne mezereum
fiddleneck
field horsetail
five-hooked bassia
Equisetum arvense
Bassia hyssopifolia
flamingo lily
fly honeysuckle
foxglove
garden-sorrel
garland daphne
garlic
gas plant
giant dumbcane
giant hogweed
glory lily
golden-bean
golden-chain
golden-trumpet
grass pea
greasewood
greater celandine
Lonicera xylosteum
Digitalis purpurea
Rumex acetosa
Daphne cneorum
Allium sativum
Dictamnus albus
Gloriosa superba
Lathyrus sativus
Chelidonium majus
green tansy mustard

ground-cherry
ground-ivy
Descurainia pinnata
Physalis peruviana
Glechoma hederacea
Guelder-rose
hairy vetch
Viburnum opulus
Vicia villosa
hemp dogbane
horse-chestnut
horseradish
hound's tongue
hydrangea
Iceland poppy
Indian mustard
Indian-tobacco
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Japanese wisteria
Apocynum cannabinum
Aesculus hippocastanum
Armoracia rusticana
Papaver nudicaule
Brassica juncea
Lobelia inflata
Arisaema triphyllum
Wisteria floribunda
Japanese yew
Jerusalem-cherry
jimsonweed
Taxus cuspidata
Datura stramonium
Johnson grass
Kaffir lily
Kentucky coffeetree
Sorghum halepense
Clivia miniata
Gymnocladus dioicus
kochia
lamb's-quarters
large-leaved lupine
leafy spurge
leatherwood
lily-of-the-valley
locoweed (Oxytropis sericea)
low larkspur
maidenhair tree
mango
marijuana
marsh arrow-grass
marsh horsetail
May-apple
Menzies larkspur
monk's hood
Kochia scoparia
Chenopodium album
Lupinus polyphyllus
Euphorbia esula
Dirca palustris
Convallaria majalis
Oxytropis sericea
Delphinium bicolor
Ginkgo biloba
Mangifera indica
Cannabis sativa
Triglochin palustre
Equisetum palustre
Aconitum napellus
moonseed
morning glory
mother-in-law plant
Ipomoea tricolor
motherwort
naked-flowered sneezeweed
Leonurus cardiaca
Helenium flexuosum
narcissus
oats
Ohio buckeye
oleander
onion
opium poppy
Oriental poppy
Osage-orange
pawpaw
penciltree
Narcissus poeticus
Cicuta virosa
Avena sativa
Aesculus glabra
Nerium oleander
Allium cepa
Papaver somniferum
Papaver orientale
Maclura pomifera
Asimina triloba
Euphorbia tirucalli
Peruvian lily
petty spurge
philodendron
Alstroemeria ligtu
Euphorbia peplus
pin cherry
pink lady's-slipper
poinsettia
Prunus pensylvanica
Cypripedium acaule
poison ivy
poison suckleya
poison sumac
poison-hemlock
pokeweed
ponderosa pine
potato
precatory-pea
prickly comfrey
prickly lettuce
primula
prostrate pigweed
purple cockle
purple locoweed
radish
rapeseed
Rhus radicans
Suckleya suckleyana
Rhus vernix
Conium maculatum
Pinus ponderosa
Solanum tuberosum
Abrus precatorius
Symphytum asperum
Lactuca scariola
Primula obconica
Agrostemma githago
Oxytropis lambertii
Raphanus sativus
Brassica napus
red chokecherry
red clover
red maple
Prunus virginiana
Trifolium pratense
Acer rubrum
red oak
redroot pigweed
Quercus rubra
reed canarygrass
rhubarb
Russian knapweed
scarlet pimpernel
seaside arrow-grass
sensitive fern
sheep sorrel
sheep-laurel
showy milkweed
Rheum rhaponticum
Centaurea repens
Anagallis arvensis
Triglochin maritima
Onoclea sensibilis
Rumex acetosella
Kalmia angustifolia
Cypripedium reginae
Asclepias speciosa
Siberian scilla
silky lupine
silvery lupine
Scilla siberica
Lupinus sericeus
Lupinus argenteus
skunk cabbage
small lupine
smooth pigweed
Lupinus pusillus
Amaranthus hybridus
sneezeweed
snowdrop
Sorghum
spotted dumbcane
spreading dogbane
spurge-laurel
squirrel-corn
St. John's-wort
star-of-Bethlehem
stinging nettle
stinkweed
Sudan grass
sun spurge
Helenium autumnale
Galanthus nivalis
Sorghum bicolor
Cicuta maculata
Daphne laureola
Dicentra canadensis
Urtica dioica
Thlaspi arvense
Sorghum sudanense
sunflower
sweet pea
Swiss-cheese plant
Helianthus annuus
Lathyrus odoratus
Monstera deliciosa
tall larkspur
tall manna grass
Delphinium glaucum
Glyceria grandis
tansy
tansy ragwort
timber milk-vetch
tobacco
tree-of-heaven
tulip
veined dock
velvety goldenrod
Tanacetum vulgare
Senecio jacobaea
Lonicera tatarica
Astragalus miser
Nicotiana tabacum
Ailanthus altissima
Tulipa gesneriana
Rumex venosus
Solidago mollis
Virginia creeper
western minniebush
Dicentra formosa
western poison-oak
white camas
Rhus diversiloba
Cicuta douglasii
Zigadenus elegans
white clover
white oak
white rose-bay
white snakeroot
white sweet-clover
wild cabbage
wild calla
wild false indigo
wild ginger
wild indigo
wild mustard
wild onion
wild parsnip
wild radish
wormseed mustard
yellow iris
Trifolium repens
Quercus alba
Eupatorium rugosum
Melilotus alba
Brassica oleracea
Calla palustris
Baptisia leucantha
Asarum canadense
Baptisia tinctoria
Sinapis arvensis
Allium canadense
Pastinaca sativa
Iris pseudacorus
yellow rocket
yellow sage
Barbarea vulgaris
Lantana camara
yellow star-thistle
yellow sweet-clover
yellow toadflax
Linaria vulgaris
Another search?
Home
Important Notices
Poisonous Plants sites

Introduction
Interactive
General Poisonous Plant sites
USDA/ARS Poisonous Plants Research Laboratory, Logan,

Utah
Poison Information on the Web (University of Arizona)
Cornell University Poisonous Plants Page
Poisonous Plant Databases
Dermatology Database

Poisonous plants by
Geographical Region
North America
Guide to Poisonous Plants - Colorado State University
Indiana plants poisonous to livestock and pets
Poisonous Plants of North Carolina
Nova Scotia - Poisonous plants and Poisonous fungi

[illustrated]
Ostrich Fern Poisoning
Plants toxic to animals [University of Illinois]
PLANTOX -American bibliographic Poisonous plants

database.
Poisonous Plants of Veterinary Importance - University of

Pennsylvania
Poison Ivy,Western Poison Oak, Poison Sumac
Poison Ivy, Western Poison Oak, Poison Sumac -from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Poisonous Plants of the southeastern United States
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Other related resources

Veterinarians
NetVet
Medical Doctors/Poison Control
MIC-KIBIC Karolinska Institute Extensive list of general

poisoning WWW sites.
Dermatology Online Atlas
Toxic Chemicals
Toxic Chemicals web sites
Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical databases -- plants

ranked by chemical content
Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms and Natural Toxins
USDA
External and broken links?

Home
Important Notices
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Introduction
Interactive
Copyright // Disclaimer Canadian poisonous

plants

All poisonous plants by Common name Minister of Supply and Services Canada 1993
Cat. No. A21-40/1933-1
ISBN 0-662-59802-4
1993
Information supplied by this program is based entirely on
published literature. Every effort has been made to verify input of
the data, but, inaccuracies may occur. In a medical situtation,
always check the original references or other authoritative sources.
Any medical information about symptoms, diseases, and
treatments are derived from these references. The author of this
program is a botanist with an interest in poisonous plants and
professes no expertise in either veterinary or human medicine.
This INFORMATION SYSTEM is intended as A RESEARCH
TOOL ONLY. It is intended to aid medical experts in obtaining
appropriate information on plant poisoning of animals and humans
in Canada.
Limited use data product license agreement
The Government of Canada (Minister of Supply and Services)
(hereafter called "the owner") owns all intellectual propery rights,
(including copyright) in the Canadian Poisonous Plants
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SYSTEM").
1. This agreement does not transfer any or all of the owner's
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2. You may not develop or derive for commercial sale any
other product in machine-readable form that incorporates or
uses any substantial part of the INFORMATION SYSTEM.
3. The INFORMATION SYSTEM is provided "as-is", and the
owner makes no warranty, either express or implied,
including but not limited to, warranties of fitness for a
particular purpose.
4. In no event will the owner be liable for any indirect, special,
consequential, or other similar damages.
5. It is your responsibility to ensure that your use of the data
product complies with the terms of this agreement, and to
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not permitted or not specified in this agreement.
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Home
Important Notices
Introduction
Copyright // Droits
d'auteur
Interactive
Minister of Supply and Services Canada 1993
Cat. No. A21-40/1933-1
ISBN 0-662-59802-4
All poisonous plants by Common name 1993
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sitesApprovisionnements et Services Canada 1993

No de cat. A21-40/1933-1
ISBN 0-662-59802-4
1993
Home
Important Notices
http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.html_doc?p_type=440&p_x=px [5/10/2004 4:10:45 PM]
XML output
Introduction
Common name
alder buckthorn
alfalfa
name
alsike clover
All poisonous plants by Common amaryllis (A. belledonna)
name
American elder
Important WWW Poisonous Plants American holly
American mistletoe
sites
angel's trumpet
autumn crocus
avocado
bird rape
black cherry
black henbane
black locust
black nightshade
black oak
black walnut
black-eyed Susan
blue cardinalflower
blue cohosh
blue flag iris
blueweed
bog-laurel
bracken
broad bean
broom snakeweed
buckwheat
bulbous buttercup
Interactive
Scientific name
Rhamnus frangula
Medicago sativa
Aloe barbadensis
Trifolium hybridum
Amaryllis vittata
Sambucus canadensis
Ilex opaca
Datura innoxia
Colchicum autumnale
Persea americana
Brassica campestris
Prunus serotina
Hyoscyamus niger
Solanum nigrum
Quercus velutina
Juglans nigra
Rudbeckia serotina
Lobelia siphilitica
Iris versicolor
Echium vulgare
Kalmia polifolia
Pteridium aquilinum
Vicia faba
Ranunculus bulbosus
Lupinus burkei
Caladium bicolor
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bur buttercup
Burke's lupine
burningbush
caladium
California bluebell
California rose-bay
Canada nettle
Canada yew
Canadian milk-vetch
candalabra aloe
candelabra-cactus
caper spurge
cardinalflower
castor-bean
Chinese-lantern
chives
chrysanthemum
climbing nightshade
cocklebur
Colorado rubberweed
common comfrey
common groundsel
common hop
common milkweed
common privet
common vetch
corn poppy
croton
crown-of-thorns
cyclamen
cypress spurge
daffodil
death camas
Devil's-backbone
dumbcane
Dutchman's-breeches
English bluebell
English holly
English ivy
English yew
European buckthorn
Laportea canadensis
Taxus canadensis
Aloe arborescens
Euphorbia lactea
Euphorbia lathyris
Lobelia cardinalis
Ricinus communis
Physalis alkekengi
Solanum dulcamara
Xanthium strumarium
Senecio vulgaris
Humulus lupulus
Asclepias syriaca
Ligustrum vulgare
Vicia sativa
Papaver rhoeas
Codiaeum variegatum
Euphorbia milii
Rudbeckia laciniata
Cyclamen persicum
Zigadenus venenosus
Dicentra cucullaria
Ilex aquifolium
Hedera helix
Taxus baccata
Rhamnus cathartica
Sambucus nigra
Euonymus europaeus
Veratrum viride
Iva xanthifolia
Daphne mezereum
Equisetum arvense
Bassia hyssopifolia
Lonicera xylosteum
European elder
false hellebore
false ragweed
February daphne
fiddleneck
field horsetail
five-hooked bassia
flamingo lily
fly honeysuckle
foxglove
garden-sorrel
garland daphne
garlic
gas plant
giant dumbcane
giant hogweed
glory lily
golden-bean
golden-chain
golden-trumpet
grass pea
greasewood
greater celandine
green tansy mustard
ground-cherry
ground-ivy
Guelder-rose
hairy vetch
hemp dogbane
horse-chestnut
horseradish
hound's tongue
hydrangea
Iceland poppy
Indian mustard
Indian-tobacco
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Japanese wisteria
Japanese yew
Jerusalem-cherry
jimsonweed
Johnson grass
Kaffir lily
Digitalis purpurea
Rumex acetosa
Daphne cneorum
Allium sativum
Dictamnus albus
Gloriosa superba
Lathyrus sativus
Chelidonium majus
Descurainia pinnata
Physalis peruviana
Glechoma hederacea
Viburnum opulus
Vicia villosa
Apocynum cannabinum
Armoracia rusticana
Papaver nudicaule
Brassica juncea
Lobelia inflata
Arisaema triphyllum
Wisteria floribunda
Taxus cuspidata
Datura stramonium
Sorghum halepense
Clivia miniata
Gymnocladus dioicus
Kochia scoparia
Chenopodium album
Lupinus polyphyllus
Euphorbia esula
Dirca palustris
Convallaria majalis
Oxytropis sericea
Delphinium bicolor
Ginkgo biloba
Mangifera indica
Cannabis sativa
Triglochin palustre
Equisetum palustre
Kentucky coffeetree
Aconitum napellus
kochia
lamb's-quarters
Ipomoea tricolor
large-leaved lupine
leafy spurge
Leonurus cardiaca
leatherwood
Helenium flexuosum
lily-of-the-valley
Narcissus poeticus
locoweed (Oxytropis sericea) Cicuta virosa
low larkspur
Avena sativa
Aesculus glabra
maidenhair tree
Nerium oleander
mango
Allium cepa
marijuana
Papaver somniferum
marsh arrow-grass
Papaver orientale
marsh horsetail
Maclura pomifera
May-apple
Asimina triloba
Menzies larkspur
Euphorbia tirucalli
monk's hood
Alstroemeria ligtu
Euphorbia peplus
moonseed
morning glory
Prunus pensylvanica
mother-in-law plant
Cypripedium acaule
motherwort
naked-flowered sneezeweed Rhus radicans
narcissus
Suckleya suckleyana
Rhus vernix
oats
Conium maculatum
Ohio buckeye
Pinus ponderosa
oleander
Solanum tuberosum
onion
Abrus precatorius
opium poppy
Symphytum asperum
Oriental poppy
Lactuca scariola
Osage-orange
Primula obconica
pawpaw
penciltree
Agrostemma githago
Oxytropis lambertii
Peruvian lily
Raphanus sativus
petty spurge
Brassica napus
philodendron
Prunus virginiana
pin cherry
Trifolium pratense
pink lady's-slipper
Acer rubrum
poinsettia
Quercus rubra
poison ivy
poison suckleya
Rheum rhaponticum
poison sumac
Centaurea repens
poison-hemlock
pokeweed
Anagallis arvensis
ponderosa pine
Triglochin maritima
potato
precatory-pea
prickly comfrey
prickly lettuce
primula
prostrate pigweed
purple cockle
purple locoweed
radish
rapeseed
red chokecherry
red clover
red maple
red oak
redroot pigweed
reed canarygrass
rhubarb
Russian knapweed
scarlet pimpernel
seaside arrow-grass
sensitive fern
sheep sorrel
sheep-laurel
showy milkweed
Siberian scilla
silky lupine
silvery lupine
skunk cabbage
small lupine
smooth pigweed
sneezeweed
snowdrop
Sorghum
spotted dumbcane
spreading dogbane
spurge-laurel
squirrel-corn
St. John's-wort
star-of-Bethlehem
stinging nettle
Onoclea sensibilis
Rumex acetosella
Kalmia angustifolia
Cypripedium reginae
Asclepias speciosa
Scilla siberica
Lupinus sericeus
Lupinus argenteus
Lupinus pusillus
Amaranthus hybridus
Helenium autumnale
Galanthus nivalis
Sorghum bicolor
Cicuta maculata
Daphne laureola
Dicentra canadensis
Urtica dioica
Thlaspi arvense
Sorghum sudanense
Helianthus annuus
Lathyrus odoratus
Monstera deliciosa
Delphinium glaucum
Glyceria grandis
Tanacetum vulgare
Senecio jacobaea
Lonicera tatarica
Astragalus miser
Nicotiana tabacum
Ailanthus altissima
Tulipa gesneriana
Rumex venosus
Solidago mollis
Dicentra formosa
Rhus diversiloba
Cicuta douglasii
Zigadenus elegans
Trifolium repens
stinkweed
Sudan grass
sun spurge
sunflower
sweet pea
Swiss-cheese plant
tall larkspur
tall manna grass
tansy
tansy ragwort
timber milk-vetch
tobacco
tree-of-heaven
tulip
veined dock
velvety goldenrod
Virginia creeper
western minniebush
western poison-oak
white camas
white clover
white oak
white rose-bay
white snakeroot
white sweet-clover
wild cabbage
wild calla
wild false indigo
wild ginger
wild indigo
wild mustard
wild onion
wild parsnip
wild radish
wormseed mustard
yellow iris
yellow rocket
yellow sage
yellow star-thistle
Quercus alba
Eupatorium rugosum
Melilotus alba
Brassica oleracea
Calla palustris
Baptisia leucantha
Asarum canadense
Baptisia tinctoria
Sinapis arvensis
Allium canadense
Pastinaca sativa
Iris pseudacorus
Barbarea vulgaris
Lantana camara
Linaria vulgaris
yellow sweet-clover
yellow toadflax
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CANCELLATION of CanExplore Search

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Please refer to the individual Web sites of these four departments as follows:
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Thank you.
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ITIS
BiOSC
Global specimen information
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Use of negative information -Biodiversity data generally constitute
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Important Notices
Index du site
Introduction
Au sujet du Systme canadien d'information sur la

biodiversit
Bases de donnes
Passerelle d'information sur les collections,
spcimens et observations biologiques (ICSOB)
Liste de toutes les plantes toxiques par
nom scientifique
nom commun
toxiques
Systme canadien d'information sur les plantes

toxiques
Systme d'information taxonomique intgr (SITI)
Analyste d'espces Canada
Oiseaux (Aves)
Reptiles et amphibiens (Reptilia et

Amphibia)
Poissons (Osteichthyes)
Papillons (Lepidoptera)
Fourmis, gupes, abeilles (Hymenoptera)
Plantes (Plantae)
Rapports et publications
Banque d'espces
Les papillons diurnes du Canada
Le Rseau de connaissances et d'innovation pour la

biodiversit

Accueil
Avis important
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Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility BiOSC
ITIS
New Query
Advanced Searches
Data Quality
Search Help
Information System (ITIS)
Taxon based biological
information system
Biological Observations, Specimens and Collections (BiOSC) Gateway
Biodiversity Knowledge, Global Knowledge
BiOSC Gateway
New Query
About BiOSC
Search by scientific name and/or geography

Hints:
enter scientific name only
leave the name input field blank to see all collections from a given
geographic area
enter at least three letters if searching *All* geographic areas
Search:
every
Kingdom
containing
name
from the geographic region:
- all -
Submit
Search within a bounding box

(only some collections are GIS referenced)
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the
Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility BiOSC
Hints:
enter the centroid coordinates
use whole numbers or decimal degrees (e.g. 45 or 45.076 )
use negative numbers for latitudes south of the equator (e.g. -45 )
use negative numbers for longitudes west of the 0 meridian (e.g. -79 )
Latitude
Longitude
1 degree(s) bounding box
Submit
The prototype BiOSC Gateway demonstrates the power of *interoperability*

between different biodiversity networks. Supported networks currently
include:
Distributed Generic Information Retrieval (DiGIR) (DiGIR)
European Natural History Specimen Information Network (ENHSIN)
The Species Analyst (TSA)
The World Information Network on Biodiversity (REMIB)
These networks utilize differing techniques to store and display data. When
you click on any of the country links the resulting information is being
returned directly from the institutions holding these data. For more
information about BiOSC visit the Canadian Biodiversity Information
Facility.
Hints: To properly see the information returning from the ENHSIN network,
please use Microsoft Internet Explorer Version 5.x, Netscape 6.x or view Page
Source from your browser.
Advanced searches BiOSC Data Quality Search help
Generated on: 10-May -2004 || Data as of 12-April -2004
Important Notices
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New Query
Advanced Searches
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Search Help
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New Query
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Taxon based biological
information system
Name input (common name or scientific name):
Search:
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Generated on: 10-May -2004 || Data as of 12-April -2004

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SpeciesBank
ITIS
CBIF's SpeciesBank is a growing library of digital information

about the biological species of Canada. It includes high-quality
photographs, distribution maps, identification guidance, and a
host of other information including links to monographs and
BiOSC
Global specimen information networks species-specific information elsewhere on the Internet.
Species Access
Brassicaceae of Canada
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SpeciesBank
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Species Access
Point Mapper
Make your own map
SpeciesBank
FBIP
Alphabetical index of all species, subfamiles, and families

by common and latin name
Taxonomic index (including families, subfamilies, genera)
Index to larval food plants
Dubious records
Glossary
Bibliography
How to use this material
History of butterfly study in Canada
Canadian geography and butterfly distribution
Butterfly observation
Butterfly gardening
Butterfly conservation
What is a butterfly?
Lepidoptera classification
Butterfly life history
Butterfly systematics
Collecting guidelines [statement of the Lepidopterists'

Society]
Note: Most of the material in this section of the SpeciesBank is reproduced,

with permission, from The Butterflies of Canada by Ross A. Layberry, Peter
W. Hall, and J. Donald Lafontaine. University of Toronto Press; 1998.

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Important Notices
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ITIS
Biodiversity Knowledge and

Innovation Network
The Biodiversity Knowledge and Innovation Network (BKIN)

was established in response to a recommendation by
BiOSC
representatives of governments, universities, zoological and
Global specimen information networks botanical gardens, museums, environmental and wildlife
nongovernmental organizations, aboriginal groups and sectoral
and high-technology industries at the Canadian Biodiversity
Species Access
Canadian specimen information networkNetwork Conference held in March 2001 in Ottawa. This
conference was held to develop a national strategic approach for a
biodiversity knowledge network in Canada [see full report in PDF
Point Mapper
format].
Make your own map
SpeciesBank
FBIP
Participants in BKIN
Participants in BKIN include the following organizations, which
were represented on the steering committee for the Canadian
Biodiversity Network Conference, 14 March 2001.
Biodiversity Convention Office, Environment Canada
Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance
Canadian Biodiversity Information Network, Environment

Canada
Canadian Federation of Agriculture
Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada
Canadian Information System for the Environment,

Environment Canada
Canadian Museum of Nature
Canadian Nature Federation
Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada
Dow AgroSciences Canada
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network,

Environment Canada
Elanco Animal Health
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Eskimo Lakes Inc.

Goodfellow Agricola Consultants Inc.
Miistakis Institute for the Rockies
Ministre de l'Environnement du Qubec
Montral Botanical Garden
National Research Council Canada
The Nature Conservancy of Canada
NatureServe Canada
Parks Canada, Canadian Heritage
Royal Ontario Museum
Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity
Texar Corporation
University of Alberta
University of British Columbia, Zoology Department
University of Calgary
University of Guelph, Department of Computing and

Information Science
Wildlife Habitat Canada
World Wildlife Fund Canada
More information
For more information about BKIN, see Investing in Biodiversity
for the Information Age: The Need for a Biodiversity Knowledge
and Innovation Network in Canada [PDF format; 900 MB]
For more about the purpose, structure, and operations of BKIN,
please see Reports and publications.
For more information about the Canadian Biodiversity Network
Conference, 14 March 2001, visit the conference web site.
Home
Important Notices
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Introduction
scientifique
commun
toxiques
Introduction - Systme
canadien d'information
sur les plantes toxiques
Audience suscite
Ce que le Systme d'information permet de faire
Ce que le Systme d'information ne permet pas de faire
Illustrations
Remerciements
Historique du projet
Les plantes provoquent des empoisonnements parce qu'elles

contiennent des substances chimiques qui ont des effets
indsirables sur les animaux et les humains. Pour produire un
tel effet, certains poisons doivent tre ingrs; dans d'autres
cas (herbe puce),il suffit d'un simple contact sur la peau pour
produire une raction chez les personnes sensibles. Certaines
substances chimiques (prunasine et autres glucosides
cyanogntiques) ne deviennent toxiques pour les animaux que
si elles sont transformes, c'est--dire hydrolyses par les
enzymes vgtales ou par les organismes prsents dans le
rumen.
Les plantes qui provoquent des dermatites ne sont traites dans
ce systme que si elles produisent des ractions svres et non
si leurs effets sur la peau sont peu marqus. On trouvera plus
d'information sur les dermatites d'origine vgtale dans
Mitchell, J. C., Rook, A. 1979, Botanical dermatology,
Greenglass Ltd, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. 787 pp.
Les plantes qui ne produisent que des blessures mcaniques,
les algues bleu-vert toxiques et les espces qui provoquent le
rhume des foins ont galement t exclues.
Bien que ce Systme d'information s'adresse avant tout un
public canadien, il sera galement utile dans d'autres pays.
Bien entendu, les plantes d'intrieur ou qu'on fait pousser prs
des habitations peuvent aussi tre cultives dans toutes les
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rgions tempres du monde. De nombreuses plantes

d'intrieur sont mme d'origine tropicale. D'autres espces
vgtales traites dans ce systme ont t introduites en
Amrique du Nord et dans d'autres rgions tempres du
monde. L'information relative aux espces vgtales indignes
est pertinente dans toutes les rgions de l'Amrique du Nord
o elles sont prsentes.
Pour ce qui est de l'information qui figure dans ce systme, il
convient de noter les points suivants :
une grande partie de la documentation sur les plantes
toxiques est de nature anecdotique et prsente donc une
fiabilit limite.
beaucoup de plantes sont peu toxiques ou ne produisent
des symptmes que dans des circonstances inhabituelles
(p. ex. consommation d'normes quantits)
l'auteur s'est efforc de trouver les documents les plus
rcents qui taient disponibles sur chacune des espces
traites (jusqu' 1993, date de publication de la premire
version). Cependant, dans beaucoup de cas,
l'information la plus rcente est tire d'ouvrages publis
au dbut du XXe si.
Accueil
Avis important
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Introduction
Interactive
Intended audience Canadian poisonous

plants

All poisonous plants by Common name The Information System is intended for use by veterinarians,
doctors, and poison control personnel. The information is based
entirely on literature references. Biologists are asked to excuse the
convenient separation of animals and humans, which allows more
rapid access to information for veterinarians and poison control
personnel.
Home
Important Notices
Introduction
What the information

system does
Interactive
The Information System is intended for USE AS A RESEARCH
TOOL that provides access to information on poisonous plants
and their effects on animals and humans. The program contains
All poisonous plants by Common name information on:
plant nomenclature (common and scientific names)
distribution of wild plants (rendered graphically by
province and territory)
cultivated and food plants of concern
toxic plant parts
toxic chemicals (if known)
additional descriptive information on many of the
poisonous plants
references from which information was extracted (up to the
1993 publishing date of the original document)
Veterinarians
Veterinarians can find information on poisoning of livestock and
pets for:
animals that have been poisoned by a particular plant and
on all plants that have caused poisoning in a particular
animal species
symptoms of recognized diseases (such as chewing disease)
symptoms of poisoning for each animal species that may be
poisoned
Medical doctors//Poison control

Medical doctors and poison control centre personnel can obtain
details on:
human poisoning by a particular plant and on all plants that
have caused poisoning in humans
symptoms of recognized diseases (such as milk sickness)

symptoms of poisoning by each plant species

Home
Important Notices
Introduction
What the information

system does not do
Interactive
This Information System does not provide the following:
a means for identifying poisonous plants. A decision was
made to leave out this feature because of the complication
and time involved in developing a complete identification
system to separate all the poisonous plants from
nonpoisonous plants that may be encountered. Other
computerized systems under development may provide
on-screen identification of poisonous plants. For example,
Debbie Metsger has been doing research into the
development of computer identification systems with
specific reference to ingested house plants in Canada,
including poisonous plants. She may be contacted at:
Debbie Metsger
Department of Botany
Royal Ontario Museum
100 Queen Park Cres. West
Toronto, Ont. M5S 2C6
Also, please see our web page to other important WWW
Poisonous Plant sites.
a diagnostic tool for medical situations. In some cases,

additional information has been provided on treatments that
have been reported as effective, but this inclusion by no
means implies any comment of their use. For more
information, you should always get a copy of the original
published references.

Home
Important Notices
Introduction
Illustrations - Canadian
poisonous plants
Interactive
Illustrative material was not included in the original version of this

product. However we are grateful to several web sites that have
given us permission to point to their images.
We intend to add images and illustrations for more plant species

Important WWW Poisonous Plants sitesas time allows. If anyone has images that you could let us use or
know of internet links to images for other poisonous plants please
contact Derek Munro. Thank you very much.

Home
Important Notices
Introduction
Acknowledgements Canadian poisonous plants
Interactive
The author wishes to thank the following individuals from Agriculture
& Agri-Food Canada (AAFC):
name
Gerry Mulligan (retired) who started the initial literature projects
on poisonous plants and with whom the author has co-authored
All poisonous plants by Common
three publications on the subject including "Poisonous Plants of
name
Canada"
Scientific editing was provided by Jane Buckley and Frances
Important WWW Poisonous
Smith. Any remaining errors are the responsibility of the author.
Plants sites
Guy Baillargeon who encouraged the author to start the Internet
project, for continued help and ideas on computerizing this
information, and for some French translations.
Walter Majak, Harriet Douwes and Ruth McDiarmid [who
supplied the chemical diagrams], all of Kamloops Research
Station, Kamloops, B.C.
Dr. Donna Hutchings, Microbiology, CFIA, Ottawa, Ont.
Debbie Metsger, Department of Botany, Royal Ontario Museum,
Toronto, Ont.
French Translation:
1. Stephen Bolcso of the Research Branch, AAFC for helping to find
funding for the French translation,
2. the translation was done by Jean-Pierre Artigau, Traductions
Artigau, Inc, Alymer, Qc,
3. finishing touches by Franoise Guilbault of Research Branch.
Important Notices
Project History
Introduction
During the 1980's Gerry Mulligan (retired) and I (Derek Munro)
produced two technical bulletins and a publication on poisonous
plants in Canada. In 1990 I started work on a database version of
All poisonous plants by Botanical name the poisonous plants using DBase software. This was published as
a *runtime* version for DOS computers. With the introduction of
All poisonous plants by Common name the World Wide Web I converted the DBase version into an
Internet product using UNIX shell scripts and delimited text files
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites(thereby simulating a relational database system). The latest
incarnation has been ported into Oracle SQL database enabling
extra query possiblities, enhanced performance, and XML
(eXtensible Markup Language) output for application developers.
Interactive
Publishing History:
Mulligan, G.A & Munro, D.B. 1983. Vascular plants
poisonous to livestock in Canada 1. A preliminary
inventory. Contribution 1983-23E. Research Branch,
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada. 33 pp.
Mulligan, G.A. & Munro, D.B. 1984. Wild and cultivated
plants poisonous to humans in Canada. A preliminary
inventory. Technical Bulletin 1984-15E. Research Branch,
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada. 22 pp.
Mulligan, G.A. & Munro, D.B. 1990. Poisonous plants of
Canada. Publication 1842/E. Ministry of Supply and
Services Canada. 96 pp.
Munro, D.B. 1993. Canadian Poisonous Plants Information
System. Information Systems No. 1993-1B Agriculture &
Agri-Food Canada (Manual 15 pp + 3 DOS diskettes)
System Internet version 1. (no longer available at
http://res.agr.ca/brd/poisonpl/)
System Internet version 2. (http://www.cbif.gc.ca/poison/)
Home

Important Notices
BoDDHomePageframeset
Welcome to BoDD
the Botanical Dermatology Database
WWW Launch Date: 08 August 1994
This page last updated: 05 January 2004
[Server statistics; Sites with links to BoDD]
From the time of its WWW launch in August 1994 until

January 1997 access to BoDD was restricted. Access
restrictions were then removed. Anyone may now access the
database. You may enter BoDD via the index links below. If
you find BoDD useful, please consider supporting the
project with a donation. Follow the Support BoDD link to
discover how you can contribute to the upkeep of the
project.
BoDD is an electronic re-incarnation of BOTANICAL DERMATOLOGY by John
Mitchell & Arthur Rook, which was originally published in 1979 by Greengrass Ltd,
Vancouver [ISBN 0-88978-047-1]. This updated on-line version is made available to you with
the kind permission of the original authors.
This database is under continuous development. You may view the indexes, text, and
image files but you may not systematically download the database, nor reproduce the html
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BoDDHomePageframeset
code, text or images for profit or gain without express permission from the copyright
holder. Educational users should make proper acknowledgement of the source of any
information derived from BoDD.
If your browser is capable of displaying forms, please use the BoDD Search Engine to
enter BoDD. For other users, only the Plant Families Index provides access to the whole
database. The Main Index is under construction and will in due course provide a variety of
alternative entry modes.
Constructive criticism, corrections, etc. will be gratefully received.
File format last modified: 01/2004
Content last updated: 01/2004
Copyright Richard J. Schmidt PhD 1994 - 2004
[email protected]
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4.01!]
Introduction
Toutes les plantes

vnneuses
nom scientifique
nom commun
Nom scientifique
Abrus precatorius
Nom commun
abrus chapelet
Acer rubrum
Aconitum napellus
Aesculus glabra
rable rouge
aconit Napel
marronnier fleurs rouges
Agrostemma githago
toxiques
Ailanthus altissima
marronnier
nielle
frne puant
Allium canadense
Allium cepa
Allium sativum
Aloe arborescens
Aloe barbadensis
Alstroemeria ligtu
Amaranthus hybridus
Amaryllis vittata
Anagallis arvensis
trompette dore
ail du Canada
oignon
ail
ciboulette
corne de cerf
alos
lis des Incas
amarante fausse-blite
amarante hybride
amarante racine rouge
amaryllis belladone
amaryllis
amlanchier feuilles d'aulne
Amsinckia
mouron rouge
Anthurium
apocyn feuilles d'androsme
Apocynum cannabinum
Arisaema triphyllum
apocyn chanvrin
petit-prcheur
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Armoracia rusticana
Asarum canadense
raifort
asaret du Canada
Asclepias speciosa
Asclepias syriaca
Asimina triloba
Astragalus miser
Avena sativa
Baptisia leucantha
belle asclpiade
asclpiade de Syrie
asclpiade verticille
asiminier trilob
astragale fondu
astragale du Canada
astragale prostr
avoine
baptisie leucanthe
Baptisia tinctoria
Barbarea vulgaris
Bassia hyssopifolia
indigo sauvage
barbare vulgaire
bassia feuilles d'hysope
Brassica campestris
Brassica juncea
arbre ombrelle
moutarde des oiseaux
moutarde de l'Inde
Brassica napus
Brassica oleracea
Caladium bicolor
Calla palustris
Cannabis sativa
Centaurea repens
Chelidonium majus
Chenopodium album
Cicuta douglasii
Cicuta maculata
Cicuta virosa
navette
chou sauvage
caladium
calla des marais
chanvre
graines chapelet
centaure de Russie
centaure du solstice
Ceratocephalus
grande chlidoine
chnopode blanc
chrysanthme
bigelovie puante
cicutaire pourpre
carotte Moreau
cicutaire du nord
Clivia miniata
Codiaeum variegatum
Colchicum autumnale
clivies
croton ou codier
colchique d'automne
Conium maculatum
Convallaria majalis
cige macule
muguet
Cyclamen persicum
Cypripedium acaule
Cypripedium reginae
Daphne cneorum
Daphne laureola
Daphne mezereum
Datura innoxia
Datura stramonium
Delphinium bicolor
cyclamen de Perse
cynoglosse officinale
cypripde acaule
cypripde soulier
cypripde royal
daphn camle
auriole
daphn jolibois
stramoine parfume
stramoine commune
pied d'alouette bicolore
Delphinium glaucum
Descurainia pinnata
Dicentra canadensis
Dicentra cucullaria
pied d'alouette glauque

Delphinium
moutarde tanaisie verte
dicentre du Canada
dicentre capuchon
Dicentra formosa
Dictamnus albus
dielytra belles fleurs

dictame
arum vnneux
Digitalis purpurea
Dirca palustris
Echium vulgare
Equisetum arvense
Equisetum palustre
Euonymus europaeus
Eupatorium rugosum
Euphorbia esula
Euphorbia lactea
Euphorbia lathyris
dieffenbachia
dieffenbachia tachete
Dieffenbachia
digitale pourpre
dirca des marais
viprine
prle des champs
prle des marais
vlar fausse girofle
fusain
fusain d'Europe
eupatoire rugueuse
euphorbe cyprs
euphorbe sule
euphorbe rveille-matin
cactus candlabre
cagarrino
Euphorbia milii
Euphorbia peplus
couronne d'pines
euphorbe des jardins
Euphorbia tirucalli
Galanthus nivalis
Ginkgo biloba
Glechoma hederacea
Gloriosa superba
Glyceria grandis
Gymnocladus dioicus
Hedera helix
poinsettia
euphorbe effile
sarrasin commun
perce-neige
ginkgo
lierre terrestre
glorieuse du Malabar
glycrie gante
gutierrezie faux-sarothra
chicot du Canada
lierre commun
Helenium autumnale
Helenium flexuosum
Helianthus annuus
hlnie automnale
hlnie nudiflore
hlianthe annuel
Heliotropium curassavicum hliotrope obov de Curaao

Heracleum mantegazzianum berce du Caucase
Humulus lupulus
houblon
Hyoscyamus niger
Ilex aquifolium
Ilex opaca
Ipomoea tricolor
Iris pseudacorus
Iris versicolor
Iva xanthifolia
Juglans nigra
Kalmia angustifolia
Kalmia polifolia
Kochia scoparia
jacinthe des bois

hortensia
hymnoxys de Richardson
jusquiame noire
millepertuis perfor
houx commun
houx d'Amrique
liseron
iris de marais
clajeux
fausse herbe poux
noyer noir
Kalanchoe
kalmia feuilles troites
kalmia feuilles d'andromde
kochia balais
Lactuca scariola
Lantana camara
cytise
laitue scariole
Lantana
Laportea canadensis
Lathyrus odoratus
laporta du Canada
pois de senteur
Lathyrus sativus
Leonurus cardiaca
Ligustrum vulgare
Linaria vulgaris
Lobelia cardinalis
Lobelia inflata
Lobelia siphilitica
Lonicera tatarica
Lonicera xylosteum
Lupinus argenteus
Lupinus burkei
lentil d'Espagne
agripaume cardiaque
trone commun
linaire vulgaire
loblie du cardinal
loblie gonfle
cardinale bleue
chvrefeuille de Tartarie
chvrefeuille mouches
lupin argent
lupin de Burke
Lupinus polyphyllus
Lupinus pusillus
Lupinus sericeus
lupin de polyphylle
Lupinus
lupin soyeux
Maclura pomifera
Mangifera indica
Medicago sativa
bois d'arc
manguier
luzerne
Melilotus alba
Monstera deliciosa
Narcissus poeticus
Nerium oleander
Nicotiana tabacum
Onoclea sensibilis
Oxytropis lambertii
Oxytropis sericea
Papaver nudicaule
Papaver orientale
Papaver rhoeas
mlilot blanc
mlilot jaune
mnisperme du Canada
menzizie ferrugineuse
philodendron monstra
narcisse
jonquille
laurier rose
tabac
onocle sensible
dame d'onze heures
oxytrope de Lambert
Oxytropis
pavot d'Islande
pavot d'Orient
pavot coquelicot
Papaver somniferum
pavot somnifre
Parthenocissus quinquefolia vigne vierge
Pastinaca sativa
panais sauvage
Persea americana
avocatier
phaclia de Californie
Physalis alkekengi
Physalis peruviana
Pinus ponderosa
Primula obconica
Prunus pensylvanica
alpiste roseau
Philodendron (scandens)
gui de chne
alkkenge
coqueret
phytolaque d'Amrique
pin ponderosa
podophylle pelt
primula
cerisier de Pennsylvanie
Prunus serotina
Prunus virginiana
Pteridium aquilinum
cerisier tardif
cerisier de Virginie
fougre d'aigle
Quercus alba
Quercus rubra
Quercus velutina
chne blanc
chne rouge
chne noir
Ranunculus bulbosus
renoncule bulbeuse
renoncule sclrate
radis sauvage
Raphanus sativus
radis
Rhamnus cathartica
nerprun commun
Rhamnus frangula
nerprun bourdaine
Rheum rhaponticum
rhubarbe
azale blanche
Rhododendron macrophyllum rhododendron de Californie
Rhus diversiloba
sumac de l'Ouest
Rhus radicans
herbe la puce
Rhus vernix
sumac vernis
Ricinus communis
ricin
robinier faux-acacia
Rudbeckia laciniata
rudbeckie lacinie
Rudbeckia serotina
rudbeckie hrisse
Rumex acetosa
Rumex acetosella
Rumex venosus
grande oseille
petite oseille
rumex vein
Sambucus canadensis
Sambucus nigra
sureau blanc
sureau noir
Scilla siberica
Senecio jacobaea
Senecio vulgaris
Sinapis arvensis
Solanum dulcamara
Solanum nigrum
Solanum tuberosum
Solidago mollis
sarcobatus vermicul
scille de Sibrie
Senecio
sneon jacobe
sneon vulgaire
moutarde des champs
morelle douce-amre
morelle noire
cerisier d'amour
pomme de terre
verge d'or veloute
Sorghum bicolor
Sorghum halepense
Sorghum sudanense
sorgho
sorgho d'Alep
sorgho du Soudan
Suckleya suckleyana
Symphytum asperum
Suckleya
symphorine grappes
consoude pre
Tanacetum vulgare
Taxus baccata
Taxus canadensis
Taxus cuspidata
Thlaspi arvense
Trifolium hybridum
Trifolium pratense
Trifolium repens
Triglochin maritima
Triglochin palustre
Tulipa gesneriana
Urtica dioica
Veratrum viride
consoude officinale
chou puant
tanaisie vulgaire
if de l'Angleterre
if du Canada
if du Japon
Thermopsis
tabouret des champs
trfle alsike
trfle rouge
trfle blanc
troscart maritime
troscart des marais
tulipe
ortie dioque
varaire vert
Viburnum opulus
Vicia faba
Vicia sativa
obier
vesce fve
vesce cultive
Vicia villosa
Wisteria floribunda
vesce velue
glycine du Japon
Xanthium strumarium
Zigadenus elegans
Zigadenus venenosus
lampourde glouteron
zigadne lgant
zigadne vnneux
Une autre recherche?

Accueil
Avis important
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Abrus precatorius
Interactive
General poisoning notes:
All poisonous plants by Common name Precatory-pea (Abrus precatorius) seeds contain a chemical
called abrin, which is highly toxic. A single well-masticated seed
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites can kill an adult human (Kingsbury 1964).
In Canada the seeds of this plant are imported into the country on
necklaces and perhaps on other decorative items. These attractive
seeds are shiny, red, and black and about 5-8 mm long (Hoy and
Catling 1981).
References:
Davis, J. H. 1978. Abrus precatorius (rosary pea). The most
common lethal plant poison. J. Fla. Med. Assoc., 65: 189-191.
Gunn, C. R. 1969. Abrus precatorius: a deadly gift. Gard. J.,
19:2-5.
Hoy, D. L., Catling, P. M. 1981. Necklaces from nature - seed
jewelry. Davidsonia, 12: 63-77.
Kingsbury, J. M. 1964. Poisonous plants of the United States and
Canada. Prentice-Hall Inc., Englewood Cliffs, N.J., USA. 626 pp.
Stirpe, F., Barbieri, L. 1986. Ribosome-inactivating proteins up to
date. FEBS (Fed. Eur. Biochem. Soc.) Lett., 195: 1-8.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Abrus precatorius L.
Vernacular name(s): precatory-pea
Scientific family name: Leguminosae
Vernacular family name: pea
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Abrus
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precatorius
References:
Agriculture Quebec. 1975. Noms des maladies des plantes du
Canada/ Names of plant diseases in Canada. , Quebec City, Que.,
Canada. 288 pp.
Alex, J. F., Cayouette, R., Mulligan, G. A. 1980. Common and
botanical names of weeds in Canada/Noms populaire et
scientifiques des plantes nuisibles du Canada. Revised. Agric.
Can. Publ., Ottawa, Ont., Canada. 132 pp.
Bailey, L. H., Bailey, E. Z. 1976. Hortus third. Revised.
MacMillan, New York, N.Y., USA. 1290 pp.
Scoggan, H. J. 1978, 1979. The flora of Canada. Nat. Mus. Nat.
Sci. (Ottawa) Publ. Bot. 7(1)-7(4). 1711 pp.
Van Wijk, H. L. 1911. A dictionary of plant names. Martinus
Nijhoff, The Hague, The Netherlands. 1444 pp.
Victorin, M. 1964. Flore Laurentienne. 2nd ed. Univ. Montreal,
Montreal, Que., Canada. 952 pp.
Geographic Information
Plant or plant parts used in or around the home.
References:
Boivin, B. 1966, 1967. numration des plantes du Canada.
Provencheria 6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646;
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Image or illustration
Abrus precatorius:
Images: images.google.com
Toxic parts:
seeds
References:

19:2-5.
Notes on Toxic plant chemicals:

Abrin is a lectin of Abrus precatorius and is a
ribosome-inactivating protein. This chemical is regarded as one
of the most deadly plant toxins known.
LD-50: 0.56 micro gm/kg in mice (Stirpe and Barbieri 1986).
Kingsbury (1964) states that a toxicity dose is about 0.00015% of
a human subject's weight. A single well-masticated seed can kill
an adult. Abrin causes large-scale disruption in lymphoid tissues,
with apoptotic cell death. Apoptotic bodies have increased in the
small intestine of experimental rats (Griffiths et al. 1987).
Toxic plant chemicals:

abrin
References:
Griffiths, G. D., Leek, M. D., Gee, D. J. 1987. The toxic plant
proteins ricin and abrin induce apoptotic changes in mammalian
lymphoid tissues and intestine. J. Pathol., 151: 221-229.
Animals/Human Poisoning:
Note: When an animal is listed without additional information,
the literature (as of 1993) contained no detailed explanation.
Humans
General symptoms of poisoning:
abdominal pains
cecum, red and inflamed
cerebral edema
death
diarrhea
gastric mucosa, purple
nausea
stomach, gray mucous
vomiting
References:
19:2-5.
Rodents
death
References:
Another search?
Home
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: Acer

rubrum
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Red maple (Acer rubrum) is a native tree found in eastern
Canada. Leaves of this plant have poisoned horses in the New
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites England States and Georgia. Divers et al. (1982) noted that three
of four horses died in one case. Experimental symptoms of
hemolytic anemia indistinguishable from the field case were
induced in a pony. This problem should be suspected in horses in
which acute hemolytic anemia occurs after they ingest red maple
leaves.
Horses are poisoned sporadically in the northeastern United
States after they ingest red maple leaves. Signs of toxicity are
similar to those seen with the Brassica anemia factor after
animals ingest plants of the genus Brassica (such as canola, kale,
cabbage). Tennant et al. (1981) noted 33 cases of hemolytic
anemia in horses in the New England States in the late 1970s.
These cases were attributed to red maple leaves.
References:
Cheeke, P. R., Shull, L. R. 1985. Natural toxicants in feeds and
poisonous plants. AVI Publishing Company, Inc., Westport,
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Divers, T. J., George, L. W., George, J. W. 1982. Hemolytic
anemia in horses after the ingestion of red maple leaves.
Toxicology, 180: 300-302.
George, L. W., Divers, T. J., Mahaffey, E. A., Suarez, M. J. 1982.
Heinz body anemia and methemoglobinemia in ponies given red
maple (Acer rubrum L.) leaves. Vet. Pathol., 19: 521-533.
Long, P. H., Payne, J. W. 1984. Red maple-associated pulmonary
thrombosis in a horse. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 184: 977-978.
Plumlee, K. H. 1991. Red maple toxicity in a horse. Vet. Hum.
Toxicol., 33: 66-67.
Tennant, B., Dill, S. G., Glickman, L. T., Mirro, E. J., King, J.

M., Polak, D. M., Smith, M. C., Kradel, D. C. 1981. Acute
hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia, and Heinz body
formation associated with ingestion of red maple leaves by
horses. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 179: 143-150.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Acer rubrum L.
Vernacular name(s): red maple
Scientific family name: Aceraceae
Vernacular family name: maple
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Acer rubrum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Acer rubrum:
Notes on Poisonous plant parts:

The wilted leaves of red maple (Acer rubrum) have caused
poisoning and death in horses. This toxicity is most prevalent
from June through October. Cases become symptomatic 3-4 days
after ingesting the leaves (Divers et al. 1982).
Wilted leaves administered to a pony at the rate of 3.0 g/kg of
body weight caused illness and death within 1-5 days. Freshly
harvested leaves did not cause any symptoms. Dried leaves
remained toxic for 30 days (George et al. 1982).
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Toxicol., 33: 66-67.


The chemical that causes hemolytic anemia poisoning in horses is
not yet known for red maple (Acer rubrum). The chemical
probably works as an oxidant. In Georgia, ponies poisoned by red
maple leaves died rapidly when fed dried leaves after mid
September, whereas ponies fed leaves collected earlier in the
summer had a more prolonged illness. This finding suggests that
the toxin increases in quantity during autumn (George et al.
1982).

unknown chemical
References:
Horses
anorexia
blood brownish
brain, vacuolation of
breathing, rapid
coma
cyanosis
death
dehydration
depression
heart rate, elevated
Heinz bodies
hemoglobinuria
icterus
kidney, edema of
lungs, congestion of
lungs, thrombosis of
mucous membrane, brown
nephrosis, severe
urine, brownish
weakness
References:
Toxicol., 33: 66-67.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Aconitum napellus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Monk's hood (Aconitum napellus) is an outdoor ornamental herb.
The plant contains poisonous alkaloids, which have proved toxic
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites in humans when accidentally ingested (e.g., aconitine; see Fiddes
1958). Few cases of animal poisoning occur (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Fiddes, F. S. 1958. Poisoning by aconitine. Report of two cases.
Br. Med. J., 2: 779-780.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Aconitum napellus L.
Vernacular name(s): monk's hood
Scientific family name: Ranunculaceae
Vernacular family name: crowfoot
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Aconitum
napellus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Aconitum napellus:
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
roots
References:
Lampe, K. F., McCann, M. A. 1985. AMA Handbook of
poisonous and injurious plants. American Medical Assoc.
Chicago, Ill., USA. 432 pp.

aconitine
References:
Bonisteel, W. J. 1940. Polyploidy in relation to chemical analysis.
J. Am. Pharm. Assoc., 6: 404-408.

Br. Med. J., 2: 779-780.
Humans
agitation
faintness
muscle, weakness of
nausea
salivation
skin, cold and moist
throat, constriction
tingling sensation
vomiting
References:
Br. Med. J., 2: 779-780.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Aesculus glabra
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra) is not native to Canada but is
occasionally planted as an ornamental tree in southern Ontario. It
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites is winter-hardy in Ottawa. Cattle have been poisoned in the
eastern United States, where this tree is a native species.
Symptoms are mostly gastrointestinal and neuromuscular
(Kornheiser 1983). This plant is unlikely to cause livestock
poisoning because it is rare in Canada. The fruits of this plant
may be attractive to children and could cause poisoning if
ingested.
References:
Kornheiser, K. M. 1983. Buckeye poisoning in cattle. Vet. Med.
Small Anim. Clin., 78: 769-770.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Aesculus glabra Willd.
Vernacular name(s): Ohio buckeye
Scientific family name: Hippocastanaceae
Vernacular family name: horse-chestnut
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Aesculus
glabra
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Aesculus glabra:
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
References:
Cattle
ataxia
gait, unsteady
opisthotonos
torticollis
References:
Humans
death
gastroenteritis
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is and introduced tree
that is found in the southern parts of Ontario and Quebec. It has
Important WWW Poisonous Plants poisoned cattle, horses, and pigs, causing sickness and death
(Reynard and Norton 1942, Muenscher 1975). Human poisoning
sites
has also occurred.
References:
Cooper, M. R., Johnson, A. W. 1984. Poisonous plants in Britain
and their effects on animals and man. Her Majesty's Stationery
Office, London, England. 305 pp.
Hardin, J. W., Arena, J. M. 1969. Human poisoning from native
and cultivated plants. Duke University Press, Durham, N.C.,
USA. 167 pp.
Reynard, G. B., Norton, J. B. 1942. Poisonous plants of Maryland
in relation to livestock. Univ. MD. Agric. Exp. Stn. Bull., A10.
312 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Aesculus hippocastanum L.
Vernacular name(s): horse-chestnut
hippocastanum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Aesculus hippocastanum:

Horse-chestnut fruits, leaves, and flowers contain the chemical
aesculin. Young leaves and flowers are especially toxic to cattle
(Reynard and Norton 1942). Children occasionally ingest the fruit
but few authenticated cases of poisoning are found in the
literature, although death has been reported (Lampe and McCann
1985).
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
mature fruit
References:
USA. 167 pp.
312 pp.

Aesculin is a saponin (7-hydroxycoumarin 6-glucoside) that
yields aesculetin (6,7-dihydroxycoumarin) upon hydrolysis.
Aesculin is related to hydrocoumarin found in spoiled
sweet-clover hay (Cooper and Johnson 1984). LD-50
measurements from nut extracts were as follows (Williams and
Olsen 1984):
10.6 mg/g of body weight for chicks
10.7 mg/g of body weight for hamsters.

aesculin
References:
312 pp.
Williams, M. C., Olsen, J. D. 1984. Toxicity of seeds of three

Aesculus spp to chicks and hamsters. Am. J. Vet. Res., 45:
539-542.
Cattle
Humans
death
depression
diarrhea
gastroenteritis
muscle twitching
paralysis
pupil dilation
restlessness
unconsciousness
vomiting
weakness
References:
USA. 167 pp.
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Agrostemma githago
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Purple cockle (Agrostemma githago) is a naturalized herb found
across southern Canada. The seeds are contaminants of wheat
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites seeds and they are considered to be poisonous to poultry, cattle,
and humans. Human poisoning is rare. Feeding trials have been
conducted with ground seeds, which are unappetizing to poultry
(Quigley and Waite 1931).
References:
USA. 167 pp.
Heuser, G. F., Shumacher, A. E. 1942. The feeding of corn
cockle to chickens. Poult. Sci., 21:86-93.
Quigley, G. D., Waite, R. H. 1931. Miscellaneous feeding trials
with poultry. Univ. MD. Agric. Exp. Stn. Bull., 325: 343-354.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Agrostemma githago L.
Vernacular name(s): purple cockle
Scientific family name: Caryophyllaceae
Vernacular family name: pink
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Agrostemma
githago
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Agrostemma githago:
Toxic parts:
seeds
References:

Purple cockle (Agrostemma githago) contains the saponin
githagin, which is toxic mainly to poultry. The toxin is destroyed
in seeds at 50 C. The following quantities have been found to be
toxic in experiments with animals:
calf 0.0025% of body weight
poultry 0.0025%
pig 0.0010%
dog 0.0009%
Most feeding experiments have been conducted on chickens
(Quigley and Waite 1931; Heuser and Schumacher 1942).

githagin
References:
Humans
breathing, shallow
diarrhea
dizziness
stomach cramps
vomiting
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Purple cockle (Agrostemma githago) seeds can contaminate

wheat because the seeds are difficult to screen. Highly
contaminated wheat is unsalable. The seeds are a danger if
present in home-ground wheat, corn, or oats (Hardin and Arena
1969).
References:
USA. 167 pp.
Poultry
appetite, loss of
breathing, labored
death
diarrhea
gait, staggering
heart, cheesy material
mouth, cheesy material
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Ailanthus altissima
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is an ornamental found in
the warmest parts of Canada. Exposure to the leaves may have
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites caused dermatitis in humans and it is suspected of being a
poisonous plant as well. However, convincing documentation of
poisoning is lacking. The tree has been suspected of causing
gastroenteritis. (Muenscher 1975, Mitchell and Rook 1979).
References:
Mitchell, J. C., Rook, A. 1979. Botanical dermatology.
Muenscher, W. C. 1975. Poisonous plants of the United States.
Revised. Collier Books, New York, N.Y., USA. 277 pp.
Perkins, K. D., Payne, W. W. 1978. Guide to the poisonous and
irritant plants of Florida. Univ. Fla. Agric. Ext. Serv. Circ., 441.
84 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle
Vernacular name(s): tree-of-heaven
Scientific family name: Simaroubaceae
Vernacular family name: ginkgo
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Ailanthus
altissima
Vernacular name(s): tree-of-heaven
Scientific family name: Simaroubaceae
Vernacular family name: quassia

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Ailanthus
altissima
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Ailanthus altissima:
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
References:
Humans
erythema
References:
Another search?
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Golden-trumpet (Allamanda cathartica) is an indoor ornamental
vine that is suited to greenhouses. It is considered poisonous, but
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites firm evidence is lacking. The plant was once used as a cathartic.
Ingesting the fruits may cause upset stomach (Kingsbury 1964;
Hardin and Arena 1969).
There is a case of a young boy who was sucking the end of the
stem of this plant. He subsequently became nauseated, and
developed a high temperature and swollen lips. Some individuals
develop a rash from the plant sap (Morton 1962).
References:
USA. 167 pp.
Morton, J. F. 1962. Ornamental plants with toxic and or irritant
properties. II. Proc. Fla. State Hortic. Soc., 75: 484-491.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Allamanda cathartica L.
Vernacular name(s): golden-trumpet
Scientific family name: Apocynaceae
Vernacular family name: dogbane
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Allamanda
cathartica
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Allamanda cathartica:

This plant has an unidentified toxin in the fruits and in the cell
sap of the stem and leaves (Hardin and Arena 1969). The plant is
used only as an indoor ornamental in Canada, most likely found
in greenhouses because it is a large climbing vine.
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
plant juices
References:
USA. 167 pp.
Humans
nausea
stomach cramps
temperature, elevated
thirsty
References:
USA. 167 pp.
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Notes on poisoning:
Allium canadense
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Wild onion (Allium canadense) is a native herb found in parts of
eastern Canada. This plant can cause gastroenteritis in young
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites children who ingest parts of this plant. Chronic ingestion of the
bulbs reduces iodine uptake by the thyroid gland, which can lead
to problems. No specific treatment is suggested other than to
prevent dehydration (Lampe and McCann 1985). Livestock have
also been poisoned by ingesting wild onions, and some have died
(Pipal 1918). Horses have developed hemolytic anemia from
ingesting wild onion leaves (Scoggan 1989).
References:
Pipal, F. J. 1918. A suspected case of stock poisoning by wild
onion (Allium canadense). Proc. Indiana Acad. Sci., 1917: 139.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Allium canadense L.
Vernacular name(s): wild onion
Scientific family name: Liliaceae
Vernacular family name: lily
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Allium
canadense
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
New Brunswick
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Allium canadense:
Toxic parts:
bulbs
leaves
References:
Scoggan, R. D. 1989. Wild onion toxicosis and other hemolytic
anemia toxins. Equine professional topics. Univ. Ill.
Urbana-Champagne Ext., 14(1): 1-2.

The three onion species (Allium spp.) mentioned in this
information system contain S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide
(SMCO), which is a sulfur- containing alpha-amino acid . The
empirical formula is C4-H9-O3-NS. The common garden onion
(A. cepa) contains the following:
- 100 mg/kg wet weight of SMCO in the leaves,
- 1600 mg/kg wet weight of SMCO in the bulbs
(Benevenga et al. 1989)
.

S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide (SMCO)
References:
Benevenga, N. J., Case, G. L., Steele, R. D. 1989. Occurrence
and metabolism of s-methyl-l-cysteine and s-methyl-l-cysteine
sulfoxide in plants and their toxicity and metabolism in animals.
Pages 203-228 in Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin.
Vol. III. Proteins and amino acids. CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton,
Fla., USA. 271 pp.
Cattle
breathing, rapid
death
gastroenteritis
Heinz bodies
recumbency
weakness
References:
Pipal, F. J. 1918. A suspected case of stock poisoning by wild
onion (Allium canadense). Proc. Indiana Acad. Sci., 1917: 139.
Horses
Humans
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Allium cepa
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Cultivated onion (Allium cepa) has caused hemolytic anemia in
livestock including cattle, horses, and experimentally in sheep.
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Death can occur in severe cases. The formation of Heinz bodies
in the red blood cells is a common occurrence. Heinz bodies
consist of a precipitate, denatured hemoglobin caused by oxidant
attack (Hutchinson 1977).
References:
Hutchinson, T. W. 1977. Onions as a cause of Heinz body
anaemia and death in cattle. Can. Vet. J., 18: 358-360.
Kirk, J. H., Bulgin, M. S. 1979. Effects of feeding cull domestic
onions (Allium cepa) to sheep. Am. J. Vet. Res., 40: 397-399.
Thorp, F., Harshfield, G. S. 1939. Onion poisoning in horses. J.
Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 94: 52-53.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Allium cepa L.
Vernacular name(s): onion
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Allium cepa
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Allium cepa:
Toxic parts:
bulbs
leaves
References:

Onions (Allium spp.) contain various toxins that can cause
problems. N-propyl disulphide, an alkaloid, has been implicated
as the toxic chemical (Hutchinson 1977). More recent studies
have shown that S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide (SMCO) is
involved in forming Heinz bodies and hemolytic anemia. This
chemical is less toxic in nonruminant animals (Benevenga et al.
1989).
(Note: calcium oxalate crystals have been found in the dry outer
skin or scale leaves of this plant (Sarma and Terp 1980)). Garlic
(Allium sativum) is a cultivated plant grown for its bulbs.

N-propyl disulphide
oxalate
References:
Fla., USA. 271 pp.
Sarma, S. K., Terp, A. 1980. The occurrence of different types
of calcium oxalate crystals in Allium cepa L. and Allium
fistulosum L. and their importance in taxonomy. Acta Agron.
Acad. Sci. Hung., 29: 25-37.
Cattle
death
Heinz bodies
References:
Horses
anemia
breath, onion odor of
breathing, rapid
death
icterus
weight loss
References:
Sheep
anemia
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Allium sativum
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Human allergy to garlic dust has been documented by Lybarger et
al. 1982. Ingesting garlic leaves can also cause allergic reactions.
References:
Lybarger, J. A., Gallagher, J. S., Pulver, D. W., Litwin, A.,
Brooks, S., Bernstein, I. L. 1982. Occupational asthma induced
by inhalation and ingestion of garlic. J. All. Clin. Immunol., 69:
448-454.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Allium sativum L.
Vernacular name(s): garlic
sativum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Allium sativum:
Toxic parts:
bulb - dust of
bulbs
References:
448-454.

References:

Fla., USA. 271 pp.
Humans
dyspnea
wheezing
References:
448-454.
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
name
name
Important WWW Poisonous Plants
sites

Horses have been poisoned in Japan by ingesting the leaves of
chive (Allium schoenoprasum) in early spring. Chives have
escaped cultivation and have been naturalized in various parts of
Canada, but the plants are not abundant.
References:
Kobayashi, T. 1950. Studies on the histo-pathologic changes of
experimental cases of the "Ezonegi-poisoning" in horses. Jpn. J.
Vet. Sci., 12: 209.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Allium schoenoprasum L.
Vernacular name(s): chives
schoenoprasum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
scientifiques des plantes nuisibles du Canada. Revised. Agric. Can.
Publ., Ottawa, Ont., Canada. 132 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Allium schoenoprasum:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:
Vet. Sci., 12: 209.
Note: When an animal is listed without additional information, the
literature (as of 1993) contained no detailed explanation.
Horses
hemoglobinuria
icterus
References:
Vet. Sci., 12: 209.
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Notes on poisoning: Aloe

arborescens
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Aloe (Aloe spp.) extracts are used in many cosmetic and
medicinal compounds. Unfortunately, some humans develop
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites allergic contact dermatitis from this plant. Ingesting the plant
latex can cause a cathartic action. Excessive doses may cause
nephritis (Shoji 1982 Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
Shoji, A. 1982. Contact dermatitis to Aloe arborescens. Contact
Dermatitis, 8: 164-167.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Aloe arborescens Mill.
Vernacular name(s): candalabra aloe
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Aloe
arborescens
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Aloe arborescens:
Toxic parts:
plant juices
References:
Nakamura, T., Kotajima, S. 1984. Contact dermatitis from Aloe
arborescens. Contact Dermatitis, 11: 51.
Humans

eczema
erythema
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: Aloe

barbadensis
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Aloe (Aloe barbadensis) is the common "Aloe vera" found in
extracts that are used in cosmetics and medicinal products. The
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites latex from under the skin can cause a cathartic action because it
irritates the large intestine; anthraquinones color alkaline urine
red. An excessive dose may cause nephritis (Lampe and McCann
1985). Contact dermatitis can also result from contact with this
plant.
References:
Schenkel, B., Vorherr, H. 1974. Non-prescription drugs during
pregnancy: potential teratogenic and toxic effects upon embryo
and fetus. J. Reprod. Med., 12: 33.
Spoerke, D. G., Ekins, B. R. 1980. Aloe vera - fact or quackery.
Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 22: 418-424.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Aloe barbadensis Mill.
Vernacular name(s): aloe - A. barbadensis
barbadensis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Aloe barbadensis:
Toxic parts:
latex
References:


aloe-emodin
References:
Humans
catharsis
nephritis
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Alstroemeria ligtu
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Peruvian lily (Alstromeria ligtu) is grown as a cut flower by the
florist industry. Cut flowers are also flown into North America
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites from Holland. This plant causes contact dermatitis to workers
who may be sensitized to the chemical tuliposide A, which is also
found in tulip plants. This chemical readily penetrates vinyl
gloves. Nitrile gloves may prevent the allergic reaction of
workers sensitive to this chemical (Marks 1988).
References:
Marks, J. G. 1988. Allergic contact dermatitis to Alstroemeria.
Arch. Dermatol., 124: 914-916.
Santucci, B., Picardo, M., Iavaroni, C., Trogolo, C. 1985. Contact
dermatitis to Alstroemeria. Contact Dermatitis, 12: 215-219.
Spoerke, D. G., Smolinske, S. C. 1990. Toxicity of houseplants.
CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., USA. 335 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Alstroemeria ligtu L.
Vernacular name(s): Peruvian lily
Scientific family name: Amaryllidaceae
Vernacular family name: amaryllis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Alstroemeria ligtu:
Toxic parts:
plant juices
References:

The lactone 6-tuliposide A occurs in both the Peruvian lily and in
tulip plants. A human who becomes sensitized to one of the

plants generally becomes cross-reactive to the other plant. In a
series of tests, it took about 3 years for workers to become
sensitive to Peruvian lily (Santucci et al. 1985).

tuliposide A
6-tuliposide A
References:
Humans
blistering
erythema
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Prostrate pigweed (Amaranthus blitoides) is a naturalized herb
found across parts of southern Canada. This plant accumulates
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites nitrogen and can cause nitrate poisoning because it can
accumulate amounts sufficient to kill cattle (Fuller and
McClintock 1986).
References:
Fuller, T. C., McClintock, E. 1986. Poisonous plants of
California. Univ. California Press, Berkeley, Calif., USA. 432 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Amaranthus blitoides S. Wats.
Vernacular name(s): prostrate pigweed
Scientific family name: Amaranthaceae
Vernacular family name: amaranth
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Amaranthus
blitoides
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Amaranthus blitoides:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

nitrate
References:
Cattle
Swine
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Notes on poisoning:
Amaranthus hybridus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Smooth pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) is a naturalized herb
found in waste places across Canada. Ingesting this plant has
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites caused nitrate poisoning of cattle in New Zealand. No other
literature references to poisoning were found (Duckworth 1975).
References:
Duckworth, R. H. 1975. Poisoning of cattle by Amaranthus. N. Z.
Vet. J., 23: 154-155.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Amaranthus hybridus L.
Vernacular name(s): smooth pigweed
hybridus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Ontario
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Amaranthus hybridus:
Toxic parts:
stems
References:
Vet. J., 23: 154-155.

Smooth pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus) has caused poisoning of
cattle from nitrate accumulation. All the Amaranthus spp. listed
in this information system are nitrate accumulators. In serious
cases, poisoning and death can occur (Duckworth 1975, Osweiler
et al. 1985).

nitrate
References:
Vet. J., 23: 154-155.
Cattle
blood brownish
death
gait, unsteady
nervousness
Notes on poisoning:
In one case in New Zealand, cattle were poisoned and one died as
a result of suspected nitrate poisoning after ingesting smooth
pigweed. The mucous membranes were brown and the blood was
dark. The animals were unsteady. Postmortem findings showed
the rumen to be full of the plants, but no obvious lesions were
present (Duckworth 1975).
References:
Vet. J., 23: 154-155.
Swine
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) is a naturalized herb
that is found across much of Canada. This plant can cause a
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites variety of toxic problems, including perirenal edema in pigs.
However, the nature of the toxic compound is not known. This
plant can also accumulate oxalates to as much as 30% of dry
weight. Redroot pigweed is capable of accumulating toxic
concentrations of nitrates (Osweiler et al. 1985).
References:
Crawford, R. F., Kennedy, W. K., Davison, K. L. 1966. Factors
influencing the toxicity of forages that contain nitrate when fed to
cattle. Cornell Vet., 56: 3-17.
Vet. J., 23: 154-155.
Hibbs, C. M., Stencel, E. L., Hill, R. M. 1978. Nitrate toxicosis in
cattle. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 20: 1-2.
Osweiler, G. D., Buck, W. B., Bicknell, E. J. 1969. Production of
perirenal edema in swine with Amaranthus retroflexus. Am. J.
Vet. Res., 30: 557-566.
Osweiler, G. D., Carson, T. L., Buck, W. B., Van Gelder, G. A.
1985. Clinical and diagnostic veterinary toxicology. Third
edition. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., Dubuque, Iowa, USA. 494
pp.
Scimeca, J. M., Oehme, F. W. 1985. Postmortem guide to
common poisonous plants of livestock. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 27:
189-199.
Stuart, B. P., Nicholson, S. S., Smith, J. B. 1975. Perirenal edema
and toxic nephrosis in cattle, associated with ingestion of
pigweed. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 167: 949-950.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Amaranthus retroflexus L.
Vernacular name(s): redroot pigweed
retroflexus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:

989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Amaranthus retroflexus:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:
Vet. Res., 30: 557-566.

Nitrates have the following LD-50 values (Crawford et al. 1966):
LD-50 1.0 g/kg body weight in cattle
LD-50 0.5 g/kg body weight in other ruminants.
Acute poisoning occurs when forage nitrates exceed 1.0% nitrate
(dry weight) or 1500 ppm in water (Osweiler et al. 1985). All
Amaranthus spp. mentioned in this information system can
accumulate toxic quantities of nitrates.

nitrate
References:
Cattle
abortion
bloat
blood brownish
breathing, rapid
death
dyspnea
kidney, edema of
nephrosis, severe
nervousness
recumbency
recumbency, ventral
regurgitation
weakness, posterior
References:
Vet. J., 23: 154-155.
Hibbs, C. M., Stencel, E. L., Hill, R. M. 1978. Nitrate toxicosis in
Swine
ataxia
death
gait, crouching
kidney, edema of
nephrosis, severe
recumbency, ventral
trembling
weakness
References:
Vet. Res., 30: 557-566.
189-199.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Amaryllis (Amaryllis belladonna) is an ornamental plant
commonly sold for its winter flowers. Ingesting the bulbs has
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites poisoned humans. The toxic alkaloid, lycorine, is the principal
toxin, although small quantities of related alkaloids are also
present (Lampe and McCann 1985; Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Amaryllis belladonna L.
Vernacular name(s): amaryllis (A. belledonna)
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Amaryllis
belladonna
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Amaryllis belladonna:
Toxic parts:
bulbs
References:

Lycorine, a heat-stable alkaloid, is found in Amaryllis spp. as
well as Clivia spp., Galanthus nivalis, and Narcissus spp. This
chemical occurs in small quantities in Amaryllis species, so that
large quantities of bulb must be eaten to cause symptoms (Lampe
and McCann 1985).

lycorine
References:
Humans
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Amaryllis vittata
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name The symptoms of poisoning and the chemical involved in
amaryllis (A. vittata) are the same as those for A. belladonna.
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Please see the additional notes listed under that species.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Amaryllis vittata Ait.
Vernacular name(s): amaryllis (A. vittata)
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Amaryllis vittata:
Toxic parts:
bulbs
References:

lycorine
References:

Humans
nausea
vomiting
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Saskatoon, a serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), is a shrub
native to western Canada. The shrub has an hydrogen cyanide
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites (HCN) potential high enough to kill cattle and mule deer. Mule
deer that ingested 1 kg of fresh weight per day were poisoned and
died within 24 h of the appearance of clinical signs. Experiments
with cattle also showed the poisoning potential (Majak et al.
1978, Majak et al. 1980).
References:
Majak, W., Bose, R. J., Quinton, D. A. 1978. Prunasin, the
cyanogenic glycoside in Amelanchier alnifolia. Phytochemistry
(Oxf.), 17: 803.
Majak, W., Udenberg, T., Clark, L. J., McLean, A. 1980.
Toxicity of Saskatoon serviceberry to cattle. Can. Vet. J., 21:
74-76.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.
Vernacular name(s): Saskatoon (a serviceberry)
Scientific family name: Rosaceae
Vernacular family name: rose
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Amelanchier
alnifolia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Amelanchier alnifolia:

Saskatoon contains a large quantity of prunasin, which has a
hydrogen cyanide (HCN) potential exceeding the level required
to cause of poisoning in cattle. HCN occurs in the twigs before
the leaves appear and during the bloom period. The level of HCN
potential is highest in new-growth twigs, especially during dry

years (Majak et al. 1981).
Toxic parts:
flower buds
leaves
seeds
twigs
young shoots
References:
(Oxf.), 17: 803.
Majak, W., McDiarmid, R. E., Hall, J. W. 1981. The cyanide
potential of Saskatoon serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) and
chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). Can. J. Anim. Sci., 61:
681-686.
Majak, W., Quinton, D. A., Broersma, K. 1980. Cyanogenic
glycoside levels in Saskatoon serviceberry. J. Range Manage., 33:
197-199.
74-76.

prunasin
Chemical diagram(s) are courtesy of Ruth McDiarmid,

Biochemistry Technician, Kamloops Range Station, Agriculture
and Agri-Food Canada, Kamploops, British Columbia, Canada.
References:
(Oxf.), 17: 803.
Majak, W., Quinton, D. A., Broersma, K. 1980. Cyanogenic
glycoside levels in Saskatoon serviceberry. J. Range Manage., 33:
197-199.
74-76.
Cattle
breathing, labored
death
diarrhea
recumbency, lateral
restlessness
shivering
weight loss
Notes on poisoning:
Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) poisoning was experimentally induced
in cattle. The experiment showed that a single dose of the browse
with 1.43% prunasin can be lethal to cattle. Peak cyanide levels
occurred in the blood 1-2 h after ingestion. The rumen had a
distinct almond smell (Majak et al. 1980).
References:
74-76.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia) is an introduced plant found
in parts of western Canada. Ingestion can cause severe diseases in
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites horses, swine, and cattle. Hepatic cirrhosis results from ingesting
the seeds of the plant. The symptoms are termed walking disease
in horses and are known as hard liver disease in swine and cattle.
These diseases were present mainly in California and the Pacific
Northwest. With the advent of herbicides, the problems have
mostly disappeared (Woolsey et al. 1952, Cheeke and Schull
1985).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Kennedy, P. C. 1957. Symposium on poisoning-part 2. Case
16-Tarweed poisoning in swine. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 130:
305-306.
McCulloch, E. C. 1940. Hepatic cirrhosis of horses, swine and
cattle due to the ingestion of seeds of the tarweed, Amsinckia
intermedia. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 96: 5-18.
Woolsey, J. H., Jasper, D. E., Cordy, D. R., Christensen, J. F.
1952. Two outbreaks of hepatic cirrhosis in swine in California,
with evidence incriminating the tarweed, Amsinckia intermedia.
Vet. Med. Small Anim. Clin., 47: 55-58.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Amsinckia intermedia Fisch & Mey.
Vernacular name(s): fiddleneck
Scientific family name: Boraginaceae

Vernacular family name: borage
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Amsinckia
intermedia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Amsinckia intermedia:
Toxic parts:
seeds
References:

The pyrrolizidine alkaloids of fiddleneck cause hepatic cirrhosis
in cattle, swine, and horses, mainly a result of the presence of the
seeds in grain and grain screenings fed to livestock. With modern
herbicides, the problem has disappeared (Cheeke and Schull
1985).

echiumine
intermedine
lycopsamine
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
abdominal pains
death
icterus
liver, cirrhosis of
References:
Horses
death
hemoglobinuria
icterus
liver, cirrhosis of
References:
Swine
abdomen, distended
anemia
appetite, loss of
ascites
death
icterus
liver, cirrhosis of
prostration
weakness
weight gain, reduced
weight loss
References:
305-306.

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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Anagallis arvensis
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) is a naturalized plant
found across parts of southern Canada. The plant contains several
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites toxins that have poisoned livestock, and an irritant in the plant
hairs can cause allergies in humans. The occurrence of poisoning
appears to depend on unknown conditions, which may account
for the conflicting literature reports. However, the plant has been
implicated in enough cases of poisoning to be treated as a
potentially toxic plant (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Fuller and
McClintock 1986).
References:
84 pp.
312 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Anagallis arvensis L.
Vernacular name(s): scarlet pimpernel
Scientific family name: Primulaceae
Vernacular family name: primrose

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Anagallis
arvensis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Anagallis arvensis:
Toxic parts:
all parts
References:

Scarlet pimpernel contains a triterpenoid saponin in the aboveground plant parts, a glycoside (cyclamine) in the roots, and an
acrid volatile oil. The plant hairs contain primin, which can cause
human dermatitis (Perkins and Payne 1987, Cooper and Johnson
1984).

cyclamin
References:
84 pp.
Cattle
death
References:

312 pp.
Horses
Humans
constipation
erythema
gait, staggering
headache
kidney, congestion of
nausea
References:
84 pp.
Sheep
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Flamingo lily (Anthurium andraeanum) is an indoor ornamental
plant that produces striking flowers. Ingestion can cause painful
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites irritation of the mouth and throat. Other species of the genus
Anthurium may be cultivated in Canada, and all these plants
should be regarded as containing calcium oxalate crystals, an
irritant.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Anthurium andraeanum Lind.
Vernacular name(s): flamingo lily
Scientific family name: Araceae
Vernacular family name: arum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Anthurium andraeanum:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Flamingo lily (Anthurium andraeanum) contains calcium oxalate
raphide crystals, which cause painful swelling in the mouth and
throat upon ingestion. These crystals readily penetrate mucous
membranes, leading to irritation (Lampe and McCann 1985).
Unidentified toxic proteins are also contained in the plants (Fuller
and McClintock 1986).

oxalate
References:
Humans
blistering
dysphagia
hoarseness
References:
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Important Notices
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Interactive
name
Notes on poisoning:
Apocynum
androsaemifolium

Spreading dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium) is a native herb
name
found across Canada. This plant has been reported to cause serious
Important WWW Poisonous Plants poisoning potential in cattle, horses, and sheep after ingestion
(Johnson and Archer 1922). This information was credited to a report
sites
from the Arizona Experiment Station and to an article that was
erroneously stated to be about Apocynum. However, that article
actually concerned Nerium (oleander) poisoning of livestock.
Therefore, the various signs and symptoms attributed to dogbane
poisoning since 1922 are usually based on this mistake (Kingsbury
1959).
References:
Fleurbec Inc. 1981. Plantes sauvages comestibles. Le groupe Fleurbec
Inc., Sainte-Cuthbert, Que, Canada. 167 pp.
Fuller, T. C., McClintock, E. 1986. Poisonous plants of California.
Univ. California Press, Berkeley, Calif., USA. 432 pp.
Johnson, E. P., Archer, W. A. 1922. The principal stock-poisoning
plants of New Mexico. N. M. Agric. Ext. Serv. Circ., 71. 40 pp.
Kingsbury, J. M. 1959. Toxicity of Apocynum (dogbane) to stock; a
correction. Cornell Vet., 49: 285-287.
Moore, C. W. 1909. LXXXV. - The constituents of the rhizome of
Apocynum androsaemifolium. J. Chem. Soc. (Lond.), 95: 734-751.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Apocynum androsaemifolium L.
Vernacular name(s): spreading dogbane

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Apocynum
androsaemifolium
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
botanical names of weeds in Canada/Noms populaire et scientifiques
des plantes nuisibles du Canada. Revised. Agric. Can. Publ., Ottawa,
Ont., Canada. 132 pp.
Bailey, L. H., Bailey, E. Z. 1976. Hortus third. Revised. MacMillan,
New York, N.Y., USA. 1290 pp.
Scoggan, H. J. 1978, 1979. The flora of Canada. Nat. Mus. Nat. Sci.
(Ottawa) Publ. Bot. 7(1)-7(4). 1711 pp.
Van Wijk, H. L. 1911. A dictionary of plant names. Martinus Nijhoff,
The Hague, The Netherlands. 1444 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Apocynum androsaemifolium:
Toxic parts:
rhizome
References:

Experimental evidence shows that spreading dogbane contains
apocynamarin, a cardiac glycoside, as well as other glycosides and
resins. These chemicals have caused sickness and death when
administered cats and dogs. The potential for poisoning therefore
exists (Moore

apocynamarin
References:
Cats
blood pressure, high
death
References:
Dogs
death
vomiting
References:
Horses
Humans
convulsions
death
diarrhea
sweating
urination, frequent
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
The root of spreading dogbane has been used for medicinal purposes.
Excessive doses of the extracts apparently cause sickness and death in
humans (Fleurbec 1981).
References:
Fleurbec Inc. 1981. Plantes sauvages comestibles. Le groupe Fleurbec
Inc., Sainte-Cuthbert, Que, Canada. 167 pp.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Apocynum cannabinum
Interactive
name
1909). Hemp dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) is a native plant found

All poisonous plants by Common across Canada. Fuller and McClintock (1986) report that two horses
died after ingesting alfalfa hay that contained large quantities of hemp
name
dogbane. The tops of the plants (up to 1 m tall) were found in the hay.
Plants sites
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Apocynum cannabinum L.
Vernacular name(s): hemp dogbane
cannabinum
References:
Agriculture Quebec. 1975. Noms des maladies des plantes du Canada/
Names of plant diseases in Canada. , Quebec City, Que., Canada. 288
pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Apocynum cannabinum:
Toxic parts:
all parts
References:

Hemp dogbane contains the chemical cymarin (a cardiac glycoside).

Joubert (1989) lists this chemical under "Apocynum camrabinum,"
which is a typographical error and should read "Apocynum
cannabinum."

apocynamarin
cymarin
Chemical diagram(s) are courtesy of Ruth McDiarmid, Biochemistry

Technician, Kamloops Range Station, Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada, Kamploops, British Columbia, Canada.
References:
Joubert, J. P. 1989. Cardiac glycosides. Pages 61-97 in Cheeke, P. R.,
ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. II. Glycosides. CRC Press, Inc.,
Boca Raton, Fla., USA. 277 pp.
Horses
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Arisaema triphyllum
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is a native plant found in
wet soils in parts of eastern Canada. The plant contains calcium
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites oxalate raphide crystals, as do many other members of the family
Araceae. When ingested, these crystals can cause severe pain and
burning in the lips, mouth, and throat (Lampe and McCann
1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Torr.
Vernacular name(s): Jack-in-the-pulpit
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Arisaema
triphyllum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Arisaema triphyllum:
Toxic parts:
all parts
rhizome
References:

oxalate
References:
Humans
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting Jack-in-the-pulpit causes a burning sensation, with
associated inflammation, edema, and salivation. Treatment
includes cool liquids held in the mouth to provide relief. The
oxalates are insoluble and do not cause systemic poisoning in
plants (Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Armoracia rusticana
Interactive
name
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a cultivated plant that can

All poisonous plants by Common persist after cultivation. The plant contains glucosinolates, which can
cause toxicity in livestock. Irritation of the mucous membranes can
name
occur in humans who grind the roots to produce horseradish
condiment. See the notes under Brassica oleracea for more
Important WWW Poisonous Plants information on these chemicals. Under normal circumstances
sites
horseradish is safe.
References:
Fenwick, G. R., Heaney, R. K., Mawson, R. 1989. Glucosinolates.
Pages 1-41 in Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. II.
Glycosides. CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., USA. 277 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Armoracia rusticana P. Gaertn., Mey & Scherb.
Vernacular name(s): horseradish
Scientific family name: Cruciferae
Vernacular family name: mustard
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Armoracia
rusticana
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Armoracia rusticana:

Horseradish contains glucosinolates which, if ingested in sufficient
quantities, can cause poisoning (Fenwick et al. 1989).
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
roots
References:

See the notes under Brassica oleracea for a discussion on this
chemical and its affects on livestock and humans.

glucosinolates
glucosinolates
glucosinolates

References:
Humans
Swine
collapse
death
Notes on poisoning:
Swine have been poisoned after ingesting of horseradish root equal to
1% of body weight. The animals suffer acute inflammation of the
mucous membranes of the stomach as well as pain, followed by
collapse and death (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Asarum canadense
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) is a native wildflower growing
in rich woods in eastern Canada. This plant can cause dermatitis
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites in some humans (Mitchell and Rook 1979).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Asarum canadense L.
Vernacular name(s): wild ginger
Scientific family name: Aristolochiaceae
Vernacular family name: birthwort
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Asarum
canadense
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Manitoba
New Brunswick
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Asarum canadense:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:
Humans
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Asclepias speciosa
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is a native plant found in
dry rangelands in western Canada. The plant is poisonous to
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites sheep and cattle. However, this plant is so distasteful to livestock
that they ingest it only under extreme circumstances (Fleming et
al. 1920)
References:
Fleming, C. E., Peterson, N. F., Miller, M. R., Vawter, L. R.,
Wright, L. H. 1920. The narrow-leaved milkweed and the
broad-leaved or showy milkweed. Plants poisonous to livestock
in Nevada. Univ. Nev. Agric. Exp. Stn. Bull., 99. 32 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Asclepias speciosa Torr.
Vernacular name(s): showy milkweed
Scientific family name: Asclepiadaceae
Vernacular family name: milkweed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Asclepias
speciosa
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Asclepias speciosa:

Experimental feeding tests on sheep showed that leaves are
poisonous, but that large amounts must be ingested: (a 43-kg ewe
died after ingesting 1 kg of green leaves. The pods and seeds are
also poisonous (Fleming et al. 1920).
Toxic parts:
leaves
mature fruit
seeds
References:

desglucosyrioside
syrioside
References:
Joubert, J. P. 1989. Cardiac glycosides. Pages 61-97 in Cheeke,
P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. II. Glycosides. CRC
Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., USA. 277 pp.
Cattle
Sheep
appetite, loss of
breathing, labored
breathing with grunts
recumbency
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Asclepias syriaca
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a native perennial herb
found in eastern Canada in fields, ditches, and waste places. This
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites plant has poisoned sheep in the eastern United States. The plant
contains cardiac glycosides, which are toxic to animals (Reynard
and Norton, Joubert 1989).
References:
312 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Asclepias syriaca L.
Vernacular name(s): common milkweed
syriaca
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Asclepias syriaca:
Toxic parts:
latex
leaves
stems
References:

desglucosyrioside
syrioboside
syrioside
References:
Sheep
death
Notes on poisoning:
A dozen sheep died after ingesting large amounts of common
milkweed in Maryland. The plants, which were almost the only
vegetation available during a drought, are normally distasteful to
livestock (Reynard and Norton 1942).
References:
312 pp.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Eastern whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is a native
plant found in fields in parts of southern Canada. It has caused
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites poisoning in experimental feeding tests in sheep. Large quantities
of fresh plant were administered with a balling gun at about 2.2%
of body weight, causing symptoms of poisoning (Marsh and
Clawson 1921). The early literature is rife with contradictions in
determining the scientific names of various milkweeds. Asclepias
verticillata was termed Asclepias verticillata var. geyeri in Marsh
and Clawson (1921). For more information on Asclepias
taxonomy see Woodson (1954).
References:
Clark, J. G. 1979. Whorled milkweed poisoning. Vet. Hum.
Toxicol., 21: 431.
Marsh, C. D., Clawson, A. B. 1921. Poisonous properties of the
whorled milkweeds Asclepias pumila and A. verticillata var.
geyeri. U. S. Dept. Agric. Bull., 942. 14 pp.
Woodson, R. E. 1954. The North American species of Asclepias
L. Ann. Mo. Bot. Gard., 41: 1-211.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Asclepias verticillata L.
Vernacular name(s): eastern whorled milkweed
verticillata
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Manitoba
Ontario
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Asclepias verticillata:
Toxic parts:
flower buds
leaves
References:
Toxicol., 21: 431.

galitoxin
References:
Toxicol., 21: 431.
Sheep
agitation
bloat
breathing, labored
convulsions
death
depression
opisthotonos
pupil dilation
trembling
weakness, posterior
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental feeding of fresh eastern whorled milkweed caused
poisoning in sheep. The animals fell down and went through
characteristic running movements. The head and jaws
occasionally moved compulsively. The pulse was often weak.
Ingesting 2.2% of body weight was necessary to produce serious
poisoning in sheep. Animals do not normally eat these distasteful
plants or other milkweeds (Marsh and Clawson 1921).
References:
Toxicol., 21: 431.

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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Asimina triloba
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Pawpaw (Asiminia triloba) is a native tree found in southwestern
Ontario. The tree has edible fruit that has caused dermatitis in
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites some individuals and can also cause severe gastroenteritis when it
is ingested. This tree has limited distribution in southwestern
Ontario (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal
Vernacular name(s): pawpaw
Scientific family name: Annonaceae
Vernacular family name: custard-apple
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Asimina
triloba
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Ontario
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Asimina triloba:
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
References:
Humans
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Astragalus adsurgens is a native herb found across western
Canada. This plant has the potential to accumulate toxic levels of
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites selenium, which would cause symptoms in cattle and probably
other livestock. Cases of livestock poisoned by this plant could
not be found in the literature.
References:
Davis, A. M. 1986. Selenium uptake in Astragalus and Lupinus
species. Agron. J., 78: 727-729.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Astragalus adsurgens Pall.
Vernacular name(s): Astragalus (A. adsurgens)
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Astragalus
adsurgens
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Astragalus adsurgens:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Astragalus adsurgens has been found to accumulate selenium
well above the minimum amount of 5 mg/kg required for the
existence of selenium poisoning in sheep and cattle. Some plants

collected in Canada contained 44 mg/kg of selenium (Davis
1986).

selenium
References:
Cattle
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Two-grooved milk-vetch (Astragalus bisulcatus) is a native plant
found on rangelands in western Canada. This plant can
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites accumulate quantities of selenium high enough to cause toxicity
in cattle, horses, sheep, and swine. High quantities of selenium
cause acute toxicity, with symptoms including staggering,
diarrhea, prostration, and abdominal pain. Plants that contain a
selenium content of less than 200 ppm cause chronic toxicity.
James et al.(1983) used this plant (selenium content of 180 ppm)
to conduct feeding experiments on sheep. They found that the
symptoms and microscopic lesions of tissues collected from the
sheep were similar to those caused by locoweed poisoning and
not selenium poisoning. This finding suggests that other toxic
compounds in addition to selenium may be present.
Swainsonine is also found in this plant, which may explain why,
in experiments, sheep exhibited symptoms more appropriate to
locoism than to selenium poisoning (Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
Baker, D. C., James, L. F., Panter, K. E., Mayland, H. F., Pfister,
J. A. 1987. Selenosis in developing pigs fed selenium from
different sources. Am . Soc. Anim. Sci. Abstr., 65: 351.
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
James, L. F., Van Kampen, K. V., Hartley, W. J. 1983.
Astragalus bisulcatus--a cause of selenium or locoweed
poisoning? Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 25: 86-89.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Astragalus bisulcatus (Hook.) A. Gray
Vernacular name(s): two-grooved milk-vetch

bisulcatus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Astragalus bisulcatus:
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
stems
References:

This plant is a recognized selenium accumulator. Selenium has
been found to be toxic to sheep and cattle at levels of 4-5 mg/kg
of dry matter. Two-grooved milk-vetch collected in Canada
contained selenium at 43 mg/kg, well above the level required for
toxicity (Davis 1986).

selenium
swainsonine

References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
Horses
Sheep
ascites
coat, rough and dry
cytoplasm vacuolation
depression
fetus, dead
kidney, vacuolation of
References:
Swine
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Cattle have been fatally poisoned when fed on rangeland
containing Canadian milk-vetch (Astragalus canadensis).
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Experiments with sheep indicated that plant material must contain
NO2 at 250 mg/kg of body weight to produce toxic responses and
275 mg/kg body weight for a lethal dose. In week-old chicks, the
LD-50 = 2 g of plant ingested (Williams and James 1975).
References:
Williams, C., James, L. F. 1975. Toxicity of nitro-containing
Astragalus to sheep and chicks. J. Range Manage., 28: 260-263.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Astragalus canadensis L.
Vernacular name(s): Canadian milk-vetch
canadensis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Astragalus canadensis:
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
References:

3-nitropropionic acid
References:
Cattle
death
References:
Sheep
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Astragalus lentiginosus is a native plant found in south-central
British Columbia. Ingesting the plant causes a variety of
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites problems. Plants contain the alkaloid swainsonine, which can
cause locoism. The common symptoms are impairment of the
nervous system, depression, and excitement when disturbed.
Teratogenic effects have also been noted in lambs and foals. At
high altitudes (above 2120 m), cattle suffer from congestive heart
failure (swainsonine influences the vascular system). This plant is
a major poisonous range plant in the western United States. It is
not abundant anywhere in Canada (Cheeke and Schull 1985,
Panter et al. 1988).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
James, L. F., Van Kampen, K. R. 1971. Effects of locoweed
intoxication on the genital tract of the ram. Am. J. Vet. Res., 32:
1253-1256.
LeGrande, C. E., James, L. F., McMullen, R. W., Panter, K. E.
1985. Reduced progesterone and altered cotyledonary
prostaglandin values induced by locoweed (Astragalus
lentiginosus) in sheep. Am. J. Vet. Res., 46: 1903-1907.
Panter, K. E., Bunch, T. D., James, L. F., Sisson, D. V. 1987.
Ultrasonographic imaging to monitor fetal and placental
developments in ewes fed locoweed (Astragalus lentiginosus).
Am. J. Vet. Res., 48: 686-690.
Panter, K. E., James, L. F., Hartley, W. J. 1989. Transient
testicular degeneration in rams fed locoweed (Astragalus
lentiginosus). Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 31: 42-46.
Panter, K. E., James, L. F., Nielson, D., Molyneux, R. J., Ralphs,

M. H. 1988. The relationship of Oxytropis sericea (green and
dry) and Astragalus lentiginosus with high mountain disease in
Ralphs, M. H., Panter, K. E., James, L. F. 1990. Feed preferences
and habituation of sheep poisoned by locoweed. J. Anim. Sci.,
68: 1354-1362.
Tulsiani, D. R., Broquist, H. P., James, L. F., Touster, O. 1984.
The similar effects of swainsonine and locoweed on tissue
glycosidases and oligosaccharides of the pig indicate that the
alkaloid is the principal toxin for induction of locoism. Arch.
Biochem. Biophys., 232: 76-85.
Van Kampen, K. R., James, L. F. 1972. Sequential development
of the lesions in locoweed poisoning. Clin. Toxicol., 5: 575-580.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Astragalus lentiginosus Dougl.
Vernacular name(s): Astragalus (A. lentiginosus)
lentiginosus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Astragalus lentiginosus:
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
seeds
stems
References:
1253-1256.


Swainsonine, the chemical involved in locoism, is found in
several plants occurring in Canada, including Astragalus
bisulcatus, A. lentiginosus, Oxytropis lambertii, and O. sericea.
This indolizidine alkaloid causes locoism in cattle, horses, and
sheep; it also causes teratogenic deformities in lambs, calves, and
foals. In addition, at high altitudes (above 2120 m) it contributes
to congenital heart failure in calves and cows (Cheeke and Schull
1985).

slaframine
swainsonine

References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Molyneux, R. J., James, L. F. 1982. Loco intoxication:
indolizidine alkaloids of spotted locoweed (Astragalus
lentiginosus). Science (Wash. D. C.), 216: 190-191.
Cattle
abdominal edema
appetite, loss of
duodenum, edema of
gall bladder, enlarged
jaw (lower), edema of
thorax (ventral),edema
throat, edema of
ventrical(right),edema
References:
Horses
Sheep
abortion
blisters, weeping
death
depression
eyes, dull
fetus, dead
gait, unsteady
incoordination
lethargy
liver, congestion of
muscle, weakness of
sperm, detached tails
sperm mobility, poor
testicle degeneration
ventricle(right),round
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Astragalus lentiginosus caused fetal abortion in sheep and clinical
signs of locoism in pregnant ewes. It also caused fluid
accumulation in the placenta, altered cotyledonary development,
and decreased fetal heart rates causing cardiac irregularity. At
necropsy the fetuses had hypertrophy of the heart, right
ventricular dilation, rounded apex of the heart, and generalized
edema (Panter et al. 1987).
References:
1253-1256.
Am. J. Vet. Res., 48: 686-690.
68: 1354-1362.
Swine
coat, rough and dry
depression
eyes, dull
incoordination
References:
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Astragalus miser
Interactive
name
Timber milk-vetch (Astragalus miser) is a native herb that is found in

All poisonous plants by Common southern British Columbia and southern Alberta. This plant causes
acute and chronic toxicity in cattle and sheep. Experimental
name
poisoning has been caused in other livestock. Honey bees that forage
on the flowers of timber milk-vetch were also poisoned (Majak and
Important WWW Poisonous Plants Pass 1989).
sites
References:
James, L. F., Hartley, W. J., Van Kampen, K. R. 1981. Syndromes of
Astragalus poisoning in livestock. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 178:
146-150.
Majak, W., Neufeld, R., Corner, J. 1980. Toxicity of Astragalus
miser v. serotinus to the honeybee. J. Apic. Res., 19: 196-199.
Majak, W., Pass, M. A. 1989. Aliphatic nitrocompounds. Pages
143-159 in Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. II
Quinton, D. A., Majak, W., Hall, J. W. 1989. The effect of cattle
grazing on the growth and miserotoxin content of Columbia
milkvetch. J. Range Manage., 42: 368-371.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Astragalus miser Dougl. ex Hook.
Vernacular name(s): timber milk-vetch
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Astragalus miser
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Astragalus miser:

Timber milk-vetch contains miserotoxin. This toxic principle is
found primarily in the leaves and reaches its highest concentration
during the bud and mature-flower stages of growth. The levels drop
rapidly when leaves dry. Herbicides bleach leaves and cause a
reduction in the concentration of miserotoxin. Tests with fertilizer on
range plants showed that use of urea (nitrogen at 200 kg/ha)
increased the level of miserotoxin during the second year of fertilizer

use on a clearcut site. Use of urea (nitrogen at 100 kg/ha) on
grassland sites did not affect miserotoxin levels (Cheeke and Schull
1985; Majak and Wikeem 1986).
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:
poisonous plants. AVI Publishing Company, Inc., Westport, Conn.,
USA. 492 pp.

The glycoside (3-nitro-1-propyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside), called
miserotoxin, is the poisonous principle in timber milk-vetch. Other
toxic chemicals have been found including the following:
3-nitro-1-propyl-beta-D-gentiobioside (called
gentitoxin)
3-nitropropyl-beta-D-allolactoside.
Miserotoxin is rapidly hydrolysed by rumen organisms. The acute
toxic effect is related to methemoglobinemia, where hemoglobin is
oxidized by nitrite (Cheeke and Schull 1985, Majak et al. 1988).
Miserotoxin is not converted to NPA (3-nitro-1-propionic acid) in the
digestive tract of nonruminants. Cattle and sheep can be intoxicated
by feeding the chemical NPOH (3-nitro-1-propanal) at 20-60 mg/kg
of body weight. NPOH is lethal at 30-35 mg/kg in cattle when fed
intravenously:
LD-50 » 77 mg/kg for oral acute toxicity in rats
LD-50 » 25 mg/kg for chronic toxicity in rats fed
twice daily for several days.
The acute and chronic syndromes were caused experimentally in rats,
pigs, chicks, pigeons, rabbits, and mice (Majak and Pass 1989).

miserotoxin
3-nitropropanol

References:
USA. 492 pp.
146-150.
Majak, W., Benn, M. H., Huang, Y. Y. 1988. A new glycoside of
3-nitropropanol from Astragalus miser var. serotinus. J. Nat. Prod.
(Lloydia), 51: 985-988.
Cattle

breathing, labored
collapse
cyanosis
death
emphysema
incoordination
muscle, weakness of
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle that have ingested timber milk-vetch can suffer from acute
syndrome, in which a rapid onset with death occurs a few hours to a
day after ingestion. Chronically affected animals have liver damage,
emphysema, Wallerian degeneration of the spinal cord and peripheral
nerves, and focal hemorrhages in the brain. Lactating animals are
most susceptible to the toxin (Majak and Pass 1989).
References:
146-150.
Honey bees
death
incoordination
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Honey bees were poisoned after ingesting the nectar of timber
milk-vetch. Sickness and death occur with 0.1-0.8% daily mortality
rate of the hive population. In experiments, 2.5% miserotoxin in a
50% sugar solution killed 100% of bees within 48 h. Poisoned bees
were unable to fly, and dead bees were usually seen with the wings
extended and the proboscis protruding (Majak et al. 1980).
References:
Majak, W., Neufeld, R., Corner, J. 1980. Toxicity of Astragalus
miser v. serotinus to the honeybee. J. Apic. Res., 19: 196-199.

Horses
Sheep
breathing, labored
cyanosis
death
incoordination
Notes on poisoning:
Sheep often collapse and die from acute miserotoxin poisoning after
exhibiting few clinical signs. In sheep the respiratory signs of chronic
poisoning are more prominent than the nervous system signs. The
animals lose weight and develop respiratory distress, hind limb
paresis, nasal discharge, and a roaring sound. Lactating sheep are
more susceptible to intoxication than nonlactating ones (Majak and
Pass 1989).
References:
146-150.
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Avena sativa
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Oats (Avena sativa) can cause nitrate toxicity in livestock. Cattle
are more prone to toxicity, but swine and turkeys have been
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites poisoned on oat stubble. Grass tetany also occurs during periods
of lush growth when ruminants suffer from a mineral imbalance.
References:
Newsom, I. E., Stout, E. N., Thorp, F., Barber, C. W., Groth, A.
H. 1937. Oat hay poisoning. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 90: 66-75.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Avena sativa L.
Vernacular name(s): oats
Scientific family name: Gramineae
Vernacular family name: grass
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Avena sativa
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Avena sativa:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Oat hay is a common source of plant poisoning by nitrates.
Evidence suggests that moisture on outdoor hay may promote
bacterial reduction of nitrate to the more toxic nitrite (Kingsbury
1964).

nitrate
References:
Cattle
cyanosis
death
gait, staggering
trembling
weakness
References:
Swine
Turkeys
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Notes on poisoning:
Baptisia leucantha
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Wild false indigo (Baptisia leucantha) is a native perennial herb
found in southern Ontario. The plant contains toxic alkaloids that
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites have caused poisoning in cattle (Hansen 1930). This plant is
potentially poisonous to humans, but no cases of human
poisoning have been reported (Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
Hansen, A. A. 1930. Indiana plants injurious to livestock. Purdue
Univ. Agric. Ext. Stn. Circ., 175. 38 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Baptisia leucantha T. & G.
Vernacular name(s): wild false indigo
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Baptisia
leucantha
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Ontario
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Baptisia leucantha:
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
stems
References:

cytisine
References:
Cattle
anorexia
diarrhea
References:
Humans
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Baptisia tinctoria
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria) is a native perennial herb found
in southern Ontario. Cheeke and Schull (1985) call the plant toxic
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites but no cases of human poisoning have been reported.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Baptisia tinctoria (L.) Br.
Vernacular name(s): wild indigo
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Baptisia
tinctoria
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Ontario
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Baptisia tinctoria:
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
References:
84 pp.

baptisin
cytisine
References:
84 pp.
Humans
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Barbarea vulgaris
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Yellow rocket (Barbarea vulgaris) is a naturalized plant found
across much of Canada. This plant poisoned a horse in one
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites unusual case in which the animal ate large quantities of the plant
from a wagon that was hauling the weed from a field (Hansen
1930). The symptoms suggested gluocosinolate poisoning, as in
Brassica spp.
References:
MacDonald, M. A., Cavers, P. B. 1991. The biology of Canadian
weeds. 97. Barbarea vulgaris R.Br. Can. J. Plant Sci., 71:
149-166.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Barbarea vulgaris R. Br.
Vernacular name(s): yellow rocket
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Barbarea
vulgaris
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Barbarea vulgaris:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:
Horses
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Bassia hyssopifolia
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Five-hooked bassia (Bassia hyssopifolia) is a naturalized herb
found in southern parts of western Canada. The plant is suspected
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites of poisoning livestock. James et al. (1976) report experimental
poisoning of sheep after they were fed macerated above-ground
parts of the plant.
References:
James, L. F., Williams, M. C., Bleak, A. T. 1976. Toxicity of
Bassia hyssopifolia to sheep. J. Range Manage., 29: 284-285.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Bassia hyssopifolia (Pall.) Ktze.
Vernacular name(s): five-hooked bassia
Scientific family name: Chenopodiaceae
Vernacular family name: goosefoot
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Bassia
hyssopifolia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Bassia hyssopifolia:
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
References:

oxalate
References:
Sheep
coma
death
gait, unsteady
incoordination
tetany
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
In experimental feeding of sheep, five-hooked bassia caused
symptoms similar to poisoning by Kochia scoparia. In addition to
the symptoms listed, hemorrhaging on the rumen surface and
enlarged kidneys occurred. Calcium concentrations in the serum
of five sheep dropped from an average of 10.9 mg/mL to 3.6
mg/mL. Signs of photosensitization were also noted in some of
the sheep (James et al. 1976).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Australian umbrella tree (Brassaia actinophylla) is an ornamental
shrub grown indoors in Canada. This plant caused toxic
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites symptoms in a dog after it ingested the leaves. Experimental
work on rats caused death after they ingested 3.2 g of leaf tissue
over 7 days. Symptoms in the rats included extramedullary
hematopoiesis in the spleen, with black tarry gastrointestinal
content caused by blood (Quam et al. 1985).
References:
Mitchell, J. C. 1981. Allergic contact dermatitis from Hedera
helix and Brassaia actinophylla (Araliaceae). Contact Dermatitis,
7: 158-159.
Quam, V. C., Schermeister, L. J., Tanner, N. S. 1985.
Investigation for toxicity of a household plant - Australian
umbrella tree (Brassaia actinophylla Endl.). N. D. Farm Res., 43:
15-17.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Brassaia actinophylla Endl.
Vernacular name(s): Australian umbrella tree
Scientific family name: Araliaceae
Vernacular family name: aralia
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Brassaia
actinophylla
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Brassaia actinophylla:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:
15-17.

Chemical analysis (Quam et al. 1985) revealed that leaves contain
oxalates and saponins as well as some cardiac glycosides and
alkaloids.

oxalate
References:
15-17.
Dogs
anorexia
ataxia
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
A poodle that ingested Australian umbrella tree leaves suffered
from vomiting, leucopenia, anorexia, and ataxia. The leaves were
found to contain 0.9%-1.5% oxalate crystals by weight (Spoerke
and Smolinske 1990).
References:
Humans
erythema
References:
7: 158-159.
Rodents
death
hemorrhage
References:
15-17.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Brassica campestris
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Bird rape (Brassica campestris) includes the vegetables turnip
and chinese cabbage. These plants can accumulate toxic
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites quantities of SMCO, which poisoned several types of livestock
after they ingested sufficient quantities (Benevenga et al. 1985).
Please see the expanded notes on poisoning by this chemical
under kale (Brassica oleracea) and the effects on various
livestock animals.
References:
Fla., USA. 271 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Brassica campestris L.
Vernacular name(s): bird rape
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Brassica
campestris
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Brassica campestris:

The quantities of SMCO vary amongst the plant parts and in
relation to the maturity of the plant (Benevenga et al. 1989).
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
stems
References:
Fla., USA. 271 pp.

This species can produce toxic quantities of SMCO (S-methyl-Lcysteine sulfoxide) (Benevenga et al. 1989).

References:
Fla., USA. 271 pp.
Cattle
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Brassica juncea
Interactive
name
Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) is a naturalized herb found across

All poisonous plants by Common much of Canada. This plant can contain large quantities of toxins that
are common to the genus Brassica. Many of these compounds are
name
being reduced through plant breeding. See the comments under
sections of Brassica oleracea, which include a discussion of
problems in relation to this genus.
sites
References:
Kernaleguen, A., Smith, R. A., Yong, C. W. 1989. Acute mustard
seed toxicosis in beef cattle. Can. Vet. J., 30: 524.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.
Vernacular name(s): Indian mustard
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Brassica juncea
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Newfoundland
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Brassica juncea:
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
References:

glucosinolates
glucosinolates
glucosinolates

References:
Cattle
abortion
death
dehydration
gait, staggering
Notes on poisoning:
In one case in Saskatchewan, a herd of cattle gained access to waste
mustard seed. Six cows died and two were ill. Symptoms included
depression, staggering, and reluctance to move. Several cows
aborted, but most showed clinical signs of sickness. Postmortem
findings revealed profuse edema of the forestomachs and abomasum.
A 2-3 cm layer of clear, yellowish, gelatinous fluid was present under
the serosa of the rumen, reticulum, and omasum. Allylisothiocyanate
at a rate of 1000 mg/100 mL was liberated from the seeds. A rate of
250 mg/100 mL is regarded as acutely toxic to cattle (Kernaleguen et
al. 1989).
References:
Swine
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Brassica napus
Interactive
name
Rapeseed (Brassica napus) meal is used as an additive to livestock

All poisonous plants by Common feed, but toxicity occurs from glucosinolates and erucic acid, which
form in the seeds. Canadian breeders have developed new cultivars
name
called canola, which are low in these compounds (Cheeke and Schull
1985). See discussions under Brassica oleracea for more information
on poisoning by Brassica species.
sites
References:
USA. 492 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Brassica napus L.
Vernacular name(s): rapeseed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Brassica napus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Brassica napus:

Rapeseed meal is used as an additive to feeds for livestock. The
recent development of canola cultivars allows a much higher amount
of rapeseed meal to be added to diets without toxic affects (Cheeke

and Schull 1985).
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
References:
USA. 492 pp.

See the notes under Brassica oleracea for a discussion on these
chemicals, which are common to the genus Brassica.

glucosinolates
glucosinolates
glucosinolates


References:
USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
Poultry
thyroid, enlarged
Notes on poisoning:
Poultry exhibit growth depression and enlarged thyroid glands from
ingesting too much rapeseed meal. Perosis, lowered egg production,
and off-flavors in eggs also occur (Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
USA. 492 pp.
Swine
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Brassica oleracea
Interactive
name
Brassica oleracea includes common cultivated crops such as kale,

All poisonous plants by Common broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. All these vegetables are
capable of forming toxic quantities of SMCO, a chemical that can
name
cause hemolytic anemia in livestock. These plants also contain
glucosinolates, which can cause goiter. In general, these widely used
Important WWW Poisonous Plants vegetables are safe for human consumption. Cases of livestock
sites
poisoning occur when they are used almost exclusively as fodder for
animals (Kingsbury 1964, Smith 1980, Cheeke and Schull 1985,
Benevenga et al. 1989). Glucosinolates contained in kale, cabbage,
and broccoli (Brassica oleracea) can cause goiter in humans. These
plants cause goiter in less than 5% of cases in humans. The chemicals
cause a reduction in performance of young livestock, especially
swine and poultry (Fenwick et al. 1989). It is important to note that
the frequency of toxicity has dropped dramatically since a few
decades ago. Researchers have changed the quantity of toxic
compounds in the entire Brassica spp., creating new cultivars with
lower quantities of these chemicals. The threat of poisoning from
some of the plants has diminished or virtually disappeared in some
cultivars. For example, the Canadian development of rapeseed into
the so-called "double-zero" cultivars (low in glucosinolates and in
erucic acid) has allowed rapeseed meal to be used for livestock at
much higher levels without reducing performance (Cheeke and
Schull 1985).
References:
Benevenga, N. J., Case, G. L., Steele, R. D. 1989. Occurrence and
metabolism of s-methyl-l-cysteine and s-methyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide
in plants and their toxicity and metabolism in animals. Pages
203-228 in Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. III.
Proteins and amino acids. CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., USA.
271 pp.

USA. 492 pp.
Smith, R. H. 1980. Kale poisoning: the brassica anemia factor. Vet.
Rec., 107: 12-15.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea L.
Vernacular name(s): wild cabbage
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Brassica oleracea
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Newfoundland
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Brassica oleracea:

SMCO is most abundant in young leaves and growing points.
Brussels sprouts can have high amounts of the chemical, as can the
flowering parts of the plants. The most drastic hemolytic anemia
occurs when these plants form exclusive fodder for livestock (Smith
1980).
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
References:
Rec., 107: 12-15.

Glucosinolates are chemicals that can inhibit the function of the
thyroid gland. Various components of the chemicals can be
detrimental to both humans and livestock. Goitrin inhibits thyroid
function. Thiocynates and isothiocyanates inhibit iodine uptake by
the thyroid gland. Nitriles can be formed from glucosinolates and
these chemicals are toxic, affecting the liver and kidneys (Cheeke
and Schull 1985). SMCO (S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide) is an
alpha-amino acid that causes hemolytic anemia in livestock. This
chemical is restricted to various members of the family Cruciferae in
the genera Brassica and Raphanus as well as the family Liliaceae in
the genus Allium (onions). Additional notes on this chemical can be
found under members of these genera. The concentration of SMCO
in kale plants may double as the plants mature. The quantity of

SMCO is increased with the addition of nitrogen to high-sulfate soils.
SMCO can be greatly reduced in low-sulfate soils. The variation of
SMCO varies greatly amongst different varieties of plants in the
genus Brassica, suggesting that concentrations of SMCO may be
heritable (Benevenga et al. 1989).

glucosinolates
glucosinolates
glucosinolates

References:
271 pp.

USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
Heinz bodies
hemoglobinuria
References:
Rec., 107: 12-15.
Goats
Heinz bodies
hemoglobinuria
References:
Rec., 107: 12-15.
Humans
thyroid, enlarged
References:
USA. 492 pp.
Poultry
Sheep
Heinz bodies
hemoglobinuria
References:
271 pp.
Swine
Notes on poisoning:
Glucosinolates in the plants can cause general reduced weight gain in
young pigs (less than 20 kg) (Fenwick et al. 1989).
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Caladium bicolor
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Caladium (Caladium bicolor) is a houseplant that can cause
burning and irritation of the lips. The plant can be a problem to
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites children who ingest the leaves as well as to family pets that might
nibble on the foliage.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Caladium bicolor (Ait.) Vent.
Vernacular name(s): caladium
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Caladium
bicolor
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Caladium bicolor:

All parts of this plant contain oxalate crystals, which can cause
intense irritation if ingested (Lampe and McCann 1985).
Toxic parts:
leaves
roots
stems
References:

Oxalate crystals are common to many members of the family
Araceae and are capable of causing intense irritation.

oxalate
References:
Cats
Dogs
Humans
mouth, irritation of
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting material containing calcium oxalate raphide crystals
causes irritation of the soft mouth parts and perhaps the throat of
humans and animals. Swelling of tissues causes pain and a
burning sensation that slowly subsides. Cool liquids or analgesics
may be indicated. The insoluble oxalates do not cause systemic
poisoning (Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning: Calla

palustris
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Wild calla (Calla palustris) is a native plant that grows in
swamps and marshes through much of Canada. Calcium oxalates
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites occur, which can cause severe irritation of the mouth and throat.
No cases of livestock poisoning are found in the literature, but the
potential for poisoning is present. Humans are also at risk from
this plant (Kingsbury 1964, Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Calla palustris L.
Vernacular name(s): wild calla
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Calla palustris
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Calla palustris:

All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can
cause irritation of the mouth and throat (Lampe and McCann
1985).
Toxic parts:
leaves
rhizome
roots
stems
References:

oxalate
References:
Cattle
Humans
Notes on poisoning:
Mouth and throat irritation, accompanied by pain and swelling,
occurs upon chewing of plant parts. The insoluble oxalates do not
produce systemic poisoning in humans. Washing or heating the
rhizome can inactivate the oxalates. In northern Europe the
ground rhizome is used as flour for bread (Frohne and Pfander
1983, Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Cannabis sativa
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Accidental ingestion of marijuana (Cannabis sativa) by pets is an
occasional problem. Family pets or young children may
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites accidentally ingest the plant, which may be stored in plastic bags.
A dog ingested hashish brownies and then exhibited various
symptoms such as hyperactivity, vomiting, somnolence,
staggering, and glazed eyes. In another case, in Edmonton, a pet
ferret ingested the plant and became comatose after experiencing
sneezing bouts and ataxia. Although no fatalities of humans have
been reported, the effects on a young child accidentally ingesting
marijuana are bound to be very disturbing to the parents (Jones
1978, Smith 1988).
References:
Jones, D. L. 1978. A case of canine cannabis ingestion. N. Z. Vet.
J., 26: 135-136.
Smith, R. A. 1988. Coma in a ferret after ingestion of cannabis.
Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 30: 486.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Cannabis sativa L.
Vernacular name(s): marijuana
Scientific family name: Cannabinaceae
Vernacular family name: hemp
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Cannabis
sativa
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Cannabis sativa:

The resins in the leaves are psychoactive in mammals, including
humans. These plants are cultivated indoors and outdoors for
human use. The plants can overwinter as seed in warmer parts of
the country. The most common form that may be accidentally

ingested by humans and pets is marijuana that has been left in
houses for illegal human use.
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
References:
Small, E., Cronquist, A. 1976. A practical and natural taxonomy
for Cannabis. Taxon, 25: 405-435.

Delta-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the chemical most often
cited as causing the psychoactive compound in marijuana. This
chemical affects humans and many other mammals. Any children
or pets that accidentally ingest quantities of marijuana may show
various symptoms, including coma.

tetrahydrocannabinol
References:
Dogs
agitation
drowsiness
gait, staggering
unconsciousness
vomiting
References:
J., 26: 135-136.
Ferrets
ataxia
coma
temperature, depressed
References:
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Interactive
Notes on poisoning:
Caulophyllum
thalictroides

Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) is a native plant found
in rich woods in eastern Canada. The plant contains chemicals
that can cause cell damage. Experiments show that handling
powdered root can cause irritation of mucous membranes, with
possible dermatitis. No case histories of poisoning were found in
the literature, but the plant has poisoning potential. Children
should not be allowed to eat the attractive blue fruits of this plant
(Muenscher 1975, Lampe and McCann 1985). No references
were found of poisoning of livestock.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Caulophyllum thalictroides (L.) Michaux
Vernacular name(s): blue cohosh
Scientific family name: Berberidaceae
Vernacular family name: barberry
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Caulophyllum
thalictroides
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Caulophyllum thalictroides:

The berries and roots contain chemicals that are cytotoxic,
causing cell damage. The plant is extremely bitter and is not
usually ingested by livestock. (Muenscher 1975, Lampe and
McCann 1985).
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
roots
References:

An alkaloid and saponins occur in this plant. The chemicals are
cytotoxic, damaging animal cells. The plant is reported to have
orally active oxytocic substances, which cause uterine
contractions (Fergusen and Edwards 1954, Lampe and McCann
1985).

N-methylcytisine
References:
Humans
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Centaurea repens
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Russian knapweed (Centaurea repens) and yellow star-thistle
(Centaurea solstitialis) are both naturalized in western Canada.
Important WWW Poisonous Plants Both plants cause chewing disease in horses. The problem is
restricted to horses. Prolonged consumption of the plants is
sites
required to produce the symptoms. Russian knapweed is more
toxic than yellow star-thistle (Cheeke and Schull 1985, Panter
1990):
- intake of 1.8-2.5 kg/100 kg of body weight per day of Russian
knapweed causes toxicity after ingesting 59-71% of its body
weight of the plant material in about 30 days;
- intake of 2.3-2.6 kg/100 kg of body weight per day of yellow
star- thistle causes toxicity after ingesting 86-200% of its body
weight of the plant material in about 54 days.
There are no known treatments for horses once the
symptoms appear.
References:
Cheeke, P. R., Shull, L. R. 1985. Natural toxicants in feeds
and poisonous plants. AVI Publishing Company, Inc.,
Westport, Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Cordy, D. R. 1978. Centaurea species and equine
nigropallidal encephalomalacia. Pages 327-336 in Keeler,
R. F., Van Kampen, K. R., James, L. F., eds. Effects of
poisonous plants on livestock. Academic Press, New York,
N.Y., USA. 600 pp.
Panter, K. E. 1990. Toxicity of knapweed in horses. Wash.
State Univ. Knapweed, 4(3): 2.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Centaurea repens L.
Vernacular name(s): Russian knapweed
Scientific family name: Compositae
Vernacular family name: composite
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on:
Centaurea repens
References:
Agriculture Quebec. 1975. Noms des maladies des plantes
du Canada/ Names of plant diseases in Canada. , Quebec
City, Que., Canada. 288 pp.
Alex, J. F., Cayouette, R., Mulligan, G. A. 1980. Common
and botanical names of weeds in Canada/Noms populaire et
scientifiques des plantes nuisibles du Canada. Revised.
Agric. Can. Publ., Ottawa, Ont., Canada. 132 pp.
Scoggan, H. J. 1978, 1979. The flora of Canada. Nat. Mus.
Nat. Sci. (Ottawa) Publ. Bot. 7(1)-7(4). 1711 pp.
Van Wijk, H. L. 1911. A dictionary of plant names.
Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague, The Netherlands. 1444 pp.
Victorin, M. 1964. Flore Laurentienne. 2nd ed. Univ.
Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada. 952 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Saskatchewan
References:
Provencheria 6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437;
583-646; 989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Centaurea repens:
Notes on Poisonous plant

parts:
Horses must ingest fresh aboveground plant material for
prolonged periods to reach a threshold level of unknown
toxicity and then the symptoms appear abruptly. Chewing
disease in horses has occurred in parts of the western
United States. In California the peak times of disease onset
are June-July and October-November (Cordy 1978).
Toxic parts:
leaves
mature fruit
stems
References:
Cordy, D. R. 1978. Centaurea species and equine
nigropallidal encephalomalacia. Pages 327-336 in Keeler,
R. F., Van Kampen, K. R., James, L. F., eds. Effects of
poisonous plants on livestock. Academic Press, New York,
N.Y., USA. 600 pp.
Mettler, F. A., Stern, G. M. 1963. Observations on the toxic
effects of yellow star thistle. J. Neuropathol. & Exp.
Neurol., 22: 164-169.

unknown chemical
References:
Note: When an animal is listed without additional
information, the literature (as of 1993) contained no
detailed explanation.
Horses
drowsiness
gait, unsteady
incoordination
restlessness
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Yellow star-thistle (Centaurea solstitialis) has the same toxic
effect on horses as Russian thistle, which is more toxic. Chewing
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites disease becomes incurable once clinical signs are present (Cordy
1987). See the general notes under Russian thistle.
References:
Cordy, D. R. 1978. Centaurea species and equine nigropallidal
encephalomalacia. Pages 327-336 in Keeler, R. F., Van Kampen,
K. R., James, L. F., eds. Effects of poisonous plants on livestock.
Academic Press, New York, N.Y., USA. 600 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Centaurea solstitialis L.
Vernacular name(s): yellow star-thistle
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Centaurea
solstitialis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Manitoba
Ontario
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Centaurea solstitialis:
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
stems
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Horses
death
incoordination
water intake, reduced
References:
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Important Notices
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Interactive
name
name
sites
Notes on poisoning:
Ceratocephalus
testiculatus
Bur buttercup (Ceratocephalus testiculatus) is an introduced herb
that so far is known only from around Kamloops, British
Columbia. This plant is found in several western states bordering
Canada, where it is rapidly spreading. The plant has also been
found on South Bass Island in Ohio on Lake Erie. This plant
contains ranunculin, as do some species of the genus Ranunculus
(buttercup). This chemical changes into a toxic chemical when the
plant is crushed. Sheep have been poisoned and have died in the
western United States after ingesting aboveground plant material;
this plant is considered highly toxic. About 500 g of green plant
can kill a 45-kg sheep. This plant grows in dry sandy areas, such
as sage slopes and in livestock pens, and has recently been found
as a weed in grain and alfalfa fields (Olsen et al. 1983, Cusick
1989).
References:
Cusick, A. W. 1989. Bur buttercup (Ceratocephalus testiculatus:
Ranunculaceae): a poisonous plant newly established in Ohio.
Mich. Bot., 28: 33-35.
Olsen, J. D., Anderson, T. E., Murphy, J. C., Madsen, G. 1983.
Bur buttercup poisoning of sheep. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 183:
538-543.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Ceratocephalus testiculatus (Crantz) Roth
Vernacular name(s): bur buttercup
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Ceratocephalus testiculatus:
Toxic parts:
plant juices
References:
Mich. Bot., 28: 33-35.

Crushing the plant releases an enzyme that changes ranunculin, a
glycoside, to protoanemonin, a highly irritant, yellow, volatile oil.
This chemical is unstable and changes to nontoxic anemonin or
volatilizes upon drying, leaving nontoxic plant material. The
median LD-50 was 10.9 g/kg for sheep fed aboveground plant
parts in the flower to early-seed stage. A sheep fed 7 g/kg of body
weight might develop transient anorectic effects. Intake of 13.9
g/kg or greater would usually be lethal (Olsen et al. 1983).

ranunculin

References:
538-543.
Sheep
anorexia
breathing, labored
death
diarrhea
dyspnea
recumbency
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
In Utah 150 of 800 sheep that ingested bur buttercup died.
Symptoms took less than 24 h and included watery diarrhea,
recumbency, weakness, and death. Experimental feeding showed
more complete signs, such as tachycardia, dyspnea, anorexia, and
occasional fever. Post- mortem findings revealed edema of the
peritoneal surface to the ruminoreticulum, subendocardial
hemorrhages in the left ventricle, and congestion of the heart,
kidneys, liver and lungs. Severity was directly related to the
dosage. Death results apparently as a failure of the cardiovascular
system, with massive fluid shifts (Olsen et al. 1983).
References:
538-543.
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Notes on poisoning:
Chelidonium majus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) is a perennial naturalized
herb found in parts of eastern Canada. This plant is suspected in
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites the death of a four-year old boy (Koopman 1937). There are
records of skin irritation and soreness after the latex is applied to
the skin, a practice that was followed in Europe to help minor
skin injuries (Cooper and Johnson 1984). Cattle were poisoned
and died in Britain after ingesting the ripe fruit of this plant
(Reeks 1903); 500 g of the plant can cause toxic effects in horses
or cattle (Frohne and Pfander 1983).
References:
Frohne, D., Pfander, H. J. 1983. A colour atlas of poisonous
plants. Wolfe Publishing Ltd., London, England. 291 pp.
Koopman, H. 1937. A fatal case of celandine poisoning.
Sammlung von Vergiftungsfallen, 8: 93-98.
Reeks, H. C. 1903. Poisoning of cattle by common celandine. J.
Comp. Pathol. Ther., 16: 367-371.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Chelidonium majus L.
Vernacular name(s): greater celandine
Scientific family name: Papaveraceae
Vernacular family name: poppy
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Chelidonium
majus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
New Brunswick
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Chelidonium majus:

The entire plant is considered poisonous. The plant contains
bright yellow latex that turns reddish after exposure to air. The
plant is considered unpalatable because of its acrid taste and

pungent, fetid smell (Frohne and Pfander 1983, Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
latex
References:

Chelidonine is the major alkaloid found in greater celandine. At
least 20 other alkaloids have been found in the plant. The
concentration of these alkaloids varies in various plant organs,
depending on the stage of growth (Frohne and Pfander 1983).

chelidonine
References:
Cattle
convulsions
death
drowsiness
gait, staggering
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
One case of cattle poisoning is attributed to this plant. The cattle
became drowsy, had a staggering gait, salivated, and some cows
died. Calves that suckled the poisoned cows were unaffected.
Postmortem examination revealed gastrointestinal irritation
(Reeks 1903).
References:
Humans
coma
death
diarrhea
drowsiness
headache
Notes on poisoning:
The case of a 4-year-old boy who sickened and died is cited in
the literature. Postmortem examination showed severe irritation
of the large intestine. The cause of death was suspected to be
greater celandine (Koopman 1937).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Chenopodium album
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Lamb's-quarters (Chenopodium album) is a naturalized annual
herb found in disturbed soils across Canada. This plant can cause
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites sickness and death in livestock if large quantities are ingested.
The plants can accumulate both nitrates and soluble oxalates.
Cattle and sheep have been poisoned. Humans who consume
large quantities of the plant and are subsequently exposed to
sunlight suffer photosensitization (Whitehead and Moxon 1952,
Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Chenopodium album L.
Vernacular name(s): lamb's-quarters
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Chenopodium
album
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Chenopodium album:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:
Gilbert, C. S., Eppson, H. F., Bradley, W. B., Beath, O. A. 1946.
Nitrate accumulation in cultivated plants and weeds. Univ. Wyo.
Agric. Exp. Stn. Bull., 277. 39 pp.
Whitehead, E. I., Moxon, A. L. 1952. Nitrate poisoning. S. D.

This plant can accumulate high levels of nitrates and oxalates.
The high oxalate content is thought to be responsible for most
cases of poisoning (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

nitrate
oxalate
References:
Cattle
breathing, shallow
death
diarrhea
recumbency
skin, yellow pigment
unconsciousness
References:
Horses
Humans
Sheep
Swine
Another search?
Home
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
name
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum) and cultivated hybrids

All poisonous plants by Common (C. X morifolium Ramat.) are perennial ornamentals grown indoors
and outdoors. Some humans develop contact dermatitis after
name
extended exposure to garden chrysanthemums. This is an
occupational hazard of florists, nursery workers, and gardeners.
Important WWW Poisonous Plants (Rook and Mitchell 1979, Frohne and Pfander 1983).
sites
References:
Mitchell, J. C., Rook, A. 1979. Botanical dermatology. Greenglass
Ltd, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. 787 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum indicum L.
Vernacular name(s): chrysanthemum
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Chrysanthemum
indicum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Chrysanthemum indicum:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:
Frohne, D., Pfander, H. J. 1983. A colour atlas of poisonous plants.
Wolfe Publishing Ltd., London, England. 291 pp.

Arteglasin A is a sesquiterpene lactone of the quaianolide type and
is one of the active allergens of garden chrysanthemums. A
cross-link can form between this chemical and sulfhydryl groups of
body proteins so that complete antigens are produced. Repeated
exposure can cause the allergic reaction. Humans who are sensitive
to one member of the Compositae family can become sensitive to
other members of the plant family, such as yarrow (Achillea
millefolium) or wild chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)(Mitchell
and Rook 1979; Frohne and Pfander 1983).

arteglasin A
References:
Humans
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Important Notices
Introduction
Interactive
name
Notes on poisoning:
Chrysothamnus
nauseosus

name
Stinking rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus) is a native shrub

found on rangeland in western Canada. This plant has been
Important WWW Poisonous Plants reported to be toxic to livestock, and some feeding experiments
have supported this conclusion. However, the plant is so
sites
unpalatable that quantities sufficient to cause toxicity are not likely
to be ingested (Sampson and Malmsten 1935, Kingsbury 1964,
Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Sampson, A. W., Malmsten, H. E. 1935. Stock-poisoning plants of
California. Univ. Calif. Div. Agric. Sci. Bull., 593. 90 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Pall.) Britt.
Vernacular name(s): stinking rabbitbrush
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Chrysothamnus
nauseosus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Chrysothamnus nauseosus:

This plant is considered unpalatable for livestock under most
circumstances (Fuller and McClintock 1986).
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Cattle
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Cicuta douglasii
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Western water-hemlock (Cicuta douglasii) is a native perennial
plant found in wet soils in British Columbia. This plant is
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites poisonous to all types of livestock and to humans. Many cases of
poisoning have occurred in cattle, sheep, and horses. Pigs seem
more resistant to the toxins, but they have still been poisoned.
Humans have also been poisoned by this plant. Children are
especially susceptible because ingestion of only one bite of the
rootstock is sufficient to cause death. The onset of symptoms is
so rapid that treatment may not be successful (Starrveld and Hope
1975, James and Ralphs 1986). See additional information in the
general notes under Cicuta maculata.
References:
James, L. F., Ralphs, M. H. 1986. Water hemlock. Utah. Sci.,
47(2): 67-69.
Panter, K. E., Keeler, R. F., Baker, D. C. 1988. Toxicoses in
livestock from the hemlocks (Conium and Cicuta spp.). J. Anim.
Sci., 66: 2407-2413.
Starreveld, E., Hope, C. E. 1975. Cicutoxin poisoning (water
hemlock). Neurology, 25: 730-734.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Cicuta douglasii (DC.) Coult. & Rose
Vernacular name(s): western water-hemlock
Scientific family name: Umbelliferae
Vernacular family name: parsley
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Cicuta
douglasii
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Cicuta douglasii:

The toxins are concentrated in the chambered rootstock but also
occur in the leaves and stems as well (James and Ralphs 1986).
Toxic parts:
leaves
roots
young shoots
References:
47(2): 67-69.

Cicutoxin is a highly unsaturated alcohol that is very toxic. The
following dosages have been found:
Lethal dose (fresh green plant material)
0.1 kg
0.4 kg
0.3 kg
Animal
sheep
cattle
horse
Pigs appear to be more resistant to poisoning than other livestock.

Adult humans can be poisoned and can die with only two or three
bites of the rootstock (Starrveld and Hope 1975, James and
Ralphs 1986).

cicutoxin
References:
47(2): 67-69.
Cattle
bloat
coma
convulsions
death by asphyxiation
lesions, no specific
muscle spasms
muscle twitching
nervousness
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of poisoning are similar to all classes of livestock. See
the information in general notes under Cicuta maculata.
References:
47(2): 67-69.
Horses
bloat
coma
convulsions
muscle spasms
muscle twitching
nervousness
salivation
teeth grinding
References:
47(2): 67-69.
Humans
coma
Notes on poisoning:
Toxicity and death in humans is possible with all three species of
the genus Cicuta (water-hemlock). See the information in the
general notes under Cicuta maculata.
References:
Sheep
bloat
coma
convulsions
death
gait, unsteady
incoordination
mouth, frothing of
muscle spasms
muscle twitching
nervousness
salivation
tarsal joint knuckling
teeth grinding
trembling
urination, frequent
References:
47(2): 67-69.
Sci., 66: 2407-2413.
Swine
coma
convulsions
muscle spasms
muscle twitching
nervousness
salivation
References:
47(2): 67-69.
Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: Cicuta

maculata
Interactive
All poisonous plants by
Botanical name
Spotted water-hemlock (Cicuta maculata) is a native perennial herb found in

All poisonous plants by wet soils and marshes across most of Canada and is considered the most
violently toxic plant in North America. Humans and all classes of livestock are
Common name
susceptible to poisoning and death after ingesting plant material. The onset of
symptoms is often so sudden and traumatic that treatments are not always
Important WWW
successful. The symptoms are similar in all cases of poisoning: salivation,
Poisonous Plants sites muscular spasms, violent convulsions, coma, and death from asphyxiation.
Death can occur within 15 minutes to 2-3 h after a lethal dose (Starrveld and
Hope 1976, Panter et al. 1988).
References:
Campbell, E. W. 1966. Plant poisoning Umbelliferae (parsley family). Maine
Med. Assoc., 57(2): 40-42.
Haggerty, D. R., Conway, J. A. 1936. Report of poisoning by Cicuta maculata.
Water hemlock. N. Y. State J. Med., 36: 1511-1514.
Pammel, L. H. 1928. Cowbane (wild parsnip). N. Am. Vet., 9: 25-26.
Panter, K. E., Keeler, R. F., Baker, D. C. 1988. Toxicoses in livestock from the
hemlocks (Conium and Cicuta spp.). J. Anim. Sci., 66: 2407-2413.
Skidmore, L. V. 1933. Water hemlock (Cicuta maculata L.) poisoning in
swine. Vet. J., 89: 76-80.
Smith, R. A., Lewis, D. 1987. Cicuta toxicosis in cattle: case history and
simplified analytical method. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 29(3): 240-241.
Starreveld, E., Hope, C. E. 1975. Cicutoxin poisoning (water hemlock).
Neurology, 25: 730-734.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Cicuta maculata L.
Vernacular name(s): spotted water-hemlock

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Cicuta maculata
References:
Agriculture Quebec. 1975. Noms des maladies des plantes du Canada/ Names
of plant diseases in Canada. , Quebec City, Que., Canada. 288 pp.
Alex, J. F., Cayouette, R., Mulligan, G. A. 1980. Common and botanical names
of weeds in Canada/Noms populaire et scientifiques des plantes nuisibles du
Canada. Revised. Agric. Can. Publ., Ottawa, Ont., Canada. 132 pp.
Bailey, L. H., Bailey, E. Z. 1976. Hortus third. Revised. MacMillan, New
York, N.Y., USA. 1290 pp.
Scoggan, H. J. 1978, 1979. The flora of Canada. Nat. Mus. Nat. Sci. (Ottawa)
Publ. Bot. 7(1)-7(4). 1711 pp.
Van Wijk, H. L. 1911. A dictionary of plant names. Martinus Nijhoff, The
Hague, The Netherlands. 1444 pp.
Victorin, M. 1964. Flore Laurentienne. 2nd ed. Univ. Montreal, Montreal,
Que., Canada. 952 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
Boivin, B. 1966, 1967. numration des plantes du Canada. Provencheria 6.
Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94: 131-157;
471-528; 625-655.
Cicuta maculata:

The toxin is concentrated in the rootstock in the spring. Later during the
growing season, the roots contain less toxin, and the leaves and stems contain
sufficient chemical to cause lethal poisoning (Starreveld and Hope 1975).
Toxic parts:
all parts
roots
References:
swine. Vet. J., 89: 76-80.
Neurology, 25: 730-734.

The chemical cicutoxin, (trans)heptadeca-8:10:12-triene-4:6-diene- 1:4-diol, is
a highly unsaturated higher alcohol. Cicutol is also present. Bohlman (pers.
comm.) in Mulligan and Munro (1981) found the following concentrations of
these chemicals in Cicuta rootstocks:
Cicuta maculata var. maculata
Cicuta douglasii
Cicuta virosa
Cicuta bulbifera
1.01 mg/g active ingredients

0.75 mg/g
0.07 mg/g
0.01 mg/g
The first two Cicuta spp. are considered the most violently toxic plants in
North America. Cicuta virosa is less likely to cause poisoning because of its
reduced concentration of toxic compounds. Cicuta bulbifera contains too
little toxin to be considered a threat.

cicutol
cicutoxin
Technician, Kamloops Range Station, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada,
Kamploops, British Columbia, Canada.
References:
Med. Assoc., 57(2): 40-42.
swine. Vet. J., 89: 76-80.
Neurology, 25: 730-734.
Note: When an animal is listed without additional information, the literature (as
of 1993) contained no detailed explanation.
Cattle
convulsions
death
falling down
nervousness
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle have symptoms of poisoning similar to those of other livestock. The
symptoms include salivation, grinding of teeth, muscular spasms, violent
convulsions, and death by asphyxiation. Smith and Lewis (1987) developed a
rapid technique for identifying the presence of the toxic compounds of

water-hemlocks in rumen samples.
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
cardiac arrest
coma
confusion
convulsions
cyanosis
death
dizziness
eyeballs, protruding
eyes, rolling
faintness
inebriation
metabolic acidosis
mouth, frothing of
muscle contractions
muscle spasms
muscle twitching
nausea
neck, rigid
opisthotonos
pupil dilation
pupils, pinpoint
reflex excitability
salivation
teeth grinding
unconsciousness
voiding, involuntary
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of poisoning by the genus Cicuta include dizziness, salivation,

clenching and grinding of teeth, violent convulsions, cyanosis, coma, and death
from asphyxiation. In one case, a fisherman took two bites from the roots and
then felt dizzy and fell unconscious within 30 min. The patient endured pain
and convulsions for some time. Recommended treatment includes
administration of oxygen, anesthesia to control gross wild movements, and
intravenous sodium bicarbonate to correct metabolic acidosis. At least 83 cases
of human poisoning by water-hemlock have been reported since 1900, of
which 21 were fatal. The rootstocks are generally distasteful, but ingesting of
only one bite causes symptoms in humans (Starrveld and Hope 1976). These
notes apply to all water-hemlock species (Cicuta) listed in this information
system.
References:
Med. Assoc., 57(2): 40-42.
Haggerty, D. R., Conway, J. A. 1936. Report of poisoning by Cicuta maculata.
Water hemlock. N. Y. State J. Med., 36: 1511-1514.
Neurology, 25: 730-734.
Sheep
breathing, labored
death
recumbency
Notes on poisoning:
Ewes weighing 70 kg were experimentally poisoned with fresh rootstock. The
ewe given 100 g showed few symptoms; 200 g of plant material caused
extensive symptoms including seizures, recumbency, and labored breathing.
Recovery occurred after several days. Gavage with 450 g of the rootstock
caused death in 90 min (Panter et al. 1988).
References:
Swine
agonal squeals
brain, congestion of
convulsions
death
muscle contractions
paralysis
reflex excitability
References:
swine. Vet. J., 89: 76-80.
Another search?
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: Cicuta

virosa
Interactive
Botanical name
Northern water-hemlock (Cicuta virosa) is a native perennial herb found in wet

All poisonous plants by soils across northern Canada. It contains lower quantities of the toxic chemicals
that cause poisoning in humans and livestock. However, Frohne and Pfander
Common name
(1983) mention a case of human poisoning in Europe after ingestion of some
rootstock of this plant. Livestock can also be poisoned if enough of the plants
Important WWW
are ingested. Instances of poisoning in Canada should be fewer for northern
Poisonous Plants sites water-hemlock because the concentration of chemicals is lower and the plant
has essentially a boreal distribution outside of major livestock-growing areas.
See additional information under Cicuta maculata
References:
Frohne, D., Pfander, H. J. 1983. A colour atlas of poisonous plants. Wolfe
Publishing Ltd., London, England. 291 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Cicuta virosa L.
Vernacular name(s): northern water-hemlock
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Cicuta virosa
References:

Publ. Bot. 7(1)-7(4). 1711 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94: 131-157;
471-528; 625-655.
Cicuta virosa:
Toxic parts:
leaves
roots
References:

cicutol
cicutoxin
References:
Horses
Humans
Another search?
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Clivia miniata
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Kaffir lily (Clivia miniata) is an indoor ornamental plant grown
for its flowers. The plant contains small amounts of the alkaloid
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites lycorine. Large quantities must be ingested to cause symptoms of
toxicity. Children and family pets can be poisoned (Frohne and
and Pfander 1983, Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Clivia miniata Regel
Vernacular name(s): Kaffir lily
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Clivia miniata:
Toxic parts:
bulbs
References:

Lycorine has been found in quantities of 0.43% (dry weight) in
the Kaffir lily. The greatest concentration of the alkaloid is in the
bulb (Frohne and Pfander 1983).

lycorine
References:
Humans
collapse
diarrhea
paralysis
salivation
vomiting
References:
Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Codiaeum variegatum
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a common houseplant.
Chewing the bark and roots is said to cause burning of the mouth.
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Some young leaves are used in the East Indies as a vegetable, but
cases of irritation have been reported. The latex has caused
eczema in some gardeners (Morton 1962, Frohne and Pfander
1983).
References:
84 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Blume
Vernacular name(s): croton
Scientific family name: Euphorbiaceae
Vernacular family name: spurge
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Codiaeum
variegatum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Codiaeum variegatum:
Toxic parts:
bark
latex
leaves
roots
References:
84 pp.

5-deoxyingenol
References:
84 pp.
Humans
eczema
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting the bark or roots has caused burning and irritation of
the mouth parts. Occasional eczema has been reported after
repeated exposure to the latex (Morton 1962, Frohne and Pfander
1983).
References:
84 pp.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Colchicum autumnale
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Autumn crocus (Colchium autumnale) is an outdoor ornamental
grown for its autumn flowers. The plant is poisonous to all
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites animals and to humans. Livestock have been poisoned in Europe
and Asia, where the plants are native. Poisoning has been
reported in cattle, goats horses, sheep, and swine, as well as in
humans and dogs. The toxic chemical colchicine can be excreted
through the milk of lactating animals, thereby poisoning young
animals and humans. Cattle and, to a lesser extent, goats and
sheep can develop complete resistance to colchicine (Cooper and
Johnson 1984). This plant is found only in garden cultivation or
maybe as a houseplant in Canada. Children and family pets are
therefore most at risk from ingesting autumn crocus.
References:
Hill, S. R., Duke, P. K. 1986. 100 poisonous plants of Maryland.
Univ. MD. Coop. Ext. Serv. Bull., 314. 55 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Colchicum autumnale L.
Vernacular name(s): autumn crocus

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Colchicum
autumnale
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Colchicum autumnale:
Toxic parts:
all parts
References:

Colchicine is more toxic than colchiceine. These chemicals
withstand drying, storage, and boiling without losing their toxic
qualities. Colchicine affects the central nervous system,
paralyzing nerve endings and blocking neuromuscular
connections.
All parts of the plant are poisonous:
0.03-0.06% colchicine in the corm (bulb)
0.02-0.04% colchicine in the seeds
Ingesting fresh leaves in the following quantities results in death
(Cooper and Johnson 1984):
8-16 g/kg of body weight cattle
6.4 g/kg body weight
lambs (2-3 months old)
12 g/kg body weight
guinea pigs (adult)

colchiceine
colchicine
References:
Cattle
abdominal pains
collapse
depression
diarrhea
incoordination
teeth grinding
References:
Dogs
Goats
Horses
collapse
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
colic
collapse
diarrhea
hemoglobinuria
nausea
thirsty
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Humans and other animals exhibit similar symptoms of
colchicine poisoning. Symptoms develop 2-7 h after ingestion.
Recovery is slow and relapse may occur, resulting in paralysis,
respiratory or heart failure, and death. Temporary hair loss may
occur (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Hill and Duke 1986).
References:
Sheep
collapse
depression
diarrhea
salivation
References:
Swine
Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Conium maculatum
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Poison-hemlock (Conium maculatum) is a naturalized herb found
in parts of southern Canada. The plant grows on dry to moist
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites soils. Cattle, goats, horses, swine, and sheep as well as rabbits,
poultry, deer, and humans have been poisoned after ingesting
poison-hemlock. Animal species vary in their susceptibility to
acute toxicity (Keeler et al. 1980):
cows 3.3 mg/kg body weight 1.5-2 h
ewes 44 mg/kg body weight 1.5-2 h
mares 15.5 mg/kg body weight 30-40 min
Poison-hemlock causes toxicity and death in animals after it is
ingested. It also causes teratogenic effects called crooked calf
disease in young pigs and cattle, caused by the chemical coniine
(Keeler 1974, Panter et al. 1985).
References:
Anon. 1951. Unusual case of hemlock poisoning in swine. Calif.
Vet., 5(2): 26.
Edmonds, L. D., Selby, L. A., Case, A. A. 1972. Poisoning and
congenital malformations associated with consumption of poison
hemlock by sows. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 160: 1319-1324.
Frank, A. A., Reed, W. M. 1987. Conium maculatum (poison
hemlock) toxicosis in a flock of range turkeys. Avian Dis., 31:
386-388.
Hannam, D. A. 1985. Hemlock (Conium maculatum) poisoning
in the pig. Vet. Rec., 116: 322.
Keeler, R. F., Balls, L. D., Shupe, J. L., Crowe, M. W. 1980.

Teratogenicity and toxicity of coniine in cows, ewes and mares.
Cornell Vet., 70: 19-26.
Keeler, R. F. 1974. Coniine, a teratogenic principle from Conium
maculatum producing congenital malformations in calves. Clin.
Toxicol., 7: 195-206.
MacDonald, H. 1937. Hemlock poisoning in horses. Vet. Rec.,
49: 1211-1212.
Panter, K. E., Bunch, T. D., Keeler, R. F. 1988. Maternal and
fetal toxicity of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) in sheep.
Am. J. Vet. Res., 49: 281-283.
Sci., 66: 2407-2413.
Panter, K. E., Keeler, R. F., Buck, W. B. 1985. Congenital
skeletal malformations induced by maternal ingestion of Conium
maculatum (poison hemlock) in newborn pigs. Am. J. Vet. Res.,
46: 2064-2066.
Panter, K. E., Keeler, R. F. 1989. Piperidine alkaloids of poison
hemlock (Conium maculatum). Pages 109-132 in Cheeke, P. R.,
ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. I. Alkaloids. CRC Press, Inc.,
Penny, R. H. 1953. Hemlock poisoning in cattle. Vet. Rec., 42:
669-670.
Short, S. B., Edwards, W. C. 1989. Accidental Conium maculata
poisoning in the rabbit. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 31(1): 54-57.
Widmer, W. R. 1984. Poison hemlock toxicosis in swine. Vet.
Med. Small Anim. Clin., 79: 405-408.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Conium maculatum L.
Vernacular name(s): poison-hemlock
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Conium
maculatum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Conium maculatum:

All parts of poison-hemlock contain some level of the alkaloids,
except for the sap in young plants. The most toxic chemical,
gamma-coniceine is abundant in leaves flowers and less common
in the fruits, where it is quickly converted to coniine and

N-methylconiine (Cromwell 1956).
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
mature fruit
roots
seeds
stems
young shoots
References:
Vet., 5(2): 26.
Cromwell, B. T. 1956. The separation, micro-estimation and
distribution of the alkaloids of hemlock (Conium maculatum L.).
Biochem. J., 64: 259-266.
Fairbairn, J. W., Suwal, P. N. 1961. The alkaloids of hemlock
(Conium maculatum L.) - II. Phytochemistry (Oxf.), 1: 38-46.
386-388.
49: 1211-1212.
669-670.

gamma-Coniceine is the precursor of the other alkaloids in
poison- hemlock. This chemical is a partly unsaturated piperidine

alkaloid. The other chemicals, including coniine and
N-methylconiine, are saturated. During the first year of growth,
gamma-coniceine is the predominant chemical. During the
second year of growth, the content of both coniine and
N-methyconiine increase, especially in the leaves and fruits, with
a decrease in the first chemical. gamma-Coniceine is considered
seven or eight times more toxic than coniine, with
N-methyconiine even less toxic (Cromwell 1956, Fairbairn and
Suwal 1961, Panter and Keeler 1989).
The following LD50 toxicities in mice have been reported
(Bowman and Snaghvi 1963):
gamma-coniceine
death time
2.6 mg/kg (intravenous)
30 sec
12.0 mg/kg (subcutaneous) 12 min
12.0 mg/kg (oral)
coniine
80 mg/kg (subcutaneous)
100 mg/kg (oral)
8 min
death time
30 sec
15 min
10 min
N-methylconiine
150.5 mg/kg (subcutaneous)
204.5 mg/kg (oral)
death time
30 sec
16 min
12 min

coniine
gamma-coniceine
N-methylconiine
References:
Bowman, W. C., Snaghvi, I. S. 1963. Pharmacological actions of
hemlock (Conium maculatum) alkaloids. J. Pharm. Pharmocol.,
15: 1.
Biochem. J., 64: 259-266.

Toxicol., 7: 195-206.
Am. J. Vet. Res., 49: 281-283.
Sci., 66: 2407-2413.
46: 2064-2066.
Cattle
arthrogryposis
breathing, rapid
carpal joint, flexure
depression
diarrhea
elbow joint, flexure
gait, unsteady
incoordination
limbs,lateral rotation
muscle spasms
salivation
scoliosis
teeth grinding
torticollis
trembling
urine, coffee-colored
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
General signs of poisoning in all types of livestock include
apathy, salivation, frequent regurgitation, teeth grinding, and
reduced milk production. For a lethal dose, cattle require coniine
at a rate of about 16 mg/kg of body weight (Keeler et al. 1980).
References:
Toxicol., 7: 195-206.
Sci., 66: 2407-2413.
669-670.
Horses
collapse
trembling
unconsciousness
Notes on poisoning:
Horses exhibit symptoms similar to other types of livestock that
have ingested poison-hemlock. Trembling and paralysis are
common symptoms.
References:
49: 1211-1212.
Humans
coma
convulsions
dizziness
headache
incoordination
pupil dilation
thirsty
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Poison-hemlock has been ingested on purpose and accidentally.
Socrates was executed in 399 B.C. by an extract of this plant.
Humans have accidentally ingested it, mistaking it for carrot or
parsnip. The symptoms are similar to those in other animals.
Coldness is often felt in the extremities. There is rapid onset of
irritation of mucous membranes of the mouth and throat,
accompanied by salivation and nausea. Severe poisoning may
cause coma and death by respiratory failure. Treatment includes
administering activated charcoal after emesis ceases. Treatment is
otherwise symptomatic. Despite the severity of poisoning
mortality is low (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Lampe and McCann
1985).
References:
Rabbits
ataxia
breathing, shallow
death
trembling
weakness
References:
Sheep

ataxia
death
defecation, frequent
salivation
tail, kinked
trembling
urination, frequent
weakness
References:
Am. J. Vet. Res., 49: 281-283.
Swine
arthrogryposis
articular rigidity
ataxia
blindness
blindness, temporary
breathing, labored
breathing, rapid
collapse
death
fetlock joint, flexure
gait, staggering
gait, unsteady
lacrimation, severe
palatoschisis
paralysis
prostration
pupil dilation
scoliosis
syndactylism
trembling
urination, frequent
vision, impaired
weakness
References:
Vet., 5(2): 26.
46: 2064-2066.
Turkeys
death
diarrhea
enteritis
paralysis
salivation
weakness
References:
386-388.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Convallaria majalis
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) is a perennial outdoor
ornamental herb. The plant contains cardiac glycosides as well as
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites saponins. There are some references in the literature that mention
poisoning and death in humans after accidental ingestion of the
berries and leaves, and even by drinking the water that the plants
were kept in. Frohne and Pfander (1983) suggest that serious
cases are unlikely to occur because the glycosides are poorly
absorbed. They cast doubt on the report of poisoning by ingesting
water that lily-of-the- valley was standing in because experiments
with animals did not substantiate these reports. However, in spite
of these reservations, some cases of human poisoning are
mentioned in the literature, and so these plants should be
considered potentially poisonous. Because of the cardiac
glycosides and saponins found in this plant, animals that have
access to the plant material may be poisoned. Certainly, ingesting
large quantities of lily-of-the-valley can cause problems to family
pets such as cats and dogs.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Convallaria majalis L.
Vernacular name(s): lily-of-the-valley

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Convallaria
majalis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Convallaria majalis:
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
mature fruit
roots
References:

Convallotoxin is one of the most toxic naturally occurring
substances affecting the heart. These glycosides cause
irregularities in heart action (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

convallatoxin
convalloside
References:
Cats
Dogs
Humans
abdominal pains
gastroenteritis
headache
nausea
pupil dilation
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of ingestion include irregular heart rate and cold and
clammy skin. Coma and death from heart failure may occur if
enough plant material is ingested (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Cyclamen persicum
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is a houseplant that has a toxic
saponin, cyclamin, in the tuberous rhizomes. The rhizome is
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites bitter and found underground, so that children or family pets are
unlikely to be exposed to the toxins. There is no information on
the amounts of saponins, if any, in cyclamen foliage (Spoerke et
al. 1987).
References:
Spoerke, D. G., Spoerke, S. E., Hall, A., Rumack, B. H. 1987.
Toxicity of Cyclamen persium (Mill). Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 29:
250-251.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Cyclamen persicum Mill.
Vernacular name(s): cyclamen
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Cyclamen
persicum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Cyclamen persicum:

The tuberous rhizomes contain the chemical cyclamin. However,
these rhizomes are in the soil and have an acrid taste, so that
ingestion by children is not likely (Spoerke et al. 1987). Cyclamin
is a triterpenoid saponin, which is an irritant that can cause
nausea and even paralysis upon absorbtion. The chemical is not
volatile, but it is water soluble and can occur as small white
crystals or an amorphous, lusterless mass (Spoerke et al. 1987).
Toxic parts:
rhizome
tubers
References:


cyclamin
unknown chemical
References:
Santucci, B., Picardo, M., Cristaudo, A. 1985. Contact dermatitis
from Euphorbia pulcherrima. Contact Dermatitis, 12: 285-286.
250-251.
Humans
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Hound's-tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) is a naturalized biennial
plant found across southern Canada. The plant contains
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which have caused poisoning and death in
horses and cattle. The plant causes disorders of the central
nervous system and can cause hepatic failure in horses (Knight et
al. 1984).
References:
Knight, A. P., Kimberling, C. V., Stermitz, F. R., Roby, M. R.
1984. Cynoglossum officinale (hound's-tongue) - a cause of
pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning in horses. J. Am. Vet. Med.
Assoc., 185: 647-650.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Cynoglossum officinale L.
Vernacular name(s): hound's tongue
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Cynoglossum
officinale
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Cynoglossum officinale:

The concentration of the various alkaloids is highest in the rosette
stage, i.e., when the leaves are all attached to the root crown and
a stem has not grown yet (Knight et al. 1984).
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:
Assoc., 185: 647-650.

The following LD-50 toxicities have been determined in male
rats:
heliosupine 60 mg/kg
echinatine 350 mg/kg
The amount of pyrrolizidine alkaloid content in the plant has been
reported to be 0.6-2.1% of dry matter (Cheeke and Schull 1985).

echinatine
heliosupine
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Assoc., 185: 647-650.
Cattle
death
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle have also been poisoned after ingesting hound''s-tongue.

The animals often have staring expressions and diarrhea. They
experience increased thirst, nervousness, and a drop in milk yield.
Necropsy shows an inflamed stomach as well as swollen,
edematous mesenteric lymph nodes. Death occurred within 24 h
of plant ingestion (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Knight et al. 1984).
References:
Horses
ataxia
breathing, rapid
coma
convulsions
death
depression
diarrhea
hemoglobinuria
icterus
liver, cirrhosis of
Notes on poisoning:
Actual and experimental cases of hound's-tongue ingestion by
horses have resulted in sickness and death. Postmortem
examinations show severe icterus and hepatic cirrhosis with
diffuse, severe megalocytosis, biliary hyperplasia, and fibrosis
(Knight 1984).
References:
Assoc., 185: 647-650.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Cypripedium acaule
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Pink lady''s-slipper (Cypripedium acaule) is a native perennial
orchid that grows across most of Canada. The plant can cause
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites severe dermatitis in some individuals, as do the other
Cypripedium spp., upon contact with the glandular hairs on the
leaves and stem (Reddoch and Reddoch 1984).
References:
MaCaulay, J. C. 1987. Orchid allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 17:
112-113.
Reddoch, A. H., Reddoch, J. M. 1984. Warning: Lady's-slippers
can be hazardous to your health. Plant Press, 2(1): 10.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Cypripedium acaule Ait.
Vernacular name(s): pink lady's-slipper
Scientific family name: Orchidaceae
Vernacular family name: orchid
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Cypripedium
acaule
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Cypripedium acaule:

The glandular hairs on the leaves and stems of the lady''s-slippers
contain the dermatogenic chemical that causes dermatitis in some
individuals (Mitchell and Rook 1979).
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

The dermatogenic quinone, cypripedin, has been identified in
lady''s-slippers (Reddoch and Reddoch 1984).

cypripedin
References:
Humans
blisters, weeping
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Yellow lady's-slipper (Cypripedium calceolus) is a native
perennial wild flower found across Canada. The plant causes a
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites type of dermatitis that resembles the dermatitis caused by
poison-ivy (Rhus spp.). See additional information under general
notes for Cypripedium acaule.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Cypripedium calceolus L.
Vernacular name(s): yellow lady's-slipper
calceolus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Cypripedium calceolus:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

cypripedin
References:
Humans
blisters, weeping
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Cypripedium reginae
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Showy lady's-slipper (Cypripedium reginae) is a native orchid
found in eastern Canada. The plant can cause dermatitis in
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites sensitive individuals. The symptoms are similar to those of
poison-ivy (Rhus spp.). See additional information under general
notes of Cypripedium acaule.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Cypripedium reginae Walt.
Vernacular name(s): showy lady's-slipper
reginae
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Cypripedium reginae:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

cypripedin
References:
Humans
blisters, weeping
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Daphne cneorum
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Garland daphne (Daphne cneorum) is an ornamental shrub found
in the warmest parts of Canada. This shrub contains the same
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites toxins as the other Daphne spp. listed in this information system.
It is capable of causing poisoning in humans and any animals that
might ingest it, such as family pets. See additional information
under general notes for Daphne mezereum.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Daphne cneorum L.
Vernacular name(s): garland daphne
Scientific family name: Thymelaeaceae
Vernacular family name: mezereum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Daphne cneorum:
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
mature fruit
seeds
References:

daphnetoxin
dihydroxycoumarin
mezerein
References:
Cats
Dogs
Humans
abdominal pains
diarrhea
salivation
thirsty
References:
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Daphne laureola
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Spurge-laurel (Daphne laureola) is an ornamental shrub that is
poisonous to animals that ingest it. The Daphne species listed in
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites this information system cause few cases of poisoning, but
children or family pets can be affected. See additional
information under general notes of Daphne mezereum.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Daphne laureola L.
Vernacular name(s): spurge-laurel
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Daphne
laureola
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Daphne laureola:
Toxic parts:
all parts
bark
flowers
leaves
mature fruit
References:

daphnetoxin
dihydroxycoumarin
mezerein
References:
Cats
Dogs
Humans
abdominal pains
diarrhea
dysphagia
salivation
thirsty
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Daphne mezereum
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name February daphne (Daphne mezereum) is an ornamental shrub that
grows across southern Canada. This shrub and other Daphne
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites species are poisonous to humans and animals. The plants contain
irritant chemicals that cause pain, burning, and tingling sensations
on exposed skin. These sensations are intensified on mucous
membranes in the mouth, throat, and stomach after ingesting the
fruits. More serious symptoms also occur in humans, including
kidney damage, which may lead to death. With the exception of
February daphne, the other Daphne species and cultivars are
found only as ornamental plants in the more southerly and
temperate parts of Canada. February daphne is naturalized in
several eastern provinces. Horses and swine have been poisoned
and have died after ingesting daphne leaves or berries, although
poisoning of animals is a rare occurrence. Family pets can be
poisoned if they have access to the plants. Several references give
additional information (Frohne and Pfander 1983, Cooper and
Johnson 1984, Lampe and McCann 1985, Fuller and McClintock
1986).
References:
Fyles, F. 1920. Principal poisonous plants of Canada. Can. Dep.
Agric. Exp. Farms. Bull. 39. 112 pp.

Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Daphne mezereum L.
Vernacular name(s): February daphne
mezereum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:

989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Daphne mezereum:

All the Daphne species in this information system have the same
toxic chemical found in all parts of the plant. The only part of the
plants without mezerein is the fruit pulp. It is the broken seeds
that are responsible for symptoms when fruit is chewed. Ingesting
one or two of the bitter berries can cause severe poisoning in
children. Twelve berries can be fatal to an adult human (Frohne
and Pfander 1983, Fuller and McClintock 1986).
Toxic parts:
all parts
bark
flowers
mature fruit
seeds
References:

Daphnetoxin and mezerein are diterpene alcohols with a
daphnane skeleton. Mezerein has cocarcinogenic activity as does
the chemically related phorbol esters found in many toxic
members of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). In mice,
daphnetoxin was determined to have an LD-50 of 275 micro g/kg
and the mouse ear inflammation unit is 0.2 micro g of mezerein
per ear (Frohne and Pfander 1983). The bark of these daphne
plants contains a coumarin glycoside that has the aglycone
dihydroxycoumarin (Fuller and McClintock 1986).

daphnetoxin
dihydroxycoumarin
mezerein
References:
Dogs
Horses
abdominal pains
death
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Horses have been poisoned by the leaves and berries of the
Daphne species. Abdominal pains, breathing problems, and death
occurred. Post- mortem symptoms included inflammation,
swelling, and blood-stained contents of the gastrointestinal tract.
Experimental feeding produced similar symptoms but did not
result in death. Only 100-150 g of the plants, which are bitter,
were eaten (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Humans

abdominal pains
breathing, labored
convulsions
death
diarrhea
dysphagia
gait, staggering
hoarseness
kidney failure
muscle twitching
prostration
thirsty
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Human poisoning by the Daphne species can include minor
irritation of the mouth region including pain, burning, and
tingling. If the plant material is also chewed and ingested, more
severe symptoms occur, including bloody diarrhea, abdominal
pains, vomiting, and convulsions. In severe cases, prostration,
hallucinations, shedding of the lining of the oral and mucous
membranes, and renal damage can occur. In one case, a child was
killed in Nova Scotia after ingesting berries (Fyles 1920).
Ingestion may lead to muscular twitching and somnolence, which
persists for days. Few cases of poisoning actually occur, but the
consequences of ingestion can be serious (Frohne and Pfander
1983, Cooper and Johnson 1984, Lampe and McCann 1985,
References:
Swine
death
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
A litter of 10-week-old pigs were given daphne berries and they
died suddenly. The pigs had vomited before they died.
Postmortem examination revealed white, burned patches in the
mouth and an intensely inflammed stomach (Cooper and Johnson
1984).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Datura innoxia
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Angel's trumpet (Datura innoxia) contains toxic alkaloids that
have caused poisoning and death in humans and other animals.
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Most of the literature concerns poisoning by jimsonweed (Datura
stramonium), but angel''s trumpet should be considered poisonous
as well. This plant is occasionally grown as an outdoor
ornamental herb because of its spectacular tubular flowers. See
additional information under general notes of Datura
stramonium.
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Datura innoxia Mill.
Vernacular name(s): angel's trumpet
Scientific family name: Solanaceae
Vernacular family name: nightshade
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Datura

innoxia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Datura innoxia:
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
seeds
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.

This plant contains the tropane alkaloids atropine, hyoscine, and
hyoscyamine. See additional information under general notes of
Datura stramonium.

hyoscyamine
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
death
muscle twitching
nervousness
Notes on poisoning:
All types of animals can be poisoned by angel''s trumpet because
it contains alkaloids. However, no definite cases of poisoning
have been reported. The most likely animals to be poisoned are
family family pets that may have access to plants outside the
house.
References:
Humans
agitation
choreiform movement
coma
drowsiness
hallucination
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Datura stramonium
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) is a naturalized annual herb
found across most of southern Canada. This plant contains toxic
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites tropane alkaloids, which have caused poisoning and death in
humans and other animals. Jimsonweed is named for a case of
human poisoning in Jamestown, Va., when soldiers were
poisoned by eating the plant in a salad and then suffered delirium
and hallucinations. The seeds and leaves are deliberately used to
induce intoxication. Children are attracted by the large flowers
and become poisoned after sucking the nectar from the base of
flowers or ingesting the seeds. Occurrences of human poisoning
are more frequent than livestock poisoning in recent literature
reports. Animals of all types can be poisoned. The literature
mentions poisoning of cattle, goats, horses, poultry, sheep, and
swine. Because of the plant''s strong odor and unpleasant taste,
animals consume it only when other food is not available. The
seeds are sometimes milled with other seeds and have caused
problems (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Cheeke and Schull 1985,
Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
Callahan, R., Piccola, F., Gensheimer, K., Parkin, W. E.,
Prusakowski, J., Scheiber, G., Henry, S. 1981. Epidemiologic
notes and reports. Plant poisonings - New Jersey. U.S. Dep.
Health Hum. M. M. W. R., 30: 65-67.
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
El Dirdiri, N. I., Wasfi, I. A., Adam, S. E., Edds, G. T. 1981.
Toxicity of Datura stramonium to sheep and goats. Vet. Hum.

Toxicol., 23: 241-246.
Goldberg, R. E. 1951. The jimsonweed menace. Today's Health,
29: 38-39, 66.
Hughes, J. D., Clark, J. A. 1939. Stramonium poisoning. J. Am.
Med. Assoc., 112: 2500-2502.
Jacobziner, H., Raybin, H. W. 1961. Fatal salicylate intoxication
and stramonium poisoning. N. Y. State J. Med., 61: 301-303.
Keeler, R. F. 1981. Absence of arthrogryposis in newborn
Hampshire pigs from sows ingesting toxic levels of jimsonweed
during gestation. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 23: 413-415.
Mitchell, J. E., Mitchell, F. N. 1955. Jimson weed (Datura
stramonium) poisoning in childhood. J. Pediatr., 47: 227-230.
Moore, D. W. 1976. The autumnal high: jimsonweed in North
Carolina. N. C. Med. J., 37: 492-494.
Nelson, P. D., Mercer, H. D., Essig, H. W., Minyard, J. P. 1982.
Jimson weed seed toxicity in cattle. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 24:
321-325.
Stiles, F. C. 1951. Stramonium poisoning. J. Pediatr., 39:
354-356.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Datura stramonium L.
Vernacular name(s): jimsonweed
stramonium
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Datura stramonium:

The entire plant contains alkaloids, but the leaves and seeds are
the usual sources of poisoning in humans and other animals. Even
the nectar of this plant contains alkaloids that contaminate honey
(Cooper and Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
mature fruit
seeds
stems
References:
Health Hum. M. M. W. R., 30: 65-67.
Toxicol., 23: 241-246.
Med. Assoc., 112: 2500-2502.
321-325.
354-356.

Several tropane alkaloids including hyoscyamine, hyoscine (also
called scopolamine), and traces of atropine are found in the plant.
The total alkaloid content in the plant varies from 0.25 to 0.7%.
The alkaloids are found even in the nectar and can contaminate
honey (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Cheeke and Schull 1985).

atropine
hyoscine(scopolamine)
hyoscyamine
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Carolina. N. C. Med. J., 37: 492-494.
321-325.
Cattle
anorexia
bloat
muzzle, dry
pupils, pinpoint
tenesmus
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms in cattle include incoordination, restlessness, and
increased respiration rate. Nelson et al. (1982) conducted feeding
experiments on heifers that were fed a normal diet with varying
amounts of jimsonweed seeds added. The seeds contained 0.26%
atropine and 0.55% hyoscine. Death of cattle seemed unlikely
because rumen atony and anorexia limited intake of the feed to
below lethal levels. The toxic dosage is about 2.9 mg of atropine
and 0.5 mg of hyoscine per kilogram of body weight, which is
about 107 seeds per kilogram of body weight.
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
321-325.
Chickens
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Goats
breathing, rapid
death
drowsiness
incoordination
recumbency
reflex excitability
trembling
Notes on poisoning:
Goats have been poisoned by consuming jimsonweed.
Experimental feeding of fresh leaves and fruit caused locomotion
disturbances, tremors, drowsiness, and recumbency. Postmortem
findings showed lung congestion, hemorrhagic and fatty liver,
and heart dilation with hemorrhaging. The renal cortex was pale
yellow and the medulla hemorrhagic. The cells of many renal
tubes had also degenerated (El Dirdiri et al. 1981).
References:
Toxicol., 23: 241-246.
Horses
anorexia
breathing, rapid
diarrhea
pupil dilation
thirsty
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Humans
agitation
babinski reflex
choreiform movement
confusion
convulsions
death
dizziness
drowsiness
faintness
gait, unsteady
hallucination
inebriation
memory loss
mouth dry
nausea
pupil dilation
reflex excitability
skin, dry
skin, flushed
speech, slurred
thirsty
unconsciousness
urination, absent
vision, impaired
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of Datura species poisoning include dry mouth,
mydriasis, dry and warm skin, sometimes with reddening of the
face and neck. Hallucinations are common, along with blurred
vision, random movements, nausea, delerium, and sometimes
coma and death. Tachycardia and elevated temperatures occur.
Treatment with physostigmine is recommended at 0.5 mg for
children and 2 mg for adults (Moore 1976, Cooper and Johnson
References:
Health Hum. M. M. W. R., 30: 65-67.
29: 38-39, 66.
Med. Assoc., 112: 2500-2502.
Carolina. N. C. Med. J., 37: 492-494.
354-356.
Sheep
ataxia
breathing, rapid
collapse
dyspnea
gait, unsteady
incoordination
recumbency
reflex excitability
trembling
Notes on poisoning:
Jimsonweed poisoning in sheep causes symptoms such as
locomotion disturbances, rapid respiration, inability to stand and
death. Sheep that were experimentally fed fresh leaves and fruits
became ill and died (El Dirdiri et al. 1981). Postmortem
examination showed lung congestion, a dilated heart, and
hemorrhagic, fatty liver. The renal cortex was pale yellow and the
medulla was hemorrhagic. Sheep that received 10 g/kg/day died
within 38 days.
References:
Toxicol., 23: 241-246.
Swine
depression
gait, rigid
incoordination
lethargy
pupil dilation
Notes on poisoning:
Swine exhibit symptoms of incoordination, stiff gait, pupil
dilation, and drowsiness. Earlier reports had suggested that
jimsonweed ingested by pregnant sows might cause
arthrogryposis in newborn pigs, but Keeler (1981) determined
that this was not the case after feeding experiments. Other studies
have found that pigs tolerated, with little effect, and alkaloid
intake of 2.2 mg/kg of body weight from seeds containing
0.2-0.6% alkaloid content. Because of the unpalatability of
jimsonweed seeds, the feed is rejected and therefore lethal
quantities are not likely to be ingested (Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:

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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Delphinium bicolor
Interactive
name
Low larkspur (Delphinium bicolor) is a native herb found in southern

All poisonous plants by Common parts of western Canada. This plant has poisoned cattle, symptoms are
similar to those caused by tall larkspur ( Delphinium glaucum.)
name
Plants sites
References:
Olsen, J. D., Manners, G. D. 1989. Toxicology of diterpenoid alkaloids
in rangeland larkspur (Delphinium spp.). Pages 291-326 in Cheeke, P.
R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. I. Alkaloids. CRC Press, Inc.,
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Delphinium bicolor Nutt.
Vernacular name(s): low larkspur
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Delphinium bicolor
References:
pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Delphinium bicolor:

See additional information under general notes of Delphinium glaucum.
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
References:


methyllycaconitine

References:
Cattle
bloat
constipation
paralysis
salivation
weakness
References:
Horses
Sheep
Another search?
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Delphinium glaucum
Interactive
name
Tall larkspur (Delphinium glaucum) is a native herb found in central

All poisonous plants by Common and western Canada. The plant is poisonous to cattle and can be
poisonous to horses and sheep when ingested in higher amounts. In an
name
experiment with Delphinium barbei (not found in Canada), six times as
much plant material (per kilogram of body weight) was needed to
Important WWW Poisonous poison sheep than to poison cattle. Why cattle are sensitive to larkspur
Plants sites
poisoning is not understood. The alkaloid methyllycaconitine causes
curare-like effects on the skeletal muscles and can cause motor
paralysis, followed by death from asphyxiation (Nation et al. 1982,
Cheeke and Schull 1985, Olsen and Manners 1989).
References:
USA. 492 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Delphinium glaucum S. Wats.
Vernacular name(s): tall larkspur
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Delphinium glaucum
References:
pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Delphinium glaucum:

All parts of larkspur plants contain alkaloids. Cattle have been poisoned
after browsing on the aboveground plant material. Sheep and horses
have been experimentally poisoned by various larkspur species, but
they are much more tolerant of the toxic alkaloids (Olsen and Manners
1989).
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
seeds
References:
Looman, J. 1984. The biological flora of Canada. 5. Delphinium
glaucum Watson, tall larkspur. Can. Field-Nat., 98: 345-361.

Methyllycaconitine, a diterpene alkaloid, is considered to be the most
toxic of the alkaloids occurring in larkspurs that are likely to be grazed
by cattle on rangelands. Many other alkaloids occur in larkspurs, but
they are much less toxic than methyllycaconitine. The LD-50 of this
chemical on mice is 3.2 mg/kg administered intravenously. It has a
pronounced curare-like effect on skeletal muscle (Olsen and Manners
1989).

methyllycaconitine

References:
Looman, J. 1984. The biological flora of Canada. 5. Delphinium
glaucum Watson, tall larkspur. Can. Field-Nat., 98: 345-361.
Cattle
Horses
Sheep
Another search?

Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
name
Menzies larkspur (Delphinium menziesii) is a native herb found on the

All poisonous plants by Common rangelands of British Columbia. This plant has been implicated in
poisoning rangeland cattle. Additional information can be found under
name
general notes of tall larkspur (Delphinium glaucum).
Plants sites
References:
USA. 492 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Delphinium menziesii DC.
Vernacular name(s): Menzies larkspur
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Delphinium
menziesii
References:
pp.

British Columbia
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Delphinium menziesii:
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
seeds
References:
USA. 492 pp.


methyllycaconitine

References:
USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
ataxia
bloat
constipation
References:
USA. 492 pp.
Horses
Sheep
Another search?
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Descurainia pinnata
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Green tansy mustard (Descurainia pinnata) is a native herb found
in fields and rangelands across central and western Canada.
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Poisoning has occurred in cases where animals have fed almost
exclusively on the plants over long periods. Cattle, goats, and
horses have been poisoned (Kingsbury 1964, Staley 1976).
References:
Staley, E. S. 1976. A treatment for tansy mustard poisoning.
Bovine Pract., 11: 35.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt.
Vernacular name(s): green tansy mustard
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Descurainia
pinnata
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Descurainia pinnata:
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Cattle
blindness
death
weight loss
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms in cattle start with partial or complete blindness,
followed by an inability to use the tongue or throat, leading to an
inability to eat. Death occurs if treatment is not applied to recover
the ability to eat and see. Treatment has included administering
9-14 L of water twice daily to improve digestion. More recent
treatment involves intravenous injections of ethanol diluted in
Ringers solution (Staley 1976).
References:
Goats
Horses
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Dicentra canadensis
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Squirrel-corn (Dicentra canadensis) is a native herb found in rich
woodlands in southern Ontario and Quebec. The plant contains
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites alkaloids that are known to be toxic. However, feeding
experiments on cattle using the aboveground parts, as well as the
entire plant failed, to produce any symptoms other than slight
restlessness and uneasiness (Black et al. 1923). See additional
notes under general notes of Dicentra cucullaria.
References:
Black, O. F., Eggleston, W. W., Kelly, J. W., Turner, H. C. 1923.
Poisonous properties of Bikukulla cucullaria
(Dutchman's-breeches) and B. canadensis (squirrel-corn). J.
Agric. Res., 23: 69-78.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Dicentra canadensis (Goldie) Walp.
Vernacular name(s): squirrel-corn
Scientific family name: Fumariaceae
Vernacular family name: frumitory
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Dicentra
canadensis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Dicentra canadensis:

See additional information under general notes of Dicentra
cucullaria.
Toxic parts:
leaves
tubers
References:
Agric. Res., 23: 69-78.

Aporphine and protopine, which are isoquinoline alkaloids, have
been found in Dicentra species. Several other alkaloids have also
been found in the plants (Black et al. 1923).

aporphine
protopine
References:
Agric. Res., 23: 69-78.
Cattle
restlessness
References:
Agric. Res., 23: 69-78.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Dicentra cucullaria
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Dutchman''s-breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) is a native herb
found in the rich woodlands of eastern Canada. The plant has
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites been shown to cause poisoning when fed to cattle under
experimental conditions. The underground tubers caused more
severe symptoms. When plant tubers were fed at 2 kg/100 kg of
animal weight, various symptoms occurred, including trembling
and convulsions (Black et al. 1923). Poisoning may occur during
the spring, when the ground is soft and the tubers might be dug
up.
References:
Agric. Res., 23: 69-78.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Dicentra cucullaria (L.) Bernh.
Vernacular name(s): Dutchman's-breeches
cucullaria
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Dicentra cucullaria:

When the plant was fed to cattle during experiments the
underground tubers caused more symptoms than the aboveground
portion of the plant (Black et al. 1923).
Toxic parts:
leaves
tubers
References:
Agric. Res., 23: 69-78.

Several isoquinoline alkaloids have been found in Dicentra
species, including aporphine and protopine. The degree of
toxicity of the various alkaloids is not known (Black et al. 1923).
Protopine is also found in the opium poppy (Papaver
somniferum).

aporphine
protopine
References:
Agric. Res., 23: 69-78.
Cattle
breathing, labored
convulsions
mouth, frothing of
nervousness
opisthotonos
trembling
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental feeding of cattle caused the animals to become
nervous, run back and forth, violently eject stomach contents,
tremble, convulse, and fall down with the legs extended and rigid.
The cattle were able to rise again and recover after a while (Black
et al. 1923).
References:
Agric. Res., 23: 69-78.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Dicentra formosa
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Western bleedingheart (Dicentra formosa) is a native herb found
in the rich forests of southwestern British Columbia. The plant
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites contains the toxic alkaloid protopine and other alkaloids. This
chemical is also found in the other Dicentra species.
Experimental injection of plant extracts has caused poisoning and
death in mice (Black et al. 1930).
References:
Black, O. F., Eggleston, W. W., Kelly, J. W. 1930. Toxicity of
Bikukulla formosa (western bleedingheart). Vet. J., 40: 917-920.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Dicentra formosa (Andr.) Walp.
Vernacular name(s): western bleedingheart
formosa
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

British Columbia
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Dicentra formosa:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

protopine
References:
Cattle
Rodents
convulsions
death
drowsiness
Notes on poisoning:
Postmortem examination of mice showed collapsed lungs, blue
extremities, and a distended heart. Death was likely due to
respiratory paralysis. The lethal dose from the crude alkaloids
was determined to be between 2.5 and 5.0 mg for a 20-g mouse
(Black et al. 1930).
References:
Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Dictamnus albus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Gas plant (Dictamnus albus) has caused phytophotodermatitis in
humans. In one case in Ottawa, a gardener suffered recurring skin
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites eruptions for several summers. The original diagnosis was
poison-ivy, but subsequent testing proved that the gas plant was
causing the skin reactions. The plant juices are absorbed by the
skin and, in the presence of long-wave ultraviolet light, cell
damage occurs. Once this cause is recognized, careful avoidance
of contact with the gas plant prevents further problems
(Henderson and DesGroseilliers 1984). This is an uncommon and
colorful plant found in Canadian herbaceous borders.
References:
Henderson, J. A., DesGroseilliers, J.-P. 1984. Gas plant
(Dictamnus albus) phytophotodermatitis simulating poison ivy.
Can. Med. Assoc. J., 130: 889-891.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Dictamnus albus L.
Vernacular name(s): gas plant
Scientific family name: Rutaceae
Vernacular family name: rue
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Dictamnus
albus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Dictamnus albus:

Exposure to the plant juices is required, which occurs when
weeding around the plant or cutting the flowers (Henderson and
DesGroseilliers 1984).
Toxic parts:
plant juices
References:

Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Can. Med. Assoc. J., 130: 889-891.

Furocoumarins, which are derived from psoralen, are found in
several of the plants that cause phytophotodermatitis. These
compounds are primary photodynamic agents that absorb
long-wave ultraviolet light at the surface of the skin and then
cause cell damage (Henderson and DesGroseilliers 1984, Cheeke
and Schull 1985).

furocoumarin
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Can. Med. Assoc. J., 130: 889-891.
Humans
blistering
erythema
References:
Can. Med. Assoc. J., 130: 889-891.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Giant dumbcane (Dieffenbachia amoena) is an indoor ornamental
plant. Experimental work on rodents proved the toxicity of leaf
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites and stem tissue from giant dumbcane. Death occurred after
administration of 3.0 g of plant extract in 10.0 mL of liquid per
100 g of body weight (Der Marderosian et al. 1976).
References:
Der Marderosian, A. H., Giller, F. B., Roia, F. C. 1976.
Phytochemical and toxicological screening of household
ornamental plants potentially toxic to humans. 1. J. Toxicol.
Environ. Health, 1: 939-953.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia amoena Gentil
Vernacular name(s): giant dumbcane
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Dieffenbachia amoena:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

oxalate
References:

Rodents
Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia bausei) is an ornamental houseplant.
Experimental work caused death in mice when leaf tissue extract
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites was fed orally at the rate of 100 mg of lyophilized plant material
(in distilled water) per 35 g of body weight (Der Marderosian et
al. 1976).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia bausei Regel
Vernacular name(s): dumbcane
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Dieffenbachia bausei:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

See notes under Dieffenbachia seguine for additional information
on toxic chemicals in Dieffenbachia spp.

oxalate
References:
Rodents
Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Spotted dumbcane (Dieffenbachia maculata) is an indoor
ornamental. Experimental work with leaf and stem material
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites caused death in mice and rats (Der Marderosian et al. 1976).
Toxic symptoms have also occurred in humans and house pets.
Chewing produces painful irritation of the mouth and throat.
Symptoms may take several days to disappear. The insoluble
oxalates do not cause systemic poisoning in humans (Lampe and
McCann 1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia maculata (Lodd.) G. Don
Vernacular name(s): spotted dumbcane
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Dieffenbachia
maculata
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Dieffenbachia maculata:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:


oxalate
References:
Humans
Notes on poisoning:
See additional notes under Dieffenbachia seguine.
References:
Rodents
Another search?
Home
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Mother-in-law plant (Dieffenbachia seguine) is an ornamental.
Chewing dumbcanes (Dieffenbachia spp.) leaves or stems causes
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites immediate pain and swelling in the mouth and throat. In severe
cases, speech may become unintelligible, hence the name
dumbcane. In the past these plants were used as a means of
human torture. Family pets have also been poisoned after
chewing on dumbcane plant material. The effects are almost
instantaneous, before the plant material is actually ingested. The
plant juices can also cause inflammation and contact dermatitis in
some individuals (Arditti and Rodriguez 1982, Lampe and
McCann 1985). Mrvos et al. (1990) determined that in many
cases where people had contact with broken leaves of dumbcane
plants, symptoms occurred within 5 min and were short and of
minor consequence. The researchers concluded that concerns
regarding oral complications may be exaggerated.
References:
Arditti, J., Rodriguez, E. 1982. Dieffenbachia: uses, abuses and
toxic constituents: a review. J. Ethnopharmacol., 5: 293-302.
Drach, G., Maloney, W. H. 1963. Toxicity of the common
houseplant Dieffenbachia. J. Am. Med. Assoc., 184: 1047-1048.
Hanna, G. 1986. Plant poisoning in canines and felines. Vet.
Hum. Toxicol., 28: 38-40.
Mrvos, R., Dean, B. S., Krenzelok, E. P. 1990.
Philodendron/Dieffenbachia ingestions: are they a problem? Vet.
Hum. Toxicol., 32: 369.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia seguine (Jacq.) Schott
Vernacular name(s): mother-in-law plant
seguine
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Dieffenbachia seguine:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Walter, W. G., Khanna, P. N. 1972. Chemistry of the aroids 1.
Dieffenbachia seguine, amoena and picta. Econ. Bot., 26:
364-372.

Dieffenbachia spp. contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are
found in special cells called idioblasts; these cells have
nozzle-like apertures at either end. The small needle-like crystals
are small (0.2 mm long) and are forcibly extruded when the tissue
is ruptured, as when chewed. This release of crystals from plant
tissue can continue for several minutes. The initial sensation upon
ingesting dumbcane tissue is one of pain (Dore 1963, Cheeke and
Schull 1985). Proteolytic enzymes have also been found in
dumbcanes and may account for some of the toxic effects (Walter
and Khanna 1963, Arditti and Rodriquez 1982).

oxalate
proteolytic enzymes
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
364-372.
Cats
salivation
References:
Dogs
Humans
aphonia
breathing, labored
diarrhea
salivation
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Chewing dumbcane plants causes immediate intense pain and
irritation of the lips, tongue, and mouth. There is edematous
swelling of the oral mucosa. Bullae may form. Speech capability
is often reduced or lost, a condition that can last for several days.
The pain and irritation can also persist, and the edema can leave
superficial necrosis. Excessive salivation is common. Treatment
requires use of cool liquids; analgesics may be indicated (Arditti
and Rodriguez 1982, Lampe and McCann 1985). Cut stem
sections are particularly dangerous for nursery workers because
of the possibility of getting plant juices into the eyes.
Inflammation accompanied by intense pain, watering, and gross
swelling can occur. Visual acuity may be reduced (Arditti and
Rodriquez 1982).
References:

Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: Digitalis

purpurea
Interactive
Botanical name
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is an attractive biennial plant that is

cultivated in Canada and is naturalized in several provinces. Upon
ingestion, this plant can cause toxic reactions that lead to severe sickness
Common name
and death in animals and in humans. Several important pharmaceutical
drugs such as digitalis and digoxin are derived from this plant. The
Important WWW Poisonous chemicals increase the force of contraction of the heart muscle and are
Plants sites
therefore used in cases of heart congestion. Foxglove (Digitalis
purpurea) is a naturalized herb found in eastern Canada and British
Columbia. It is also a common outdoor ornamental. All classes of
livestock are susceptible to poisoning by foxglove. However, because of
the unpalatable nature of the plant, poisoning is infrequent, although
when it does occur it is often severe and dramatic, frequently resulting in
death. Human poisoning occurs rarely. However, poisoning was reported
in the children who ate the flowers or drank water from vases.
Accidentally including foxglove leaves in tea has led to poisoning and
death. Cardiac glycosides are commonly described drugs that have a low
margin of safety. Slight overdoses of prescribed medicine can cause
symptoms of toxicity (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Cheeke and Schull
1985, Joubert 1989).
References:
poisonous plants. AVI Publishing Company, Inc., Westport, Conn., USA.
492 pp.
Cooper, M. R., Johnson, A. W. 1984. Poisonous plants in Britain and
their effects on animals and man. Her Majesty's Stationery Office,
London, England. 305 pp.
Joubert, J. P. 1989. Cardiac glycosides. Pages 61-97 in Cheeke, P. R., ed.
Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. II. Glycosides. CRC Press, Inc., Boca
Raton, Fla., USA. 277 pp.
Lampe, K. F., McCann, M. A. 1985. AMA Handbook of poisonous and
injurious plants. American Medical Assoc. Chicago, Ill., USA. 432 pp.
Parker, W. H. 1951. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) poisoning in turkeys.
Vet. Rec., 63: 416.
Thomas, D. L., Quick, M. P., Morgan, R. P. 1987. Suspected foxglove
(Digitalis purpurea) poisoning in a dairy cow. Vet. Rec., 120: 300-301.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Digitalis purpurea L.
Vernacular name(s): foxglove
Scientific family name: Scrophulariaceae
Vernacular family name: frigwort
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Digitalis purpurea
References:
Names of plant diseases in Canada. , Quebec City, Que., Canada. 288 pp.
Alex, J. F., Cayouette, R., Mulligan, G. A. 1980. Common and botanical
names of weeds in Canada/Noms populaire et scientifiques des plantes
nuisibles du Canada. Revised. Agric. Can. Publ., Ottawa, Ont., Canada.
132 pp.
British Columbia
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
References:
Boivin, B. 1966, 1967. numration des plantes du Canada. Provencheria

6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Digitalis purpurea:

The entire plant contains toxic compounds. The leaves and seeds are used
to produce digoxin and other cardenolides for pharmaceutical use. The
chemicals do not lose their toxicity by drying, storage, boiling or
incorporation in hay. The plants are unpalatable and are seldom eaten by
animals (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Joubert 1989).
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
seeds
stems
References:

Digitoxin is one of several cardiac glycosides found in foxglove and is
considered the most toxic of these chemicals. The toxins are split by
hydrolysis into a sugar and an alglycone (nonsugar compound). The
aglycones have a direct effect on the muscles to the heart (Joubert 1989).

digitoxin

References:
Cats
Cattle
death
dyspnea
Notes on poisoning:
Dairy cattle have become poisoned after ingesting foxglove. Postmortem
examination showed consolidation of the apical lobes of both lungs, with
marked emphysema and bullae formation in the diaphragmatic lobes.
Duodenal and jejunal mucosa were extremely congested and
hemorrhagic. Some cattle recovered after treatment, whereas others took
several days. One cow died 2 days after ingesting foxglove (Thomas et
al. 1987).
References:
Dogs
Goats
Horses
Humans
abdominal pains
diarrhea
nausea
Notes on poisoning:
Digitalis poisoning toxicity has a variable latent period depending on the
quantity ingested. Gross disturbances in heartbeat and pulse are common.
Most cases of human poisoning result from slight overdoses of prescribed
drugs that contain digoxin or other related chemicals. Smith et al. (1982)
describe the symptoms of digoxin and digitoxin toxicity, including
nausea and severe vomiting. Many people develop hyperkalemia.
Advanced cardiac rhythm disturbances are common, along with
tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Treating patients with purified
Fab fragments of digoxin-specific antibodies produces an initial
favorable response and should lead to safe, effective reversal of
life-threatening digitalis intoxication. Accidental ingestion of foxglove
has occurred when the leaves were used in tea or when flowers were
ingested (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Poultry
Sheep
Swine

abdominal pains
convulsions
death
diarrhea
Notes on poisoning:
General symptoms of foxglove poisoning for all types of animals include
diarrhea, abdominal pain, irregular pulse, tremors, and convulsions. In
severe cases, death occurs. Postmortem examination of pigs showed
gastrointestinal inflammation, punctiform necrosis of the border of the
spleen, and fatty degeneration of some nerve fibers in the heart. The
presence of digitoxin in the body tissues confirms foxglove poisoning in
References:
Turkeys
appetite, loss of
convulsions
death
drowsiness
pupil dilation
Notes on poisoning:
Several turkeys died after ingesting foxglove leaves. Several turkeys
slowly recovered. The crops were surgically removed from affected
birds, a procedure which speeded up recovery time (Parker 1951).
References:
Vet. Rec., 63: 416.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: Dirca

palustris
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Leatherwood (Dirca palustris) is a native shrub found in parts of
eastern Canada in woodlands. This shrub contains unknown
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites poisonous chemicals that are most potent in the bark. Chewing
the bark can cause severe burning in the mouth and can produce a
nauseating taste; dermatitis can occur, especially during
flowering and fruiting time (Fyles 1920, Lampe and McCann
1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Dirca palustris L.
Vernacular name(s): leatherwood
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Dirca
palustris
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

New Brunswick
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Dirca palustris:
Toxic parts:
bark
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
blistering
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Echium vulgare
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Blueweed (Echium vulgare) is a naturalized biennial herb found
in fields and waste places across Canada. The bristly hairs on this
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites plant cause skin irritation. There is no mention of whether the
irritation is purely mechanical or whether it is caused by
chemicals in the hairs on the leaves and stems. This plant may
also contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids including heliosupine
(Cheeke 1989, Cooper and Johnson 1984). Poisoning by this
plant has not been reported. Purple bugloss (Echium lycopsis L. =
Echium plantagineum L.) has been collected in Canada on a
couple of occasions, but it does not persist. This species does
contain several pyrrolizidine alkaloids, including echimidine,
echiumine, and heliotrine. The plant has caused death of horses
and liver damage of sheep in Australia (Cooper and Johnson
1984, Cheeke 1989). Lampe and McCann (1985) discuss toxicity
of both species to humans after ingestion of herbal teas
containing Echium spp. Chronic consumption can cause
veno-occlusive disease of the liver (Budd-Chiari syndrome), with
hepatic vein thrombosis leading to cirrhosis. Purple bugloss
(Echium lycopsis), which is discussed above, contains chemicals
that can cause this type of problem. However, it does not appear
to persist in Canada. There is no information in the literature on
blueweed causing such poisoning, but it may contain
pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Cheeke 1989). Caution is obviously
warranted. Teas containing either of these plants should not be
used by humans.
References:
Cheeke, P. R. 1989. Pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity and
metabolism in laboratory animals and livestock. Pages 1-22 in
Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. I. Alkaloids.

Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Echium vulgare L.
Vernacular name(s): blueweed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Echium
vulgare
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Echium vulgare:

The bristly hairs covering the stem and leaves produce severe
inflammation when they break off and become imbedded in the
skin (Muenscher 1975).
Toxic parts:
hairs
References:

Cheeke (1989) mentions that blueweed contains pyrrolizidine
alkaloids, but no further information is given. Another member of
the genus (Echium lycopsis) contains several alkaloids that have
caused poisoning of animals in Australia.

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
itchiness
Notes on poisoning:
The hairs on blueweed cause intense itchiness and skin irritation
(Muenscher 1975).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Equisetum arvense
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a native plant growing
across Canada. This plant contains thiaminase which causes
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites thiamine deficiency in horses. Ruminants are not generally
affected by problems of thiamine deficiency because it is made in
the rumen. However, some cattle were reported to have
symptoms. In Canada, horses have been poisoned by ingesting
field horsetail (Henderson et al. 1952, Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
Cody, W. J., Wagner, V. 1981. The biology of Canadian weeds.
49. Equisetum arvense L., 61: 123-133.
Henderson, J. A., Evans, E. V., McIntosh, R. A. 1951. The
antithiamine action to Equisetum. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 120:
375-378.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Equisetum arvense L.
Vernacular name(s): field horsetail
Scientific family name: Equisetaceae
Vernacular family name: horsetail
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Equisetum
arvense
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Equisetum arvense:

The horsetails have separate fertile and sterile fronds. Field
horsetail has a fertile frond that is flesh-colored and appears
before the green sterile frond.
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.

Thiaminase is an enzyme that splits thiamine, a B vitamin,
making it inactive. Thiamine is involved in decarboxylation
reactions in animal bodies. Deficiency of thiamine leads to
accumulation of pyruvate in the blood, with a resulting
impairment in energy metabolism and cellular shortage of ATP.
Hay that contains horsetail at a level of 20% or more may
produce symptoms of thiamine deficiency in horses in 2-5 weeks
(Cheeke and Schull 1985).

thiaminase
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
Horses
Sheep
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Equisetum palustre
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Marsh horsetail (Equisetum palustre) is a native horsetail
growing across Canada. This plant has poisoned cattle and,
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites rarely, sheep. In addition to thiaminase, it contains an alkaloid,
that causes the toxicity (Kingsbury 1964, Cooper and Johnson
1984).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Equisetum palustre L.
Vernacular name(s): marsh horsetail
palustre
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Equisetum palustre:

Marsh horsetail has separate fertile and sterile stems. Unlike field
horsetail, both types of fronds are greenish, with the added
fruiting sporangia body on top of the fertile frond.
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Palustrine, an alkaloid, has been found in marsh horsetail. This
alkaloid may contribute to the poisoning of cattle by this plant.
Thiaminase activity is usually not a problem in ruminants
because thiamine is produced in the rumen. Therefore, the
presence of alkaloids is suspected to cause the toxic responses.
The alkaloid content varies greatly (96-302 mg/100 g of dry
weight). Frosted plant material quickly loses most of its alkaloid
content, whereas air-dried marsh horsetail can keep its alkaloid
content for years (Frohne and Pfander 1983).

palustrine
thiaminase
References:
Cattle
diarrhea
References:
Horses
Sheep
diarrhea
muscle, weakness of
sweating
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
name
Wormseed mustard (Erysimum cheiranthoides) is a naturalized herb

All poisonous plants by Common found across Canada in fields and waste places. It contains large
quantities of glucosinolates, which release allylisothiocyanate upon
name
hydrolysis. Cattle and swine were poisoned in Canada when feeds
were contaminated with sufficient quantities of seed from wormseed
Important WWW Poisonous Plants mustard plants (Kingsbury 1964, Palechek 1986).
sites
References:
Palechek, N. 1986. Toxic weed seeds in cattle feed. Can. Vet. J., 26:
A10.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Erysimum cheiranthoides L.
Vernacular name(s): wormseed mustard
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Erysimum
cheiranthoides
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Erysimum cheiranthoides:
Toxic parts:
seeds
References:
A10.

glucosinolates
glucosinolates
glucosinolates

References:
A10.
Cattle
colic
depression
References:
A10.
Swine
death
Notes on poisoning:
Swine died after ingesting food that contained 1.7% seeds of the
plant by weight (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Burningbush (Euonymous atropurpureus) is an ornamental shrub
that grows across southern Canada. Several reviews have noted
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites that this plant is poisonous, but documented cases appear to refer
to the closely related European spindletree (Euonymous
europeus). See additional information under general notes on the
European spindletree. Children who ingest the seeds should be
attended to. Children and horses have been poisoned by ingesting
the European spindletree. Symptoms of poisoning of children and
horses are discussed under that plant as well.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euonymus atropurpureus Jacq.
Vernacular name(s): burningbush
Scientific family name: Celastraceae
Vernacular family name: stafftree
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Euonymus
atropurpureus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Euonymus atropurpureus:
Toxic parts:
bark
leaves
seeds
References:

evomonoside
References:
Horses
Humans
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Euonymus europaeus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name European spindletree (Euonymous europaeus) is an ornamental
shrub that can grow in the warmer parts of Canada. The shrub has
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites poisoned children as well as goats, horses, and sheep. Children
are attracted to the mature fleshy orange fruits, which contain
seeds with cardiac glycosides and alkaloids. Children have
become quite ill. Fatal poisoning has occurred in two horses after
they ingested shoots of this plant (Frohne and Pfander 1983,
Cooper and Johnson 1984, Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euonymus europaeus L.
Vernacular name(s): European spindletree
europaeus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Euonymus europaeus:

The conspicuous fruiting structures of the European spindletree
entice children to eat them. The seeds contain toxins that have
caused poisoning of children (Frohne and Pfander 1983).
Toxic parts:
bark
leaves
seeds
References:

Several cardiac glycosides have been found in the seeds,
including evomonoside, whose aglycone is digitoxigenin.
Alkaloids also make up about 0.1% of the seeds, including
evonine. The toxicity of the alkaloidal fraction has not been
studied. Cardiac glycosides are also found in the leaves and bark
(the alkaloid content is too low to be of any consequence)
(Frohne and Pfander 1983, Lampe and McCann 1985).

evomonoside
evonine
References:
Goats
Horses
constipation
death
Notes on poisoning:
In one case in Europe, two horses had access to the shoots of

European spindletree and they ingested large quantities of them.
The animals suffered paralysis of the digestive tract. The pulse
was rapid and the horses died within 4 days. Postmortem
examination showed inflammation of the intestines (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
Humans
convulsions
death
diarrhea
hallucination
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Children are attracted to the bright orange fruits, which contain
toxic seeds. Symptoms occur 10-12 h after ingestion and include
diarrhea, vomiting, stimulation of the heart and, in more severe
cases, hallucination and loss of consciousness. In one fatal case,
the child had blood-stained diarrhea and convulsions before death
References:
Sheep
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Eupatorium rugosum
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name White snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum) is a native herb that
grows in rich soils in eastern Canada. This plant has caused
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites illness and death of humans and several types of livestock. Large
losses of human life occurred in the 19th century from the
mysterious milk sickness. Mortality ranged from 10 to 25%, and
the population of entire villages left a location because they could
not find the cause of the disease. It was later discovered that
cattle had ingested white snakeroot and that a toxin was
subsequently passed through the milk to humans and was toxic.
With modern collection and combination techniques, milk
sickness from commercial milk sources is no longer a problem.
However, the resurgence of small-scale farming and home milk
production may result in occasional cases of milk sickness
(Kingsbury 1964, Stotts 1984, Cheeke and Schull 1985, Beier and
Norman 1990).
Several types of herbivorous livestock have also been poisoned
by ingesting white snakeroot, resulting in a disease called
trembles. Cattle, goats, horses, sheep, and swine have shown
toxic reactions. Suckling animals can develop milk sickness as
well. Trembles was more of a problem in the past, before the
increased use of herbicides and prepared feeds. Poisoning was
also more frequent when animals were allowed to range through
bushlots. The amount of white snakeroot that must be ingested
before death is variable, ranging from 1 to 20%. Symptoms can
occur within a few days or up to 3 weeks later. Daily intake rates
of 0.5-1.5% of body weight generally leads to the onset of
symptoms. Drying the plant material does not completely remove
the danger to animals (Doyle and Walkley 1949, Kingsbury 1964,
Cheeke and Schull 1985, Beier and Norman 1990).
Additional care must be taken with milk from cattle or goats that
may have ingested white snakeroot. Many articles state that a
lactating animal does not always show symptoms. However, milk
from that animal can still cause milk sickness. Calves, humans,
and cats have been poisoned in such cases. Dogs given the milk
are also be at risk. Experimental work has shown that trembles
can occur in rabbits and guinea pigs. White snakeroot grows in
rich moist open woods and along water courses. Animals should
not be allowed to graze this plant.
References:
Beier, R. C., Norman, J. O. 1990. The toxic factor in white
snakeroot: identity, analysis and prevention. Vet. Hum. Toxicol.,
32: 81-88.
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Couch, J. F. 1927. The toxic constituent of richweed or white
snakeroot (Eupatorium urticaefolium). J. Agric. Res., 35:
547-576.
Doyle, L. P., Walkey, F. L. 1949. White snakeroot (Eupatorium
urticaefolium) poisoning in livestock. Purdue Univ. Agric. Exp.
Stn. Bull., 270. 14 pp.
Olson, C. T., Keller, W. C., Gerken, D. F., Reed, S. M. 1984.
Suspected tremetol poisoning in horses. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc.,
185: 1001-1003.
Stotts, R. 1984. White snakeroot toxicity in dairy cattle. Vet.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Eupatorium rugosum Houtt.
Vernacular name(s): white snakeroot
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Eupatorium
rugosum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Eupatorium rugosum:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:
Stn. Bull., 270. 14 pp.
Kaufmann, G. W. 1982. Seasonal variation of tremetol
concentrations found in white snakeroot, Eupatorium rugosum
Houtt (Compositae). Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 89: 151-152.

185: 1001-1003.

Tremotol is a secondary aromatic alcohol with a sterol and ketone
fraction. One of these ketones, tremetone, has been tested on
chickens, with negative results, but was toxic to goldfish in
experimental studies. In Iowa the concentration of tremotol was
found to be highest during the summer (Kaufmann 1982).

tremetol
References:
547-576.
Kaufmann, G. W. 1982. Seasonal variation of tremetol
concentrations found in white snakeroot, Eupatorium rugosum
Houtt (Compositae). Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 89: 151-152.
Cattle
appetite, loss of
ataxia
breathing, rapid
coma
constipation
death
depression
gait, unsteady
nasal discharge
nausea
prostration
recumbency
trembling
urine, yellowish
vomiting
weakness
References:
Stn. Bull., 270. 14 pp.
Stotts, R. 1984. White snakeroot toxicity in dairy cattle. Vet.
Dogs
Goats
Horses
breathing, labored
breathing, rapid
breathing, shallow
constipation
death
depression
gait, rigid
nasal discharge
prostration
pupil dilation
recumbency
sweating
trembling
References:
Stn. Bull., 270. 14 pp.
185: 1001-1003.
Humans
Rabbits
Sheep
acidosis
death
nervousness
trembling
References:
547-576.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) is a naturalized herb
found across southern Canada. Ingesting the plant has caused loss
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites of cattle in New York State. This plant is usually avoided by
livestock but is ingested if incorporated with hay. The plant is
abundant in in some locations in southern Ontario. Some humans
are sensitive to the irritant latex and may develop inflammation.
References:
Stahevitch, A. E., Crompton, C. W., Wojtas, W. A. 1988. The
biology of Canadian weeds. 85. Euphorbia cyparissias L. Can. J.
Plant Sci., 68: 175-191.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euphorbia cyparissias L.
Vernacular name(s): cypress spurge
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Euphorbia
cyparissias
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Euphorbia cyparissias:

The toxic compounds are found in the latex and seeds (Frohne
and Pfander 1983).
Toxic parts:
latex
seeds
References:

Unknown ingenanes, toxic diterpenes, are found in this plant
(Frohne and Pfander 1983).

5-deoxyingenol
References:
Cattle
collapse
death
diarrhea
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle that have ingested hay containing large amounts of cypress
spurge have had diarrhea followed by weakness, collapse, and
death (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Horses
Humans
blistering
References:
Sheep
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Euphorbia esula
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) is a naturalized herb that grows
across southern Canada. The plant is usually not ingested by
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites livestock, but if large amounts are incorporated in hay, poisoning
can occur. Sheep are more resistant to leafy spurge, but collapse
and death have occurred (Kingsbury 1964). Some humans can
develop dermatitis and irritation from the latex.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euphorbia esula L.
Vernacular name(s): leafy spurge
esula
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Euphorbia esula:
Toxic parts:
latex
References:
Seip, E. H., Hecker, E. 1982. Skin irritant ingenol esters from
Euphorbia esula. Planta Med., 46: 215-218.

Seip and Hecker (1982) found ingenol derivatives, which are
diterpenes, to be the irritant factors in leafy spurge. Some of the

chemicals were weak tumor promoters.

5-deoxyingenol
References:
Cattle
Horses
Humans
Sheep
blistering
death
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Sun spurge (Euphorbia helioscopia) is a naturalized herb
occasionally found in southern Canada. The latex contains a
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites strong irritant that causes burning and swelling in animals that
ingest it. Sheep were poisoned and a human child died after
ingesting the plant. This plant can cause irritation to livestock that
ingestion it.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euphorbia helioscopia L.
Vernacular name(s): sun spurge
helioscopia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Euphorbia helioscopia:
Toxic parts:
latex
References:

12-deoxyphorbol
References:

Humans
Sheep
abdominal pains
coma
death
diarrhea
salivation
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
In Britain, sheep that had ingested sun spurge experienced severe
swelling and inflammation of the mouth, diarrhea, and salivation.
The animals recovered fully when moved to new pasture that did
not contain this plant (Cooper and Johnson 1984). One of two
children died after sucking the juice of sun spurge. Symptoms
included burning of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach,
salivation, vomiting, narrowing of the pupils, and lung edema.
One child went into a coma before death (Cooper and Johnson
1984).
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Euphorbia lactea
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Candelabra-cactus (Euphorbia lactea) is an indoor ornamental
plant. The latex (juice) of the plant contains an intense irritant
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites that causes problems when the latex comes in contact with
mucous membranes and eyes. Severe eye problems have also
been experimentally produced in dogs. Ingestion should be
avoided by children and family pets.
References:
Crowder, J. I., Sexton, R. R. 1964. Keratoconjunctivitis resulting
from the sap of candelebra cactus and the pencil tree. Arch.
Opthalmol., 72: 476-484.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euphorbia lactea Haw.
Vernacular name(s): candelabra-cactus
lactea
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Euphorbia lactea:
Toxic parts:
latex
References:
Opthalmol., 72: 476-484.
Humans

keratoconjunctivitis
Notes on poisoning:
The milky sap of candelabra-cactus contains an irritant that can
cause intense burning and keratoconjunctivitis if a drop gets into
the eyes. In one case, a man felt intense pain in his eye followed
by mild conjunctival hyperemia and punctate staining of the
cornea. Within 24 h the patient had copious mucous discharge,
marked conjunctival edema, swollen lids, and severe pain in the
eye. A few days later the eye began to heal, with complete
recovery after a couple of weeks. Experiments on dogs resulted in
similar symptoms, with eventual clearing of the eyes (Crowder
and Sexton 1964).
References:
Opthalmol., 72: 476-484.
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Euphorbia lathyris
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) is an outdoor ornamental that
has become naturalized in British Columbia. This plant contains
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites an irritant toxin in the latex. Humans have been poisoned after
ingesting the seed capsules, which resemble capers, a different
plant. Goats apparently eat this plant without experiencing great
problems, but the toxin can accumulate and can be passed
through the milk (Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euphorbia lathyris L.
Vernacular name(s): caper spurge
lathyris
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

British Columbia
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Euphorbia lathyris:
Toxic parts:
latex
References:

Caper spurge contains unidentified ingenol derivatives that are
toxic diterpenes. The activity of the toxins are not affected by
drying or storage (Frohne and Pfander 1983, Cooper and Johnson

1984).

5-deoxyingenol
References:
Goats
Humans
abdominal pains
diarrhea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Caper spurge has seed capsules that resemble true capers. In
Europe, adults were poisoned when they mistakenly ingested
caper spurge. They experienced intense burning of the mouth and
stomach, abdominal pains, diarrhea, and eventual recovery. The
latex is corrosive and causes skin irritation (Cooper and Johnson
1984, Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Euphorbia milii
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Crown-of-thorns (Euphorbia milii) is an indoor ornamental plant.
The plant contains caustic and irritant chemicals in the latex. This
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites plant should not be ingested nor should the juice be rubbed on the
skin or in the eyes. Family pets should not be allowed to ingest
this plant.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euphorbia milii Ch. des Moulins
Vernacular name(s): crown-of-thorns
milii
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Euphorbia milii:
Toxic parts:
latex
References:

Unknown ingenol derivatives of toxic diterpenes are found in the
latex of crown-of-thorns and have irritant properties (Frohne and
Pfander 1983).

5-deoxyingenol
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
blistering
Notes on poisoning:
Crown-of-thorns contains an irritant in the latex that causes skin
irritation and problems on mucous membranes and eye tissue.
Ingestion can cause irritation of the mouth and stomach, and
abdominal pains (Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Euphorbia peplus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Petty spurge (Euphorbia peplus) is a naturalized herb found
across Canada. This plant contains a caustic and irritant chemical
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites in the latex, which causes burning and inflammation of skin and
eyes. Ingestion results in complications. Family pets should not
be allowed to ingest this plant. Experimental poisoning occurred
in a calf that was fed petty spurge (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euphorbia peplus L.
Vernacular name(s): petty spurge
peplus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Euphorbia peplus:
Toxic parts:
latex
References:

Petty spurge contains a toxic diterpene, 5-deoxyingenol, as well
as ingenol (Frohne and Pfander 1983).

5-deoxyingenol
References:
Cattle
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental feeding of petty spurge caused blood-stained feces
and excessive salivation in a calf (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Humans
eye, discharge of
Notes on poisoning:
Skin and mucous membrane irritation result from contact with the
latex. Severe eye irritation also occurs (Fuller and McClintock
1986).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a popular Christmas plant
grown for its red leafy bracts. It has been listed as a known toxic
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites plant that has caused a loss of human life. The case cited in all
literature is based on the death of a child in Hawaii who ingested
a leaf of poinsettia. The author of that report said that the incident
was based on hearsay (Stone and Collins 1971). Various studies
have not found any of the toxic diterpenes that occur in the latex
of other spurges (Euphorbia spp.). Extensive studies on rats that
were fed "extraordinarily" high doses of poinsettia showed no
mortality, no symptoms of toxicity, and no changes in normal
behaviour (Stone and Collins 1971). Klug et al. (1990) reviewed
353 calls to poison control centres and found that nausea and
vomiting were cited in 0.02% of the cases with rash and sneezing
cited in 0.0028%. An older dog that ingested poinsettia reportedly
experienced protracted vomiting, followed by renal failure, coma,
and death. This is the only case in the literature of death to an
animal. Case histories show that some humans develop a
sensitivity to the latex, resulting in dermatitis. Short exposures to
poinsettia in a few cases have led to bouts of vomiting, but no
substantiated cases of death can be found in the literature.
Poinsettia should no longer be regarded as a severely toxic plant.
References:
Klug, S., Saleem, G., Hocharuk, L., Marcus, S. 1990. Toxicity
potential of poinsettia, is the plant really toxic? Vet. Hum.
Toxicol., 32: 368.
Stone, R. P., Collins, W. J. 1971. Euphorbia pulcherrima:
toxicity to rats. Toxicon, 9: 301-302.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch
Vernacular name(s): poinsettia
pulcherrima
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Euphorbia pulcherrima:

A few people have a positive reaction to the latex and to aqueous
extracts of plant material (Santucci et al. 1985).
Toxic parts:
latex
leaves
stems
References:

The latex does not contain any diterpenes. The plant contains an
unidentified chemical, which causes dermatitis in a few sensitive
individuals (Santucci et al. 1985).

unknown chemical
References:
Dogs
coma
death
kidney failure
vomiting
References:
Toxicol., 32: 368.
Humans
eczema
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
The most severe symptoms of poinsettia ingestion substantiated
in the literature are a few cases of nausea and vomiting, with an
occasional rash (Klug et al. 1990).
References:
Toxicol., 32: 368.
Rodents
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Euphorbia tirucalli
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Penciltree (Euphorbia tirucalli) is an attractive indoor ornamental
tree. The plant contains caustic and irritant chemicals in the latex
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites which cause reactions with the skin, mucous membranes, and the
eyes. Severe burning and inflammation result after the latex
comes into contact with the skin. Ingestion causes burning and
irritation of the mouth and stomach, accompanied by pain and
perhaps diarrhea. Apparently, injudicious medicinal use of the
latex of this plant has caused fatalities in East Africa (Fuller and
McClintock 1986). Family pets should not be allowed to ingest
the plant.
References:
Opthalmol., 72: 476-484.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euphorbia tirucalli L.
Vernacular name(s): penciltree
tirucalli
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Euphorbia tirucalli:
Toxic parts:
latex
References:
Frstenberger, G., Hecker, E. 1986. On the active principles of
the Euphorbiaceae, XII. Highly unsaturated irritant diterpene
esters from Euphorbia tirucalli originating from Madagascar. J.
Nat. Prod. (Lloydia), 49: 386-397.

Toxic ingenol and 4-deoxyingenol are diterpenes that have been
isolated from the latex of penciltree (Frohne and Pfander 1983;
Frstenberger and Hecker 1986).

4-deoxyingenol
References:
Humans
Notes on poisoning:
Penciltree latex causes keratoconjunctivitis if it gets into the eyes.
The symptoms include immediate burning pain of the eyeball and
eyelids, tearing, and photophobia. These symptoms are followed
by 8-12 h of chemosis of the lids and conjunctiva, with blurred
vision and increased pain. Erosion of the corneal epithelium,
decreased visual acuity, and corneal edema occur (Crowder and
Sexton 1964).
References:
Opthalmol., 72: 476-484.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is cultivated in Canada as a
crop for fodder and for the production of buckwheat honey.
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Ingesting entire plants, dried or fresh, has caused
photosensitization in animals with exposed or light-colored skin
including cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and turkeys. Exposure to the
sun is necessary. This plant is considered to be a primary
photosensitizer, although jaundice has occurred concurrently,
which indicates secondary involvement of the liver (Cooper and
Johnson 1984, Cheeke and Schull 1985). Buckwheat has been
found to be an effective replacement for wheat or barley in
rations for swine (Anderson and Bowland 1981). Closely related
tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum L.) is also a satisfactory
grain replacement in ruminant animals (Nicholson et al. 1976).
Humans can be sensitized to dust from buckwheat flour after long
exposure. Asthma is the usual response, although rare individuals
may manifest food allergy reactions after ingesting food products
containing buckwheat flour. Photosensitization has not occurred
in humans (Blumstein 1936).
References:
Anderson, D. M., Bowland, J. P. 1981. Evaluation of buckwheat
(Fagopyrum esculentum) in diets of growing pigs. Proc. Am. Soc.
Anim. Sci. West. Br., 32: 422-425.
Blumstein, G. I. 1936. Buckwheat sensitivity. J. Allergy, 7:
74-79.
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Nicholson, J. W., McQueen, R., Grant, E. A., Burgess, P. L.

1976. The feeding value of tartary buckwheat for ruminants. Can.
J. Anim. Sci., 56: 803-808.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Fagopyrum esculentum Moench
Vernacular name(s): buckwheat
Scientific family name: Polygonaceae
Vernacular family name: buckwheat
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Fagopyrum
esculentum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Fagopyrum esculentum:

Little fagopyrin occurs in the seeds, but ingesting the entire plant,
either green or dried, can cause serious photosensitization in
livestock (Johnson 1989).
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
seeds
stems
References:
Johnson, A. E. 1983. Photosensitizing toxins from plants and
their biologic effects. Pages 345-359 in Keeler, R. F., Tu, A. T.,
eds. Handbook of natural toxins. Vol. 1. Plant and Fungal toxins.
Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., USA. 934 pp.

Fagopyrin, probably a derivative of naphthodianthrone, is closely
related to hypericin, which is found in St. John''s-wort
(Hypericum perforatum). The absorption spectra of these
chemicals is in the range of 540-610 nm (Johnson 1983).

fagopyrin
References:
Cattle
recumbency
skin, peeling of
thirsty
weakness
References:
Goats
blistering
skin, peeling of
References:
Humans
Sheep
blistering
paralysis
recumbency
skin, peeling of
References:
Swine
blistering
skin, peeling of
References:
Turkeys
incoordination
skin, peeling of
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Galanthus nivalis
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) is an outdoor ornamental spring
flower. This plant contains the alkaloid lycorine, which can cause
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites poisoning. Some individuals were poisoned after ingesting the
bulbs as emergency food in Holland during World War II. Large
amounts of bulbs need to be ingested to produce toxic reactions
(Lampe and McCann 1985, Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Galanthus nivalis L.
Vernacular name(s): snowdrop
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Galanthus
nivalis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Galanthus nivalis:
Toxic parts:
bulbs
References:

lycorine
References:
Humans
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Ginkgo biloba
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is an ornamental tree growing in the
warmer parts of Canada. This plant is of botanical interest
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites because it is the sole survivor of the order Ginkgoales, with fossil
evidence tracing back over 200 million years. The tree now
survives only in cultivation. The trees are planted for their
beautifully shaped leaves, which turn an attractive yellow in
autumn. Usually only male trees are planted because the fleshy
pulp on the fruits develop an obnoxious smell resembling rancid
butter when the pulp is deteriorating on the ground. The interior
kernel of the fruit is considered a delicacy by people of Chinese,
Japanese, and southeast Asian descent. Contact dermatitis occurs
in sensitive individuals when they remove the fleshy pulp from
the seeds in the autumn. Children who handle the attractive
yellow fruits may develop dermatitis. The pulp is also used as a
folk medicine in China and Japan. The crude extract contains a
toxin that causes convulsions and death if used in excess. This
type of poisoning is unlikely unless the extract (gin-nan) is
available in Canada.
References:
Lepoittevin, J.-P., Benezra, C., Asakawa, Y. 1989. Allergic
contact dermatitis to Ginkgo biloba L.: retationship with urushiol.
Arch. Dermatol. Res., 281: 227-230.
Tomb, R. R., Foussereau, J., Sell, Y. 1988. Mini-epidemic of
contact dermatitis from ginkgo tree fruit (Ginkgo biloba L.).
Contact Dermatitis, 19: 281-283.
Wada, K., Ishigaki, S., Ueda, K., Take, Y., Sasaki, K., Sakata,
M., Haga, M. 1988. Studies on the constitution of edible and
medicinal plants. 1. Isolation and identification of
4-O-methylpyridoxine, toxic principle from the seed of Ginkgo
biloba L. Chem. Pharm. Bull. (Tokyo), 36: 1779-1782.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Ginkgo biloba L.
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Ginkgo biloba:

The endosperm (the food storage tissues) of the seeds contains a
chemical that can cause convulsions and death in humans if taken
in excessive quantities. The Chinese and Japanese use a crude

extract of ginkgo seed, called gin-nan, as an antitussive and
expectorant in folk medicine. Excessive use of this extract has
caused gin-nan food poisoning in China and Japan. Some deaths
have occurred. Ginkgo seeds can be obtained in specialized food
stores, and gingko trees grow and bear fruit at least in some areas
of the country, such as Ottawa. The seeds are often picked by
Chinese and Japanese for food consumption. The seed coat and
the fruit pulp of ginkgo can cause allergic contact dermatitis. This
most often happens when the fruit pulp is removed to get at the
seed, which is considered a delicacy in Chinese and Japanese
cooking (Nakamura 1985).
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
seeds
References:

4-O-Methylpyridoxine is a chemical that has an antivitamin B6
activity. This chemical is found in the endosperm (the food
storage tissue) of the seeds. The chemical causes convulsions in
guinea pigs at oral doses of 11 mg/kg. 4-O-Methylpyridoxine also
inhibits the formation of 4-aminobutyric acid from glutamate,
which might induce seizures (Wada et al. 1988). Ginkgolic acids
1 are aromatic compounds found in the pulpy exterior of the fruit
of ginkgo. These chemicals cause allergic contact dermatitis.
Lepoittevin et al. (1989) determined that despite the close
structure between ginkgolic acids 1 and the components of
urushiol 4 (the allergen of poison-ivy), the hypothesis that the
acids transform into catechol 4 in vivo (as with poison-ivy)
cannot be supported. Cross-reactivity between ginkgo and
urushiol did not occur when tested on guinea pigs.

ginkgolic acids 1
4-O-methylpyridoxine
References:
Humans
convulsions
death
erythema
unconsciousness
Notes on poisoning:
A crude extract of gingko seeds is used in folk medicine in China
and Japan. Excessive use can cause convulsions,
unconsciousness, and death. Infants are especially vulnerable
(Wada et al. 1988).
References:

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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Glechoma hederacea
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Ground-ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a creeping ground cover
that can grow abundantly in uncultivated damp or shaded ground
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites around houses and garden areas. This plant contains an irritant oil
that is toxic to horses if they ingest large quantities of the fresh or
dried plant. In one case in Canada the death of horses was
reported (Fyles 1920, Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Glechoma hederacea L.
Vernacular name(s): ground-ivy
Scientific family name: Labiatae
Vernacular family name: mint
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Glechoma
hederacea
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Glechoma hederacea:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Horses
cyanosis
dyspnea
pupil dilation
salivation
sweating
Notes on poisoning:
In Prince Edward Island two horses ingested large quantities of
ground-ivy in November when the ivy provided an abundance of
green foliage. The horses panted continually and died within a a
week. One horse would lie down and the other horse would not.
In Europe, horses have been reported to ingest large amounts of
fresh or dried ground-ivy, with subsequent poisoning.
Apparently, cattle and sheep were not poisoned after they
ingested the plant (Fyles 1920).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Gloriosa superba
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Glory lily (Gloriosa superba) is a rarely grown indoor
ornamental vine best suited to greenhouses. Ingesting the tubers
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites causes severe poisoning in humans. The plant contains two
alkaloids, including colchicine, which cause severe
gastroenteritis, vomiting, and possible unconciousness. Severe
hair loss is a consistent symptom of colchicine poisoning.
Complete recovery is slow (Gooneratne 1966, Angunawela and
Fernando 1971, Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
Angunawela, R. M., Fernando, H. A. 1971. Acute ascending
polyneuropathy and dermatitis following poisoning by tubers of
Gloriosa superba. Ceylon Med. J., 16: 233-235.
Gooneratne, B. W. 1966. Massive generalized alopecia after
poisoning by Gloriosa superba. Br. Med. J., 1: 1023-1024.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Gloriosa superba L.
Vernacular name(s): glory lily
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Gloriosa
superba
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Gloriosa superba:
Toxic parts:
tubers
References:


Two alkaloids, colchicine and gloriosine, are found in the tubers
of glory lily. In one case, a young women ingested 125 g of
tubers containing 0.3% colchicine. She ingested the equivalent of
350 mg of colchicine and within 2 h she was vomiting, becoming
unconscious by the next day (Gooneratne 1966).

colchicine
gloriosine
References:
Humans
alopecia
dehydration
diarrhea
hemoglobinuria
unconsciousness
vomiting
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting the tubers causes severe vomiting, abdominal pain,
severe and bloody diarrhea, vaginal bleeding, weakness, and
retention of urine and waste. Swelling of the lower or upper limbs
may occur. Partial to complete hair loss occurs, sometimes on all
parts of the body. Recover is slow, because colchicine is slowly
secreted from the system. Treatment includes fluid retention,

monitoring of renal function and blood pressure, and treatment
for diarrhea (Gooneratne 1966, Angunawela and Fernando 1971,
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Glyceria grandis
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Tall manna grass (Glyceria grandis) is a native and naturalized
grass found across Canada. This plant has caused sickness and
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites death in a herd of cattle in British Columbia. The poisoning took
place early in the season, suggesting that the amount of
cyanogenic potential decreases in the plant later in the season
(Puls et al. 1978).
References:
Puls, R., Newschwander, F. P., Greenway, J. A. 1978. Cyanide
poisoning from Glyceria grandis S. Wats. ex Gray (tall
mannagrass) in a British Columbia beef herd. Can. Vet. J., 19:
264-265.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Glyceria grandis S. Wats.
Vernacular name(s): tall manna grass
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Glyceria
grandis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Glyceria grandis:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

264-265.

An unknown cyanogenic glycoside that can be converted to
cyanide in the animal body is found in tall manna grass. Cyanide
in concentrations of more than 10 ppm was detected in whole
blood taken from poisoned cattle (Puls et al. 1978).

unknown chemical
References:
264-265.
Cattle
death
gait, staggering
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms included staggering and death. The liver was
congested and lung lobes showed interlobular edema and slight
emphysema. Animals that were staggering, but did not fall,
recovered (Puls et al. 1978).
References:
264-265.
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae) is a native perennial
found in western rangelands. This plant has caused acute toxicity
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites and abortion in cattle, which has also been experimentally
induced in goats and sheep. The plant is more toxic during the
early stages of growth and if it grows on poor, sandy soils. Major
losses of cattle through acute toxicity and abortion have occurred
in the southern United States, in Texas, and in New Mexico
(Kingsbury 1964, Molyneux et al. 1980).
References:
Molyneux, R. J., Stevens, K. L., James, L. F. 1980. Chemistry of
toxic range plants. Volatile constituents of broomweed
(Gutierrezia sarothrae). J. Agric. Food Chem., 28: 1332-1333.
Ralphs, M. H. 1985. Poisonous plants: the snakeweeds.
Rangelands, 7(2): 63-65.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Gutierrezia sarothrae (Pursh) Britton & Rusby
Vernacular name(s): broom snakeweed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Gutierrezia
sarothrae
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Gutierrezia sarothrae:

As little as 9 kg of fresh broom snakeweed has produced abortion
in cattle within 7 days. Death has been experimentally produced
in cattle, sheep, and goats by feeding fresh plants equivalent to
10-20% of body weight for 3 days to 2 weeks (Kingsbury 1964).
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

The essential oil contains monoterpenes, such as alpha-pinene
and geraniol, and sesquiterpenes, such as gamma-humulene.
However, Molyneux et al. (1980) do not believe that these
chemicals contribute to the abortifacient nature of broom
snakeweed. Saponins are believed to be the cause of the toxicity
to animals and may also be implicated in the abortifacient
fraction (Cheeke and Schull 1985).

alpha-pinene
gamma-humulene
References:
Cattle
abortion
anorexia
appetite, loss of
constipation
death
diarrhea
muzzle, crusty
urination, frequent
Notes on poisoning:
Acute toxicity includes symptoms of listlessness, anorexia, rough
coat, diarrhea or constipation, vaginal discharge, and hematuria.
Cattle produce a nasal discharge, and the muzzle becomes crusty.
Lesions include those of gastroenteritis and degeneration of the
kidneys and liver. Severe toxic nephritis with necrosis occurs in
serious cases. The spleen may be congested and the uterus,
edematous. Abortion is a major result of poisoning. Premature
calves are weak or are dead at birth with retained placenta. The
pregnant cow may experience swelling of the vulva and early
udder development (Kingsbury 1964, Molyneux et al. 1980,
Ralphs 1985).
References:
Goats
abortion
death
References:
Sheep
abortion
anorexia
constipation
death
diarrhea
icterus
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of broom snakeweed poisoning in sheep are similar to
those in cattle and include anorexia, rough coat, diarrhea or
constipation, vaginal discharge, and hematuria. Sheep display
minor icterus. Lesions include those of gastroenteritis and
degeneration of the liver and kidneys. Toxic nephritis is found in
severe cases. Abortion also occurs, but less frequently than in
cattle (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Gymnocladus dioicus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is a tree that is
occasionally planted as an ornamental in the warmer parts of
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Canada. The seeds and fruit pulp of this tree have poisoned
humans and cattle. The foliage has caused the death of sheep in
Maryland (Reynard and Norton 1942, Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
312 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Gymnocladus dioicus (L.) K. Koch
Vernacular name(s): Kentucky coffeetree
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Gymnocladus
dioicus
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Gymnocladus dioicus:

The seeds contain a low concentration of the alkaloid cytisine,
and chewing one or two seeds would not be enough to produce
toxic results. This tree is an ornamental that survives and
produces seeds in the warmer parts of the country; it grows
successfully in Ottawa. In feeding experiments the foliage has
proved to be toxic to sheep and the seeds to cattle (Reynard and
Norton 1942, Lampe and McCann 1985).
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
References:
312 pp.

cytisine
References:
Cattle
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental feeding of seeds to cattle has caused congestion of
the lungs and the fourth stomach (Reynard and Norton 1942).
References:
312 pp.
Humans

coma
diarrhea
gastroenteritis
nausea
sweating
References:
Sheep
death
Notes on poisoning:
In one case in Maryland, 11 sheep died within 24 h of ingesting
fresh cuttings from the Kentucky coffeetree (Hill and Duke
1985).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Hedera helix
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name English ivy (Hedera helix) is an indoor and outdoor ornamental
vine. This plant contains saponins, which have caused poisoning
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites in cattle, dogs, sheep, and humans. Two chemicals in the sap can
also cause severe contact dermatitis in sensitive humans. Cases of
poisoning are found in older European literature; the plant grows
naturally in Europe. Cattle that ingested large quantities of the
vines were ill for a few days. Humans who ingested the berries
have shown symptoms, including coma. Dermatitis is rare but can
be severe. Weeping lesions and blisters respond slowly to
treatment (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Massmanian et al. 1980).
Family pets should not be allowed to eat English ivy leaves.
References:
Boyle, J., Harman, R. M. 1985. Contact dermatitis to Hedera
helix (common ivy). Contact Dermatitis, 12: 111-112.
Massmanian, A., Valcuende Cavero, F., Ramirez Bosca, A.,
Castells Rodellas, A. 1988. Contact dermatitis from variegated
ivy (Hedera helix subsp. canariensis Willd.). Contact Dermatitis,
18: 247-248.
7: 158-159.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Hedera helix L.
Vernacular name(s): English ivy
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Hedera helix
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Hedera helix:

The sap contained in the leaves and stems of English ivy can
cause dermatitis and irritation in sensitive humans. The dermatitis
usually occurs after pruning the plant (Massmanian et al. 1988).
The leaves and fruit contain saponins that hydrolyze into toxic
hederin compounds. These toxins have caused poisoning in
animals and humans (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
leaves
mature fruit
plant juices
References:
18: 247-248.

English ivy contains hederasaponins, which undergo partial
hydrolysis to form toxic substances (micro -hederin and
beta-hederin). These toxins can cause poisoning in humans and
other animals if ingested in sufficient quantities. English ivy also
contains allergenic and irritant chemicals, falcarinol and
didehydrofalcarinol, which cause intense burning and dermatitis
in sensitive humans (Cooper and Johnson 1984; Massmanian et
al. 1988).

didehydrofalcarinol
falcarinol
hederasaponins
References:
18: 247-248.
Cattle
Dogs
agitation
diarrhea
muscle spasms
paralysis
vomiting
References:
Humans
blisters, weeping
breathing, labored
coma
convulsions
diarrhea
erythema
muscle spasms
paralysis
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle that ingested large quantities of English ivy vine became ill
and excitable, started staggering, and bellowed loudly. The odor
of crushed ivy leaves was on the breath and in the milk. Recovery
was quick and complete in three days (Cooper and Johnson
1984). English ivy berries are often listed as being poisonous to
children, and cases of English ivy poisoning are listed in older
European literature. Symptoms of ingestion included laboured
breathing, coma, convulsions, and excitation (Cooper and
Johnson 1984). Frohne and Pfander (1983) state that the ripe
berries are dry and taste bitter. Large quantities are unlikely to be
consumed by children.
References:
18: 247-248.
Sheep
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Helenium autumnale
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) is a native herb found in parts
of central and western Canada. This plant causes illness and
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites occasional death in cattle and horses. It has been proved to be
experimentally toxic to dogs but it is very unlikely that dogs
would voluntarily ingest it. The plant is well-named because it is
highly irritating to the nose, eyes, and stomach (Kingsbury 1964,
Cheeke and Schull 1985, Fuller and McClintock 1986, Herz
1988).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Herz, W. 1978. Sesquiterpene lactones from livestock poisons.
Pages 487-497 in Keeler, R. F., Van Kampen, K. R., James, L. F.,
eds. Effects of poisonous plants on livestock. Academic Press,
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Helenium autumnale L.
Vernacular name(s): sneezeweed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Helenium

autumnale
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Helenium autumnale:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Helenalin, a sesquiterpene lactone, is the major toxin found in
sneezeweed. The LD-50 for helenalin is between 85 and 150
mg/kg, given orally to sheep. This compound contains a
seven-membered ring, a lactone structure, and an exocylic
methylene group (Cheeke and Schull 1985, Herz 1988).

helenalin
References:
Cattle
breathing, labored
convulsions
death
incoordination
mouth, frothing of
Notes on poisoning:
Sneezeweed causes poisoning and death in cattle. Symptoms
include frothing at the mouth, incoordination, and convulsions.

The plant is highly irritating to the nose, eyes, and stomach. Cows
that ingest this plant produce bitter-tasting milk (Kingsbury 1964,
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Horses
convulsions
incoordination
weakness
References:
Humans
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Helenium flexuosum
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Naked-flowered sneezeweed (Helenium flexuosum) is a native
herb found in Ontario and Quebec. This plant has caused
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites poisoning in horses and sheep and, experimentally, in calves. It
contains sesquiterpene lactones.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Helenium flexuosum Raf.
Vernacular name(s): naked-flowered sneezeweed
flexuosum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Helenium flexuosum:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Flexuosin A and B are closely related to the chemical helenalin,
which is found in sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale). These are
all sesquiterpene lactones (Herz 1988).

flexuosin A
flexuosin B
References:
Cattle
Horses
Sheep
convulsions
dyspnea
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Horses are more susceptible than sheep to poisoning by
naked-flowered sneezeweed (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Helianthus annuus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) causes allergic contact dermatitis
in sensitive individuals after contact with the sesquiterpene
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites lactones contained in fragile, multicellular, capitate glandular
hairs (Hausen and Spring 1989). Cattle have been poisoned in
Europe after ingesting plants that did not have mature seeds. This
is a result of nitrate toxicity, which has caused sickness and death
References:
Hausen, B. M., Spring, O. 1989. Sunflower allergy. On the
constituents of the trichomes of Helianthus annuus L.
(Compositae). Contact Dermatitis, 20: 326-334.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Helianthus annuus L.
Vernacular name(s): sunflower
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Helianthus
annuus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Helianthus annuus:
Toxic parts:
hairs
References:

Sunflower contains several sesquiterpene lactones, including the
most active chemical, 1-O-methyl-4,5-dihydroniveusin A, in the
hemiketal form. The complete mixture of sesquiterpene lactones
contributes to the allergic response in humans. These chemicals

are found in the capitate glands on sunflower leaves (Hausen and
Spring 1989). Sunflowers can also accumulate toxic amounts of
nitrates, which have poisoned cattle in Europe (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).

-dihydroniveusin A
nitrate
References:
Cattle
agitation
collapse
death
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle that ingest sunflower plants that have not formed mature
seeds develop nitrate poisoning. Symptoms include circulatory
failure, swaying of hind quarters, excitation, and collapse 1-3 h
after ingestion. Postmortem findings include lung edema, small
hemorrhages and congestion of intestinal blood vessels, and darkcolored blood (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Humans
eczema
erythema
References:
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Introduction
Interactive
Notes on poisoning:
Heliotropium
curassavicum

Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Spatulate-leaved heliotrope (Heliotropium curassavicum) is a

native herb found in southern parts of western Canada. This plant
contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. It and other members of the
genus (Heliotropium species) are used in herbal teas and have
been used in several parts of the world for medicinal reasons.
Over consumption of such teas may cause veno-occlusive disease
of the liver (Budd-Chiari syndrome), with hepatic vein
thrombosis (Lampe and McCann 1985, Huxtable 1989).
References:
Huxtable, R. J. 1989. Human health implications of pyrrolizidine
alkaloids and herbs containing them. Pages 41-86 in Cheeke, P.
R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. I. Alkaloids. CRC Press,
Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., USA. 335 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Heliotropium curassavicum L.
Vernacular name(s): spatulate-leaved heliotrope
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Heliotropium
curassavicum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Heliotropium curassavicum:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:


The heliotropes contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids of the
nonacyclic diester type. These alkaloids can cause veno-occlusive
disease (Huxtable 1989).

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
anorexia
ascites
death
diarrhea
liver, cirrhosis of
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of over-consumption of these plants may result in
veno-occlusive disease of the liver. This is accompanied by
abdominal pain and ascites. Cirrhosis of the liver can result.
Other results are hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. Death may
result. There is no specific treatment for toxin-induced hepatic
veno-occlusive disease (Lampe and McCann 1985, Huxtable
1989).
References:
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Important Notices
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Interactive
name
Notes on poisoning:
Heracleum
mantegazzianum

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is naturalized in
name
south central Ontario. It has caused photosensitization in children
Important WWW Poisonous Plants after exposure to the plant followed by sunlight (Morton 1975). This
plant has also been introduced into New York State, where children
sites
have also contracted dermatitis from it (Gunby 1980).
References:
Anon. 1970. The giant hogweed. Lancet, 2: 32.
Drever, J. C., Hunter, J. A. 1970. Hazards of giant hogweed. Br.
Med. J., 3: 109.
Gunby, P. 1980. Keep away from that 'tree', folks! J. Am. Med.
Assoc., 244: 2596.
Morton, J. K. 1975. The giant cow parsnip, Heracleum
mantegazzianum Umbelliferae, in Canada. Can. Field-Nat., 89:
183-184.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Heracleum mantegazzianum Somm. & Levier
Vernacular name(s): giant hogweed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Heracleum
mantegazzianum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Ontario
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Heracleum mantegazzianum:
Toxic parts:
all parts
plant juices
stems
References:

Med. J., 3: 109.
Assoc., 244: 2596.
183-184.

Giant hogweed contains furocoumarins (psoralens), which make
human skin hypersensitive to sunlight, causing cellular damage at
the surface. They absorb long-wave ultraviolet light and become
photodynamic (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

furocoumarin
References:
Med. J., 3: 109.
Humans
blistering
erythema
skin, brown pigment of
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of phytophotosensitization include serious and extensive
weeping blisters. The lesions often occur in a line where the person
has brushed aside the stems. The bullae can be massive and
irritating, and brown pigmentation may remain for years after
healing Morton 1975, Gunby 1980).
References:
Med. J., 3: 109.
Assoc., 244: 2596.
183-184.
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Humulus lupulus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Hop (Humulus lupulus) is cultivated for its use in beer-making. It
is also used as an ornamental vine in many areas. Hop pickers can
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites develop dermatitis from working with common hop plants (Raith
and Jager 1984, Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Raith, L., Jager, K. 1984. Hop allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 11:
53.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Humulus lupulus L.
Vernacular name(s): common hop
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Humulus
lupulus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Humulus lupulus:

In addition to allergic responses, the hairs on the leaves may
cause mechanical abrasion of the skin (Fuller and McClintock
1986).
Toxic parts:
leaves
mature fruit
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
blistering
conjunctivitis
erythema
References:
53.
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name English bluebell (Endymion non-scriptus) is an ornamental bulb
plant that is grown outdoors and forced indoors for its early
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites spring flowers. This species was formerly included under the
genus Scilla. The plant contains glycosides, which are chemically
similar to the cardiac glycoside digitalis. Cattle, a horse, and
humans were poisoned after ingesting this plant. Children or
family pets should be prevented from chewing the plants (Cooper
and Johnson 1984).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Hyacinthoides nonscripta (L.) Garcke
Vernacular name(s): English bluebell
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Hyacinthoides
nonscripta
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Hyacinthoides nonscripta:
Toxic parts:
all parts
bulbs
flowers
leaves
References:

The plant contains glycosides, generally termed scillarens, which
are similar to the cardiac glycoside digitalis (Cooper and Johnson

1984).

unknown chemical
References:
Cattle
breathing, shallow
heart rate, slow
lethargy
Notes on poisoning:
A group of cows and calves in Britain grazed on English
bluebells and a few days later became dull and lethargic, chewed
intermittently, and produced hard, dry feces. Temperature and
respiration were decreased and heart beat became erratic.
Lactating cows became dry. Recovery was slow when the cows
were removed from the plants and given extra feed (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
Horses
abdominal pains
diarrhea

urination, absent
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
A horse that ate several bulbs of English bluebell became ill
within 6 h. Symptoms included initial choking, abdominal pain,
slow pulse, low temperature, and cold, clammy skin. Within 10 h
the animal produced dark-colored diarrhea with blood and ceased
urinating. The horse recovered slowly, passing blood-stained
urine for several days (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
diarrhea
heart rate, slow
skin, flushed
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is an outdoor ornamental
that is grown in the warmer parts of Canada. This plant has
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites poisoned humans after they ingested the flower buds. Sensitive
individuals can develop dermatitis after exposure to hydrangea.
Older case reports of poisoning of horses and cattle appear in the
literature, but no recent reports are available (Apted 1973,
Bruynzeel 1986, Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Apted, J. H. 1973. Phytodermatitis from hydrangeas. Arch.
Dermatol., 108: 427.
Bruynzeel, D. P. 1986. Allergic contact dermatitis to hydrangea.
Contact Dermatitis, 14: 128.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) Ser.
Vernacular name(s): hydrangea
Scientific family name: Saxifragaceae
Vernacular family name: saxifrage
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Hydrangea
macrophylla
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Hydrangea macrophylla:
Toxic parts:
flower buds
leaves
References:

Hydragin, a cyanogenetic glycoside, is presumed to be
responsible for toxicity because it can release hydrocyanic acid
upon hydrolysis. Der Marderosian and Roia (1976) administered
3 g of plant extract intraperitoneally, in 10 mL of liquid
suspension per 100 g of body weight. All rats died when given
extracts from hydrangea flowers and leaves. No mice died when
orally fed 100 mg of flower material per 35 g body weight.

hydragin
References:
Cattle
abdominal pains
breathing, labored
diarrhea
References:
Horses

diarrhea
Notes on poisoning:
A horse that ingested hydrangea experienced contraction of the
abdominal muscles, diarrhea, and stiffness of limbs (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
coma
diarrhea
erythema
gastroenteritis
lethargy
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting hydrangea flower buds has resulted in poisoning (Fuller
References:
Another search?
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Colorado rubberweed (Hymenoxys richardsonii) is a native herb
found in the southern prairies. This plant has caused poisoning
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites and death in sheep, goats, and occasionally cattle. Sheep and
goats consume this plant when there is little else to eat. Poisoning
is therefore most frequent in spring and late autumn, when other
forage is reduced. Cattle are poisoned less frequently because
they find the plant unpalatable (Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Parker, K. W. 1936. Prevention of death losses in sheep on areas
infested with pingue (Actinea richardsoni). N. M. Agric. Exp.
Stn. Bull., 241. 53 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Hymenoxys richardsonii (Hook.) Cockerell
Vernacular name(s): Colorado rubberweed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Hymenoxys
richardsonii
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Hymenoxys richardsonii:
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
stems
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.

Hymenovin (hymenoxon) is a sesquiterpene lactone that contains
an alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone moiety. This moiety inhibits
the enzymatic capability of adenylate cyclase by alkylation of its
thiol group. The inhibition can disrupt the cellular transmission of
external signals to the internal regulatory proteins. Mercaptans,
such as cysteine, may be used in treatment by partly detoxifying
the moiety before it can damage cellular enzymes (Elissalde and
Ivie 1987). The oral LD-50 of hymenovin (hymenoxon) is 2.9-8.5
g/kg in sheep (Cheeke and Schull 1985).

hymenovin
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Elissalde, M. H., Ivie, G. W. 1987. Inhibition of macrophage
adenylate cyclase by the alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone moiety
of sesquiterpene lactones from forage plants. Am. J. Vet. Res.,
48: 148-152.
Cattle
Goats
Sheep
death
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of ingestion include violent vomiting, hence the name
spewing sickness. Sheep may have a green stain around the

mouth. Vomited material can be inhaled, which can lead to
inhalation pneumonia, permanent lung damage, or death. Lesions
in the gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidney congestion, and lung
damage occur. Frequent coughing and sneezing occur (Parker,
Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Stn. Bull., 241. 53 pp.
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Notes on poisoning:
Hyoscyamus niger
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) is a naturalized herb found
across parts of southern Canada. This plant contains several
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites alkaloids, and it has caused rare poisoning in humans, cattle,
poultry, and swine. Human poisoning has been accidental or
purposeful because of its reported medicinal or hallucinogenic
properties. Black henbane has been used medicinally since
ancient times to help with a variety of health problems and as a
preventative. Its hallucinogenic effects have led people to eat the
seed or chew the flowers, often with detrimental results. Ingestion
causes anticholinergic syndrome with stimulatory and
hallucinatory effects (Hocking 1947, Spoerke et al. 1987). Cattle
have been poisoned in Europe after ingesting black henbane that
was included in forage. The alkaloid content is retained upon
drying, and ingestion is said to taint the milk of cows. Poultry
have died after ingesting the seeds, and pigs have died after
eating the roots (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Spoerke et al. 1987).
References:
Hocking, G. M. 1947. Henbane - healing herb of Hercules and of
Apollo. Econ. Bot., 1: 306-316.
Spoerke, D. G., Hall, A. H., Dodson, C. D., Stermitz, F. R.,
Swanson, C. H., Rumack, B. H. 1987. Mystery root ingestion. J.
Emerg. Med., 5: 385-388.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Hyoscyamus niger L.
Vernacular name(s): black henbane

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Hyoscyamus
niger
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Hyoscyamus niger:

All parts of the plant contain alkaloids in varying quantities (see
the additional notes under chemicals). Ingestion of four flowers
has caused some symptoms in humans (Frohne and Pfander 1983,
Spoerke et al. 1987).
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
roots
seeds
References:

Hyoscyamine, hyoscine, and atropine can all be found in black
henbane. The alkaloid content has been measured at 0.08%
(roots), 0.17% (leaves), and 0.3% (seeds). The major affect of
hyoscyamine is depression of the central nervous system (Frohne
and Pfander 1983; Cooper and Johnson 1984).

atropine
hyoscyamine
References:
Cattle
bloat
breathing, labored
convulsions
cyanosis
incoordination
pupil dilation
restlessness
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of ingestion include restlessness, excitation,
convulsions, pupil dilation, difficulty in breathing, increased heart
rate, and bloat. Postmortem examination showed degeneration of
heart muscle and cyanosis of mucous membranes (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
Humans
coma
confusion
death
hallucination
mouth dry
nausea
pupil dilation
skin, flushed
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of poisoning include thirst, dry mouth, dilated pupils,
warm and flushed skin, and hallucinations. Purposeless

movements, such as picking at the air, have been observed. Heart
rate is elevated. These are the symptoms that occur after the roots
are ingested. Ingesting the flowers has caused agitation,
restlessness, dry skin, and pupil dilation (Spoerke et al. 1987).
References:
Emerg. Med., 5: 385-388.
Poultry
Swine
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name St. John''s-wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a naturalized herb
found in eastern Canada and British Columbia. The plant contains
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites hypericin, which is a primary photosensitizing chemical.
Ingestion has caused skin problems in cattle, horses, rabbits,
sheep, and swine. The skin problems occur on white or
light-colored skin; dark skin is not affected. Severe symptoms
such as convulsions, staggering, and coma have occurred in some
animals. Loss of wool quality occurs in sheep, and the meat of
affected animals is of poor quality. This plant is widespread in
Canada. The reaction is more severe if fresh plants are eaten, but
dried plants can also cause photosensitization, even though 80%
of the hypericin is lost (Araya and Ford 1981, Cooper and
Johnson 1984, Crompton et al. 1988).
References:
Araya, O. S., Ford, E. J. 1981. An investigation of the type of
photosensitization caused by the ingestion of St John's wort
(Hypericum perforatum) by calves. J. Comp. Pathol., 91:
135-141.
Crompton, C. W., Hall, I. V., Jensen, K. I., Hildebrand, P. D.
1988. The biology of Canadian weeds. 83. Hypericum perforatum
L. Can. J. Plant Sci., 68: 149-162.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Hypericum perforatum L.
Vernacular name(s): St. John's-wort
Scientific family name: Guttiferae

Vernacular family name: St. John's-wort
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Hypericum
perforatum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Hypericum perforatum:
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
References:
135-141.

Hypericin, a fluorescent pigment, is regarded as a derivative of
naphthodianthrone. The pigment is contained in small black dots
that are just visible to the naked eye on leaves and petals. The
chemical is a primary photosensitizer because the photodynamic
action occurs in the skin (Araya and Ford 1981).

hypericin
References:
135-141.
Cattle
muzzle, dry
restlessness
skin, dry
References:
135-141.
Horses
appetite, loss of
coma
gait, staggering
skin, peeling of
References:
Rabbits
death
liver, cirrhosis of
skin, peeling of
References:
Sheep
convulsions
erythema
skin, peeling of
References:
Swine
skin, flushed
skin, peeling of
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning: Ilex

aquifolium
Interactive
Botanical name
English holly (Ilex aquifolium) has been implicated in cases where children
All poisonous plants by have eaten the berries. Kingsbury (1969) noted that the often- quoted fatal
dosage of 20-30 berries comes from European literature before 1889 and that
Common name
this quantity has not been confirmed. Modern references show that symptoms
are usually confined to vomiting and diarrhea (Cooper and Johnson 1984,
Important WWW
Lampe and McCann 1985). This holly is used as an outdoor ornamental, and
Poisonous Plants sites the glossy green leaves and red berries may be sold as Christmas decorations.
References:
Cooper, M. R., Johnson, A. W. 1984. Poisonous plants in Britain and their
effects on animals and man. Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London,
England. 305 pp.
Kingsbury, J. M. 1969. Phytotoxicity 1. Major problems associated with
poisonous plants. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther., 10: 163-169.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Ilex aquifolium L.
Vernacular name(s): English holly
Scientific family name: Aquifoliaceae
Vernacular family name: holly
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Ilex aquifolium
References:

nuisibles du Canada. Revised. Agric. Can. Publ., Ottawa, Ont., Canada. 132
pp.
Publ. Bot. 7(1)-7(4). 1711 pp.
British Columbia
References:
Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94: 131-157;
471-528; 625-655.
Ilex aquifolium:
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
References:
Willems, M. 1988. A cyanogenic glucoside from Ilex aquifolium.
Phytochemistry (Oxf.), 27: 1852-1853.

Ilicin, a glycoside, has been implicated as the toxic substance in in holly
berries (Rodrigues et al. 1984). A cyanogenic glycoside,
(2-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy-p-hydroxy-6,7-dihydromandelonitrile) has also

been isolated from the berries of English holly. The chemical also occurs in
lower concentrations in the leaves and stems. A common name for this
chemical has not been established yet (Willems 1988).

-dihydromandelonitrile
ilicin
References:
Note: When an animal is listed without additional information, the literature
(as of 1993) contained no detailed explanation.
Humans
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms include multiple episodes of vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. If a
large number of berries are ingested, vomiting should be induced with an
emetic. Conservative management is generally adequate (Cooper and Johnson
References:
England. 305 pp.
Another search?
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: Ilex

opaca
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name American holly (Ilex opaca) is an ornamental shrub that provides
glossy green leaves and red berries used in Christmas
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites decorations. Ingested berries have been implicated in cases of
poisoning of children. The symptoms included vomiting and
diarrhea (Rodrigues et al. 1984, Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
Rodrigues, T. D., Johnson, P. N., Jeffrey, L. P. 1984. Hollyberry
ingestion. Case report. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 26: 157-158.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Ilex opaca Ait.
Vernacular name(s): American holly
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Ilex opaca
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Ilex opaca:
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
References:

Ilicin is a crude extract that is a bitter glycoside. This extract has
been implicated as the poisonous substance (Rodrigues et al.
1984).

ilicin
References:
Humans
diarrhea
drowsiness
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Ingestion of a "handful" of berries caused repeated vomiting,
green, watery diarrhea, and passage of green semisoft stools. The
drowsiness might have been associated with the ipecac-induced
vomiting. Ingestion of berries usually results in mild symptoms
unless a lot of berries are eaten. Children are more likely to eat
the berries (Rodrigues et al. 1984).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Ipomoea tricolor
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Hallucinations are the predominant effect after ingesting morning
glory seeds. Ingesting 200-300 seeds produces an effect
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites equivalent to 300 micro g of LSD. Vivid visual and tactile
hallucinations, as well as increased awareness of colors have been
described. Symptoms include facial flushing, nausea, mydriasis,
diarrhea, and hypotension (Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
Ipomoea tricolor has a long history of use as a human
hallucinogen in southern Mexico, where the seeds were used in
the preparation of a drink (Fuller and McClintock 1986). A single
undocumented case of poisoning of a pet cat (after ingestion of
seeds) has come to our attention. The cat showed erratic behavior
and "looked like a lunatic". There was no apparent permanent
damage afterwards. Several cultivars of Ipomoea tricolor are
available in Canadian garden catalogs for home gardeners and,
with few exceptions, no mention is made of any potential toxic
affects from ingesting the seeds of these plants. Sample cultivars
are ''Heavenly Blue'', ''Pearly Gates'', and ''Scarlet O''Hara''. The
total alkaloid content is shown to vary, depending on the cultivar
grown. It is advisable to remove and destroy the fruiting parts as
they develop to avoid ingestion by children or pets.
References:
Nomenclature:
Vernacular name(s): morning glory
Scientific family name:
Vernacular family name: morning-glory

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Ipomoea
tricolor
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Ipomoea tricolor:

The embryo of the seeds, and not the shell, contains the toxic
chemicals. Ingesting 200-300 seeds can cause problems in adult
humans (Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
Toxic parts:
seeds
References:

The seed embryos contain several indole alkaloids that have
hallucinogenic activity. These include d-lysergic acid amide
(0.035%), d-isolysergic acid amide (0.005%), and elymoclavine
(0.005%). The total alkaloid content varies with different plant
cultivars. For instance, the cultivar ''Pearly Gates'' had 0.041%,
whereas ''Scarlet O''Hara'' had 0.002% total alkaloids (Spoerke

d-isolysergic acid amide
d-lysergic acid amide
elymoclavine
References:
Cats
pupil dilation
Notes on poisoning:
In an undocumented case, a pet cat was attracted to the fruiting
capsule of a morning glory vine growing on an apartment
balcony. The dry fruiting capsule contained seeds that rattled in
the wind. The cat ate an unknown quantity of seeds and later was
noted to run around chasing nothing. It meowed a lot and its eyes
did not appear to focus on anything. The owner remarked that the
cat "looked like a lunatic". There were no apparent lasting
symptoms.
References:
Humans
blood pressure, low
diarrhea
hallucination
nausea
pupil dilation
Notes on poisoning:
In one reported case of deliberate ingestion of 250 seeds of
morning glory, a 20-year-old women developed inappropriate
responses and weeping. The pupils were dilated, the face flushed,
and hyperactive reflexes were noted. After 5 h, anxiety, and
increased awareness of colors was recorded, but without
hallucinations. Diarrhea was noted after 9 h. Hypotension
occurred intermittently. After 2 days most of the symptoms had
disappeared, with the exception of dilated pupils and increased
deep tendon reflexes (Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: Iris

pseudacorus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus) is a naturalized plant found in wet
areas in parts of southern Canada. This plant has poisoned cattle
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites and swine and may cause similar symptoms in humans if the
rhizomes are ingested. The plant juices can cause dermatitis in
sensitive humans. In British Columbia cattle were poisoned by a
cultivated blue-flowered Iris species. The symptoms of that
poisoning are described under this species (Bruce 1920, Cooper
and Johnson 1984).
References:
Bruce, E. A. 1920. Iris poisoning of calves. J. Am. Vet. Med.
Assoc., 56: 72-74.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Iris pseudacorus L.
Vernacular name(s): yellow iris
Scientific family name: Iridaceae
Vernacular family name: iris
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Iris
pseudacorus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

British Columbia
Manitoba
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Iris pseudacorus:

Ingesting the rhizome causes poisoning in animals, and the plant
juices cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
plant juices
rhizome
References:

The toxin in Iris species has not been confirmed, but a glycoside,
iridin (or irisin), has been implicated (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

iridin
References:
Cattle
abdominal pains
blistering
death
diarrhea
recumbency
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting yellow flag rhizome has apparently caused diarrhea and
bloody feces in cattle in Europe. The toxin can survive drying
because yellow flag in hay causes diarrhea (Cooper and Johnson
1984).
In a case in British Columbia, cattle ingested rhizomes from an
unidentified blue-flowered cultivated Iris species. Three calves
showed symptoms and died within 4 days. Initial symptoms
included recumbency and excessive salivation. The glands of the
head and throat became hard and enlarged. Raised sores appeared
on the lips and muzzle, becoming yellowish scabs that irritated
animals. Acute abdominal pain occurred, and bloody feces were
passed. Death followed. Postmortem findings showed irritation of
the lower stomachs and intestines. The kidneys, liver, and spleen
were very dark-colored. Unfortunately, the identity of this iris
was never determined (Bruce 1920). Livestock should be denied
access to any Iris species that grow in the wild or in gardens,
because ingestion may cause poisoning.
References:
Bruce, E. A. 1920. Iris poisoning of calves. J. Am. Vet. Med.
Assoc., 56: 72-74.
Humans
blistering
References:
Swine
abortion
death
diarrhea
Notes on poisoning:
Swine that ingest rhizomes suffer diarrhea; one sow
hemorrhaged, aborted, and died (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: Iris

versicolor
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Blue flag (Iris versicolor) is a native herb found in eastern and
central Canada. This plant has been mentioned as causing
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites poisoning in humans and animals, but case reports have not been
found. The plant juice can cause dermatitis in sensitive
individuals. Other iris species have also been implicated in
poisoning of animals and in causing dermatitis in humans (see
additional information under Iris pseudacorus). Because of the
potential for poisoning, care should be taken to prevent access by
livestock to blue flag, which grows in moist soils near rivers,
lakes, and marshes (Fyles 1920, Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Iris versicolor L.
Vernacular name(s): blue flag iris
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Iris versicolor
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Iris versicolor:
Toxic parts:
rhizome
References:

A glycoside, iridin (or irisin), has been implicated as the toxic
compound in iris species, although this has not been confirmed
(Fyles 1920, Cooper and Johnson 1984).

iridin
References:
Cattle
Humans
abdominal pains
nausea
vomiting
References:

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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: Iva

xanthifolia
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name False ragweed (Iva xanthifolia) is a native herb found across
southern Canada. The plant can cause dermatitis in sensitive
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites humans after they come in contact with the leaves. Lactating
cows that ingest the leaves produce bitter-tasting milk
(Muenscher 1975, Mitchell and Rook 1979).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Iva xanthifolia Nutt.
Vernacular name(s): false ragweed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Iva xanthifolia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Iva xanthifolia:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

Mitchell and Rook (1979) report that potentially allergenic
sesquiterpene lactones have been isolated from some members of
the genus Iva.

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
erythema
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Juglans nigra
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is native to southwestern Ontario
and has been planted as a cultivated tree. The shavings of wood
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites from this tree have caused laminitis in horses in the United States.
Black walnut shavings are less likely to be used as bedding in
Canada because the tree is not common here. However, if
bedding is obtained from a hardwood mill or furniture
manufacturing plant, sufficient black black walnut shavings may
be present to cause problems. Reforestation of black walnut has
been attempted in southern Ontario by leaving nuts for squirrels
to gather in the autumn. The squirrel bury them for the winter,
allowing many black walnut trees to germinate by this method.
Pollen of black walnut has been implicated in causing laminitis in
horses (MacDaniels 1983, Minnick et al. 1987).
References:
Galey, F. D., Whiteley, H. E., Goetz, T. E., Kuenstler, A. R.,
Davis, C. A., Beasley, V. R. 1991. Black walnut (Juglans nigra)
Toxicosis: a model for equine laminitis. J. Comp. Pathol., 104:
313-326.
MacDaniels, L. H. 1983. Perspective on the black walnut toxicity
problem - apparent allergies to man and horse. Cornell Vet., 73:
204-207.
Minnick, P. D., Brown, C. M., Braselton, W. E., Meerdink, G. L.,
Slanker, M. R. 1987. The induction of equine laminitis with an
aqueous extract of the heartwood of black walnut (Juglans nigra).
True, R. G., Lowe, J. E. 1980. Induced juglone toxicosis in
ponies and horses. Am. J. Vet. Res., 41: 944-945.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Juglans nigra L.
Vernacular name(s): black walnut
Scientific family name: Juglandaceae
Vernacular family name: walnut
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Juglans nigra
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Ontario
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Juglans nigra:

Wood shavings of black walnut have caused symptoms in horses.
The chemical juglone has not been found in appreciable amounts
in the wood. Other chemicals are probably involved in causing
symptoms in horses from wood shavings (Minnick et al. 1987).
Toxic parts:
bark
mature fruit
wood
References:

Juglone, a naphthoquinone, has been found in the bark, nuts, and
roots of black walnut. Pure juglone is less potent than a crude
extract of the plant in inducing toxic effects. Additional
compounds seem to be involved in causing more severe cases.
Two ponies given 1 g of pure juglone orally developed mild
laminitis that disappeared within 24 h (Minnick et al. 1987).

juglone
References:
Horses
ataxia
breathing, rapid
depression
laminitis
lethargy
recumbency
References:
313-326.
204-207.
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Interactive
name
Notes on poisoning:
Kalanchoe
daigremontiana

sites
Devil''s-backbone (Kalanchoe daigremontiana) is an indoor

ornamental plant. This plant contains a cardiac glycoside that has
caused experimental toxicity and death in chicks and mice. It has
caused illness in pets, such as rabbits and mice. Dogs and cats are
also at risk from ingesting plant material. The plants should be
kept away from children, as well. Devil''s-backbone produces
plantlets along the leaf margins, which fall off and become new
plants. These plantlets can be found in profusion around the pot in
which an adult devil''s-backbone is growing. Children and family
pets have easy access to these plantlets. Several other species of
Kalanchoe may be found growing as houseplants in Canada. Tests
have shown that some of them may also contain toxic
bufadienalide compounds. These compounds were only recently
discovered (Williams and Smith 1985, Joubert 1989), and so
caution should be exercized with all species. Some members of
the genus Kalanchoe have caused poisoning of sheep and cattle in
South Africa and Australia, where they are native or naturalized
(Cheeke and Schull 1985, Williams and Smith 1985).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Joubert, J. P. 1989. Cardiac glycosides. Pages 61-97 in Cheeke, P.
R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. II. Glycosides. CRC Press,
Wagner, H., Fischer, M., Lotter, H. 1985. Isolation and structure
determination of daigremontianin, a novel bufadienolide from

Kalanchoe daigremoniana. Planta Med., 33: 169-171.
Williams, M. C., Smith, M. C. 1984. Toxicity of Kalanchoe spp.
to chicks. Am. J. Vet. Res., 45: 543-546.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Kalanchoe daigremontiana Hamet & Perr.
Vernacular name(s): Devil's-backbone
Scientific family name: Crassulaceae
Vernacular family name: orpine
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Kalanchoe
daigremontiana
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Kalanchoe daigremontiana:

Williams and Smith (1984) found that the leaves contained more
toxin than the stems.
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Daigremontianin is a bufadienolide. Bufadienolides are cardiac
glycosides that are similar to cardenolides, differing only in the
structure of the C-17 substituent on the D ring. This chemical has
been found to be toxic in experiments on mice (Wagner et al.
1985).

daigremontianin
References:
Cats
breathing, labored
convulsions
paralysis
References:
Chickens
breathing, labored
convulsions
death
depression
incoordination
muscle twitching
paralysis
trembling
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental feeding of leaf extracts to chicks caused depression,
closed eyes, ruffled and drooping feathers, twitching of the neck
and head, and often spiralling of the head over the back. In severe
cases, convulsions, paralysis, neck and limb tremors, and death
occurred. A dosage of 8 mg/g of body weight caused mild
symptoms; dosages between 12-20 mg/g of body weight caused
some deaths. Stem extracts produced less severe symptoms and
no deaths, even when fed at the equivalent of 20 mg/g of body
weight (Williams and Smith 1984).
References:
Rabbits
breathing, rapid
opisthotonos
paralysis
Notes on poisoning:
A pet rabbit ate three-quarters of a leaf and became depressed and
torpid; it subsequently experienced rapid breathing and teeth
grinding. It fell down when attempting to walk. Paralysis
followed. An injection of atropine was administered, and the
rabbit recovered fully within 9 h (Williams and Smith 1984).
References:
Rodents
muscle spasms
paralysis
Notes on poisoning:
In motility tests, mice experimentally fed the chemical
daigremontianin at dosages of 0.1-0.5 mg/kg experienced a strong
sedative effect. Higher concentrations resulted in paralysis and
spasmodic muscular contractions (Wagner et al. 1985).
References:
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Notes on poisoning: Kalmia

angustifolia
Interactive
Botanical name
Sheep-laurel (Kalmia angustifolia) is a native shrub found in eastern

Canada in boggy areas. This plant contains a toxin that has poisoned
cattle, goats, and sheep as well as humans. Poisoning rarely happens in
Common name
the wild. Other animals have been poisoned by sheep-laurel, including
zebras at a zoo, as well as horses. Meat of chickens that had ingested
Important WWW Poisonous sheep-laurel may be toxic to other animals. The nectar contains the toxin
Plants sites
that results in toxic honey (Marsh 1930, Kingsbury 1964, Verlangieri
References:
Kingsbury, J. M. 1964. Poisonous plants of the United States and Canada.
Prentice-Hall Inc., Englewood Cliffs, N.J., USA. 626 pp.
Marsh, C. D. 1930. Mountain-laurel (Kalmia latifolia) and sheep laurel
(Kalmia angustifolia) as stock-poisoning plants. U. S. Dept. Agric. Tech.
Bull., 219. 22 pp.
Pritchard, W. R. 1956. Laurel (Kalmia angustifolia) poisoning of sheep.
N. Am. Vet., 37: 461-462.
Verlangieri, A. J., Gawlikowski, J. N., Shapiro, R. 1976. Acute toxicity of
Kalmia angustifolia, (sheep laurel) extracts in the rat. Vet. Toxicol., 18:
122-124.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Kalmia angustifolia L.
Vernacular name(s): sheep-laurel
Scientific family name: Ericaceae
Vernacular family name: heath

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Kalmia angustifolia
References:
132 pp.
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Kalmia angustifolia:

The entire plant is poisonous, including the nectar and honey made from it
(Pritchard 1956, Kingsbury 1964).
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
mature fruit
stems
References:
N. Am. Vet., 37: 461-462.
122-124.

Andromedotoxin and resins derived from diterpenes are the toxic
compounds found in all the toxic species of the heath plant family. The
toxin is found even in the nectar of flowers (Fuller and McClintock 1986).
Experimental poisoning of rats using leaf extracts resulted in an average
LD-50 (female) of 8.2 g of green leaves per kilogram body weight. The
leaves were toxic only in the spring. Leaves of plants growing in wet
areas were more toxic than those growing in dry areas (Verlangieri et al.
1976).

andromedotoxins

References:
122-124.
Cattle
breathing, shallow
diarrhea
gait, staggering
incoordination
recumbency
salivation
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental poisoning of cattle showed symptoms, including soft feces,
salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and incoordination. Consuming green
leaves equivalent to 0.2% of an animal''s body weight was determined to
cause toxic signs in cattle (Marsh 1930). A few cattle in the field were
poisoned after ingesting sheep-laurel (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Marsh, C. D. 1930. Mountain-laurel (Kalmia latifolia) and sheep laurel
(Kalmia angustifolia) as stock-poisoning plants. U. S. Dept. Agric. Tech.
Bull., 219. 22 pp.
Goats
incoordination
recumbency
vomiting
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental poisoning of goats fed green leaves resulted in symptoms,
including profuse vomiting, staggering, recumbency, weakness, shallow
breath, and teeth grinding. Sheep-laurel causes toxic signs in goats if
ingested green material equaled at least 0.25% of animal body weight
(Marsh 1930).
References:
Humans
coma
References:
Rodents
coma
convulsions
death
nasal discharge
paralysis
salivation
vomiting
References:
122-124.
Sheep
ataxia
coma
convulsions
death
depression
dyspnea
headache
nasal discharge
pupil dilation
recumbency
salivation
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental poisoning of a goat caused symptoms of poisoning similar
to those seen in sheep. A dosage of green leaves equal to 0.5% of an
animal''s body weight caused symptoms to occur (Clawson 1933).
References:
N. Am. Vet., 37: 461-462.
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning: Kalmia

polifolia
Interactive
Botanical name
Bog-laurel (Kalmia polifolia) is a native shrub found across Canada in

boggy areas. The plant has caused experimental poisoning in cattle, goats,
and sheep, with sheep being most susceptible. Suspected poisoning of
Common name
cattle and sheep in the west have been reported. Bog-laurel is less toxic
than sheep-laurel (Kalmia angustifolia). Only the western variety of
Important WWW Poisonous bog-laurel (Kalmia polifolia var. microphylla) has been tested for toxicity.
Plants sites
However, the plant should be considered potentially toxic through its
entire range in Canada (Clawson 1933, Kingsbury 1964, Lampe and
McCann 1985).
References:
Clawson, A. B. 1933. Alpine kalmia (Kalmia microphylla) as a
stock-poisoning plant. U. S. Dep. Agric. Tech. Bull., 391. 10 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Kalmia polifolia Wang
Vernacular name(s): bog-laurel
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Kalmia polifolia
References:
132 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Kalmia polifolia:

All parts of the plant are poisonous including the nectar, which can result
in poisonous honey. The leaves have been used in experiments to poison
livestock (Clawson 1933, Fuller and McClintock 1986).
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
stems
References:
Fuller, T. C., McClintock, E. 1986. Poisonous plants of California. Univ.
California Press, Berkeley, Calif., USA. 432 pp.

Andromedotoxins (grayanotoxins) are resins derived from diterpenes.
Several have been found in many members of the heath family and are
toxic if sufficient vegetation is eaten (Kakisawa et al. 1965, Fuller and
McClintock 1986).

andromedotoxins

References:

Kakisawa, H., Kozima, T., Yanai, M., Nakanishi, K. 1965.
Stereochemistry of grayanotoxins. Tetrahedron, 21: 3091-3104.
Cattle
Goats
depression
nausea
salivation
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental poisoning of sheep caused such symptoms as depression,
salivation, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Grating of teeth and frequent
vomiting was noticed in more severe cases. Pulse and body temperature
was affected very little. A dosage of green leaves equal to 0.3% of an
animal''s body weight can cause a toxic response. A dosage of 2% of an
animal''s body weight caused severe sickness in sheep (Clawson 1933).
References:
Sheep
depression
gait, staggering
nausea
recumbency
salivation
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Kochia scoparia
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Kochia (Kochia scoparia) is both naturalized and cultivated as an
outdoor ornamental in various parts of Canada. Ingestion has
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites caused poisoning in cattle, horses, and sheep. Hepatogenous
photosensitivity and liver damage often occur together, along
with the outward signs of photosensitization. In addition,
polioencephalomalacia, toxic hepatitis, and nephrosis can occur.
Kochia has been examined as a forage crop because it is very
drought-tolerant. Toxicity varies from one year to the next.
Increased rainfall has raised the oxalate content of the plants.
Oxalates are at least partly responsible for the complicated toxic
affects of kochia ingestion (Galitzer and Oehme 1978, Dickie and
Berryman 1979, Thilsted et al. 1989).
References:
Dickie, C. W., Berryman, J. R. 1979. Polioencephalomalacia and
photosensitization associated with Kochia scoparia consumption
in range cattle. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 175: 463-465.
Dickie, C. W., James, L. F. 1983. Kochia scoparia poisoning in
cattle. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 183: 765-768.
Galitzer, S. J., Oehme, F. W. 1978. Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad
toxicity in cattle: a literature review. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 20:
421-423.
Thilsted, J., Hibbs, C., Kiesling, H., Hallford, D., Kirksey, R.,
Meininger, A., Tompkins, J. 1989. Kochia (Kochia scoparia)
toxicosis in cattle: results of four experimental grazing trials. Vet.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.
Vernacular name(s): kochia
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Kochia
scoparia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:

989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Kochia scoparia:
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
seeds
References:

Kochia has been found to contain total oxalates of up to 11.4%
and maximum soluble oxalates of 4.7%. This level of soluble
oxalates is sufficient to cause some of the signs of toxicity seen in
poisoning. In addition, saponins and alkaloids have been
described that may contribute to the complex symptoms of kochia
ingestion (Dickie et al. 1989, Thilsted et al. 1989).

oxalate
References:
Dickie, C. W., Gerlach, M. L., Hamar, D. W. 1989. Kochia
scoparia oxalate content. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 31: 240-242.
Cattle
anorexia
ataxia
blindness
breathing, labored
death
dehydration
depression
diarrhea
erythema
eye, discharge of
eyelids, swollen
eyes, rolling
head, movement of
icterus
incoordination
itchiness
lacrimation, severe
lethargy
muscle spasms
muscle, weakness of
muzzle, crusty
nephrosis, severe
opisthotonos
polioencephalomalacia
recumbency, ventral
reflex excitability
salivation
skin, peeling of
teat necrosis of
Notes on poisoning:
In addition to photosensitization, symptoms can include ataxia,
incoordination, muscular spasms, recumbency, and death.

Because kochia causes hepatogenous photosensitization,
disseminated jaundice is often seen along with enlarged fatty
liver (Galitzer and Oehme 1978, Johnson 1983).
References:
421-423.
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Golden-chain (Laburnum anagyroides) is an outdoor ornamental
that survives only in southwestern Ontario and coastal British
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Columbia. This plant contains cytisine, an alkaloid, which has
caused poisoning and death in cattle, dogs, horses, swine, and
humans after twigs, fruit pods, and seeds were ingested. Most of
the cases of poisoning are found in European literature. Children
and family pets should be prevented from ingesting the pods or
seeds (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Lampe and McCann 1985,
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Laburnum anagyroides Medic.
Vernacular name(s): golden-chain
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Laburnum
anagyroides
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Laburnum anagyroides:

All parts of the plant contain the alkaloid cytisine, but the bark
and seeds have the highest amount of the chemical. The leaves
become less toxic as the fruit pods develop, which become more
toxic (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
all parts
bark
leaves
seeds
References:

cytisine
References:
Cattle
death
gait, unsteady
muscle spasms
recumbency
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting twigs and pods of golden-chain have produced toxic
symptoms including stiff, unsteady gait, violent tremors,
recumbency, and death. Milk yield has been reduced, and large
yellow clots were found in the milk (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Dogs
convulsions
death
Notes on poisoning:
Dogs that were poisoned experienced convulsions and died after
chewing golden-chain sticks (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Horses
abdominal pains
coma
death
incoordination
muscle spasms
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
confusion
death
dizziness
drowsiness
headache
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Most cases of human poisoning occur when children eat the pods
or seeds by mistake. Symptoms develop rapidly within half an
hour because cytisine is rapidly absorbed through mucous
membranes of the mouth, stomach, and intestine. Nausea,
vomiting, pupil dilation, weakness, breathing difficulty,
dizziness, and muscular incoordination can result. Ingesting large
quantities can be fatal. In one case, a man ingested 23 pods of
golden-chain and died. Toxicological analysis showed that 35-50
mg of cytisine had been absorbed (Cooper and Johnson 1984,
References:
Swine
diarrhea
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Lactuca scariola
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Prickly lettuce (Lactuca scariola) is a naturalized herb found
across parts of southern Canada. In the western United States,
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites cattle developed pulmonary emphysema after ingesting the plant.
The injury appears to be associated with a deficiency, because the
toxicity develops after the cattle have fed on dry rangelands.
When they are subsequently moved to lush, autumn pasture,
some cattle feed ravenously on the prickly lettuce regrowth and,
in a few days, the symptoms may develop (Beath et al. 1953).
References:
Beath, O. A., Gilbert, C. S., Eppson, H. F., Rosenfeld, I. 1953.
Poisonous plants and livestock poisoning. Wyo. Agric. Exp. Stn.
Bull., 324. 94 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lactuca scariola L.
Vernacular name(s): prickly lettuce
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Lactuca
scariola
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Lactuca scariola:

Mature plants and dried plant material are reported to be
harmless. Regrowth of the plants in autumn has caused poisoning
in field cases in the western rangelands of the United States
(Beath et al. 1953).
Toxic parts:
young shoots
References:
Bull., 324. 94 pp.

unknown chemical
References:
Bull., 324. 94 pp.
Cattle
breathing, labored
emphysema
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms include pulmonary emphysema, characterized by
weakness and difficult breathing. Postmortem examination shows
the lung tissue inflamed, with almost complete destruction of the
air-cell tissue (Beath et al. 1953).
References:
Bull., 324. 94 pp.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Lantana camara
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Yellow sage (Lantana camara) is occasionally sold as a
houseplant and may also be planted outdoors in the summer in
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Canada. Children who ingested green berries became ill and died.
In warmer parts of the world (e.g., Florida, Australia), the plant
grows outside and becomes weedy. Livestock have been
poisoned after ingesting the entire plants. Importantly, livestock
that ingest berries exhibit symptoms that are different from those
of children who ingest the berries. Livestock do not normally
encounter this plant in Canada, but the symptoms of poisoning
are included under cattle. Sheep and goats have also been
poisoned. Care should be taken to keep children as well as family
pets away from this plant (Wolfson and Solomons 1964,
McLennan and Amos 1989, Spoerke and Smolinske 1990). Cats
and dogs that have access to yellow sage indoors can become
poisoned if they ingest the immature berries of foliage of this
plant. No records were found in the literature of toxicity in pets
from yellow sage ingestion.
References:
McLennan, M. W., Amos, M. L. 1989. Treatment of lantana
poisoning in cattle. Aust. Vet. J., 66: 93-94.
Wolfson, S. L., Solomons, T. W. 1964. Poisoning by fruit of
Lantana camara. Am. J. Dis. Child., 107: 109-112.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lantana camara L.
Vernacular name(s): yellow sage
Scientific family name: Verbenaceae

Vernacular family name: vervain
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Lantana
camara
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Lantana camara:

Ingesting the leaves has caused poisoning in livestock in areas
where the plant can survive outdoors, such as Florida and

Australia. Young children who ingested the green berries became
ill and died (Wolfson and Solomons 1964, McLennan and Amos
1989).
Toxic parts:
immature fruit
leaves
References:
McLennan, M. W., Amos, M. L. 1989. Treatment of lantana
poisoning in cattle. Aust. Vet. J., 66: 93-94.
Sharma, O. P., Dawra, R. K., Makkar, H. P. 1989. Toxicity of
isolated lantana (Lantana camara L.) constituents to male and
female guinea pigs. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 31: 10-13.

Lantadene A and lantadene B, which are pentacyclic triterpenes,
have been suspected as the toxic constituents of yellow sage
leaves. However, there are conflicting findings on the chemical
toxins and their toxic affects on animals. Sharma et al. (1989)
found that crystal polymorphism in the triterpenoids changes the
toxicity (polyhedral crystals are toxic to guinea pigs and
rod-shaped crystals are not). In addition, the toxic component of
the berries has not been defined. The plant also contains a fish
poison, lancamarone, that is present in the greatest concentration
in the summer. The effects of this chemical on mammals have not
been studied (Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).

lantadene A & B
References:
Sharma, O. P., Dawra, R. K., Makkar, H. P. 1989. Toxicity of
isolated lantana (Lantana camara L.) constituents to male and
female guinea pigs. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 31: 10-13.
Cats
Cattle
appetite, loss of
dehydration
jaundice
urine, yellowish
References:
Dogs
Goats
Humans
ataxia
breathing, labored
cyanosis
death
diarrhea
lethargy
pupil dilation
pupils, pinpoint
unconsciousness
vomiting
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting the green berries of yellow sage produces the following
symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy, cyanosis,
slow labored breathing, dilated pupils, ataxia, coma, and
depressed deep tendon reflexes. Postmortem findings showed
congestion of the lungs and kidneys. The small intestines were
dilated. These symptoms all occurred after an unknown quantity
of the immature green berries was ingested. The rough texture of
the leaves and stems discourages children from ingesting them.
Humans have therefore not shown the photosensitivity and liver
problems that occur when livestock ingest entire plants. Lavage
should be done quickly to reduce or prevent symptoms. Several

authors have reported that the ripe berries are nontoxic to humans
(Wolfson and Solomons 1964, Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
References:
Wolfson, S. L., Solomons, T. W. 1964. Poisoning by fruit of
Lantana camara. Am. J. Dis. Child., 107: 109-112.
Sheep
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Laportea canadensis
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Canada nettle (Laportea canadensis) is found in moist woods and
along streams. This plant has stinging hairs on the leaves and
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites stem that readily penetrate thin-skinned areas on humans. The
tips of the hairs break off, allowing the contained liquid to
penetrate the body. Intense localized itching results. Applying
water to the surface of the affected area can increase the
sensation; this problem may persist for several weeks. In
Australia, other members of the genus Laportea have caused
severe reactions in humans, and a death was reported in New
Guinea after severe exposure. Livestock have responded
frantically to contact with these plants in Australia. Canada nettle
can cause reactions in animals upon exposure in Canada. Avoid
this plant if possible (MacFarlane 1963, Mitchell and Rook
1979).
References:
MacFarlane, W. V. 1963. The stinging properties of Laportea.
Econ. Bot., 17: 303-311.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Laportea canadensis (L.) Gaud.
Vernacular name(s): Canada nettle
Scientific family name: Urticaceae
Vernacular family name: nettle
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Laportea
canadensis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Laportea canadensis:

Canada nettle is covered with stinging hairs on the leaves and
stem. The tips of the hairs are readily fractured on contact with
skin, allowing the internal liquid to be injected into the local body
area. The hairs are sharply pointed, allowing ready penetration of
thinner skinned portions of the body (MacFarlane 1963).
Toxic parts:
hairs
References:
Econ. Bot., 17: 303-311.

The active ingredient in the stinging hairs is not known. The
chemicals acetylcholine, histamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine,
which cause the stinging of hairs from the closely related
American stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), are not the primary
toxic chemicals in Canada nettle. Some studies on native
Australian Laportea species have shown that no detectable loss of
activity occurs after 46 years in a dry state. Immersion in boiling
water for 10 min does not deactivate the chemical. In fact, the
pain is intensified in humans if the affected area is exposed to
water, a reaction that may last for many weeks (MacFarlane
1963).

unknown chemical
References:
Econ. Bot., 17: 303-311.
Humans
erythema
itchiness
pain
skin, flushed
Notes on poisoning:
Canada nettle hairs induce localized pain and discomfort as well
as erythema, reddening, and localized sweating. The pain may
persist for weeks. Canada nettle differs from American stinging
nettle (Urtica dioica) in that the intense pain can persist for
weeks or months (MacFarlane 1963, Mitchell and Rook 1979).
References:
Econ. Bot., 17: 303-311.
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Lathyrus odoratus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is a summer annual commonly
cultivated because of its beautiful fragrant flowers. The pods and
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites seeds contain BAPN (beta-aminopropionitrile), which causes
osteolathyrism, a syndrome characterized by skeletal deformities
and aortic rupture. This chemical was first extracted from sweet
pea plants and has since been found in some other members of
the genus Lathyrus. Horses are more susceptible to this syndrome
than other livestock. Most of the information on osteolathyrism is
based on experimental work. This problem has not occurred in
humans; instead, see neurolathyrins under grass pea ( Lathyrus
sativus). In Canada, ingesting enough sweet pea to cause
osteolathyrism is not likely (Selye 1957, Cheeke and Schull
1985).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Lalich, J. J., Barnett, B. D., Bird, H. R. 1957. Production of aortic
rupture in turkey poults fed beta-aminopropionitrile. Arch.
Pathol., 64: 643-648.
Selye, H. 1957. Lathyrism. Rev. Can. Biol., 16: 1-82.
Simpson, C. F., Cardeilhac, P. T. 1983. Mortality,
hemodynamics, an aortic properties among male and female
turkeys fed beta-aminopropionitrile (41541). Proc. Soc. Exp.
Biol. Med., 172: 168-172.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lathyrus odoratus L.
Vernacular name(s): sweet pea

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Lathyrus
odoratus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Lathyrus odoratus:
Toxic parts:
seeds
References:
Roy, D. N., Spencer, P. S. 1989. Lathyrogens. Pages 169-201 in
Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. III. Proteins and
amino acids. CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., USA. 271 pp.

beta-aminoproprionitrile
References:
Horses
aneurysm
gait, rigid
scoliosis
Notes on poisoning:
Literature reports of osteolathyrism show that horses are
particularily susceptible. Symptoms include skeletal deformity,
such as long bone curvature, kyphosis, scoliosis, osteoporosis,
and poor development of connective tissue. Aortic rupture also
occurs. These effects are due to defective synthesis of collagen
and elastin tissue caused by BAPN (Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Rodents
abortion
aneurysm
bones, fragile
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental feeding of sweet pea seeds to rats has caused
symptoms of osteolathyrism, including the production of fragile
bones, muscle atrophy, fatty bone marrow, hernias, thin skin, and
scoliosis (Selye 1957, Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
Turkeys
aneurysm
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental feeding of the toxic chemical
beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) caused aortic dissecting
aneurysms in turkey poults. Mortality was quite high as a result.
See additional information under general notes of Lathyrus
sativus (Lalich et al. 1957, Simpson and Cardeilhac 1983).
References:
Lalich, J. J., Barnett, B. D., Bird, H. R. 1957. Production of aortic
rupture in turkey poults fed beta-aminopropionitrile. Arch.
Pathol., 64: 643-648.
Simpson, C. F., Cardeilhac, P. T. 1983. Mortality,
hemodynamics, an aortic properties among male and female
turkeys fed beta-aminopropionitrile (41541). Proc. Soc. Exp.
Biol. Med., 172: 168-172.
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Notes on poisoning:
Lathyrus sativus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Grass pea (Lathyrus sativa) has been used as a food and forage
crop in Europe and Asia, where ingesting the seeds for 3-6
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites months can cause neurolathyrism, a syndrome characterized by
muscular rigidity, weakness, and paralysis of the leg muscles. In
severe cases, victims may be reduced to crawling. Young men
between 20 and 30 years old are primarily affected. Livestock
may also develop paralysis if they ingest grass pea for a long
time. Neurolathyrism still occurs in India, where grass pea is used
as flour (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Roy and Spencer 1989).
Poisoning from grass pea is unlikely in Canada. However, some
other Lathyrus species that occur in Canada may also contain
BOAA.
References:
Liener, I. E. 1989. Antinutritional factors. Pages 339-382 in
Matthews, R. H., ed. Legumes: chemistry, technology, and
human nutrition. Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., USA.
934 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lathyrus sativus L.
Vernacular name(s): grass pea

sativus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Lathyrus sativus:
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
seeds
References:

BOAA (beta-N-oxalylamino-L-alanine) is generally regarded as
the cause of neurolathyrism, although the exact nomenclature is
still under study. The concentration of BOAA in the seed varies
from 0.1 to 2.5%. This variation may help explain the conflicting
reports of toxicity (Roy and Spencer 1989).

beta-N-oxalylamino-L-alanine
References:
Humans
paralysis
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Leonurus cardiaca
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a naturalized herb that is
weedy in flower and fruit gardens. This plant can cause dermatitis
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites in sensitive individuals. A fragrant lemon-scented oil caused
photosensitivity when ingested (Muenscher 1975, Mitchell and
Rook 1979).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Leonurus cardiaca L.
Vernacular name(s): motherwort
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Leonurus
cardiaca
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Leonurus cardiaca:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

A fragrant lemon-scented oil from the plant can cause
photosensitization (Mitchell and Rook 1979).

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Ligustrum vulgare
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Common privet (Ligustrum vulgare) is an ornamental shrub that
is often planted as a hedge, and therefore the flowers and berries
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites are trimmed. In older European literature, ingesting the berries
has been noted to cause sickness in children. In more recent cases
of ingestion by children, symptoms included only vomiting and
diarrhea, after up to 12 berries were eaten (Frohne and Pfander
1983). Reynard and Norton (1942) cite the case of sheep that died
after ingesting the trimmings from a hedge of a related privet
(Ligustrum ovalifolium).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Ligustrum vulgare L.
Vernacular name(s): common privet
Scientific family name: Oleaceae
Vernacular family name: olive
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Ligustrum
vulgare
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Ligustrum vulgare:
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
References:

Unknown chemicals are involved in common privet poisoning.
Frohne and Pfander (1983) note that lignan glycosides, saponins,
and seco- iridoid bitter substances are likely involved.

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
diarrhea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
In recent reports the berries of common privet produced
symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting only. In older literature,
death was reported. Gastroenteritis may persist for 48-72 h.
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Linaria vulgaris
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) is an introduced herb that is
widely naturalized across Canada. This plant contains several
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites compounds, including glucosides and the cyanogenic glucoside
prunasin. The plant is regarded as toxic to livestock in Europe.
Cattle generally avoid grazing stands of this plant, but there is
more potential for poisoning when the animals are provided with
hay that has a high content of yellow toadflax. No definitive
records of poisoning are found in the literature. Other members of
the genus are found in Canada as well, including the introduced
Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica). For safety''s sake, hay
should not be fed to livestock if it contains a high content of these
plants.
References:
Sticher, O. 1971. Isolation of antirrinoside from Linaria vulgaris.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Linaria vulgaris Mill.
Vernacular name(s): yellow toadflax
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Linaria
vulgaris
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Linaria vulgaris:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

Yellow toadflax contains several chemicals, including the
cyanogenic glycoside prunasin. It also contains a glucoside,
antirrinoside (Sticher 1974; Conn 1981).

antirrinoside
prunasin

References:
Conn, E. E. 1981. Cyanogenic glycosides. Pages 479-501 in
Stumpf, P. K., Conn, E. E., eds. The biochemistry of plants. Vol.
7. Secondary plant products. Academic Press, New York, N.Y.,
USA. 600 pp.
Cattle
breathing, rapid
cyanosis
dyspnea
gait, staggering
paralysis
Notes on poisoning:
General symptoms of cyanide poisoning are listed above. These
symptoms have not been reported in the literature for ingestion of
yellow toadflax. The general symptoms for cyanide poisoning
were taken from Kingsbury (1964).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Lobelia cardinalis
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Cardinalflower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a native herb that grows
along riverbanks and is occasionally found in garden flower beds
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites as a perennial. This plant contains lobeline, which caused
poisoning when misused as a home medicine. See the notes under
Indian-tobacco ( Lobelia inflata) for more information.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lobelia cardinalis L.
Vernacular name(s): cardinalflower
Scientific family name: Campanulaceae
Vernacular family name: bellflower
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Lobelia
cardinalis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

New Brunswick
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Lobelia cardinalis:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

lobeline
References:
Humans
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Notes on poisoning:
Lobelia inflata
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Indian-tobacco (Lobelia inflata) is a herb native to Canada. In the
past, aboriginal people smoked its dried leaves. This plant and
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites related Lobelia species were used as medicinal plants. Overdoses
led to cases of poisoning, which resulted in fatalities. No modern
cases of poisoning are found in the literature. The dried leaves of
Lobelia may be found in health food stores as a herbal medicine
(Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lobelia inflata L.
Vernacular name(s): Indian-tobacco
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Lobelia inflata
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

British Columbia
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Lobelia inflata:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Lobeline is one of several alkaloids found in Indian-tobacco and
other Lobelia species. This extract has been used in home
medicine for various purposes. Overdoses have resulted in cases
of poisoning, including death. The dry leaves of Lobelia may be
sold in health food stores as a herbal remedy.

lobeline
References:
Humans
collapse
coma
death
pain
paralysis
sweating
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
In overdoses of the plant extract, symptoms included vomiting,
sweating, pain, paralysis, depressed temperature, rapid but feeble
pulse, coma, and death (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Lobelia siphilitica
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Blue cardinalflower (Lobelia siphilitica) is a native herb found
along wet river banks in southern Ontario. This plant contains an
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites alkaloid, lobeline, that caused poisoning when the extract was
used as a home remedy. For more information, see the notes
under Indian- tobacco ( Lobelia inflata).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lobelia siphilitica L.
Vernacular name(s): blue cardinalflower
siphilitica
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Ontario
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Lobelia siphilitica:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

lobeline
References:
Humans
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Notes on poisoning:
Lonicera tatarica
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Tartarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) is an ornamental shrub
that has become naturalized throughout much of southern
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Canada. In European literature this plant have been implicated in
the poisoning of children. See additional notes under fly
honeysuckle, ( Lonicera xylosteum ).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lonicera tatarica L.
Vernacular name(s): Tartarian honeysuckle
Scientific family name: Caprifoliaceae
Vernacular family name: honeysuckle
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Lonicera
tatarica
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Lonicera tatarica:

Ingesting the berries has caused mild toxicity in children (Frohne
and Pfander 1983).
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
References:

The toxic compounds are unknown, but they are suspected to be
saponins (Frohne and Pfander 1983).

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
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Notes on poisoning:
Lonicera xylosteum
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Fly honeysuckle (Lonicera xylosteum) is cultivated in
southwestern Quebec and southern Ontario. This ornamental
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites shrub has been implicated in cases of poisoning of children in
Europe. Recent literature indicates that cases of poisoning are
rare, and the symptoms are considered mild. Experimental
poisoning of rabbits has caused mild symptoms. Injecting fruit
extracts at high doses has caused sickness and death in mice.
Ingesting a large number of berries (ca. 30) may cause abdominal
pain and vomiting in children (Frohne and Pfander 1983).
Additional species of cultivated honeysuckle have also been
implicated in cases of human poisoning. Woodbine (Lonicera
periclymenum) may be poisonous. This climbing honeysuckle is
occasionally planted. See the general notes under Tartarian
honeysuckle, ( Lonicera tatarica.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lonicera xylosteum L.
Vernacular name(s): fly honeysuckle
xylosteum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Lonicera xylosteum:

The berries have been implicated in cases of toxicity in Europe.
In North America no cases of poisoning occurred after children
ingested the berries (Lampe and McCann 1985).
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
References:

The toxin is unknown, but saponins are thought to be responsible
for the cases of poisoning. Traces of alkaloids were also found

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
diarrhea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of ingestion include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and
vomiting. More severe symptoms have been listed in early
European literature, but severe toxicity has not been conclusively
documented (Frohne and Pfander 1983).
References:
Rabbits
diarrhea
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental feeding of berries (dry weight at 25 g/kg of body
weight) to rabbits caused diarrhea and lack of movement within
24 h Frohne and Pfander 1983).
References:
Rodents
death
drowsiness
Notes on poisoning:
Mice experimentally injected with berry extract (dry weight at
20-40 g/kg of body weight) experienced brief excitation,
followed by drowsiness, abdominal spasms, and equilibrium and
respiratory problems. Death sometimes followed in 10 min to
several hours. A connection was made between saponin content
and toxicity (Frohne and Pfander 1983).
References:
Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Lupinus argenteus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Silvery lupine (Lupinus argenteus) is a western range plant that
has caused sickness and death in sheep in western North
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites America. Ingestion of this plant by pregnant cattle can also cause
teratogenic effects in calves (Cheeke and Schull 1985, Keeler
1989). See additional notes under silky lupine (Lupinus sericeus).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Keeler, R. F. 1989. Quinolizidine alkaloids in range and grain
lupins. Pages 133-167 in Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant
origin. Vol. I. Alkaloids. CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla.,
USA. 335 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lupinus argenteus Pursh
Vernacular name(s): silvery lupine
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Lupinus
argenteus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Lupinus argenteus:

The concentration of anagyrine decreases in the leaves once the
seeds begin to form, and then is greatest in the seeds. Total
alkaloid content is greatest in the seeds. See notes under silky
lupine (Lupinus sericeus) for additional information.
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
References:
USA. 335 pp.

Two alkaloids, lupanine and sparteine, (both quinolizidine
alkaloids), are probably involved in causing poisoning in sheep
(Keeler 1989). This species also has been found to contain 3.34
g/kg of anagyrine, exceeding the minimum level of 1.44 g/kg
needed to cause crooked calf disease (Davis 1982, Davis and
Stout 1986).

anagyrine
lupanine

References:
Davis, A. M., Stout, D. M. 1986. Anagyrine in western American
lupines. J. Range Manage., 39: 29-30.
Davis, A. M. 1982. The occurrence of anagyrine in a collection of
western American lupines. J. Range Manage., 35: 81-84.
USA. 335 pp.
Cattle
arthrogryposis
palatoschisis
scoliosis
torticollis
References:
USA. 335 pp.
Sheep
breathing, labored
coma
convulsions
trembling
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of ingestion include labored breathing, which may be
accompanied by snoring, trembling, convulsions, coma, and
death from respiratory paralysis (Keeler 1989). See additional
notes under silky lupine Lupinus sericeus).
References:
USA. 335 pp.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Lupinus burkei
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Burkes''s lupine (Lupinus burkei) is a native herb found in
southern British Columbia. Chemical analysis of aboveground
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites plant material has shown that this species can occasionally
contain enough of the chemical anagyrine to cause teratogenic
effects in calves if the plant is ingested maternally between day
40 and day 70 of gestation. The literature does not include cases
of poisoning or teratogenic problems caused by this plant. See
additional notes under silky lupine Lupinus sericeus).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lupinus burkei S. Wats.
Vernacular name(s): Burke's lupine
burkei
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Lupinus burkei:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Burke''s lupine contains anagyrine, which has been measured in
amounts exceeding the minimum (1.44 g/kg) required to cause
teratogenic effects in calves (Davis and Stout 1986). See

anagyrine
References:
Cattle
Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Lupinus polyphyllus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Large-leaved lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) is a native of British
Columbia and has been introduced in eastern Canada. This
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites species has been used in developing many of the cultivars of
lupines grown in gardens. Davis and Stout (1986) measured
quantities of anagyrine that exceeded the minimum necessary to
cause crooked calf disease (teratogenic deformities) in calves.
The literature does not include any documented cases. Care
should be taken to prevent pregnant cattle from feeding on this
lupine from day 40 to day 70 of gestation. See additional notes
under silky lupine Lupinus sericeus).
References:
USA. 335 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl.
Vernacular name(s): large-leaved lupine
polyphyllus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Lupinus polyphyllus:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Anagyrine, a quinolizidine alkaloid, has been measured in
amounts exceeding the minimum 1.44 g/kg required to cause
teratogenic effects. A measurement of 6.10 g/kg is reported by
Davis and Stout (1986) in the aboveground portion of a plant.

anagyrine
References:
Cattle
arthrogryposis
palatoschisis
scoliosis
torticollis
References:
USA. 335 pp.
Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Lupinus pusillus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Small lupine (Lupine pusillus) is a native herb in the southern
prairies. This species has been involved in poisoning of sheep
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites (Fuller and McClintock 1986). See additional information under
silky lupine Lupinus sericeus).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lupinus pusillus Pursh
Vernacular name(s): small lupine
pusillus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Lupinus pusillus:
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
References:

Small lupine contains quinolizidine alkaloids, which have
resulted in poisoning (Kingsbury 1964, Fuller and McClintock
1986).

unknown chemical
References:
Sheep
breathing, labored
coma
convulsions
depression
muscle twitching
References:
Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Lupinus sericeus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Silky lupine (Lupinus sericeus) is a native herb of western
Canada. This lupine has caused poisoning and death in cattle,
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites goats, horses, and sheep. Sheep eat the plants more readily than
do other animals and are therefore more commonly poisoned.
Cattle also suffer from crooked calf disease, a teratogenic
syndrome caused by maternal ingestion of certain lupines
between day 40 and day 70 of gestation. The calves can suffer
from arthrogryposis, scoliosis, and other deformities. Humans are
also at risk from lupine toxins. In one case in California, a child
was born with limb deformities. The family raised milk goats that
had also given birth to kids with deformed limbs, and a dog gave
birth to deformed pups. All had ingested the goat''s milk during
pregnancy. Anagyrine in a local lupine species was believed to
cause the problem. Tests showed that lactating goats that ingest
lupine seeds pass anagyrine in the milk. Edible lupine seeds are
being marketed in health food stores. In Edmonton (Smith 1987),
a woman suffered mild dizziness and incoordination after
ingesting the seeds. She did not follow specific instructions to
soak and boil the seeds in several changes of water, which is
necessary to remove the toxins.
References:
USA. 335 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lupinus sericeus Pursh
Vernacular name(s): silky lupine

sericeus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Lupinus sericeus:

The teratogenic alkaloid anagyrine is highest in the seeds, pods,
and young leaves. The quinolizidine alkaloids implicated in
lupine poisoning and death are found mostly in the seeds and
pods. Large quantities of the plant material must be ingested in a
short time. The alkaloids remain after drying, so that hay
containing sufficient quantities of lupine can be toxic (Kingsbury
1964, Keeler 1989).
Toxic parts:
leaves
mature fruit
seeds
stems
References:
USA. 335 pp.

Silky lupine contains two major quinolizidine alkaloids, lupanine
and sparteine. These alkaloids and their derivatives cause
poisoning and death in livestock. This species also contains a
teratogenic chemical, anagyrine, which causes birth deformities
in calves after maternal ingestion of the plants between day 40
and day 70. Amounts of up to 6.84 g/kg have been measured,
which exceeds the minimum of 1.44 g/kg required to cause
crooked calf disease (Davis and Stout 1986, Keeler 1989). The
LD-50 of lupanine by oral ingestion in rats is 1464 mg/kg. This
alkaloid is rapidly cleared from the body (Petterson et al. 1987).

anagyrine
lupanine
sparteine

References:
USA. 335 pp.
Petterson, D. S., Ellis, Z. L., Harris, D. J., Spadek, Z. E. 1987.
Acute toxicity of the major alkaloids of cultivated Lupinus
angustifolius seed to rats. J. Appl. Toxicol., 7: 51-53.
Cattle
arthrogryposis
breathing, labored
convulsions
palatoschisis
scoliosis
torticollis
trembling
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle do not eat lupines as readily as sheep and therefore seldom
ingest lethal quantities. Symptoms are similar to those of sheep
(Kingsbury 1964).
References:
USA. 335 pp.
Horses
breathing, labored
convulsions
trembling
Notes on poisoning:
Horses do not ingest lupines as readily as do sheep. Toxic
symptoms therefore seldom appear in horses. Symptoms are
similar to those seen in sheep (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Humans
dizziness
incoordination
Notes on poisoning:
Smith (1987) reports the case of a woman who complained of
dizziness and incoordination after ingesting edible lupine seeds
purchased in Edmonton. The women had not followed the
cooking instructions, which required soaking and boiling the
seeds in several changes of water. The toxic alkaloids are
removed through several stages of cooking; the process must be
continued until no bitterness is left. In lupine seeds a lethal dose
of lupanine has been determined to be about 100 mg/kg. If not
properly cooked, 10 g of seeds may liberate more than 100 mg of
lupanine. Keeler (1989) discusses a possible link between
ingesting goat''s milk and the occurrence of birth deformities in a
baby. The goats may have been eating a lupine species that
contained the teratogenic chemical anagyrine, which was passed
through the woman when she drank goat''s milk during
pregnancy.
References:
USA. 335 pp.
Sheep
breathing, labored
coma
convulsions
depression
dyspnea
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of lupine ingestion in sheep include labored breathing,
depression, coma (often with snoring), and death from
asphyxiation. Tremors and convulsions may occur. The animal
may butt other sheep or stand leaning against an object. Teeth
grinding and frothing have been observed. Sheep consume lupine

more readily than do other livestock and are therefore the major
species susceptible to lupine toxicity. Ingesting seeds equal to
0.25-0.5% of body weight can cause poisoning (Keeler 1964).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Maclura pomifera
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Osage-orange (Maclura pomifera) is occasionally planted as an
ornamental shrub in the warmest parts of Canada. The milky sap
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites causes dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is unclear whether
the sap is an irritant, is sensitizing, or both (Muenscher 1975,
Mitchell and Rook 1979).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Maclura pomifera (Raf.) C. K. Schneid.
Vernacular name(s): Osage-orange
Scientific family name: Moraceae
Vernacular family name: mulberry
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Maclura
pomifera
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Maclura pomifera:

A milky juice is contained in the leaves, stems, and large fruit of
this plant. Some humans are sensitive to the plant juice
(Muenscher 1975).
Toxic parts:
plant juices
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Mangifera indica
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Mango (Mangifera indica) is a tropical fruit that is seasonally
available in Canadian food stores. The skin of the fruit and the
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites petiole, by which the fruit is attached to the stem, contain
oleoresins. These chemicals are cross-reactive to the catechols
contained in poison-ivy plants and in other members of Rhus
species that cause dermatitis. Humans who are sensitized and
develop dermatitis from these plants should be cautious about
touching the skin of mangoes. The shells of cashews
(Anacardium occidentale) are also cross-reactive with catechols
of Rhus species. However, cashews shells are removed before the
nuts are sold in Canada (Kingsbury 1964, Geller 1989).
References:
Geller, M. 1989. Poison ivy, mangoes, cashews, and dermatitis.
Ann. Intern. Med., 110: 1036-1037.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Mangifera indica L.
Vernacular name(s): mango
Scientific family name: Anacardiaceae
Vernacular family name: cashew
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Mangifera
indica
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Mangifera indica:

The skin of the fruit and the petiole, by which the fruit is attached
to the stem, contain oleoresins (Geller 1989).
Toxic parts:
skin of fruit
References:
Ann. Intern. Med., 110: 1036-1037.

The oleoresins of the fruit peel (skin) of mango are cross-reactive
with the catechols of poison-ivy, Rhus spp. (Geller 1989).

oleoresin
References:
Ann. Intern. Med., 110: 1036-1037.
Humans
blisters, weeping
erythema
References:
Ann. Intern. Med., 110: 1036-1037.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Medicago sativa
Interactive
Botanical name
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an important forage and silage crop in

Canada. However, under some circumstances, alfalfa can cause a variety
of different toxic problems. Ingesting rapidly growing alfalfa at the
Common name
vegetative to mid-bud stage can cause bloat in cattle and sheep (Hall and
Majak 1989). Alfalfa has also caused photosensitization in cattle with
Important WWW Poisonous white skin (MacDonald 1954). Alfalfa contains phytoestrogens which
Plants sites
cause infertility in animals, including cattle and sheep. These compounds
are also contained in some alfalfa pills that are found in health food
stores, and these may cause problems in some cases (Cheeke and Schull
1985). Alfalfa also contains saponins that can interfere with the growth of
poultry and thus reduce egg-laying (Fuller and McClintock 1986,
Oakenfull and Sidhu 1989). Low saponin cultivars have been developed.
References:
Adams, N. R. 1989. Phytoestrogens. Pages 23-51 in Cheeke, P. R., ed.
Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. IV. Phenolics. CRC Press, Inc., Boca
492 pp.
Hall, J. W., Majak, W. 1989. Plant and animal factors in legume bloat.
Pages 93-106 in Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. III.
Proteins and amino acids. CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., USA. 271
pp.
MacDonald, H. E. 1954. Photosensitization. Can. J. Comp. Med., 18:
228.
Oakenfull, D., Sidhu, G. S. 1989. Saponins. Pages 97-143 in Cheeke, P.
R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. II. Glycosides. CRC Press, Inc.,
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Medicago sativa L.
Vernacular name(s): alfalfa
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Medicago sativa
References:
132 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:

6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Medicago sativa:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Alfalfa contains two phytoestrogenic compounds, coumestrol and
coumestan. These compounds can cause fertility problems in sheep and
cattle. Alfalfa also contains bloat-causing proteins. Saponins, such as
medicagenic acid, can cause growth reduction in poultry (Adams 1989,
Hall and Majak 1989, Oakenfull and Sidhu 1989).

coumestan
coumestrol
medicagenic acid

References:
Cattle
bloat
infertility
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle are especially susceptible to bloat after ingesting rapidly growing
alfalfa in the vegetative to mid-bud stage of growth. The formation of
stable foam bubbles is recognized as being affected by the concentration
of cytoplasmic proteins, which is in turn affected by rumen pH, and the
colloidal suspension of chloroplast particles from the plant; the stability
is controlled by ion concentration (Hall and Majak 1989). Alfalfa also
contains phytoestrogens, which have caused infertility problems in dairy
cattle because of cystic ovaries and irregular estrous cycles. Precocious
development of mammary glands also occurs, as well as genital
formation in heifers. The coumestan chemicals suppress estrous and

inhibit ovulation (Cheeke and Schull 1985, Adams 1989).
References:
492 pp.
pp.
Chickens
References:
Humans
infertility
Notes on poisoning:
Alfalfa tablets are available in health food stores as a dietary supplement
for humans. The benefits of the tablets are not clear. Measurements of the
phytoestrogen content of some commercial brands have ranged from 20
to 190 ppm. This level of intake, in conjunction with other sources of
estrogen (such as birth control pills and estrogen replacement therapy),
may be potentially harmful (Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
492 pp.
Sheep
bloat
erythema
infertility
skin, peeling of
References:
492 pp.
228.
Another search?
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Melilotus alba
Interactive
name
White sweet-clover (Melilotus alba) is a cultivated and naturalized

All poisonous plants by Common plant that occurs as a weed across most of Canada. This plant
contains a glycoside with a coumarin fraction. When sweet-clover is
name
harvested for feed, the succulent stems usually mold before drying.
The molds metabolize the glycoside into dicoumarol, which
Important WWW Poisonous Plants interrupts vitamin K activation of prothrombin, necessary in blood
sites
clotting. Levels of dicoumarol at more than 10 ppm are suspected of
possible poisoning. Dicoumarol levels are usually higher in small and
round bales than in stacks. Cattle, horses, and sheep have been
poisoned. However, cattle are almost exclusively poisoned by
sweet-clover (Blakely 1985, Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
Alstad, A. D., Casper, H. H., Johnson, L. J. 1985. Vitamin K
treatment of sweet clover poisoning in calves. J. Am. Vet. Med.
Assoc., 187: 729-731.
Blakley, B. R. 1985. Moldy sweet clover (dicoumarol) poisoning in
Saskatchewan cattle. Can. Vet. J., 26: 357-360.
McDonald, G. K. 1980. Moldy sweetclover poisoning in a horse.
Can. Vet. J., 21: 250-251.
Radostits, O. M., Searcy, G. P., Mitchall, K. G. 1980. Moldy
sweetclover poisoning in cattle. Can. Vet. J., 21: 155-158.
Turkington, R. A., Cavers, P. B., Rempel, E. 1978. The biology of
Canadian weeds. 29. Melilotus alba Desr. and M. officinalis (L.)
Lam. Can. J. Plant Sci., 58: 523-537.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Melilotus alba Desr.
Vernacular name(s): white sweet-clover

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Melilotus alba
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Melilotus alba:

Moldy sweet-clover is produced through insufficient drying of bales
and silage. Dicoumarol production by molds is not likely to occur if
animals ingest living plants.
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:
USA. 492 pp.

A glycoside, melilotoside, contains an ether and coumarin. The
coumarin is metabolized by various molds (e.g., Penicillium spp.)
into dicoumarol. Dicoumarol inhibits vitamin K, which causes
hemorrhaging. Sweet-clover has a succulent stem, which makes
molding common after cutting. Round bales have been found to have
significantly higher dicoumarol (mean of 22.9 +/- 3.10 mg/kg) than
stacks of silage (means 1.8 of +/- 6.3 and 0.6 +/- 2.1 mg/kg). The
outer parts of round bales had a higher concentration of dicoumarol
(Benson et al. 1981, Cheeke and Schull 1985).

dicoumarol
melilotoside

References:
Benson, M. E., Casper, H. H., Johnson, L. J. 1981. Occurrence and
range of dicumarol concentrations in sweet clover. Am. J. Vet. Res.,
42: 2014-2015.
USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
abortion
anemia
hemorrhage
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of moldy sweet-clover poisoning may appear without any
obvious cause. Trauma and surgery are often followed by severe
hemorrhage and death. Hemorrhage may result after uncomplicated
parturition. Newborn calves may die during the first few days of life
if their dams have been fed on toxic feed. In Saskatchewan 286
animals from 56 herds were affected in 1983. The mortality rate was
12.1%. Aborted fetuses and calves less than 2 weeks old were
affected most often. Poisoning usually occurred between January to
April. Sweet-clover fed as bales was more of a problem than when
fed as silage (Radostits et al. 1980, Blakely 1985). Treatment using
vitamin K1 was effective at dosages of 1.1-3.3 mg/kg of body weight
after poisoning by sweet-clover containing dicoumarol at a minimum
of 90 ppm. Vitamin K3 was ineffective as treatment (Alstad et al.
1985).
References:
Alstad, A. D., Casper, H. H., Johnson, L. J. 1985. Vitamin K
treatment of sweet clover poisoning in calves. J. Am. Vet. Med.
Assoc., 187: 729-731.
Blakley, B. R. 1985. Moldy sweet clover (dicoumarol) poisoning in
Saskatchewan cattle. Can. Vet. J., 26: 357-360.
Horses
anemia
hemorrhage
Notes on poisoning:
In one case in Saskatchewan, a Percheron mare was anemic and was
hemorrhaging from the left nostril at 60 drops per min. Mucous
membranes were blanched. Subcutaneous edema extended from the
intermandibular space to the pectoral region. The animal was treated
with an injection of 4.2 g of menadione sodium bisulphate and with 4
L of whole blood preserved in acid citrate dextrose solution.
Complete recovery resulted. The mare had been fed weathered
sweet-clover hay free-choice with access to pasture (McDonald
1980).
References:
Can. Vet. J., 21: 250-251.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
name
Yellow sweet-clover (Melilotus officinalis) is cultivated and

All poisonous plants by Common naturalized across most of Canada. When cut for feed, molding
usually occurs because of the succulent stems. The molds can
name
metabolize coumarin which is hydrolyzed from a plant glycoside.
Dicoumarol is produced, which is toxic to animals. See notes under
Important WWW Poisonous Plants white sweet-clover (Melilotus alba).
sites
References:
USA. 492 pp.
Can. Vet. J., 21: 250-251.
Turkington, R. A., Cavers, P. B., Rempel, E. 1978. The biology of
Canadian weeds. 29. Melilotus alba Desr. and M. officinalis (L.)
Lam. Can. J. Plant Sci., 58: 523-537.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam.
Vernacular name(s): yellow sweet-clover
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Melilotus
officinalis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Melilotus officinalis:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:
USA. 492 pp.

A glycoside, melilotoside, hydrolyzes to coumarin. Coumarin is
metabolized by molds into dicoumarol, which interrupts vitamin K
use in animals. Blood-clotting abilities are affected. See additional
notes under white sweet-clover (Melilotus alba).

dicoumarol
melilotoside

References:
USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
anemia
hemorrhage
Notes on poisoning:
See notes under white sweet-clover (Melilotus alba). .
References:
USA. 492 pp.
Horses
anemia
hemorrhage
Notes on poisoning:
See notes under white sweet-clover (Melilotus alba). .
References:
Can. Vet. J., 21: 250-251.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Moonseed (Menispermum canadense) is a native vine found in
south-central Canada. In Pennsylvania the fruits of this plant have
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites apparently killed children (Gress 1935, Lampe and McCann
1985).
References:
Gress, E. M. 1935. Poisonous plants of Pennsylvania. Penn. Dep.
Agric. Gen. Bull., 531. 51 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Menispermum canadense L.
Vernacular name(s): moonseed
Scientific family name: Menisperamaceae
Vernacular family name: moonseed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Menispermum
canadense
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Menispermum canadense:
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
References:

Moonseed contains alkaloids that may be responsible for the
toxicity of the fruit to humans (Lampe and McCann 1985).
Acutamine, an alkaloid, has been found in the aboveground part
of moonseed, but has not been proved to cause the toxicity. Other
alkaloids have also been found in the rhizomes (Doskotch and
Knapp 1971).

acutumine
unknown chemical
References:
Doskotch, R. W., Knapp, J. E. 1971. Alkaloids from
Menispermum canadense. Lloydia (Cinci), 34: 292-300.
Humans
convulsions
death
Notes on poisoning:
Gress (1935) describes a case where children ingested moonseed
berries and later died. Lampe and McCann (1985) state that
convulsions may result when the berries are ingested.
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
Botanical name
Western minniebush (Menziesia ferruginea) is a native shrub found in

western Canada. This plant has occasionally been implicated in cases of
sheep poisoning. Feeding experiments have shown that it does cause
Common name
poisoning in sheep. It is considered less toxic that some other members of
the heath family, such as Kalmia spp. and Rhododendron spp. (Marsh
Important WWW Poisonous 1914, Kingsbury 1964).
Plants sites
References:
Marsh, C. D. 1914. Menziesia, a new stock-poisoning plant of the
northwestern states. U.S. Dep. Agric. Bur. Plant Ind., 16. 3 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Menziesia ferruginea Sm.
Vernacular name(s): western minniebush
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Menziesia ferruginea
References:
132 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Menziesia ferruginea:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

Andromedotoxins (grayanotoxins) are diterpenoid alkaloids. These toxins
are common to all poisonous members of the heath family (including
Kalmia spp. and Rhododendron spp.).

andromedotoxins

References:
Sheep
breathing, labored
gait, staggering
mouth, frothing of
nausea
paralysis
salivation
weakness
References:
Another search?

Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Monstera deliciosa
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Swiss-cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) is an indoor ornamental.
The leaves can cause problems if chewed by humans or family
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites pets. Experimental rats and mice died after they were fed plant
extracts (Der Marderosian et al. 1976, Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Monstera deliciosa Liebm.
Vernacular name(s): Swiss-cheese plant
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Monstera
deliciosa
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Monstera deliciosa:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:
Humans
aphonia
blistering
hoarseness
urticaria
Notes on poisoning:
Chewing the leaf causes severe pain and irritation, along with
blistering and edema of mouth tissue. Hoarseness and loss of
voice can also occur. The insoluble oxalates do not cause
systemic poisoning in humans (Lampe and McCann 1985).
Ingesting the ripened fruit can cause rapidly developing urticaria
(hives) in sensitive individuals (Mitchell and Rook 1979). The
ripe fruit is edible but is not normally produced indoors in
Canada.
References:
Rodents
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Narcissus poeticus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Narcissus (Narcissus poeticus) is an ornamental bulb that is
planted outdoors as a perennial and is occasionally used indoors
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites as a winter forced flower. This plant contains allergens in the
aboveground plant parts, which cause dermatitis in sensitive
humans. Ingesting the bulbs can cause poisoning in humans and
has also poisoned some cattle. Family pets could be at risk if they
ingest quantities of this plant. Serious cases of poisoning are rare.
Humans have been poisoned only when the bulbs were mistaken
for onions (Mitchell and Rook 1979, Litovitz and Fahey 1982,
Cooper and Johnson 1984). See notes under daffodil (Narcissus
pseudonarcissus) for more information.
References:
Litovitz, T. L., Fahey, B. A. 1982. Please don't eat the daffodils.
N. Eng. J. Med., 306: 547.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Narcissus poeticus L.
Vernacular name(s): narcissus

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Narcissus
poeticus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Narcissus poeticus:

See notes under daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) for more
information.
Toxic parts:
bulbs
flowers
leaves
References:

The bulbs contain oxalate crystals as well as an alkaloid lycorine,
which cause toxic problems. Unknown allergens in the leaves and
flowers cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals (Mitchell and
Rook 1979).

lycorine
oxalate
References:
Cattle
convulsions
gastroenteritis
Notes on poisoning:
In World War II, cattle were fed bulbs of daffodils, with toxic
results. Ingesting narcissus bulbs can have similar results. The
animals were given these plants because of scare food supplies
References:
Humans
dizziness
eczema
erythema
nausea
skin, flushed
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of ingesting narcissus bulbs include lightheadedness,
nausea, and vomiting. More severe symptoms are rare because of
rapid emesis (Litovitz and Fahey 1982).
References:
N. Eng. J. Med., 306: 547.
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Interactive
name
Notes on poisoning:
Narcissus
pseudonarcissus

Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) is an ornamental that is
name
planted outdoors as a spring-flowering perennial. It may be used
Important WWW Poisonous Plants indoors as a forced flower during the winter. The aboveground parts
cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. The bulbs can also cause
sites
dermatitis. Humans have been poisoned after ingesting bulbs
thought to be onions, as have cattle when they were fed bulbs
instead of feed in times of scarcity. Family pets may be at risk if
they ingest daffodils (Mitchell and Rook 1979, Litovitz and Fahey
1982, Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Gonalo, S., Freitas, J. D., Sousa, I. 1987. Contact dermatitis and
respiratory symptoms and Narcissus pseudonarcissus. Contact
Litovitz, T. L., Fahey, B. A. 1982. Please don't eat the daffodils. N.
Eng. J. Med., 306: 547.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Narcissus pseudonarcissus L.
Vernacular name(s): daffodil

pseudonarcissus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Narcissus pseudonarcissus:

The bulbs of narcissus are toxic if ingested. All parts of the plant can
cause allergic dermatitis in sensitive humans (Mitchell and Rook
1979).
Toxic parts:
bulbs
flowers
leaves
stems
References:
Lampe, K. F., McCann, M. A. 1985. AMA Handbook of poisonous
and injurious plants. American Medical Assoc. Chicago, Ill., USA.
432 pp.

lycorine
References:
432 pp.
Cattle
convulsions
drowsiness
gastroenteritis
Notes on poisoning:
During World War II, cattle were fed daffodil bulbs because of
scarce feed. They developed seizures, sedation, hypotension, and
gastrointestinal and hepatic degeneration. Animal poisoning is more
severe than human poisoning because humans develop rapid emesis

(Litovitz and Fahey 1982, Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Eng. J. Med., 306: 547.
Humans
abdominal pains
conjunctivitis
diarrhea
dizziness
dyspnea
eczema
erythema
hoarseness
itchiness
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting daffodil bulbs produces the following symptoms:
abdominal pains, vomiting, nausea, lightheadedness, shivering, and
sometimes diarrhea. Because emesis is rapid, more severe symptoms
do not usually occur. Ingesting bulbs is rare (Litovitz and Fahey
References:
Eng. J. Med., 306: 547.
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Nerium oleander
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Oleander (Nerium oleander) is an ornamental indoor shrub found
in Canadian homes and offices. This plant is quite toxic if the
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites leaves or stems are ingested. Humans have died after eating meat
that was skewered with oleander stems. Ingesting a single leaf
may be toxic to a person. The dry leaves remain toxic. Cattle,
horses, and sheep have been poisoned experimentally (Wilson
1909, Kingsbury 1964). Livestock are not likely to have access to
oleander in Canada. Children and family pets should be prevented
from ingesting green or dry leaves, chewing stems, or sucking the
nectar from flowers.
References:
Wilson, F. W. 1909. Oleander poisoning of livestock. Univ. Ariz.
Agric. Exp. Stn. Bull., 59. 383-397 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Nerium oleander L.
Vernacular name(s): oleander
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Nerium
oleander
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Nerium oleander:
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
stems
young shoots
References:

Oleandrin, a cardiac glycoside, is found throughout the plant,
including the nectar of the flowers. Smoke from burning twigs is
said to be toxic (Fuller and McClintock 1986).

oleandrin
References:
Cattle
breathing, rapid
death
pupil dilation
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental poisoning of cattle has shown symptoms that
include elevated breathing and heart rate. If a large dose is given,
the heart action becomes so low that a pulse is almost
undetectable. Green leaves at a rate of as little as 0.005% of a
cow''s body weight can cause death (Wilson 1909, Kingsbury
1964).
References:
Horses
breathing, rapid
death
pupil dilation
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental poisoning of horses with fresh oleander leaves
resulted in toxic symptoms, including elevated breathing and
pulse, greenish feces, some abdominal pain, cold extremities, and
a swollen and irritated mouth and tongue. A dose of green leaves
equal to 0.005% of a horse''s body weight is sufficient to kill a
horse (Wilson 1909, Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
coma
death
diarrhea
dizziness
drowsiness
dyspnea
nausea
Notes on poisoning:
Humans have been poisoned from using the twigs of oleander to
skewer meat or roast frankfurters. Ingesting a single green or dry
leaf may cause poisoning. Symptoms include dizziness,
abdominal pain, vomiting, unconciousness, bloody stools, and
light and rapid pulse. Death has occurred in some cases.
Symptoms occur several hours after ingesting a toxic dose
(Wilson 1909, Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Sheep
breathing, rapid
death
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental feeding of green oleander leaves has caused
elevated breathing, partial unconsciousness, sore mouth and
nostrils, discolored mucous membranes, and death (dose: 0.015%
body weight of green leaves). Cold extremities and gastroenteritis
also occur (Wilson 1909, Kingsbury 1964).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Nicotiana tabacum
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Tobacco (Nicotiana tobacum) is cultivated in some areas of
Canada as a commercial crop for the tobacco industry.
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Teratogenic problems have occurred in the United States when
pregnant swine were allowed to forage on tobacco stalks. The
sows showed no toxic signs. Pregnant swine should be denied
access to tobacco plants. Rare cases of human dermatitis from
contact with tobacco leaves have been reported (Bush and Crowe
1989, Gonalo et al. 1990).
References:
Bush, L. P., Crowe, M. W. 1989. Nicotiana alkaloids. Pages
87-107 in Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. I.
Alkaloids. CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., USA. 335 pp.
Crowe, M. W., Swerczek, T. W. 1974. Congenital arthrogryposis
in offspring of sows fed tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). Am. J.
Vet. Res., 35: 1071-1073.
Crowe, M. W. 1969. Skeletal anomalies in pigs associated with
tobacco. Mod. Vet. Pract., 50-13: 54-55.
Gonalo, M., Couto, J., Gonalo, S. 1990. Allergic contact
dermatitis from Nicotiana tabacum. Contact Dermatitis, 22:
188-189.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Nicotiana tabacum L.
Vernacular name(s): tobacco
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Nicotiana

tabacum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Nicotiana tabacum:

The left-over stalks of tobacco plants that remain in the field have
caused teratogenic problems. Problems are related to high-yield
tobacco crops where heavy fertilization produces yields of dry
leaf that exceed 1300 kg/0.40 ha. Experimental feeding of
aqueous filtrate of the leaves and juice of tobacco stalks has also
caused teratogenic problems in swine (Crowe and Swerczek
1974).
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:
Vet. Res., 35: 1071-1073.

Pyridine alkaloids such as anabasine, anatabine, and perhaps
anabasine, are responsible for teratogenic problems in swine.
Anabasine is the major alkaloid of related Nicotiana glauca, in
the southern United States, and it has caused teratogenic
problems in calves, sheep, and swine. However, anabasine is
found in much smaller quantities in tobacco. Anatabine and
perhaps anabaseine are therefore believed to be involved in the
teratogenic effects on swine (Bush and Crowe 1989).

anabasine
anatabine
References:
Bush, L. P., Crowe, M. W. 1989. Nicotiana alkaloids. Pages
87-107 in Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. I.
Alkaloids. CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., USA. 335 pp.
Humans
eczema
References:
Gonalo, M., Couto, J., Gonalo, S. 1990. Allergic contact
dermatitis from Nicotiana tabacum. Contact Dermatitis, 22:
188-189.
Swine
arthrogryposis
Notes on poisoning:
Pregnant sows that ingested tobacco stalks between day 10 and
day 50 of gestation developed arthrogryposis, often involving all
limbs of the pigs. Occasionally, vertebral column arching has
occurred (Crowe 1969, Crowe and Swerczek 1974, Bush and
Crowe 1989).
References:
Vet. Res., 35: 1071-1073.
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Notes on poisoning:
Onoclea sensibilis
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a native plant that is found
through eastern Canada into Manitoba. The plant, often abundant
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites in low, wet areas, has been implicated in the poisoning and death
of horses in field cases. Only one set of experimental poisonings
has been undertaken, but the resulting symptoms were similar
when horses were fed hay containing sensitive fern (Waller et al.
1944).
References:
Waller, E. F., Prince, F. S., Hodgon, A. R., Colovos, N. F. 1944.
Sensitive-fern poisoning of horses. Univ. N. H. Agric. Stn. Tech.
Bull., 83. 7 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Onoclea sensibilis L.
Vernacular name(s): sensitive fern
Scientific family name: Polypodiaceae
Vernacular family name: frern
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Onoclea
sensibilis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Onoclea sensibilis:

When the fronds (aboveground leaves) are included in hay, they
produce toxic symptoms in horses. The fertile fronds
(spore-bearing stalks) are also included in hay. A literature search
did not reveal any reports on the toxin, nor was the plant organ
that contains the toxin identified.
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:
Bull., 83. 7 pp.

unknown chemical
References:
Bull., 83. 7 pp.
Horses
colic
death
falling down
gait, unsteady
icterus
incoordination
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting hay containing sensitive fern produces the following
symptoms: difficulty in eating, falling down, walking as if blind,
rubbing against objects, and death. Postmortem examination
showed extreme icterus, swollen liver, paralysis of the alimentary
tract, and brain edema. Old horses are more affected than younger
ones. Horses that are worked and are fed a grain supplement, in
addition to hay that includes the fern, are not affected. Recovery
may occur if the horses are given good hay and grain before
serious nervous symptoms develop Waller et al. 1944).
References:

Bull., 83. 7 pp.
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum), an outdoor

ornamental flower, contains glycosides similar to digitalis. In
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites some countries children have been poisoned after ingesting the
flowers or bulbs. Ingesting two bulbs by an adult caused
shortness of breath. The bulbs contain the highest quantity of
these toxins. Cattle in South Africa (the native region for
star-of-Bethlehem) have been poisoned, resulting in permanent
blindness and death after ingestion. Children and family pets
should be prevented from ingesting material from this plant
(Cooper and Johnson 1984, Lampe and McCann 1985, Spoerke
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Ornithogalum umbellatum L.
Vernacular name(s): star-of-Bethlehem
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Ornithogalum

umbellatum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Ornithogalum umbellatum:
Toxic parts:
bulbs
flowers
References:

Two digitalis-like glycosides, convallatoxin and convalloside, are
found through the plant but are concentrated in the bulbs and the
flowers (Lampe and McCann 1985).

convallatoxin
convalloside
References:
Humans
diarrhea
nausea
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of ingestion include pain in the mouth, nausea,
abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Stomach lavage or use of emetics
is recommended (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Lampe and McCann
1985).
References:

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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Oxytropis lambertii
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Purple locoweed (Oxytropis lambertii) is found in the southern
parts of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. This species can cause
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites locoism, a chronic disease that results after long-term grazing.
The plant contains swainsonine, an alkaloid, which results in
cellular dysfunction through a long biological process. Affected
animals show nervous system impairment, with symptoms such
as dullness and excitement, as well as immune system
impairment. Abortion and congenital birth deformities may
occur. Animals affected include cattle, horses, and sheep.
Animals may become habituated to locoweed. Death can result
(James 1983, Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
James, L. F. 1983. Neurotoxins and other toxins from Astragalus
and related genera. Pages 445-462 in Keeler, R. F., Tu, A. T., eds.
Handbook of natural toxins. Vol. 1. Plant and Fungal toxins.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Oxytropis lambertii Pursh
Vernacular name(s): purple locoweed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Oxytropis
lambertii
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Oxytropis lambertii:

The blooms of locoweeds contain more swainsonine than the
leaves. The immature pods contain less swainsonine than the
blooms, but this amount increases with the maturity of the seeds
(Ralphs et al. 1986).
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
mature fruit
References:
Ralphs, M. H., James, L. F., Pfister, J. A. 1986. Utilization of
white locoweed (Oxytropis sericea Nutt.) by range cattle. J.
Range Manage., 39: 344-347.

Swainsonine, an indolizidine alkaloid, inhibits
alpha-mannosidase in the animal''s body, which results in
eventual disruption of cellular function when inhibited (Cheeke
and Schull 1985).

swainsonine

References:
Cattle
abortion
agitation
death
depression
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Horses
agitation
death
depression
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Sheep
abortion
agitation
death
incoordination
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Oxytropis sericea
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Locoweed (Oxytropis sericea) is a native herb in western Canada.
This plant has caused a number of problems in cattle, horses, and
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites sheep. Swainsonine, an indolizidine alkaloid, inhibits
alpha-mannosidase in animal bodies, which can lead to disruption
of cellular function. Locoism is a chronic disease that causes
depression, incoordination, and nervousness under stress. Death
can result. The cellular problems occur most readily in tissues of
the nervous system. Pregnant animals often abort or give birth to
young with congenital deformities. Congestive right heart disease
occurs at high altitudes (above 2190 m) in cattle. Right
ventricular hypertrophy and dilation, subcutaneous edema, and
pulmonary hypertension are significant symptoms (James 1983,
Cheeke and Schull 1985, James et al. 1986, Panter et al. 1988).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
James, L. F., Hartley, W. J., Nielsen, D., Allen, S., Panter, K. E.
1986. Locoweed (Oxytropis sericea) poisoning and congestive
heart failure in cattle. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 189: 1549-1556.
Ralphs, M. H., James, L. F., Nielsen, D. B., Panter, K. E. 1984.
Management practices reduce cattle loss to locoweed on high

mountain range. Rangelands, 6: 175-177.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Oxytropis sericea Nutt.
Vernacular name(s): locoweed (Oxytropis sericea)
sericea
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:

989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Oxytropis sericea:

The blooms and mature fruit of locoweed have higher quantities
of the toxin swainsonine than do the leaves. The concentration of
this toxin remains constant in leaves throughout the grazing
season (Ralphs et al. 1986.)
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
mature fruit
seeds
stems
References:

alpha-mannosidase in the animal''s body. Inhibition results in the
accumulation of oligosaccharides in cells because glycosidases
remove their respective sugars until a mannose residue is reached.
Hydrolysis of the carbohydrate then stops. Eventually disruption
of cellular function results. The effect of swainsonine on
alpha-mannosidase is reversible when locoweed is no longer
consumed. However, advanced clinical signs are irreversible
because axon degeneration occurs. The central nervous system is
most sensitive to mannose accumulation (Cheeke and Schull
1985).

slaframine
swainsonine

References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
abdominal edema
belligerence
coat, rough and dry
death
depression
diarrhea
duodenum, edema of
eyes, dull
incoordination
throat, edema of
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Horses
arthrogryposis
coat, rough and dry
depression
gait, unsteady
incoordination
nervousness
References:
Sheep
abortion
coat, rough and dry
death
depression
eyes, dull
incoordination
nervousness
recumbency
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
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Notes on poisoning:
Papaver nudicaule
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Iceland poppy (Papaver nudicaule) is an ornamental outdoor
plant that occasionally escapes from cultivation. The plant
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites contains alkaloids that may cause problems in animals that ingest
it. Horses, cattle, and sheep were poisoned when discarded plants
were given to livestock (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Papaver nudicaule L.
Vernacular name(s): Iceland poppy
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Papaver
nudicaule
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Papaver nudicaule:
Toxic parts:
all parts
plant juices
References:

Physiological alkaloids have been found in Iceland poppy
(Kingsbury 1964).

unknown chemical
References:
Cattle
bloat
incoordination
muscle spasms
muscle twitching
nervousness
recumbency
restlessness
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms are similar in all species that have been poisoned,
including initial restlessness and excitement followed by
incoordination, spasms, falling, and bloat in some cases. Milk
yield may be reduced (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Horses
bloat
incoordination
muscle spasms
muscle twitching
nervousness
recumbency
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of poisoning include restlessness, incoordination,
stiffness, muscular twitching, falling, and bloat. This poppy has
rarely proved fatal (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Sheep
bloat
incoordination
muscle spasms
nervousness
recumbency
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms include restlessness, incoordination, muscular
twitching, and falling down. Milk yield can remain depressed for
long periods (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Papaver orientale
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale) is a perennial ornamental
herb that is commonly planted in flower beds. This plant contains
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites some alkaloidal chemicals that may be physiologically active in
animals, but no cases of poisoning have occurred under natural
conditions. During fall and spring clean-up, all old flower heads
and pods should be picked up so that they are not left for animals
to eat (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Papaver orientale L.
Vernacular name(s): Oriental poppy
orientale
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Papaver orientale:
Toxic parts:
all parts
plant juices
References:

Some alkaloidal chemicals that may be physiologically active
have been found in Oriental poppy (Kingsbury 1964).

unknown chemical
References:
Cattle
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Papaver rhoeas
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is an ornamental herb that has
become naturalized in some provinces. This plant has poisoned
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites cattle according to early European literature. No recent cases
have been described, but the plant may be potentially poisonous
if animals ingest it (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Papaver rhoeas L.
Vernacular name(s): corn poppy
rhoeas
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Papaver rhoeas:
Toxic parts:
all parts
plant juices
References:

Rhoeadine, an alkaloid, and other alkaloids are found in corn
poppy (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

rhoeadine
References:
Cattle
incoordination
recumbency
restlessness
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of poisoning are similar to those caused by other
poppy species, including restlessness, incoordination, muscle
spasms, and falling down (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Papaver somniferum
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is an ornamental flower that
can still be found around some older homes. The plant persists by
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites setting seed each year. This plant is the source of
pharmacological and recreational drugs, as well as the poppy
seeds that are used for oil and as a condiment on bagels, cakes,
and other foods. Cattle have been poisoned in Europe after
ingesting either stalks with pods that were being discarded or
seed residue left over from oil extraction. Humans are either
poisoned or addicted by various contained and derived chemicals
found in the opium poppy (Frohne and Pfander 1983, Cooper and
Johnson 1984). It is important to note that poppy seeds sold in
stores are harmless, as the toxins have been destroyed by heat
(Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Papaver somniferum L.
Vernacular name(s): opium poppy

somniferum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Papaver somniferum:
Toxic parts:
all parts
immature fruit
plant juices
References:

Opium poppy contains a crude resin, opium, that is found
throughout the plant but is concentrated in the unripe seed pod in
the milky sap. Medicinal drugs, such as morphine and codeine, as
well as other alkaloids, such as papaverine and protopine, are
found in opium poppy (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

codine
morphine
protopine
References:
Cattle
ataxia
breathing, rapid
gastroenteritis
nervousness
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle that ingested plant material of opium poppy exhibited
symptoms of restlessness and constant motion. Continuous
lowing occurred. Feeding, rumination, and lactation ceased.
Animals went into a deep sleep. Affected animals are an
economic loss because of the slow recovery and reduced milk
yield. Postmortem examination showed inflammation of the
kidneys and intestines, with yellowing of the liver (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
Humans
cyanosis
eczema
headache
pupils, pinpoint
sweating
References:
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Interactive
name
Notes on poisoning:
Parthenocissus
quinquefolia

sites
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquifolia) is a native

climbing vine found in eastern Canada. It is also used as an
ornamental climber on trellises and building walls. Children who
ingested berries and leaves have reportedly been poisoned and
have died. Some authors view these reports as circumstantial.
However, this plant should be considered as potentially toxic if
ingested (Warren 1912, Kingsbury 1964, Fuller and McClintock
1986).
References:
Warren, L. E. 1912. A note on the poisonous properties of
Parthenocissus quinquefolia. Merck's Rep., 21: 123.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch.
Vernacular name(s): Virginia creeper
Scientific family name: Vitaceae
Vernacular family name: grape
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Parthenocissus
quinquefolia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia:
Toxic parts:
leaves
mature fruit
References:

Raphide crystals of calcium oxalate have been reported in the
leaves and berries of Virginia creeper. Fuller and McClintock
(1986) stated that the quantities are small and that the irritant
effect is usually not significant.

oxalate
References:
Humans
death
tenesmus
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Cases have been reported of illness and death resulting after
berries of Virginia creeper were ingested. In another case, two
children became ill after swallowing the juice from chewed
leaves. Symptoms included vomiting, purging, and tenesmus. The
children collapsed and were in stupor for 2 h. A dozen ripe berries
were fed to a guinea pig, which died within 36 h (Warren 1912).
Modern reports view these cases as circumstantial. The amounts
of oxalate contained in the plant is usually not significant
(Kingsbury 1964, Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:

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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Pastinaca sativa
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a cultivated and a naturalized herb
in much of Canada. The plant juices can cause photodermatitis in
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites some individuals after exposure to sunlight. Exposure to leaves,
stems, and peeling roots can cause the problem. The edible roots
contain enough furocoumarins to be physiologically active in
some cases. These toxins are mutagenic (even in the dark)
inducing melanization in human skin. Photodermatitis from this
plant is often confused with poison-ivy dermatitis (Mitchell and
Rook 1979, Ivie et al. 1981).
References:
Ivie, G. W., Holt, D. L., Ivey, M. C. 1981. Natural toxicants in
human foods: psoralens in raw and cooked parsnip root. Science
(Wash D. C.), 213: 909-910.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Pastinaca sativa L.
Vernacular name(s): wild parsnip
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Pastinaca
sativa
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Pastinaca sativa:

Exposure to the plant juices in the leaves, stems, or roots can
result in dermatitis caused by phototoxic furocoumarins. Wetness
of the skin accentuates the results. Ingesting large quantities of
parsnip root may expose people to sufficient quantities of
psoralens to have physiological affects. Parsnips produce much
higher concentrations of these toxins in response to disease
infection (Mitchell and Rook 1979, Ivie et al. 1981).
Toxic parts:
plant juices
roots
References:
(Wash D. C.), 213: 909-910.

Three furocoumarins (psoralen, xanthotoxin, bergapten) are
found in parsnip roots. These chemicals are phototoxic,
mutagenic, and photo- carcinogenic. The cumulative
concentration is about 40 ppm. Consumption of 0.1 kg of parsnip
could expose a person to 4-5 mg of psoralens, a level that may
cause some physiological effects. These chemicals are potent
photosensitizers and are highly mutagenic in long-wavelength
ultraviolet light (Ivie et al. 1981).

furocoumarin
References:
(Wash D. C.), 213: 909-910.
Humans
blistering
erythema
References:
(Wash D. C.), 213: 909-910.
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Notes on poisoning:
Persea americana
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Avocado (Persea americana) is a common exotic fruit. The seeds
are often planted to produce foliage plants in households. In
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites California, Guatemalan cultivars have caused toxic affects in
cattle, goats, rabbits, canaries, and fish. Family pets should be
prevented from ingesting the leaves. The seeds have caused
toxicity and death in canaries and have experimentally poisoned
mice. Leaves should not be allowed to fall accidentally into fish
tanks (Hurt 1943, Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Appleman, D. 1944. Preliminary report on toxicity of avocado
leaves. Calif. Avocado Soc. Yearbook, 1944: 37.
Hurt, L. M. 1943. Avocado poisoning. LA. County Livestock
Dep. Ann. Rep., 1943: 43-44.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Persea americana Mill.
Vernacular name(s): avocado
Scientific family name: Lauraceae
Vernacular family name: laurel
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Persea
americana
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Persea americana:

Ingesting the leaves, branches, or seeds has caused lung
congestion and udder inflammation (Fuller and McClintock
1986).
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
twigs
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Cattle
mastitis
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting avocado leaves and bark has caused lung congestion,
mastitis, tissue edema, milk reduction, and death (when large
quantities of leaves were consumed). Other mammal species that
were poisoned after ingesting avocado showed similar symptoms
(Hurt 1943).
References:
Dep. Ann. Rep., 1943: 43-44.
Goats
mastitis
References:
Dep. Ann. Rep., 1943: 43-44.
Rabbits
death
mastitis
Notes on poisoning:
Rabbits were poisoned when given access to avocado leaves. The
rabbits developed mastitis and dried up. Experimental feeding of
"Fuerte," a Guatemalan avocado cultivar, has caused poisoning
and death in rabbits. Mexican cultivars have not caused poisoning
(Hurt 1943, Appleman 1944).
References:
Dep. Ann. Rep., 1943: 43-44.
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name California bluebell (Phacelia campanularia) has been found near
Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., where it was probably introduced. This
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites plant causes dermatitis that is similar to poison-ivy dermatitis.
The plants in Alberta have caused at least one case of dermatitis
(Hardwick, personal communication). If these plants expand their
range, more people may develop dermatitis (Munz 1965, Mitchell
and Rook 1979).
References:
Munz, P. A. 1965. Dermatitis produced by phacelia
(Hydrophyllaceae). Science (Wash. D. C.), 76: 194.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Phacelia campanularia A. Gray
Vernacular name(s): California bluebell
Scientific family name: Hydrophyllaceae
Vernacular family name: waterleaf
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Phacelia
campanularia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Phacelia campanularia:

The viscid glandular hairs on the plants stain the skin brown, and
the sap causes dermatitis (Munz 1965).
Toxic parts:
hairs
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
blistering
erythema
itchiness
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) is cultivated and has
also escaped across much of southern Canada. The plant grows
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites well in poorly drained soils subject to prolonged flooding. The
plant has caused animal performance lower than the nutritional
composition of the plant suggests. Sheep in New Zealand
exhibited Phalaris staggers, which includes distress, convulsions,
and death. No cases of this have been reported in North America
(Majak et al. 1979, Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Corcuera, L. J. 1989. Indole alkaloids from Phalaris and other
gramineae. Pages 169-177 in Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of
plant origin. Vol. I. Alkaloids. CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla.,
USA. 335 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Phalaris arundinacea L.
Vernacular name(s): reed canarygrass
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Phalaris
arundinacea
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Phalaris arundinacea:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:
USA. 335 pp.

Several indole alkaloids are found in reed canarygrass, including
hordenine, gramine and 5-methoxy-N-methyltryptamine. Other
indole alkaloids were also found. In the interior of British
Columbia the concentration of the latter two was found to
increase towards the end of the growing season. Differences were
also found in various cultivars. Cultural practices and
environmental factors such as moisture stress may also increase
the amount of alkaloids (Majak et al. 1979, Corcuera 1989).

gramine
hordenine
5MMethyltryptamine
References:
USA. 335 pp.
Cattle
convulsions
death
incoordination
muscle spasms

Notes on poisoning:
Sheep in New Zealand have developed Phalaris staggers.
Symptoms include incoordination, stiff stilted gait, muscle
spasms, convulsions, recumbency, and death. Similar symptoms
have not been recorded in North America. Gross lesions are
found in the nervous system, including gray to blue discoloration
of the brain stem and yellow brown granules in the cytoplasm of
nerve cells (Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
USA. 335 pp.
Sheep
coma
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Philodendron (Philodendron cordatum) is an indoor ornamental.
Philodendrons can cause poisoning in humans and pets because
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites of the oxalates. See additional general notes under Philodendron
scandens.
References:
Ayres, S. Jr, Ayres, S. 1958. Philodendron as a cause of contact
dermatitis. Arch. Dermatol., 78: 330-333.
Dorsey, C. 1958. Philodendron dermatitis. Calif. Med., 88:
329-330.
McIntire, M. S., Guest, J. R., Porterfield, J. F. 1990. Philodendron
- an infant death. Clin. Toxicol., 28: 177-183.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Philodendron cordatum (Vell.) Kunth.
Vernacular name(s): philodendron
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Philodendron
cordatum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Philodendron cordatum:
Toxic parts:
leaves
plant juices
References:

329-330.

oxalate
References:
Humans
erythema
itchiness
References:
329-330.
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Heart-leaved philodendron (Philodendron scandens) is an

ornamental. Chewing the leaves of philodendrons results in
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites painful burning and swelling of the mouth parts because of the
oxalates. Contact dermatitis also occurs (Lampe and McCann
1985). A recent survey showed that even though 67% of 188
cases involved philodendrons, only one case developed minor
symptoms (Mrvos et al. 1990). McIntire et al. (1990) describe the
death of an infant after it had ingested a philodendron. The child
had ulceration of lips and tongue as well as esophageal erosion.
Death was caused by cardiac arrest secondary to vagotonia
resulting from esophageal erosions. Family pets can also exhibit
signs of toxicity if they chew on leaves of philodendrons. Hanna
(1986) lists several symptoms attributable to ingestion of these
plants by pets. However, Sellers et al. (1977) conducted
laboratory feeding studies on cats and concluded that signs of
acute toxicity were not found upon necropsy, even when large
quantities of leaves were ingested. Experimental work on mice
and rats showed that death occurred when the rodents were given
extracts from leaves and stems (Der Marderosian et al. 1976).
References:

Sellers, S. J., King, M., Aronson, C. E., Der Marderosian, A.
1977. Toxicologic assessment of Philodendron oxycardium
Schott (Araceae) in domestic cats. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 19: 92-96.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Philodendron scandens C. Koch & H. Sello
Vernacular name(s): heart-leaved philodendron
scandens
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:

989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Philodendron scandens:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

oxalate
References:
Cats
nephritis
nervousness
opisthotonos
trembling
References:
Humans
Notes on poisoning:
Painful burning and swelling of lips, mouth, tongue, and throat
can develop quickly after chewing of leaves. Contact dermatitis
can also occur. Treatment includes administering cool liquids.
The insoluble oxalates do not produce systemic poisoning in
humans (Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
Rodents
death
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name American mistletoe (Phoradendron flavescens) is the familiar
mistletoe of Christmas. Ingesting a large number of the berries or
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites tea made from the berries has led to poisoning and death in
humans. Mistletoe, used as decorations at Christmas, should be
kept out of the reach of children and family pets (Kingsbury
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Phoradendron flavescens (Pursh) Nutt.
Vernacular name(s): American mistletoe
Scientific family name: Loranthaceae
Vernacular family name: mistletoe
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Phoradendron
flavescens
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Phoradendron flavescens:
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
mature fruit
References:

American mistletoe contains two amines, beta-phenylethylamine
and tyramine, as well as a lectin, phoratoxin. These chemicals are
probably responsible for toxic reactions after ingestion (Fuller

beta-phenylethylamine
phoratoxin
tryamine
References:
Humans
cardiac arrest
death
gastroenteritis
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting a few berries causes abdominal pain and diarrhea. Tea
made from the berries caused death about 10 h after symptoms of
acute gastroenteritis, followed by cardiovascular collapse. Plant
material has slowed the heartbeat in a way similar to digitalis
References:
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Notes on poisoning: Physalis

alkekengi
Interactive
Botanical name
Common name
Plants sites

Chinese-lantern (Physalis alkekengi) is an outdoor ornamental grown for
its lantern-shaped fruit cover (pericarp). The enclosed immature fruits
contain sufficient quantities of solanine to cause gastroenteritis and
diarrhea in children. The mature fruits are apparently edible (Lampe and
McCann 1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Physalis alkekengi L.
Vernacular name(s): Chinese-lantern
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Physalis alkekengi
References:
132 pp.
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Physalis alkekengi:
Toxic parts:
immature fruit
References:

Solanine, a bitter glycoalkaloid, is found in the immature berries. Ripe fruit
is apparently edible (Lampe and McCann 1985, Fuller and McClintock
1986).

solanine

References:
Humans
diarrhea
fever
gastroenteritis
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms include diarrhea, gastroenteritis, fever, and a scratchy feeling at
the back of the throat a few hours after ingestion (Lampe and McCann
1985).
References:
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning: Physalis

peruviana
Interactive
Botanical name
Common name
Plants sites

Ground-cherry (Physalis peruviana) is an ornamental herb that is grown
for its ripe fruits, which are used for making preserves. The immature fruits
contain sufficient solanine to cause gastroenteritis and diarrhea if ingested.
Children should be discouraged from eating the fruits (Lampe and McCann
1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Physalis peruviana L.
Vernacular name(s): ground-cherry
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Physalis peruviana
References:
132 pp.
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Physalis peruviana:
Toxic parts:
immature fruit
References:

Solanine, a bitter glycoalkaloid, is found in the unripened berries (Lampe
and McCann 1985).

solanine

References:
Humans
diarrhea
fever
gastroenteritis
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of ingestion include gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and fever, with a
scratchy feeling in the throat a few hours after ingestion. Children are more
susceptible to poisoning than adults (Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
name
Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is a native herb found in the

All poisonous plants by Common southwestern parts of Ontario and Quebec. The young shoots are
used as poke salad and the leaves as a folk medicine or tea. In both
name
cases, the plant material should be boiled at least twice to get rid of
the toxin, according to literature reports. Failure to do so has caused
Important WWW Poisonous Plants poisoning in humans. Ingesting a few berries does not cause
sites
problems, but larger quantities, if uncooked, can be toxic to humans.
Cattle, horses, sheep, and particularly swine, have been poisoned by
ingesting pokeweed plant material. The berries have poisoned young
turkeys experimentally (Patterson 1929, Barnett 1975, Callahan et al.
References:
Barnett, B. D. 1975. Toxicity of pokeberries (fruit of Phytolacca
americana Large) for turkey poults. Poult. Sci., 54: 1215-1217.
Prusakowski, J., Scheiber, G., Henry, S. 1981. Epidemiologic notes
and reports. Plant poisonings - New Jersey. U.S. Dep. Health Hum.
M. M. W. R., 30: 65-67.
Jaeckle, K. A., Freemon, F. R. 1981. Pokeweed poisoning. South.
Med. J., 74: 639-640.
Lawrence, R. A. 1990. The clinical effects of pokeweed root
ingestion upon 32 adults. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 32: 369.
Lewis, W. H., Smith, P. R. 1979. Poke root herbal tea poisoning. J.
Am. Med. Assoc., 242: 2759-2760.
Patterson, F. D. 1929. Pokeweed causes heavy losses in swine herd.
Vet. Med. Small Anim. Clin., 24: 114.

Stein, Z. L. 1979. Pokeweed-induced gastroenteritis. Am. J. Hosp.
Pharm., 36: 1303.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Phytolacca americana L.
Vernacular name(s): pokeweed
Scientific family name: Phytolaccaceae
Vernacular family name: pokeweed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Phytolacca
americana
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Phytolacca americana:

Leaves, young shoots, and roots are poisonous. The berries are
considered relatively nontoxic to humans, although toxicity to
animals and humans has been reported. Barnett (1974) describes
experimental poisoning and death in turkey poults.
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
mature fruit
roots
stems
young shoots
References:
M. M. W. R., 30: 65-67.
Med. J., 74: 639-640.
Am. Med. Assoc., 242: 2759-2760.
Pharm., 36: 1303.

Phytolaccatoxin, a triterpene saponin, has been implicated in
pokeweed toxicity. The toxin is water-soluble, which has led to the
common assumption that boiling the plant material twice will get rid
of toxicity. Such treatment is usually sufficient to remove the toxin

phytolaccatoxin
phytolaccigenin

References:
432 pp.
Am. Med. Assoc., 242: 2759-2760.
Cattle
abortion
coma
convulsions
diarrhea
vomiting
References:
Horses
convulsions
diarrhea
gastroenteritis
salivation
vomiting
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
blood pressure, low
breathing, rapid
confusion
diarrhea
dizziness
gastroenteritis
headache
nausea
salivation
stomach cramps
stool, bloody
sweating
thirsty
trembling
unconsciousness
urinary incontinence
vomiting
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of toxicity include sweating, bloody diarrhea, abdominal
pains, weakness, incontinence, vomiting, salivation,
unconsciousness, tremors, and blurred vision. Ingesting the leaves or
young shoots causes toxicity. Sometimes tea made from the leaves
can cause poisoning. Symptomatic treatment and replacement of
fluids are recommended (Callahan et al. 1981, Jaeckle and Freemon
1981).
References:
M. M. W. R., 30: 65-67.
Med. J., 74: 639-640.
Am. Med. Assoc., 242: 2759-2760.
Pharm., 36: 1303.
Sheep
diarrhea
drowsiness
gastroenteritis
vomiting
References:
Swine
death
gait, unsteady
gastroenteritis
muscle twitching
paralysis, posterior
Notes on poisoning:
Swine are most frequently poisoned by pokeweed. Symptoms include
staggering, vomiting, posterior paralysis, tremors, and death. Postmortem findings show swollen, dark liver and severe hemorrhagic
gastritis (Patterson 1929).
References:
Turkeys
ascites
hock, swollen
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental feeding of mashed berries to turkey poults caused
weight-gain reduction, ascites, and swollen hocks, causing
unsteadiness. Enlarged gall bladder filled with brown fluid was
common in dead birds. Wild birds ingest the berries and spread
seeds; no toxic cases have been mentioned. Chickens are not
poisoned by the berries (Barnett 1975, Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Pinus ponderosa
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) is a native tree in British
Columbia. Pregnant cows that ingest the needles abort within 2
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites days to 2 weeks. Calves near full term may be born in good
condition. Cows in the third trimester are affected; the problem
usually occurs during winter and spring, when forage is scarce.
Cows may retain the placenta. If medical attention is not given, a
high degree of fatality can occur. Annual losses in the entire
western United States have been estimated at 4.5 million dollars.
This problem has also occurred in British Columbia (MacDonald
1952, Stevenson et al. 1972, Gartner et al. 1988, Lacey et al.
1988).
References:
Gartner, F. R., Johnson, F. D., Morgan, P. 1988. Cattle abortion
from ponderosa pine needles: ecological and range management
considerations. Pages 71-94 in James, L. F., Ralphs, M. H.,
Nielsen, D. B., eds. The ecology and economic impact of
poisonous plants on livestock production. Westview Press,
Boulder, Colo., USA. 428 pp.
James, L. F., Call, J. W. 1972. Pine-needle (Pinus ponderosa) induced abortion in range cattle. Cornell Vet., 62: 519-524.
Lacey, J. R., James, L. F., Short, R. E. 1988. Ponderosa pine:
economic impact. Pages 95-106 in James, L. F., Ralphs, M. H.,
MacDonald, M. A. 1952. Pine needle abortion in range beef
cattle. J. Range Manage., 5: 150-155.
Molyneux, R. J., Baker, D. C., Short, R. E. 1988. Effects of
various parts of the ponderosa pine on bovine pregnancy. J.
Anim. Sci., 66(1): 372.

Murdoch, W. J., Becerra, V. M., Mills, K. W., Robinson, J. L.
1989. Evaluation of histopathologic and physiologic changes in
cows having premature births after consuming ponderosa pine
needles. Am. J. Vet. Res., 50: 285-289.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Pinus ponderosa Dougl.
Vernacular name(s): ponderosa pine
Scientific family name: Pinaceae
Vernacular family name: pine
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Pinus
ponderosa
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
References:

989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Pinus ponderosa:
Toxic parts:
needles (pine)
young shoots
References:
Anim. Sci., 66(1): 372.

Although no chemical has been proved to cause toxicity and
abortion in cattle, several toxic compounds have been suspected,
including diterpene resin acids. Additional factors such as stage
of gestation when ingestion occurs, environmental stress, and
condition of the cow compound the problem. Inducting
experimental abortion has not been consistent (Gartner et al.
1988).

unknown chemical
References:
Cattle
abortion
cervix dilation,narrow
death
fetus, dead
metritis septic
parturition, early
placenta, persistent
progesterone,decreased
uterine hemorrhage
References:
Anim. Sci., 66(1): 372.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name May-apple (Podophyllum peltatum) is a native herb of moist
woods in parts of southeastern Canada. May-apple extracts have
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites been used in folk medicine and pharmaceuticals. Misuse has
caused toxic reactions and even fatalities. Workers in the
extraction process have developed dermatitis. Ingesting the ripe
fruit may, at worst, cause catharsis. Cattle, sheep, and swine have
been poisoned after ingesting may-apple vegetation (McIntosh
1928, Rosenstein et al. 1976).
References:
Cassidy, D. E., Drewry, J., Fanning, J. P. 1982. Podophyllum
toxicity: a report of a fatal case and a review of the literature. J.
Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol., 19: 35-44.
McIntosh, R. A. 1928. May apple poisoning in a cow. Ont. Vet.
Coll. Rep., 29: 18-20.
Rosenstein, G., Rosenstein, H., Freeman, M., Weston, N. 1976.
Podophyllum - a dangerous laxative. Pediatrics, 57: 419-421.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Podophyllum peltatum L.
Vernacular name(s): May-apple
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Podophyllum
peltatum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Podophyllum peltatum:

All parts of the plant contain toxic chemicals, although the fruit
may cause only slight catharsis. alpha- and beta-peltatin are found
in the rhizomes (Rosenstein et al. 1976, Lampe and McCann
1986).
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
stems
References:

The purgative podophylloresin, the glucoside of podophyllotoxin,
and alpha- and beta-peltatin produce toxic reactions in animals.
The LD-50 of podophyllotoxin, administered orally to mice, is 90
mg/kg (Rosenstein et al. 1976, Lampe and McCann 1986).

alpha- and beta- peltatin
podophylloresin
References:
Cattle
agitation
lacrimation, severe
pupil dilation
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
A cow in Ontario experienced toxic symptoms after ingesting
may-apple. The symptoms included salivation, moaning,
excitation, swollen eyes and muzzle, lacrimation, pupil dilation,
and congestion of all visible mucous membranes (McIntosh
1928).
References:
Coll. Rep., 29: 18-20.
Humans
catharsis
coma
confusion
conjunctivitis
death
erythema
gastroenteritis
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
In humans most cases of poisoning from May-apple have resulted
from the use or handling of the pharmaceutical extracts from the
plant. Because of its irritant qualities, may-apple has been used
topically to remove papilloma and warts. It has also been used as
an abortifacient, as shown experimentally with mice and rabbits.
The use of these extracts as a laxative in pregnancy has been
discouraged. The extracts have been shown to have an antimititic
capacity. In a case of suicide, a man ingested a bottle containing
10-11 g of podophyllum extract. Initially he experienced few
symptoms, but after 10 h the patient became confused and
comatose; respiration was assisted and the man died after 39 h
(Rosenstein et al. 1976, Cassidy et al. 1982).
References:
Swine
death
Notes on poisoning:
Deaths were reported after few symptoms in swine that ingested
young shoots of May-apple (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Coll. Rep., 29: 18-20.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Primula obconica
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Primula (Primula obconica) is an ornamental herb that may be
grown indoors or outdoors. Sensitized humans develop dermatitis
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites from exposure to the allergen contained in hairs on leaves and
other plant parts. Pollen also can cause dermatitis. Some other
species of the genus Primula can cause dermatitis as well
(Mitchell and Rook 1979).
References:
Fernandez De Corrs, L., Leanizbarrutia, I., Munoz, D., Bernaola,
G., Fernandez, E. 1987. Contact dermatitis from a neighbour's
primula. Contact Dermatitis, 16: 234-235.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Primula obconica Hance.
Vernacular name(s): primula
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Primula obconica:

Minute glandular hairs accumulate the allergen, which is exuded
in tiny drops. The hairs are most common on the leaves but are
also found on other plant parts. The pollen grains can also cause
dermatitis (Mitchell and Rook 1979).
Toxic parts:
flowers
hairs
leaves
References:

Primin, a quinone, is the allergen in primula. This chemical is
found in minute (0.05-0.3 mm long) glandular hairs. The
concentrated allergen accumulates as irregular resinous drops on
the hairs. Highly sensitive people may react to 20 micro gm of
the allergen. The allergen content of primula is highest between
April and August, when grown outdoors (Mitchell and Rook
1979).

primin
References:
Humans
blistering
conjunctivitis
eczema
erythema
fever
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Prunus pensylvanica
Interactive
name
Pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) is a native tree found throughout

All poisonous plants by Common most of Canada. The leaves have an average N rate of 91 mg/100 g,
with as much as 143 mg/100 g recorded. These levels are potentially
name
lethal to livestock if ingested. M. Pitcher (personal communication)
notes that captive moose in Newfoundland and Alberta nature parks
Important WWW Poisonous Plants and zoos regurgitate a gray, chalky, paste-like substance when fed
sites
pin cherry browse mixed with their normal browse, white birch
(Betula papyrifera). Livestock that ingest pin cherry plant material
can be poisoned (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Prunus pensylvanica L. f.
Vernacular name(s): pin cherry
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Prunus
pensylvanica
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Prunus pensylvanica:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

amygdalin
prunasin

References:
USA. 492 pp.
Moose
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
M. Pitcher (personal communication) states that captive moose
develop an adverse reaction to pin cherry when the plant is
inadvertently mixed with their usual browse, white birch (Betula
papyrifera). The moose regurgitate a gray, chalky paste-like
substance. This has been noted both in Newfoundland and Alberta.
References:
Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Prunus serotina
Interactive
name
Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is a native tree found in eastern

All poisonous plants by Common Canada. It is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental. The plant
contains chemicals that can release hydrogen cyanide in animals. All
name
types of animals can be poisoned by ingesting leaves and twigs.
There have been claims of children dying after ingesting an excessive
Important WWW Poisonous Plants number of seeds, found in the berries. Cyanide poisoning interferes
sites
with respiration and blood circulation; death is often swift
(Kingsbury 1964, Cheeke 1983, Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
USA. 492 pp.
Hardin, J. W., Arena, J. M. 1969. Human poisoning from native and
cultivated plants. Duke University Press, Durham, N.C., USA. 167
pp.
Keeler, R. F. 1983. Naturally occurring teratogens from plants. Pages
161-199 in Keeler, R. F., Tu, A. T., eds. Handbook of natural toxins.
Vol. 1. Plant and Fungal toxins. Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York,
N.Y., USA. 934 pp.
432 pp.
Mulligan, G. A., Munro, D. B. 1981. The biology of Canadian weeds.
51. Prunus virginiana L. and P. serotina Ehrh. Can. J. Plant Sci., 61:
977-992.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Prunus serotina Ehrh.
Vernacular name(s): black cherry
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Prunus serotina
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Prunus serotina:

The leaves of black cherry contain on average of 212 mg hydrocyanic
acid (HCN) per 100 g of fresh leaves. A lethal dose of HCN for
humans is between 0.5 and 0.35 mg/kg of body weight. The lethal
dose of HCN for cattle and sheep is about 2.0 mg/kg of body weight
(Kingsbury 1964).
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
twigs
References:

Two cyanogenic glycosides are found in black cherry. Amygdalin
and prunasin are found in the leaves, twigs, and seeds (Cheeke and
Schull 1985). Hydrogen cyanide is formed when the glycosides are
hydrolyzed by plant enzymes after damage or by rumen organisms.
Majak et al. (1990) found that cyanide production is most rapid in
cattle that had been starved for a day. High rates of cyanide
production were obtained in the rumen after the animal ingested fresh
alfalfa and cubed alfalfa hay.

amygdalin
prunasin

References:
USA. 492 pp.
Majak, W., McDiarmid, R. E., Hall, J. W., Cheng, K.-J. 1990.
Factors that determine rates of cyanogenesis in bovine ruminal fluid
in vitro. J. Anim. Sci., 68: 1648-1655.
Cattle
breathing, labored
gait, staggering
muscle spasms
pupil dilation
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of cyanide poisoning are common to all animals.
Symptoms may be minimal, with difficult breathing followed by
death. Other signs of toxicity may include a short period of
stimulation followed by slow pulse, dilated pupils, spasms,
staggering, loss of consciousness, and death, which results from
asphyxiation. Postmortem findings include bright red blood and
congestion of internal organs (Kingsbury 1964, Scimeca and Oehme
1985).
References:
USA. 492 pp.
Horses
breathing, labored
coma
dyspnea
gait, staggering
muscle spasms
paralysis
Notes on poisoning:
See notes under cattle for more information.
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
coma
death
lethargy
sweating
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting large quantities of berries has caused poisoning, because of
the toxin in the seeds. Children have been poisoned by chewing twigs
or drinking tea made from the leaves. Symptoms include difficult
breathing, voice paralysis, twitching, spasms, coma of short duration,
and death. Cyanide poisoning can occur quickly, with few symptoms
(Hardin and Arena 1969).
References:
pp.
432 pp.
Sheep
breathing, labored
coma
convulsions
gait, staggering
muscle spasms
paralysis
unconsciousness
Notes on poisoning:
References:
Swine
References:
N.Y., USA. 934 pp.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Prunus virginiana
Interactive
name
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is a native shrub or small tree

All poisonous plants by Common found through most of Canada. Children have been poisoned and
have died after ingesting large quantities of berries, which contain the
name
seeds. All types of livestock can be poisoned by ingesting the plant
material. Cattle and sheep have been poisoned by red chokecherry
Important WWW Poisonous Plants (Pardee 1847, Kingsbury 1964). Related species, including peach
sites
(Prunus persica) and apricot (Prunus armeniaca), have pits with
enough toxin to cause poisoning and death in humans and animals.
References:
977-992.
Pardee, G. K. 1847. Case of poisoning by the wild cherry. West.
Lancet, 6: 289-291.
Scimeca, J. M., Oehme, F. W. 1985. Postmortem guide to common
poisonous plants of livestock. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 27: 189-199.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Prunus virginiana L.
Vernacular name(s): red chokecherry
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Prunus virginiana
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Prunus virginiana:

At all stages of growth, leaves of red chokecherry contained
quantities of prunasin that were well above the minimum 1.4% level
required for acute poisoning. Twigs also contained levels of prunasin
at or above the level required to cause acute poisoning. Twigs
developed more toxin during dry years. The prunasin level of buds
and flowers was above the minimum level as well (Majak et al.
1981).
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
twigs
References:
Majak, W., McDiarmid, R. E., Hall, J. W. 1981. The cyanide
potential of Saskatoon serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) and
chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). Can. J. Anim. Sci., 61: 681-686.

Two cyanogenetic glycosides, amygdalin and prunasin, are found in
red chokecherry plant material. Levels of HCN at 143-243 mg have
been found in 100 g of leaves. The higher amounts apply to wilted
leaves. A lethal dose in cattle occurs after ingesting fresh leaves
equivalent to about 0.25% of body weight (Kingsbury 1964, Cheek
and Schull 1985).

amygdalin
prunasin

References:
USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
agitation
coma
convulsions
dyspnea
gait, staggering
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental work on cattle showed that fresh leaves consumed at a
rate equivalent to 0.25% of an animal''s body weight constitute a
lethal dose. Symptoms listed above are applicable to all types of
animals. Postmortem findings usually show bright red blood and
congested internal organs (Kingsbury 1964, Scimeca and Oehme
1985).
References:
Scimeca, J. M., Oehme, F. W. 1985. Postmortem guide to common
poisonous plants of livestock. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 27: 189-199.
Humans
abdominal pains
babinski reflex
coma
convulsions
cyanosis
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting large quantities of red chokecherry fruits, without removing
the seeds, has caused illness and death in children. The onset of
symptoms is usually sudden and includes abdominal pain, vomiting,
convulsions, inability to speak, labored breathing, coma, and death
from asphyxiation. The blood is initially bright red because cell
respiration is interrupted (Pardee 1847, Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Pardee, G. K. 1847. Case of poisoning by the wild cherry. West.
Lancet, 6: 289-291.
Sheep
coma
convulsions
dyspnea
paralysis
Notes on poisoning:
See additional information under cattle.
References:
Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Pteridium aquilinum
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Bracken (Pteridium aquilinium) is a native fern that grows across
most of Canada. This fern has caused sickness and loss of cattle
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites in Canada and in other countries. Cattle, sheep, and wild animals
have also been poisoned after ingesting bracken. Bracken
contains several chemicals that cause problems. Thiaminase
results in vitamin B1 deficiency in nonruminants such as horses
and swine. Ptaquiloside, a carcinogen-mutagen, causes acute and
chronic symptoms of illness in ruminants. The spores may
contain carcinogens that can cause problems to animals and
humans. The young fronds of bracken are ingested as human
food, especially in Japan. They contain significant quantities of
the carcinogen (Cheeke and Schull 1985, Fenwick 1988, Hirono
1989).
References:
Cody, W. J., Crompton, C. W. 1975. The biology of Canadian
weeds. 15. Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn. Can. J. Plant Sci., 55:
1059-1072.
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Evans, I. A. 1976. Relationship between bracken and cancer. Bot.
Linn. Soc., 73: 105-112.
Fenwick, G. R. 1988. Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) - toxic
effects and toxic constituents. J. Sci. Food Agric., 46: 147-173.
Hirono, I. 1989. Carcinogenic bracken glycosides. Pages 239-251
in Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. II.
Hopkins, A. 1990. Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum): its
distribution and animal health implications. Agric. Can. Res.
Branch Contrib., 146: 316-326.

Kelleway, R. A., Geovjian, L. 1978. Acute bracken fern
poisoning in a 14-month-old horse. Vet. Med. Small Anim. Clin.,
73: 295-296.
Milne, R. 1988. Heathlands of England harbour cancer spores.
New Sci., 118: 23.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn
Vernacular name(s): bracken
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Pteridium
aquilinum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Pteridium aquilinum:

All parts of bracken contain toxic chemicals. Ingesting fresh or
dry fronds (leaves) or underground rhizomes has caused toxic
signs and death in ruminants and nonruminants. After ingesting
the young fronds, animals were found to be affected by
carcinogenic compounds that the young fronds contain; these
compounds may also cause problems in humans. The spores
appear to be the most carcinogenic part of bracken and may cause
problems in livestock. Humans who work outdoors in areas
where bracken grows abundantly could also be at risk from the
spores (Milne and Fenwick 1988, Milne 1988, Hirono 1989).
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
rhizome
spores
young shoots
References:

A group of chemical compounds have been implicated in the
various toxic properties of bracken. Thiaminase, an enzyme that
decomposes vitamin B1, has caused toxic problems, particularly
in nonruminants, which cannot synthesize their own vitamin B1.
Ptaquiloside and aquilide A possess an unusual, planar, illudane
norsesquiterpene skeleton. Under alkaline conditions these
chemicals yield pterosin B, a proximate carcinogenin-mutagen.
Pterosin B has been implicated as a cause of the cancers noted
after bracken ingestion, and ptaquiloside has been implicated as a
contributor to the toxic signs in ruminant animals (Cheeke and
Schull 1988, Fenwick 1988). Bracken also contains prunasin, a
cyanogenic glycoside, which appears to be a deterrent to
herbivory (Tewe and Iyayi 1989).

aquilide A
prunasin
ptaquiloside
thiaminase

References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Tewe, O. O., Iyayi, E. A. 1989. Cyanogenic glycosides. Pages
43-60 in Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. II.
Cattle
anemia
bone marrow damage
cancer and tumors
death
hemorrhage
Notes on poisoning:
Consuming significant quantities of bracken fronds can cause
bracken poisoning, which results in bone marrow damage. Only
small foci of erythropoietic cells and some megakaryocytes
remain. Hemorrhaging occurs, with blood in the feces and
bleeding from the nose, vagina, and membranes around the
mouth and eyes. Postmortem examination shows hemorrhaging in
the stomach, intestines, lungs, and heart (Cheeke and Schull
1985, Fenwick 1988, Hirono 1989).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.

Horses
anemia
anorexia
ataxia
colic
convulsions
death
gait, staggering
incoordination
opisthotonos
recumbency
weight loss
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
73: 295-296.
Humans
cancer and tumors
Notes on poisoning:
The young fronds of bracken have been used as a food source,
particularily in Japan. Ptaquiloside, a carcinogenic compound,
has been found in bracken. The toxin is especially abundant in the
young fronds. If the fronds are not processed in any way, tumor
incidence in rats is 78%. After the fronds are processed with
boiling water or are boiled with wood ash, sodium bicarbonate, or
salt, the incidence of cancer is reduced to 4-25%. Mammary

cancer and ileal and urinary bladder tumors were observed. Cattle
develop urinary papilloma. The carcinogen can be transferred by
milk. The high incidence of stomach cancer in Japan may be
partly due to the consumption of bracken (Cheeke and Schull
1985, Hirono 1989).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
New Sci., 118: 23.
Sheep
blindness
Notes on poisoning:
Sheep in the British Isles have developed a condition called
bright blindness. The sheep develop degeneration of the
neuroepithelium of the retina, with low counts of blood platelets
and white blood cells. This problem has been linked to the
consumption of bracken. Cattle with similar symptoms have been
reported (Fenwick 1989).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Swine
appetite, loss of
death
Notes on poisoning:
Reports of acute bracken poisoning in swine are infrequent,
perhaps because of few symptoms. The symptoms are similar to
heart failure. Experimental feeding of dry, powdered rhizomes

produced loss of appetite after 8 weeks, followed by rapid
deterioration and death 2 weeks later. Postmortem findings
revealed damage to the heart. Ingestion by pregnant sows resulted
in some death of the piglets after birth (Fenwick 1988).
References:
Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Quercus alba
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name White oak (Quercus alba) is a native tree found in southern
Quebec and Ontario. Ingesting the leaves and acorns has caused
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites some toxic problems in cattle. The concentration of toxic
phenolics is less than in red or black oak (Q. rubra or Q.
velutina). Symptoms are similar for all three species of oak. In
severe cases, renal failure usually results in death (Sandusky et al.
1977, Cockrill and Beasley 1979).
References:
Cockrill, J. M., Beasley, J. N. 1979. Renal damage to cattle
during acorn poisoning. Vet. Med. Small Anim. Clin., 74: 82,
84-85.
Sandusky, G. E., Fosnaugh, C. J., Smith, J. B., Mohan, R. 1977.
Oak poisoning of cattle in Ohio. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 171:
627-629.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Quercus alba L.
Vernacular name(s): white oak
Scientific family name: Fagaceae
Vernacular family name: beech
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Quercus alba
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Quercus alba:
Toxic parts:
acorns
leaves
References:
627-629.

See notes under chemicals in red oak ( Quercus rubra).

gallic acid
pyrogallol
tannic acid
References:
Basden, K. W., Dalvi, R. R. 1987. Determination of total
phenolics in acorns from different species of oak trees in
conjunction with acorn poisoning in cattle. Vet. Hum. Toxicol.,
29: 305-306.
Cattle
anorexia
ascites
death
dehydration
depression
diarrhea
kidney failure
Notes on poisoning:
Toxic symptoms include anorexia, rumen atony, hemorrhagic
diarrhea, subcutaneous edema, ascites, and dehydration. Renal
failure usually results in death. Postmortem examination revealed
perirenal edema and hemorrhage. The kidneys had a
characteristic nephrosis in a multifocal pattern, of the proximal
convoluted tubules (Sandusky et al. 1977, Cockrill and Beasley
1979).
References:
84-85.

627-629.
Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Quercus rubra
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Red oak (Quercus rubra) is a native tree found in eastern Canada.
This plant contains toxic tannins that have caused poisoning and
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites death in cattle and horses. Sheep may have also been poisoned by
this oak. Poisoning can lead to depression, anorexia, loss of
condition, and kidney damage. Kidney failure usually results in
death (Duncan 1961, Cockerill and Beasley 1979).
References:
84-85.
Duncan, C. S. 1961. Oak leaf poisoning in two horses. Cornell
Vet., 51: 159-162.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Quercus rubra L.
Vernacular name(s): red oak
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Quercus rubra
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Quercus rubra:

The leaves and acorns are toxic. The immature acorns contain
more toxin than the mature acorns (Cockrill and Beasley 1979).
Toxic parts:
acorns
immature fruit
leaves
References:
84-85.

The toxic agents are polyhydroxyphenolic compounds (tannins)
including gallic acid, pyrogallol, and tannic acid. The
concentration of these compounds is higher in immature, green
acorns than in mature ones. The following quantities of phenolics
were found in acorns (Basden and Dalvi 1987):
Oak species
Total phenolics (% of total

weight)
Quercus alba (white

1.09 (0.41-2.54)
oak)
Quercus rubra (red
3.72
oak)
Quercus velutina
4.51 (3.29-6.13)
(black oak)
Black oak and red oak contain a greater total average of phenolics
in the acorns does than white oak.

gallic acid
pyrogallol
tannic acid
References:
29: 305-306.
Cattle

anorexia
constipation
depression
kidney failure
teeth grinding
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle that ingest a small number of acorns may show some loss
of condition. However, they often develop a preference for eating
the acorns. Toxic amounts cause depression, anorexia,
constipation, the passing of small fecal balls covered in mucous
and blood, teeth grinding, and submandibular edema. Death is
usually caused by kidney failure. Postmortem findings reveal a
large number of acorns in the rumen, gastroenteritis in the caudal
portion of the digestive tract, and small, shrunken kidneys with
diminished reserve capacity. If renal stress occurs, the reserve
function of the kidney may be exceeded. Perirenal edema and
hemorrhagic enteritis were the prominent lesions. Multifocal
necrosis of the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney is
characteristic (Sandusky et al. 1977, Cockrill and Beasley 1979).
References:
84-85.
Horses
abdominal pains
anorexia
colic
constipation
depression
diarrhea
hematuria
icterus
Notes on poisoning:
Horses that ingested leaves of red oak developed symptoms of
depression, anorexia, abdominal pain, constipation, slight icterus,
hematuria, edema, and weakness. The symptoms occurred 6-9
days after ingestion. Blood transfusions were thought to speed
recovery (Duncan 1961).
References:
Duncan, C. S. 1961. Oak leaf poisoning in two horses. Cornell
Vet., 51: 159-162.
Sheep
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Quercus velutina
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Black oak (Quercus velutina) is a native tree found only in
southern Ontario. The acorns contain significant quantities of
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites toxic phenolics. This plant caused sickness and death in cattle
after they ingested acorns on autumn pastures. The occurrence of
poisoning from black oak in southern Ontario is minimal because
of its restricted distribution (Sandusky et al. 1977, Basden and
Dalvi 1987).
References:
29: 305-306.
84-85.
627-629.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Quercus velutina Lam.
Vernacular name(s): black oak
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Quercus
velutina
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Ontario
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Quercus velutina:

Ingesting oak leaves and acorns has caused poisoning. Immature
acorns contain more toxin than mature acorns (Sandusky et al.
1977).
Toxic parts:
acorns
leaves
References:
627-629.

See notes under chemical section of red oak ( Quercus rubra).

gallic acid
pyrogallol
tannic acid
References:
29: 305-306.
Cattle
anorexia
ascites
constipation
diarrhea
hematuria
kidney failure
References:
84-85.

627-629.
Horses
Sheep
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Ranunculus bulbosus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Bulbous buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus) is a naturalized herb
found in a few Canadian provinces. In the past, the juice of this
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites plant was used by beggars in Europe to cause skin lesions, thus
eliciting compassion. The volatile chemical protoanemonin is an
irritant. Ingesting this plant has poisoned cattle, swine, and
humans. The recent literature includes few cases of poisoning
(Kingsbury 1964, Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Ranunculus bulbosus L.
Vernacular name(s): bulbous buttercup
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Ranunculus
bulbosus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Ranunculus bulbosus:
Toxic parts:
plant juices
References:

Ranunculin, a glycoside, occurs in the juice of the buttercups.
Upon maceration, a plant enzyme is released that converts
ranunculin to protoanemonin. This chemical, a yellow volatile
oil, is unstable and either polymerizes to nontoxic anemonin or is
volatilized. Air-dried plants, as those found in hay, are nontoxic.
Protoanemonin is an irritant that can cause blisters and other
problems when ingested (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

ranunculin

References:
Cattle
breathing, labored
gait, unsteady
nasal discharge
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
In one case in Britain, a cow salivated, coughed, and discharged
mucous from the nostrils after ingesting buttercup plants. The
animal swayed in the hindquarters with an uneasy movement of
the legs. A period of noisy breathing preceded recovery (Cooper

and Johnson 1984).
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
diarrhea
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting the bulbous bases of this buttercup has caused a few
cases of illness. An acrid taste and burning of the mouth and
throat precludes ingesting large quantities. Other symptoms may
include diarrhea and abdominal pain (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Swine
blindness
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Celery-leaved buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus) is a native herb
found across most of Canada. This plant contains a toxic irritant
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites that produces protoanemonin upon mastication. All types of
livestock can become ill upon ingestion, but cattle are most
commonly affected. Horses and goats have also been poisoned
(Cooper and Johnson 1984, Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Ranunculus sceleratus L.
Vernacular name(s): celery-leaved buttercup
sceleratus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
Newfoundland
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Ranunculus sceleratus:

The plant juices contain the glycoside, which is converted to the
irritant protoanemonin. The concentration is highest during
flowering (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
plant juices
References:

Ranunculin, a glycoside, becomes a volatile irritant,
protoanemonin, after enzyme-mediated conversion through
mastication (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

ranunculin

References:
Cattle
abdominal pains
blindness
constipation
diarrhea
gait, unsteady
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting the celery-leaved buttercup causes salivation,
abdominal pain, and inflammation of the mouth. In more serious
cases, severe ulceration of the mouth and of the digestive and
urinary systems occurs. The animal excretes dark-colored
diarrhea and urine. Unsteady gait occurs in the hind legs, and
vision can be impaired or lost. Convulsion precedes death,
although fatalities are rare. Animals should not be allowed to
graze pastures for at least 2 weeks after spraying with 2,4-D
because the plants may be grazed selectively by animals (Cooper
and Johnson 1984).
References:
Goats
abdominal pains
death
References:
Horses
colic
convulsions
muscle spasms
paralysis
Notes on poisoning:
A horse was poisoned after ingesting celery-leaved buttercup.
Symptoms included paralysis, muscle tremors, colic, convulsions,
and loss of hearing and sight. Recovery occurred over a few days
but weakness persisted (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
name
Wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) is a naturalized herb found

All poisonous plants by Common across most of Canada. This plant, like the cultivated radish
(Raphanus sativus) contains glucosinolates in the seeds, which can
name
cause poisoning if eaten in sufficient quantities by livestock.
Symptoms are similar to those discussed in the general notes under
Important WWW Poisonous Plants Brassica oleracea.
sites
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Raphanus raphanistrum L.
Vernacular name(s): wild radish
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Raphanus
raphanistrum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

British Columbia
Labrador
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Raphanus raphanistrum:
Toxic parts:
seeds
References:
A10.

Glucosinolates are contained in the seeds of this plant. See the
discussions on these toxins in general notes under Brassica oleracea.

glucosinolates
glucosinolates
glucosinolates

References:
Cattle
hemoglobinuria
References:
Sheep
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Raphanus sativus
Interactive
name
Radish (Raphanus sativus) is a cultivated plant with the potential for

All poisonous plants by Common livestock poisoning from SMCO or glucosinolate toxins contained in
the leaves and seeds. However, no occurrence was reported in the
name
literature. See general notes under Brassica oleracea on the effects of
these chemicals.
sites
References:

USA. 492 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Raphanus sativus L.
Vernacular name(s): radish
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Raphanus sativus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Raphanus sativus:
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
References:
USA. 492 pp.

See the general notes under Brassica oleracea for further discussion
of these chemicals.

glucosinolates
glucosinolates
glucosinolates

References:
271 pp.
USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
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Notes on poisoning:
Rhamnus cathartica
Interactive
name
European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is a small naturalized

All poisonous plants by Common shrub that is found throughout much of eastern Canada and in the
Prairie Provinces. The shrub has spines on the branches and trunks.
name
These shrubs commonly grow along fence rows and roadsides and in
old fields. In some areas, they are a common undergrowth shrub in
Important WWW Poisonous Plants woodlands. The bark and fruits contain chemicals that have a strong
sites
purgative action that can affect humans. Severe poisoning is rare
(Cooper and Johnson 1984, Lampe and McCann 1986).
References:
432 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rhamnus cathartica L.
Vernacular name(s): European buckthorn
Scientific family name: Rhamnaceae
Vernacular family name: buckthorn
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Rhamnus
cathartica
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Manitoba
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Rhamnus cathartica:
Toxic parts:
bark
mature fruit
References:

This plant contains glycosides, which upon hydrolysis yield
anthraquinones such as emodin (a trihydroxymethylanthraquinone).
These chemicals have a purgative action; emodin has been used in
laxative preparations (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

anthraquinones
emodine
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
diarrhea
gastroenteritis
hemorrhage
muscle spasms
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
European buckthorn is usually ingested by children, who eat the
black berries or chew the twigs. Under normal circumstances, the
symptoms are usually mild and are limited to transient abdominal
pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ingesting 20 berries or more can have
more serious consequences such as gastrointestinal symptoms, fluid
depletion, kidney damage, muscular convulsions, and hemorrhage.
Serious cases may result in difficult breathing and collapse.
Treatment includes inducing vomiting, if it has not already occurred,
and fluid replacement (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Fuller and
McClintock 1985).
References:
432 pp.
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Rhamnus frangula
Interactive
name
Alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) is a naturalized shrub or small

All poisonous plants by Common tree that is found in parts of eastern Canada and the Prairie Provinces.
This plant is found along fencerows and roadsides and in lightly
name
shaded woodlands. Several purgative chemicals, including emodin,
occur in the bark and in the purple-black fruits. This plant causes
Important WWW Poisonous Plants usually mild symptoms if ingested by children. There is one record of
sites
fatal poisoning of a cow (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Fuller and
McClintock 1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rhamnus frangula L.
Vernacular name(s): alder buckthorn
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Rhamnus frangula
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Rhamnus frangula:
Toxic parts:
bark
mature fruit
References:

Alder buckthorn contains glycosides, which upon hydrolysis yield
These chemicals are purgative; emodin has been used in laxatives

anthraquinones
emodine
References:
Cattle
death
diarrhea
fever
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
In one case of fatal poisoning, a cow ate large quantities of leaves,
twigs, and berries of alder buckthorn. The animal quickly became ill
and developed symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, slow pulse, cramps,
and slight fever before death. Postmortem examination showed leaves
of the plant in the stomach, with gastrointestinal inflammation
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
collapse
convulsions
diarrhea
gastroenteritis
hemorrhage
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Children who ingest the plant material usually experience mild
symptoms of poisoning such as transient abdominal pains, vomiting,
and diarrhea. If 20 or more berries are ingested, symptoms may
include gastrointestinal symptoms, fluid depletion, kidney damage,
muscular convulsions, and hemorrhage. In severe cases, difficult
breathing and collapse may occur. Severe poisoning is rare because
of induced vomiting. Treatment should replace lost fluids and induce
vomiting if it has not occurred (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Fuller and
McClintock 1985).
References:
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Rheum rhaponticum
Interactive
name
Rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum) is a perennial cultivated plant that

All poisonous plants by Common persists around old farm sites. The plant contains oxalate crystals,
which have been reported to cause poisoning when large quantities of
name
raw or cooked leaves are ingested. Anthraquinones (glycosides) have
been implicated more recently in the poisoning. The stalks are widely
Important WWW Poisonous Plants used as preserves and are also eaten raw, without problems. The toxic
sites
content is much lower in the stalks. Humans have been poisoned after
ingesting the leaves. Human poisoning was a particular problem in
World War I, when the leaves were recommended as a food source in
Britain. Some animals, including goats and swine, have also been
poisoned by ingesting the leaves. Children should be taught to eat
only the rhubarb stalks, preferably under supervision (Robb 1919;
References:
Robb, H. F. 1919. Death from rhubarb leaves due to oxalic acid
poisoning. J. Am. Med. Assoc., 73: 627-628.
Spoerke, D. G., Smolinske, S. C. 1990. Toxicity of houseplants. CRC
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rheum rhaponticum L.
Vernacular name(s): rhubarb
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Rheum

rhaponticum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Rheum rhaponticum:

Rhubarb leaves contain the highest amounts of oxalates and perhaps
anthraquinones, which may be partly responsible for toxicity. The
stalks also contain some low levels of oxalates, but this is not a
problem (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

Oxalates are contained in all parts of rhubarb plants, especially in the
green leaves. There is some evidence that anthraquinone glycosides
are also present and may be partly responsible (Cooper and Johnson
1984).

anthraquinones
oxalate
References:
Goats
diarrhea
mouth, frothing of
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
A goat that ate rhubarb leaves stood with outspread legs, an open
mouth, and protruding eyes. The animal was crying and produced
sour green vomit and profuse diarrhea (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
abortion
convulsions
death
drowsiness
muscle twitching
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting rhubarb leaves has caused many fatalities, especially during
World War II, when the leaves were recommended as food for a short
time. In one fatal case, oxalic acid was ingested at a rate of only 1.3
g/kg, whereas five or six times this amount normally constitutes a
fatal dose. More recent evidence indicates that anthraquinone
glycosides may be involved. Symptoms include abdominal pain,
nausea, vomiting, weakness, and drowsiness. Blood clotting is
reduced. A woman in early pregnancy aborted before she died. Two
children ingested 20-100 g of leaves and stalks. They vomited and
developed jaundice, with some kidney and liver damage. Analysis for
oxalate crystals in the urine may help diagnosis (Robb 1919, Cooper
and Johnson 1984).
References:
Robb, H. F. 1919. Death from rhubarb leaves due to oxalic acid
poisoning. J. Am. Med. Assoc., 73: 627-628.
Spoerke, D. G., Smolinske, S. C. 1990. Toxicity of houseplants. CRC
Swine
convulsions
death
gait, staggering
mouth, frothing of
Notes on poisoning:
Swine that ingested rhubarb plants exhibited the following
symptoms: foaming at the mouth, staggering, and convulsions,
followed by death. Postmortem examination revealed severe
inflammation of the stomach and intestines (Cooper and Johnson
1984).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
Botanical name
Common name
Plants sites

White rose-bay (Rhododendron albiflorum) is a native shrub found in
southwestern British Columbia. This plant is toxic to sheep, although rare
cases of cattle poisoning may occur. The plant contains andromedotoxins
(grayanotoxins) that can cause sickness and death after they are ingested
by animals (Kingsbury 1964, Looman et al. 1983).
References:
Looman, J., Majak, W., Smoliak, S. 1983. Stock-poisoning plants of
western Canada. Agric. Can. Res. Branch Contrib. 1982-7E. 35 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rhododendron albiflorum Lam.
Vernacular name(s): white rose-bay
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Rhododendron
albiflorum
References:
132 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Rhododendron albiflorum:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

Andromedotoxins (including grayanotoxin I) are toxic diterpenoids that
are present in all the poisonous members of the heath family, Ericaceae

andromedotoxins

References:
England. 305 pp.
Cattle
anorexia
death
nasal discharge
salivation
vomiting
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle are not poisoned as often as sheep because of the bitter taste of the
leaves. Symptoms of ingestion may include initial anorexia, salivation,
and dullness. Vomiting may be accompanied by bloat. Abdominal pain
and nasal discharge occur. In severe cases, death may result (Kingsbury
1964).
References:
Sheep
convulsions
death
nasal discharge
paralysis
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
The palatability of the leaves is low. However, ingesting the leaves causes
symptoms, including salivation, nasal discharge, convulsions, paralysis of
the limbs, and weakness. In severe cases, death can occur after a period of
coma (Looman et al. 1983).
References:
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Introduction
Interactive
Botanical name
Notes on poisoning:
Rhododendron
macrophyllum

Common name
California rose-bay (Rhododendron macrophyllum) is a native shrub

found in southwestern British Columbia. This plant has poisoned goats
Important WWW Poisonous and sheep. Azaleas are now considered part of the genus Rhododendron.
Animals and humans have been poisoned after ingesting the foliage,
Plants sites
nectar, or honey made from these plants. Klein-Schwartz and Litovitz
(1985) found that humans who ingested plant parts of Rhododendron
plants exhibited few symptoms of poisoning. Of 152 cases, only nine
developed any symptoms and only one resulted in vomiting and transient
hypertension. The authors concluded that ingesting moderate amounts of
azalea material posed little danger to humans. Azaleas are often used as
houseplants. Children and family pets should be prevented from ingesting
these plants. Livestock have been poisoned by ingesting foliage of azaleas
and rhododendrons. Sheep are most commonly affected in North
America. Death has occurred in some cases (Casteel and Wagstaff 1989).
Poisoning usually occurs when animals gain access to clippings or when
little other forage is available, as in the winter. Rhododendrons retain their
leaves over the winter. Goats and cattle have been poisoned as well.
Andromedotoxins (grayanotoxins) are the toxins involved.
References:
Casteel, S., Wagstaff, J. 1989. Rhododendron macrophyllum poisoning in
a group of goats and sheep. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 31: 176-177.
Klein-Schwartz, W., Litovitz, T. 1985. Azalea toxicity: an overrated
problem?.Clin. Toxicol., 23: 91-101.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rhododendron macrophyllum D. Don ex G. Don
Vernacular name(s): California rose-bay

macrophyllum
References:
132 pp.
British Columbia
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Rhododendron macrophyllum:

The leaves and stems of this plant have caused poisoning (Casteel and
Wagstaff 1989).
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

are present in all the poisonous members of Ericaceae, the heath family

andromedotoxins

References:
England. 305 pp.
Goats
ataxia
colic
convulsions
death
opisthotonos
recumbency, lateral
vomiting
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
In one case, several young and adult goats gained access to clippings of
California rose-bay; most were poisoned, and some young goats died.
Symptoms included initial lateral recumbency and a tonic-clonic
convulsive episode starting 6 h after ingestion. Vomiting, ataxia, and
weakness occurred. Vomiting continued over 2 days. Intense colic was
observed. Lactating goats dried up. Some animals remained recumbent for
a couple of days (Casteel and Wagstaff 1989).
References:
Humans
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Klein-Schwartz and Litovitz (1985) found that only minimal symptoms
were exhibited, such as vomiting, after ingesting species of the genus
Rhododendron. Lampe and McCann (1985) note that ingesting significant
quantities of leaves can cause more severe symptoms such as burning of
the mouth, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and dimness of
vision. Such occurrences are unlikely because of the bitterness of the
leaves. Reports occur regarding the toxicity of honey made from azaleas
and rhododendrons. This honey is bitter and is unlikely to be ingested in
large quantities.
References:
Sheep
ataxia
colic
depression
recumbency
vomiting
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting clippings of California rose-bay caused illness in sheep.
Symptoms included severe vomiting, ataxia, and weakness. Vomiting
continued over a few days. The animals walked a short distance and then
fell down. Some animals remained recumbent for many hours. Colic was
observed (Casteel and Wagstaff 1989).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: Rhus

diversiloba
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Western poison-oak (Rhus diversiloba; synonym Toxicodendron
diversiloba) is a native shrub found in southwestern British
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Columbia. This plant contains urushiol, which is highly
sensitizing in humans. Reactions can range from mild redness to
large areas of oozing lesions and fever (Mulligan 1990, Gayer
and Burnett 1988). For more information please see the bulletin
"Poison Ivy, Western Poison Oak, Poison Sumac"
References:
Epstein, W. L., Byers, V. S. 1981. Poison oak and poison ivy
dermatitis. Prevention and treatment in forest service work. U.S.
Dep. Agric. For. Serv. Rep., 14 pp.
Gayer, K. D., Burnett, J. W. 1988. Toxicodendron dermatitis.
Cutis, 42: 99-100.
Mulligan, G. A. 1990. Poison ivy. Western poison oak. Poison
sumac. Agric. Can. Publ., 1699. 13 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rhus diversiloba T. & G.
Vernacular name(s): western poison-oak
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Rhus
diversiloba
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Rhus diversiloba:

All parts of the plant, with the exception of the pollen, anthers,
xylem, and epidermis, contain the allergen urushiol. Even in
winter, sap from damaged stems causes allergic reactions.
Similarly, damage to the root results in dermatitis (Mulligan
1990, Gayer and Burnett 1988).
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
immature fruit
leaves
mature fruit
plant juices
stems
References:
Cutis, 42: 99-100.

Urushiol, a nonvolatile phenolic allergen, includes alkylcatechols,
found in all toxic Rhus species. Urushiol is found in the resin
canals that occur throughout the plants. The toxin is exposed after
damage to the plant (Gayer and Burnett 1988).

urushiol oil
References:
Cutis, 42: 99-100.
Schmidt, R. J., Khan, L., Chung, L. Y. 1990. Are free radicals
and not quinones the haptenic species derived from urushiols and
other contact allergenic mono-and dihydride alkylbenzenes?
Dermatol. Res., 282: 56-64.
Humans
blistering
blisters, weeping
itchiness
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction

radicans
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Poison ivy (Rhus radicans; synonym Toxicodendron radicans) is
a native shrub or vine found throughout southern Canada. Three
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites recognized varieties are found in various parts of the country
(Mulligan and Junkins 1977). Urushiol is the allergenic agent
found in most parts of the plant. Damage to plant tissues causes
the nonvolatile chemicals to be exposed. Humans are often
sensitized, with symptoms ranging from mild itchiness and
redness to severe oozing lesions with fever. Poison ivy is
probably responsible for more cases of plant dermatitis in Canada
than any other plant. Urushiol can contaminate clothes, tools, and
the fur of domestic animals. Humans can subsequently develop
dermatitis from contact. Humans do not contract the dermatitis on
first contact, but most people are sensitized the first time
(Mulligan 1990, Schwartz and Downham 1981, Gayer and
Burnett 1988). For more information please see the bulletin
References:
Downham, T. F. 1986. Science has got its hands on poison-ivy,
poison-oak, and poison-sumac. U.S. Dep. Agric. For. Serv. Man.
N., 47: 23-28.
Gaillard, G. E. 1956. The modern treatment of poison ivy. N. Y.
State J. Med., 56:2255-2259.
Cutis, 42: 99-100.
Goldsmith, M. F. 1984. Sensitivity test may aid in avoiding
'poison' plant-induced dermatitis. J. Am. Med. Assoc., 251:
1389-1390.
Guin, J. D. 1980. Reaction time in experimental poison ivy
dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis, 6:289-290.
Mulligan, G. A., Junkins, B. E. 1977. The biology of Canadian
weeds 23. Rhus radicans L. Can. J. Plant Sci., 57: 515-523.
Schwartz, R. S. 1981. Erythema multiforme associated with Rhus
contact dermatitis. Cutis, 27: 85-86.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rhus radicans L.
Vernacular name(s): poison ivy
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Rhus radicans
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Rhus radicans:
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
plant juices
References:
Cutis, 42: 99-100.
1389-1390.

Urushiol, a group of alkylcatechols, is found in the sap of
poison-ivy plants. The allergic reaction has been traditionally
thought to involve initial oxidation by which a protein-reactive
quinone is formed. Recent work indicates that redox cycling in

the skin, following penetration of the allergenic alkybenzenes,
initially depletes local levels of endogenous-reducing equivalents
such as NADH and glutathione. Further cycling results in the
uncontrolled generation of radical species that exhibit protein
reactivity. The urushiol is not volatile and can contaminate
clothing, tools, and domestic animals. Under dry conditions, the
chemical can remain harmful for long periods (Mulligan
1990,Schmidt et al. 1990).

urushiol oil
3-pentadecyl catechol
References:
N., 47: 23-28.
State J. Med., 56:2255-2259.
Cutis, 42: 99-100.
1389-1390.
Humans

blistering
blisters, weeping
erythema
face, edema of
itchiness
pneumonitis
tracheitis
References:
N., 47: 23-28.
Cutis, 42: 99-100.
1389-1390.
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Important Notices
Introduction

vernix
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Poison sumac (Rhus vernix; synonymy Toxicodendron vernix) is
a native shrub or vine found in southern Quebec and southern
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Ontario. The sap of this plant contains the allergen urushiol. The
chemical is released when plant tissue is damaged. Humans are
highly sensitive to allergic reaction, although at least one
exposure is needed for sensitization. Mild to severe dermatitis can
result from exposure to poison sumac (Mulligan 1990, Gayer and
References:
Cutis, 42: 99-100.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rhus vernix L.
Vernacular name(s): poison sumac
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Rhus vernix
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Rhus vernix:

Most parts of poison sumac contain the allergen except the
pollen, anthers, xylem, and epidermis. Damage to plant parts
releases the sap that contains the allergen (Mulligan 1990). The
allergen occurs in the plant sap, which is found in all plant parts
except the pollen, anthers, xylem, and epidermis. If the stems are
damaged they can release the allergen, even in the winter. The
roots are also dangerous (Mulligan 1990).
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
mature fruit
plant juices
roots
stems
References:

Urushiol, an group of alkylcatechols, is found in the sap of poison
sumac. The allergen is nonvolatile and can contaminate clothing,
tools, and domestic animals. The allergen can be hazardous for a
long time if the contaminated object remains dry (Gayer and
Burnett 1988). See poison-ivy (Rhus radicans) for additional
information.

urushiol oil
References:
Cutis, 42: 99-100.
Humans
blistering
blisters, weeping
itchiness
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Ricinus communis
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Castor bean (Ricinus communis) is an ornamental herbaceous
shrub that is occasionally planted indoors or outdoors as a rapidly
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites growing annual ornamental. The seeds (and to a much lesser
extent the leaves) contain ricin, a protein, which is highly toxic in
small quantities. Humans as well as cattle, dogs, goats, horses,
poultry, rabbits, sheep, and swine have been poisoned after
ingesting the seeds. The seed coat must be damaged to allow
water to penetrate the seed interior, thus releasing the
water-soluble toxin ricin. Most reported cases of animal
poisoning have occurred overseas where the seed is used as food
and, if improperly treated, has caused illness and death. Humans
who ingested the seeds became ill and died. The toxin has been
used for of suicide and assasination. Two to four chewed seeds
can cause death in children (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Griffiths
et al. 1987).
DO NOT ALLOW THESE PLANTS TO SET SEEDS!!
References:
Griffiths, G., Leith, A., Green, M. 1987. Proteins that play Jekyll
and Hyde. New Sci., 115: 59-61.
Malizia, E., Sarcinelli, L., Andreucci, G. 1977. Ricinus
poisoning: a familiar epidemy. Acta Pharm. Toxicol., 41:
351-361.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Ricinus communis L.
Vernacular name(s): castor-bean
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Ricinus
communis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Ricinus communis:

The ricin content is highest in the seeds, although a small fraction
of the toxin is contained in the leaves. Swallowing a seed without
chewing prevents the release of the toxin because of the hard seed
coat. However, chewing the seed allows release of the watersoluble chemical, and poisoning can occur (Cooper and Johnson
1984).
Toxic parts:
seeds
References:

Ricin, a simple protein (a toxalbumin), is one of the most potent
naturally occurring substances. Ricin is soluble in water and is
therefore not present in extracted oil. Another protein, called
ricinus agglutinin (or ricin), causes hemagglutonating activity,
coagulation of the red blood cells. Toxicity from this protein
disappears after heat treatment, usually as steam. After the oil is
extracted, the remaining pomace is used in some countries as
animal feed, if properly treated with heat and water. There is
wide variation in sensitivity to the toxin in different species. A
lethal dose by injection may be as small as two-millionths of
body weight.
Experimental oral lethal doses are as follows:
horses
0.1 g/ kg
cattle, foals, rabbits,
1-2 g/kg
sheep, swine
goats
5.5 g/kg
Because ricin is a protein, antibodies can be produced by
immunization, which allows animals to withstand up to 800 times

a normal lethal dose. Ricin has been used by secret intelligence
services as an assassination weapon. In one case, the Bulgarian
secret police used a 1.53 mm metal pellet containing a reservoir
for a few hundred millionths of a gram of ricin to kill a Bulgarian
broadcaster. The pellet was injected by use of an umbrella, and
the man died within 4 days (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Griffiths
et al. 1987).

ricin
References:
Cattle
abortion
breathing, shallow
death
diarrhea
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle have been poisoned overseas after ingesting improperly
treated castor bean products such as cattle cakes. Symptoms
include severe diarrhea with blood and mucous in the feces,
abortions, a drastic reduction in milk yield, and death of newborn
calves. Weakness, feeble pulse, shortness of breath, and swollen
joints have also occurred. Temperature was subnormal, with the
pulse fast and weak. The lethal dose was estimated at 250 g of
husks. Postmortem findings showed hemorrhaging in the heart,
degeneration of the kidneys and liver, and intense inflammation

and erosion of the intestinal membranes. Symptoms are similar
for other types of animals (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Chickens
death
References:
Horses
abdominal pains
sweating
Notes on poisoning:
The accidental addition of castor beans into grain given to horses
caused sweating, a rocking gait, rapid pulse, muscle spasms,
elevated temperature, and abdominal pains. The early symptoms
may be confused with respiratory infection (Cooper and Johnson
1984).
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
death
diarrhea
fever
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Two to four chewed seeds may be enough to cause death in
children. Symptoms of poisoning include abdominal pains,
diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, drowsiness, dehydration,
incoordination, and hematuria. In cases of acute toxicity,
symptoms appear after several hours to a few days, although they
can occur quickly. Griffiths et al. (1987) found that ricin causes
apoptotic changes: cytoplasmic shrinkage, nuclear condensation,
and breakdown of cells into membrane-bound fragments.
Large-scale disruption in lymphoid tissues occurs. Death has
been accidental or purposeful (Malizia et al. 1977, Griffiths et al.
1987). Castor bean contains an unknown potent respiratory
allergen. Repeated exposure increases sensitivity (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
351-361.
Poultry
diarrhea
feathers, ruffled
Notes on poisoning:
In one case of accidental poisoning, poultry deteriorated rapidly,
showing ruffled feathers, drooping wings, and grayish combs and
wattles. Their crops were impacted for days, egg laying ceased,
and molting started. Several birds died (Cooper and Johnson

1984).
References:
Sheep
Swine
convulsions
death
incoordination
vomiting
weakness
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a naturalized shrub or tree
that is planted as an ornamental in warmer parts of Canada. The
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites seeds, bark, and leaves contain toxic proteins that have caused
sickness and death in cattle, horses, poultry, sheep, and humans.
The plant should be considered toxic to all animals if ingested.
Children were poisoned (with rare reports of fatalities) after
chewing on plant material, especially the bark. This tree can be
found around older farms and houses and is also planted along
fencerows. Children should be taught not to ingest any parts of
the plant. If older trees are cut down in areas where livestock
have access, make sure that the animals do not ingest any sprout
(sucker) growth that may emerge from the stump (Hansen 1924,
Kingsbury 1964, Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Hansen, A. A. 1924. Robitin - a potent plant poison. Better
Crops, 22(2): 22-23, 44.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Robinia pseudoacacia L.
Vernacular name(s): black locust
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Robinia

pseudoacacia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Robinia pseudoacacia:
Toxic parts:
bark
leaves
seeds
References:

Robin (or robinin) and phasin, which are toxic proteins called
toxalbumins, are present in black locust. A glycoprotein that
agglutinates red blood cells has been extracted from the plant. It
is not clear if this is robin or another substance. Experimental
feeding to horses has shown the following toxicities:
=> aqueous extract of bark about 0.1% of body weight caused
symptoms
=> powdered bark about 0.04% of body weight caused symptoms
The poisonous principle appears to be about one-tenth as toxic to
cattle (Kingsbury 1964, Cooper and Johnson 1984).

phasin
robin(in)
References:
Cattle

anorexia
death
dyspnea
nausea
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle that ingested the sprouts and leaves of black locust were
poisoned. Experiments show that cattle are 10 times less sensitive
to the toxin than horses. Symptoms include anorexia, weakness,
posterior paralysis, nausea, coldness of the extremities, and
dilation of the pupils. Death occurs in severe cases (Hansen 1924,
Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Horses
anorexia
death
nausea
pupil dilation
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Horses that ingested black locust leaves, sprouts, and bark were
poisoned and died. Symptoms are similar to those of cattle and
include anorexia, weakness, posterior paralysis, nausea, coldness
of the extremities, and pupil dilation. Symptoms of colic also
occur. In severe cases, death occurs. Postmortem findings showed
mucous inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and occasional
severe gastroenterititis. In some cases a yellowish pigmentation
of the membranes occurred (Hansen 1924, Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Humans
death
nausea
pupil dilation
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Humans, usually children, were poisoned after ingesting the bark
of black locust. Symptoms include pupil dilation, feeble pulse,
severe vomiting, and a death-like palor. The extremities may
become cold. Intestinal inflammation, hemorrhaging of the
lymphatic tissues, and possible liver damage often occur.
Fatalities are rare. The chances of poisoning are rare. Children
should not be allowed to ingest plant material from this tree
(Hansen 1924, Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Crops, 22(2): 22-23, 44.
Poultry
Notes on poisoning:
Chickens were poisoned after ingesting leaf material.
Degenerative changes in the liver and kidney occurred. A toxic
phytohemagglutinin extracted from the plant caused fatty
degeneration of the liver and death in chick embryos, at doses of
0.25-2.0 mg per egg (Kingsbury 1964, Cooper and Johnson
1984).
References:
Sheep
anorexia
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting the seed pods has caused minor illness in sheep
(Kingsbury 1964).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Rudbeckia laciniata
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Cut-leaved coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata) is native to some
parts of Canada and is naturalized in others. A double-flowered
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites form is also used as an ornamental in flower beds and is usually
called golden glow. Early circumstantial evidence of poisoning of
horses, sheep, and swine can be found. Experiments on sheep and
swine have shown that some symptoms of toxicity can occur,
although animals generally refuse to eat the unpalatable plants.
Animal poisoning by this plant should be considered unlikely
(Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Skidmore, L. V., Peterson, N. F. 1932. Observations on the
toxicity of golden glow (Rudbeckia laciniata) to swine and other
animals. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 34: 655-662.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rudbeckia laciniata L.
Vernacular name(s): cut-leaved coneflower
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Rudbeckia
laciniata
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Rudbeckia laciniata:

Ingesting the aboveground portion of this plant produced
symptoms in some animals (Kingsbury 1964).
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
stems
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Horses
Sheep
anorexia
depression
incoordination
Notes on poisoning:
Experiments on sheep showed that animals ate the distasteful
plant after a period of starvation. Ingesting plant material equal to
3-4% of body weight produced symptoms after 24 h. The primary
symptoms were incoordination and listlessness. Respiratory rates
increased. Animals returned to normal within 36 h (Kingsbury
1964).
References:

Swine
abdominal pains
anorexia
depression
incoordination
Notes on poisoning:
In experiments, swine ate the distaste plant material after a period
of starvation. The animals exhibited incoordination, dullness,
some signs of abdominal pain, and aimless wandering. The
symptoms disappeared within 36 h. Symptoms appeared after
ingesting plant material equal to 3-4% of body weight. Symptoms
could not be reproduced a second time with further feedings
(Kingsbury 1964).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Rudbeckia serotina
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia laciniata) is a native herb that
grows across southern Canada. This plant occurs in fields and is
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites sometimes found in disturbed habitats. Ingesting plants caused
poisoning in cattle and swine. Symptoms were mild. Poisoning
from this plant plant is unlikely (Kingsbury 1964, Fleurbec
1983).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rudbeckia serotina Nutt.
Vernacular name(s): black-eyed Susan
serotina
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Rudbeckia serotina:

Ingesting aboveground portions of the plants has caused
poisoning in some animals (Kingsbury 1964).
Toxic parts:
flowers
hairs
leaves
stems
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Cattle
gastroenteritis
References:
Swine
coma
Notes on poisoning:
Swine that ingested black-eyed Susan suffered from coma and
periods of aimless wandering (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Rumex acetosa
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Garden-sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is a naturalized herb found across
southern Canada. It is occasionally cultivated as a garden green.
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Ingesting large quantities of the plant caused toxicity in sheep and
cattle in other countries. Humans should restrict their intake of
the leaves of this plant because they contain oxalate crystals
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rumex acetosa L.
Vernacular name(s): garden-sorrel
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Rumex
acetosa
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Rumex acetosa:

Ingesting large amounts of the aboveground portion of
garden-sorrel can cause poisoning (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Oxalates are considered the primary toxin. However, under
certain circumstances, nitrates may accumulate to toxic levels. In
recorded cases of poisoning, the symptoms were consistent with
those of oxalate poisoning (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

oxalate
References:
Cattle
kidney failure
Notes on poisoning:
Reports of poisoning in cattle are inconsistent. Lactating cows
that ingested large quantities of garden-sorrel showed symptoms
similar to those of milk fever. Treatment with calcium had
transient effects because of subsequent kidney failure (Cooper
and Johnson 1984).
References:
Sheep
coma
death
incoordination
mouth, frothing of
pupil dilation
recumbency
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting large amounts of garden-sorrel caused toxicity in sheep
in Britain. Symptoms included incoordination, falling, then
inability to rise, dilation of the pupils, coma, and death (in five
sheep). In lactating ewes, the initial signs resembled milk fever,
but favorable response to calcium injection was transient because
of kidney failure. No cases of poisoning from this plant have been
reported in North America (Kingsbury 1964, Cooper and Johnson
1984).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Rumex acetosella
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella) is a naturalized herb found
across Canada. The plant can become abundant in poor disturbed
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites soils. Ingesting large quantities of the plants caused poisoning
and death in sheep in other countries (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rumex acetosella L.
Vernacular name(s): sheep sorrel
acetosella
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Rumex acetosella:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Oxalate crystals are found in sheep sorrel. Under certain
circumstances, nitrates can accumulate in sufficient quantity to
cause poisoning. If large enough quantities of oxalates are
absorbed by ruminants, they combine with blood calcium,
forming calcium oxalate and causing calcium deficiency. The
crystal can accumulate in the kidneys and brain causing renal
failure and nervous disorders (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

oxalate
References:
Sheep
coma
death
falling down
gait, staggering
muscle spasms
nasal discharge
Notes on poisoning:
Several sheep in New Zealand were poisoned and died.
Symptoms included staggering, nasal discharge, muscular
spasms, abnormal breathing, and falling down. In severe cases,
coma preceded death. Postmortem findings revealed oxalate
crystals and inflammation of the kidneys. Up to 10% of flocks
died (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:

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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Rumex venosus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Veined dock (Rumex venosus) is a native herb found in the
southern part of the Canadian prairies. This plant caused
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites poisoning of cattle in Colorado. Poisoning occurred in early
spring when there was little other vegetation. Sickness and death
resulted after large amounts of the plants were ingested (Dickie et
al. 1978).
References:
Dickie, C. W., Hamann, M. H., Carroll, W. D., Chow, F. 1978.
Oxalate (Rumex venosus) poisoning in cattle. J. Am. Vet. Med.
Assoc., 173: 73-74.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rumex venosus Pursh
Vernacular name(s): veined dock
venosus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Rumex venosus:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:
Assoc., 173: 73-74.

Oxalate crystals are found in the aboveground parts of the plant.
Levels were measured in Colorado, showing oxalates of 9.2% in
April and 13.9% in June on a dry-weight basis. If sufficient
quantity of plant material is ingested the oxalates combine with

systemic calcium ions to form insoluble calcium oxalate, causing
functional hypocalcemia in acute cases (Dickie et al. 1978).

oxalate
References:
Assoc., 173: 73-74.
Cattle
anorexia
depression
kidney, edema of
Notes on poisoning:
Several cows became ill and died after ingesting veined dock. All
the cows were suckling, but none of their calves died. Symptoms
included depression and anorexia. Postmortem findings showed
ecchymotic and petechial hemorrhaging on the visceral and
parietal peritoneum. About 2 L of thin, yellowish fluid was in the
abdominal cavity. Mesenteric lymph nodes were enlarged and
edematous. Other symptoms included catarrhal abomasitis,
enteritis, pale kidneys, and lung congestion (Dickie et al. 1978).
References:
Assoc., 173: 73-74.
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Sambucus canadensis
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name American elder (Sambucus canadensis) is a native shrub found in
the moist soils of swamps and along rivers and lakes in eastern
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Canada. This plant contains cyanogenic glycosides and a
cathartic chemical. The plant has poisoned cattle and perhaps
sheep. Children were poisoned after using the hollow stems for
whistles. Ingesting uncooked berries may cause nausea
(Kingsbury 1964, Muenscher 1978). Red-berried elder
(Sambucus pubens) is a native shrub found from Newfoundland
to Manitoba. There are unsubstantiated reports that this species
may also have toxic potential. Children should not be allowed to
chew the stems or berries.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Sambucus canadensis L.
Vernacular name(s): American elder
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Sambucus
canadensis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Sambucus canadensis:

Animals were poisoned after ingesting young shoots and leaves.
Children were also poisoned when they used the hollow stems as
whistles. Uncooked berries may cause nausea (Muenscher 1975).
Toxic parts:
leaves
pollen
young shoots
References:

Cyanogenic glycosides are found in elders. Sambunigrin and
other chemicals may be involved. Cathartics may also be present
(Kingsbury 1964, Tewe and Iyayi 1989).

sambunigrin
References:
Cattle
abdominal pains
References:
Humans
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Apparently, the use of the hollow stems as whistles or blowpipes
has caused poisoning in children. The bark contains a cathartic.
Ingesting uncooked berries can cause nausea and vomiting.
Cooked are not harmful if eaten in small amounts (Kingsbury
1964).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Sambucus nigra
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name European elder (Sambucus nigra) is an outdoor ornamental
introduced from Europe. Several cultivars may be available in
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Canada. This shrub contains cyanogenic glycosides. Swine have
been poisoned in Europe, and circumstantial reports of poisoning
of cattle and turkeys have been noted. Berries eaten raw can
cause nausea and vomiting in humans (Cooper and Johnson
1984). Children should not be allowed to ingest the berries.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Sambucus nigra L.
Vernacular name(s): European elder
nigra
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Sambucus nigra:

The bark, leaves, and berries can cause poisoning in animals. The
roots and stems have caused poisoning in humans. Ingesting
quantities of uncooked berries can cause nausea (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
bark
leaves
mature fruit
roots
stems
References:

Two cyanogenic glycosides, sambunigrin and vicianin, occur in
black elderberry. Hydrocyanic acid can be released in animals by
the action of plant enzymes after ingestion (Tewe and Iyayi
1989).

sambunigrin
vicianin
References:
Humans
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Humans have developed nausea and vomiting after ingesting
uncooked berries. Cooking destroys the toxin. Children were
poisoned when they used the hollow stems of elders as pipes
References:
Swine
abdominal pains
breathing, rapid
death
diarrhea
salivation
trembling
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
In one European case, pigs ate young leaves and within a day
showed symptoms, including salivation, vomiting, abdominal
pain, diarrhea, paralysis, trembling, and unsteadiness. Several
pigs died (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) is a native shrub found in
western Canada from southwestern Saskatchewan to southeastern
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites British Columbia. In the western United States, sheep that
ingested this plant became ill and died. Oxalates are present in all
parts of the plant but are concentrated in the leaves. This plant is
regarded as valuable forage. Toxicity can be avoided with good
animal management (Kingsbury 1964, Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
189-199.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Sarcobatus vermiculatus (Hook.) Torr.
Vernacular name(s): greasewood
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Sarcobatus
vermiculatus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Sarcobatus vermiculatus:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

Oxalates are found in greasewood. On a dry-weight basis the total
content was measured at between 10 and 22%, mostly as soluble
salts. The oxalate content is greatest in the leaves, the amount
increasing with maturity. Ingesting plant material equal to
1.5-5.0% of and animal''s body weight can cause toxicity in sheep
(Kingsbury 1964).

oxalate
References:
Sheep
coma
death
depression
prostration
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
In the western United States, 1000 sheep were lost at a single
time. Symptoms occur within 3-5 h of ingesting a toxic quantity
of greasewood plant. Symptoms may occur abruptly after animals
have been watered. Toxic signs include depression, weakness,
prostration, coma, and death. Respiration and heart action grow
progressively weaker, and death occurs in 12-20 h. Hypocalcemia
is caused by the formation of calcium oxalate in the system.
Microscopic lesions occur in the kidney tubules (Kingsbury 1964,
Scimeca and Oehme 1985).
References:

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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: Scilla

siberica
Interactive
Botanical name
Siberian scilla (Scilla siberica) is a hardy perennial bulb planted outdoors, and
All poisonous plants by sometimes forced indoors, for its beautiful early spring flowers. The entire
plant contains cardiac glycosides, which can potentially cause poisoning if
Common name
ingested. No cases of poisoning have been documented. This is not a good
plant to have around children or pets, which have a habit of chewing leaves.
Important WWW
Other Scilla species may be available in Canada and may also contain toxins.
Poisonous Plants sites Scilla species may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals (Lampe and
McCann 1985, Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
References:
Spoerke, D. G., Smolinske, S. C. 1990. Toxicity of houseplants. CRC Press,
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Scilla siberica Andr.
Vernacular name(s): Siberian scilla
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Scilla siberica
References:

Bailey, L. H., Bailey, E. Z. 1976. Hortus third. Revised. MacMillan, New York,
N.Y., USA. 1290 pp.
Publ. Bot. 7(1)-7(4). 1711 pp.
References:
Bailey, L. H., Bailey, E. Z. 1976. Hortus third. Revised. MacMillan, New York,
N.Y., USA. 1290 pp.
Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94: 131-157;
471-528; 625-655.
Scilla siberica:

The entire plant contains the toxins, including the bulbs and flowers (Lampe
and McCann 1985).
Toxic parts:
all parts
bulbs
flowers
leaves
References:


Many Scilla species contain cardiac glycosides, scilla-dienolides, which act like
digitalis (Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).

scilla-dienolides

References:
Humans
abdominal pains
diarrhea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms can include pain in the mouth cavity, abdominal pains, cramps,
diarrhea, and an irregular pulse. Several species of Scilla are reported to irritate
the skin of sensitive individuals (Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
References:
Another search?
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Entire-leaved groundsel (Senecio integerrimus) is a native herb
found through parts of western Canada in the prairies, parklands,
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites and parts of the Rocky Mountains. This plant has caused
experimentally chronic poisoning of cattle and horses. Ingesting
the plant material over long periods causes irreversible liver
damage in animals. This plant grows when other forage is
abundant so that it is not a a toxic threat unless forage is scarce or
the plant is abundant in an area to be cut for hay (Clawson 1933).
References:
Clawson, A. B. 1933. The American groundsels species of
Senecio as stock poisoning plants. Vet. Med. Small Anim. Clin.,
28: 105-110.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Senecio integerrimus Nutt.
Vernacular name(s): entire-leaved groundsel
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Senecio
integerrimus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Senecio integerrimus:

Ingesting the aboveground parts caused poisoning of cattle and
horses in experiments. Two cows died after ingesting 92.3 and
135% of their body weight in green plants. A horse fed plants
equal to 156% of its body weight (in 81 days) died. A horse fed
76% of its body weight (in 79 days) suffered liver damage. Sheep
fed 4.5 kg of green plant material for 28 days showed no
symptoms. Liver damage results from ingesting this plant
material but takes a long time to develop (Clawson 1933).
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
stems
References:
28: 105-110.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are found in other toxic members of the
genus Senecio and are probably the chemicals responsible for
cases of poisoning found in experiments.

unknown chemical
References:
28: 105-110.
Cattle
death
depression
icterus
liver, cirrhosis of
restlessness
weakness
weight loss
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental ingestion of plant material caused poisoning and
death in cattle. Symptoms are similar to poisoning by other
members of the genus Senecio, with liver damage causing many
of the symptoms. Signs included depression, a peculiar sweet
odor from the skin, yellowish discoloration of mucous
membranes, itchiness, edema, serum oozing from the skin, and
liver damage (Clawson 1933).
References:
28: 105-110.
Horses
confusion
death
depression
icterus
restlessness
weakness
weight loss
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting plant material caused a yellowish discoloration of
mucous membranes, a sweet odor from the skin, depression,
weakness, restless walking and, after 1 or 2 days, insensibility to
objects and pushing against obstacles, urine discoloration, and
death. All horses that showed definite symptoms died. Liver
damage was apparent upon postmortem examination (Clawson
1933).
References:
28: 105-110.
Sheep
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Senecio jacobaea
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) is a naturalized herb that is
found in fields in eastern Canada and British Columbia. This
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which primarily cause
irreversible liver cirrhosis in animals that ingest them. This plant
has poisoned cattle and horses, and possibly goats. In the late
19th century and early 20th century, the mysterious Pictou cattle
disease in Nova Scotia resulted in heavy losses of cattle. Tansy
ragwort ingestion was recognized as causing the problem. In the
1960s cattle losses in Oregon valued at several million dollars
were attributed to tansy ragwort ingestion. This plant should be
eradicated from forage and crops (Cheeke and Schull 1985,
Huxtable 1989). Animals and humans may be poisoned if they
drink the milk of animals that have ingested this plant (Molyneux
and James 1990, Bain 1990).
References:
Bain, J. F. 1991. The biology of Canadian weeds. 96. Senecio
jacobaea L. Can. J. Plant Sci., 71: 127-140.
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Molyneux, R. J., James, L. F. 1990. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in
milk: thresholds of intoxication. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 32: 94-103.
Pearson, E. G. 1977. Clinical manifestations of tansy ragwort
poisoning. Mod. Vet. Pract., 57: 421-424.

Pearson, E. G. 1991. Liver failure attributable to pyrrolizidine
alkaloid toxicosis and associated with inspiratory dyspnea in
ponies: three cases (1982-1988). J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 198:
1651-1654.
Pethick, W. H. 1921. Pictou cattle disease. Can. Vet. Rec., 2:
13-16.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Senecio jacobaea L.
Vernacular name(s): tansy ragwort
jacobaea
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario

Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Senecio jacobaea:

All parts of the plant contain toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The
flowers contain the highest concentration of the toxins. The
concentration in the leaves increases to a maximum just before
flower maturity (Johnson and Molyneux 1986).
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
stems
References:
Johnson, A. E., Molyneux, R. J. 1986. The pyrrolizidine alkaloid
free base and N-oxide content of toxic range plants. J. Toxicol.
Toxin Rev., 5: 256.
13-16.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids such as jacobine and seneciphylline are
found in tansy ragwort. The content of these alkaloids has been
measured at a mean of 0.31% (Cheeke and Schull 1985, Johnson
and Molyneux 1986).

jacobine
seneciphylline
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Toxin Rev., 5: 256.
Cattle
abdominal edema
agitation
anorexia
diarrhea
jaundice
liver, cirrhosis of
nervousness
Notes on poisoning:
So-called Pictou disease was identified in Pictou county, N. S., in
cattle and horses; it also occurred in Prince Edward Island. For 20
years, the Canadian government ordered affected herds to be
slaughtered before feeding trials confirmed, in 1906, that
ingestion of tansy ragwort was responsible. The pyrrolizidine
alkaloids cause irreversible liver cirrhosis, with pronounced
fibrosis and biliary hyperplasia. Other symptoms include a
peculiar bleached color of the hair, nervousness, incoordination,
coma, and death. A rapid loss of milk production occurs in
lactating cattle, and the milk may taste bitter with an unpleasant
odor. Postmortem findings showed liver cirrhosis, often an
enlarged gall bladder, abdominal edema, and edema in the
mucosa and submucosa of the stomach and intestine (Pethick
1921, Cheeke and Schull 1985, Scimeca and Oehme 1985).
In a case in Oregon, a 3-week-old calf died. Post-mortem findings
showed signs of liver cirrhosis; tansy ragwort poisoning was

diagnosed. The dam did not show any signs of tansy ragwort
poisoning. Milk from goats was also shown to pass the
pyrrolizidine alkaloid (Pearson 1977).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Pearson, E. G. 1977. Clinical manifestations of tansy ragwort
poisoning. Mod. Vet. Pract., 57: 421-424.
13-16.
Goats
abdominal edema
liver, cirrhosis of
Notes on poisoning:
Goats are not usually poisoned, but if they are fed tansy ragwort
they produce mutagenic milk. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids are
found in the milk (Huxtable 1989).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Horses
abdominal edema
coma
death
depression
dyspnea
gait, staggering
incoordination
jaundice
liver, cirrhosis of
skin, peeling of
weight loss
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Pearson, E. G. 1991. Liver failure attributable to pyrrolizidine
alkaloid toxicosis and associated with inspiratory dyspnea in
ponies: three cases (1982-1988). J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 198:
1651-1654.
Humans
liver, cirrhosis of
Notes on poisoning:
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids from tansy ragwort were found in honey
produced in Oregon and Washington states. The honey is
off-color and bitter and is usually not sold. The amount of toxin is
so low that acute symptoms of poisoning are unlikely. However,
because the effects are cumulative, long term ingestion of this
honey cannot be considered safe. There are no records of toxicity
from ingesting honey (Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Sheep
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Senecio vulgaris
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) is a naturalized herb found
across much of Canada in fields and waste places. This plant
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which cause irreversible liver
damage after chronic exposure. Cattle and horses have died after
ingesting common groundsel. Humans use this plant in teas and
herbal remedies in some parts of the world. Death occurred after
some species of the genus Senecio were ingested. Humans should
not ingest foods that contain any plant material from this genus.
In a case of prenatal exposure, a mother ingested tea containing
an estimated 0.343 mg of senecionine, resulting in fatal
veno-occlusive disease in a newborn infant (Huxtable 1989,
Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
References:
Lessard, P., Wilson, W. D., Olander, H. J., Rogers, Q. R.,
Mendel, V. E. 1986. Clinicopathologic study of horses surviving
pyrrolizidine alkaloid (Senecio vulgaris) toxicosis. Am. J. Vet.
Res., 47: 1776-1780.
Mendel, V. E., Witt, M. R., Gitchell, B. S., Gribble, D. N.,
Rogers, Q. R., Segall, H. J., Knight, H. D. 1988. Pyrrolizidine
alkaloid-induced liver disease in horses: an early diagnosis. Am.
J. Vet. Res., 49: 572-578.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Senecio vulgaris L.
Vernacular name(s): common groundsel
vulgaris
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Senecio vulgaris:

The highest concentration of pyrrolizidine alkaloids is found in
the flowers and the lowest in the roots. The amount of toxin
increases in the leaves, reaching a maximum just before flower
maturity (Johnson and Molyneux 1986).
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
References:
Toxin Rev., 5: 256.

Senecionine, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, is found in common
groundsel. A total of less than 1% alkaloids was measured
(Johnson and Molyneux 1986, Huxtable 1989).

senecionine

References:
Cattle
blindness
death
incoordination
liver, cirrhosis of
prostration
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle were poisoned after ingesting common groundsel. In some
cases, calves 3-8 months old died, whereas older cows showed no
clinical signs. Calves from cows eating contaminated hay during
pregnancy died the following autumn. The same effects were
obtained experimentally from the offspring of rats fed the toxins
during pregnancy. Other symptoms include nervousness,
incoordination, pushing against objects, walking in circles, and
blindness with glazed eyes (Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Horses
anorexia
ataxia
death
depression
diarrhea
hemoglobinuria
liver, cirrhosis of
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting common groundsel leads to sickness and death. Early
symptoms include anorexia and listlessness. Animal owners do
not usually notice problems until liver damage occurs.
Experimental tests show that routine measurement of food intake
and weekly body weight can alert owners to pyrrolizidine
poisoning early enough so that liver damage can be reduced.
Measuring the serum bile acid is the best way to predict animal
survival. Liver damage was induced in horses after they ingested
an average of 233 +/- 9.2 mg of pyrrolizidine alkaloid per
kilogram of body weight. Other symptoms include ataxia, head
pressing, and stall walking. Megalocytic hepatopathy develops.
Liver damage is often severe before obvious clinical signs
develop (Lessard et al. 1986, Mendel et al. 1988).
References:
Res., 47: 1776-1780.
J. Vet. Res., 49: 572-578.
Humans
liver, cirrhosis of
Notes on poisoning:
Common groundsel is used in herbal medicine and teas around
the world. Humans should not ingest any foods, teas, or remedies
that contain any plant material from the genus Senecio. Chronic
poisoning occurs, resulting in veno-occlusive disease in children
and Budd-Chiari syndrome (more commonly) in adults (Huxtable
1989).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Sinapis arvensis
Interactive
name
Wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis) is a naturalized herb found in fields

All poisonous plants by Common and waste places across Canada. Cattle have been poisoned after
ingesting hay containing large quantities of wild mustard seed. This
name
plant contains glucosinolates. See the general notes under Brassica
oleracea, which further explain the poisoning potential of plants that
contain these chemicals.
sites
References:
Gwatkin, R., Moynihan, I. W. 1943. Wild mustard seed poisoning in
cattle. Can. J. Comp. Med., 7: 76-77.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Sinapis arvensis L.
Vernacular name(s): wild mustard
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Sinapis arvensis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Sinapis arvensis:
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
References:

Mulligan, G. A., Bailey, L. G. 1975. The biology of Canadian weeds.
8. Sinapis arvensis L. Can. J. Plant Sci., 55: 171-183.

glucosinolates
glucosinolates
glucosinolates

References:
Cattle

collapse
death
gait, staggering
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle have been poisoned in Canada after ingesting hay containing
large quantities of wild mustard seed. The cattle first produced
excessive saliva, after which they staggered, collapsed, and died
(Gwatkin and Moynihan 1943).
References:
Swine
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: Solanum

dulcamara
Interactive
Botanical name
Climbing nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) is a naturalized woody vine

that is found along fencerows, among shrubbery, and at wood edges across
most of southern Canada. The plant, especially in its green immature fruits,
Common name
contains steroidal alkaloids, which have caused poisoning in cattle and
sheep. Humans may have been poisoned after ingesting immature berries.
Important WWW Poisonous Recent experiments show that the mature red berries contain only a small
Plants sites
amount of toxin and have little chance of harming children (Alexander et
al. 1948, Cooper and Johnson 1984, Hornfeldt and Collins 1989).
References:
Alexander, R. F., Forbes, G. B., Hawkins, E. S. 1948. A fatal case of
solanine poisoning. Br. Med. J., 2: 518.
England. 305 pp.
Hornfeldt, C. S., Collins, J. E. 1989. Determination of the toxicity of
nightshade berries, Solanum dulcamara. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 31: 363.
Hornfeldt, C. S., Collins, J. E. 1990. Toxicity of nightshade berries
(Solanum dulcamara) in mice. Clin. Toxicol., 28: 185-192.
Keeler, R. F., Baker, D. C., Gaffield, W. 1990. Spirosolane-containing
Solanum species and induction of congenital craniofacial malformations.
Toxicon, 28: 873-884.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Solanum dulcamara L.
Vernacular name(s): climbing nightshade

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Solanum dulcamara
References:
132 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Solanum dulcamara:

The immature green berries of climbing nightshade have been shown to be
toxic to hamsters and mice. Mature red berries did not cause symptoms in
mice. Doses were administered (8 mg/kg by orogastric needle) and
symptoms occurred within 5-24 h when green berries were given. Ripened
berries of climbing nightshade do not appear to present a hazard to children
(Baker et al. 1989, Hornfeldt and Collins 1989).
Toxic parts:
immature fruit
leaves
References:
Baker, D. C., Keeler, R. F., Gaffield, W. 1989. Pathology in hamsters
administered Solanum plant species that contain steroidal alkaloids.
Toxicon, 27: 1331-1337.
England. 305 pp.

Immature green berries of climbing nightshade contain parent steroidal
alkaloid aglycones: 50% solasodine and 50% of another aglycone thought
to be soladulcidine. The total alkaloid concentration has been found to be
0.030% of dry matter in the green berries. Water gavage of dry green fruit
suspension caused some deaths when given at the rate of 1.4-2.0 g per
hamster (avg. wt. 190 g) (Baker et al. 1989).

soladulcidine
solanine
solasodine
References:
Toxicon, 27: 1331-1337.
Cattle
incoordination
muscle spasms
nervousness
regurgitation
salivation
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle that ingested the plant in Britain exhibited symptoms of nervousness,
rapid pulse, incoordination, and edema to the front part of the body. The
flesh of a slaughtered animal smelled strongly of the plant (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
England. 305 pp.
Humans
abdominal pains
breathing, labored
death
dyspnea
gastroenteritis
lethargy
thirsty
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
A child who probably ingested the berries of climbing nightshade died 2
days after exhibiting symptoms of vomiting, weakness, thirst, abdominal
pain, dyspnea, and cyanosis. Postmortem examination showed acute
inflammation of the mucosa of the stomach and intestines. An alkaloid (7
mg) characteristic of solanine was found in the liver. The evidence is not
conclusive, but the child was eating blackberries in an area full of climbing
nightshade berries (Alexander et al. 1948).
References:
Rodents
breathing, labored
craniofacial problems
death
Notes on poisoning:
Tests with mice show that ingesting green (unripe) berries can cause
gastroenteritis lesions, labored breathing, and lethargy. Villous atrophy of
the small intestine also occurred. The red (ripe) berries did not cause any
problems (Hornfeldt and Collins 1990). Tests with unripe berries on
pregnant hamsters induced congenital craniofacial malformations in fetuses

in 16% of cases. Dosages administered were high, resulting in the death of
some dams. Severe gastrointestinal necrosis caused the deaths. Fetuses
showed encephalocele with occasional cleft palate and harelip. Another
member of the genus (Solanum sarrachoides Sendt.; hairy nightshade) also
caused a few problems in fetuses, but the numbers were not statistically
significant (Keeler et al. 1990).
References:
Toxicon, 28: 873-884.
Sheep
death
diarrhea
falling down
gait, staggering
pupil dilation
Notes on poisoning:
In one case in Britain, sheep ingested climbing nightshade plant material
and developed rapid respiration, feeble pulse, elevated temperature, dilated
pupils, and green diarrhea, then death. Postmortem findings showed dark,
tarry blood, contracted ventricles, and plant material in the stomach
References:
England. 305 pp.
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Important Notices
Introduction

nigrum
Interactive
Botanical name
Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is a naturalized herb found scattered

across southern Canada in waste places. This plant can be easily confused
with eastern black nightshade, a native herb, which is more commonly
Common name
found in its range in eastern Canada (see taxonomy and distributions in
Ogg et al. 1981, Bassett and Munro 1985). Black nightshade contains toxic
Important WWW Poisonous glycoalkaloids in the plant. The highest concentration is in the green
Plants sites
immature berries. All kinds of animals can be poisoned after ingesting
nightshade including cattle, sheep, poultry, and swine. Children have been
poisoned and have died after ingesting unripe berries. The ripe berries
cause reduced symptoms of mild abdominal pains, vomiting, and diarrhea
(Cooper and Johnson 1984, Lampe and McCann 1985). Some Canadian
garden catalogs sell seed for garden huckleberry (Solanum melanocerasum
All.; also previously known as Solanum nigrum L. var. guineense L.). This
plant has edible black fruits that can be cooked for use in pies, jams, and
preserves. The plant may persist from seed for more than a year in gardens
in warmer parts of Canada. There is no evidence that the ripe fruits are
toxic. Other species of nightshade occur in Canada, and some may contain
small amounts of toxins. Eastern black nightshade (Solanum ptycanthum
Dun ex DC.) may contain small amounts of toxin in the green berries.
Berries of hairy nightshade (Solanum sarrachoides Sendt.) have been
tested as a teratogen in hamsters but the results were not statistically
significant (Keeler et al .1990).
References:
Bassett, I. J., Munro, D. B. 1985. The biology of Canadian weeds. 67.
Solanum ptycanthum Dun., S. nigrum L. and S. sarrachoides Sendt. Can. J.
Plant Sci., 65: 401-414.
England. 305 pp.

Toxicon, 28: 873-884.
Ogg, A. G., Rogers, B. S., Schilling, E. E. 1981. Characterization of black
nightshade (Solanum nigrum) and related species in the United States.
Weed Sci., 29: 27-32.
Reynard, G. B., Norton, J. B. 1942. Poisonous plants of Maryland in
relation to livestock. Univ. MD. Agric. Exp. Stn. Bull., A10. 312 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Solanum nigrum L.
Vernacular name(s): black nightshade
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Solanum nigrum
References:
132 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Solanum nigrum:

All parts of the plant contain alkaloids, especially the green immature
berries. The concentration increases in the leaves until plant maturity. The
ripe black berries contain little alkaloidal content and can sometimes be
eaten with no harmful effects(Cooper and Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
all parts
immature fruit
leaves
References:
England. 305 pp.

Toxic glycoalkaloids, including solanine, solasodine, and chaconine are
found in black nightshade, especially in the green immature berries.
Nitrates can also accumulate in the plant material (Cooper and Johnson
1984).

chaconine
nitrate
solanine
solasodine
References:
England. 305 pp.
Cattle
breathing, labored
constipation
death
diarrhea
incoordination
muzzle, dry
pupil dilation
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of poisoning are similar to those for swine. Cattle can also
develop edema from the lower jaw to the front of the legs (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
England. 305 pp.
Humans
abdominal pains
death
diarrhea
dizziness
unconsciousness
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Humans have been poisoned and have died (rarely) after ingesting usually
green immature berries. Ripe, black berries have little toxin in them,
although abdominal pains and vomiting could occur. Symptoms usually
occur only after a latent period of several hours and may persist for several
days. Symptoms resemble those of bacterial gastroenteritis and include
headache, speech impairment, and unconsciousness (Cooper and Johnson
References:
England. 305 pp.
Poultry

death
Notes on poisoning:
In one case in Maryland, over 300 pullets died when they were allowed to
feed on a field overgrown with black nightshade (Reynard and Norton
1942).
References:
England. 305 pp.
Swine
breathing, rapid
death
incoordination
muscle spasms
Notes on poisoning:
Pigs have been poisoned after ingesting black nightshade. Symptoms
included rapid pulse and respiration, pale mucous membranes, dilated
pupils, depressed temperature, incoordination, and tremors (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
England. 305 pp.
Another search?
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
name
Jerusalem-cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) is an indoor

All poisonous plants by Common ornamental grown for its colorful berries. This plant contains an
alkaloid, solanocapsine, that is related to solanine. Experiments have
name
shown that the chemical can cause death, although it is unlikely
because oral absorption of the toxin is minimal. Experiments with
Important WWW Poisonous Plants cats and rats have shown that oral ingesting leaves and berries has
sites
not caused severe symptoms. By extrapolation, children or family
pets that ingest moderate amounts of leaf or berry material may
experience mild gastroenteritis and vomiting (Der Marderosian et al.
1976, Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
References:
Phytochemical and toxicological screening of household ornamental
plants potentially toxic to humans. 1. J. Toxicol. Environ. Health, 1:
939-953.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Solanum pseudocapsicum L.
Vernacular name(s): Jerusalem-cherry
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Solanum
pseudocapsicum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Solanum pseudocapsicum:

In experiments, extracts of the unripe and ripe berries have caused
deaths in rats; the doses were very high and were given
intraperitoneally. However, rats that ingested leaves did not die.
Humans who ingest berries probably experience only mild
gastrointestinal effects (Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
Toxic parts:
immature fruit
leaves
mature fruit
References:
939-953.

Solanocapsine is an alkaloid that is structurally similar to solanine.
It has a similar steroidal skeleton with an additional nitrogen group,
but it is not a glycoside. Slowing of frog hearts has been shown with
concentrations as low as 1:8 million. Oral absorption is minimal in
animals. Rats experimentally injected with extracts from berries of
Jerusalem-cherry (intraperitoneally, 3 g/100 g of body weight)
resulted in the following fatalities:
ripe fruit => 3 out of 5 rats killed
unripe fruit => 4 out of 5 rats killed
These results indicate that death is possible, although the dosages
given were very high (Der Marderosian et al. 1976, Spoerke and
Smolinske 1990).

solanocapsine
References:
939-953.
Cats
heart rate, slow
Notes on poisoning:
Oral administration of pure solanocapsine has produced only slow
heart rate and vomiting. Injection resulted in seizures and death.
Oral ingestion of berries or leaves would likely produce only mild
gastroenteritis and vomiting (Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
References:
939-953.
Humans
abdominal pains
gastroenteritis
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Experiments on animals suggest that children who ingest leaf or
berry material might suffer only mild gastroenteritis or vomiting.
Nevertheless, children should be taught to avoid eating these plants
(Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction

tuberosum
Interactive
Botanical name
Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a common introduced garden plant

cultivated for its edible tubers. The entire plant contains toxic
glycoalkaloids but usually in harmless quantities in the edible tubers.
Common name
However, in the presence of light, the tubers photosynthesize and
coincidentally increase the amount of toxins. The skin, eyes, and sprouts of
Important WWW Poisonous the tubers can develop toxic amounts. Even the flesh of the tuber can
Plants sites
develop toxic quantities of the glycoalkaloids. Cattle, sheep, and swine as
well as humans were poisoned and died after ingesting parts of potato
plant. Other animals were also been poisoned experimentally. A dog
became comatose after ingesting green potato tubers. The aboveground
plant portion can also be toxic. The berries produced by the plant can
contain 10-20 times more glycoalkaloids than the tubers (Cooper and
Johnson 1984). The glycoalkaloids solanine and chaconine are not
destroyed by normal cooking. Alkaloidal levels above 20 mg/100 g are
considered unsafe for human consumption. Some cultivars have naturally
high concentrations of alkaloids and have been rejected for use. Care
should be taken to store potatoes in light-proof paper bags. If any
green-colored potatoes are found, they should be discarded. Potato peelings
and sprouts destined for a compost heap should be buried and kept from
dogs or other animals. Sharma and Salunkhe (1989) provide an excellent
review of potatoes and toxins and their effects on animals.
References:
Clay, B. R., Edwards, W. C., Peterson, D. R. 1976. Toxic nitrate
accumulation in the sorghums. Bovine Pract., 11: 28-32.
England. 305 pp.
Toxicon, 28: 873-884.
McMillan, M., Thompson, J. C. 1979. An outbreak of suspected solanine

poisoning in schoolboys: examination of criteria of solanine poisoning. Q.
J. Med., 48: 227-243.
Sharma, R. P., Salunkhe, D. K. 1989. Solanum glycoalkaloids. Pages
179-236 in Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. I. Alkaloids.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Solanum tuberosum L.
Vernacular name(s): potato
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Solanum tuberosum
References:
132 pp.
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Solanum tuberosum:

Potato tubers can develop toxic levels of glycoalkaloids if they are exposed
to sunlight. The development of the toxins coincides with the production of
chlorophyll in the presence of light. The toxins are highest in the skin,
eyes, and sprouts. In a test on rats fed 10% sprouts from early pregnancy,
55% of litters died because of failure to lactate. Potato cultivars, such as
''Lenape'' have been developed with natural toxic levels of alkaloids in the
tubers; these cultivars have not been released for use. The leaves, stems,
and berries of potato also contain toxic substances. The concentration of
alkaloids in the berries may be 10-20 times that of the tubers (Butterworth
and Pelling 1980, Cooper and Johnson 1984, Cheeke and Schull 1985,
Salunkhe 1989).
Toxic parts:
immature fruit
leaves
stems
tubers
References:
Butterworth, K. R., Pelling, D. 1980. Are potato 'apples' toxic? J. Pharm.
Pharmocol., 32: 79 P.
Cheeke, P. R., Shull, L. R. 1985. Natural toxicants in feeds and poisonous
plants. AVI Publishing Company, Inc., Westport, Conn., USA. 492 pp.
England. 305 pp.

Two glycoalkaloids, alpha-solanine and alpha-chaconine, are the major
alkaloids in potatoes. The major effects are gastrointestinal tract irritation
and nervous system impairment. Exposing the potato tubers to light may
increase the concentration of glycoalkaloids to 0.05% in the tuber instead
of the usual 0.008%. Potatoes are now screened for toxin levels, which
must be below 20 mg/100 g. Levels above 14 mg/100 g are bitter. One
variety developed in the 1960s, ''Lenape'', had levels over 30 mg/100 g and
was rejected. Berries of potatoes have also been tested and an LD-50 of
677 g/kg was found in mice. It has been estimated that ingesting 400 g of
potato berries would be required to induce symptoms in humans
(Butterworth and Pelling 1980, Filadelfi 1982; Cooper and Johnson 1984,
Sharma and Salunkhe 1989).

chaconine
solanine

References:
England. 305 pp.
Filadelfi, M. A. 1982. Naturally occurring toxicants in the potato.
Herbarist, 48: 21-23.
Cattle
anemia
anorexia
convulsions
death
diarrhea
restlessness
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle were poisoning after they were given access to green, decayed, or
sprouting potatoes. In Europe, feeding large quantities of stored potatoes to
young cattle over long periods is recognised as causing severe anemia
References:
England. 305 pp.
Dogs
breathing, labored
coma
pupil dilation
References:
England. 305 pp.
Humans
abdominal pains
confusion
death
drowsiness
gastroenteritis
hallucination
headache
trembling
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting potatoes with green flesh, skin, or tubers causes sickness and, in
some cases, human fatalities. Symptoms of ingestion include those
common to gastrointestinal problems and nervous disorders. Clinical signs
include headache, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Neurological
symptoms include apathy, restlessness, drowsiness, stupor, confusion,
hallucinations, dizziness, trembling, and visual impairment. In severe
cases, fatalities occur. Certain birth defects are believed to result from
ingesting potatoes infected with potato blight (Phytophthora infestans).
However, no definitive proof has been found yet (McMillan and Thompson
1979, Sharma and Salunkhe 1989).
References:
J. Med., 48: 227-243.
Rodents
gastroenteritis
Notes on poisoning:
Pregnant hamsters were gavaged with potato sprout material. Some dams
died as a result of experimentally ingesting sprout material. Fetal
craniofacial malformations occurred in 24% of cases (Keeler et al. 1990).
References:
Toxicon, 28: 873-884.
Sheep
death
incoordination
weakness
References:
England. 305 pp.
Swine
anorexia
coma
convulsions
diarrhea
incoordination
pupil dilation
restlessness
salivation
vomiting
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
In Europe, swine that ingested potatoes were poisoned and subsequently
died. Some animals died suddenly, whereas others showed signs of
incoordination, convulsions, and appeared dazed. Additional symptoms
included anorexia, excess salivation, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation,
and circulatory failure. Some cases required amputation, resulting from
necrosis of the feet (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
England. 305 pp.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Solidago mollis
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Velvety goldenrod (Solidago mollis) is a native herb found in the
southern prairie provinces. This plant was fed experimentally to
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites sheep, killing them. The corrosive resins have caused weight loss
in calves, sheep, and small laboratory animals. The toxin has not
been determined. In the United States, some other goldenrods
(Solidago spp.) were shown to be poisonous. The presence of a
fungal rust on the plants was implicated in the poisoning (Beath
et al. 1953, Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Bull., 324. 94 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Solidago mollis Bartl.
Vernacular name(s): velvety goldenrod
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Solidago
mollis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Solidago mollis:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:
Bull., 324. 94 pp.

unknown chemical
References:
Bull., 324. 94 pp.
Cattle
weight loss
Notes on poisoning:
Administering small amounts of the resin to calves caused a loss
of body weight. The same resin given to small laboratory animals
caused severe weight loss (Beath et al. 1953).
References:
Bull., 324. 94 pp.
Sheep
breathing, rapid
death
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Doses of 0.45 kg of partly dried plant material given 4 h apart
caused death in 12 h. Symptoms included nausea, vomiting,
distress, and accelerated respiration. Small amounts of the
corrosive resin caused a loss of body weight (Beath et al. 1953).
References:
Bull., 324. 94 pp.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Sorghum bicolor
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is a cultivated plant grown as
ensilage, as poultry feed, or sometimes as broomcorn, for its long,
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites flexible, high-quality broom fibers. Sorghum can contain a
cyanogenic glycoside that can produce HCN during times of
stress or if damaged by frost or mastication. Modern sorghums
have been developed for their low HCN potential and are
normally safe. Sorghum can also accumulate toxic levels of
nitrates. Cattle and rarely horses have been poisoned (Kingsbury
1964, Gray et al. 1968, Clay et al. 1976).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Gray, E., Rice, J. S., Wattenbarger, D., Benson, J. A., Hester, A.
J., Loyd, R. C., Greene, B. M. 1968. Hydrocyanic acid potential
of Sorghum plants grown in Tennessee. Tenn. Agric. Exp. Stn.
Bull., 445. 48 pp.
Morgan, S. E., Johnson, B., Brewer, B., Walker, J. 1990.
Sorghum cystitis ataxia syndrome in horses. Vet. Hum. Toxicol.,
32: 582.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench
Vernacular name(s): Sorghum
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Sorghum
bicolor
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Sorghum bicolor:

Damaged leaves and stems can release HCN. Since HCN is
volatile, silage made from this plant is generally safe (Cheeke and
Schull 1985).
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.

In the presence of plant enzymes released by damage, a
cyanogenic glycoside, dhurrin, produces hydrocyanic acid (HCN)
in the animal''s system. Levels of cyanide at 250 mg/100 g of
plant tissue have been measured after damage. A lethal dose of
cyanide is 0.5-3 mg/kg of body weight. Some sorghum plants
have been measured with levels 10 times a lethal of HCN

dhurrin
nitrate

References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
abortion
coma
convulsions
cyanosis
death
dyspnea
gait, staggering
methemoglobinemia
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Bull., 445. 48 pp.
Horses

abortion
incoordination
Notes on poisoning:
In the United States sublethal doses of HCN caused degeneration
of the lumbar and sacral segments of the spinal cord in horses
after they ingested sorghum. Large quantities of sediment occur
in the urine. If forced to move, affected horses sway from side to
side and dribble urine, a condition known as sorghum cystitis
ataxia. Other symptoms include an extremely enlarged bladder
and patchy encephalomalacia with axonal degeneration. Damage
is permanent. When fed sorghums during early pregnancy, mares
have aborted. The causal toxin has not been determined yet
(Fuller and McClintock 1986, Morgan et al. 1990).
References:
Morgan, S. E., Johnson, B., Brewer, B., Walker, J. 1990.
Sorghum cystitis ataxia syndrome in horses. Vet. Hum. Toxicol.,
32: 582.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Sorghum halepense
Interactive
Botanical name
Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) is a naturalized herb found as a weed

in only a few counties of southwestern Ontario. This plant can produce
toxic quantities of HCN if it is damaged through frost, mastication, or
Common name
water stress. Johnson grass can also accumulate toxic amounts of nitrate
under certain circumstances. Cattle and a horse were poisoned after
Important WWW Poisonous ingesting Johnson grass. Plants are spread from rhizomes but susceptibility
Plants sites
to severe frost has limited the plants to a few counties in southwestern
Ontario. The grass is found in fields and field edges. Toxicity is not likely,
but ingesting large quantities of Johnson grass can cause problems (Gray et
al. 1968, Clay et al. 1976, Warwick and Black 1983).
References:
Gray, E., Rice, J. S., Wattenbarger, D., Benson, J. A., Hester, A. J., Loyd,
R. C., Greene, B. M. 1968. Hydrocyanic acid potential of Sorghum plants
grown in Tennessee. Tenn. Agric. Exp. Stn. Bull., 445. 48 pp.
Warwick, S. I., Black, L. D. 1983. The biology of Canadian weeds. 61.
Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. Can. J. Plant Sci., 63: 997-1014.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.
Vernacular name(s): Johnson grass
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Sorghum halepense
References:
132 pp.
Ontario
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Sorghum halepense:

The hydrocyanic potential of Johnson grass is largest during early growth
of the plant (Gray et al. 1968).
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

A cyanogenic glycoside, dhurrin, is found in Johnson grass. After the plant
has been damaged by mastication, plant enzymes convert the glycoside to
other chemicals, including HCN. Cyanide, which is lethal, is released into
the animal''s system . Nitrates can accumulate under some circumstances.
Nitrate poisoning has occurred in cattle (Gray et al. 1968, Clay et al.
1976).

chaconine
dhurrin
nitrate
References:
Cattle
abortion
breathing, rapid
death
gait, staggering
methemoglobinemia
mouth, frothing of
Notes on poisoning:
Johnson grass can accumulate toxic levels of nitrates, which leads to
methemoglobinemia. In severe cases, death can occur 4-6 h after ingestion.
Three to five days after acute poisoning, surviving pregnant animals may
abort (Clay et al. 1976). Dhurrin, a cyanogenic glycoside, is found in plant
material. When the plant is damaged by frost, mastication, or water stress,
HCN can be released and cyanide can enter the animal''s system.
Symptoms are the result of cytotoxic hypoxia, leading in severe cases to
death from asphyxiation. Other symptoms include increased respiration,
irregular pulse, frothing at the mouth, and staggering (Gray et al. 1968,
References:
Horses
Notes on poisoning:
In Maryland a horse died from cyanide poisoning after ingesting Johnson
grass (Reynard and Norton 1942).
References:
Another search?
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Sorghum sudanense
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanense) is a cultivated forage that is
planted as a late-season emergency forage crop and is either
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites pastured or cut for green feed. Some naturalized plants are
occasionally found in waste places. Sudan grass can have an
HCN potential after damage to the plant. It can also accumulate
toxic quantities of nitrates. These problems can be avoided by
proper management. Cattle are the main livestock animals that
have been poisoned. In one case in California, sheep became
photosensitive after ingesting Sudan grass pasture for several
days. The photodynamic pigment was not determined (Gray et al.
1968, Clay et al. 1976, Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Bull., 445. 48 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf
Vernacular name(s): Sudan grass
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Sorghum

sudanense
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Sorghum sudanense:

The HCN potential is greatest in younger plants. Damage to the
plant material is required for release of the volatile HCN (Gray et
al. 1968).
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:
Bull., 445. 48 pp.

Sudan grass contains a cyanogenic glycoside, dhurrin, that can
release HCN after plant damage such as frost, mastication, and
water stress and allows plant enzymes to alter the glycoside. If
enough HCN is released into the animal''s system, cyanide leads
to cytotoxic hypoxia, which can result in death by asphyxiation.
Nitrates can also accumulate to toxic levels in Sudan grass. A
case of photosensitization occurred in sheep. A photodynamic
pigment may be contained in Sudan grass (Gray et al. 1968, Clay
et al. 1976, Fuller and McClintock 1986).

dhurrin
nitrate
References:
Bull., 445. 48 pp.
Cattle
abortion
breathing, rapid
death
gait, staggering
methemoglobinemia
mouth, frothing of
Notes on poisoning:
The release of cyanide into the animal''s system leads to cytotoxic
hypoxia. In severe cases, death has resulted from asphyxiation.
Other symptoms include increased breathing rate, irregular pulse,
staggering, and frothing at the mouth. Nitrate poisoning causes
methemoglobinemia, which can result in death. From 3-5 days
after surviving acute poisoning, pregnant cows may abort (Gray
et al. 1968, Clay et al. 1976).
References:
Bull., 445. 48 pp.
Sheep
breathing, labored
erythema
itchiness
nasal discharge
References:
Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Suckleya suckleyana
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Poison suckleya (Suckleya suckleyana) is a native herb found in
the southern Saskatchewan and southern Alberta. This plant has
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites caused losses of cattle and possibly sheep in the western United
States. The plant is not normally ingested, but in times of scarce
forage, it may be eaten in sufficient amounts to cause death. It
contains an unknown cyanogenic glycoside that upon ingestion of
sufficient quantity can release cyanide in the animal system,
resulting in cytotoxic hypoxia. Experiments with cattle, sheep,
laboratory rabbits, and guinea pigs have shown the cyanogenic
potential of poison suckleya. This plant is not usually ingested by
animals and is not common in the southern prairies. However,
poisoning can occur (Thorp and Deem 1938, Berry and Gonzales
1986).
References:
Thorp, F., Deem, A. W. 1938. Suckleya suckleyana, a poisonous
plant. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 47: 192-197.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Suckleya suckleyana (Torr.) Rydb.
Vernacular name(s): poison suckleya
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Suckleya
suckleyana
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Suckleya suckleyana:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:
Berry, T. J., Gonzales, P. 1986. Do your cattle-owning clients
know about this poisonous range plant? Vet. Med., 81:
1055-1056.

An unknown cyanogenic glycoside is found in poison suckleya.
Upon ingestion, cyanide is released in the animal''s system. The
cyanide potential of this plant was measured at 0.01-0.24%. After
fasting, sheep showed transitory symptoms, with forced feedings
of large amounts of the plant containing 0.011% cyanide
potential. Plant material measured at 0.0364% cyanide potential
is lethal to cattle, guinea pigs, and sheep (Thorp and Deem 1938).

unknown chemical
References:
1055-1056.
Cattle
breathing, labored
cyanosis
gait, staggering
muscle twitching
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting abundant plant material causes cyanide to be released
into cattle. Symptoms include glassy eyes, muscular twitching,
dribbling urine, staggering, cyanosis, fast and weak heart, labored
breathing, spasms, and death by asphyxiation. Postmortem
findings showed black-colored blood, congestion of the mucous
membrane on the folds of the abomasum and initial part of the
duodenum, and a distended bladder. Treatment includes
intravenous sodium nitrate and sodium thiosulfate, with a laxative

to remove plant material from the rumen (Thorpe and Deem
1938, Berry and Gonzales 1986).
References:
Sheep
collapse
dyspnea
heart rate, slow
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
On the rangelands of the western United States, sheep were
believed to have died as a result of ingesting poison suckleya.
Sheep were experimentally poisoned after they were force-fed
plant material. Sickness and death resulted. Symptoms were
similar to those of cattle that died from cytotoxic hypoxia
(Thorpe and Deem 1938).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
name
Thin-leaved snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) is a native shrub

All poisonous plants by Common found throughout much of Canada in woods and open slopes. The
plant is also used as an ornamental shrub in many areas. The white
name
berries contain the isoquinoline alkaloid chelidonine, as well as
other alkaloids. Ingesting the berries causes mild symptoms of
Important WWW Poisonous Plants vomiting, dizziness, and slight sedation in children. The risk of
sites
severe poisoning does not appear great because of vomiting that
occurs after ingestion. Children should be discouraged from eating
the attractive white fruit (Lewis 1979, Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
432 pp.
Lewis, W. H. 1979. Snowberry (Symphoricarpos) poisoning in
children. J. Am. Med. Assoc., 242: 2663.
Turner, N. J., Szczawinski, A. F. 1991. Common poisonous plants
and mushrooms of North America. Timber Press, Portland, Oreg.,
USA. 311 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Symphoricarpos albus (L.) Blake
Vernacular name(s): thin-leaved snowberry
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Symphoricarpos
albus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Symphoricarpos albus:
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
References:

An isoquinoline alkaloid, chelidonine, was found in the fruits of
thin-leaved snowberry. This chemical is also found in greater
celandine (Chelidonium majus), an unrelated plant (Lewis 1979).

chelidonine
References:
Humans
dizziness
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Children who ingested the attractive white fruits experienced
vomiting, dizziness, and mild sedation. Blood-stained urine was
also reported (Lewis 1979, Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Turner, N. J., Szczawinski, A. F. 1991. Common poisonous plants
and mushrooms of North America. Timber Press, Portland, Oreg.,
USA. 311 pp.

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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Symphytum asperum
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Prickly comfrey (Symphytum asperum) is a naturalized herb
found in parts of southern Canada. The plant contains
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause veno-occlusive
symptoms leading to liver cirrhosis. The plant can also
accumulate toxic amounts of nitrates. Animals do not normally
eat the plant because of the bristly hairs on the leaves. However,
swine given the plant as green fodder showed signs of nitrate
poisoning. Long-term use of the plant as food could lead to liver
dysfunction (Cooper and Huxtable 1984, Huxtable 1989).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Symphytum asperum Lepech.
Vernacular name(s): prickly comfrey
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Symphytum
asperum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
Manitoba
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Symphytum asperum:
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
roots
stems
References:

This plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids such as echimidine.
These alkaloids cause veno-occlusive symptoms in animals. Total
alkaloid content (as a percentage of dry weight) for fresh leaves is
about 0.01% and for dry leaves, about 0.059%. Many members of
the genus contain much higher concentrations of alkaloids in the
roots (Huxtable 1989).

echimidine
nitrate
References:
Swine
breathing, labored
cyanosis
methemoglobinemia
Notes on poisoning:
Prickly comfrey is not normally ingested by animals because of
the bristly hairs on the leaves. This plant can accumulate nitrates.
In Britain, swine were poisoned when given prickly comfrey as
green fodder. Symptoms were typical for nitrate poisoning,
including apathy, labored breathing, cyanosis, and
methemoglobinemia (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Common comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is an introduced and
naturalized herb found on damp roadsides and waste places in
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites many parts of Canada. This plant contains several pyrrolizidine
alkaloids, which cause veno-occlusive symptoms, liver cirrhosis,
and death. Humans have been affected after ingesting herbal teas
and medicines. Rats have developed hepatocellular tumors after
ingesting the alkaloid symphytine, found in common comfrey.
Canadian health officials have sought to ban sale of some
comfrey products. Animals normally do not ingest the plant
because of the bristly hairs. Topical herbal preparations are not
considered toxic because the alkaloids do not reach the liver
(Steuart 1987, Huxtable 1989, Ridker and McDermott 1989).
Russian comfrey (Symphytum X uplandicum Nym. [synonymy:
Symphytum peregrinum Ledeb.]) has been grown in Canada in
Lethbridge, Alta., and Vancouver Island, as a trial forage crop for
livestock, but it was not found to be suitable. This plant may be
available from some nursery seed suppliers. Russian comfrey also
contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids and should not be taken internally
as a herb remedy.
References:
Ridker, P. M., McDermott, W. V. 1989. Comfrey herb tea and
hepatic veno-occlusive disease. Lancet, 1989: 657-658.
Steuart, G. 1987. Growing alkaloid-free comfrey. Herbs Spices
Med. Plants, 5(4): 9.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Symphytum officinale L.
Vernacular name(s): common comfrey
officinale
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Symphytum officinale:

The roots have greater concentrations of pyrrolizidine alkaloids
than the leaves. Animals do not commonly ingest the plants
because of the bristly leaves (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Huxtable
1989).
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
roots
References:

Common comfrey contains several pyrrolizidine alkaloids,
including echimidine, heliosupine, lycopsamine, and symphytine.
Alkaloids were found in the plant totalling 0.07% dry weight in
roots and 0.062% in dry leaves, and 0.006% in fresh leaves. Two
alkaloids found in common comfrey were shown to cause liver
and bladder tumors in rats; the roots have more toxins the than
leaves. Some commercial products of roots and leaves sold as
herbal teas and medicinal preparations have a total alkaloidal
concentration of 270 mg/kg (leaves) and 2900 mg/kg (roots).
Ingesting a cup of tea made from the roots may contain 8.5 mg of
alkaloid, which is 26 mg per cup if the gelatinous residue is
consumed. [Huxtable 1989].

echimidine
heliosupine
lycopsamine
References:
Humans
ascites
liver, cirrhosis of
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting pyrrolizidine alkaloids for several months leads to
veno-occlusive problems and severe portal hypertension, which
can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and death. Symptoms include
ascites, edema, and reduced urinary output. Children are more
susceptible than adults. In two cases, one women was estimated
to consume at least 85 mg of pyrrolizidine alkaloids from a herbal
leaf preparation over 6 months; another woman consumed 512
mg over 6 months (comfrey-pepsin preparation) (Huxtable 1990).
Ridker and McDermott (1989) note that pulmonary endothelial
hyperplasia can also occur from direct exposure to these
alkaloids. Rats have developed hepatocellular tumors because of
the alkaloid symphytine.
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) is a robust native herb
found in wet marshy areas in parts of eastern Canada. Ingesting
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites the plant can cause intense pain and irritation in the mouth area
after chewing the roots or leaves (Lampe and McCann 1985). No
case reports of such irritation were found in the literature for
humans or livestock.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Symplocarpus foetidus (L.) Nutt.
Vernacular name(s): skunk cabbage
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Symplocarpus
foetidus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Symplocarpus foetidus:
Toxic parts:
leaves
roots
References:

oxalate
References:
Humans
aphonia
dysphagia
hoarseness
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Tanacetum vulgare
Interactive
Nomenclature:
All poisonous plants by Common name Scientific Name: Tanacetum vulgare L.

Vernacular name(s): tansy

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Tanacetum
vulgare
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Tanacetum vulgare:

All parts of the plant have a strong scent and contain a bitter
essential oil that can be toxic (Fuller and McClintock 1986).
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Taxus baccata
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name English yew (Taxus baccata) is an introduced ornamental shrub
that is hardy in the warmest parts of Canada. This shrub has
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites caused poisoning and death in cattle, horses, and humans.
Ingesting leaves, bark, or seeds can cause poisoning in all
animals. The fleshy fruit pulp is considered to be nontoxic (or
low in toxicity). Taxine, a complex of alkaloids, is found in the
plant. Children should be taught not to eat the fruit or seeds of
this plant. Animals should not have access to the shrub or
clippings of the branches (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Feldman et
al. 1987).
References:
Burke, M. J., Siegel, D., Davidow, B. 1979. Anaphylaxis.
Consequence of yew (Taxus) needle ingestion. N. Y. State J.
Med., 79: 1576-1577.
Feldman, R., Szajewski, J. M., Chrobak, J., Liberek, Z. M. 1987.
Four cases of self-poisoning with yew leaves decoction. Vet.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Taxus baccata L.
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Taxus baccata:

All parts of the plant contain significant amounts of the alkaloids,
with the exception of the fleshy part of the fruits, which is
regarded as nontoxic or low in toxicity. The seeds are toxic.
Ingesting the entire fruits without removing the seeds can cause
poisoning. Toxicity is not reduced with drying. Hedge clippings
from these plants are as toxic as fresh plants (Cooper and Johnson
1984).
Toxic parts:
leaves
pollen
seeds
References:

Taxine (taxin) is a complex mixture of alkaloids that is rapidly
absorbed from the digestive tract and interferes with heart action.
Case studies on humans have shown that the alkaloids are
strongly diuretic and cause severe ventricular rhythms (Feldman
et al. 1987). Smith (1989) discusses a technique to diagnose
taxine quickly, using direct insertion probe mass spectrometry
from the rumen. The lethal dose was estimated at 1-10 g/kg of
body weight for ruminants and 0.5-2 g/kg for horses (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).

taxine
References:
Smith, R. A. 1989. Comments on diagnosis of intoxication due to
Taxus. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 31: 177.
Cattle

agitation
collapse
convulsions
death
gait, staggering
incoordination
pupil dilation
trembling
Notes on poisoning:
In Europe, cattle have been poisoned after ingesting English yew.
Symptoms include muscular trembling, coldness, a rapid and then
weak pulse, and groaning. In some cases, symptoms are not
evident until sudden collapse or death. Death does not always
occur and spontaneous recovery has been reported. Postmortem
findings may only show yew plant material in the stomach.
Inflammation of the stomach and intestines may occur (Cooper
and Johnson 1984).
References:
Horses
abdominal pains
collapse
confusion
death
gait, staggering
incoordination
Notes on poisoning:
Horses have symptoms similar to cattle after ingesting plant
material of English yew. In one experiment, a pony given a
strained aqueous extract from yew twigs and berries, by stomach
tube, developed signs after 1 h and died 15 min later. Ingestion
results in the following symptoms: coldness, a rapid and then
weak pulse, excitability, and collapse, followed by death (Cooper
and Johnson 1984).
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
coma
death
dizziness
dyspnea
heart rate, slow
itchiness
muscle, weakness of
sweating
urination, frequent
vomiting
References:
Med., 79: 1576-1577.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Taxus canadensis
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Canada yew (Taxus canadensis) is a native shrub that grows in
the moist rich woodlands of eastern Canada. It has also been
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites planted in various parts of the country as an ornamental. In one
case in British Columbia, several cattle became ill and some died
after ingesting the leaves and twigs of a Canada yew that had
been planted for ornamental purposes (Bruce 1927).
References:
Bruce, E. A. 1927. Astragalus campestris and other stock
poisoning plants of British Columbia. Agric. Can. Publ., 88. 44
pp.
Thomson, G. W., Barker, I. K. 1978. Japanese yew (Taxus
cuspidata) poisoning in cattle. Can. Vet. J., 19: 320-321.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Taxus canadensis Marsh.
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Taxus canadensis:

Leaves, twigs, and seeds are poisonous. Only the red arils, the
fleshy outer parts of the fruits, are considered nontoxic (Bruce
1927; Lampe and McCann 1985).
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
twigs
References:
pp.


Taxine (taxin), is a complex mixture of alkloids that is rapidly
absorbed from the digestive tract and interferes with heart action
(Lampe and McCann 1985, Feldman et al. 1987).

taxine
References:
Cattle
death
Notes on poisoning:
References:
pp.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Taxus cuspidata
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata) is an outdoor ornamental that is
winter-hardy across southern Canada. This shrub contains toxic
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites quantities of the alkaloid taxine. Cattle and horses became ill and
died after ingesting the leaves and twigs of Japanese yew. In two
cases in Ontario, several cattle died after gaining access to shrubs
around houses or after being given hedge trimmings (Alden et al.
1977, Thomson and Barker 1978).
References:
Alden, C. L., Fosnaugh, C. J., Smith, J. B., Mohan, R. 1977.
Japanese yew poisoning of large domestic animals in the
midwest. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 170: 314-316.
Ogden, L. 1988. Taxus (yews) - a highly toxic plant. Vet. Hum.
Toxicol., 30: 563-564.
Veatch, J. K., Reid, F. M., Kennedy, G. A. 1988. Differentiating
yew poisoning from other toxicoses. Vet. Med., 83: 298-300.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Taxus cuspidata Siebold & Zucc.
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Taxus cuspidata:

Leaves, twigs, and seeds are toxic. Only the red arils, the fleshy
outer parts of the fruits, are considered nontoxic (Ogden 1988).
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
twigs
References:
Toxicol., 30: 563-564.

(Feldman et al. 1987).

taxine
References:
Cattle
death
References:
Toxicol., 30: 563-564.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Golden-bean (Thermopsis rhombifolia) is a native plant that is
found in the southern part of western Canada. This plant has been
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites suspected since the late 1800s to be poisonous to cattle and
horses, but conclusive evidence is lacking in the literature. The
related plant, poison-bean (Thermopsis montana), causes
poisoning in cattle. Poison-bean contains several quinolizidine
alkaloids, and similar chemicals may be found in golden-bean.
Ingesting seeds of golden-bean was suspected in a case of
poisoning of a child in western Canada. Until more definitive
studies appear in the literature, the plant is included in this
Information System because of its potential for poisoning
(Kingsbury 1964, Keeler et al. 1986).
References:
Keeler, R. F., Johnson, A. E., Chase, R. L. 1986. Toxicity of
Thermopsis montana in cattle. Cornell Vet., 76: 115-127.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Thermopsis rhombifolia (Nutt.) Richards.
Vernacular name(s): golden-bean
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Thermopsis
rhombifolia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Thermopsis rhombifolia:
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
References:

The chemicals listed here are found in the closely related
poison-bean (Thermopsis montana), although similar chemicals
are found in golden-bean (Keeler et al. 1986). Some of these
chemicals are found in other members of the pea family,
including anagyrine, which causes teratogenic effects in cattle
that eat lupines containing this chemical.

anagyrine
cytisine
N-methylcytisine
thermopsine
References:
Cattle
appetite, loss of
death
depression
References:
Horses
Humans
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Thlaspi arvense
Interactive
name
Stinkweed (Thlapsi arvense) is a naturalized herb found in fields and

All poisonous plants by Common waste places across Canada. The plant contains sufficient quantities
of glucosinolates to be toxic. During dry periods, cattle in western
name
Canada have ingested hay containing high quantities of stinkweed.
Poisoning, death and abortion occurred (Smith and Crowe 1987). See
Important WWW Poisonous Plants Brassica oleracea for additional notes on glucosinolate poisoning.
sites
References:
USA. 492 pp.
Majak, W., McDiarmid, R. E., Benn, M. H., Willms, W. D. 1991.
Autolysis of Thlapsi arvense in bovine rumen fluid. Phytochemistry
(Oxf.), 30: 127-129.
Martin, T., Morgan, S. 1987. What caused the photosensitivity in
these dairy heifers. Vet. Med. Small Anim. Clin., 82: 848-851.
Smith, R. A., Crowe, S. P. 1987. Fanweed toxicosis in cattle: case
history, analytical method, suggested treatment, and fanweed
detoxification. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 29: 155-159.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Thlaspi arvense L.
Vernacular name(s): stinkweed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Thlaspi arvense
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Thlaspi arvense:
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
References:
Best, K. F., McIntyre, G. I. 1975. The biology of Canadian weeds 9.
Thlaspi arvense L. Can. J. Plant Sci., 55: 279-292.
USA. 492 pp.

Tests of stinkweed showed that the allylthiocyanate (a glucosinolate)
content is sufficient to cause sickness and death in cattle; fatalities
occurred at about 65 mg/kg of body weight. The amount of this
chemical varies with the stage of maturity of the plant; the highest
amount is in the seeds (Smith and Crowe 1987, Majak et al. 1991).

glucosinolates
glucosinolates
glucosinolates

References:
Best, K. F., McIntyre, G. I. 1975. The biology of Canadian weeds 9.
Thlaspi arvense L. Can. J. Plant Sci., 55: 279-292.
USA. 492 pp.
(Oxf.), 30: 127-129.
Cattle
abortion
colic
death
skin, peeling of
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle that ingested hay containing between 25-100% stinkweed were
colicky and some abortions occurred. Necropsy of cows revealed
revealed massive submucosal edema of the wall of forestomachs,
particularly in the rumen. Lowering the rumen pH to 5 reportedly
stops the allylthiocyanate from forming. However, more recent work
found that lower pH did not significantly affect the liberation of
allylthiocyanate. Administering large doses of piperazine (110
mg/kg) to rapidly reduce the concentration of toxin has been
suggested. Ensiling hay containing stinkweed apparently prevented

liberation of allylthiocyanate (Smith and Crowe 1987). Yield of the
chemical is a function of the diet, with alfalfa herbage allowing the
lowest release quantity (30%) and alfalfa hay the highest yield (72%)
(Majak et al. 1991).
References:
USA. 492 pp.
(Oxf.), 30: 127-129.
Martin, T., Morgan, S. 1987. What caused the photosensitivity in
these dairy heifers. Vet. Med. Small Anim. Clin., 82: 848-851.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Trifolium hybridum
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) is found most frequently in
the farming areas of northern Canada. This plant is adapted to
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites cool climates and heavy, poorly drained clay soils. Cases of
photosensitization have occurred, sometimes accompanied by
liver damage and enlargement. This problem has occurred mostly
in horses and occasionally in cattle. There is also a potential for
nitrate poisoning (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Cheeke and Schull
1985).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Fincher, M. G., Fuller, H. K. 1942. Photosensitization - trifoliosis
- light sensitization. Cornell Vet., 32: 95-99.
Nation, P. N. 1989. Alsike clover poisoning: a review. Can. Vet.
J., 30: 410-415.
Traub, J. L., Potter, K. A., Bayly, W. M., Reed, S. M. 1982.
Alsike clover poisoning. Mod. Vet. Pract., 63: 307-309.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Trifolium hybridum L.
Vernacular name(s): alsike clover

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Trifolium
hybridum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Trifolium hybridum:

Ingesting alsike clover causes photosensitization in horses and
cattle. The toxic compounds have not been indentified. Nitrates
may also accumulate in the plant (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.

nitrate
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
breathing, labored
cyanosis
gait, staggering
References:
Horses
blindness
depression
gait, staggering
liver, cirrhosis of
nephrosis, severe
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Trifolium pratense
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a common clover that is used
in both cultivation for forage and food for animals. It is also
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites widely naturalized across Canada. Ingesting of this plant can
cause bloat in animals. This plant is also involved in a condition
called congenital joint laxity and dwarfism, which occurs
sporadically across the northern part of British Columbia,
Alberta, and Ontario. This disorder results in teratogenic
problems in beef calves when their dams have overwintered
exclusively on clover and grass silage. Red clover can also
develop phytoestrogens, which affect fertility in livestock
(Cheeke and Schull 1985, Ribble et al. 1989).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Hall, J. W., Majak, W. 1989. Plant and animal factors in legume
bloat. Pages 93-106 in Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant
origin. Vol. III. Proteins and amino acids. CRC Press, Inc., Boca
Ribble, C. S., Janzen, E. D., Proulx, J. G. 1989. Congenital joint
laxity and dwarfism: a feed-associated congenital anomaly of
beef calves in Canada. Can. Vet. J., 30: 331-338.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Trifolium pratense L.
Vernacular name(s): red clover

pratense
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Trifolium pratense:
Toxic parts:
all parts
References:

Isoflavones, which are glycosides, can occur in red clover. These
chemicals are plant estrogens that can cause infertility problems
in livestock (Cheeke and Schull 1985).

isoflavones
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
bloat
brachygnatha, superior
dwarfism
joint laxity
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
bloat. Pages 93-106 in Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant
origin. Vol. III. Proteins and amino acids. CRC Press, Inc., Boca
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Trifolium repens
Interactive
name
White clover (Trifolium repens) is widely cultivated across Canada

All poisonous plants by Common and has also become naturalized throughout much of the country.
Under certain circumstances this valuable plant can cause problems
name
in animals. White clover can cause bloat in livestock. It has caused
laminitis in horses and cattle. After they are ingested, some varieties
Important WWW Poisonous Plants can liberate HCN, causing cyanogenic poisoning in animals. White
sites
clover is also reported to become estrogenic if infected with various
fungi (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
bloat. Pages 93-106 in Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin.
Vol. III. Proteins and amino acids. CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla.,
USA. 271 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Trifolium repens L.
Vernacular name(s): white clover
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Trifolium repens
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Trifolium repens:
Toxic parts:
all parts
References:

Two cyanogenic glycosides, linamarin and lotaustralin, are found in
white clover. In young leaves, the cyanogen levels may reach 350 mg
of HCN per 100 g of tissue, with lotaustralin predominating.
Cyanogenesis is controlled by two independently inherited genes in
white clover. Only plants possessing at least one dominant functional
allele of both genes liberate HCN when damaged. Some cultivars are
capable of liberating HCN and others are not (Poultan 1989).

linamarin
lotaustralin

References:
Poulton, J. E. 1983. Cyanogenic compounds in plants and their toxic
effects. Pages 117-157 in Keeler, R. F., Tu, A. T., eds. Handbook of
natural toxins. Vol. 1. Plant and Fungal toxins. Marcel Dekker, Inc.,
Cattle
bloat
References:
bloat. Pages 93-106 in Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin.
Vol. III. Proteins and amino acids. CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla.,
USA. 271 pp.
Horses
laminitis
Notes on poisoning:
Laminitis is characterized by tenderness, swelling, and inflammation
around the hooves. In Britain severe laminitis has been reported in
cattle as well (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Triglochin maritima
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Seaside arrow-grass (Triglochin maritima) is a native plant found
sporadically across Canada in saline, brackish, or fresh marshes
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites and shores. This plant contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can
release HCN during mastication by animals. Poisoning occurs
primarily with ruminants, including cattle and sheep. The
concentration of toxic chemicals increases during times of
moisture depletion (Majak et al. 1980, Cooper and Johnson 1984,
Poulton 1989).
References:
Beath, O. A., Draize, J. H., Eppson, H. F. 1933. Arrow grass chemical and physiological considerations. Univ. Wyo. Agric.
Exp. Stn. Bull., 193. 36 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Triglochin maritima L.
Vernacular name(s): seaside arrow-grass
Scientific family name: Juncaginaceae
Vernacular family name: arrow-grass
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Triglochin
maritima
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Triglochin maritima:
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
References:
Majak, W., McDiarmid, R. E., Hall, J. W., Van Ryswyk, A. L.
1980. Seasonal variation in the cyanide potential of arrowgrass
(Triglochin maritima). Can. J. Plant Sci., 60: 1235-1241.

Two cyanogenic glycosides, triglochinin and taxiphillin, have
been found in seaside arrow-grass. The cyanogenic levels in
leaves are substantially elevated during periods of severe
moisture stress. Newly initiated spikes (flowering stalks) yielded
high levels of glycosides. Spikes therefore pose a potential threat
if they are selectively grazed. A cyanogenic glycoside content of
50 mg/100 g of green seaside arrow-grass is considered lethal,
even if only 0.5% of body weight is ingested (Majak et al. 1980,

taxiphillin
triglochinin
References:
Poulton, J. E. 1983. Cyanogenic compounds in plants and their

toxic effects. Pages 117-157 in Keeler, R. F., Tu, A. T., eds.
Cattle
convulsions
nervousness
recumbency
trembling
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Cyanide poisoning from seaside arrow-grass is similar to
symptoms discussed under sheep.
References:
Sheep
convulsions
nervousness
recumbency
salivation
trembling
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Cyanide poisoning of sheep by seaside arrow-grass includes the
following symptoms: nervousness, trembling, erratic breathing,
convulsions, recumbency, and death. Postmortem findings reveal
bright red blood and the smell of bitter almonds in the stomach.
Treatment, if started early enough, can be successful. Intravenous

injections of an aqueous solution of sodium thiosulfate have
proved to be effective (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Triglochin palustre
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Marsh arrow-grass (Triglochin palustre) is a native plant that is
found sporadically across Canada in damp brackish or calcareous
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites places. A cyanogenic glycoside, triglochinin, is found in the
plant. This chemical becomes more abundant during times of
moisture depletion within the plants. Occasional poisoning occurs
with cattle and sheep in the lower Cariboo district of British
Columbia (Majak et al. 1980, Looman et al. 1983).
References:
Looman, J., Majak, W., Smoliak, S. 1983. Stock-poisoning plants
of western Canada. Agric. Can. Res. Branch Contrib. 1982-7E.
35 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Triglochin palustre L.
Vernacular name(s): marsh arrow-grass
palustre
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Triglochin palustre:
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
References:

A cyanogenic glycoside, triglochinin, is found in marsh
arrow-grass. This chemical is also the main toxic component of
seaside arrow-grass (Majak et al. 1980).

triglochinin
References:
Cattle
convulsions
death
nervousness
recumbency
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
In all animals, symptoms of poisoning are similar to those of
cyanide poisoning, including convulsions, nervousness,
trembling, and recumbency, followed by death. The blood is
bright red Looman et al. 1983).
References:

35 pp.
Sheep
convulsions
nervousness
recumbency
salivation
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Tulipa gesneriana
Interactive
name
name
sites

Tulip (Tulipa spp.), including Tulipa gesneriana, is a widely
cultivated plant used as a perennial spring flower in Canada.
Many species and hybrids as well as numerous cultivars of tulips
may be found in Canada. Tulips contain an allergen, tuliposide A,
which causes dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Poisoning of
humans and dogs has also been reported when tulip bulbs
mistaken for onions were ingested. The allergen tuliposide A is
also found in the Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria spp.), and there is
cross-sensitivity to onion and garlic (Allium spp). Tulips are not
normally a problem to humans, but sensitive individuals should
avoid touching the plants (Mitchell and Rook 1979, Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Tulipa gesneriana L.
Vernacular name(s): tulip
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Tulipa

gesneriana
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Tulipa gesneriana:

Tulips contain an allergen that causes dermatitis in sensitive
individuals. The allergen concentration is highest in the bulbs, less
in the stem and leaves, and least in the flowers. The allergen
decreases in the outermost leaves immediately before harvest
time. Some cultivars of tulips cause less severe dermatitis than

others (Mitchell and Rook 1979).
Toxic parts:
bulb - dust of
bulbs
leaves
stems
References:

Tuliposide A is the precursor of the sensitizing agent called
alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone (tulipalin A), which
results from the hydrolysis of tuliposide A and the lactonization of
its aglycone. This chemical causes dermatitis in sensitive

tuliposide A
References:
Dogs
Humans
breathing, labored
eczema
erythema
nausea
salivation
sweating
vomiting
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
A few cases of poisoning have occurred after tulip bulbs were
ingested either to supplement food or when the bulbs were
mistaken for onions. Symptoms included nausea, salivation,
sweating, difficult breathing, and palpitations. Weakness persisted
for days and vomiting occurred (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Urtica dioica
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is found across Canada and
includes a wide-ranging native subspecies and an introduced
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites subspecies found in the Maritime Provinces. The plant can form
large colonies in orchards, farmyards, old pastures, ditches, and
waste places. The stinging hairs readily break, allowing the
secretions to enter skin. Humans receive a painful sting, followed
by a small reddish swelling and prolonged itching and numbness.
Initial reactions last only a few minutes but repeated contact can
cause the pain to intensify and last for days. Hunting dogs in the
United States were poisoned and died after massive exposure to
the plants (Bassett et al. 1977, Mitchell and Rook 1979, Anon.
1982).
References:
Anon. 1982. Stinging nettle (Urtica sp.) and dogs. Vet. Hum.
Toxicol., 24: 247.
Bassett, I. J., Crompton, C. W., Woodland, D. W. 1977. The
biology of Canadian weeds. 21. Urtica dioica L. Can. J. Plant
Sci., 57: 491-498.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Urtica dioica L.
Vernacular name(s): stinging nettle
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Urtica dioica
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Urtica dioica:

The stinging hairs on the stem, leaves, and flowers produce a
painful sting. The hairs consist of a long shaft that narrows
towards the point and has a small bulbous tip. The hair just below
the tip is not silicified, unlike the rest of the hair, so that the tip is
easily broken. A fine hollow shaft remains that can puncture the
skin, through which secretions can enter (Mitchell and Rook
1979).
Toxic parts:
hairs
References:

The stinging hairs of stinging nettle contain the compounds
acetylcholine, histamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine.
Acetylcholine is found naturally in mammals and is involved in
firing nerves, whereas histamine causes swelling (Mitchell and
Rook 1979).

acetylcholine
histamine
5-hydroxytryptamine
References:
Dogs
death
dyspnea
pain
trembling
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Hunting dogs in the United States were poisoned after massive
exposure to the hairs of stinging nettle. Symptoms included
trembling, pain, slobbering, dyspnea, and vomiting. Some dogs
died 2-3 days after exposure without treatment (Anon. 1982).
References:
Anon. 1982. Stinging nettle (Urtica sp.) and dogs. Vet. Hum.
Toxicol., 24: 247.
Humans
erythema
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: Veratrum

viride
Interactive
Botanical name
False hellebore (Veratrum viride) is a native perennial plant that is found in

All poisonous plants by parts of eastern and western Canada. The plant contains several steroidal
alkaloids. Jervine was shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals.
Common name
Livestock do not often ingest the plant, but cattle, poultry, and sheep, have
been poisoned. Some deaths may have occurred. The roots, rhizome, and
Important WWW Poisonous young shoots are most toxic. Humans have been poisoned after ingesting
Plants sites
the plant. Extracts from the plant have been used in cases of hypertension
and as an insecticide (Fyles 1920, Dayton 1960, Campbell et al. 1985,
Mulligan and Munro 1987, Jaffe et al. 1989).
References:
Campbell, M. A., Brown, K. S., Hassell, J. R., Horigan, E. A., Keeler, R. F.
1985. Inhibition of limb chondrogenesis by a Veratrum alkaloid: temporal
specificity in vivo and in vitro. Can. Dep. Agric. Exp. Farms Bull., 111:
464-470.
Dayton, W. A. 1960. Notes on western range forbes. U. S. For. Serv. Wash.
Agric. Hand., 161. 254 pp.
Fyles, F. 1920. Principal poisonous plants of Canada. Can. Dep. Agric.
Exp. Farms. Bull. 39. 112 pp.
Jaffe, A. M., Gephardt, D., Courtemanche, L. 1990. Poisoning due to
ingestion of Veratrum viride (false hellebore). J. Emerg. Med., 8: 161-167.
Long, R. 1981. Some liliaceae of British Columbia. Davidsonia, 12: 85-88.
Underhill, J. E. 1959. A case of hellebore poisoning. Can. Field-Nat., 73:
128-129.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Veratrum viride Ait.
Vernacular name(s): false hellebore
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Veratrum viride
References:
pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
New Brunswick
Quebec
Yukon Territory
References:
Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94: 131-157;
471-528; 625-655.
Veratrum viride:

The steroidal alkaloids are most abundant in roots, rhizomes, and young
shoots. Sheep can apparently eat, with impunity, plants that were frosted in
the autumn (Dayton 1960).
Toxic parts:
rhizome
roots
young shoots
References:
464-470.

The steroidal alkaloid jervine has been isolated from false hellebore. This
alkaloid can exert teratogenic effects in several animal species. The LD-50
for jervine in two strains of mice was 220 mg/kg and 260 mg/kg. Some
strains of mice were resistant to the teratogenic effects of jervine (Campbell
et al. 1985). Several other alkaloids have also been isolated. Germidine is
an alkaloid that was studied as a possible drug for hypertension (Claus and
Tyler 1965).

germidine
jervine

References:
464-470.
Claus, E. P., Tyler, V. E. 1965. Pharmacognosy. Lea & Febiger,
Philadelphia, Pa., USA. 572 pp.
Cattle
abdominal pains
diarrhea
heart rate, slow
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle generally avoid ingesting the plant, although young animals may
ingest it, sometimes with fatal results. As with humans, the plant causes
depression in an animal''s heart rate, low blood pressure, and vomiting
(Fyles 1920, Reynard and Norton 1942).
References:

Humans
blood pressure, low
heart rate, slow
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Humans have ingested false hellebore, mistaking it for another plant. The
symptoms include reduced heart rate, low blood pressure, and vomiting.
Other symptoms include blurred vision, cramps, nausea, dizziness, and
chills. Atropine is used in initial treatment (Boivin 1948, Underhill 1959,
Jaffe et al. 1989). False hellebore was used by West Coast Indians to
commit suicide (Long 1981).
References:
128-129.
Poultry
Rodents
oligodactylism
References:
464-470.
Sheep
nausea
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
Sheep are apparently less affected by ingesting false hellebore and can eat
the leaves with apparent impunity after the leaves have been killed by frost
(Reynard and Norton 1942, Dayton 1960).
References:
Another search?
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Viburnum opulus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Guelder-rose (Viburnum opulus) was introduced as a cultivated
ornamental and can grow across southern Canada. Occasionally,
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites the shrub may become naturalized. The fears of serious poisoning
reported in older literature seem unfounded. Humans who ingest
the berries may experience mild symptoms (Frohne and Pfander
1983).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Viburnum opulus L.
Vernacular name(s): Guelder-rose
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Viburnum
opulus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Viburnum opulus:
Toxic parts:
immature fruit
References:
Humans
diarrhea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
The older European literature suggests that ingesting the berries
can cause serious poisoning or even death. However, no recent
cases of serious poisoning have been reported. Ingesting the fruits
can cause diarrhea or vomiting if unripe berries or large quantities
of berries are eaten (Frohne and Pfander 1983).
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning: Vicia

faba
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Broad bean (Vicia faba) is a cultivated plant that is grown
occasionally in Canada. The beans are used as human food and
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites are being evaluated as a protein supplement for livestock. Broad
beans are not poisonous to humans in the conventional sense, but
they cause favism in susceptible individuals. These individuals
have a genetically transmitted, male sex-linked deficiency to the
enzyme glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase. Certain groups
such as Oriental Jews, Mediterranean Europeans, Arabs, Asians,
and blacks may have the deficiency. The disease can cause death
in severe cases. Livestock, including swine, have also been
poisoned from ingesting high quantities of beans. Dietary broad
beans can also cause metabolic problems in poultry. It is
important to note that nonsusceptible persons who eat broad
beans are not at risk (Kingsbury 1964, Cooper and Johnson 1984,
Cheeke and Schull 1985, Roy and Spencer 1989).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
934 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Vicia faba L.
Vernacular name(s): broad bean
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Vicia faba
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Vicia faba:

Susceptible individuals who ingest raw or partly cooked seeds
and inhale pollen can be poisoned (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
pollen
seeds
References:

Two glycosides, convicine and vicine, and their respective
aglycones, isouramil and divicine, are implicated in favism. In
individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)
deficiency, a cycle is prevented that would normally reduce the
oxidants so that they cannot attack the red cell membrane

convicine
vicine
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
934 pp.
Chickens
egg production,reduced
Notes on poisoning:
Unprocessed broad beans contain factors that lower the rate of
chicken growth and alter the size of liver and pancreas. Dietary
broad beans have a marked influence on the metabolism of laying
hens. Vicine, which is thermostable, causes a reduction in the
number of ova, in egg weight, in fertility, and in egg hatchability
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Humans
abdominal pains
collapse
death
dizziness
Heinz bodies
hemoglobinuria
icterus
jaundice
methemoglobinemia
vomiting
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Swine

abdominal pains
appetite, loss of
constipation
depression
Notes on poisoning:
Broad beans are used as animal feed as silage or are added to
feed. However, in one case in Poland, pigs were poisoned after
eating broad beans as one-third of their diet. Symptoms included
depression, reduced activity, flatulence, and constipation.
Postmortem examination revealed inflammation of the alimentary
tract and pale yellow liver and kidneys (Cooper and Johnson
1984).
References:
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Important Notices
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sativa
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Common vetch (Vicia sativa) was introduced as a forage plant
and is naturalized across much of Canada. Some horses and other
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites livestock that ingested the plant were poisoned. However, these
reports are in the older European literature. In the western United
States, poultry that ingested the seeds of common milk vetch
were poisoned and died. Common milk vetch contains a
neurolathyrogen that may be partly responsible for
neurolathyrism, which usually occurs in humans in India and is
associated with species of grass pea (see notes under Lathyrus
sativus) (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Vicia sativa L.
Vernacular name(s): common vetch
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Vicia sativa
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Vicia sativa:
Toxic parts:
seeds
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.

The toxic amino acid, beta-cyano-L-alanine, is a neurolathyrogen
that affects the nervous system (Cheeke and Schull 1985, Roy
and Spencer 1989).

References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Chickens
blindness
convulsions
death
Notes on poisoning:
In western Oregon, some chicks died after ingesting seeds of
common milk vetch. Symptoms included blindness, convulsions,
and a a pronounced chirping, resembling a pyridoxine deficiency.
Experimental feeding of a diet containing 30-80% seeds has
caused these symptoms in poultry (Cooper and Johnson 1984,

References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Horses
abdominal pains
weakness
weakness, posterior
Notes on poisoning:
Older European literature describes poisoning of livestock after
the animals ingested common vetch. The symptoms included skin
lesions, hair loss, digestive disturbances, and sometimes a loss of
use of hindquarters. Postmortem examination revealed
enlargement of the liver. These problems have not been reported
recently (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Important Notices
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villosa
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) was introduced as a forage in Canada
and has become successfully naturalized in parts of southern
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Canada. This plant causes poisoning in cattle, horses, and poultry.
Various syndromes occur in cattle, including a dermatitis that
resembles photosensitization in may respects, except that the skin
lesions appear on pigmented skin as well. Mortality occurs in
cattle and poultry (Panciera 1978, Kerr and Edwards 1982,
References:
Anderson, C. A., Divers, T. J. 1983. Systemic granulation
inflammation in a horse grazing hairy vetch. J. Am. Vet. Med.
Assoc., 183: 569-570.
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Kerr, L. A., Edwards, W. C. 1982. Hairy vetch poisoning of
cattle. Vet. Med. Small Anim. Clin., 77: 257-258.
Panciera, R. J. 1978. Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) poisoning
in cattle. Pages 555-563 in Keeler, R. F., Van Kampen, K. R.,
James, L. F., eds. Effects of poisonous plants on livestock.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Vicia villosa Roth
Vernacular name(s): hairy vetch
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Vicia villosa
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
Manitoba
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Vicia villosa:

This plant has occasionally caused poisoning when used as a
forage for livestock (Cheeke and Schull 1985).
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Cattle
anorexia
breathing, labored
coat, rough and dry
conjunctivitis
convulsions
death
diarrhea
pain
pneumonitis
restlessness
skin, peeling of
weakness
weight loss
Notes on poisoning:
Two types of syndromes are suggested from the symptoms seen
in cattle. The first syndrome is acute illness followed by death
after ingesting raw seeds of hairy vetch. The animals were very
restless, showed pain, experienced convulsions, and died. The
second syndrome involves skin lesions, cough, respiration
problems, and death after 2 weeks. Postmortem findings showed
severe bronchitis with pneumonia, yellow- brown liver, and
inflamed forestomachs (Panciera 1978, Cooper and Johnson
1984).
References:
Horses
conjunctivitis
mouth, edema of
Notes on poisoning:
Hairy vetch causes systemic granulomatous inflammation. Edema
occurs especially around the lips and eyes. Conjunctivitis and
corneal ulceration develops. The poisoning is most prevalant in
mid to late spring as the hairy vetch reaches maturity (Anderson
and Divers 1983).
References:
Assoc., 183: 569-570.
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Poultry
breathing, labored
convulsions
incoordination
weight loss
Notes on poisoning:
Feeding chicks experimentally on a diet of 30-80% hairy vetch
seeds caused 20-40% mortality. Symptoms included weight loss,
excitability, and sometimes violent convulsions (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
Another search?
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Notes on poisoning:
Wisteria floribunda
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) is an ornamental vine that
is grown for its beautiful flowers. This plant is restricted to the
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites warmer parts of Canada, such as southern Ontario and Vancouver
Island. With care, the vine successfully overwinters in Ottawa,
Ont. All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the seeds.
Ingesting 1-2 seeds can cause serious poisoning in a child.
However, no fatalities have been reported in the literature.
Another plant in the same genus, Chinese wisteria (Wisteria
sinensis (Sims) Sweet), may also be capable of surviving in
southern Canada (Anon. 1961, Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
Anon. 1961. Wisteria. Natl. Clgh. Poison Control Cent.,
July-Aug: 1-2.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Wisteria floribunda (Willd.) DC.
Vernacular name(s): Japanese wisteria
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Wisteria
floribunda
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Wisteria floribunda:

All parts of the plant, including the flowers, are toxic. The seeds
are especially toxic (Lampe and McCann 1985).
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
seeds
References:

A glycoside, wistarine, has been found in the plant. It also
contains a poisonous lectin (Lampe and McCann 1985).

wistarine
References:
July-Aug: 1-2.
Humans
abdominal pains
collapse
dehydration
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Humans who ingest wisteria exhibited the following symptoms:
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration.
Ingesting 1-2 seeds caused serious poisoning in a young adult.
Patients usually recover in 1-2 days. Treatment includes
induction of emesis, followed by supportive treatments with

antiemetics and fluid replacement (Anon. 1961, Lampe and
McCann 1985).
References:
July-Aug: 1-2.
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Notes on poisoning: Xanthium

strumarium
Interactive
by Botanical name
Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) is a naturalized annual herb found across southern Canada,
All poisonous plants where it grows in wet soils and agricultural fields. The toxic glycoside carboxyatractyloside is
found in the seeds and the cotyledons of seedlings. Livestock are most commonly poisoned after
by Common name
ingesting the cotyledons (seed leaves) of young seedlings. The toxin quickly dissipates as the
seedlings grow. Cattle, horses, and swine are often poisoned and die after ingesting this plant. This
Important WWW plant can produce allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible humans (Mitchell and Rook 1979,
Poisonous Plants sites Weaver and Lechowicz 1983, Burrows and Tyrl 1989).
References:
Burrows, G. E., Tyrl, R. J. 1989. Plants causing sudden death in livestock. Clin. Toxicol., 5:
263-289.
Cole, R. J., Cutler, H. G., Stuart, B. P. 1989. Carboxyatractyloside. Pages 253-263 in Cheeke, P.
R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. II. Glycosides. CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., USA. 277
pp.
Martin, T. M., Stair, E. L., Dawson, L. 1986. Cocklebur poisoning in cattle. J. Am. Vet. Med.
Assoc., 189: 562-563.
Mitchell, J. C., Rook, A. 1979. Botanical dermatology. Greenglass Ltd, Vancouver, B.C., Canada.
787 pp.
Weaver, S. E., Lechowicz, M. J. 1983. The biology of Canadian weeds. 56. Xanthium strumarium
L. Can. J. Plant Sci., 63: 211-225.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Xanthium strumarium L.
Vernacular name(s): cocklebur
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Xanthium strumarium
References:
Agriculture Quebec. 1975. Noms des maladies des plantes du Canada/ Names of plant diseases in
Canada. , Quebec City, Que., Canada. 288 pp.

Alex, J. F., Cayouette, R., Mulligan, G. A. 1980. Common and botanical names of weeds in
Canada/Noms populaire et scientifiques des plantes nuisibles du Canada. Revised. Agric. Can.
Bailey, L. H., Bailey, E. Z. 1976. Hortus third. Revised. MacMillan, New York, N.Y., USA. 1290
pp.
Scoggan, H. J. 1978, 1979. The flora of Canada. Nat. Mus. Nat. Sci. (Ottawa) Publ. Bot. 7(1)-7(4).
1711 pp.
Van Wijk, H. L. 1911. A dictionary of plant names. Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague, The
Netherlands. 1444 pp.
Victorin, M. 1964. Flore Laurentienne. 2nd ed. Univ. Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada. 952 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
pp.
Boivin, B. 1966, 1967. numration des plantes du Canada. Provencheria 6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93:
253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Xanthium strumarium:

The toxin is found in the seeds and in the cotyledons (or seed leaves) of the seedlings (Cole et al.
1980).
Toxic parts:
seedlings
seeds
References:
Cole, R. J., Stuart, B. P., Lansden, J. A., Cox, R. H. 1980. Isolation and redefinition of the toxic
agent from cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium). J. Agric. Food Chem., 28: 1330-1332.

A highly toxic glycoside, carboxyatractyloside, is contained in the seeds and seedlings of
cocklebur. The amount of the chemical was measured at 0.457% in the seeds and 0.12% in the
seedling at the two-leaf stage. The poison occurs only in the cotyledons or seed leaves of the
seedlings. The toxin readily disappears after germination (Cole et al. 1980).

References:
pp.
Note: When an animal is listed without additional information, the literature (as of 1993)
contained no detailed explanation.
Cattle
anorexia
convulsions
death
depression
dyspnea
muscle, weakness of
nausea
opisthotonos
Notes on poisoning:
Poisoning after ingesting cocklebur cotyledons from seedlings has resulted in symptoms including
anorexia, depression, nausea, dyspnea, opisthotonos, and spasmodic running motions. Kidney
discoloration and liver discoloration with acute hepatocellular centrilobular necrosis also occurs.
Death often occurs, and treatment is symptomatic (Martin et al. 1986).
References:
Assoc., 189: 562-563.
Humans

erythema
References:
787 pp.
Rodents
death
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental use of carboxyatractyloside (CAT) in mice and rats, had an LD-50 (i.p. or injections
into the peritoneal or abdominal cavity) of:
;
10.6 (7.5-15.1) mg/kg for mice 2.9 (1.5-5.8) mg/kg for rats
; Postmortem examination revealed prominent hepatic lobular accentuation in rats (Cole et al.
1989).
References:
pp.
Swine
anorexia
death
depression
incoordination
muscle spasms
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Pigs are poisoned after ingesting cotyledons equal to 1-2% of body weight or 20% of macerated
burs containing seeds. Intoxication can occur within a few hours and symptoms include anorexia,
depression, weakness, a tucked-up appearance, and spasmodic muscular activity. Postmortem
findings reveal extensive serofibrinous effusions of protein- rich fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
Scattered pericardial and subcutaneous lesions may also occur. Hepatic necrosis can occur
(Burrows and Tyrl 1989).
References:
263-289.
Another search?
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Zigadenus elegans
Interactive
Botanical name
White camas (Zigadenus elegans) is a native perennial herb that grows

from a bulb. The plant can be found across most of Canada from British
Columbia to New Brunswick and in parts of northwestern Canada. The
Common name
plant contains several steroidal alkaloids, including zygacine, which can
poison livestock and humans. White camas has caused poisoning in sheep
Important WWW Poisonous and may have been involved in poisoning cattle. Ingesting the bulbs can
Plants sites
also cause poisoning. This plant is considered to be about seven times less
toxic that death camas (Zigadenus venenosus). Poisoning is most common
in early spring because this plant often is available before other forage is
plentiful (Kingsbury 1964, Panter and James 1989).
References:
Panter, K. E., James, L. F. 1989. Death camas-early grazing can be
hazardous. Rangelands, 11: 147-149.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Zigadenus elegans Pursh
Vernacular name(s): white camas
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Zigadenus elegans
References:
132 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Zigadenus elegans:

All parts of the plant are toxic. The early leaves are the most common
cause of poisoning because the plants grow early, before other forage is
plentiful. The bulbs may be pulled up and ingested if the ground is wet
(Cheeke and Schull 1985, Panter and James 1989).
Toxic parts:
all parts
bulbs
flowers
leaves
References:

A steroidal alkaloid, zygacine, is one of several alkaloids contained in
death camas. The lethal dose is estimated at between 2.0-6.0% of animal
body weight. This plant is considered to be less toxic than death camas,
Zigadenus venenosus (Kingsbury 1964).

zygacine

References:
Cattle
Horses
Humans
blood pressure, low
coma
dizziness
heart rate, slow
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting the bulbs, mistaken for onions, can cause poisoning in humans,
even though this species is considered less toxic than death camas
(Zigadenus venenosus).
References:
Sheep
ataxia
breathing, rapid
coma
death
death
mouth, frothing of
nasal discharge
nausea
salivation
urination, frequent
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of poisoning are similar for all species of animals. Symptoms in
sheep include excessive salivation, froth around the nose and mouth,
nausea, vomiting, muscular weakness, ataxia, possible coma, and death.
The heart fails before respiration. Postmortem findings reveal the heart in
complete diastole. Lesions include severe pulmonary congestion,
hemorrhage, and edema. One-time loss of sheep has been reported as 500
head in some species of Zigadenus (Cheeke and Schull 1985, Panter and
James 1989).
References:
Another search?
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Zigadenus venenosus
Interactive
Botanical name
Death camas (Zigadenus venenosus) is a native perennial herb that is found

from British Columbia to southwestern Saskatchewan. The plant is one of
the most toxic springtime plants, especially to sheep. Cattle and horses are
Common name
also occasionally poisoned. Swine vomit the plant so readily that no
natural cases of poisoning have been reported. Poultry may also be
Important WWW Poisonous poisoned, although there are no reported cases. Honey bees are poisoned
Plants sites
by the nectar and pollen (Kingsbury 1964, Barker 1978; Panter and James
1989). Humans have also been poisoned after ingesting the bulbs, which
were mistaken for other plants such as onions (Allium spp.) or camas
(Camassia quamash). Ingesting the flowers and flower buds has caused
poisoning in children (Cameron 1952, Spoerke and Spoerke 1979). These
plants should be considered poisonous to all livestock and humans.
References:
Barker, R. J. 1980. Poisoning by plants. Pages 275-296 in Morse, R. A.,
ed. Honey bee pests, predators, and diseases. Cornell University Press,
Ithaca, N.Y., USA. 430 pp.
Cameron, K. 1952. Death camas poisoning. Northwest Med., 1952:
682-683.
Dayton, W. A. 1960. Notes on western range forbes. U. S. For. Serv.
Wash. Agric. Hand., 161. 254 pp.
Spoerke, D. G., Spoerke, S. E. 1979. Three cases of Zigadenus (death
camas) poisoning. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 21: 346-347.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Zigadenus venenosus S. Wats.
Vernacular name(s): death camas
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Zigadenus venenosus
References:
132 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Zigadenus venenosus:

All parts of death camas contain toxic alkaloids, with the bulbs containing
the most. The bulbs may be pulled up by animals when the ground is wet
or may be ingested by humans who mistake them for other plants, such as
onions. The nectar and pollen are poisonous to bees. Most cases of animal
poisoning occur in spring, when other forage is not plentiful (Kingsbury
1964, Barker 1978).
Toxic parts:
all parts
bulbs
flowers
leaves
pollen
References:

Steroidal alkaloids, including zygacine, have been found in these plants.
Death camas is considered to be the most toxic members of the genus
Zigadenus. The average minimum lethal dose in sheep is estimated to be
equal to ingesting 0.6-2.0% of an animal''s body weight in plant material
(Kingsbury 1964).

zygacine

References:
Cattle
ataxia
death
dyspnea
nausea
prostration
salivation
trembling
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle are occasionally poisoned by death camas. Symptoms are very
similar to those for other livestock. Salivation is sometimes less and nausea
greater than in sheep. Other symptoms include muscular weakness, ataxia,
trembling, prostration, and death. The heart action becomes weakened
(Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Honey bees
death
Notes on poisoning:
In field cases, adult bees died after foraging on this plant. In experiments,
both the nectar and pollen, collected by centrifugation, poisoned the bees.
The plants bloom for only a couple of weeks and secrete little nectar.
Solitary native bees seem less affected by the toxins (Barker 1978).
References:
Horses
colic
depression
diarrhea
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
Horses have been poisoned after ingesting hay containing immature seed
pods of death camas. The symptoms of illness included colic, salivation,
cramping, depression, and intermittent diarrhea (Fuller and McClintock
1986).
References:
Humans

blood pressure, low
breathing, shallow
coma
death
diarrhea
drowsiness
pupil dilation
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Humans have been poisoned after ingesting the bulbs and flowers. In most
cases, the bulbs are mistaken for onions. A 2-year-old child became ill
after eating the blossoms. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, slow
breathing, unconsciousness (though responsive to pain or movement),
hyperactive tendons and limbs, pupil dilation, and hypotension. The
alkaloids cause local irritation when ingested and affect the cardiovascular
system by slowing the heart and decreasing blood pressure. Treatment
includes emesis, activated charcoal, and saline cathartic. Atropine was also
given (Cameron 1952, Spoerke and Spoerke 1979).
References:
682-683.
Poultry
coma
death
diarrhea
incoordination
prostration
Notes on poisoning:
In one case (with an related species of Zigadenus), poultry were poisoned.
Symptoms included diarrhea, staggering gait, incoordination, prostration,
and coma. Many birds died (Kingsbury 1964). Death camas can also
poison poultry if they ingest the tender shoots.
References:
Sheep
breathing, shallow
cyanosis
death
mouth, frothing of
muscle, weakness of
nasal discharge
prostration
salivation
urination, frequent
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Death camas is considered to be one of the most toxic plants on the
western rangelands, and ingestion causes greater loss of life of sheep than
any other plant in springtime. Symptoms include excessive salivation,
nausea, frothing at the nose and mouth, vomiting, increased urination and
defecation, muscular weakness, ataxia, prostration, and death resulting
from heart failure. Postmortem examination shows the heart in complete
diastole. Coma may occur for a few hours to several days before death.
Lesions include severe pulmonary congestion, edema, and hemorrhage.
Losses occur most frequently in the spring, when other forage is not
plentiful (Long 1981, Panter and James 1989).
References:
Swine
diarrhea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Experiments show that swine are susceptible to the poisons, but cases of
poisoning are not encountered under natural conditions because swine
readily expel the material by vomiting (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Another search?
Important Notices
Introduction
Toutes les plantes

vnneuses
nom scientifique
nom commun
Nom commun
abrus chapelet
Nom scientifique
Abrus precatorius
aconit Napel
agripaume cardiaque
ail
Aconitum napellus
Leonurus cardiaca
Allium sativum
ail du Canada
alkkenge
toxiques
alos
Allium canadense
Physalis alkekengi
Aloe barbadensis
alpiste roseau
amarante racine rouge
amarante fausse-blite
amarante hybride
amaryllis
amaryllis belladone
amlanchier feuilles d'aulne
Amsinckia
Anthurium
apocyn feuilles d'androsme
apocyn chanvrin
arbre ombrelle
arum vnneux
asaret du Canada
asclpiade de Syrie
asclpiade verticille
asiminier trilob
astragale du Canada
Amaranthus hybridus
Amaryllis vittata
Apocynum cannabinum
Asarum canadense
Asclepias syriaca
Asimina triloba
astragale fondu
astragale prostr
Astragalus miser
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auriole
avocatier
avoine
azale blanche
baptisie leucanthe
barbare vulgaire
bassia feuilles d'hysope
belle asclpiade
berce du Caucase
bigelovie puante
bois d'arc
Daphne laureola
Persea americana
Avena sativa
Baptisia leucantha
Barbarea vulgaris
Bassia hyssopifolia
Asclepias speciosa
Maclura pomifera
cactus candlabre
cagarrino
caladium
Euphorbia lactea
Euphorbia lathyris
Caladium bicolor
calla des marais

cardinale bleue
carotte Moreau
Calla palustris
Lobelia siphilitica
Cicuta maculata
centaure de Russie
centaure du solstice
Ceratocephalus
cerisier d'amour
cerisier de Pennsylvanie
cerisier de Virginie
cerisier tardif
chanvre
chnopode blanc
chne blanc
chne noir
chne rouge
chvrefeuille mouches
chvrefeuille de Tartarie
chicot du Canada
chou puant
Centaurea repens
Prunus pensylvanica
Prunus virginiana
Prunus serotina
Cannabis sativa
Chenopodium album
Quercus alba
Quercus velutina
Quercus rubra
Lonicera xylosteum
Lonicera tatarica
Gymnocladus dioicus
chou sauvage
chrysanthme
ciboulette
Brassica oleracea
cicutaire du nord
cicutaire pourpre
Cicuta virosa
Cicuta douglasii
cige macule
clajeux
clivies
colchique d'automne
consoude pre
consoude officinale
coqueret
corne de cerf
couronne d'pines
croton ou codier
cyclamen de Perse
Conium maculatum
Iris versicolor
Clivia miniata
Colchicum autumnale
Symphytum asperum
Physalis peruviana
Aloe arborescens
Euphorbia milii
Codiaeum variegatum
Cyclamen persicum
cynoglosse officinale
cypripde acaule
cypripde royal
Cypripedium acaule
Cypripedium reginae
cypripde soulier
cytise
dame d'onze heures
daphn camle
daphn jolibois
Delphinium
dicentre capuchon
dicentre du Canada
dictame
Dieffenbachia
dieffenbachia
dieffenbachia tachete
dielytra belles fleurs
digitale pourpre
dirca des marais
rable rouge
eupatoire rugueuse
euphorbe cyprs
euphorbe des jardins
euphorbe sule
euphorbe effile
euphorbe rveille-matin
Daphne cneorum
Daphne mezereum
Dicentra cucullaria
Dicentra canadensis
Dictamnus albus
Dicentra formosa
Digitalis purpurea
Dirca palustris
Acer rubrum
Eupatorium rugosum
Euphorbia peplus
Euphorbia esula
Euphorbia tirucalli
fausse herbe poux

fougre d'aigle
frne puant
fusain
fusain d'Europe
ginkgo
glorieuse du Malabar
glycrie gante
Iva xanthifolia
Pteridium aquilinum
Ailanthus altissima
Euonymus europaeus
Ginkgo biloba
Gloriosa superba
Glyceria grandis
glycine du Japon
graines chapelet
grande chlidoine
Wisteria floribunda
Chelidonium majus
grande oseille
gui de chne
gutierrezie faux-sarothra
Rumex acetosa
hlnie automnale
hlnie nudiflore
hlianthe annuel
hliotrope obov de Curaao
herbe la puce
hortensia
houblon
houx commun
houx d'Amrique
hymnoxys de Richardson
if de l'Angleterre
if du Canada
if du Japon
indigo sauvage
iris de marais
jacinthe des bois
jonquille
jusquiame noire
Helenium autumnale
Helenium flexuosum
Helianthus annuus
Rhus radicans
Humulus lupulus
Ilex aquifolium
Ilex opaca
Taxus baccata
Taxus canadensis
Taxus cuspidata
Baptisia tinctoria
Iris pseudacorus
Hyoscyamus niger
Kalanchoe
kalmia feuilles d'andromde
Kalmia polifolia
kalmia feuilles troites

kochia balais
laitue scariole
lampourde glouteron
Kalmia angustifolia
Kochia scoparia
Lactuca scariola
Xanthium strumarium
Lantana
laporta du Canada
Lantana camara
Laportea canadensis
laurier rose
lentil d'Espagne
lierre commun
lierre terrestre
linaire vulgaire
lis des Incas
liseron
loblie du cardinal
loblie gonfle
lupin argent
lupin de Burke
Nerium oleander
Lathyrus sativus
Hedera helix
Glechoma hederacea
Linaria vulgaris
Alstroemeria ligtu
Ipomoea tricolor
Lobelia cardinalis
Lobelia inflata
Lupinus argenteus
Lupinus burkei
lupin de polyphylle
lupin soyeux
Lupinus
Lupinus polyphyllus
Lupinus sericeus
Lupinus pusillus
luzerne
manguier
marronnier
Medicago sativa
Mangifera indica
marronnier fleurs rouges

mlilot blanc
mlilot jaune
mnisperme du Canada
menzizie ferrugineuse
millepertuis perfor
morelle douce-amre
morelle noire
mouron rouge
moutarde de l'Inde
moutarde des champs
moutarde des oiseaux
moutarde tanaisie verte
muguet
narcisse
navette
Aesculus glabra
Melilotus alba
Solanum dulcamara
Solanum nigrum
Anagallis arvensis
Brassica juncea
Sinapis arvensis
Brassica campestris
Descurainia pinnata
Convallaria majalis
Narcissus poeticus
Brassica napus
nerprun bourdaine
nerprun commun
nielle
Rhamnus frangula
Rhamnus cathartica
Agrostemma githago
noyer noir
obier
Juglans nigra
Viburnum opulus
oignon
onocle sensible
ortie dioque
oxytrope de Lambert
Oxytropis
panais sauvage
pavot coquelicot
pavot d'Islande
pavot d'Orient
pavot somnifre
perce-neige
Allium cepa
Onoclea sensibilis
Urtica dioica
Oxytropis lambertii
Oxytropis sericea
Pastinaca sativa
Papaver rhoeas
Papaver nudicaule
Papaver orientale
Papaver somniferum
Galanthus nivalis
petite oseille
petit-prcheur
phaclia de Californie
Rumex acetosella
Arisaema triphyllum
philodendron monstra
Philodendron (scandens)
Monstera deliciosa
phytolaque d'Amrique
pied d'alouette bicolore
pied d'alouette glauque
pin ponderosa
podophylle pelt
poinsettia
pois de senteur
pomme de terre
prle des champs
prle des marais
primula
radis
radis sauvage
raifort
renoncule bulbeuse
renoncule sclrate
Delphinium bicolor
Delphinium glaucum
Pinus ponderosa
Lathyrus odoratus
Solanum tuberosum
Equisetum arvense
Equisetum palustre
Primula obconica
Raphanus sativus
Armoracia rusticana
Ranunculus bulbosus
rhododendron de Californie
rhubarbe
ricin
Rheum rhaponticum
Ricinus communis
robinier faux-acacia
rudbeckie hrisse
Rudbeckia serotina
rudbeckie lacinie
rumex vein
sarcobatus vermicul
sarrasin commun
scille de Sibrie
sneon jacobe
sneon vulgaire
Senecio
sorgho
sorgho d'Alep
sorgho du Soudan
Rudbeckia laciniata
Rumex venosus
Scilla siberica
Senecio jacobaea
Senecio vulgaris
Sorghum bicolor
Sorghum halepense
Sorghum sudanense
stramoine commune
stramoine parfume
Suckleya
Datura stramonium
Datura innoxia
Suckleya suckleyana
sumac vernis
sumac de l'Ouest
sureau blanc
Rhus vernix
Rhus diversiloba
Sambucus canadensis
sureau noir
symphorine grappes
tabac
tabouret des champs
tanaisie vulgaire
Thermopsis
trfle alsike
trfle blanc
trfle rouge
trone commun
trompette dore
troscart des marais
troscart maritime
tulipe
varaire vert
vlar fausse girofle
Sambucus nigra
Nicotiana tabacum
Thlaspi arvense
Tanacetum vulgare
Trifolium hybridum
Trifolium repens
Trifolium pratense
Ligustrum vulgare
Triglochin palustre
Triglochin maritima
Tulipa gesneriana
Veratrum viride
verge d'or veloute

vesce cultive
vesce fve
Solidago mollis
Vicia sativa
Vicia faba
vesce velue
vigne vierge
Vicia villosa
viprine
zigadne lgant
zigadne vnneux
Echium vulgare
Zigadenus elegans
Zigadenus venenosus
Une autre recherche?

Accueil
Avis important
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: alder

buckthorn
Interactive
name
Alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) is a naturalized shrub or small

All poisonous plants by Common tree that is found in parts of eastern Canada and the Prairie Provinces.
This plant is found along fencerows and roadsides and in lightly
name
shaded woodlands. Several purgative chemicals, including emodin,
occur in the bark and in the purple-black fruits. This plant causes
Important WWW Poisonous Plants usually mild symptoms if ingested by children. There is one record of
sites
fatal poisoning of a cow (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Fuller and
McClintock 1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rhamnus frangula L.
Vernacular name(s): alder buckthorn
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Rhamnus frangula
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.info?p_psn=179&p_type=all&p_sci=comm&p_x=px (1 of 5) [5/10/2004 4:16:45 PM]

Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
alder buckthorn:
Toxic parts:
bark
mature fruit
References:

Alder buckthorn contains glycosides, which upon hydrolysis yield
These chemicals are purgative; emodin has been used in laxatives

anthraquinones
emodine
References:
Cattle
death
diarrhea
fever
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
In one case of fatal poisoning, a cow ate large quantities of leaves,
twigs, and berries of alder buckthorn. The animal quickly became ill
and developed symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, slow pulse, cramps,
and slight fever before death. Postmortem examination showed leaves
of the plant in the stomach, with gastrointestinal inflammation
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
collapse
convulsions
diarrhea
gastroenteritis
hemorrhage
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Children who ingest the plant material usually experience mild
symptoms of poisoning such as transient abdominal pains, vomiting,
and diarrhea. If 20 or more berries are ingested, symptoms may
include gastrointestinal symptoms, fluid depletion, kidney damage,
muscular convulsions, and hemorrhage. In severe cases, difficult
breathing and collapse may occur. Severe poisoning is rare because
of induced vomiting. Treatment should replace lost fluids and induce
vomiting if it has not occurred (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Fuller and
McClintock 1985).
References:
Another search?
Home

Important Notices
Notes on poisoning: alfalfa

Introduction
Interactive
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an important forage and silage crop in

Canada. However, under some circumstances, alfalfa can cause a variety
of different toxic problems. Ingesting rapidly growing alfalfa at the
vegetative to mid-bud stage can cause bloat in cattle and sheep (Hall and
Majak 1989). Alfalfa has also caused photosensitization in cattle with
Common name
white skin (MacDonald 1954). Alfalfa contains phytoestrogens which
cause infertility in animals, including cattle and sheep. These compounds
Important WWW Poisonous are also contained in some alfalfa pills that are found in health food
Plants sites
stores, and these may cause problems in some cases (Cheeke and Schull
1985). Alfalfa also contains saponins that can interfere with the growth of
poultry and thus reduce egg-laying (Fuller and McClintock 1986,
Oakenfull and Sidhu 1989). Low saponin cultivars have been developed.
Botanical name
References:
492 pp.
pp.
228.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Medicago sativa L.
Vernacular name(s): alfalfa
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Medicago sativa
References:
132 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:

131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
alfalfa:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Alfalfa contains two phytoestrogenic compounds, coumestrol and
coumestan. These compounds can cause fertility problems in sheep and
cattle. Alfalfa also contains bloat-causing proteins. Saponins, such as
medicagenic acid, can cause growth reduction in poultry (Adams 1989,
Hall and Majak 1989, Oakenfull and Sidhu 1989).

coumestan
coumestrol
medicagenic acid

References:
Cattle
bloat
infertility
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle are especially susceptible to bloat after ingesting rapidly growing
alfalfa in the vegetative to mid-bud stage of growth. The formation of
stable foam bubbles is recognized as being affected by the concentration
of cytoplasmic proteins, which is in turn affected by rumen pH, and the
colloidal suspension of chloroplast particles from the plant; the stability
is controlled by ion concentration (Hall and Majak 1989). Alfalfa also
contains phytoestrogens, which have caused infertility problems in dairy
cattle because of cystic ovaries and irregular estrous cycles. Precocious
development of mammary glands also occurs, as well as genital
formation in heifers. The coumestan chemicals suppress estrous and

inhibit ovulation (Cheeke and Schull 1985, Adams 1989).
References:
492 pp.
pp.
Chickens
References:
Humans
infertility
Notes on poisoning:
Alfalfa tablets are available in health food stores as a dietary supplement
for humans. The benefits of the tablets are not clear. Measurements of the
phytoestrogen content of some commercial brands have ranged from 20
to 190 ppm. This level of intake, in conjunction with other sources of
estrogen (such as birth control pills and estrogen replacement therapy),
may be potentially harmful (Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
492 pp.
Sheep
bloat
erythema
infertility
skin, peeling of
References:
492 pp.
228.
Another search?
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: aloe

- A. barbadensis
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Aloe (Aloe barbadensis) is the common "Aloe vera" found in
extracts that are used in cosmetics and medicinal products. The
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites latex from under the skin can cause a cathartic action because it
irritates the large intestine; anthraquinones color alkaline urine
red. An excessive dose may cause nephritis (Lampe and McCann
1985). Contact dermatitis can also result from contact with this
plant.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Aloe barbadensis Mill.
Vernacular name(s): aloe - A. barbadensis
barbadensis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
aloe - A. barbadensis:
Toxic parts:
latex
References:


aloe-emodin
References:
Humans
catharsis
nephritis
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
alsike clover
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) is found most frequently in
the farming areas of northern Canada. This plant is adapted to
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites cool climates and heavy, poorly drained clay soils. Cases of
photosensitization have occurred, sometimes accompanied by
liver damage and enlargement. This problem has occurred mostly
in horses and occasionally in cattle. There is also a potential for
nitrate poisoning (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Cheeke and Schull
1985).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Fincher, M. G., Fuller, H. K. 1942. Photosensitization - trifoliosis
- light sensitization. Cornell Vet., 32: 95-99.
Nation, P. N. 1989. Alsike clover poisoning: a review. Can. Vet.
J., 30: 410-415.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Trifolium hybridum L.
Vernacular name(s): alsike clover

hybridum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
alsike clover:

Ingesting alsike clover causes photosensitization in horses and
cattle. The toxic compounds have not been indentified. Nitrates
may also accumulate in the plant (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.

nitrate
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
breathing, labored
cyanosis
gait, staggering
References:
Horses
blindness
depression
gait, staggering
liver, cirrhosis of
nephrosis, severe
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
amaryllis (A. belledonna)
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Amaryllis (Amaryllis belladonna) is an ornamental plant
commonly sold for its winter flowers. Ingesting the bulbs has
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites poisoned humans. The toxic alkaloid, lycorine, is the principal
toxin, although small quantities of related alkaloids are also
present (Lampe and McCann 1985; Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Amaryllis belladonna L.
Vernacular name(s): amaryllis (A. belledonna)
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Amaryllis
belladonna
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
amaryllis (A. belledonna):
Toxic parts:
bulbs
References:

Lycorine, a heat-stable alkaloid, is found in Amaryllis spp. as
well as Clivia spp., Galanthus nivalis, and Narcissus spp. This
chemical occurs in small quantities in Amaryllis species, so that
large quantities of bulb must be eaten to cause symptoms (Lampe
and McCann 1985).

lycorine
References:
Humans
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name The symptoms of poisoning and the chemical involved in
amaryllis (A. vittata) are the same as those for A. belladonna.
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Please see the additional notes listed under that species.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Amaryllis vittata Ait.
Vernacular name(s): amaryllis (A. vittata)
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
amaryllis (A. vittata):
Toxic parts:
bulbs
References:

lycorine
References:

Humans
nausea
vomiting
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
American elder
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name American elder (Sambucus canadensis) is a native shrub found in
the moist soils of swamps and along rivers and lakes in eastern
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Canada. This plant contains cyanogenic glycosides and a
cathartic chemical. The plant has poisoned cattle and perhaps
sheep. Children were poisoned after using the hollow stems for
whistles. Ingesting uncooked berries may cause nausea
(Kingsbury 1964, Muenscher 1978). Red-berried elder
(Sambucus pubens) is a native shrub found from Newfoundland
to Manitoba. There are unsubstantiated reports that this species
may also have toxic potential. Children should not be allowed to
chew the stems or berries.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Sambucus canadensis L.
Vernacular name(s): American elder
canadensis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
American elder:

Animals were poisoned after ingesting young shoots and leaves.
Children were also poisoned when they used the hollow stems as
whistles. Uncooked berries may cause nausea (Muenscher 1975).
Toxic parts:
leaves
pollen
young shoots
References:

Cyanogenic glycosides are found in elders. Sambunigrin and
other chemicals may be involved. Cathartics may also be present
(Kingsbury 1964, Tewe and Iyayi 1989).

sambunigrin
References:
Cattle
abdominal pains
References:
Humans
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Apparently, the use of the hollow stems as whistles or blowpipes
has caused poisoning in children. The bark contains a cathartic.
Ingesting uncooked berries can cause nausea and vomiting.
Cooked are not harmful if eaten in small amounts (Kingsbury
1964).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
American holly
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name American holly (Ilex opaca) is an ornamental shrub that provides
glossy green leaves and red berries used in Christmas
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites decorations. Ingested berries have been implicated in cases of
poisoning of children. The symptoms included vomiting and
diarrhea (Rodrigues et al. 1984, Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Ilex opaca Ait.
Vernacular name(s): American holly
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Ilex opaca
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
American holly:
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
References:

Ilicin is a crude extract that is a bitter glycoside. This extract has
been implicated as the poisonous substance (Rodrigues et al.
1984).

ilicin
References:
Humans
diarrhea
drowsiness
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Ingestion of a "handful" of berries caused repeated vomiting,
green, watery diarrhea, and passage of green semisoft stools. The
drowsiness might have been associated with the ipecac-induced
vomiting. Ingestion of berries usually results in mild symptoms
unless a lot of berries are eaten. Children are more likely to eat
the berries (Rodrigues et al. 1984).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
American mistletoe
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name American mistletoe (Phoradendron flavescens) is the familiar
mistletoe of Christmas. Ingesting a large number of the berries or
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites tea made from the berries has led to poisoning and death in
humans. Mistletoe, used as decorations at Christmas, should be
kept out of the reach of children and family pets (Kingsbury
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Phoradendron flavescens (Pursh) Nutt.
Vernacular name(s): American mistletoe
Scientific family name: Loranthaceae
Vernacular family name: mistletoe
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Phoradendron
flavescens
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
American mistletoe:
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
mature fruit
References:

American mistletoe contains two amines, beta-phenylethylamine
and tyramine, as well as a lectin, phoratoxin. These chemicals are
probably responsible for toxic reactions after ingestion (Fuller

beta-phenylethylamine
phoratoxin
tryamine
References:
Humans
cardiac arrest
death
gastroenteritis
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting a few berries causes abdominal pain and diarrhea. Tea
made from the berries caused death about 10 h after symptoms of
acute gastroenteritis, followed by cardiovascular collapse. Plant
material has slowed the heartbeat in a way similar to digitalis
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
angel's trumpet
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Angel's trumpet (Datura innoxia) contains toxic alkaloids that
have caused poisoning and death in humans and other animals.
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Most of the literature concerns poisoning by jimsonweed (Datura
stramonium), but angel''s trumpet should be considered poisonous
as well. This plant is occasionally grown as an outdoor
ornamental herb because of its spectacular tubular flowers. See
additional information under general notes of Datura
stramonium.
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Datura innoxia Mill.
Vernacular name(s): angel's trumpet

innoxia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
angel's trumpet:
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
seeds
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.

This plant contains the tropane alkaloids atropine, hyoscine, and
hyoscyamine. See additional information under general notes of
Datura stramonium.

hyoscyamine
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
death
muscle twitching
nervousness
Notes on poisoning:
All types of animals can be poisoned by angel''s trumpet because
it contains alkaloids. However, no definite cases of poisoning
have been reported. The most likely animals to be poisoned are
family family pets that may have access to plants outside the
house.
References:
Humans
agitation
choreiform movement
coma
drowsiness
hallucination
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Astragalus adsurgens is a native herb found across western
Canada. This plant has the potential to accumulate toxic levels of
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites selenium, which would cause symptoms in cattle and probably
other livestock. Cases of livestock poisoned by this plant could
not be found in the literature.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Astragalus adsurgens Pall.
Vernacular name(s): Astragalus (A. adsurgens)
adsurgens
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Astragalus (A. adsurgens):
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Astragalus adsurgens has been found to accumulate selenium
well above the minimum amount of 5 mg/kg required for the
existence of selenium poisoning in sheep and cattle. Some plants

collected in Canada contained 44 mg/kg of selenium (Davis
1986).

selenium
References:
Cattle
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Interactive
Notes on poisoning:
Astragalus (A.
lentiginosus)

Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Astragalus lentiginosus is a native plant found in south-central
British Columbia. Ingesting the plant causes a variety of
problems. Plants contain the alkaloid swainsonine, which can
cause locoism. The common symptoms are impairment of the
nervous system, depression, and excitement when disturbed.
Teratogenic effects have also been noted in lambs and foals. At
high altitudes (above 2120 m), cattle suffer from congestive heart
failure (swainsonine influences the vascular system). This plant is
a major poisonous range plant in the western United States. It is
not abundant anywhere in Canada (Cheeke and Schull 1985,
Panter et al. 1988).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
1253-1256.
Am. J. Vet. Res., 48: 686-690.

68: 1354-1362.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Astragalus lentiginosus Dougl.
Vernacular name(s): Astragalus (A. lentiginosus)
lentiginosus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

British Columbia
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Astragalus (A. lentiginosus):
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
seeds
stems
References:
1253-1256.


Swainsonine, the chemical involved in locoism, is found in
several plants occurring in Canada, including Astragalus
bisulcatus, A. lentiginosus, Oxytropis lambertii, and O. sericea.
This indolizidine alkaloid causes locoism in cattle, horses, and
sheep; it also causes teratogenic deformities in lambs, calves, and
foals. In addition, at high altitudes (above 2120 m) it contributes
to congenital heart failure in calves and cows (Cheeke and Schull
1985).

slaframine
swainsonine

References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
abdominal edema
appetite, loss of
duodenum, edema of
throat, edema of
References:
Horses
Sheep
abortion
blisters, weeping
death
depression
eyes, dull
fetus, dead
gait, unsteady
incoordination
lethargy
muscle, weakness of
sperm, detached tails

sperm mobility, poor
testicle degeneration
ventricle(right),round
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Astragalus lentiginosus caused fetal abortion in sheep and clinical
signs of locoism in pregnant ewes. It also caused fluid
accumulation in the placenta, altered cotyledonary development,
and decreased fetal heart rates causing cardiac irregularity. At
necropsy the fetuses had hypertrophy of the heart, right
ventricular dilation, rounded apex of the heart, and generalized
edema (Panter et al. 1987).
References:
1253-1256.
Am. J. Vet. Res., 48: 686-690.
68: 1354-1362.
Swine
coat, rough and dry
depression
eyes, dull
incoordination
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Australian umbrella tree (Brassaia actinophylla) is an ornamental
shrub grown indoors in Canada. This plant caused toxic
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites symptoms in a dog after it ingested the leaves. Experimental
work on rats caused death after they ingested 3.2 g of leaf tissue
over 7 days. Symptoms in the rats included extramedullary
hematopoiesis in the spleen, with black tarry gastrointestinal
content caused by blood (Quam et al. 1985).
References:
7: 158-159.
15-17.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Brassaia actinophylla Endl.
Vernacular name(s): Australian umbrella tree
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Brassaia
actinophylla
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Australian umbrella tree:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:
15-17.

Chemical analysis (Quam et al. 1985) revealed that leaves contain
oxalates and saponins as well as some cardiac glycosides and
alkaloids.

oxalate
References:
15-17.
Dogs
anorexia
ataxia
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
A poodle that ingested Australian umbrella tree leaves suffered
from vomiting, leucopenia, anorexia, and ataxia. The leaves were
found to contain 0.9%-1.5% oxalate crystals by weight (Spoerke
References:
Humans
erythema
References:
7: 158-159.
Rodents
death
hemorrhage
References:
15-17.
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Notes on poisoning:
autumn crocus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Autumn crocus (Colchium autumnale) is an outdoor ornamental
grown for its autumn flowers. The plant is poisonous to all
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites animals and to humans. Livestock have been poisoned in Europe
and Asia, where the plants are native. Poisoning has been
reported in cattle, goats horses, sheep, and swine, as well as in
humans and dogs. The toxic chemical colchicine can be excreted
through the milk of lactating animals, thereby poisoning young
animals and humans. Cattle and, to a lesser extent, goats and
sheep can develop complete resistance to colchicine (Cooper and
Johnson 1984). This plant is found only in garden cultivation or
maybe as a houseplant in Canada. Children and family pets are
therefore most at risk from ingesting autumn crocus.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Colchicum autumnale L.
Vernacular name(s): autumn crocus

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Colchicum
autumnale
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
autumn crocus:
Toxic parts:
all parts
References:

Colchicine is more toxic than colchiceine. These chemicals
withstand drying, storage, and boiling without losing their toxic
qualities. Colchicine affects the central nervous system,
paralyzing nerve endings and blocking neuromuscular
connections.
All parts of the plant are poisonous:
0.03-0.06% colchicine in the corm (bulb)
0.02-0.04% colchicine in the seeds
Ingesting fresh leaves in the following quantities results in death
(Cooper and Johnson 1984):
8-16 g/kg of body weight cattle
6.4 g/kg body weight
lambs (2-3 months old)
12 g/kg body weight
guinea pigs (adult)

colchiceine
colchicine
References:
Cattle
abdominal pains
collapse
depression
diarrhea
incoordination
teeth grinding
References:
Dogs
Goats
Horses
collapse
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
colic
collapse
diarrhea
hemoglobinuria
nausea
thirsty
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Humans and other animals exhibit similar symptoms of
colchicine poisoning. Symptoms develop 2-7 h after ingestion.
Recovery is slow and relapse may occur, resulting in paralysis,
respiratory or heart failure, and death. Temporary hair loss may
occur (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Hill and Duke 1986).
References:
Sheep
collapse
depression
diarrhea
salivation
References:
Swine
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Notes on poisoning:
avocado
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Avocado (Persea americana) is a common exotic fruit. The seeds
are often planted to produce foliage plants in households. In
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites California, Guatemalan cultivars have caused toxic affects in
cattle, goats, rabbits, canaries, and fish. Family pets should be
prevented from ingesting the leaves. The seeds have caused
toxicity and death in canaries and have experimentally poisoned
mice. Leaves should not be allowed to fall accidentally into fish
tanks (Hurt 1943, Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Dep. Ann. Rep., 1943: 43-44.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Persea americana Mill.
Vernacular name(s): avocado
Scientific family name: Lauraceae
Vernacular family name: laurel
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Persea
americana
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
avocado:

Ingesting the leaves, branches, or seeds has caused lung
congestion and udder inflammation (Fuller and McClintock
1986).
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
twigs
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Cattle
mastitis
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting avocado leaves and bark has caused lung congestion,
mastitis, tissue edema, milk reduction, and death (when large
quantities of leaves were consumed). Other mammal species that
were poisoned after ingesting avocado showed similar symptoms
(Hurt 1943).
References:
Dep. Ann. Rep., 1943: 43-44.
Goats
mastitis
References:
Dep. Ann. Rep., 1943: 43-44.
Rabbits
death
mastitis
Notes on poisoning:
Rabbits were poisoned when given access to avocado leaves. The
rabbits developed mastitis and dried up. Experimental feeding of
"Fuerte," a Guatemalan avocado cultivar, has caused poisoning
and death in rabbits. Mexican cultivars have not caused poisoning
(Hurt 1943, Appleman 1944).
References:
Dep. Ann. Rep., 1943: 43-44.
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Notes on poisoning: bird

rape
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Bird rape (Brassica campestris) includes the vegetables turnip
and chinese cabbage. These plants can accumulate toxic
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites quantities of SMCO, which poisoned several types of livestock
after they ingested sufficient quantities (Benevenga et al. 1985).
Please see the expanded notes on poisoning by this chemical
under kale (Brassica oleracea) and the effects on various
livestock animals.
References:
Fla., USA. 271 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Brassica campestris L.
Vernacular name(s): bird rape
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Brassica
campestris
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
bird rape:

The quantities of SMCO vary amongst the plant parts and in
relation to the maturity of the plant (Benevenga et al. 1989).
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
stems
References:
Fla., USA. 271 pp.

This species can produce toxic quantities of SMCO (S-methyl-Lcysteine sulfoxide) (Benevenga et al. 1989).

References:
Fla., USA. 271 pp.
Cattle
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Notes on poisoning: black

cherry
Interactive
name
Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is a native tree found in eastern

All poisonous plants by Common Canada. It is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental. The plant
contains chemicals that can release hydrogen cyanide in animals. All
name
types of animals can be poisoned by ingesting leaves and twigs.
There have been claims of children dying after ingesting an excessive
Important WWW Poisonous Plants number of seeds, found in the berries. Cyanide poisoning interferes
sites
with respiration and blood circulation; death is often swift
(Kingsbury 1964, Cheeke 1983, Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
USA. 492 pp.
pp.
N.Y., USA. 934 pp.
432 pp.
977-992.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Prunus serotina Ehrh.
Vernacular name(s): black cherry
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Prunus serotina
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
black cherry:

The leaves of black cherry contain on average of 212 mg hydrocyanic
acid (HCN) per 100 g of fresh leaves. A lethal dose of HCN for
humans is between 0.5 and 0.35 mg/kg of body weight. The lethal
dose of HCN for cattle and sheep is about 2.0 mg/kg of body weight
(Kingsbury 1964).
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
twigs
References:

Two cyanogenic glycosides are found in black cherry. Amygdalin
and prunasin are found in the leaves, twigs, and seeds (Cheeke and
Schull 1985). Hydrogen cyanide is formed when the glycosides are
hydrolyzed by plant enzymes after damage or by rumen organisms.
Majak et al. (1990) found that cyanide production is most rapid in
cattle that had been starved for a day. High rates of cyanide
production were obtained in the rumen after the animal ingested fresh
alfalfa and cubed alfalfa hay.

amygdalin
prunasin

References:
USA. 492 pp.
Majak, W., McDiarmid, R. E., Hall, J. W., Cheng, K.-J. 1990.
Factors that determine rates of cyanogenesis in bovine ruminal fluid
in vitro. J. Anim. Sci., 68: 1648-1655.
Cattle
breathing, labored
gait, staggering
muscle spasms
pupil dilation
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of cyanide poisoning are common to all animals.
Symptoms may be minimal, with difficult breathing followed by
death. Other signs of toxicity may include a short period of
stimulation followed by slow pulse, dilated pupils, spasms,
staggering, loss of consciousness, and death, which results from
asphyxiation. Postmortem findings include bright red blood and
congestion of internal organs (Kingsbury 1964, Scimeca and Oehme
1985).
References:
USA. 492 pp.
Horses
breathing, labored
coma
dyspnea
gait, staggering
muscle spasms
paralysis
Notes on poisoning:
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
coma
death
lethargy
sweating
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting large quantities of berries has caused poisoning, because of
the toxin in the seeds. Children have been poisoned by chewing twigs
or drinking tea made from the leaves. Symptoms include difficult
breathing, voice paralysis, twitching, spasms, coma of short duration,
and death. Cyanide poisoning can occur quickly, with few symptoms
(Hardin and Arena 1969).
References:
pp.
432 pp.
Sheep
breathing, labored
coma
convulsions
gait, staggering
muscle spasms
paralysis
unconsciousness
Notes on poisoning:
References:
Swine
References:
N.Y., USA. 934 pp.
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Notes on poisoning:
black henbane
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) is a naturalized herb found
across parts of southern Canada. This plant contains several
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites alkaloids, and it has caused rare poisoning in humans, cattle,
poultry, and swine. Human poisoning has been accidental or
purposeful because of its reported medicinal or hallucinogenic
properties. Black henbane has been used medicinally since
ancient times to help with a variety of health problems and as a
preventative. Its hallucinogenic effects have led people to eat the
seed or chew the flowers, often with detrimental results. Ingestion
causes anticholinergic syndrome with stimulatory and
hallucinatory effects (Hocking 1947, Spoerke et al. 1987). Cattle
have been poisoned in Europe after ingesting black henbane that
was included in forage. The alkaloid content is retained upon
drying, and ingestion is said to taint the milk of cows. Poultry
have died after ingesting the seeds, and pigs have died after
eating the roots (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Spoerke et al. 1987).
References:
Emerg. Med., 5: 385-388.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Hyoscyamus niger L.
Vernacular name(s): black henbane

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Hyoscyamus
niger
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
black henbane:

All parts of the plant contain alkaloids in varying quantities (see
the additional notes under chemicals). Ingestion of four flowers
has caused some symptoms in humans (Frohne and Pfander 1983,
Spoerke et al. 1987).
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
roots
seeds
References:

Hyoscyamine, hyoscine, and atropine can all be found in black
henbane. The alkaloid content has been measured at 0.08%
(roots), 0.17% (leaves), and 0.3% (seeds). The major affect of
hyoscyamine is depression of the central nervous system (Frohne
and Pfander 1983; Cooper and Johnson 1984).

atropine
hyoscyamine
References:
Cattle
bloat
breathing, labored
convulsions
cyanosis
incoordination
pupil dilation
restlessness
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of ingestion include restlessness, excitation,
convulsions, pupil dilation, difficulty in breathing, increased heart
rate, and bloat. Postmortem examination showed degeneration of
heart muscle and cyanosis of mucous membranes (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
Humans
coma
confusion
death
hallucination
mouth dry
nausea
pupil dilation
skin, flushed
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of poisoning include thirst, dry mouth, dilated pupils,
warm and flushed skin, and hallucinations. Purposeless

movements, such as picking at the air, have been observed. Heart
rate is elevated. These are the symptoms that occur after the roots
are ingested. Ingesting the flowers has caused agitation,
restlessness, dry skin, and pupil dilation (Spoerke et al. 1987).
References:
Emerg. Med., 5: 385-388.
Poultry
Swine
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
black locust
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a naturalized shrub or tree
that is planted as an ornamental in warmer parts of Canada. The
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites seeds, bark, and leaves contain toxic proteins that have caused
sickness and death in cattle, horses, poultry, sheep, and humans.
The plant should be considered toxic to all animals if ingested.
Children were poisoned (with rare reports of fatalities) after
chewing on plant material, especially the bark. This tree can be
found around older farms and houses and is also planted along
fencerows. Children should be taught not to ingest any parts of
the plant. If older trees are cut down in areas where livestock
have access, make sure that the animals do not ingest any sprout
(sucker) growth that may emerge from the stump (Hansen 1924,
Kingsbury 1964, Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Crops, 22(2): 22-23, 44.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Robinia pseudoacacia L.
Vernacular name(s): black locust
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Robinia

pseudoacacia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
black locust:
Toxic parts:
bark
leaves
seeds
References:

Robin (or robinin) and phasin, which are toxic proteins called
toxalbumins, are present in black locust. A glycoprotein that
agglutinates red blood cells has been extracted from the plant. It
is not clear if this is robin or another substance. Experimental
feeding to horses has shown the following toxicities:
=> aqueous extract of bark about 0.1% of body weight caused
symptoms
=> powdered bark about 0.04% of body weight caused symptoms
The poisonous principle appears to be about one-tenth as toxic to
cattle (Kingsbury 1964, Cooper and Johnson 1984).

phasin
robin(in)
References:
Cattle

anorexia
death
dyspnea
nausea
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle that ingested the sprouts and leaves of black locust were
poisoned. Experiments show that cattle are 10 times less sensitive
to the toxin than horses. Symptoms include anorexia, weakness,
posterior paralysis, nausea, coldness of the extremities, and
dilation of the pupils. Death occurs in severe cases (Hansen 1924,
Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Horses
anorexia
death
nausea
pupil dilation
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Horses that ingested black locust leaves, sprouts, and bark were
poisoned and died. Symptoms are similar to those of cattle and
include anorexia, weakness, posterior paralysis, nausea, coldness
of the extremities, and pupil dilation. Symptoms of colic also
occur. In severe cases, death occurs. Postmortem findings showed
mucous inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and occasional
severe gastroenterititis. In some cases a yellowish pigmentation
of the membranes occurred (Hansen 1924, Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Humans
death
nausea
pupil dilation
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Humans, usually children, were poisoned after ingesting the bark
of black locust. Symptoms include pupil dilation, feeble pulse,
severe vomiting, and a death-like palor. The extremities may
become cold. Intestinal inflammation, hemorrhaging of the
lymphatic tissues, and possible liver damage often occur.
Fatalities are rare. The chances of poisoning are rare. Children
should not be allowed to ingest plant material from this tree
(Hansen 1924, Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Crops, 22(2): 22-23, 44.
Poultry
Notes on poisoning:
Chickens were poisoned after ingesting leaf material.
Degenerative changes in the liver and kidney occurred. A toxic
phytohemagglutinin extracted from the plant caused fatty
degeneration of the liver and death in chick embryos, at doses of
0.25-2.0 mg per egg (Kingsbury 1964, Cooper and Johnson
1984).
References:
Sheep
anorexia
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting the seed pods has caused minor illness in sheep
(Kingsbury 1964).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: black

nightshade
Interactive
Botanical name
Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is a naturalized herb found scattered

across southern Canada in waste places. This plant can be easily confused
with eastern black nightshade, a native herb, which is more commonly
Common name
found in its range in eastern Canada (see taxonomy and distributions in
Ogg et al. 1981, Bassett and Munro 1985). Black nightshade contains toxic
Important WWW Poisonous glycoalkaloids in the plant. The highest concentration is in the green
Plants sites
immature berries. All kinds of animals can be poisoned after ingesting
nightshade including cattle, sheep, poultry, and swine. Children have been
poisoned and have died after ingesting unripe berries. The ripe berries
cause reduced symptoms of mild abdominal pains, vomiting, and diarrhea
(Cooper and Johnson 1984, Lampe and McCann 1985). Some Canadian
garden catalogs sell seed for garden huckleberry (Solanum melanocerasum
All.; also previously known as Solanum nigrum L. var. guineense L.). This
plant has edible black fruits that can be cooked for use in pies, jams, and
preserves. The plant may persist from seed for more than a year in gardens
in warmer parts of Canada. There is no evidence that the ripe fruits are
toxic. Other species of nightshade occur in Canada, and some may contain
small amounts of toxins. Eastern black nightshade (Solanum ptycanthum
Dun ex DC.) may contain small amounts of toxin in the green berries.
Berries of hairy nightshade (Solanum sarrachoides Sendt.) have been
tested as a teratogen in hamsters but the results were not statistically
significant (Keeler et al .1990).
References:
Bassett, I. J., Munro, D. B. 1985. The biology of Canadian weeds. 67.
Solanum ptycanthum Dun., S. nigrum L. and S. sarrachoides Sendt. Can. J.
Plant Sci., 65: 401-414.
England. 305 pp.

Toxicon, 28: 873-884.
Ogg, A. G., Rogers, B. S., Schilling, E. E. 1981. Characterization of black
nightshade (Solanum nigrum) and related species in the United States.
Weed Sci., 29: 27-32.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Solanum nigrum L.
Vernacular name(s): black nightshade
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Solanum nigrum
References:
132 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
black nightshade:

All parts of the plant contain alkaloids, especially the green immature
berries. The concentration increases in the leaves until plant maturity. The
ripe black berries contain little alkaloidal content and can sometimes be
eaten with no harmful effects(Cooper and Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
all parts
immature fruit
leaves
References:
England. 305 pp.

Toxic glycoalkaloids, including solanine, solasodine, and chaconine are
found in black nightshade, especially in the green immature berries.
Nitrates can also accumulate in the plant material (Cooper and Johnson
1984).

chaconine
nitrate
solanine
solasodine
References:
England. 305 pp.
Cattle
breathing, labored
constipation
death
diarrhea
incoordination
muzzle, dry
pupil dilation
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of poisoning are similar to those for swine. Cattle can also
develop edema from the lower jaw to the front of the legs (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
England. 305 pp.
Humans
abdominal pains
death
diarrhea
dizziness
unconsciousness
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Humans have been poisoned and have died (rarely) after ingesting usually
green immature berries. Ripe, black berries have little toxin in them,
although abdominal pains and vomiting could occur. Symptoms usually
occur only after a latent period of several hours and may persist for several
days. Symptoms resemble those of bacterial gastroenteritis and include
headache, speech impairment, and unconsciousness (Cooper and Johnson
References:
England. 305 pp.
Poultry

death
Notes on poisoning:
In one case in Maryland, over 300 pullets died when they were allowed to
feed on a field overgrown with black nightshade (Reynard and Norton
1942).
References:
England. 305 pp.
Swine
breathing, rapid
death
incoordination
muscle spasms
Notes on poisoning:
Pigs have been poisoned after ingesting black nightshade. Symptoms
included rapid pulse and respiration, pale mucous membranes, dilated
pupils, depressed temperature, incoordination, and tremors (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
England. 305 pp.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
black oak
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Black oak (Quercus velutina) is a native tree found only in
southern Ontario. The acorns contain significant quantities of
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites toxic phenolics. This plant caused sickness and death in cattle
after they ingested acorns on autumn pastures. The occurrence of
poisoning from black oak in southern Ontario is minimal because
of its restricted distribution (Sandusky et al. 1977, Basden and
Dalvi 1987).
References:
29: 305-306.
84-85.
627-629.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Quercus velutina Lam.
Vernacular name(s): black oak
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Quercus
velutina
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Ontario
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
black oak:

Ingesting oak leaves and acorns has caused poisoning. Immature
acorns contain more toxin than mature acorns (Sandusky et al.
1977).
Toxic parts:
acorns
leaves
References:
627-629.

See notes under chemical section of red oak ( Quercus rubra).

gallic acid
pyrogallol
tannic acid
References:
29: 305-306.
Cattle
anorexia
ascites
constipation
diarrhea
hematuria
kidney failure
References:
84-85.

627-629.
Horses
Sheep
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
black walnut
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is native to southwestern Ontario
and has been planted as a cultivated tree. The shavings of wood
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites from this tree have caused laminitis in horses in the United States.
Black walnut shavings are less likely to be used as bedding in
Canada because the tree is not common here. However, if
bedding is obtained from a hardwood mill or furniture
manufacturing plant, sufficient black black walnut shavings may
be present to cause problems. Reforestation of black walnut has
been attempted in southern Ontario by leaving nuts for squirrels
to gather in the autumn. The squirrel bury them for the winter,
allowing many black walnut trees to germinate by this method.
Pollen of black walnut has been implicated in causing laminitis in
horses (MacDaniels 1983, Minnick et al. 1987).
References:
313-326.
204-207.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Juglans nigra L.
Vernacular name(s): black walnut
Scientific family name: Juglandaceae
Vernacular family name: walnut
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Juglans nigra
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Ontario
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
black walnut:

Wood shavings of black walnut have caused symptoms in horses.
The chemical juglone has not been found in appreciable amounts
in the wood. Other chemicals are probably involved in causing
symptoms in horses from wood shavings (Minnick et al. 1987).
Toxic parts:
bark
mature fruit
wood
References:

Juglone, a naphthoquinone, has been found in the bark, nuts, and
roots of black walnut. Pure juglone is less potent than a crude
extract of the plant in inducing toxic effects. Additional
compounds seem to be involved in causing more severe cases.
Two ponies given 1 g of pure juglone orally developed mild
laminitis that disappeared within 24 h (Minnick et al. 1987).

juglone
References:
Horses
ataxia
breathing, rapid
depression
laminitis
lethargy
recumbency
References:
313-326.
204-207.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
black-eyed Susan
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia laciniata) is a native herb that
grows across southern Canada. This plant occurs in fields and is
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites sometimes found in disturbed habitats. Ingesting plants caused
poisoning in cattle and swine. Symptoms were mild. Poisoning
from this plant plant is unlikely (Kingsbury 1964, Fleurbec
1983).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rudbeckia serotina Nutt.
Vernacular name(s): black-eyed Susan
serotina
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
black-eyed Susan:

Ingesting aboveground portions of the plants has caused
poisoning in some animals (Kingsbury 1964).
Toxic parts:
flowers
hairs
leaves
stems
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Cattle
gastroenteritis
References:
Swine
coma
Notes on poisoning:
Swine that ingested black-eyed Susan suffered from coma and
periods of aimless wandering (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: blue

cardinalflower
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Blue cardinalflower (Lobelia siphilitica) is a native herb found
along wet river banks in southern Ontario. This plant contains an
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites alkaloid, lobeline, that caused poisoning when the extract was
used as a home remedy. For more information, see the notes
under Indian- tobacco ( Lobelia inflata).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lobelia siphilitica L.
Vernacular name(s): blue cardinalflower
siphilitica
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Ontario
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
blue cardinalflower:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

lobeline
References:
Humans
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Important Notices
Introduction

cohosh
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) is a native plant found
in rich woods in eastern Canada. The plant contains chemicals
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites that can cause cell damage. Experiments show that handling
powdered root can cause irritation of mucous membranes, with
possible dermatitis. No case histories of poisoning were found in
the literature, but the plant has poisoning potential. Children
should not be allowed to eat the attractive blue fruits of this plant
(Muenscher 1975, Lampe and McCann 1985). No references
were found of poisoning of livestock.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Caulophyllum thalictroides (L.) Michaux
Vernacular name(s): blue cohosh
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Caulophyllum
thalictroides
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
blue cohosh:

The berries and roots contain chemicals that are cytotoxic,
causing cell damage. The plant is extremely bitter and is not
usually ingested by livestock. (Muenscher 1975, Lampe and
McCann 1985).
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
roots
References:

An alkaloid and saponins occur in this plant. The chemicals are
cytotoxic, damaging animal cells. The plant is reported to have
orally active oxytocic substances, which cause uterine
contractions (Fergusen and Edwards 1954, Lampe and McCann
1985).

N-methylcytisine
References:
Humans
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction

flag iris
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Blue flag (Iris versicolor) is a native herb found in eastern and
central Canada. This plant has been mentioned as causing
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites poisoning in humans and animals, but case reports have not been
found. The plant juice can cause dermatitis in sensitive
individuals. Other iris species have also been implicated in
poisoning of animals and in causing dermatitis in humans (see
additional information under Iris pseudacorus). Because of the
potential for poisoning, care should be taken to prevent access by
livestock to blue flag, which grows in moist soils near rivers,
lakes, and marshes (Fyles 1920, Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Iris versicolor L.
Vernacular name(s): blue flag iris
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Iris versicolor
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
blue flag iris:
Toxic parts:
rhizome
References:

A glycoside, iridin (or irisin), has been implicated as the toxic
compound in iris species, although this has not been confirmed
(Fyles 1920, Cooper and Johnson 1984).

iridin
References:
Cattle
Humans
abdominal pains
nausea
vomiting
References:

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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
blueweed
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Blueweed (Echium vulgare) is a naturalized biennial herb found
in fields and waste places across Canada. The bristly hairs on this
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites plant cause skin irritation. There is no mention of whether the
irritation is purely mechanical or whether it is caused by
chemicals in the hairs on the leaves and stems. This plant may
also contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids including heliosupine
(Cheeke 1989, Cooper and Johnson 1984). Poisoning by this
plant has not been reported. Purple bugloss (Echium lycopsis L. =
Echium plantagineum L.) has been collected in Canada on a
couple of occasions, but it does not persist. This species does
contain several pyrrolizidine alkaloids, including echimidine,
echiumine, and heliotrine. The plant has caused death of horses
and liver damage of sheep in Australia (Cooper and Johnson
1984, Cheeke 1989). Lampe and McCann (1985) discuss toxicity
of both species to humans after ingestion of herbal teas
containing Echium spp. Chronic consumption can cause
veno-occlusive disease of the liver (Budd-Chiari syndrome), with
hepatic vein thrombosis leading to cirrhosis. Purple bugloss
(Echium lycopsis), which is discussed above, contains chemicals
that can cause this type of problem. However, it does not appear
to persist in Canada. There is no information in the literature on
blueweed causing such poisoning, but it may contain
pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Cheeke 1989). Caution is obviously
warranted. Teas containing either of these plants should not be
used by humans.
References:
Cheeke, P. R. 1989. Pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity and
metabolism in laboratory animals and livestock. Pages 1-22 in
Cheeke, P. R., ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. I. Alkaloids.

Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Echium vulgare L.
Vernacular name(s): blueweed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Echium
vulgare
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
blueweed:

The bristly hairs covering the stem and leaves produce severe
inflammation when they break off and become imbedded in the
skin (Muenscher 1975).
Toxic parts:
hairs
References:

Cheeke (1989) mentions that blueweed contains pyrrolizidine
alkaloids, but no further information is given. Another member of
the genus (Echium lycopsis) contains several alkaloids that have
caused poisoning of animals in Australia.

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
itchiness
Notes on poisoning:
The hairs on blueweed cause intense itchiness and skin irritation
(Muenscher 1975).
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
bog-laurel
Interactive
Botanical name
Bog-laurel (Kalmia polifolia) is a native shrub found across Canada in

boggy areas. The plant has caused experimental poisoning in cattle, goats,
and sheep, with sheep being most susceptible. Suspected poisoning of
Common name
cattle and sheep in the west have been reported. Bog-laurel is less toxic
than sheep-laurel (Kalmia angustifolia). Only the western variety of
Important WWW Poisonous bog-laurel (Kalmia polifolia var. microphylla) has been tested for toxicity.
Plants sites
However, the plant should be considered potentially toxic through its
entire range in Canada (Clawson 1933, Kingsbury 1964, Lampe and
McCann 1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Kalmia polifolia Wang
Vernacular name(s): bog-laurel
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Kalmia polifolia
References:
132 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
bog-laurel:

All parts of the plant are poisonous including the nectar, which can result
in poisonous honey. The leaves have been used in experiments to poison
livestock (Clawson 1933, Fuller and McClintock 1986).
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
stems
References:

Andromedotoxins (grayanotoxins) are resins derived from diterpenes.
Several have been found in many members of the heath family and are
toxic if sufficient vegetation is eaten (Kakisawa et al. 1965, Fuller and
McClintock 1986).

andromedotoxins

References:

Kakisawa, H., Kozima, T., Yanai, M., Nakanishi, K. 1965.
Stereochemistry of grayanotoxins. Tetrahedron, 21: 3091-3104.
Cattle
Goats
depression
nausea
salivation
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
References:
Sheep
depression
gait, staggering
nausea
recumbency
salivation
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
References:
Another search?
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
bracken
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Bracken (Pteridium aquilinium) is a native fern that grows across
most of Canada. This fern has caused sickness and loss of cattle
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites in Canada and in other countries. Cattle, sheep, and wild animals
have also been poisoned after ingesting bracken. Bracken
contains several chemicals that cause problems. Thiaminase
results in vitamin B1 deficiency in nonruminants such as horses
and swine. Ptaquiloside, a carcinogen-mutagen, causes acute and
chronic symptoms of illness in ruminants. The spores may
contain carcinogens that can cause problems to animals and
humans. The young fronds of bracken are ingested as human
food, especially in Japan. They contain significant quantities of
the carcinogen (Cheeke and Schull 1985, Fenwick 1988, Hirono
1989).
References:
Cody, W. J., Crompton, C. W. 1975. The biology of Canadian
weeds. 15. Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn. Can. J. Plant Sci., 55:
1059-1072.
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Evans, I. A. 1976. Relationship between bracken and cancer. Bot.
Linn. Soc., 73: 105-112.
Hopkins, A. 1990. Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum): its
distribution and animal health implications. Agric. Can. Res.
Branch Contrib., 146: 316-326.

73: 295-296.
New Sci., 118: 23.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn
Vernacular name(s): bracken
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Pteridium
aquilinum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
bracken:

All parts of bracken contain toxic chemicals. Ingesting fresh or
dry fronds (leaves) or underground rhizomes has caused toxic
signs and death in ruminants and nonruminants. After ingesting
the young fronds, animals were found to be affected by
carcinogenic compounds that the young fronds contain; these
compounds may also cause problems in humans. The spores
appear to be the most carcinogenic part of bracken and may cause
problems in livestock. Humans who work outdoors in areas
where bracken grows abundantly could also be at risk from the
spores (Milne and Fenwick 1988, Milne 1988, Hirono 1989).
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
rhizome
spores
young shoots
References:

A group of chemical compounds have been implicated in the
various toxic properties of bracken. Thiaminase, an enzyme that
decomposes vitamin B1, has caused toxic problems, particularly
in nonruminants, which cannot synthesize their own vitamin B1.
Ptaquiloside and aquilide A possess an unusual, planar, illudane
norsesquiterpene skeleton. Under alkaline conditions these
chemicals yield pterosin B, a proximate carcinogenin-mutagen.
Pterosin B has been implicated as a cause of the cancers noted
after bracken ingestion, and ptaquiloside has been implicated as a
contributor to the toxic signs in ruminant animals (Cheeke and
Schull 1988, Fenwick 1988). Bracken also contains prunasin, a
cyanogenic glycoside, which appears to be a deterrent to
herbivory (Tewe and Iyayi 1989).

aquilide A
prunasin
ptaquiloside
thiaminase

References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
anemia
bone marrow damage
cancer and tumors
death
hemorrhage
Notes on poisoning:
Consuming significant quantities of bracken fronds can cause
bracken poisoning, which results in bone marrow damage. Only
small foci of erythropoietic cells and some megakaryocytes
remain. Hemorrhaging occurs, with blood in the feces and
bleeding from the nose, vagina, and membranes around the
mouth and eyes. Postmortem examination shows hemorrhaging in
the stomach, intestines, lungs, and heart (Cheeke and Schull
1985, Fenwick 1988, Hirono 1989).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.

Horses
anemia
anorexia
ataxia
colic
convulsions
death
gait, staggering
incoordination
opisthotonos
recumbency
weight loss
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
73: 295-296.
Humans
cancer and tumors
Notes on poisoning:
The young fronds of bracken have been used as a food source,
particularily in Japan. Ptaquiloside, a carcinogenic compound,
has been found in bracken. The toxin is especially abundant in the
young fronds. If the fronds are not processed in any way, tumor
incidence in rats is 78%. After the fronds are processed with
boiling water or are boiled with wood ash, sodium bicarbonate, or
salt, the incidence of cancer is reduced to 4-25%. Mammary

cancer and ileal and urinary bladder tumors were observed. Cattle
develop urinary papilloma. The carcinogen can be transferred by
milk. The high incidence of stomach cancer in Japan may be
partly due to the consumption of bracken (Cheeke and Schull
1985, Hirono 1989).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
New Sci., 118: 23.
Sheep
blindness
Notes on poisoning:
Sheep in the British Isles have developed a condition called
bright blindness. The sheep develop degeneration of the
neuroepithelium of the retina, with low counts of blood platelets
and white blood cells. This problem has been linked to the
consumption of bracken. Cattle with similar symptoms have been
reported (Fenwick 1989).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Swine
appetite, loss of
death
Notes on poisoning:
Reports of acute bracken poisoning in swine are infrequent,
perhaps because of few symptoms. The symptoms are similar to
heart failure. Experimental feeding of dry, powdered rhizomes

produced loss of appetite after 8 weeks, followed by rapid
deterioration and death 2 weeks later. Postmortem findings
revealed damage to the heart. Ingestion by pregnant sows resulted
in some death of the piglets after birth (Fenwick 1988).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
broad bean
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Broad bean (Vicia faba) is a cultivated plant that is grown
occasionally in Canada. The beans are used as human food and
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites are being evaluated as a protein supplement for livestock. Broad
beans are not poisonous to humans in the conventional sense, but
they cause favism in susceptible individuals. These individuals
have a genetically transmitted, male sex-linked deficiency to the
enzyme glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase. Certain groups
such as Oriental Jews, Mediterranean Europeans, Arabs, Asians,
and blacks may have the deficiency. The disease can cause death
in severe cases. Livestock, including swine, have also been
poisoned from ingesting high quantities of beans. Dietary broad
beans can also cause metabolic problems in poultry. It is
important to note that nonsusceptible persons who eat broad
beans are not at risk (Kingsbury 1964, Cooper and Johnson 1984,
Cheeke and Schull 1985, Roy and Spencer 1989).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
934 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Vicia faba L.
Vernacular name(s): broad bean
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Vicia faba
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
broad bean:

Susceptible individuals who ingest raw or partly cooked seeds
and inhale pollen can be poisoned (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
pollen
seeds
References:

Two glycosides, convicine and vicine, and their respective
aglycones, isouramil and divicine, are implicated in favism. In
individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)
deficiency, a cycle is prevented that would normally reduce the
oxidants so that they cannot attack the red cell membrane

convicine
vicine
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
934 pp.
Chickens
egg production,reduced
Notes on poisoning:
Unprocessed broad beans contain factors that lower the rate of
chicken growth and alter the size of liver and pancreas. Dietary
broad beans have a marked influence on the metabolism of laying
hens. Vicine, which is thermostable, causes a reduction in the
number of ova, in egg weight, in fertility, and in egg hatchability
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Humans
abdominal pains
collapse
death
dizziness
Heinz bodies
hemoglobinuria
icterus
jaundice
methemoglobinemia
vomiting
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Swine

abdominal pains
appetite, loss of
constipation
depression
Notes on poisoning:
Broad beans are used as animal feed as silage or are added to
feed. However, in one case in Poland, pigs were poisoned after
eating broad beans as one-third of their diet. Symptoms included
depression, reduced activity, flatulence, and constipation.
Postmortem examination revealed inflammation of the alimentary
tract and pale yellow liver and kidneys (Cooper and Johnson
1984).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
broom snakeweed
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae) is a native perennial
found in western rangelands. This plant has caused acute toxicity
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites and abortion in cattle, which has also been experimentally
induced in goats and sheep. The plant is more toxic during the
early stages of growth and if it grows on poor, sandy soils. Major
losses of cattle through acute toxicity and abortion have occurred
in the southern United States, in Texas, and in New Mexico
(Kingsbury 1964, Molyneux et al. 1980).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Gutierrezia sarothrae (Pursh) Britton & Rusby
Vernacular name(s): broom snakeweed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Gutierrezia
sarothrae
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
broom snakeweed:

As little as 9 kg of fresh broom snakeweed has produced abortion
in cattle within 7 days. Death has been experimentally produced
in cattle, sheep, and goats by feeding fresh plants equivalent to
10-20% of body weight for 3 days to 2 weeks (Kingsbury 1964).
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

The essential oil contains monoterpenes, such as alpha-pinene
and geraniol, and sesquiterpenes, such as gamma-humulene.
However, Molyneux et al. (1980) do not believe that these
chemicals contribute to the abortifacient nature of broom
snakeweed. Saponins are believed to be the cause of the toxicity
to animals and may also be implicated in the abortifacient
fraction (Cheeke and Schull 1985).

alpha-pinene
gamma-humulene
References:
Cattle
abortion
anorexia
appetite, loss of
constipation
death
diarrhea
muzzle, crusty
urination, frequent
Notes on poisoning:
Acute toxicity includes symptoms of listlessness, anorexia, rough
coat, diarrhea or constipation, vaginal discharge, and hematuria.
Cattle produce a nasal discharge, and the muzzle becomes crusty.
Lesions include those of gastroenteritis and degeneration of the
kidneys and liver. Severe toxic nephritis with necrosis occurs in
serious cases. The spleen may be congested and the uterus,
edematous. Abortion is a major result of poisoning. Premature
calves are weak or are dead at birth with retained placenta. The
pregnant cow may experience swelling of the vulva and early
udder development (Kingsbury 1964, Molyneux et al. 1980,
Ralphs 1985).
References:
Goats
abortion
death
References:
Sheep
abortion
anorexia
constipation
death
diarrhea
icterus
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of broom snakeweed poisoning in sheep are similar to
those in cattle and include anorexia, rough coat, diarrhea or
constipation, vaginal discharge, and hematuria. Sheep display
minor icterus. Lesions include those of gastroenteritis and
degeneration of the liver and kidneys. Toxic nephritis is found in
severe cases. Abortion also occurs, but less frequently than in
cattle (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
buckwheat
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is cultivated in Canada as a
crop for fodder and for the production of buckwheat honey.
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Ingesting entire plants, dried or fresh, has caused
photosensitization in animals with exposed or light-colored skin
including cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and turkeys. Exposure to the
sun is necessary. This plant is considered to be a primary
photosensitizer, although jaundice has occurred concurrently,
which indicates secondary involvement of the liver (Cooper and
Johnson 1984, Cheeke and Schull 1985). Buckwheat has been
found to be an effective replacement for wheat or barley in
rations for swine (Anderson and Bowland 1981). Closely related
tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum L.) is also a satisfactory
grain replacement in ruminant animals (Nicholson et al. 1976).
Humans can be sensitized to dust from buckwheat flour after long
exposure. Asthma is the usual response, although rare individuals
may manifest food allergy reactions after ingesting food products
containing buckwheat flour. Photosensitization has not occurred
in humans (Blumstein 1936).
References:
Anderson, D. M., Bowland, J. P. 1981. Evaluation of buckwheat
(Fagopyrum esculentum) in diets of growing pigs. Proc. Am. Soc.
Anim. Sci. West. Br., 32: 422-425.
Blumstein, G. I. 1936. Buckwheat sensitivity. J. Allergy, 7:
74-79.
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Nicholson, J. W., McQueen, R., Grant, E. A., Burgess, P. L.

1976. The feeding value of tartary buckwheat for ruminants. Can.
J. Anim. Sci., 56: 803-808.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Fagopyrum esculentum Moench
Vernacular name(s): buckwheat
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Fagopyrum
esculentum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
buckwheat:

Little fagopyrin occurs in the seeds, but ingesting the entire plant,
either green or dried, can cause serious photosensitization in
livestock (Johnson 1989).
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
seeds
stems
References:

Fagopyrin, probably a derivative of naphthodianthrone, is closely
related to hypericin, which is found in St. John''s-wort
(Hypericum perforatum). The absorption spectra of these
chemicals is in the range of 540-610 nm (Johnson 1983).

fagopyrin
References:
Cattle
recumbency
skin, peeling of
thirsty
weakness
References:
Goats
blistering
skin, peeling of
References:
Humans
Sheep
blistering
paralysis
recumbency
skin, peeling of
References:
Swine
blistering
skin, peeling of
References:
Turkeys
incoordination
skin, peeling of
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
bulbous buttercup
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Bulbous buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus) is a naturalized herb
found in a few Canadian provinces. In the past, the juice of this
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites plant was used by beggars in Europe to cause skin lesions, thus
eliciting compassion. The volatile chemical protoanemonin is an
irritant. Ingesting this plant has poisoned cattle, swine, and
humans. The recent literature includes few cases of poisoning
(Kingsbury 1964, Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Ranunculus bulbosus L.
Vernacular name(s): bulbous buttercup
bulbosus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
bulbous buttercup:
Toxic parts:
plant juices
References:

Ranunculin, a glycoside, occurs in the juice of the buttercups.
Upon maceration, a plant enzyme is released that converts
ranunculin to protoanemonin. This chemical, a yellow volatile
oil, is unstable and either polymerizes to nontoxic anemonin or is
volatilized. Air-dried plants, as those found in hay, are nontoxic.
Protoanemonin is an irritant that can cause blisters and other
problems when ingested (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

ranunculin

References:
Cattle
breathing, labored
gait, unsteady
nasal discharge
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
In one case in Britain, a cow salivated, coughed, and discharged
mucous from the nostrils after ingesting buttercup plants. The
animal swayed in the hindquarters with an uneasy movement of
the legs. A period of noisy breathing preceded recovery (Cooper

and Johnson 1984).
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
diarrhea
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting the bulbous bases of this buttercup has caused a few
cases of illness. An acrid taste and burning of the mouth and
throat precludes ingesting large quantities. Other symptoms may
include diarrhea and abdominal pain (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Swine
blindness
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: bur

buttercup
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Bur buttercup (Ceratocephalus testiculatus) is an introduced herb
that so far is known only from around Kamloops, British
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Columbia. This plant is found in several western states bordering
Canada, where it is rapidly spreading. The plant has also been
found on South Bass Island in Ohio on Lake Erie. This plant
contains ranunculin, as do some species of the genus Ranunculus
(buttercup). This chemical changes into a toxic chemical when
the plant is crushed. Sheep have been poisoned and have died in
the western United States after ingesting aboveground plant
material; this plant is considered highly toxic. About 500 g of
green plant can kill a 45-kg sheep. This plant grows in dry sandy
areas, such as sage slopes and in livestock pens, and has recently
been found as a weed in grain and alfalfa fields (Olsen et al.
1983, Cusick 1989).
References:
Mich. Bot., 28: 33-35.
538-543.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Ceratocephalus testiculatus (Crantz) Roth
Vernacular name(s): bur buttercup
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
bur buttercup:
Toxic parts:
plant juices
References:
Mich. Bot., 28: 33-35.

Crushing the plant releases an enzyme that changes ranunculin, a
glycoside, to protoanemonin, a highly irritant, yellow, volatile oil.
This chemical is unstable and changes to nontoxic anemonin or
volatilizes upon drying, leaving nontoxic plant material. The
median LD-50 was 10.9 g/kg for sheep fed aboveground plant
parts in the flower to early-seed stage. A sheep fed 7 g/kg of body
weight might develop transient anorectic effects. Intake of 13.9
g/kg or greater would usually be lethal (Olsen et al. 1983).

ranunculin

References:
538-543.
Sheep
anorexia
breathing, labored
death
diarrhea
dyspnea
recumbency
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
In Utah 150 of 800 sheep that ingested bur buttercup died.
Symptoms took less than 24 h and included watery diarrhea,
recumbency, weakness, and death. Experimental feeding showed
more complete signs, such as tachycardia, dyspnea, anorexia, and
occasional fever. Post- mortem findings revealed edema of the
peritoneal surface to the ruminoreticulum, subendocardial
hemorrhages in the left ventricle, and congestion of the heart,
kidneys, liver and lungs. Severity was directly related to the
dosage. Death results apparently as a failure of the cardiovascular
system, with massive fluid shifts (Olsen et al. 1983).
References:
538-543.
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Burke's lupine
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Burkes''s lupine (Lupinus burkei) is a native herb found in
southern British Columbia. Chemical analysis of aboveground
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites plant material has shown that this species can occasionally
contain enough of the chemical anagyrine to cause teratogenic
effects in calves if the plant is ingested maternally between day
40 and day 70 of gestation. The literature does not include cases
of poisoning or teratogenic problems caused by this plant. See
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lupinus burkei S. Wats.
Vernacular name(s): Burke's lupine
burkei
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Burke's lupine:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Burke''s lupine contains anagyrine, which has been measured in
amounts exceeding the minimum (1.44 g/kg) required to cause
teratogenic effects in calves (Davis and Stout 1986). See

anagyrine
References:
Cattle
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
burningbush
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Burningbush (Euonymous atropurpureus) is an ornamental shrub
that grows across southern Canada. Several reviews have noted
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites that this plant is poisonous, but documented cases appear to refer
to the closely related European spindletree (Euonymous
europeus). See additional information under general notes on the
European spindletree. Children who ingest the seeds should be
attended to. Children and horses have been poisoned by ingesting
the European spindletree. Symptoms of poisoning of children and
horses are discussed under that plant as well.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euonymus atropurpureus Jacq.
Vernacular name(s): burningbush
atropurpureus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
burningbush:
Toxic parts:
bark
leaves
seeds
References:

evomonoside
References:
Horses
Humans
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
caladium
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Caladium (Caladium bicolor) is a houseplant that can cause
burning and irritation of the lips. The plant can be a problem to
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites children who ingest the leaves as well as to family pets that might
nibble on the foliage.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Caladium bicolor (Ait.) Vent.
Vernacular name(s): caladium
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Caladium
bicolor
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
caladium:

All parts of this plant contain oxalate crystals, which can cause
intense irritation if ingested (Lampe and McCann 1985).
Toxic parts:
leaves
roots
stems
References:

Oxalate crystals are common to many members of the family
Araceae and are capable of causing intense irritation.

oxalate
References:
Cats
Dogs
Humans
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting material containing calcium oxalate raphide crystals
causes irritation of the soft mouth parts and perhaps the throat of
humans and animals. Swelling of tissues causes pain and a
burning sensation that slowly subsides. Cool liquids or analgesics
may be indicated. The insoluble oxalates do not cause systemic
poisoning (Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
California bluebell
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name California bluebell (Phacelia campanularia) has been found near
Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., where it was probably introduced. This
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites plant causes dermatitis that is similar to poison-ivy dermatitis.
The plants in Alberta have caused at least one case of dermatitis
(Hardwick, personal communication). If these plants expand their
range, more people may develop dermatitis (Munz 1965, Mitchell
and Rook 1979).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Phacelia campanularia A. Gray
Vernacular name(s): California bluebell
Scientific family name: Hydrophyllaceae
Vernacular family name: waterleaf
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Phacelia
campanularia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
California bluebell:

The viscid glandular hairs on the plants stain the skin brown, and
the sap causes dermatitis (Munz 1965).
Toxic parts:
hairs
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
blistering
erythema
itchiness
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
California rose-bay
Interactive
Botanical name
California rose-bay (Rhododendron macrophyllum) is a native shrub

found in southwestern British Columbia. This plant has poisoned goats
and sheep. Azaleas are now considered part of the genus Rhododendron.
Common name
Animals and humans have been poisoned after ingesting the foliage,
nectar, or honey made from these plants. Klein-Schwartz and Litovitz
Important WWW Poisonous (1985) found that humans who ingested plant parts of Rhododendron
Plants sites
plants exhibited few symptoms of poisoning. Of 152 cases, only nine
developed any symptoms and only one resulted in vomiting and transient
hypertension. The authors concluded that ingesting moderate amounts of
azalea material posed little danger to humans. Azaleas are often used as
houseplants. Children and family pets should be prevented from ingesting
these plants. Livestock have been poisoned by ingesting foliage of azaleas
and rhododendrons. Sheep are most commonly affected in North
America. Death has occurred in some cases (Casteel and Wagstaff 1989).
Poisoning usually occurs when animals gain access to clippings or when
little other forage is available, as in the winter. Rhododendrons retain their
leaves over the winter. Goats and cattle have been poisoned as well.
Andromedotoxins (grayanotoxins) are the toxins involved.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rhododendron macrophyllum D. Don ex G. Don
Vernacular name(s): California rose-bay

macrophyllum
References:
132 pp.
British Columbia
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
California rose-bay:

The leaves and stems of this plant have caused poisoning (Casteel and
Wagstaff 1989).
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

are present in all the poisonous members of Ericaceae, the heath family

andromedotoxins

References:
England. 305 pp.
Goats

ataxia
colic
convulsions
death
opisthotonos
recumbency, lateral
vomiting
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
In one case, several young and adult goats gained access to clippings of
California rose-bay; most were poisoned, and some young goats died.
Symptoms included initial lateral recumbency and a tonic-clonic
convulsive episode starting 6 h after ingestion. Vomiting, ataxia, and
weakness occurred. Vomiting continued over 2 days. Intense colic was
observed. Lactating goats dried up. Some animals remained recumbent for
a couple of days (Casteel and Wagstaff 1989).
References:
Humans
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Klein-Schwartz and Litovitz (1985) found that only minimal symptoms
were exhibited, such as vomiting, after ingesting species of the genus
Rhododendron. Lampe and McCann (1985) note that ingesting significant
quantities of leaves can cause more severe symptoms such as burning of
the mouth, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and dimness of
vision. Such occurrences are unlikely because of the bitterness of the
leaves. Reports occur regarding the toxicity of honey made from azaleas
and rhododendrons. This honey is bitter and is unlikely to be ingested in
large quantities.
References:
Sheep
ataxia
colic
depression
recumbency
vomiting
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting clippings of California rose-bay caused illness in sheep.
Symptoms included severe vomiting, ataxia, and weakness. Vomiting
continued over a few days. The animals walked a short distance and then
fell down. Some animals remained recumbent for many hours. Colic was
observed (Casteel and Wagstaff 1989).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Canada nettle
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Canada nettle (Laportea canadensis) is found in moist woods and
along streams. This plant has stinging hairs on the leaves and
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites stem that readily penetrate thin-skinned areas on humans. The
tips of the hairs break off, allowing the contained liquid to
penetrate the body. Intense localized itching results. Applying
water to the surface of the affected area can increase the
sensation; this problem may persist for several weeks. In
Australia, other members of the genus Laportea have caused
severe reactions in humans, and a death was reported in New
Guinea after severe exposure. Livestock have responded
frantically to contact with these plants in Australia. Canada nettle
can cause reactions in animals upon exposure in Canada. Avoid
this plant if possible (MacFarlane 1963, Mitchell and Rook
1979).
References:
Econ. Bot., 17: 303-311.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Laportea canadensis (L.) Gaud.
Vernacular name(s): Canada nettle
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Laportea
canadensis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Canada nettle:

Canada nettle is covered with stinging hairs on the leaves and
stem. The tips of the hairs are readily fractured on contact with
skin, allowing the internal liquid to be injected into the local body
area. The hairs are sharply pointed, allowing ready penetration of
thinner skinned portions of the body (MacFarlane 1963).
Toxic parts:
hairs
References:
Econ. Bot., 17: 303-311.

The active ingredient in the stinging hairs is not known. The
chemicals acetylcholine, histamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine,
which cause the stinging of hairs from the closely related
American stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), are not the primary
toxic chemicals in Canada nettle. Some studies on native
Australian Laportea species have shown that no detectable loss of
activity occurs after 46 years in a dry state. Immersion in boiling
water for 10 min does not deactivate the chemical. In fact, the
pain is intensified in humans if the affected area is exposed to
water, a reaction that may last for many weeks (MacFarlane
1963).

unknown chemical
References:
Econ. Bot., 17: 303-311.
Humans
erythema
itchiness
pain
skin, flushed
Notes on poisoning:
Canada nettle hairs induce localized pain and discomfort as well
as erythema, reddening, and localized sweating. The pain may
persist for weeks. Canada nettle differs from American stinging
nettle (Urtica dioica) in that the intense pain can persist for
weeks or months (MacFarlane 1963, Mitchell and Rook 1979).
References:
Econ. Bot., 17: 303-311.
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Notes on poisoning:
Canada yew
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Canada yew (Taxus canadensis) is a native shrub that grows in
the moist rich woodlands of eastern Canada. It has also been
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites planted in various parts of the country as an ornamental. In one
case in British Columbia, several cattle became ill and some died
after ingesting the leaves and twigs of a Canada yew that had
been planted for ornamental purposes (Bruce 1927).
References:
pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Taxus canadensis Marsh.
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Canada yew:

Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
twigs
References:
pp.


Taxine (taxin), is a complex mixture of alkloids that is rapidly
(Lampe and McCann 1985, Feldman et al. 1987).

taxine
References:
Cattle
death
Notes on poisoning:
References:
pp.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Canadian milk-vetch
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Cattle have been fatally poisoned when fed on rangeland
containing Canadian milk-vetch (Astragalus canadensis).
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Experiments with sheep indicated that plant material must contain
NO2 at 250 mg/kg of body weight to produce toxic responses and
275 mg/kg body weight for a lethal dose. In week-old chicks, the
LD-50 = 2 g of plant ingested (Williams and James 1975).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Astragalus canadensis L.
Vernacular name(s): Canadian milk-vetch
canadensis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Canadian milk-vetch:
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
References:

3-nitropropionic acid
References:
Cattle
death
References:
Sheep
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
candalabra aloe
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Aloe (Aloe spp.) extracts are used in many cosmetic and
medicinal compounds. Unfortunately, some humans develop
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites allergic contact dermatitis from this plant. Ingesting the plant
latex can cause a cathartic action. Excessive doses may cause
nephritis (Shoji 1982 Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Aloe arborescens Mill.
Vernacular name(s): candalabra aloe
arborescens
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
candalabra aloe:
Toxic parts:
plant juices
References:
Nakamura, T., Kotajima, S. 1984. Contact dermatitis from Aloe
arborescens. Contact Dermatitis, 11: 51.
Humans

eczema
erythema
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
candelabra-cactus
Interactive
name
Candelabra-cactus (Euphorbia lactea) is an indoor ornamental plant.

All poisonous plants by Common The latex (juice) of the plant contains an intense irritant that causes
problems when the latex comes in contact with mucous membranes
name
and eyes. Severe eye problems have also been experimentally
produced in dogs. Ingestion should be avoided by children and family
Important WWW Poisonous Plants pets.
sites
References:
Crowder, J. I., Sexton, R. R. 1964. Keratoconjunctivitis resulting from
the sap of candelebra cactus and the pencil tree. Arch. Opthalmol., 72:
476-484.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euphorbia lactea Haw.
Vernacular name(s): candelabra-cactus
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Euphorbia lactea
References:
pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
candelabra-cactus:
Toxic parts:
latex
References:
476-484.
Humans

Notes on poisoning:
The milky sap of candelabra-cactus contains an irritant that can cause
intense burning and keratoconjunctivitis if a drop gets into the eyes. In
one case, a man felt intense pain in his eye followed by mild
conjunctival hyperemia and punctate staining of the cornea. Within 24
h the patient had copious mucous discharge, marked conjunctival
edema, swollen lids, and severe pain in the eye. A few days later the
eye began to heal, with complete recovery after a couple of weeks.
Experiments on dogs resulted in similar symptoms, with eventual
clearing of the eyes (Crowder and Sexton 1964).
References:
476-484.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
caper spurge
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) is an outdoor ornamental that
has become naturalized in British Columbia. This plant contains
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites an irritant toxin in the latex. Humans have been poisoned after
ingesting the seed capsules, which resemble capers, a different
plant. Goats apparently eat this plant without experiencing great
problems, but the toxin can accumulate and can be passed
through the milk (Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euphorbia lathyris L.
Vernacular name(s): caper spurge
lathyris
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

British Columbia
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
caper spurge:
Toxic parts:
latex
References:

Caper spurge contains unidentified ingenol derivatives that are
toxic diterpenes. The activity of the toxins are not affected by
drying or storage (Frohne and Pfander 1983, Cooper and Johnson

1984).

5-deoxyingenol
References:
Goats
Humans
abdominal pains
diarrhea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Caper spurge has seed capsules that resemble true capers. In
Europe, adults were poisoned when they mistakenly ingested
caper spurge. They experienced intense burning of the mouth and
stomach, abdominal pains, diarrhea, and eventual recovery. The
latex is corrosive and causes skin irritation (Cooper and Johnson
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
cardinalflower
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Cardinalflower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a native herb that grows
along riverbanks and is occasionally found in garden flower beds
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites as a perennial. This plant contains lobeline, which caused
poisoning when misused as a home medicine. See the notes under
Indian-tobacco ( Lobelia inflata) for more information.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lobelia cardinalis L.
Vernacular name(s): cardinalflower
cardinalis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

New Brunswick
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
cardinalflower:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

lobeline
References:
Humans
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
castor-bean
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Castor bean (Ricinus communis) is an ornamental herbaceous
shrub that is occasionally planted indoors or outdoors as a rapidly
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites growing annual ornamental. The seeds (and to a much lesser
extent the leaves) contain ricin, a protein, which is highly toxic in
small quantities. Humans as well as cattle, dogs, goats, horses,
poultry, rabbits, sheep, and swine have been poisoned after
ingesting the seeds. The seed coat must be damaged to allow
water to penetrate the seed interior, thus releasing the
water-soluble toxin ricin. Most reported cases of animal
poisoning have occurred overseas where the seed is used as food
and, if improperly treated, has caused illness and death. Humans
who ingested the seeds became ill and died. The toxin has been
used for of suicide and assasination. Two to four chewed seeds
can cause death in children (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Griffiths
et al. 1987).
DO NOT ALLOW THESE PLANTS TO SET SEEDS!!
References:
351-361.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Ricinus communis L.
Vernacular name(s): castor-bean
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Ricinus
communis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
castor-bean:

The ricin content is highest in the seeds, although a small fraction
of the toxin is contained in the leaves. Swallowing a seed without
chewing prevents the release of the toxin because of the hard seed
coat. However, chewing the seed allows release of the watersoluble chemical, and poisoning can occur (Cooper and Johnson
1984).
Toxic parts:
seeds
References:

Ricin, a simple protein (a toxalbumin), is one of the most potent
naturally occurring substances. Ricin is soluble in water and is
therefore not present in extracted oil. Another protein, called
ricinus agglutinin (or ricin), causes hemagglutonating activity,
coagulation of the red blood cells. Toxicity from this protein
disappears after heat treatment, usually as steam. After the oil is
extracted, the remaining pomace is used in some countries as
animal feed, if properly treated with heat and water. There is
wide variation in sensitivity to the toxin in different species. A
lethal dose by injection may be as small as two-millionths of
body weight.
Experimental oral lethal doses are as follows:
horses
0.1 g/ kg
cattle, foals, rabbits,
1-2 g/kg
sheep, swine
goats
5.5 g/kg
Because ricin is a protein, antibodies can be produced by
immunization, which allows animals to withstand up to 800 times

a normal lethal dose. Ricin has been used by secret intelligence
services as an assassination weapon. In one case, the Bulgarian
secret police used a 1.53 mm metal pellet containing a reservoir
for a few hundred millionths of a gram of ricin to kill a Bulgarian
broadcaster. The pellet was injected by use of an umbrella, and
the man died within 4 days (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Griffiths
et al. 1987).

ricin
References:
Cattle
abortion
breathing, shallow
death
diarrhea
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle have been poisoned overseas after ingesting improperly
treated castor bean products such as cattle cakes. Symptoms
include severe diarrhea with blood and mucous in the feces,
abortions, a drastic reduction in milk yield, and death of newborn
calves. Weakness, feeble pulse, shortness of breath, and swollen
joints have also occurred. Temperature was subnormal, with the
pulse fast and weak. The lethal dose was estimated at 250 g of
husks. Postmortem findings showed hemorrhaging in the heart,
degeneration of the kidneys and liver, and intense inflammation

and erosion of the intestinal membranes. Symptoms are similar
for other types of animals (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Chickens
death
References:
Horses
abdominal pains
sweating
Notes on poisoning:
The accidental addition of castor beans into grain given to horses
caused sweating, a rocking gait, rapid pulse, muscle spasms,
elevated temperature, and abdominal pains. The early symptoms
may be confused with respiratory infection (Cooper and Johnson
1984).
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
death
diarrhea
fever
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Two to four chewed seeds may be enough to cause death in
children. Symptoms of poisoning include abdominal pains,
diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, drowsiness, dehydration,
incoordination, and hematuria. In cases of acute toxicity,
symptoms appear after several hours to a few days, although they
can occur quickly. Griffiths et al. (1987) found that ricin causes
apoptotic changes: cytoplasmic shrinkage, nuclear condensation,
and breakdown of cells into membrane-bound fragments.
Large-scale disruption in lymphoid tissues occurs. Death has
been accidental or purposeful (Malizia et al. 1977, Griffiths et al.
1987). Castor bean contains an unknown potent respiratory
allergen. Repeated exposure increases sensitivity (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
351-361.
Poultry
diarrhea
feathers, ruffled
Notes on poisoning:
In one case of accidental poisoning, poultry deteriorated rapidly,
showing ruffled feathers, drooping wings, and grayish combs and
wattles. Their crops were impacted for days, egg laying ceased,
and molting started. Several birds died (Cooper and Johnson

1984).
References:
Sheep
Swine
convulsions
death
incoordination
vomiting
weakness
References:
Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Celery-leaved buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus) is a native herb
found across most of Canada. This plant contains a toxic irritant
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites that produces protoanemonin upon mastication. All types of
livestock can become ill upon ingestion, but cattle are most
commonly affected. Horses and goats have also been poisoned
(Cooper and Johnson 1984, Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Ranunculus sceleratus L.
Vernacular name(s): celery-leaved buttercup
sceleratus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
Newfoundland
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
celery-leaved buttercup:

The plant juices contain the glycoside, which is converted to the
irritant protoanemonin. The concentration is highest during
flowering (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
plant juices
References:

Ranunculin, a glycoside, becomes a volatile irritant,
protoanemonin, after enzyme-mediated conversion through
mastication (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

ranunculin

References:
Cattle
abdominal pains
blindness
constipation
diarrhea
gait, unsteady
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting the celery-leaved buttercup causes salivation,
abdominal pain, and inflammation of the mouth. In more serious
cases, severe ulceration of the mouth and of the digestive and
urinary systems occurs. The animal excretes dark-colored
diarrhea and urine. Unsteady gait occurs in the hind legs, and
vision can be impaired or lost. Convulsion precedes death,
although fatalities are rare. Animals should not be allowed to
graze pastures for at least 2 weeks after spraying with 2,4-D
because the plants may be grazed selectively by animals (Cooper
and Johnson 1984).
References:
Goats
abdominal pains
death
References:
Horses
colic
convulsions
muscle spasms
paralysis
Notes on poisoning:
A horse was poisoned after ingesting celery-leaved buttercup.
Symptoms included paralysis, muscle tremors, colic, convulsions,
and loss of hearing and sight. Recovery occurred over a few days
but weakness persisted (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Chinese-lantern
Interactive
Botanical name
Common name
Plants sites

Chinese-lantern (Physalis alkekengi) is an outdoor ornamental grown for
its lantern-shaped fruit cover (pericarp). The enclosed immature fruits
contain sufficient quantities of solanine to cause gastroenteritis and
diarrhea in children. The mature fruits are apparently edible (Lampe and
McCann 1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Physalis alkekengi L.
Vernacular name(s): Chinese-lantern
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Physalis alkekengi
References:
132 pp.
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Chinese-lantern:
Toxic parts:
immature fruit
References:

Solanine, a bitter glycoalkaloid, is found in the immature berries. Ripe fruit
is apparently edible (Lampe and McCann 1985, Fuller and McClintock
1986).

solanine

References:
Humans
diarrhea
fever
gastroenteritis
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms include diarrhea, gastroenteritis, fever, and a scratchy feeling at
the back of the throat a few hours after ingestion (Lampe and McCann
1985).
References:
Another search?

Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
chives
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Horses have been poisoned in Japan by ingesting the leaves of
chive (Allium schoenoprasum) in early spring. Chives have
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites escaped cultivation and have been naturalized in various parts of
Canada, but the plants are not abundant.
References:
Vet. Sci., 12: 209.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Allium schoenoprasum L.
Vernacular name(s): chives
schoenoprasum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
chives:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:
Vet. Sci., 12: 209.
Horses
hemoglobinuria
icterus
References:
Vet. Sci., 12: 209.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
chrysanthemum
Interactive
name
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum) and cultivated hybrids

All poisonous plants by Common (C. X morifolium Ramat.) are perennial ornamentals grown indoors
and outdoors. Some humans develop contact dermatitis after
name
extended exposure to garden chrysanthemums. This is an
occupational hazard of florists, nursery workers, and gardeners.
Important WWW Poisonous Plants (Rook and Mitchell 1979, Frohne and Pfander 1983).
sites
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum indicum L.
Vernacular name(s): chrysanthemum
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on:
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
chrysanthemum:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

Arteglasin A is a sesquiterpene lactone of the quaianolide type and
is one of the active allergens of garden chrysanthemums. A
cross-link can form between this chemical and sulfhydryl groups
of body proteins so that complete antigens are produced. Repeated
exposure can cause the allergic reaction. Humans who are sensitive
to one member of the Compositae family can become sensitive to
other members of the plant family, such as yarrow (Achillea
millefolium) or wild chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)(Mitchell
and Rook 1979; Frohne and Pfander 1983).

arteglasin A
References:
Humans
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: climbing

nightshade
Interactive
Botanical name
Climbing nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) is a naturalized woody vine

that is found along fencerows, among shrubbery, and at wood edges across
most of southern Canada. The plant, especially in its green immature fruits,
Common name
contains steroidal alkaloids, which have caused poisoning in cattle and
sheep. Humans may have been poisoned after ingesting immature berries.
Important WWW Poisonous Recent experiments show that the mature red berries contain only a small
Plants sites
amount of toxin and have little chance of harming children (Alexander et
al. 1948, Cooper and Johnson 1984, Hornfeldt and Collins 1989).
References:
England. 305 pp.
Toxicon, 28: 873-884.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Solanum dulcamara L.
Vernacular name(s): climbing nightshade

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Solanum dulcamara
References:
132 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
climbing nightshade:

The immature green berries of climbing nightshade have been shown to be
toxic to hamsters and mice. Mature red berries did not cause symptoms in
mice. Doses were administered (8 mg/kg by orogastric needle) and
symptoms occurred within 5-24 h when green berries were given. Ripened
berries of climbing nightshade do not appear to present a hazard to children
(Baker et al. 1989, Hornfeldt and Collins 1989).
Toxic parts:
immature fruit
leaves
References:
Toxicon, 27: 1331-1337.
England. 305 pp.

Immature green berries of climbing nightshade contain parent steroidal
alkaloid aglycones: 50% solasodine and 50% of another aglycone thought
to be soladulcidine. The total alkaloid concentration has been found to be
0.030% of dry matter in the green berries. Water gavage of dry green fruit
suspension caused some deaths when given at the rate of 1.4-2.0 g per
hamster (avg. wt. 190 g) (Baker et al. 1989).

soladulcidine
solanine
solasodine
References:
Toxicon, 27: 1331-1337.
Cattle
incoordination
muscle spasms
nervousness
regurgitation
salivation
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle that ingested the plant in Britain exhibited symptoms of nervousness,
rapid pulse, incoordination, and edema to the front part of the body. The
flesh of a slaughtered animal smelled strongly of the plant (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
England. 305 pp.
Humans
abdominal pains
breathing, labored
death
dyspnea
gastroenteritis
lethargy
thirsty
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
A child who probably ingested the berries of climbing nightshade died 2
days after exhibiting symptoms of vomiting, weakness, thirst, abdominal
pain, dyspnea, and cyanosis. Postmortem examination showed acute
inflammation of the mucosa of the stomach and intestines. An alkaloid (7
mg) characteristic of solanine was found in the liver. The evidence is not
conclusive, but the child was eating blackberries in an area full of climbing
nightshade berries (Alexander et al. 1948).
References:
Rodents
breathing, labored
death
Notes on poisoning:
Tests with mice show that ingesting green (unripe) berries can cause
gastroenteritis lesions, labored breathing, and lethargy. Villous atrophy of
the small intestine also occurred. The red (ripe) berries did not cause any
problems (Hornfeldt and Collins 1990). Tests with unripe berries on
pregnant hamsters induced congenital craniofacial malformations in fetuses

in 16% of cases. Dosages administered were high, resulting in the death of
some dams. Severe gastrointestinal necrosis caused the deaths. Fetuses
showed encephalocele with occasional cleft palate and harelip. Another
member of the genus (Solanum sarrachoides Sendt.; hairy nightshade) also
caused a few problems in fetuses, but the numbers were not statistically
significant (Keeler et al. 1990).
References:
Toxicon, 28: 873-884.
Sheep
death
diarrhea
falling down
gait, staggering
pupil dilation
Notes on poisoning:
In one case in Britain, sheep ingested climbing nightshade plant material
and developed rapid respiration, feeble pulse, elevated temperature, dilated
pupils, and green diarrhea, then death. Postmortem findings showed dark,
tarry blood, contracted ventricles, and plant material in the stomach
References:
England. 305 pp.
Another search?
Important Notices
Notes on poisoning: cocklebur

Introduction
Interactive
All poisonous plants Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) is a naturalized annual herb found across southern Canada,
where it grows in wet soils and agricultural fields. The toxic glycoside carboxyatractyloside is
by Botanical name
found in the seeds and the cotyledons of seedlings. Livestock are most commonly poisoned after
ingesting the cotyledons (seed leaves) of young seedlings. The toxin quickly dissipates as the
All poisonous plants seedlings grow. Cattle, horses, and swine are often poisoned and die after ingesting this plant. This
by Common name plant can produce allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible humans (Mitchell and Rook 1979,
Weaver and Lechowicz 1983, Burrows and Tyrl 1989).
Important WWW
Poisonous Plants sites References:
263-289.
pp.
Assoc., 189: 562-563.
787 pp.
Weaver, S. E., Lechowicz, M. J. 1983. The biology of Canadian weeds. 56. Xanthium strumarium
L. Can. J. Plant Sci., 63: 211-225.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Xanthium strumarium L.
Vernacular name(s): cocklebur
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Xanthium strumarium
References:
Agriculture Quebec. 1975. Noms des maladies des plantes du Canada/ Names of plant diseases in
Canada. , Quebec City, Que., Canada. 288 pp.
Alex, J. F., Cayouette, R., Mulligan, G. A. 1980. Common and botanical names of weeds in
Canada/Noms populaire et scientifiques des plantes nuisibles du Canada. Revised. Agric. Can.
pp.
Scoggan, H. J. 1978, 1979. The flora of Canada. Nat. Mus. Nat. Sci. (Ottawa) Publ. Bot. 7(1)-7(4).
1711 pp.
Van Wijk, H. L. 1911. A dictionary of plant names. Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague, The
Netherlands. 1444 pp.
Victorin, M. 1964. Flore Laurentienne. 2nd ed. Univ. Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada. 952 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
pp.
Boivin, B. 1966, 1967. numration des plantes du Canada. Provencheria 6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93:
253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
cocklebur:

The toxin is found in the seeds and in the cotyledons (or seed leaves) of the seedlings (Cole et al.
1980).
Toxic parts:
seedlings
seeds
References:

A highly toxic glycoside, carboxyatractyloside, is contained in the seeds and seedlings of
cocklebur. The amount of the chemical was measured at 0.457% in the seeds and 0.12% in the
seedling at the two-leaf stage. The poison occurs only in the cotyledons or seed leaves of the
seedlings. The toxin readily disappears after germination (Cole et al. 1980).

References:
pp.
Note: When an animal is listed without additional information, the literature (as of 1993)
contained no detailed explanation.
Cattle
anorexia
convulsions
death
depression
dyspnea
muscle, weakness of
nausea
opisthotonos
Notes on poisoning:
Poisoning after ingesting cocklebur cotyledons from seedlings has resulted in symptoms including
anorexia, depression, nausea, dyspnea, opisthotonos, and spasmodic running motions. Kidney
discoloration and liver discoloration with acute hepatocellular centrilobular necrosis also occurs.
Death often occurs, and treatment is symptomatic (Martin et al. 1986).
References:
Assoc., 189: 562-563.
Humans

erythema
References:
787 pp.
Rodents
death
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental use of carboxyatractyloside (CAT) in mice and rats, had an LD-50 (i.p. or injections
into the peritoneal or abdominal cavity) of:
;
10.6 (7.5-15.1) mg/kg for mice 2.9 (1.5-5.8) mg/kg for rats
; Postmortem examination revealed prominent hepatic lobular accentuation in rats (Cole et al.
1989).
References:
pp.
Swine
anorexia
death
depression
incoordination
muscle spasms
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Pigs are poisoned after ingesting cotyledons equal to 1-2% of body weight or 20% of macerated
burs containing seeds. Intoxication can occur within a few hours and symptoms include anorexia,
depression, weakness, a tucked-up appearance, and spasmodic muscular activity. Postmortem
findings reveal extensive serofibrinous effusions of protein- rich fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
Scattered pericardial and subcutaneous lesions may also occur. Hepatic necrosis can occur
(Burrows and Tyrl 1989).
References:
263-289.
Another search?
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Colorado rubberweed
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Colorado rubberweed (Hymenoxys richardsonii) is a native herb
found in the southern prairies. This plant has caused poisoning
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites and death in sheep, goats, and occasionally cattle. Sheep and
goats consume this plant when there is little else to eat. Poisoning
is therefore most frequent in spring and late autumn, when other
forage is reduced. Cattle are poisoned less frequently because
they find the plant unpalatable (Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Stn. Bull., 241. 53 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Hymenoxys richardsonii (Hook.) Cockerell
Vernacular name(s): Colorado rubberweed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Hymenoxys
richardsonii
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Colorado rubberweed:
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
stems
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.

Hymenovin (hymenoxon) is a sesquiterpene lactone that contains
an alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone moiety. This moiety inhibits
the enzymatic capability of adenylate cyclase by alkylation of its
thiol group. The inhibition can disrupt the cellular transmission of
external signals to the internal regulatory proteins. Mercaptans,
such as cysteine, may be used in treatment by partly detoxifying
the moiety before it can damage cellular enzymes (Elissalde and
Ivie 1987). The oral LD-50 of hymenovin (hymenoxon) is 2.9-8.5
g/kg in sheep (Cheeke and Schull 1985).

hymenovin
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Elissalde, M. H., Ivie, G. W. 1987. Inhibition of macrophage
adenylate cyclase by the alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone moiety
of sesquiterpene lactones from forage plants. Am. J. Vet. Res.,
48: 148-152.
Cattle
Goats
Sheep
death
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of ingestion include violent vomiting, hence the name
spewing sickness. Sheep may have a green stain around the

mouth. Vomited material can be inhaled, which can lead to
inhalation pneumonia, permanent lung damage, or death. Lesions
in the gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidney congestion, and lung
damage occur. Frequent coughing and sneezing occur (Parker,
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Stn. Bull., 241. 53 pp.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
common comfrey
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Common comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is an introduced and
naturalized herb found on damp roadsides and waste places in
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites many parts of Canada. This plant contains several pyrrolizidine
alkaloids, which cause veno-occlusive symptoms, liver cirrhosis,
and death. Humans have been affected after ingesting herbal teas
and medicines. Rats have developed hepatocellular tumors after
ingesting the alkaloid symphytine, found in common comfrey.
Canadian health officials have sought to ban sale of some
comfrey products. Animals normally do not ingest the plant
because of the bristly hairs. Topical herbal preparations are not
considered toxic because the alkaloids do not reach the liver
(Steuart 1987, Huxtable 1989, Ridker and McDermott 1989).
Russian comfrey (Symphytum X uplandicum Nym. [synonymy:
Symphytum peregrinum Ledeb.]) has been grown in Canada in
Lethbridge, Alta., and Vancouver Island, as a trial forage crop for
livestock, but it was not found to be suitable. This plant may be
available from some nursery seed suppliers. Russian comfrey also
contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids and should not be taken internally
as a herb remedy.
References:
Steuart, G. 1987. Growing alkaloid-free comfrey. Herbs Spices
Med. Plants, 5(4): 9.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Symphytum officinale L.
Vernacular name(s): common comfrey
officinale
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
common comfrey:

The roots have greater concentrations of pyrrolizidine alkaloids
than the leaves. Animals do not commonly ingest the plants
because of the bristly leaves (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Huxtable
1989).
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
roots
References:

Common comfrey contains several pyrrolizidine alkaloids,
including echimidine, heliosupine, lycopsamine, and symphytine.
Alkaloids were found in the plant totalling 0.07% dry weight in
roots and 0.062% in dry leaves, and 0.006% in fresh leaves. Two
alkaloids found in common comfrey were shown to cause liver
and bladder tumors in rats; the roots have more toxins the than
leaves. Some commercial products of roots and leaves sold as
herbal teas and medicinal preparations have a total alkaloidal
concentration of 270 mg/kg (leaves) and 2900 mg/kg (roots).
Ingesting a cup of tea made from the roots may contain 8.5 mg of
alkaloid, which is 26 mg per cup if the gelatinous residue is
consumed. [Huxtable 1989].

echimidine
heliosupine
lycopsamine
References:
Humans
ascites
liver, cirrhosis of
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting pyrrolizidine alkaloids for several months leads to
veno-occlusive problems and severe portal hypertension, which
can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and death. Symptoms include
ascites, edema, and reduced urinary output. Children are more
susceptible than adults. In two cases, one women was estimated
to consume at least 85 mg of pyrrolizidine alkaloids from a herbal
leaf preparation over 6 months; another woman consumed 512
mg over 6 months (comfrey-pepsin preparation) (Huxtable 1990).
Ridker and McDermott (1989) note that pulmonary endothelial
hyperplasia can also occur from direct exposure to these
alkaloids. Rats have developed hepatocellular tumors because of
the alkaloid symphytine.
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
common groundsel
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) is a naturalized herb found
across much of Canada in fields and waste places. This plant
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which cause irreversible liver
damage after chronic exposure. Cattle and horses have died after
ingesting common groundsel. Humans use this plant in teas and
herbal remedies in some parts of the world. Death occurred after
some species of the genus Senecio were ingested. Humans should
not ingest foods that contain any plant material from this genus.
In a case of prenatal exposure, a mother ingested tea containing
an estimated 0.343 mg of senecionine, resulting in fatal
veno-occlusive disease in a newborn infant (Huxtable 1989,
Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
References:
Res., 47: 1776-1780.
J. Vet. Res., 49: 572-578.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Senecio vulgaris L.
Vernacular name(s): common groundsel
vulgaris
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
common groundsel:

The highest concentration of pyrrolizidine alkaloids is found in
the flowers and the lowest in the roots. The amount of toxin
increases in the leaves, reaching a maximum just before flower
maturity (Johnson and Molyneux 1986).
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
References:
Toxin Rev., 5: 256.

Senecionine, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, is found in common
groundsel. A total of less than 1% alkaloids was measured
(Johnson and Molyneux 1986, Huxtable 1989).

senecionine

References:
Cattle
blindness
death
incoordination
liver, cirrhosis of
prostration
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle were poisoned after ingesting common groundsel. In some
cases, calves 3-8 months old died, whereas older cows showed no
clinical signs. Calves from cows eating contaminated hay during
pregnancy died the following autumn. The same effects were
obtained experimentally from the offspring of rats fed the toxins
during pregnancy. Other symptoms include nervousness,
incoordination, pushing against objects, walking in circles, and
blindness with glazed eyes (Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Horses
anorexia
ataxia
death
depression
diarrhea
hemoglobinuria
liver, cirrhosis of
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting common groundsel leads to sickness and death. Early
symptoms include anorexia and listlessness. Animal owners do
not usually notice problems until liver damage occurs.
Experimental tests show that routine measurement of food intake
and weekly body weight can alert owners to pyrrolizidine
poisoning early enough so that liver damage can be reduced.
Measuring the serum bile acid is the best way to predict animal
survival. Liver damage was induced in horses after they ingested
an average of 233 +/- 9.2 mg of pyrrolizidine alkaloid per
kilogram of body weight. Other symptoms include ataxia, head
pressing, and stall walking. Megalocytic hepatopathy develops.
Liver damage is often severe before obvious clinical signs
develop (Lessard et al. 1986, Mendel et al. 1988).
References:
Res., 47: 1776-1780.
J. Vet. Res., 49: 572-578.
Humans
liver, cirrhosis of
Notes on poisoning:
Common groundsel is used in herbal medicine and teas around
the world. Humans should not ingest any foods, teas, or remedies
that contain any plant material from the genus Senecio. Chronic
poisoning occurs, resulting in veno-occlusive disease in children
and Budd-Chiari syndrome (more commonly) in adults (Huxtable
1989).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
common hop
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Hop (Humulus lupulus) is cultivated for its use in beer-making. It
is also used as an ornamental vine in many areas. Hop pickers can
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites develop dermatitis from working with common hop plants (Raith
and Jager 1984, Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
53.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Humulus lupulus L.
Vernacular name(s): common hop
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Humulus
lupulus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
common hop:

In addition to allergic responses, the hairs on the leaves may
cause mechanical abrasion of the skin (Fuller and McClintock
1986).
Toxic parts:
leaves
mature fruit
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
blistering
conjunctivitis
erythema
References:
53.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
common milkweed
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a native perennial herb
found in eastern Canada in fields, ditches, and waste places. This
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites plant has poisoned sheep in the eastern United States. The plant
contains cardiac glycosides, which are toxic to animals (Reynard
and Norton, Joubert 1989).
References:
312 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Asclepias syriaca L.
Vernacular name(s): common milkweed
syriaca
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
common milkweed:
Toxic parts:
latex
leaves
stems
References:

desglucosyrioside
syrioboside
syrioside
References:
Sheep
death
Notes on poisoning:
A dozen sheep died after ingesting large amounts of common
milkweed in Maryland. The plants, which were almost the only
vegetation available during a drought, are normally distasteful to
livestock (Reynard and Norton 1942).
References:
312 pp.
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
common privet
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Common privet (Ligustrum vulgare) is an ornamental shrub that
is often planted as a hedge, and therefore the flowers and berries
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites are trimmed. In older European literature, ingesting the berries
has been noted to cause sickness in children. In more recent cases
of ingestion by children, symptoms included only vomiting and
diarrhea, after up to 12 berries were eaten (Frohne and Pfander
1983). Reynard and Norton (1942) cite the case of sheep that died
after ingesting the trimmings from a hedge of a related privet
(Ligustrum ovalifolium).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Ligustrum vulgare L.
Vernacular name(s): common privet
Scientific family name: Oleaceae
Vernacular family name: olive
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Ligustrum
vulgare
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
common privet:
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
References:

Unknown chemicals are involved in common privet poisoning.
Frohne and Pfander (1983) note that lignan glycosides, saponins,
and seco- iridoid bitter substances are likely involved.

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
diarrhea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
In recent reports the berries of common privet produced
symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting only. In older literature,
death was reported. Gastroenteritis may persist for 48-72 h.
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
common vetch
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Common vetch (Vicia sativa) was introduced as a forage plant
and is naturalized across much of Canada. Some horses and other
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites livestock that ingested the plant were poisoned. However, these
reports are in the older European literature. In the western United
States, poultry that ingested the seeds of common milk vetch
were poisoned and died. Common milk vetch contains a
neurolathyrogen that may be partly responsible for
neurolathyrism, which usually occurs in humans in India and is
associated with species of grass pea (see notes under Lathyrus
sativus) (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Vicia sativa L.
Vernacular name(s): common vetch
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Vicia sativa
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
common vetch:
Toxic parts:
seeds
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.

The toxic amino acid, beta-cyano-L-alanine, is a neurolathyrogen
that affects the nervous system (Cheeke and Schull 1985, Roy
and Spencer 1989).

References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Chickens
blindness
convulsions
death
Notes on poisoning:
In western Oregon, some chicks died after ingesting seeds of
common milk vetch. Symptoms included blindness, convulsions,
and a a pronounced chirping, resembling a pyridoxine deficiency.
Experimental feeding of a diet containing 30-80% seeds has
caused these symptoms in poultry (Cooper and Johnson 1984,

References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Horses
abdominal pains
weakness
weakness, posterior
Notes on poisoning:
Older European literature describes poisoning of livestock after
the animals ingested common vetch. The symptoms included skin
lesions, hair loss, digestive disturbances, and sometimes a loss of
use of hindquarters. Postmortem examination revealed
enlargement of the liver. These problems have not been reported
recently (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning: corn

poppy
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is an ornamental herb that has
become naturalized in some provinces. This plant has poisoned
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites cattle according to early European literature. No recent cases
have been described, but the plant may be potentially poisonous
if animals ingest it (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Papaver rhoeas L.
Vernacular name(s): corn poppy
rhoeas
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
corn poppy:
Toxic parts:
all parts
plant juices
References:

Rhoeadine, an alkaloid, and other alkaloids are found in corn
poppy (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

rhoeadine
References:
Cattle
incoordination
recumbency
restlessness
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of poisoning are similar to those caused by other
poppy species, including restlessness, incoordination, muscle
spasms, and falling down (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
croton
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a common houseplant.
Chewing the bark and roots is said to cause burning of the mouth.
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Some young leaves are used in the East Indies as a vegetable, but
cases of irritation have been reported. The latex has caused
eczema in some gardeners (Morton 1962, Frohne and Pfander
1983).
References:
84 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Blume
Vernacular name(s): croton
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Codiaeum
variegatum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
croton:
Toxic parts:
bark
latex
leaves
roots
References:
84 pp.

5-deoxyingenol
References:
84 pp.
Humans
eczema
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting the bark or roots has caused burning and irritation of
the mouth parts. Occasional eczema has been reported after
repeated exposure to the latex (Morton 1962, Frohne and Pfander
1983).
References:
84 pp.
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Notes on poisoning:
crown-of-thorns
Interactive
name
name
sites

Crown-of-thorns (Euphorbia milii) is an indoor ornamental plant.
The plant contains caustic and irritant chemicals in the latex. This
plant should not be ingested nor should the juice be rubbed on the
skin or in the eyes. Family pets should not be allowed to ingest this
plant.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euphorbia milii Ch. des Moulins
Vernacular name(s): crown-of-thorns
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Euphorbia milii
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
crown-of-thorns:
Toxic parts:
latex
References:

Unknown ingenol derivatives of toxic diterpenes are found in the
latex of crown-of-thorns and have irritant properties (Frohne and
Pfander 1983).

5-deoxyingenol
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
blistering
Notes on poisoning:
Crown-of-thorns contains an irritant in the latex that causes skin
irritation and problems on mucous membranes and eye tissue.
Ingestion can cause irritation of the mouth and stomach, and
abdominal pains (Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Cut-leaved coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata) is native to some
parts of Canada and is naturalized in others. A double-flowered
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites form is also used as an ornamental in flower beds and is usually
called golden glow. Early circumstantial evidence of poisoning of
horses, sheep, and swine can be found. Experiments on sheep and
swine have shown that some symptoms of toxicity can occur,
although animals generally refuse to eat the unpalatable plants.
Animal poisoning by this plant should be considered unlikely
(Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rudbeckia laciniata L.
Vernacular name(s): cut-leaved coneflower
laciniata
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
cut-leaved coneflower:

Ingesting the aboveground portion of this plant produced
symptoms in some animals (Kingsbury 1964).
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
stems
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Horses
Sheep
anorexia
depression
incoordination
Notes on poisoning:
Experiments on sheep showed that animals ate the distasteful
plant after a period of starvation. Ingesting plant material equal to
3-4% of body weight produced symptoms after 24 h. The primary
symptoms were incoordination and listlessness. Respiratory rates
increased. Animals returned to normal within 36 h (Kingsbury
1964).
References:

Swine
abdominal pains
anorexia
depression
incoordination
Notes on poisoning:
In experiments, swine ate the distaste plant material after a period
of starvation. The animals exhibited incoordination, dullness,
some signs of abdominal pain, and aimless wandering. The
symptoms disappeared within 36 h. Symptoms appeared after
ingesting plant material equal to 3-4% of body weight. Symptoms
could not be reproduced a second time with further feedings
(Kingsbury 1964).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
cyclamen
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is a houseplant that has a toxic
saponin, cyclamin, in the tuberous rhizomes. The rhizome is
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites bitter and found underground, so that children or family pets are
unlikely to be exposed to the toxins. There is no information on
the amounts of saponins, if any, in cyclamen foliage (Spoerke et
al. 1987).
References:
250-251.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Cyclamen persicum Mill.
Vernacular name(s): cyclamen
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Cyclamen
persicum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
cyclamen:

Toxic parts:
rhizome
tubers
References:


cyclamin
unknown chemical
References:
250-251.
Humans
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
cypress spurge
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) is a naturalized herb
found across southern Canada. Ingesting the plant has caused loss
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites of cattle in New York State. This plant is usually avoided by
livestock but is ingested if incorporated with hay. The plant is
abundant in in some locations in southern Ontario. Some humans
are sensitive to the irritant latex and may develop inflammation.
References:
Stahevitch, A. E., Crompton, C. W., Wojtas, W. A. 1988. The
biology of Canadian weeds. 85. Euphorbia cyparissias L. Can. J.
Plant Sci., 68: 175-191.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euphorbia cyparissias L.
Vernacular name(s): cypress spurge
cyparissias
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
cypress spurge:

The toxic compounds are found in the latex and seeds (Frohne
and Pfander 1983).
Toxic parts:
latex
seeds
References:

Unknown ingenanes, toxic diterpenes, are found in this plant

5-deoxyingenol
References:
Cattle
collapse
death
diarrhea
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle that have ingested hay containing large amounts of cypress
spurge have had diarrhea followed by weakness, collapse, and
death (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Horses
Humans
blistering
References:
Sheep
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Notes on poisoning:
daffodil
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) is an ornamental that is
planted outdoors as a spring-flowering perennial. It may be used
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites indoors as a forced flower during the winter. The aboveground
parts cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. The bulbs can also
cause dermatitis. Humans have been poisoned after ingesting
bulbs thought to be onions, as have cattle when they were fed
bulbs instead of feed in times of scarcity. Family pets may be at
risk if they ingest daffodils (Mitchell and Rook 1979, Litovitz
and Fahey 1982, Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
N. Eng. J. Med., 306: 547.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Narcissus pseudonarcissus L.
Vernacular name(s): daffodil

pseudonarcissus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
daffodil:

The bulbs of narcissus are toxic if ingested. All parts of the plant
can cause allergic dermatitis in sensitive humans (Mitchell and
Rook 1979).
Toxic parts:
bulbs
flowers
leaves
stems
References:

lycorine
References:
Cattle
convulsions
drowsiness
gastroenteritis
Notes on poisoning:
During World War II, cattle were fed daffodil bulbs because of
scarce feed. They developed seizures, sedation, hypotension, and
gastrointestinal and hepatic degeneration. Animal poisoning is
more severe than human poisoning because humans develop
rapid emesis (Litovitz and Fahey 1982, Cooper and Johnson
1984).
References:
N. Eng. J. Med., 306: 547.
Humans
abdominal pains
conjunctivitis
diarrhea
dizziness
dyspnea
eczema
erythema
hoarseness
itchiness
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting daffodil bulbs produces the following symptoms:
abdominal pains, vomiting, nausea, lightheadedness, shivering,
and sometimes diarrhea. Because emesis is rapid, more severe
symptoms do not usually occur. Ingesting bulbs is rare (Litovitz
and Fahey 1982, Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
N. Eng. J. Med., 306: 547.
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Notes on poisoning: death

camas
Interactive
Botanical name
Death camas (Zigadenus venenosus) is a native perennial herb that is found

from British Columbia to southwestern Saskatchewan. The plant is one of
the most toxic springtime plants, especially to sheep. Cattle and horses are
Common name
also occasionally poisoned. Swine vomit the plant so readily that no
natural cases of poisoning have been reported. Poultry may also be
Important WWW Poisonous poisoned, although there are no reported cases. Honey bees are poisoned
Plants sites
by the nectar and pollen (Kingsbury 1964, Barker 1978; Panter and James
1989). Humans have also been poisoned after ingesting the bulbs, which
were mistaken for other plants such as onions (Allium spp.) or camas
(Camassia quamash). Ingesting the flowers and flower buds has caused
poisoning in children (Cameron 1952, Spoerke and Spoerke 1979). These
plants should be considered poisonous to all livestock and humans.
References:
682-683.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Zigadenus venenosus S. Wats.
Vernacular name(s): death camas
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Zigadenus venenosus
References:
132 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
death camas:

All parts of death camas contain toxic alkaloids, with the bulbs containing
the most. The bulbs may be pulled up by animals when the ground is wet
or may be ingested by humans who mistake them for other plants, such as
onions. The nectar and pollen are poisonous to bees. Most cases of animal
poisoning occur in spring, when other forage is not plentiful (Kingsbury
1964, Barker 1978).
Toxic parts:
all parts
bulbs
flowers
leaves
pollen
References:

Steroidal alkaloids, including zygacine, have been found in these plants.
Death camas is considered to be the most toxic members of the genus
Zigadenus. The average minimum lethal dose in sheep is estimated to be
equal to ingesting 0.6-2.0% of an animal''s body weight in plant material
(Kingsbury 1964).

zygacine

References:
Cattle
ataxia
death
dyspnea
nausea
prostration
salivation
trembling
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle are occasionally poisoned by death camas. Symptoms are very
similar to those for other livestock. Salivation is sometimes less and nausea
greater than in sheep. Other symptoms include muscular weakness, ataxia,
trembling, prostration, and death. The heart action becomes weakened
(Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Honey bees
death
Notes on poisoning:
In field cases, adult bees died after foraging on this plant. In experiments,
both the nectar and pollen, collected by centrifugation, poisoned the bees.
The plants bloom for only a couple of weeks and secrete little nectar.
Solitary native bees seem less affected by the toxins (Barker 1978).
References:
Horses
colic
depression
diarrhea
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
Horses have been poisoned after ingesting hay containing immature seed
pods of death camas. The symptoms of illness included colic, salivation,
cramping, depression, and intermittent diarrhea (Fuller and McClintock
1986).
References:
Humans

blood pressure, low
breathing, shallow
coma
death
diarrhea
drowsiness
pupil dilation
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Humans have been poisoned after ingesting the bulbs and flowers. In most
cases, the bulbs are mistaken for onions. A 2-year-old child became ill
after eating the blossoms. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, slow
breathing, unconsciousness (though responsive to pain or movement),
hyperactive tendons and limbs, pupil dilation, and hypotension. The
alkaloids cause local irritation when ingested and affect the cardiovascular
system by slowing the heart and decreasing blood pressure. Treatment
includes emesis, activated charcoal, and saline cathartic. Atropine was also
given (Cameron 1952, Spoerke and Spoerke 1979).
References:
682-683.
Poultry
coma
death
diarrhea
incoordination
prostration
Notes on poisoning:
In one case (with an related species of Zigadenus), poultry were poisoned.
Symptoms included diarrhea, staggering gait, incoordination, prostration,
and coma. Many birds died (Kingsbury 1964). Death camas can also
poison poultry if they ingest the tender shoots.
References:
Sheep
breathing, shallow
cyanosis
death
mouth, frothing of
muscle, weakness of
nasal discharge
prostration
salivation
urination, frequent
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Death camas is considered to be one of the most toxic plants on the
western rangelands, and ingestion causes greater loss of life of sheep than
any other plant in springtime. Symptoms include excessive salivation,
nausea, frothing at the nose and mouth, vomiting, increased urination and
defecation, muscular weakness, ataxia, prostration, and death resulting
from heart failure. Postmortem examination shows the heart in complete
diastole. Coma may occur for a few hours to several days before death.
Lesions include severe pulmonary congestion, edema, and hemorrhage.
Losses occur most frequently in the spring, when other forage is not
plentiful (Long 1981, Panter and James 1989).
References:
Swine
diarrhea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Experiments show that swine are susceptible to the poisons, but cases of
poisoning are not encountered under natural conditions because swine
readily expel the material by vomiting (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Devil's-backbone
Interactive
name
Devil''s-backbone (Kalanchoe daigremontiana) is an indoor

All poisonous plants by Common ornamental plant. This plant contains a cardiac glycoside that has
caused experimental toxicity and death in chicks and mice. It has
name
caused illness in pets, such as rabbits and mice. Dogs and cats are
also at risk from ingesting plant material. The plants should be kept
Important WWW Poisonous Plants away from children, as well. Devil''s-backbone produces plantlets
sites
along the leaf margins, which fall off and become new plants. These
plantlets can be found in profusion around the pot in which an adult
devil''s-backbone is growing. Children and family pets have easy
access to these plantlets. Several other species of Kalanchoe may be
found growing as houseplants in Canada. Tests have shown that
some of them may also contain toxic bufadienalide compounds.
These compounds were only recently discovered (Williams and
Smith 1985, Joubert 1989), and so caution should be exercized with
all species. Some members of the genus Kalanchoe have caused
poisoning of sheep and cattle in South Africa and Australia, where
they are native or naturalized (Cheeke and Schull 1985, Williams
and Smith 1985).
References:
USA. 492 pp.
Williams, M. C., Smith, M. C. 1984. Toxicity of Kalanchoe spp. to

chicks. Am. J. Vet. Res., 45: 543-546.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Kalanchoe daigremontiana Hamet & Perr.
Vernacular name(s): Devil's-backbone
Scientific family name: Crassulaceae
Vernacular family name: orpine
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Kalanchoe
daigremontiana
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Devil's-backbone:

Williams and Smith (1984) found that the leaves contained more
toxin than the stems.
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Daigremontianin is a bufadienolide. Bufadienolides are cardiac
glycosides that are similar to cardenolides, differing only in the
structure of the C-17 substituent on the D ring. This chemical has
been found to be toxic in experiments on mice (Wagner et al. 1985).

daigremontianin
References:

Cats
breathing, labored
convulsions
paralysis
References:
Chickens
breathing, labored
convulsions
death
depression
incoordination
muscle twitching
paralysis
trembling
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental feeding of leaf extracts to chicks caused depression,
closed eyes, ruffled and drooping feathers, twitching of the neck and
head, and often spiralling of the head over the back. In severe cases,
convulsions, paralysis, neck and limb tremors, and death occurred.
A dosage of 8 mg/g of body weight caused mild symptoms; dosages
between 12-20 mg/g of body weight caused some deaths. Stem
extracts produced less severe symptoms and no deaths, even when
fed at the equivalent of 20 mg/g of body weight (Williams and
Smith 1984).
References:
Rabbits
breathing, rapid
opisthotonos
paralysis
Notes on poisoning:
A pet rabbit ate three-quarters of a leaf and became depressed and
torpid; it subsequently experienced rapid breathing and teeth
grinding. It fell down when attempting to walk. Paralysis followed.
An injection of atropine was administered, and the rabbit recovered
fully within 9 h (Williams and Smith 1984).
References:
Rodents
muscle spasms
paralysis
Notes on poisoning:
In motility tests, mice experimentally fed the chemical
daigremontianin at dosages of 0.1-0.5 mg/kg experienced a strong
sedative effect. Higher concentrations resulted in paralysis and
spasmodic muscular contractions (Wagner et al. 1985).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
dumbcane
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia bausei) is an ornamental houseplant.
Experimental work caused death in mice when leaf tissue extract
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites was fed orally at the rate of 100 mg of lyophilized plant material
(in distilled water) per 35 g of body weight (Der Marderosian et
al. 1976).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia bausei Regel
Vernacular name(s): dumbcane
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
dumbcane:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:


oxalate
References:
Rodents
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Dutchman's-breeches
Interactive
Botanical name
Dutchman''s-breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) is a native herb found in the

rich woodlands of eastern Canada. The plant has been shown to cause
poisoning when fed to cattle under experimental conditions. The
Common name
underground tubers caused more severe symptoms. When plant tubers
were fed at 2 kg/100 kg of animal weight, various symptoms occurred,
Important WWW Poisonous including trembling and convulsions (Black et al. 1923). Poisoning may
Plants sites
occur during the spring, when the ground is soft and the tubers might be
dug up.
References:
Poisonous properties of Bikukulla cucullaria (Dutchman's-breeches) and
B. canadensis (squirrel-corn). J. Agric. Res., 23: 69-78.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Dicentra cucullaria (L.) Bernh.
Vernacular name(s): Dutchman's-breeches
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Dicentra cucullaria
References:
132 pp.
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Dutchman's-breeches:

When the plant was fed to cattle during experiments the underground
tubers caused more symptoms than the aboveground portion of the plant
(Black et al. 1923).
Toxic parts:
leaves
tubers
References:


Several isoquinoline alkaloids have been found in Dicentra species,
including aporphine and protopine. The degree of toxicity of the various
alkaloids is not known (Black et al. 1923). Protopine is also found in the
opium poppy (Papaver somniferum).

aporphine
protopine
References:
Cattle
breathing, labored
convulsions
mouth, frothing of
nervousness
opisthotonos
trembling
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental feeding of cattle caused the animals to become nervous, run
back and forth, violently eject stomach contents, tremble, convulse, and
fall down with the legs extended and rigid. The cattle were able to rise
again and recover after a while (Black et al. 1923).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Eastern whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is a native
plant found in fields in parts of southern Canada. It has caused
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites poisoning in experimental feeding tests in sheep. Large quantities
of fresh plant were administered with a balling gun at about 2.2%
of body weight, causing symptoms of poisoning (Marsh and
Clawson 1921). The early literature is rife with contradictions in
determining the scientific names of various milkweeds. Asclepias
verticillata was termed Asclepias verticillata var. geyeri in Marsh
and Clawson (1921). For more information on Asclepias
taxonomy see Woodson (1954).
References:
Toxicol., 21: 431.
Woodson, R. E. 1954. The North American species of Asclepias
L. Ann. Mo. Bot. Gard., 41: 1-211.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Asclepias verticillata L.
Vernacular name(s): eastern whorled milkweed
verticillata
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Manitoba
Ontario
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
eastern whorled milkweed:
Toxic parts:
flower buds
leaves
References:
Toxicol., 21: 431.

galitoxin
References:
Toxicol., 21: 431.
Sheep
agitation
bloat
breathing, labored
convulsions
death
depression
opisthotonos
pupil dilation
trembling
weakness, posterior
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental feeding of fresh eastern whorled milkweed caused
poisoning in sheep. The animals fell down and went through
characteristic running movements. The head and jaws
occasionally moved compulsively. The pulse was often weak.
Ingesting 2.2% of body weight was necessary to produce serious
poisoning in sheep. Animals do not normally eat these distasteful
plants or other milkweeds (Marsh and Clawson 1921).
References:
Toxicol., 21: 431.

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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
English bluebell
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name English bluebell (Endymion non-scriptus) is an ornamental bulb
plant that is grown outdoors and forced indoors for its early
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites spring flowers. This species was formerly included under the
genus Scilla. The plant contains glycosides, which are chemically
similar to the cardiac glycoside digitalis. Cattle, a horse, and
humans were poisoned after ingesting this plant. Children or
family pets should be prevented from chewing the plants (Cooper
and Johnson 1984).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Hyacinthoides nonscripta (L.) Garcke
Vernacular name(s): English bluebell
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Hyacinthoides
nonscripta
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
English bluebell:
Toxic parts:
all parts
bulbs
flowers
leaves
References:

The plant contains glycosides, generally termed scillarens, which
are similar to the cardiac glycoside digitalis (Cooper and Johnson

1984).

unknown chemical
References:
Cattle
breathing, shallow
heart rate, slow
lethargy
Notes on poisoning:
A group of cows and calves in Britain grazed on English
bluebells and a few days later became dull and lethargic, chewed
intermittently, and produced hard, dry feces. Temperature and
respiration were decreased and heart beat became erratic.
Lactating cows became dry. Recovery was slow when the cows
were removed from the plants and given extra feed (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
Horses
abdominal pains
diarrhea

urination, absent
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
A horse that ate several bulbs of English bluebell became ill
within 6 h. Symptoms included initial choking, abdominal pain,
slow pulse, low temperature, and cold, clammy skin. Within 10 h
the animal produced dark-colored diarrhea with blood and ceased
urinating. The horse recovered slowly, passing blood-stained
urine for several days (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
diarrhea
heart rate, slow
skin, flushed
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: English

holly
Interactive
Botanical name
English holly (Ilex aquifolium) has been implicated in cases where children
All poisonous plants by have eaten the berries. Kingsbury (1969) noted that the often- quoted fatal
dosage of 20-30 berries comes from European literature before 1889 and that
Common name
this quantity has not been confirmed. Modern references show that symptoms
are usually confined to vomiting and diarrhea (Cooper and Johnson 1984,
Important WWW
Lampe and McCann 1985). This holly is used as an outdoor ornamental, and
Poisonous Plants sites the glossy green leaves and red berries may be sold as Christmas decorations.
References:
England. 305 pp.
Kingsbury, J. M. 1969. Phytotoxicity 1. Major problems associated with
poisonous plants. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther., 10: 163-169.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Ilex aquifolium L.
Vernacular name(s): English holly
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Ilex aquifolium
References:

pp.
Publ. Bot. 7(1)-7(4). 1711 pp.
British Columbia
References:
Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94: 131-157;
471-528; 625-655.
English holly:
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
References:

Ilicin, a glycoside, has been implicated as the toxic substance in in holly
berries (Rodrigues et al. 1984). A cyanogenic glycoside,
(2-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy-p-hydroxy-6,7-dihydromandelonitrile) has also

been isolated from the berries of English holly. The chemical also occurs in
lower concentrations in the leaves and stems. A common name for this
chemical has not been established yet (Willems 1988).

-dihydromandelonitrile
ilicin
References:
Humans
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms include multiple episodes of vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. If a
large number of berries are ingested, vomiting should be induced with an
emetic. Conservative management is generally adequate (Cooper and Johnson
References:
England. 305 pp.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
English ivy
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name English ivy (Hedera helix) is an indoor and outdoor ornamental
vine. This plant contains saponins, which have caused poisoning
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites in cattle, dogs, sheep, and humans. Two chemicals in the sap can
also cause severe contact dermatitis in sensitive humans. Cases of
poisoning are found in older European literature; the plant grows
naturally in Europe. Cattle that ingested large quantities of the
vines were ill for a few days. Humans who ingested the berries
have shown symptoms, including coma. Dermatitis is rare but can
be severe. Weeping lesions and blisters respond slowly to
treatment (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Massmanian et al. 1980).
Family pets should not be allowed to eat English ivy leaves.
References:
18: 247-248.
7: 158-159.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Hedera helix L.
Vernacular name(s): English ivy
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Hedera helix
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
English ivy:

The sap contained in the leaves and stems of English ivy can
cause dermatitis and irritation in sensitive humans. The dermatitis
usually occurs after pruning the plant (Massmanian et al. 1988).
The leaves and fruit contain saponins that hydrolyze into toxic
hederin compounds. These toxins have caused poisoning in
animals and humans (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
leaves
mature fruit
plant juices
References:
18: 247-248.

English ivy contains hederasaponins, which undergo partial
hydrolysis to form toxic substances (micro -hederin and
beta-hederin). These toxins can cause poisoning in humans and
other animals if ingested in sufficient quantities. English ivy also
contains allergenic and irritant chemicals, falcarinol and
didehydrofalcarinol, which cause intense burning and dermatitis
in sensitive humans (Cooper and Johnson 1984; Massmanian et
al. 1988).

didehydrofalcarinol
falcarinol
hederasaponins
References:
18: 247-248.
Cattle
Dogs
agitation
diarrhea
muscle spasms
paralysis
vomiting
References:
Humans
blisters, weeping
breathing, labored
coma
convulsions
diarrhea
erythema
muscle spasms
paralysis
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle that ingested large quantities of English ivy vine became ill
and excitable, started staggering, and bellowed loudly. The odor
of crushed ivy leaves was on the breath and in the milk. Recovery
was quick and complete in three days (Cooper and Johnson
1984). English ivy berries are often listed as being poisonous to
children, and cases of English ivy poisoning are listed in older
European literature. Symptoms of ingestion included laboured
breathing, coma, convulsions, and excitation (Cooper and
Johnson 1984). Frohne and Pfander (1983) state that the ripe
berries are dry and taste bitter. Large quantities are unlikely to be
consumed by children.
References:
18: 247-248.
Sheep
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
English yew
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name English yew (Taxus baccata) is an introduced ornamental shrub
that is hardy in the warmest parts of Canada. This shrub has
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites caused poisoning and death in cattle, horses, and humans.
Ingesting leaves, bark, or seeds can cause poisoning in all
animals. The fleshy fruit pulp is considered to be nontoxic (or
low in toxicity). Taxine, a complex of alkaloids, is found in the
plant. Children should be taught not to eat the fruit or seeds of
this plant. Animals should not have access to the shrub or
clippings of the branches (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Feldman et
al. 1987).
References:
Med., 79: 1576-1577.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Taxus baccata L.
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
English yew:

All parts of the plant contain significant amounts of the alkaloids,
with the exception of the fleshy part of the fruits, which is
regarded as nontoxic or low in toxicity. The seeds are toxic.
Ingesting the entire fruits without removing the seeds can cause
poisoning. Toxicity is not reduced with drying. Hedge clippings
from these plants are as toxic as fresh plants (Cooper and Johnson
1984).
Toxic parts:
leaves
pollen
seeds
References:

absorbed from the digestive tract and interferes with heart action.
Case studies on humans have shown that the alkaloids are
strongly diuretic and cause severe ventricular rhythms (Feldman
et al. 1987). Smith (1989) discusses a technique to diagnose
taxine quickly, using direct insertion probe mass spectrometry
from the rumen. The lethal dose was estimated at 1-10 g/kg of
body weight for ruminants and 0.5-2 g/kg for horses (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).

taxine
References:
Smith, R. A. 1989. Comments on diagnosis of intoxication due to
Taxus. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 31: 177.
Cattle

agitation
collapse
convulsions
death
gait, staggering
incoordination
pupil dilation
trembling
Notes on poisoning:
In Europe, cattle have been poisoned after ingesting English yew.
Symptoms include muscular trembling, coldness, a rapid and then
weak pulse, and groaning. In some cases, symptoms are not
evident until sudden collapse or death. Death does not always
occur and spontaneous recovery has been reported. Postmortem
findings may only show yew plant material in the stomach.
Inflammation of the stomach and intestines may occur (Cooper
and Johnson 1984).
References:
Horses
abdominal pains
collapse
confusion
death
gait, staggering
incoordination
Notes on poisoning:
Horses have symptoms similar to cattle after ingesting plant
material of English yew. In one experiment, a pony given a
strained aqueous extract from yew twigs and berries, by stomach
tube, developed signs after 1 h and died 15 min later. Ingestion
results in the following symptoms: coldness, a rapid and then
weak pulse, excitability, and collapse, followed by death (Cooper
and Johnson 1984).
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
coma
death
dizziness
dyspnea
heart rate, slow
itchiness
muscle, weakness of
sweating
urination, frequent
vomiting
References:
Med., 79: 1576-1577.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Entire-leaved groundsel (Senecio integerrimus) is a native herb
found through parts of western Canada in the prairies, parklands,
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites and parts of the Rocky Mountains. This plant has caused
experimentally chronic poisoning of cattle and horses. Ingesting
the plant material over long periods causes irreversible liver
damage in animals. This plant grows when other forage is
abundant so that it is not a a toxic threat unless forage is scarce or
the plant is abundant in an area to be cut for hay (Clawson 1933).
References:
28: 105-110.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Senecio integerrimus Nutt.
Vernacular name(s): entire-leaved groundsel
integerrimus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
entire-leaved groundsel:

Ingesting the aboveground parts caused poisoning of cattle and
horses in experiments. Two cows died after ingesting 92.3 and
135% of their body weight in green plants. A horse fed plants
equal to 156% of its body weight (in 81 days) died. A horse fed
76% of its body weight (in 79 days) suffered liver damage. Sheep
fed 4.5 kg of green plant material for 28 days showed no
symptoms. Liver damage results from ingesting this plant
material but takes a long time to develop (Clawson 1933).
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
stems
References:
28: 105-110.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are found in other toxic members of the
genus Senecio and are probably the chemicals responsible for
cases of poisoning found in experiments.

unknown chemical
References:
28: 105-110.
Cattle
death
depression
icterus
liver, cirrhosis of
restlessness
weakness
weight loss
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental ingestion of plant material caused poisoning and
death in cattle. Symptoms are similar to poisoning by other
members of the genus Senecio, with liver damage causing many
of the symptoms. Signs included depression, a peculiar sweet
odor from the skin, yellowish discoloration of mucous
membranes, itchiness, edema, serum oozing from the skin, and
liver damage (Clawson 1933).
References:
28: 105-110.
Horses
confusion
death
depression
icterus
restlessness
weakness
weight loss
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting plant material caused a yellowish discoloration of
mucous membranes, a sweet odor from the skin, depression,
weakness, restless walking and, after 1 or 2 days, insensibility to
objects and pushing against obstacles, urine discoloration, and
death. All horses that showed definite symptoms died. Liver
damage was apparent upon postmortem examination (Clawson
1933).
References:
28: 105-110.
Sheep
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
European buckthorn
Interactive
name
European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is a small naturalized

All poisonous plants by Common shrub that is found throughout much of eastern Canada and in the
Prairie Provinces. The shrub has spines on the branches and trunks.
name
These shrubs commonly grow along fence rows and roadsides and in
old fields. In some areas, they are a common undergrowth shrub in
Important WWW Poisonous Plants woodlands. The bark and fruits contain chemicals that have a strong
sites
purgative action that can affect humans. Severe poisoning is rare
(Cooper and Johnson 1984, Lampe and McCann 1986).
References:
432 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rhamnus cathartica L.
Vernacular name(s): European buckthorn
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Rhamnus
cathartica
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Manitoba
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
European buckthorn:
Toxic parts:
bark
mature fruit
References:

This plant contains glycosides, which upon hydrolysis yield
These chemicals have a purgative action; emodin has been used in
laxative preparations (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

anthraquinones
emodine
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
diarrhea
gastroenteritis
hemorrhage
muscle spasms
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
European buckthorn is usually ingested by children, who eat the
black berries or chew the twigs. Under normal circumstances, the
symptoms are usually mild and are limited to transient abdominal
pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ingesting 20 berries or more can have
more serious consequences such as gastrointestinal symptoms, fluid
depletion, kidney damage, muscular convulsions, and hemorrhage.
Serious cases may result in difficult breathing and collapse.
Treatment includes inducing vomiting, if it has not already occurred,
and fluid replacement (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Fuller and
McClintock 1985).
References:
432 pp.
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
European elder
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name European elder (Sambucus nigra) is an outdoor ornamental
introduced from Europe. Several cultivars may be available in
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Canada. This shrub contains cyanogenic glycosides. Swine have
been poisoned in Europe, and circumstantial reports of poisoning
of cattle and turkeys have been noted. Berries eaten raw can
cause nausea and vomiting in humans (Cooper and Johnson
1984). Children should not be allowed to ingest the berries.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Sambucus nigra L.
Vernacular name(s): European elder
nigra
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
European elder:

The bark, leaves, and berries can cause poisoning in animals. The
roots and stems have caused poisoning in humans. Ingesting
quantities of uncooked berries can cause nausea (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
bark
leaves
mature fruit
roots
stems
References:

Two cyanogenic glycosides, sambunigrin and vicianin, occur in
black elderberry. Hydrocyanic acid can be released in animals by
the action of plant enzymes after ingestion (Tewe and Iyayi
1989).

sambunigrin
vicianin
References:
Humans
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Humans have developed nausea and vomiting after ingesting
uncooked berries. Cooking destroys the toxin. Children were
poisoned when they used the hollow stems of elders as pipes
References:
Swine
abdominal pains
breathing, rapid
death
diarrhea
salivation
trembling
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
In one European case, pigs ate young leaves and within a day
showed symptoms, including salivation, vomiting, abdominal
pain, diarrhea, paralysis, trembling, and unsteadiness. Several
pigs died (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name European spindletree (Euonymous europaeus) is an ornamental
shrub that can grow in the warmer parts of Canada. The shrub has
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites poisoned children as well as goats, horses, and sheep. Children
are attracted to the mature fleshy orange fruits, which contain
seeds with cardiac glycosides and alkaloids. Children have
become quite ill. Fatal poisoning has occurred in two horses after
they ingested shoots of this plant (Frohne and Pfander 1983,
Cooper and Johnson 1984, Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euonymus europaeus L.
Vernacular name(s): European spindletree
europaeus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
European spindletree:

The conspicuous fruiting structures of the European spindletree
entice children to eat them. The seeds contain toxins that have
caused poisoning of children (Frohne and Pfander 1983).
Toxic parts:
bark
leaves
seeds
References:

Several cardiac glycosides have been found in the seeds,
including evomonoside, whose aglycone is digitoxigenin.
Alkaloids also make up about 0.1% of the seeds, including
evonine. The toxicity of the alkaloidal fraction has not been
studied. Cardiac glycosides are also found in the leaves and bark
(the alkaloid content is too low to be of any consequence)

evomonoside
evonine
References:
Goats
Horses
constipation
death
Notes on poisoning:
In one case in Europe, two horses had access to the shoots of

European spindletree and they ingested large quantities of them.
The animals suffered paralysis of the digestive tract. The pulse
was rapid and the horses died within 4 days. Postmortem
examination showed inflammation of the intestines (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
Humans
convulsions
death
diarrhea
hallucination
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Children are attracted to the bright orange fruits, which contain
toxic seeds. Symptoms occur 10-12 h after ingestion and include
diarrhea, vomiting, stimulation of the heart and, in more severe
cases, hallucination and loss of consciousness. In one fatal case,
the child had blood-stained diarrhea and convulsions before death
References:
Sheep
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning: false

hellebore
Interactive
Botanical name
False hellebore (Veratrum viride) is a native perennial plant that is found in

All poisonous plants by parts of eastern and western Canada. The plant contains several steroidal
alkaloids. Jervine was shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals.
Common name
Livestock do not often ingest the plant, but cattle, poultry, and sheep, have
been poisoned. Some deaths may have occurred. The roots, rhizome, and
Important WWW Poisonous young shoots are most toxic. Humans have been poisoned after ingesting
Plants sites
the plant. Extracts from the plant have been used in cases of hypertension
and as an insecticide (Fyles 1920, Dayton 1960, Campbell et al. 1985,
Mulligan and Munro 1987, Jaffe et al. 1989).
References:
464-470.
128-129.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Veratrum viride Ait.
Vernacular name(s): false hellebore
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Veratrum viride
References:
pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
New Brunswick
Quebec
Yukon Territory
References:
Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94: 131-157;
471-528; 625-655.
false hellebore:

The steroidal alkaloids are most abundant in roots, rhizomes, and young
shoots. Sheep can apparently eat, with impunity, plants that were frosted in
the autumn (Dayton 1960).
Toxic parts:
rhizome
roots
young shoots
References:
464-470.

The steroidal alkaloid jervine has been isolated from false hellebore. This
alkaloid can exert teratogenic effects in several animal species. The LD-50
for jervine in two strains of mice was 220 mg/kg and 260 mg/kg. Some
strains of mice were resistant to the teratogenic effects of jervine (Campbell
et al. 1985). Several other alkaloids have also been isolated. Germidine is
an alkaloid that was studied as a possible drug for hypertension (Claus and
Tyler 1965).

germidine
jervine

References:
464-470.
Claus, E. P., Tyler, V. E. 1965. Pharmacognosy. Lea & Febiger,
Philadelphia, Pa., USA. 572 pp.
Cattle
abdominal pains
diarrhea
heart rate, slow
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle generally avoid ingesting the plant, although young animals may
ingest it, sometimes with fatal results. As with humans, the plant causes
depression in an animal''s heart rate, low blood pressure, and vomiting
(Fyles 1920, Reynard and Norton 1942).
References:

Humans
blood pressure, low
heart rate, slow
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Humans have ingested false hellebore, mistaking it for another plant. The
symptoms include reduced heart rate, low blood pressure, and vomiting.
Other symptoms include blurred vision, cramps, nausea, dizziness, and
chills. Atropine is used in initial treatment (Boivin 1948, Underhill 1959,
Jaffe et al. 1989). False hellebore was used by West Coast Indians to
commit suicide (Long 1981).
References:
128-129.
Poultry
Rodents
oligodactylism
References:
464-470.
Sheep
nausea
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
Sheep are apparently less affected by ingesting false hellebore and can eat
the leaves with apparent impunity after the leaves have been killed by frost
(Reynard and Norton 1942, Dayton 1960).
References:
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning: false

ragweed
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name False ragweed (Iva xanthifolia) is a native herb found across
southern Canada. The plant can cause dermatitis in sensitive
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites humans after they come in contact with the leaves. Lactating
cows that ingest the leaves produce bitter-tasting milk
(Muenscher 1975, Mitchell and Rook 1979).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Iva xanthifolia Nutt.
Vernacular name(s): false ragweed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Iva xanthifolia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
false ragweed:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

Mitchell and Rook (1979) report that potentially allergenic
sesquiterpene lactones have been isolated from some members of
the genus Iva.

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
erythema
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
February daphne
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name February daphne (Daphne mezereum) is an ornamental shrub that
grows across southern Canada. This shrub and other Daphne
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites species are poisonous to humans and animals. The plants contain
irritant chemicals that cause pain, burning, and tingling sensations
on exposed skin. These sensations are intensified on mucous
membranes in the mouth, throat, and stomach after ingesting the
fruits. More serious symptoms also occur in humans, including
kidney damage, which may lead to death. With the exception of
February daphne, the other Daphne species and cultivars are
found only as ornamental plants in the more southerly and
temperate parts of Canada. February daphne is naturalized in
several eastern provinces. Horses and swine have been poisoned
and have died after ingesting daphne leaves or berries, although
poisoning of animals is a rare occurrence. Family pets can be
poisoned if they have access to the plants. Several references give
additional information (Frohne and Pfander 1983, Cooper and
Johnson 1984, Lampe and McCann 1985, Fuller and McClintock
1986).
References:

Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Daphne mezereum L.
Vernacular name(s): February daphne
mezereum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:

989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
February daphne:

All the Daphne species in this information system have the same
toxic chemical found in all parts of the plant. The only part of the
plants without mezerein is the fruit pulp. It is the broken seeds
that are responsible for symptoms when fruit is chewed. Ingesting
one or two of the bitter berries can cause severe poisoning in
children. Twelve berries can be fatal to an adult human (Frohne
and Pfander 1983, Fuller and McClintock 1986).
Toxic parts:
all parts
bark
flowers
mature fruit
seeds
References:

Daphnetoxin and mezerein are diterpene alcohols with a
daphnane skeleton. Mezerein has cocarcinogenic activity as does
the chemically related phorbol esters found in many toxic
members of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). In mice,
daphnetoxin was determined to have an LD-50 of 275 micro g/kg
and the mouse ear inflammation unit is 0.2 micro g of mezerein
per ear (Frohne and Pfander 1983). The bark of these daphne
plants contains a coumarin glycoside that has the aglycone
dihydroxycoumarin (Fuller and McClintock 1986).

daphnetoxin
dihydroxycoumarin
mezerein
References:
Dogs
Horses
abdominal pains
death
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Horses have been poisoned by the leaves and berries of the
Daphne species. Abdominal pains, breathing problems, and death
occurred. Post- mortem symptoms included inflammation,
swelling, and blood-stained contents of the gastrointestinal tract.
Experimental feeding produced similar symptoms but did not
result in death. Only 100-150 g of the plants, which are bitter,
were eaten (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Humans

abdominal pains
breathing, labored
convulsions
death
diarrhea
dysphagia
gait, staggering
hoarseness
kidney failure
muscle twitching
prostration
thirsty
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Human poisoning by the Daphne species can include minor
irritation of the mouth region including pain, burning, and
tingling. If the plant material is also chewed and ingested, more
severe symptoms occur, including bloody diarrhea, abdominal
pains, vomiting, and convulsions. In severe cases, prostration,
hallucinations, shedding of the lining of the oral and mucous
membranes, and renal damage can occur. In one case, a child was
killed in Nova Scotia after ingesting berries (Fyles 1920).
Ingestion may lead to muscular twitching and somnolence, which
persists for days. Few cases of poisoning actually occur, but the
consequences of ingestion can be serious (Frohne and Pfander
1983, Cooper and Johnson 1984, Lampe and McCann 1985,
References:
Swine
death
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
A litter of 10-week-old pigs were given daphne berries and they
died suddenly. The pigs had vomited before they died.
Postmortem examination revealed white, burned patches in the
mouth and an intensely inflammed stomach (Cooper and Johnson
1984).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
fiddleneck
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia) is an introduced plant found
in parts of western Canada. Ingestion can cause severe diseases in
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites horses, swine, and cattle. Hepatic cirrhosis results from ingesting
the seeds of the plant. The symptoms are termed walking disease
in horses and are known as hard liver disease in swine and cattle.
These diseases were present mainly in California and the Pacific
Northwest. With the advent of herbicides, the problems have
mostly disappeared (Woolsey et al. 1952, Cheeke and Schull
1985).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
305-306.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Amsinckia intermedia Fisch & Mey.
Vernacular name(s): fiddleneck

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Amsinckia
intermedia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
fiddleneck:
Toxic parts:
seeds
References:

The pyrrolizidine alkaloids of fiddleneck cause hepatic cirrhosis
in cattle, swine, and horses, mainly a result of the presence of the
seeds in grain and grain screenings fed to livestock. With modern
herbicides, the problem has disappeared (Cheeke and Schull
1985).

echiumine
intermedine
lycopsamine
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
abdominal pains
death
icterus
liver, cirrhosis of
References:
Horses
death
hemoglobinuria
icterus
liver, cirrhosis of
References:
Swine
abdomen, distended
anemia
appetite, loss of
ascites
death
icterus
liver, cirrhosis of
prostration
weakness
weight loss
References:
305-306.

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Notes on poisoning: field

horsetail
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a native plant growing
across Canada. This plant contains thiaminase which causes
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites thiamine deficiency in horses. Ruminants are not generally
affected by problems of thiamine deficiency because it is made in
the rumen. However, some cattle were reported to have
symptoms. In Canada, horses have been poisoned by ingesting
field horsetail (Henderson et al. 1952, Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
Cody, W. J., Wagner, V. 1981. The biology of Canadian weeds.
49. Equisetum arvense L., 61: 123-133.
Henderson, J. A., Evans, E. V., McIntosh, R. A. 1951. The
antithiamine action to Equisetum. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 120:
375-378.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Equisetum arvense L.
Vernacular name(s): field horsetail
arvense
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
field horsetail:

The horsetails have separate fertile and sterile fronds. Field
horsetail has a fertile frond that is flesh-colored and appears
before the green sterile frond.
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.

Thiaminase is an enzyme that splits thiamine, a B vitamin,
making it inactive. Thiamine is involved in decarboxylation
reactions in animal bodies. Deficiency of thiamine leads to
accumulation of pyruvate in the blood, with a resulting
impairment in energy metabolism and cellular shortage of ATP.
Hay that contains horsetail at a level of 20% or more may
produce symptoms of thiamine deficiency in horses in 2-5 weeks

thiaminase
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
Horses
Sheep
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Notes on poisoning:
five-hooked bassia
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Five-hooked bassia (Bassia hyssopifolia) is a naturalized herb
found in southern parts of western Canada. The plant is suspected
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites of poisoning livestock. James et al. (1976) report experimental
poisoning of sheep after they were fed macerated above-ground
parts of the plant.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Bassia hyssopifolia (Pall.) Ktze.
Vernacular name(s): five-hooked bassia
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Bassia
hyssopifolia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
five-hooked bassia:
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
References:

oxalate
References:
Sheep
coma
death
gait, unsteady
incoordination
tetany
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
In experimental feeding of sheep, five-hooked bassia caused
symptoms similar to poisoning by Kochia scoparia. In addition to
the symptoms listed, hemorrhaging on the rumen surface and
enlarged kidneys occurred. Calcium concentrations in the serum
of five sheep dropped from an average of 10.9 mg/mL to 3.6
mg/mL. Signs of photosensitization were also noted in some of
the sheep (James et al. 1976).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
flamingo lily
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Flamingo lily (Anthurium andraeanum) is an indoor ornamental
plant that produces striking flowers. Ingestion can cause painful
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites irritation of the mouth and throat. Other species of the genus
Anthurium may be cultivated in Canada, and all these plants
should be regarded as containing calcium oxalate crystals, an
irritant.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Anthurium andraeanum Lind.
Vernacular name(s): flamingo lily
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
flamingo lily:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Flamingo lily (Anthurium andraeanum) contains calcium oxalate
raphide crystals, which cause painful swelling in the mouth and
throat upon ingestion. These crystals readily penetrate mucous
membranes, leading to irritation (Lampe and McCann 1985).
Unidentified toxic proteins are also contained in the plants (Fuller

oxalate
References:
Humans
blistering
dysphagia
hoarseness
References:
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Notes on poisoning: fly

honeysuckle
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Fly honeysuckle (Lonicera xylosteum) is cultivated in
southwestern Quebec and southern Ontario. This ornamental
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites shrub has been implicated in cases of poisoning of children in
Europe. Recent literature indicates that cases of poisoning are
rare, and the symptoms are considered mild. Experimental
poisoning of rabbits has caused mild symptoms. Injecting fruit
extracts at high doses has caused sickness and death in mice.
Ingesting a large number of berries (ca. 30) may cause abdominal
pain and vomiting in children (Frohne and Pfander 1983).
Additional species of cultivated honeysuckle have also been
implicated in cases of human poisoning. Woodbine (Lonicera
periclymenum) may be poisonous. This climbing honeysuckle is
occasionally planted. See the general notes under Tartarian
honeysuckle, ( Lonicera tatarica.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lonicera xylosteum L.
Vernacular name(s): fly honeysuckle
xylosteum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
fly honeysuckle:

The berries have been implicated in cases of toxicity in Europe.
In North America no cases of poisoning occurred after children
ingested the berries (Lampe and McCann 1985).
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
References:

The toxin is unknown, but saponins are thought to be responsible
for the cases of poisoning. Traces of alkaloids were also found

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
diarrhea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of ingestion include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and
vomiting. More severe symptoms have been listed in early
European literature, but severe toxicity has not been conclusively
documented (Frohne and Pfander 1983).
References:
Rabbits
diarrhea
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental feeding of berries (dry weight at 25 g/kg of body
weight) to rabbits caused diarrhea and lack of movement within
24 h Frohne and Pfander 1983).
References:
Rodents
death
drowsiness
Notes on poisoning:
Mice experimentally injected with berry extract (dry weight at
20-40 g/kg of body weight) experienced brief excitation,
followed by drowsiness, abdominal spasms, and equilibrium and
respiratory problems. Death sometimes followed in 10 min to
several hours. A connection was made between saponin content
and toxicity (Frohne and Pfander 1983).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
foxglove
Interactive
Botanical name
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is an attractive biennial plant that is

cultivated in Canada and is naturalized in several provinces. Upon
ingestion, this plant can cause toxic reactions that lead to severe sickness
Common name
and death in animals and in humans. Several important pharmaceutical
drugs such as digitalis and digoxin are derived from this plant. The
Important WWW Poisonous chemicals increase the force of contraction of the heart muscle and are
Plants sites
therefore used in cases of heart congestion. Foxglove (Digitalis
purpurea) is a naturalized herb found in eastern Canada and British
Columbia. It is also a common outdoor ornamental. All classes of
livestock are susceptible to poisoning by foxglove. However, because of
the unpalatable nature of the plant, poisoning is infrequent, although
when it does occur it is often severe and dramatic, frequently resulting in
death. Human poisoning occurs rarely. However, poisoning was reported
in the children who ate the flowers or drank water from vases.
Accidentally including foxglove leaves in tea has led to poisoning and
death. Cardiac glycosides are commonly described drugs that have a low
margin of safety. Slight overdoses of prescribed medicine can cause
symptoms of toxicity (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Cheeke and Schull
1985, Joubert 1989).
References:
492 pp.
Vet. Rec., 63: 416.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Digitalis purpurea L.
Vernacular name(s): foxglove
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Digitalis purpurea
References:
132 pp.
British Columbia
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
References:

6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
foxglove:

The entire plant contains toxic compounds. The leaves and seeds are used
to produce digoxin and other cardenolides for pharmaceutical use. The
chemicals do not lose their toxicity by drying, storage, boiling or
incorporation in hay. The plants are unpalatable and are seldom eaten by
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
seeds
stems
References:

Digitoxin is one of several cardiac glycosides found in foxglove and is
considered the most toxic of these chemicals. The toxins are split by
hydrolysis into a sugar and an alglycone (nonsugar compound). The
aglycones have a direct effect on the muscles to the heart (Joubert 1989).

digitoxin

References:
Cats
Cattle
death
dyspnea
Notes on poisoning:
Dairy cattle have become poisoned after ingesting foxglove. Postmortem
examination showed consolidation of the apical lobes of both lungs, with
marked emphysema and bullae formation in the diaphragmatic lobes.
Duodenal and jejunal mucosa were extremely congested and
hemorrhagic. Some cattle recovered after treatment, whereas others took
several days. One cow died 2 days after ingesting foxglove (Thomas et
al. 1987).
References:
Dogs
Goats
Horses
Humans
abdominal pains
diarrhea
nausea
Notes on poisoning:
Digitalis poisoning toxicity has a variable latent period depending on the
quantity ingested. Gross disturbances in heartbeat and pulse are common.
Most cases of human poisoning result from slight overdoses of prescribed
drugs that contain digoxin or other related chemicals. Smith et al. (1982)
describe the symptoms of digoxin and digitoxin toxicity, including
nausea and severe vomiting. Many people develop hyperkalemia.
Advanced cardiac rhythm disturbances are common, along with
tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Treating patients with purified
Fab fragments of digoxin-specific antibodies produces an initial
favorable response and should lead to safe, effective reversal of
life-threatening digitalis intoxication. Accidental ingestion of foxglove
has occurred when the leaves were used in tea or when flowers were
ingested (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Poultry
Sheep
Swine

abdominal pains
convulsions
death
diarrhea
Notes on poisoning:
General symptoms of foxglove poisoning for all types of animals include
diarrhea, abdominal pain, irregular pulse, tremors, and convulsions. In
severe cases, death occurs. Postmortem examination of pigs showed
gastrointestinal inflammation, punctiform necrosis of the border of the
spleen, and fatty degeneration of some nerve fibers in the heart. The
presence of digitoxin in the body tissues confirms foxglove poisoning in
References:
Turkeys
appetite, loss of
convulsions
death
drowsiness
pupil dilation
Notes on poisoning:
Several turkeys died after ingesting foxglove leaves. Several turkeys
slowly recovered. The crops were surgically removed from affected
birds, a procedure which speeded up recovery time (Parker 1951).
References:
Vet. Rec., 63: 416.
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
garden-sorrel
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Garden-sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is a naturalized herb found across
southern Canada. It is occasionally cultivated as a garden green.
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Ingesting large quantities of the plant caused toxicity in sheep and
cattle in other countries. Humans should restrict their intake of
the leaves of this plant because they contain oxalate crystals
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rumex acetosa L.
Vernacular name(s): garden-sorrel
acetosa
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
garden-sorrel:

Ingesting large amounts of the aboveground portion of
garden-sorrel can cause poisoning (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Oxalates are considered the primary toxin. However, under
certain circumstances, nitrates may accumulate to toxic levels. In
recorded cases of poisoning, the symptoms were consistent with
those of oxalate poisoning (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

oxalate
References:
Cattle
kidney failure
Notes on poisoning:
Reports of poisoning in cattle are inconsistent. Lactating cows
that ingested large quantities of garden-sorrel showed symptoms
similar to those of milk fever. Treatment with calcium had
transient effects because of subsequent kidney failure (Cooper
and Johnson 1984).
References:
Sheep
coma
death
incoordination
mouth, frothing of
pupil dilation
recumbency
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting large amounts of garden-sorrel caused toxicity in sheep
in Britain. Symptoms included incoordination, falling, then
inability to rise, dilation of the pupils, coma, and death (in five
sheep). In lactating ewes, the initial signs resembled milk fever,
but favorable response to calcium injection was transient because
of kidney failure. No cases of poisoning from this plant have been
reported in North America (Kingsbury 1964, Cooper and Johnson
1984).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
garland daphne
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Garland daphne (Daphne cneorum) is an ornamental shrub found
in the warmest parts of Canada. This shrub contains the same
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites toxins as the other Daphne spp. listed in this information system.
It is capable of causing poisoning in humans and any animals that
might ingest it, such as family pets. See additional information
under general notes for Daphne mezereum.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Daphne cneorum L.
Vernacular name(s): garland daphne
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
garland daphne:
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
mature fruit
seeds
References:

daphnetoxin
dihydroxycoumarin
mezerein
References:
Cats
Dogs
Humans
abdominal pains
diarrhea
salivation
thirsty
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
garlic
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Human allergy to garlic dust has been documented by Lybarger et
al. 1982. Ingesting garlic leaves can also cause allergic reactions.
References:
448-454.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Allium sativum L.
Vernacular name(s): garlic
sativum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
garlic:
Toxic parts:
bulb - dust of
bulbs
References:
448-454.

References:

Fla., USA. 271 pp.
Humans
dyspnea
wheezing
References:
448-454.
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Notes on poisoning: gas

plant
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Gas plant (Dictamnus albus) has caused phytophotodermatitis in
humans. In one case in Ottawa, a gardener suffered recurring skin
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites eruptions for several summers. The original diagnosis was
poison-ivy, but subsequent testing proved that the gas plant was
causing the skin reactions. The plant juices are absorbed by the
skin and, in the presence of long-wave ultraviolet light, cell
damage occurs. Once this cause is recognized, careful avoidance
of contact with the gas plant prevents further problems
(Henderson and DesGroseilliers 1984). This is an uncommon and
colorful plant found in Canadian herbaceous borders.
References:
Can. Med. Assoc. J., 130: 889-891.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Dictamnus albus L.
Vernacular name(s): gas plant
Scientific family name: Rutaceae
Vernacular family name: rue
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Dictamnus
albus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
gas plant:

Exposure to the plant juices is required, which occurs when
weeding around the plant or cutting the flowers (Henderson and
DesGroseilliers 1984).
Toxic parts:
plant juices
References:

Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Can. Med. Assoc. J., 130: 889-891.

Furocoumarins, which are derived from psoralen, are found in
several of the plants that cause phytophotodermatitis. These
compounds are primary photodynamic agents that absorb
long-wave ultraviolet light at the surface of the skin and then
cause cell damage (Henderson and DesGroseilliers 1984, Cheeke
and Schull 1985).

furocoumarin
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Can. Med. Assoc. J., 130: 889-891.
Humans
blistering
erythema
References:
Can. Med. Assoc. J., 130: 889-891.
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Notes on poisoning: giant

dumbcane
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Giant dumbcane (Dieffenbachia amoena) is an indoor ornamental
plant. Experimental work on rodents proved the toxicity of leaf
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites and stem tissue from giant dumbcane. Death occurred after
administration of 3.0 g of plant extract in 10.0 mL of liquid per
100 g of body weight (Der Marderosian et al. 1976).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia amoena Gentil
Vernacular name(s): giant dumbcane
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
giant dumbcane:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

oxalate
References:

Rodents
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Notes on poisoning: giant

hogweed
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is naturalized in
south central Ontario. It has caused photosensitization in children
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites after exposure to the plant followed by sunlight (Morton 1975).
This plant has also been introduced into New York State, where
children have also contracted dermatitis from it (Gunby 1980).
References:
Med. J., 3: 109.
Assoc., 244: 2596.
183-184.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Heracleum mantegazzianum Somm. & Levier
Vernacular name(s): giant hogweed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Heracleum
mantegazzianum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Ontario
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
giant hogweed:
Toxic parts:
all parts
plant juices
stems
References:

Med. J., 3: 109.
Assoc., 244: 2596.
183-184.

Giant hogweed contains furocoumarins (psoralens), which make
human skin hypersensitive to sunlight, causing cellular damage at
the surface. They absorb long-wave ultraviolet light and become
photodynamic (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

furocoumarin
References:
Med. J., 3: 109.
Humans
blistering
erythema
skin, brown pigment of
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of phytophotosensitization include serious and
extensive weeping blisters. The lesions often occur in a line
where the person has brushed aside the stems. The bullae can be
massive and irritating, and brown pigmentation may remain for
years after healing Morton 1975, Gunby 1980).
References:
Med. J., 3: 109.
Assoc., 244: 2596.
183-184.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: glory

lily
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Glory lily (Gloriosa superba) is a rarely grown indoor
ornamental vine best suited to greenhouses. Ingesting the tubers
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites causes severe poisoning in humans. The plant contains two
alkaloids, including colchicine, which cause severe
gastroenteritis, vomiting, and possible unconciousness. Severe
hair loss is a consistent symptom of colchicine poisoning.
Complete recovery is slow (Gooneratne 1966, Angunawela and
Fernando 1971, Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Gloriosa superba L.
Vernacular name(s): glory lily
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Gloriosa
superba
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
glory lily:
Toxic parts:
tubers
References:


Two alkaloids, colchicine and gloriosine, are found in the tubers
of glory lily. In one case, a young women ingested 125 g of
tubers containing 0.3% colchicine. She ingested the equivalent of
350 mg of colchicine and within 2 h she was vomiting, becoming
unconscious by the next day (Gooneratne 1966).

colchicine
gloriosine
References:
Humans
alopecia
dehydration
diarrhea
hemoglobinuria
unconsciousness
vomiting
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting the tubers causes severe vomiting, abdominal pain,
severe and bloody diarrhea, vaginal bleeding, weakness, and
retention of urine and waste. Swelling of the lower or upper limbs
may occur. Partial to complete hair loss occurs, sometimes on all
parts of the body. Recover is slow, because colchicine is slowly
secreted from the system. Treatment includes fluid retention,

monitoring of renal function and blood pressure, and treatment
for diarrhea (Gooneratne 1966, Angunawela and Fernando 1971,
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
golden-bean
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Golden-bean (Thermopsis rhombifolia) is a native plant that is
found in the southern part of western Canada. This plant has been
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites suspected since the late 1800s to be poisonous to cattle and
horses, but conclusive evidence is lacking in the literature. The
related plant, poison-bean (Thermopsis montana), causes
poisoning in cattle. Poison-bean contains several quinolizidine
alkaloids, and similar chemicals may be found in golden-bean.
Ingesting seeds of golden-bean was suspected in a case of
poisoning of a child in western Canada. Until more definitive
studies appear in the literature, the plant is included in this
Information System because of its potential for poisoning
(Kingsbury 1964, Keeler et al. 1986).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Thermopsis rhombifolia (Nutt.) Richards.
Vernacular name(s): golden-bean
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Thermopsis
rhombifolia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
golden-bean:
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
References:

The chemicals listed here are found in the closely related
poison-bean (Thermopsis montana), although similar chemicals
are found in golden-bean (Keeler et al. 1986). Some of these
chemicals are found in other members of the pea family,
including anagyrine, which causes teratogenic effects in cattle
that eat lupines containing this chemical.

anagyrine
cytisine
N-methylcytisine
thermopsine
References:
Cattle
appetite, loss of
death
depression
References:
Horses
Humans
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Notes on poisoning:
golden-chain
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Golden-chain (Laburnum anagyroides) is an outdoor ornamental
that survives only in southwestern Ontario and coastal British
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Columbia. This plant contains cytisine, an alkaloid, which has
caused poisoning and death in cattle, dogs, horses, swine, and
humans after twigs, fruit pods, and seeds were ingested. Most of
the cases of poisoning are found in European literature. Children
and family pets should be prevented from ingesting the pods or
seeds (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Lampe and McCann 1985,
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Laburnum anagyroides Medic.
Vernacular name(s): golden-chain
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Laburnum
anagyroides
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
golden-chain:

All parts of the plant contain the alkaloid cytisine, but the bark
and seeds have the highest amount of the chemical. The leaves
become less toxic as the fruit pods develop, which become more
toxic (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
all parts
bark
leaves
seeds
References:

cytisine
References:
Cattle
death
gait, unsteady
muscle spasms
recumbency
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting twigs and pods of golden-chain have produced toxic
symptoms including stiff, unsteady gait, violent tremors,
recumbency, and death. Milk yield has been reduced, and large
yellow clots were found in the milk (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Dogs
convulsions
death
Notes on poisoning:
Dogs that were poisoned experienced convulsions and died after
chewing golden-chain sticks (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Horses
abdominal pains
coma
death
incoordination
muscle spasms
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
confusion
death
dizziness
drowsiness
headache
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Most cases of human poisoning occur when children eat the pods
or seeds by mistake. Symptoms develop rapidly within half an
hour because cytisine is rapidly absorbed through mucous
membranes of the mouth, stomach, and intestine. Nausea,
vomiting, pupil dilation, weakness, breathing difficulty,
dizziness, and muscular incoordination can result. Ingesting large
quantities can be fatal. In one case, a man ingested 23 pods of
golden-chain and died. Toxicological analysis showed that 35-50
mg of cytisine had been absorbed (Cooper and Johnson 1984,
References:
Swine
diarrhea
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
golden-trumpet
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Golden-trumpet (Allamanda cathartica) is an indoor ornamental
vine that is suited to greenhouses. It is considered poisonous, but
Important WWW Poisonous Plants firm evidence is lacking. The plant was once used as a cathartic.
Ingesting the fruits may cause upset stomach (Kingsbury 1964;
sites
Hardin and Arena 1969).
There is a case of a young boy who was sucking the end of the
stem of this plant. He subsequently became nauseated, and
developed a high temperature and swollen lips. Some individuals
develop a rash from the plant sap (Morton 1962).
References:
USA. 167 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Allamanda cathartica L.
Vernacular name(s): golden-trumpet
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Allamanda
cathartica
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
golden-trumpet:

This plant has an unidentified toxin in the fruits and in the cell
sap of the stem and leaves (Hardin and Arena 1969). The plant is
used only as an indoor ornamental in Canada, most likely found
in greenhouses because it is a large climbing vine.
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
plant juices
References:
USA. 167 pp.
Humans
nausea
stomach cramps
thirsty
References:
USA. 167 pp.
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Notes on poisoning:
grass pea
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Grass pea (Lathyrus sativa) has been used as a food and forage
crop in Europe and Asia, where ingesting the seeds for 3-6
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites months can cause neurolathyrism, a syndrome characterized by
muscular rigidity, weakness, and paralysis of the leg muscles. In
severe cases, victims may be reduced to crawling. Young men
between 20 and 30 years old are primarily affected. Livestock
may also develop paralysis if they ingest grass pea for a long
time. Neurolathyrism still occurs in India, where grass pea is used
as flour (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Roy and Spencer 1989).
Poisoning from grass pea is unlikely in Canada. However, some
other Lathyrus species that occur in Canada may also contain
BOAA.
References:
934 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lathyrus sativus L.
Vernacular name(s): grass pea

sativus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
grass pea:
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
seeds
References:

BOAA (beta-N-oxalylamino-L-alanine) is generally regarded as
the cause of neurolathyrism, although the exact nomenclature is
still under study. The concentration of BOAA in the seed varies
from 0.1 to 2.5%. This variation may help explain the conflicting
reports of toxicity (Roy and Spencer 1989).

beta-N-oxalylamino-L-alanine
References:
Humans
paralysis
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
greasewood
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) is a native shrub found in
western Canada from southwestern Saskatchewan to southeastern
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites British Columbia. In the western United States, sheep that
ingested this plant became ill and died. Oxalates are present in all
parts of the plant but are concentrated in the leaves. This plant is
regarded as valuable forage. Toxicity can be avoided with good
animal management (Kingsbury 1964, Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
189-199.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Sarcobatus vermiculatus (Hook.) Torr.
Vernacular name(s): greasewood
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Sarcobatus
vermiculatus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
greasewood:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

Oxalates are found in greasewood. On a dry-weight basis the total
content was measured at between 10 and 22%, mostly as soluble
salts. The oxalate content is greatest in the leaves, the amount
increasing with maturity. Ingesting plant material equal to
1.5-5.0% of and animal''s body weight can cause toxicity in sheep
(Kingsbury 1964).

oxalate
References:
Sheep
coma
death
depression
prostration
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
In the western United States, 1000 sheep were lost at a single
time. Symptoms occur within 3-5 h of ingesting a toxic quantity
of greasewood plant. Symptoms may occur abruptly after animals
have been watered. Toxic signs include depression, weakness,
prostration, coma, and death. Respiration and heart action grow
progressively weaker, and death occurs in 12-20 h. Hypocalcemia
is caused by the formation of calcium oxalate in the system.
Microscopic lesions occur in the kidney tubules (Kingsbury 1964,
Scimeca and Oehme 1985).
References:

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Notes on poisoning:
greater celandine
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) is a perennial naturalized
herb found in parts of eastern Canada. This plant is suspected in
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites the death of a four-year old boy (Koopman 1937). There are
records of skin irritation and soreness after the latex is applied to
the skin, a practice that was followed in Europe to help minor
skin injuries (Cooper and Johnson 1984). Cattle were poisoned
and died in Britain after ingesting the ripe fruit of this plant
(Reeks 1903); 500 g of the plant can cause toxic effects in horses
or cattle (Frohne and Pfander 1983).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Chelidonium majus L.
Vernacular name(s): greater celandine
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Chelidonium
majus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
New Brunswick
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
greater celandine:

The entire plant is considered poisonous. The plant contains
bright yellow latex that turns reddish after exposure to air. The
plant is considered unpalatable because of its acrid taste and

pungent, fetid smell (Frohne and Pfander 1983, Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
latex
References:

Chelidonine is the major alkaloid found in greater celandine. At
least 20 other alkaloids have been found in the plant. The
concentration of these alkaloids varies in various plant organs,
depending on the stage of growth (Frohne and Pfander 1983).

chelidonine
References:
Cattle
convulsions
death
drowsiness
gait, staggering
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
One case of cattle poisoning is attributed to this plant. The cattle
became drowsy, had a staggering gait, salivated, and some cows
died. Calves that suckled the poisoned cows were unaffected.
Postmortem examination revealed gastrointestinal irritation
(Reeks 1903).
References:
Humans
coma
death
diarrhea
drowsiness
headache
Notes on poisoning:
The case of a 4-year-old boy who sickened and died is cited in
the literature. Postmortem examination showed severe irritation
of the large intestine. The cause of death was suspected to be
greater celandine (Koopman 1937).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
green tansy mustard
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Green tansy mustard (Descurainia pinnata) is a native herb found
in fields and rangelands across central and western Canada.
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Poisoning has occurred in cases where animals have fed almost
exclusively on the plants over long periods. Cattle, goats, and
horses have been poisoned (Kingsbury 1964, Staley 1976).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt.
Vernacular name(s): green tansy mustard
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Descurainia
pinnata
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
green tansy mustard:
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Cattle
blindness
death
weight loss
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms in cattle start with partial or complete blindness,
followed by an inability to use the tongue or throat, leading to an
inability to eat. Death occurs if treatment is not applied to recover
the ability to eat and see. Treatment has included administering
9-14 L of water twice daily to improve digestion. More recent
treatment involves intravenous injections of ethanol diluted in
Ringers solution (Staley 1976).
References:
Goats
Horses
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Notes on poisoning:
ground-cherry
Interactive
Botanical name
Common name
Plants sites

Ground-cherry (Physalis peruviana) is an ornamental herb that is grown
for its ripe fruits, which are used for making preserves. The immature fruits
contain sufficient solanine to cause gastroenteritis and diarrhea if ingested.
Children should be discouraged from eating the fruits (Lampe and McCann
1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Physalis peruviana L.
Vernacular name(s): ground-cherry
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Physalis peruviana
References:
132 pp.
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
ground-cherry:
Toxic parts:
immature fruit
References:

Solanine, a bitter glycoalkaloid, is found in the unripened berries (Lampe
and McCann 1985).

solanine

References:
Humans
diarrhea
fever
gastroenteritis
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of ingestion include gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and fever, with a
scratchy feeling in the throat a few hours after ingestion. Children are more
susceptible to poisoning than adults (Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
ground-ivy
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Ground-ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a creeping ground cover
that can grow abundantly in uncultivated damp or shaded ground
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites around houses and garden areas. This plant contains an irritant oil
that is toxic to horses if they ingest large quantities of the fresh or
dried plant. In one case in Canada the death of horses was
reported (Fyles 1920, Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Glechoma hederacea L.
Vernacular name(s): ground-ivy
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Glechoma
hederacea
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
ground-ivy:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Horses
cyanosis
dyspnea
pupil dilation
salivation
sweating
Notes on poisoning:
In Prince Edward Island two horses ingested large quantities of
ground-ivy in November when the ivy provided an abundance of
green foliage. The horses panted continually and died within a a
week. One horse would lie down and the other horse would not.
In Europe, horses have been reported to ingest large amounts of
fresh or dried ground-ivy, with subsequent poisoning.
Apparently, cattle and sheep were not poisoned after they
ingested the plant (Fyles 1920).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
Guelder-rose
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Guelder-rose (Viburnum opulus) was introduced as a cultivated
ornamental and can grow across southern Canada. Occasionally,
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites the shrub may become naturalized. The fears of serious poisoning
reported in older literature seem unfounded. Humans who ingest
the berries may experience mild symptoms (Frohne and Pfander
1983).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Viburnum opulus L.
Vernacular name(s): Guelder-rose
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Viburnum
opulus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Guelder-rose:
Toxic parts:
immature fruit
References:
Humans
diarrhea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
The older European literature suggests that ingesting the berries
can cause serious poisoning or even death. However, no recent
cases of serious poisoning have been reported. Ingesting the fruits
can cause diarrhea or vomiting if unripe berries or large quantities
of berries are eaten (Frohne and Pfander 1983).
References:
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Notes on poisoning: hairy

vetch
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) was introduced as a forage in Canada
and has become successfully naturalized in parts of southern
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Canada. This plant causes poisoning in cattle, horses, and poultry.
Various syndromes occur in cattle, including a dermatitis that
resembles photosensitization in may respects, except that the skin
lesions appear on pigmented skin as well. Mortality occurs in
cattle and poultry (Panciera 1978, Kerr and Edwards 1982,
References:
Assoc., 183: 569-570.
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Vicia villosa Roth
Vernacular name(s): hairy vetch
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Vicia villosa
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
Manitoba
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
hairy vetch:

This plant has occasionally caused poisoning when used as a
forage for livestock (Cheeke and Schull 1985).
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Cattle
anorexia
breathing, labored
coat, rough and dry
conjunctivitis
convulsions
death
diarrhea
pain
pneumonitis
restlessness
skin, peeling of
weakness
weight loss
Notes on poisoning:
Two types of syndromes are suggested from the symptoms seen
in cattle. The first syndrome is acute illness followed by death
after ingesting raw seeds of hairy vetch. The animals were very
restless, showed pain, experienced convulsions, and died. The
second syndrome involves skin lesions, cough, respiration
problems, and death after 2 weeks. Postmortem findings showed
severe bronchitis with pneumonia, yellow- brown liver, and
inflamed forestomachs (Panciera 1978, Cooper and Johnson
1984).
References:
Horses
conjunctivitis
mouth, edema of
Notes on poisoning:
Hairy vetch causes systemic granulomatous inflammation. Edema
occurs especially around the lips and eyes. Conjunctivitis and
corneal ulceration develops. The poisoning is most prevalant in
mid to late spring as the hairy vetch reaches maturity (Anderson
and Divers 1983).
References:
Assoc., 183: 569-570.
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Poultry
breathing, labored
convulsions
incoordination
weight loss
Notes on poisoning:
Feeding chicks experimentally on a diet of 30-80% hairy vetch
seeds caused 20-40% mortality. Symptoms included weight loss,
excitability, and sometimes violent convulsions (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
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Interactive
Notes on poisoning:
heart-leaved
philodendron

Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Heart-leaved philodendron (Philodendron scandens) is an

ornamental. Chewing the leaves of philodendrons results in
painful burning and swelling of the mouth parts because of the
oxalates. Contact dermatitis also occurs (Lampe and McCann
1985). A recent survey showed that even though 67% of 188
cases involved philodendrons, only one case developed minor
symptoms (Mrvos et al. 1990). McIntire et al. (1990) describe the
death of an infant after it had ingested a philodendron. The child
had ulceration of lips and tongue as well as esophageal erosion.
Death was caused by cardiac arrest secondary to vagotonia
resulting from esophageal erosions. Family pets can also exhibit
signs of toxicity if they chew on leaves of philodendrons. Hanna
(1986) lists several symptoms attributable to ingestion of these
plants by pets. However, Sellers et al. (1977) conducted
laboratory feeding studies on cats and concluded that signs of
acute toxicity were not found upon necropsy, even when large
quantities of leaves were ingested. Experimental work on mice
and rats showed that death occurred when the rodents were given
extracts from leaves and stems (Der Marderosian et al. 1976).
References:

Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Philodendron scandens C. Koch & H. Sello
Vernacular name(s): heart-leaved philodendron
scandens
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
heart-leaved philodendron:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

oxalate
References:
Cats
nephritis
nervousness
opisthotonos
trembling
References:
Humans
Notes on poisoning:
Painful burning and swelling of lips, mouth, tongue, and throat
can develop quickly after chewing of leaves. Contact dermatitis
can also occur. Treatment includes administering cool liquids.
The insoluble oxalates do not produce systemic poisoning in
humans (Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
Rodents
death
References:
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Notes on poisoning: hemp

dogbane
Interactive
name
1909). Hemp dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) is a native plant found

All poisonous plants by Common across Canada. Fuller and McClintock (1986) report that two horses
died after ingesting alfalfa hay that contained large quantities of hemp
name
dogbane. The tops of the plants (up to 1 m tall) were found in the hay.
Plants sites
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Apocynum cannabinum L.
Vernacular name(s): hemp dogbane
cannabinum
References:
pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
hemp dogbane:
Toxic parts:
all parts
References:

Hemp dogbane contains the chemical cymarin (a cardiac glycoside).

Joubert (1989) lists this chemical under "Apocynum camrabinum,"
which is a typographical error and should read "Apocynum
cannabinum."

apocynamarin
cymarin

References:
Joubert, J. P. 1989. Cardiac glycosides. Pages 61-97 in Cheeke, P. R.,
ed. Toxicants of plant origin. Vol. II. Glycosides. CRC Press, Inc.,
Horses
Another search?
Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
horse-chestnut
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is and introduced tree
that is found in the southern parts of Ontario and Quebec. It has
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites poisoned cattle, horses, and pigs, causing sickness and death
(Reynard and Norton 1942, Muenscher 1975). Human poisoning
has also occurred.
References:
USA. 167 pp.
312 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Aesculus hippocastanum L.
Vernacular name(s): horse-chestnut
hippocastanum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
horse-chestnut:

Horse-chestnut fruits, leaves, and flowers contain the chemical
aesculin. Young leaves and flowers are especially toxic to cattle
(Reynard and Norton 1942). Children occasionally ingest the fruit
but few authenticated cases of poisoning are found in the
literature, although death has been reported (Lampe and McCann
1985).
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
mature fruit
References:
USA. 167 pp.
312 pp.

Aesculin is a saponin (7-hydroxycoumarin 6-glucoside) that
yields aesculetin (6,7-dihydroxycoumarin) upon hydrolysis.
Aesculin is related to hydrocoumarin found in spoiled
sweet-clover hay (Cooper and Johnson 1984). LD-50
measurements from nut extracts were as follows (Williams and
Olsen 1984):
10.6 mg/g of body weight for chicks
10.7 mg/g of body weight for hamsters.

aesculin
References:
312 pp.
Williams, M. C., Olsen, J. D. 1984. Toxicity of seeds of three

Aesculus spp to chicks and hamsters. Am. J. Vet. Res., 45:
539-542.
Cattle
Humans
death
depression
diarrhea
gastroenteritis
muscle twitching
paralysis
pupil dilation
restlessness
unconsciousness
vomiting
weakness
References:
USA. 167 pp.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
horseradish
Interactive
name
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a cultivated plant that can

All poisonous plants by Common persist after cultivation. The plant contains glucosinolates, which can
cause toxicity in livestock. Irritation of the mucous membranes can
name
occur in humans who grind the roots to produce horseradish
condiment. See the notes under Brassica oleracea for more
Important WWW Poisonous Plants information on these chemicals. Under normal circumstances
sites
horseradish is safe.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Armoracia rusticana P. Gaertn., Mey & Scherb.
Vernacular name(s): horseradish
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Armoracia
rusticana
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
horseradish:

Horseradish contains glucosinolates which, if ingested in sufficient
quantities, can cause poisoning (Fenwick et al. 1989).
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
roots
References:

See the notes under Brassica oleracea for a discussion on this
chemical and its affects on livestock and humans.

glucosinolates
glucosinolates
glucosinolates

References:
Humans
Swine
collapse
death
Notes on poisoning:
Swine have been poisoned after ingesting of horseradish root equal to
1% of body weight. The animals suffer acute inflammation of the
mucous membranes of the stomach as well as pain, followed by
collapse and death (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
hound's tongue
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Hound's-tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) is a naturalized biennial
plant found across southern Canada. The plant contains
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which have caused poisoning and death in
horses and cattle. The plant causes disorders of the central
nervous system and can cause hepatic failure in horses (Knight et
al. 1984).
References:
Assoc., 185: 647-650.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Cynoglossum officinale L.
Vernacular name(s): hound's tongue
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Cynoglossum
officinale
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
hound's tongue:

The concentration of the various alkaloids is highest in the rosette
stage, i.e., when the leaves are all attached to the root crown and
a stem has not grown yet (Knight et al. 1984).
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:
Assoc., 185: 647-650.

The following LD-50 toxicities have been determined in male
rats:
heliosupine 60 mg/kg
echinatine 350 mg/kg
The amount of pyrrolizidine alkaloid content in the plant has been
reported to be 0.6-2.1% of dry matter (Cheeke and Schull 1985).

echinatine
heliosupine
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Assoc., 185: 647-650.
Cattle
death
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle have also been poisoned after ingesting hound''s-tongue.

The animals often have staring expressions and diarrhea. They
experience increased thirst, nervousness, and a drop in milk yield.
Necropsy shows an inflamed stomach as well as swollen,
edematous mesenteric lymph nodes. Death occurred within 24 h
of plant ingestion (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Knight et al. 1984).
References:
Horses
ataxia
breathing, rapid
coma
convulsions
death
depression
diarrhea
hemoglobinuria
icterus
liver, cirrhosis of
Notes on poisoning:
Actual and experimental cases of hound's-tongue ingestion by
horses have resulted in sickness and death. Postmortem
examinations show severe icterus and hepatic cirrhosis with
diffuse, severe megalocytosis, biliary hyperplasia, and fibrosis
(Knight 1984).
References:
Assoc., 185: 647-650.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
hydrangea
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is an outdoor ornamental
that is grown in the warmer parts of Canada. This plant has
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites poisoned humans after they ingested the flower buds. Sensitive
individuals can develop dermatitis after exposure to hydrangea.
Older case reports of poisoning of horses and cattle appear in the
literature, but no recent reports are available (Apted 1973,
Bruynzeel 1986, Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Bruynzeel, D. P. 1986. Allergic contact dermatitis to hydrangea.
Contact Dermatitis, 14: 128.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) Ser.
Vernacular name(s): hydrangea
Scientific family name: Saxifragaceae
Vernacular family name: saxifrage
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Hydrangea
macrophylla
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
hydrangea:
Toxic parts:
flower buds
leaves
References:

Hydragin, a cyanogenetic glycoside, is presumed to be
responsible for toxicity because it can release hydrocyanic acid
upon hydrolysis. Der Marderosian and Roia (1976) administered
3 g of plant extract intraperitoneally, in 10 mL of liquid
suspension per 100 g of body weight. All rats died when given
extracts from hydrangea flowers and leaves. No mice died when
orally fed 100 mg of flower material per 35 g body weight.

hydragin
References:
Cattle
abdominal pains
breathing, labored
diarrhea
References:
Horses

diarrhea
Notes on poisoning:
A horse that ingested hydrangea experienced contraction of the
abdominal muscles, diarrhea, and stiffness of limbs (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
coma
diarrhea
erythema
gastroenteritis
lethargy
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting hydrangea flower buds has resulted in poisoning (Fuller
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Iceland poppy
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Iceland poppy (Papaver nudicaule) is an ornamental outdoor
plant that occasionally escapes from cultivation. The plant
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites contains alkaloids that may cause problems in animals that ingest
it. Horses, cattle, and sheep were poisoned when discarded plants
were given to livestock (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Papaver nudicaule L.
Vernacular name(s): Iceland poppy
nudicaule
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Iceland poppy:
Toxic parts:
all parts
plant juices
References:

Physiological alkaloids have been found in Iceland poppy
(Kingsbury 1964).

unknown chemical
References:
Cattle
bloat
incoordination
muscle spasms
muscle twitching
nervousness
recumbency
restlessness
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms are similar in all species that have been poisoned,
including initial restlessness and excitement followed by
incoordination, spasms, falling, and bloat in some cases. Milk
yield may be reduced (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Horses
bloat
incoordination
muscle spasms
muscle twitching
nervousness
recumbency
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of poisoning include restlessness, incoordination,
stiffness, muscular twitching, falling, and bloat. This poppy has
rarely proved fatal (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
Sheep
bloat
incoordination
muscle spasms
nervousness
recumbency
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms include restlessness, incoordination, muscular
twitching, and falling down. Milk yield can remain depressed for
long periods (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: Indian

mustard
Interactive
name
Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) is a naturalized herb found across

All poisonous plants by Common much of Canada. This plant can contain large quantities of toxins that
are common to the genus Brassica. Many of these compounds are
name
being reduced through plant breeding. See the comments under
sections of Brassica oleracea, which include a discussion of
problems in relation to this genus.
sites
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.
Vernacular name(s): Indian mustard
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Brassica juncea
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Newfoundland
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Indian mustard:
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
References:

glucosinolates
glucosinolates
glucosinolates

References:
Cattle
abortion
death
dehydration
gait, staggering
Notes on poisoning:
In one case in Saskatchewan, a herd of cattle gained access to waste
mustard seed. Six cows died and two were ill. Symptoms included
depression, staggering, and reluctance to move. Several cows
aborted, but most showed clinical signs of sickness. Postmortem
findings revealed profuse edema of the forestomachs and abomasum.
A 2-3 cm layer of clear, yellowish, gelatinous fluid was present under
the serosa of the rumen, reticulum, and omasum. Allylisothiocyanate
at a rate of 1000 mg/100 mL was liberated from the seeds. A rate of
250 mg/100 mL is regarded as acutely toxic to cattle (Kernaleguen et
al. 1989).
References:
Swine
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Indian-tobacco
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Indian-tobacco (Lobelia inflata) is a herb native to Canada. In the
past, aboriginal people smoked its dried leaves. This plant and
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites related Lobelia species were used as medicinal plants. Overdoses
led to cases of poisoning, which resulted in fatalities. No modern
cases of poisoning are found in the literature. The dried leaves of
Lobelia may be found in health food stores as a herbal medicine
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lobelia inflata L.
Vernacular name(s): Indian-tobacco
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Lobelia inflata
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

British Columbia
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Indian-tobacco:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Lobeline is one of several alkaloids found in Indian-tobacco and
other Lobelia species. This extract has been used in home
medicine for various purposes. Overdoses have resulted in cases
of poisoning, including death. The dry leaves of Lobelia may be
sold in health food stores as a herbal remedy.

lobeline
References:
Humans
collapse
coma
death
pain
paralysis
sweating
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
In overdoses of the plant extract, symptoms included vomiting,
sweating, pain, paralysis, depressed temperature, rapid but feeble
pulse, coma, and death (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Interactive
name
Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is a native plant found in

All poisonous plants by Common wet soils in parts of eastern Canada. The plant contains calcium
oxalate raphide crystals, as do many other members of the family
name
Araceae. When ingested, these crystals can cause severe pain and
burning in the lips, mouth, and throat (Lampe and McCann 1985).
sites
References:
432 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Torr.
Vernacular name(s): Jack-in-the-pulpit
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Arisaema
triphyllum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Jack-in-the-pulpit:
Toxic parts:
all parts
rhizome
References:
432 pp.

oxalate
References:
432 pp.
Humans
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting Jack-in-the-pulpit causes a burning sensation, with
associated inflammation, edema, and salivation. Treatment includes
cool liquids held in the mouth to provide relief. The oxalates are
insoluble and do not cause systemic poisoning in plants (Lampe and
McCann 1985).
References:
432 pp.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Japanese wisteria
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) is an ornamental vine that
is grown for its beautiful flowers. This plant is restricted to the
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites warmer parts of Canada, such as southern Ontario and Vancouver
Island. With care, the vine successfully overwinters in Ottawa,
Ont. All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the seeds.
Ingesting 1-2 seeds can cause serious poisoning in a child.
However, no fatalities have been reported in the literature.
Another plant in the same genus, Chinese wisteria (Wisteria
sinensis (Sims) Sweet), may also be capable of surviving in
southern Canada (Anon. 1961, Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
July-Aug: 1-2.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Wisteria floribunda (Willd.) DC.
Vernacular name(s): Japanese wisteria
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Wisteria
floribunda
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Japanese wisteria:

All parts of the plant, including the flowers, are toxic. The seeds
are especially toxic (Lampe and McCann 1985).
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
seeds
References:

A glycoside, wistarine, has been found in the plant. It also
contains a poisonous lectin (Lampe and McCann 1985).

wistarine
References:
July-Aug: 1-2.
Humans
abdominal pains
collapse
dehydration
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Humans who ingest wisteria exhibited the following symptoms:
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration.
Ingesting 1-2 seeds caused serious poisoning in a young adult.
Patients usually recover in 1-2 days. Treatment includes
induction of emesis, followed by supportive treatments with

antiemetics and fluid replacement (Anon. 1961, Lampe and
McCann 1985).
References:
July-Aug: 1-2.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Japanese yew
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata) is an outdoor ornamental that is
winter-hardy across southern Canada. This shrub contains toxic
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites quantities of the alkaloid taxine. Cattle and horses became ill and
died after ingesting the leaves and twigs of Japanese yew. In two
cases in Ontario, several cattle died after gaining access to shrubs
around houses or after being given hedge trimmings (Alden et al.
1977, Thomson and Barker 1978).
References:
Alden, C. L., Fosnaugh, C. J., Smith, J. B., Mohan, R. 1977.
Japanese yew poisoning of large domestic animals in the
midwest. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 170: 314-316.
Toxicol., 30: 563-564.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Taxus cuspidata Siebold & Zucc.
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Japanese yew:

Leaves, twigs, and seeds are toxic. Only the red arils, the fleshy
outer parts of the fruits, are considered nontoxic (Ogden 1988).
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
twigs
References:
Toxicol., 30: 563-564.

(Feldman et al. 1987).

taxine
References:
Cattle
death
References:
Toxicol., 30: 563-564.
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Notes on poisoning:
Jerusalem-cherry
Interactive
name
Jerusalem-cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) is an indoor

All poisonous plants by Common ornamental grown for its colorful berries. This plant contains an
alkaloid, solanocapsine, that is related to solanine. Experiments have
name
shown that the chemical can cause death, although it is unlikely
because oral absorption of the toxin is minimal. Experiments with
Important WWW Poisonous Plants cats and rats have shown that oral ingesting leaves and berries has
sites
not caused severe symptoms. By extrapolation, children or family
pets that ingest moderate amounts of leaf or berry material may
experience mild gastroenteritis and vomiting (Der Marderosian et al.
1976, Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
References:
939-953.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Solanum pseudocapsicum L.
Vernacular name(s): Jerusalem-cherry
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Solanum
pseudocapsicum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Jerusalem-cherry:

In experiments, extracts of the unripe and ripe berries have caused
deaths in rats; the doses were very high and were given
intraperitoneally. However, rats that ingested leaves did not die.
Humans who ingest berries probably experience only mild
gastrointestinal effects (Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
Toxic parts:
immature fruit
leaves
mature fruit
References:
939-953.

Solanocapsine is an alkaloid that is structurally similar to solanine. It
has a similar steroidal skeleton with an additional nitrogen group, but
it is not a glycoside. Slowing of frog hearts has been shown with
concentrations as low as 1:8 million. Oral absorption is minimal in
animals. Rats experimentally injected with extracts from berries of
Jerusalem-cherry (intraperitoneally, 3 g/100 g of body weight)
resulted in the following fatalities:
ripe fruit => 3 out of 5 rats killed
unripe fruit => 4 out of 5 rats killed
These results indicate that death is possible, although the dosages
given were very high (Der Marderosian et al. 1976, Spoerke and
Smolinske 1990).

solanocapsine
References:
939-953.
Cats
heart rate, slow
Notes on poisoning:
Oral administration of pure solanocapsine has produced only slow
heart rate and vomiting. Injection resulted in seizures and death. Oral
ingestion of berries or leaves would likely produce only mild
gastroenteritis and vomiting (Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
References:
939-953.
Humans
abdominal pains
gastroenteritis
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Experiments on animals suggest that children who ingest leaf or
berry material might suffer only mild gastroenteritis or vomiting.
Nevertheless, children should be taught to avoid eating these plants
(Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
jimsonweed
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) is a naturalized annual herb
found across most of southern Canada. This plant contains toxic
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites tropane alkaloids, which have caused poisoning and death in
humans and other animals. Jimsonweed is named for a case of
human poisoning in Jamestown, Va., when soldiers were
poisoned by eating the plant in a salad and then suffered delirium
and hallucinations. The seeds and leaves are deliberately used to
induce intoxication. Children are attracted by the large flowers
and become poisoned after sucking the nectar from the base of
flowers or ingesting the seeds. Occurrences of human poisoning
are more frequent than livestock poisoning in recent literature
reports. Animals of all types can be poisoned. The literature
mentions poisoning of cattle, goats, horses, poultry, sheep, and
swine. Because of the plant''s strong odor and unpleasant taste,
animals consume it only when other food is not available. The
seeds are sometimes milled with other seeds and have caused
problems (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Cheeke and Schull 1985,
References:
Health Hum. M. M. W. R., 30: 65-67.
Conn., USA. 492 pp.

Toxicol., 23: 241-246.
29: 38-39, 66.
Med. Assoc., 112: 2500-2502.
Carolina. N. C. Med. J., 37: 492-494.
321-325.
354-356.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Datura stramonium L.
Vernacular name(s): jimsonweed
stramonium
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
jimsonweed:

The entire plant contains alkaloids, but the leaves and seeds are
the usual sources of poisoning in humans and other animals. Even
the nectar of this plant contains alkaloids that contaminate honey
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
mature fruit
seeds
stems
References:
Health Hum. M. M. W. R., 30: 65-67.
Toxicol., 23: 241-246.
Med. Assoc., 112: 2500-2502.
321-325.
354-356.

Several tropane alkaloids including hyoscyamine, hyoscine (also
called scopolamine), and traces of atropine are found in the plant.
The total alkaloid content in the plant varies from 0.25 to 0.7%.
The alkaloids are found even in the nectar and can contaminate
honey (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Cheeke and Schull 1985).

atropine
hyoscyamine
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Carolina. N. C. Med. J., 37: 492-494.
321-325.
Cattle
anorexia
bloat
muzzle, dry
pupils, pinpoint
tenesmus
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms in cattle include incoordination, restlessness, and
increased respiration rate. Nelson et al. (1982) conducted feeding
experiments on heifers that were fed a normal diet with varying
amounts of jimsonweed seeds added. The seeds contained 0.26%
atropine and 0.55% hyoscine. Death of cattle seemed unlikely
because rumen atony and anorexia limited intake of the feed to
below lethal levels. The toxic dosage is about 2.9 mg of atropine
and 0.5 mg of hyoscine per kilogram of body weight, which is
about 107 seeds per kilogram of body weight.
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
321-325.
Chickens
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Goats
breathing, rapid
death
drowsiness
incoordination
recumbency
reflex excitability
trembling
Notes on poisoning:
Goats have been poisoned by consuming jimsonweed.
Experimental feeding of fresh leaves and fruit caused locomotion
disturbances, tremors, drowsiness, and recumbency. Postmortem
findings showed lung congestion, hemorrhagic and fatty liver,
and heart dilation with hemorrhaging. The renal cortex was pale
yellow and the medulla hemorrhagic. The cells of many renal
tubes had also degenerated (El Dirdiri et al. 1981).
References:
Toxicol., 23: 241-246.
Horses
anorexia
breathing, rapid
diarrhea
pupil dilation
thirsty
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Humans
agitation
babinski reflex
choreiform movement
confusion
convulsions
death
dizziness
drowsiness
faintness
gait, unsteady
hallucination
inebriation
memory loss
mouth dry
nausea
pupil dilation
reflex excitability
skin, dry
skin, flushed
speech, slurred
thirsty
unconsciousness
urination, absent
vision, impaired
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of Datura species poisoning include dry mouth,
mydriasis, dry and warm skin, sometimes with reddening of the
face and neck. Hallucinations are common, along with blurred
vision, random movements, nausea, delerium, and sometimes
coma and death. Tachycardia and elevated temperatures occur.
Treatment with physostigmine is recommended at 0.5 mg for
children and 2 mg for adults (Moore 1976, Cooper and Johnson
References:
Health Hum. M. M. W. R., 30: 65-67.
29: 38-39, 66.
Med. Assoc., 112: 2500-2502.
Carolina. N. C. Med. J., 37: 492-494.
354-356.
Sheep
ataxia
breathing, rapid
collapse
dyspnea
gait, unsteady
incoordination
recumbency
reflex excitability
trembling
Notes on poisoning:
Jimsonweed poisoning in sheep causes symptoms such as
locomotion disturbances, rapid respiration, inability to stand and
death. Sheep that were experimentally fed fresh leaves and fruits
became ill and died (El Dirdiri et al. 1981). Postmortem
examination showed lung congestion, a dilated heart, and
hemorrhagic, fatty liver. The renal cortex was pale yellow and the
medulla was hemorrhagic. Sheep that received 10 g/kg/day died
within 38 days.
References:
Toxicol., 23: 241-246.
Swine
depression
gait, rigid
incoordination
lethargy
pupil dilation
Notes on poisoning:
Swine exhibit symptoms of incoordination, stiff gait, pupil
dilation, and drowsiness. Earlier reports had suggested that
jimsonweed ingested by pregnant sows might cause
arthrogryposis in newborn pigs, but Keeler (1981) determined
that this was not the case after feeding experiments. Other studies
have found that pigs tolerated, with little effect, and alkaloid
intake of 2.2 mg/kg of body weight from seeds containing
0.2-0.6% alkaloid content. Because of the unpalatability of
jimsonweed seeds, the feed is rejected and therefore lethal
quantities are not likely to be ingested (Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:

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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning: Johnson

grass
Interactive
Botanical name
Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) is a naturalized herb found as a weed

in only a few counties of southwestern Ontario. This plant can produce
toxic quantities of HCN if it is damaged through frost, mastication, or
Common name
water stress. Johnson grass can also accumulate toxic amounts of nitrate
under certain circumstances. Cattle and a horse were poisoned after
Important WWW Poisonous ingesting Johnson grass. Plants are spread from rhizomes but susceptibility
Plants sites
to severe frost has limited the plants to a few counties in southwestern
Ontario. The grass is found in fields and field edges. Toxicity is not likely,
but ingesting large quantities of Johnson grass can cause problems (Gray et
al. 1968, Clay et al. 1976, Warwick and Black 1983).
References:
Warwick, S. I., Black, L. D. 1983. The biology of Canadian weeds. 61.
Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. Can. J. Plant Sci., 63: 997-1014.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.
Vernacular name(s): Johnson grass
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Sorghum halepense
References:
132 pp.
Ontario
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Johnson grass:

The hydrocyanic potential of Johnson grass is largest during early growth
of the plant (Gray et al. 1968).
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

A cyanogenic glycoside, dhurrin, is found in Johnson grass. After the plant
has been damaged by mastication, plant enzymes convert the glycoside to
other chemicals, including HCN. Cyanide, which is lethal, is released into
the animal''s system . Nitrates can accumulate under some circumstances.
Nitrate poisoning has occurred in cattle (Gray et al. 1968, Clay et al.
1976).

chaconine
dhurrin
nitrate
References:
Cattle
abortion
breathing, rapid
death
gait, staggering
methemoglobinemia
mouth, frothing of
Notes on poisoning:
Johnson grass can accumulate toxic levels of nitrates, which leads to
methemoglobinemia. In severe cases, death can occur 4-6 h after ingestion.
Three to five days after acute poisoning, surviving pregnant animals may
abort (Clay et al. 1976). Dhurrin, a cyanogenic glycoside, is found in plant
material. When the plant is damaged by frost, mastication, or water stress,
HCN can be released and cyanide can enter the animal''s system.
Symptoms are the result of cytotoxic hypoxia, leading in severe cases to
death from asphyxiation. Other symptoms include increased respiration,
irregular pulse, frothing at the mouth, and staggering (Gray et al. 1968,
References:
Horses
Notes on poisoning:
In Maryland a horse died from cyanide poisoning after ingesting Johnson
grass (Reynard and Norton 1942).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Kaffir lily
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Kaffir lily (Clivia miniata) is an indoor ornamental plant grown
for its flowers. The plant contains small amounts of the alkaloid
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites lycorine. Large quantities must be ingested to cause symptoms of
toxicity. Children and family pets can be poisoned (Frohne and
and Pfander 1983, Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Clivia miniata Regel
Vernacular name(s): Kaffir lily
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Kaffir lily:
Toxic parts:
bulbs
References:

Lycorine has been found in quantities of 0.43% (dry weight) in
the Kaffir lily. The greatest concentration of the alkaloid is in the
bulb (Frohne and Pfander 1983).

lycorine
References:
Humans
collapse
diarrhea
paralysis
salivation
vomiting
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Kentucky coffeetree
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is a tree that is
occasionally planted as an ornamental in the warmer parts of
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Canada. The seeds and fruit pulp of this tree have poisoned
humans and cattle. The foliage has caused the death of sheep in
Maryland (Reynard and Norton 1942, Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
312 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Gymnocladus dioicus (L.) K. Koch
Vernacular name(s): Kentucky coffeetree
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Gymnocladus
dioicus
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Kentucky coffeetree:

The seeds contain a low concentration of the alkaloid cytisine,
and chewing one or two seeds would not be enough to produce
toxic results. This tree is an ornamental that survives and
produces seeds in the warmer parts of the country; it grows
successfully in Ottawa. In feeding experiments the foliage has
proved to be toxic to sheep and the seeds to cattle (Reynard and
Norton 1942, Lampe and McCann 1985).
Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
References:
312 pp.

cytisine
References:
Cattle
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental feeding of seeds to cattle has caused congestion of
the lungs and the fourth stomach (Reynard and Norton 1942).
References:
312 pp.
Humans

coma
diarrhea
gastroenteritis
nausea
sweating
References:
Sheep
death
Notes on poisoning:
In one case in Maryland, 11 sheep died within 24 h of ingesting
fresh cuttings from the Kentucky coffeetree (Hill and Duke
1985).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
kochia
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Kochia (Kochia scoparia) is both naturalized and cultivated as an
outdoor ornamental in various parts of Canada. Ingestion has
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites caused poisoning in cattle, horses, and sheep. Hepatogenous
photosensitivity and liver damage often occur together, along
with the outward signs of photosensitization. In addition,
polioencephalomalacia, toxic hepatitis, and nephrosis can occur.
Kochia has been examined as a forage crop because it is very
drought-tolerant. Toxicity varies from one year to the next.
Increased rainfall has raised the oxalate content of the plants.
Oxalates are at least partly responsible for the complicated toxic
affects of kochia ingestion (Galitzer and Oehme 1978, Dickie and
Berryman 1979, Thilsted et al. 1989).
References:
421-423.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.
Vernacular name(s): kochia
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Kochia
scoparia
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:

989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
kochia:
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
seeds
References:

Kochia has been found to contain total oxalates of up to 11.4%
and maximum soluble oxalates of 4.7%. This level of soluble
oxalates is sufficient to cause some of the signs of toxicity seen in
poisoning. In addition, saponins and alkaloids have been
described that may contribute to the complex symptoms of kochia
ingestion (Dickie et al. 1989, Thilsted et al. 1989).

oxalate
References:
Dickie, C. W., Gerlach, M. L., Hamar, D. W. 1989. Kochia
scoparia oxalate content. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., 31: 240-242.
Cattle
anorexia
ataxia
blindness
breathing, labored
death
dehydration
depression
diarrhea
erythema
eye, discharge of
eyelids, swollen
eyes, rolling
head, movement of
icterus
incoordination
itchiness
lacrimation, severe
lethargy
muscle spasms
muscle, weakness of
muzzle, crusty
nephrosis, severe
opisthotonos
polioencephalomalacia
recumbency, ventral
reflex excitability
salivation
skin, peeling of
teat necrosis of
Notes on poisoning:
In addition to photosensitization, symptoms can include ataxia,
incoordination, muscular spasms, recumbency, and death.

Because kochia causes hepatogenous photosensitization,
disseminated jaundice is often seen along with enlarged fatty
liver (Galitzer and Oehme 1978, Johnson 1983).
References:
421-423.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
lamb's-quarters
Interactive
name
Lamb's-quarters (Chenopodium album) is a naturalized annual

All poisonous plants by Common name herb found in disturbed soils across Canada. This plant can cause
sickness and death in livestock if large quantities are ingested.
The plants can accumulate both nitrates and soluble oxalates.
Cattle and sheep have been poisoned. Humans who consume large
sites
quantities of the plant and are subsequently exposed to sunlight
suffer photosensitization (Whitehead and Moxon 1952, Cooper
and Johnson 1984).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Chenopodium album L.
Vernacular name(s): lamb's-quarters
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Chenopodium
album
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
lamb's-quarters:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

This plant can accumulate high levels of nitrates and oxalates. The
high oxalate content is thought to be responsible for most cases of
poisoning (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

nitrate
oxalate
References:
Cattle
breathing, shallow
death
diarrhea
recumbency
skin, yellow pigment
unconsciousness
References:
Horses
Humans
Sheep
Swine
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
large-leaved lupine
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Large-leaved lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) is a native of British
Columbia and has been introduced in eastern Canada. This
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites species has been used in developing many of the cultivars of
lupines grown in gardens. Davis and Stout (1986) measured
quantities of anagyrine that exceeded the minimum necessary to
cause crooked calf disease (teratogenic deformities) in calves.
The literature does not include any documented cases. Care
should be taken to prevent pregnant cattle from feeding on this
lupine from day 40 to day 70 of gestation. See additional notes
under silky lupine Lupinus sericeus).
References:
USA. 335 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl.
Vernacular name(s): large-leaved lupine
polyphyllus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
large-leaved lupine:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Anagyrine, a quinolizidine alkaloid, has been measured in
amounts exceeding the minimum 1.44 g/kg required to cause
teratogenic effects. A measurement of 6.10 g/kg is reported by
Davis and Stout (1986) in the aboveground portion of a plant.

anagyrine
References:
Cattle
arthrogryposis
palatoschisis
scoliosis
torticollis
References:
USA. 335 pp.
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning: leafy

spurge
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) is a naturalized herb that grows
across southern Canada. The plant is usually not ingested by
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites livestock, but if large amounts are incorporated in hay, poisoning
can occur. Sheep are more resistant to leafy spurge, but collapse
and death have occurred (Kingsbury 1964). Some humans can
develop dermatitis and irritation from the latex.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euphorbia esula L.
Vernacular name(s): leafy spurge
esula
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
leafy spurge:
Toxic parts:
latex
References:

Seip and Hecker (1982) found ingenol derivatives, which are
diterpenes, to be the irritant factors in leafy spurge. Some of the

chemicals were weak tumor promoters.

5-deoxyingenol
References:
Cattle
Horses
Humans
Sheep
blistering
death
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
leatherwood
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Leatherwood (Dirca palustris) is a native shrub found in parts of
eastern Canada in woodlands. This shrub contains unknown
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites poisonous chemicals that are most potent in the bark. Chewing
the bark can cause severe burning in the mouth and can produce a
nauseating taste; dermatitis can occur, especially during
flowering and fruiting time (Fyles 1920, Lampe and McCann
1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Dirca palustris L.
Vernacular name(s): leatherwood
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Dirca
palustris
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

New Brunswick
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
leatherwood:
Toxic parts:
bark
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
blistering
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
lily-of-the-valley
Interactive
name
Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) is a perennial outdoor

All poisonous plants by Common ornamental herb. The plant contains cardiac glycosides as well as
saponins. There are some references in the literature that mention
name
poisoning and death in humans after accidental ingestion of the
berries and leaves, and even by drinking the water that the plants
Important WWW Poisonous Plants were kept in. Frohne and Pfander (1983) suggest that serious cases
sites
are unlikely to occur because the glycosides are poorly absorbed.
They cast doubt on the report of poisoning by ingesting water that
lily-of-the- valley was standing in because experiments with
animals did not substantiate these reports. However, in spite of
these reservations, some cases of human poisoning are mentioned
in the literature, and so these plants should be considered
potentially poisonous. Because of the cardiac glycosides and
saponins found in this plant, animals that have access to the plant
material may be poisoned. Certainly, ingesting large quantities of
lily-of-the-valley can cause problems to family pets such as cats
and dogs.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Convallaria majalis L.
Vernacular name(s): lily-of-the-valley

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Convallaria
majalis
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
lily-of-the-valley:
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
mature fruit
roots
References:

Convallotoxin is one of the most toxic naturally occurring
substances affecting the heart. These glycosides cause
irregularities in heart action (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

convallatoxin
convalloside
References:
Cats
Dogs
Humans
abdominal pains
gastroenteritis
headache
nausea
pupil dilation
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of ingestion include irregular heart rate and cold and
clammy skin. Coma and death from heart failure may occur if
enough plant material is ingested (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Interactive
Notes on poisoning:
locoweed (Oxytropis
sericea)

Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Locoweed (Oxytropis sericea) is a native herb in western Canada.
This plant has caused a number of problems in cattle, horses, and
sheep. Swainsonine, an indolizidine alkaloid, inhibits
alpha-mannosidase in animal bodies, which can lead to disruption
of cellular function. Locoism is a chronic disease that causes
depression, incoordination, and nervousness under stress. Death
can result. The cellular problems occur most readily in tissues of
the nervous system. Pregnant animals often abort or give birth to
young with congenital deformities. Congestive right heart disease
occurs at high altitudes (above 2190 m) in cattle. Right
ventricular hypertrophy and dilation, subcutaneous edema, and
pulmonary hypertension are significant symptoms (James 1983,
Cheeke and Schull 1985, James et al. 1986, Panter et al. 1988).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.

Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Oxytropis sericea Nutt.
Vernacular name(s): locoweed (Oxytropis sericea)
sericea
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
locoweed (Oxytropis sericea):

The blooms and mature fruit of locoweed have higher quantities
of the toxin swainsonine than do the leaves. The concentration of
this toxin remains constant in leaves throughout the grazing
season (Ralphs et al. 1986.)
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
mature fruit
seeds
stems
References:


alpha-mannosidase in the animal''s body. Inhibition results in the
accumulation of oligosaccharides in cells because glycosidases
remove their respective sugars until a mannose residue is reached.
Hydrolysis of the carbohydrate then stops. Eventually disruption
of cellular function results. The effect of swainsonine on
alpha-mannosidase is reversible when locoweed is no longer
consumed. However, advanced clinical signs are irreversible
because axon degeneration occurs. The central nervous system is
most sensitive to mannose accumulation (Cheeke and Schull
1985).

slaframine
swainsonine

References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
abdominal edema
belligerence
coat, rough and dry
death
depression
diarrhea
duodenum, edema of
eyes, dull
incoordination
throat, edema of
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Horses
arthrogryposis
coat, rough and dry
depression
gait, unsteady
incoordination
nervousness
References:
Sheep
abortion
coat, rough and dry
death
depression
eyes, dull
incoordination
nervousness
recumbency
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
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Notes on poisoning: low

larkspur
Interactive
name
Low larkspur (Delphinium bicolor) is a native herb found in southern

All poisonous plants by Common parts of western Canada. This plant has poisoned cattle, symptoms are
similar to those caused by tall larkspur ( Delphinium glaucum.)
name
Plants sites
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Delphinium bicolor Nutt.
Vernacular name(s): low larkspur
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Delphinium bicolor
References:
pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
low larkspur:

Toxic parts:
leaves
seeds
References:


methyllycaconitine

References:
Cattle
bloat
constipation
paralysis
salivation
weakness
References:
Horses
Sheep
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
maidenhair tree
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is an ornamental tree growing in the
warmer parts of Canada. This plant is of botanical interest
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites because it is the sole survivor of the order Ginkgoales, with fossil
evidence tracing back over 200 million years. The tree now
survives only in cultivation. The trees are planted for their
beautifully shaped leaves, which turn an attractive yellow in
autumn. Usually only male trees are planted because the fleshy
pulp on the fruits develop an obnoxious smell resembling rancid
butter when the pulp is deteriorating on the ground. The interior
kernel of the fruit is considered a delicacy by people of Chinese,
Japanese, and southeast Asian descent. Contact dermatitis occurs
in sensitive individuals when they remove the fleshy pulp from
the seeds in the autumn. Children who handle the attractive
yellow fruits may develop dermatitis. The pulp is also used as a
folk medicine in China and Japan. The crude extract contains a
toxin that causes convulsions and death if used in excess. This
type of poisoning is unlikely unless the extract (gin-nan) is
available in Canada.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Ginkgo biloba L.
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
maidenhair tree:

The endosperm (the food storage tissues) of the seeds contains a
chemical that can cause convulsions and death in humans if taken
in excessive quantities. The Chinese and Japanese use a crude

extract of ginkgo seed, called gin-nan, as an antitussive and
expectorant in folk medicine. Excessive use of this extract has
caused gin-nan food poisoning in China and Japan. Some deaths
have occurred. Ginkgo seeds can be obtained in specialized food
stores, and gingko trees grow and bear fruit at least in some areas
of the country, such as Ottawa. The seeds are often picked by
Chinese and Japanese for food consumption. The seed coat and
the fruit pulp of ginkgo can cause allergic contact dermatitis. This
most often happens when the fruit pulp is removed to get at the
seed, which is considered a delicacy in Chinese and Japanese
cooking (Nakamura 1985).
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
seeds
References:

4-O-Methylpyridoxine is a chemical that has an antivitamin B6
activity. This chemical is found in the endosperm (the food
storage tissue) of the seeds. The chemical causes convulsions in
guinea pigs at oral doses of 11 mg/kg. 4-O-Methylpyridoxine also
inhibits the formation of 4-aminobutyric acid from glutamate,
which might induce seizures (Wada et al. 1988). Ginkgolic acids
1 are aromatic compounds found in the pulpy exterior of the fruit
of ginkgo. These chemicals cause allergic contact dermatitis.
Lepoittevin et al. (1989) determined that despite the close
structure between ginkgolic acids 1 and the components of
urushiol 4 (the allergen of poison-ivy), the hypothesis that the
acids transform into catechol 4 in vivo (as with poison-ivy)
cannot be supported. Cross-reactivity between ginkgo and
urushiol did not occur when tested on guinea pigs.

ginkgolic acids 1
4-O-methylpyridoxine
References:
Humans
convulsions
death
erythema
unconsciousness
Notes on poisoning:
A crude extract of gingko seeds is used in folk medicine in China
and Japan. Excessive use can cause convulsions,
unconsciousness, and death. Infants are especially vulnerable
(Wada et al. 1988).
References:

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Notes on poisoning:
mango
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Mango (Mangifera indica) is a tropical fruit that is seasonally
available in Canadian food stores. The skin of the fruit and the
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites petiole, by which the fruit is attached to the stem, contain
oleoresins. These chemicals are cross-reactive to the catechols
contained in poison-ivy plants and in other members of Rhus
species that cause dermatitis. Humans who are sensitized and
develop dermatitis from these plants should be cautious about
touching the skin of mangoes. The shells of cashews
(Anacardium occidentale) are also cross-reactive with catechols
of Rhus species. However, cashews shells are removed before the
nuts are sold in Canada (Kingsbury 1964, Geller 1989).
References:
Ann. Intern. Med., 110: 1036-1037.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Mangifera indica L.
Vernacular name(s): mango
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Mangifera
indica
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
mango:

The skin of the fruit and the petiole, by which the fruit is attached
to the stem, contain oleoresins (Geller 1989).
Toxic parts:
skin of fruit
References:
Ann. Intern. Med., 110: 1036-1037.

The oleoresins of the fruit peel (skin) of mango are cross-reactive
with the catechols of poison-ivy, Rhus spp. (Geller 1989).

oleoresin
References:
Ann. Intern. Med., 110: 1036-1037.
Humans
blisters, weeping
erythema
References:
Ann. Intern. Med., 110: 1036-1037.
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Notes on poisoning:
marijuana
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Accidental ingestion of marijuana (Cannabis sativa) by pets is an
occasional problem. Family pets or young children may
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites accidentally ingest the plant, which may be stored in plastic bags.
A dog ingested hashish brownies and then exhibited various
symptoms such as hyperactivity, vomiting, somnolence,
staggering, and glazed eyes. In another case, in Edmonton, a pet
ferret ingested the plant and became comatose after experiencing
sneezing bouts and ataxia. Although no fatalities of humans have
been reported, the effects on a young child accidentally ingesting
marijuana are bound to be very disturbing to the parents (Jones
1978, Smith 1988).
References:
J., 26: 135-136.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Cannabis sativa L.
Vernacular name(s): marijuana
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Cannabis
sativa
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
marijuana:

The resins in the leaves are psychoactive in mammals, including
humans. These plants are cultivated indoors and outdoors for
human use. The plants can overwinter as seed in warmer parts of
the country. The most common form that may be accidentally

ingested by humans and pets is marijuana that has been left in
houses for illegal human use.
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
References:

Delta-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the chemical most often
cited as causing the psychoactive compound in marijuana. This
chemical affects humans and many other mammals. Any children
or pets that accidentally ingest quantities of marijuana may show
various symptoms, including coma.

tetrahydrocannabinol
References:
Dogs
agitation
drowsiness
gait, staggering
unconsciousness
vomiting
References:
J., 26: 135-136.
Ferrets
ataxia
coma
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
marsh arrow-grass
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Marsh arrow-grass (Triglochin palustre) is a native plant that is
found sporadically across Canada in damp brackish or calcareous
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites places. A cyanogenic glycoside, triglochinin, is found in the
plant. This chemical becomes more abundant during times of
moisture depletion within the plants. Occasional poisoning occurs
with cattle and sheep in the lower Cariboo district of British
Columbia (Majak et al. 1980, Looman et al. 1983).
References:
35 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Triglochin palustre L.
Vernacular name(s): marsh arrow-grass
palustre
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
marsh arrow-grass:
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
References:

A cyanogenic glycoside, triglochinin, is found in marsh
arrow-grass. This chemical is also the main toxic component of
seaside arrow-grass (Majak et al. 1980).

triglochinin
References:
Cattle
convulsions
death
nervousness
recumbency
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
In all animals, symptoms of poisoning are similar to those of
cyanide poisoning, including convulsions, nervousness,
trembling, and recumbency, followed by death. The blood is
bright red Looman et al. 1983).
References:

35 pp.
Sheep
convulsions
nervousness
recumbency
salivation
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
marsh horsetail
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Marsh horsetail (Equisetum palustre) is a native horsetail
growing across Canada. This plant has poisoned cattle and,
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites rarely, sheep. In addition to thiaminase, it contains an alkaloid,
that causes the toxicity (Kingsbury 1964, Cooper and Johnson
1984).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Equisetum palustre L.
Vernacular name(s): marsh horsetail
palustre
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
marsh horsetail:

Marsh horsetail has separate fertile and sterile stems. Unlike field
horsetail, both types of fronds are greenish, with the added
fruiting sporangia body on top of the fertile frond.
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Palustrine, an alkaloid, has been found in marsh horsetail. This
alkaloid may contribute to the poisoning of cattle by this plant.
Thiaminase activity is usually not a problem in ruminants
because thiamine is produced in the rumen. Therefore, the
presence of alkaloids is suspected to cause the toxic responses.
The alkaloid content varies greatly (96-302 mg/100 g of dry
weight). Frosted plant material quickly loses most of its alkaloid
content, whereas air-dried marsh horsetail can keep its alkaloid
content for years (Frohne and Pfander 1983).

palustrine
thiaminase
References:
Cattle
diarrhea
References:
Horses
Sheep
diarrhea
muscle, weakness of
sweating
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
May-apple
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name May-apple (Podophyllum peltatum) is a native herb of moist
woods in parts of southeastern Canada. May-apple extracts have
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites been used in folk medicine and pharmaceuticals. Misuse has
caused toxic reactions and even fatalities. Workers in the
extraction process have developed dermatitis. Ingesting the ripe
fruit may, at worst, cause catharsis. Cattle, sheep, and swine have
been poisoned after ingesting may-apple vegetation (McIntosh
1928, Rosenstein et al. 1976).
References:
Coll. Rep., 29: 18-20.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Podophyllum peltatum L.
Vernacular name(s): May-apple
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Podophyllum
peltatum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
May-apple:

All parts of the plant contain toxic chemicals, although the fruit
may cause only slight catharsis. alpha- and beta-peltatin are found
in the rhizomes (Rosenstein et al. 1976, Lampe and McCann
1986).
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
stems
References:

The purgative podophylloresin, the glucoside of podophyllotoxin,
and alpha- and beta-peltatin produce toxic reactions in animals.
The LD-50 of podophyllotoxin, administered orally to mice, is 90
mg/kg (Rosenstein et al. 1976, Lampe and McCann 1986).

alpha- and beta- peltatin
podophylloresin
References:
Cattle
agitation
lacrimation, severe
pupil dilation
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
A cow in Ontario experienced toxic symptoms after ingesting
may-apple. The symptoms included salivation, moaning,
excitation, swollen eyes and muzzle, lacrimation, pupil dilation,
and congestion of all visible mucous membranes (McIntosh
1928).
References:
Coll. Rep., 29: 18-20.
Humans
catharsis
coma
confusion
conjunctivitis
death
erythema
gastroenteritis
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
In humans most cases of poisoning from May-apple have resulted
from the use or handling of the pharmaceutical extracts from the
plant. Because of its irritant qualities, may-apple has been used
topically to remove papilloma and warts. It has also been used as
an abortifacient, as shown experimentally with mice and rabbits.
The use of these extracts as a laxative in pregnancy has been
discouraged. The extracts have been shown to have an antimititic
capacity. In a case of suicide, a man ingested a bottle containing
10-11 g of podophyllum extract. Initially he experienced few
symptoms, but after 10 h the patient became confused and
comatose; respiration was assisted and the man died after 39 h
(Rosenstein et al. 1976, Cassidy et al. 1982).
References:
Swine
death
Notes on poisoning:
Deaths were reported after few symptoms in swine that ingested
young shoots of May-apple (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Coll. Rep., 29: 18-20.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Menzies larkspur
Interactive
name
Menzies larkspur (Delphinium menziesii) is a native herb found on the

All poisonous plants by Common rangelands of British Columbia. This plant has been implicated in
poisoning rangeland cattle. Additional information can be found under
name
general notes of tall larkspur (Delphinium glaucum).
Plants sites
References:
USA. 492 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Delphinium menziesii DC.
Vernacular name(s): Menzies larkspur
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Delphinium
menziesii
References:
pp.

British Columbia
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Menzies larkspur:
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
seeds
References:
USA. 492 pp.


methyllycaconitine

References:
USA. 492 pp.
Cattle
ataxia
bloat
constipation
References:
USA. 492 pp.
Horses
Sheep
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
monk's hood
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Monk's hood (Aconitum napellus) is an outdoor ornamental herb.
The plant contains poisonous alkaloids, which have proved toxic
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites in humans when accidentally ingested (e.g., aconitine; see Fiddes
1958). Few cases of animal poisoning occur (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Br. Med. J., 2: 779-780.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Aconitum napellus L.
Vernacular name(s): monk's hood
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Aconitum
napellus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
monk's hood:
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
roots
References:

aconitine
References:
Bonisteel, W. J. 1940. Polyploidy in relation to chemical analysis.
J. Am. Pharm. Assoc., 6: 404-408.

Br. Med. J., 2: 779-780.
Humans
agitation
faintness
muscle, weakness of
nausea
salivation
throat, constriction
tingling sensation
vomiting
References:
Br. Med. J., 2: 779-780.
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Notes on poisoning:
moonseed
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Moonseed (Menispermum canadense) is a native vine found in
south-central Canada. In Pennsylvania the fruits of this plant have
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites apparently killed children (Gress 1935, Lampe and McCann
1985).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Menispermum canadense L.
Vernacular name(s): moonseed
Scientific family name: Menisperamaceae
Vernacular family name: moonseed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Menispermum
canadense
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
moonseed:
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
References:

Moonseed contains alkaloids that may be responsible for the
toxicity of the fruit to humans (Lampe and McCann 1985).
Acutamine, an alkaloid, has been found in the aboveground part
of moonseed, but has not been proved to cause the toxicity. Other
alkaloids have also been found in the rhizomes (Doskotch and
Knapp 1971).

acutumine
unknown chemical
References:
Doskotch, R. W., Knapp, J. E. 1971. Alkaloids from
Menispermum canadense. Lloydia (Cinci), 34: 292-300.
Humans
convulsions
death
Notes on poisoning:
Gress (1935) describes a case where children ingested moonseed
berries and later died. Lampe and McCann (1985) state that
convulsions may result when the berries are ingested.
References:
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Important Notices
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Notes on poisoning:
morning glory
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Hallucinations are the predominant effect after ingesting morning
glory seeds. Ingesting 200-300 seeds produces an effect
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites equivalent to 300 micro g of LSD. Vivid visual and tactile
hallucinations, as well as increased awareness of colors have been
described. Symptoms include facial flushing, nausea, mydriasis,
diarrhea, and hypotension (Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
Ipomoea tricolor has a long history of use as a human
hallucinogen in southern Mexico, where the seeds were used in
the preparation of a drink (Fuller and McClintock 1986). A single
undocumented case of poisoning of a pet cat (after ingestion of
seeds) has come to our attention. The cat showed erratic behavior
and "looked like a lunatic". There was no apparent permanent
damage afterwards. Several cultivars of Ipomoea tricolor are
available in Canadian garden catalogs for home gardeners and,
with few exceptions, no mention is made of any potential toxic
affects from ingesting the seeds of these plants. Sample cultivars
are ''Heavenly Blue'', ''Pearly Gates'', and ''Scarlet O''Hara''. The
total alkaloid content is shown to vary, depending on the cultivar
grown. It is advisable to remove and destroy the fruiting parts as
they develop to avoid ingestion by children or pets.
References:
Nomenclature:
Vernacular name(s): morning glory
Scientific family name:
Vernacular family name: morning-glory

Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Ipomoea
tricolor
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
morning glory:

The embryo of the seeds, and not the shell, contains the toxic
chemicals. Ingesting 200-300 seeds can cause problems in adult
humans (Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
Toxic parts:
seeds
References:

The seed embryos contain several indole alkaloids that have
hallucinogenic activity. These include d-lysergic acid amide
(0.035%), d-isolysergic acid amide (0.005%), and elymoclavine
(0.005%). The total alkaloid content varies with different plant
cultivars. For instance, the cultivar ''Pearly Gates'' had 0.041%,
whereas ''Scarlet O''Hara'' had 0.002% total alkaloids (Spoerke

d-isolysergic acid amide
d-lysergic acid amide
elymoclavine
References:
Cats
pupil dilation
Notes on poisoning:
In an undocumented case, a pet cat was attracted to the fruiting
capsule of a morning glory vine growing on an apartment
balcony. The dry fruiting capsule contained seeds that rattled in
the wind. The cat ate an unknown quantity of seeds and later was
noted to run around chasing nothing. It meowed a lot and its eyes
did not appear to focus on anything. The owner remarked that the
cat "looked like a lunatic". There were no apparent lasting
symptoms.
References:
Humans
blood pressure, low
diarrhea
hallucination
nausea
pupil dilation
Notes on poisoning:
In one reported case of deliberate ingestion of 250 seeds of
morning glory, a 20-year-old women developed inappropriate
responses and weeping. The pupils were dilated, the face flushed,
and hyperactive reflexes were noted. After 5 h, anxiety, and
increased awareness of colors was recorded, but without
hallucinations. Diarrhea was noted after 9 h. Hypotension
occurred intermittently. After 2 days most of the symptoms had
disappeared, with the exception of dilated pupils and increased
deep tendon reflexes (Spoerke and Smolinske 1990).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
mother-in-law plant
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Mother-in-law plant (Dieffenbachia seguine) is an ornamental.
Chewing dumbcanes (Dieffenbachia spp.) leaves or stems causes
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites immediate pain and swelling in the mouth and throat. In severe
cases, speech may become unintelligible, hence the name
dumbcane. In the past these plants were used as a means of
human torture. Family pets have also been poisoned after
chewing on dumbcane plant material. The effects are almost
instantaneous, before the plant material is actually ingested. The
plant juices can also cause inflammation and contact dermatitis in
some individuals (Arditti and Rodriguez 1982, Lampe and
McCann 1985). Mrvos et al. (1990) determined that in many
cases where people had contact with broken leaves of dumbcane
plants, symptoms occurred within 5 min and were short and of
minor consequence. The researchers concluded that concerns
regarding oral complications may be exaggerated.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia seguine (Jacq.) Schott
Vernacular name(s): mother-in-law plant
seguine
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
mother-in-law plant:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
364-372.

Dieffenbachia spp. contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are
found in special cells called idioblasts; these cells have
nozzle-like apertures at either end. The small needle-like crystals
are small (0.2 mm long) and are forcibly extruded when the tissue
is ruptured, as when chewed. This release of crystals from plant
tissue can continue for several minutes. The initial sensation upon
ingesting dumbcane tissue is one of pain (Dore 1963, Cheeke and
Schull 1985). Proteolytic enzymes have also been found in
dumbcanes and may account for some of the toxic effects (Walter
and Khanna 1963, Arditti and Rodriquez 1982).

oxalate
proteolytic enzymes
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
364-372.
Cats
salivation
References:
Dogs
Humans
aphonia
breathing, labored
diarrhea
salivation
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Chewing dumbcane plants causes immediate intense pain and
irritation of the lips, tongue, and mouth. There is edematous
swelling of the oral mucosa. Bullae may form. Speech capability
is often reduced or lost, a condition that can last for several days.
The pain and irritation can also persist, and the edema can leave
superficial necrosis. Excessive salivation is common. Treatment
requires use of cool liquids; analgesics may be indicated (Arditti
and Rodriguez 1982, Lampe and McCann 1985). Cut stem
sections are particularly dangerous for nursery workers because
of the possibility of getting plant juices into the eyes.
Inflammation accompanied by intense pain, watering, and gross
swelling can occur. Visual acuity may be reduced (Arditti and
Rodriquez 1982).
References:

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Notes on poisoning:
motherwort
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a naturalized herb that is
weedy in flower and fruit gardens. This plant can cause dermatitis
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites in sensitive individuals. A fragrant lemon-scented oil caused
photosensitivity when ingested (Muenscher 1975, Mitchell and
Rook 1979).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Leonurus cardiaca L.
Vernacular name(s): motherwort
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Leonurus
cardiaca
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
motherwort:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

A fragrant lemon-scented oil from the plant can cause
photosensitization (Mitchell and Rook 1979).

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
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Interactive
Notes on poisoning:
naked-flowered
sneezeweed

sites

Naked-flowered sneezeweed (Helenium flexuosum) is a native
herb found in Ontario and Quebec. This plant has caused
poisoning in horses and sheep and, experimentally, in calves. It
contains sesquiterpene lactones.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Helenium flexuosum Raf.
Vernacular name(s): naked-flowered sneezeweed
flexuosum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
naked-flowered sneezeweed:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Flexuosin A and B are closely related to the chemical helenalin,
which is found in sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale). These are
all sesquiterpene lactones (Herz 1988).

flexuosin A
flexuosin B
References:
Cattle
Horses
Sheep
convulsions
dyspnea
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Horses are more susceptible than sheep to poisoning by
naked-flowered sneezeweed (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
narcissus
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Narcissus (Narcissus poeticus) is an ornamental bulb that is
planted outdoors as a perennial and is occasionally used indoors
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites as a winter forced flower. This plant contains allergens in the
aboveground plant parts, which cause dermatitis in sensitive
humans. Ingesting the bulbs can cause poisoning in humans and
has also poisoned some cattle. Family pets could be at risk if they
ingest quantities of this plant. Serious cases of poisoning are rare.
Humans have been poisoned only when the bulbs were mistaken
for onions (Mitchell and Rook 1979, Litovitz and Fahey 1982,
Cooper and Johnson 1984). See notes under daffodil (Narcissus
pseudonarcissus) for more information.
References:
N. Eng. J. Med., 306: 547.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Narcissus poeticus L.
Vernacular name(s): narcissus

poeticus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
narcissus:

See notes under daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) for more
information.
Toxic parts:
bulbs
flowers
leaves
References:

The bulbs contain oxalate crystals as well as an alkaloid lycorine,
which cause toxic problems. Unknown allergens in the leaves and
flowers cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals (Mitchell and
Rook 1979).

lycorine
oxalate
References:
Cattle
convulsions
gastroenteritis
Notes on poisoning:
In World War II, cattle were fed bulbs of daffodils, with toxic
results. Ingesting narcissus bulbs can have similar results. The
animals were given these plants because of scare food supplies
References:
Humans
dizziness
eczema
erythema
nausea
skin, flushed
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of ingesting narcissus bulbs include lightheadedness,
nausea, and vomiting. More severe symptoms are rare because of
rapid emesis (Litovitz and Fahey 1982).
References:
N. Eng. J. Med., 306: 547.
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Notes on poisoning: northern

water-hemlock
Interactive
Botanical name
Northern water-hemlock (Cicuta virosa) is a native perennial herb found in wet

All poisonous plants by soils across northern Canada. It contains lower quantities of the toxic chemicals
that cause poisoning in humans and livestock. However, Frohne and Pfander
Common name
(1983) mention a case of human poisoning in Europe after ingestion of some
rootstock of this plant. Livestock can also be poisoned if enough of the plants
Important WWW
are ingested. Instances of poisoning in Canada should be fewer for northern
Poisonous Plants sites water-hemlock because the concentration of chemicals is lower and the plant
has essentially a boreal distribution outside of major livestock-growing areas.
See additional information under Cicuta maculata
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Cicuta virosa L.
Vernacular name(s): northern water-hemlock
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Cicuta virosa
References:

Publ. Bot. 7(1)-7(4). 1711 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94: 131-157;
471-528; 625-655.
northern water-hemlock:
Toxic parts:
leaves
roots
References:

cicutol
cicutoxin
References:
Horses
Humans
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Important Notices
Notes on poisoning: oats

Introduction
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Botanical name Oats (Avena sativa) can cause nitrate toxicity in livestock. Cattle
are more prone to toxicity, but swine and turkeys have been
poisoned on oat stubble. Grass tetany also occurs during periods
of lush growth when ruminants suffer from a mineral imbalance.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Avena sativa L.
Vernacular name(s): oats
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Avena sativa
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
oats:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

Oat hay is a common source of plant poisoning by nitrates.
Evidence suggests that moisture on outdoor hay may promote
bacterial reduction of nitrate to the more toxic nitrite (Kingsbury
1964).

nitrate
References:
Cattle
cyanosis
death
gait, staggering
trembling
weakness
References:
Swine
Turkeys
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Notes on poisoning: Ohio

buckeye
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra) is not native to Canada but is
occasionally planted as an ornamental tree in southern Ontario. It
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites is winter-hardy in Ottawa. Cattle have been poisoned in the
eastern United States, where this tree is a native species.
Symptoms are mostly gastrointestinal and neuromuscular
(Kornheiser 1983). This plant is unlikely to cause livestock
poisoning because it is rare in Canada. The fruits of this plant
may be attractive to children and could cause poisoning if
ingested.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Aesculus glabra Willd.
Vernacular name(s): Ohio buckeye
glabra
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Ohio buckeye:
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
References:
Cattle
ataxia
gait, unsteady
opisthotonos
torticollis
References:
Humans
death
gastroenteritis
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
oleander
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Oleander (Nerium oleander) is an ornamental indoor shrub found
in Canadian homes and offices. This plant is quite toxic if the
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites leaves or stems are ingested. Humans have died after eating meat
that was skewered with oleander stems. Ingesting a single leaf
may be toxic to a person. The dry leaves remain toxic. Cattle,
horses, and sheep have been poisoned experimentally (Wilson
1909, Kingsbury 1964). Livestock are not likely to have access to
oleander in Canada. Children and family pets should be prevented
from ingesting green or dry leaves, chewing stems, or sucking the
nectar from flowers.
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Nerium oleander L.
Vernacular name(s): oleander
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Nerium
oleander
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
oleander:
Toxic parts:
all parts
flowers
leaves
stems
young shoots
References:

Oleandrin, a cardiac glycoside, is found throughout the plant,
including the nectar of the flowers. Smoke from burning twigs is
said to be toxic (Fuller and McClintock 1986).

oleandrin
References:
Cattle
breathing, rapid
death
pupil dilation
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental poisoning of cattle has shown symptoms that
include elevated breathing and heart rate. If a large dose is given,
the heart action becomes so low that a pulse is almost
undetectable. Green leaves at a rate of as little as 0.005% of a
cow''s body weight can cause death (Wilson 1909, Kingsbury
1964).
References:
Horses
breathing, rapid
death
pupil dilation
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental poisoning of horses with fresh oleander leaves
resulted in toxic symptoms, including elevated breathing and
pulse, greenish feces, some abdominal pain, cold extremities, and
a swollen and irritated mouth and tongue. A dose of green leaves
equal to 0.005% of a horse''s body weight is sufficient to kill a
horse (Wilson 1909, Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
coma
death
diarrhea
dizziness
drowsiness
dyspnea
nausea
Notes on poisoning:
Humans have been poisoned from using the twigs of oleander to
skewer meat or roast frankfurters. Ingesting a single green or dry
leaf may cause poisoning. Symptoms include dizziness,
abdominal pain, vomiting, unconciousness, bloody stools, and
light and rapid pulse. Death has occurred in some cases.
Symptoms occur several hours after ingesting a toxic dose
(Wilson 1909, Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Sheep
breathing, rapid
death
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental feeding of green oleander leaves has caused
elevated breathing, partial unconsciousness, sore mouth and
nostrils, discolored mucous membranes, and death (dose: 0.015%
body weight of green leaves). Cold extremities and gastroenteritis
also occur (Wilson 1909, Kingsbury 1964).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
onion
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Cultivated onion (Allium cepa) has caused hemolytic anemia in
livestock including cattle, horses, and experimentally in sheep.
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Death can occur in severe cases. The formation of Heinz bodies
in the red blood cells is a common occurrence. Heinz bodies
consist of a precipitate, denatured hemoglobin caused by oxidant
attack (Hutchinson 1977).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Allium cepa L.
Vernacular name(s): onion
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Allium cepa
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
onion:
Toxic parts:
bulbs
leaves
References:

Onions (Allium spp.) contain various toxins that can cause
problems. N-propyl disulphide, an alkaloid, has been implicated
as the toxic chemical (Hutchinson 1977). More recent studies
have shown that S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide (SMCO) is
involved in forming Heinz bodies and hemolytic anemia. This
chemical is less toxic in nonruminant animals (Benevenga et al.
1989).
(Note: calcium oxalate crystals have been found in the dry outer
skin or scale leaves of this plant (Sarma and Terp 1980)). Garlic
(Allium sativum) is a cultivated plant grown for its bulbs.

N-propyl disulphide
oxalate
References:
Fla., USA. 271 pp.
Sarma, S. K., Terp, A. 1980. The occurrence of different types
of calcium oxalate crystals in Allium cepa L. and Allium
fistulosum L. and their importance in taxonomy. Acta Agron.
Acad. Sci. Hung., 29: 25-37.
Cattle
death
Heinz bodies
References:
Horses
anemia
breath, onion odor of
breathing, rapid
death
icterus
weight loss
References:
Sheep
anemia
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
opium poppy
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is an ornamental flower that
can still be found around some older homes. The plant persists by
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites setting seed each year. This plant is the source of
pharmacological and recreational drugs, as well as the poppy
seeds that are used for oil and as a condiment on bagels, cakes,
and other foods. Cattle have been poisoned in Europe after
ingesting either stalks with pods that were being discarded or
seed residue left over from oil extraction. Humans are either
poisoned or addicted by various contained and derived chemicals
found in the opium poppy (Frohne and Pfander 1983, Cooper and
Johnson 1984). It is important to note that poppy seeds sold in
stores are harmless, as the toxins have been destroyed by heat
(Fuller and McClintock 1986).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Papaver somniferum L.
Vernacular name(s): opium poppy

somniferum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
opium poppy:
Toxic parts:
all parts
immature fruit
plant juices
References:

Opium poppy contains a crude resin, opium, that is found
throughout the plant but is concentrated in the unripe seed pod in
the milky sap. Medicinal drugs, such as morphine and codeine, as
well as other alkaloids, such as papaverine and protopine, are
found in opium poppy (Cooper and Johnson 1984).

codine
morphine
protopine
References:
Cattle
ataxia
breathing, rapid
gastroenteritis
nervousness
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle that ingested plant material of opium poppy exhibited
symptoms of restlessness and constant motion. Continuous
lowing occurred. Feeding, rumination, and lactation ceased.
Animals went into a deep sleep. Affected animals are an
economic loss because of the slow recovery and reduced milk
yield. Postmortem examination showed inflammation of the
kidneys and intestines, with yellowing of the liver (Cooper and
Johnson 1984).
References:
Humans
cyanosis
eczema
headache
pupils, pinpoint
sweating
References:
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
Oriental poppy
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale) is a perennial ornamental
herb that is commonly planted in flower beds. This plant contains
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites some alkaloidal chemicals that may be physiologically active in
animals, but no cases of poisoning have occurred under natural
conditions. During fall and spring clean-up, all old flower heads
and pods should be picked up so that they are not left for animals
to eat (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Papaver orientale L.
Vernacular name(s): Oriental poppy
orientale
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Oriental poppy:
Toxic parts:
all parts
plant juices
References:

Some alkaloidal chemicals that may be physiologically active
have been found in Oriental poppy (Kingsbury 1964).

unknown chemical
References:
Cattle
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Notes on poisoning:
Osage-orange
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Osage-orange (Maclura pomifera) is occasionally planted as an
ornamental shrub in the warmest parts of Canada. The milky sap
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites causes dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is unclear whether
the sap is an irritant, is sensitizing, or both (Muenscher 1975,
Mitchell and Rook 1979).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Maclura pomifera (Raf.) C. K. Schneid.
Vernacular name(s): Osage-orange
Scientific family name: Moraceae
Vernacular family name: mulberry
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Maclura
pomifera
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Osage-orange:

A milky juice is contained in the leaves, stems, and large fruit of
this plant. Some humans are sensitive to the plant juice
(Muenscher 1975).
Toxic parts:
plant juices
References:

unknown chemical
References:
Humans
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
pawpaw
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Pawpaw (Asiminia triloba) is a native tree found in southwestern
Ontario. The tree has edible fruit that has caused dermatitis in
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites some individuals and can also cause severe gastroenteritis when it
is ingested. This tree has limited distribution in southwestern
Ontario (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal
Vernacular name(s): pawpaw
Scientific family name: Annonaceae
Vernacular family name: custard-apple
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Asimina
triloba
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Ontario
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
pawpaw:
Toxic parts:
mature fruit
References:
Humans
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Notes on poisoning:
penciltree
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Penciltree (Euphorbia tirucalli) is an attractive indoor ornamental
tree. The plant contains caustic and irritant chemicals in the latex
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites which cause reactions with the skin, mucous membranes, and the
eyes. Severe burning and inflammation result after the latex
comes into contact with the skin. Ingestion causes burning and
irritation of the mouth and stomach, accompanied by pain and
perhaps diarrhea. Apparently, injudicious medicinal use of the
latex of this plant has caused fatalities in East Africa (Fuller and
McClintock 1986). Family pets should not be allowed to ingest
the plant.
References:
Opthalmol., 72: 476-484.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euphorbia tirucalli L.
Vernacular name(s): penciltree
tirucalli
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
penciltree:
Toxic parts:
latex
References:

Toxic ingenol and 4-deoxyingenol are diterpenes that have been
isolated from the latex of penciltree (Frohne and Pfander 1983;
Frstenberger and Hecker 1986).

4-deoxyingenol
References:
Humans
Notes on poisoning:
Penciltree latex causes keratoconjunctivitis if it gets into the eyes.
The symptoms include immediate burning pain of the eyeball and
eyelids, tearing, and photophobia. These symptoms are followed
by 8-12 h of chemosis of the lids and conjunctiva, with blurred
vision and increased pain. Erosion of the corneal epithelium,
decreased visual acuity, and corneal edema occur (Crowder and
Sexton 1964).
References:
Opthalmol., 72: 476-484.
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Notes on poisoning:
Peruvian lily
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Peruvian lily (Alstromeria ligtu) is grown as a cut flower by the
florist industry. Cut flowers are also flown into North America
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites from Holland. This plant causes contact dermatitis to workers
who may be sensitized to the chemical tuliposide A, which is also
found in tulip plants. This chemical readily penetrates vinyl
gloves. Nitrile gloves may prevent the allergic reaction of
workers sensitive to this chemical (Marks 1988).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Alstroemeria ligtu L.
Vernacular name(s): Peruvian lily
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
Peruvian lily:
Toxic parts:
plant juices
References:

The lactone 6-tuliposide A occurs in both the Peruvian lily and in
tulip plants. A human who becomes sensitized to one of the

plants generally becomes cross-reactive to the other plant. In a
series of tests, it took about 3 years for workers to become
sensitive to Peruvian lily (Santucci et al. 1985).

tuliposide A
6-tuliposide A
References:
Humans
blistering
erythema
References:
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning: petty

spurge
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Petty spurge (Euphorbia peplus) is a naturalized herb found
across Canada. This plant contains a caustic and irritant chemical
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites in the latex, which causes burning and inflammation of skin and
eyes. Ingestion results in complications. Family pets should not
be allowed to ingest this plant. Experimental poisoning occurred
in a calf that was fed petty spurge (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euphorbia peplus L.
Vernacular name(s): petty spurge
peplus
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
petty spurge:
Toxic parts:
latex
References:

Petty spurge contains a toxic diterpene, 5-deoxyingenol, as well
as ingenol (Frohne and Pfander 1983).

5-deoxyingenol
References:
Cattle
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental feeding of petty spurge caused blood-stained feces
and excessive salivation in a calf (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Humans
eye, discharge of
Notes on poisoning:
Skin and mucous membrane irritation result from contact with the
latex. Severe eye irritation also occurs (Fuller and McClintock
1986).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
philodendron
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Philodendron (Philodendron cordatum) is an indoor ornamental.
Philodendrons can cause poisoning in humans and pets because
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites of the oxalates. See additional general notes under Philodendron
scandens.
References:
329-330.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Philodendron cordatum (Vell.) Kunth.
Vernacular name(s): philodendron
cordatum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
philodendron:
Toxic parts:
leaves
plant juices
References:

329-330.

oxalate
References:
Humans
erythema
itchiness
References:
329-330.
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Introduction
Notes on poisoning: pin

cherry
Interactive
name
Pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) is a native tree found throughout

All poisonous plants by Common most of Canada. The leaves have an average N rate of 91 mg/100 g,
with as much as 143 mg/100 g recorded. These levels are potentially
name
lethal to livestock if ingested. M. Pitcher (personal communication)
notes that captive moose in Newfoundland and Alberta nature parks
Important WWW Poisonous Plants and zoos regurgitate a gray, chalky, paste-like substance when fed
sites
pin cherry browse mixed with their normal browse, white birch
(Betula papyrifera). Livestock that ingest pin cherry plant material
can be poisoned (Kingsbury 1964).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Prunus pensylvanica L. f.
Vernacular name(s): pin cherry
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Prunus
pensylvanica
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Labrador
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
pin cherry:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

amygdalin
prunasin

References:
USA. 492 pp.
Moose
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
M. Pitcher (personal communication) states that captive moose
develop an adverse reaction to pin cherry when the plant is
inadvertently mixed with their usual browse, white birch (Betula
papyrifera). The moose regurgitate a gray, chalky paste-like
substance. This has been noted both in Newfoundland and Alberta.
References:
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Notes on poisoning: pink

lady's-slipper
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Pink lady''s-slipper (Cypripedium acaule) is a native perennial
orchid that grows across most of Canada. The plant can cause
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites severe dermatitis in some individuals, as do the other
Cypripedium spp., upon contact with the glandular hairs on the
leaves and stem (Reddoch and Reddoch 1984).
References:
MaCaulay, J. C. 1987. Orchid allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 17:
112-113.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Cypripedium acaule Ait.
Vernacular name(s): pink lady's-slipper
acaule
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
pink lady's-slipper:

The glandular hairs on the leaves and stems of the lady''s-slippers
contain the dermatogenic chemical that causes dermatitis in some
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:

The dermatogenic quinone, cypripedin, has been identified in
lady''s-slippers (Reddoch and Reddoch 1984).

cypripedin
References:
Humans
blisters, weeping
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
poinsettia
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a popular Christmas plant
grown for its red leafy bracts. It has been listed as a known toxic
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites plant that has caused a loss of human life. The case cited in all
literature is based on the death of a child in Hawaii who ingested
a leaf of poinsettia. The author of that report said that the incident
was based on hearsay (Stone and Collins 1971). Various studies
have not found any of the toxic diterpenes that occur in the latex
of other spurges (Euphorbia spp.). Extensive studies on rats that
were fed "extraordinarily" high doses of poinsettia showed no
mortality, no symptoms of toxicity, and no changes in normal
behaviour (Stone and Collins 1971). Klug et al. (1990) reviewed
353 calls to poison control centres and found that nausea and
vomiting were cited in 0.02% of the cases with rash and sneezing
cited in 0.0028%. An older dog that ingested poinsettia reportedly
experienced protracted vomiting, followed by renal failure, coma,
and death. This is the only case in the literature of death to an
animal. Case histories show that some humans develop a
sensitivity to the latex, resulting in dermatitis. Short exposures to
poinsettia in a few cases have led to bouts of vomiting, but no
substantiated cases of death can be found in the literature.
Poinsettia should no longer be regarded as a severely toxic plant.
References:
Toxicol., 32: 368.
Stone, R. P., Collins, W. J. 1971. Euphorbia pulcherrima:
toxicity to rats. Toxicon, 9: 301-302.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch
Vernacular name(s): poinsettia
pulcherrima
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
poinsettia:

A few people have a positive reaction to the latex and to aqueous
extracts of plant material (Santucci et al. 1985).
Toxic parts:
latex
leaves
stems
References:

The latex does not contain any diterpenes. The plant contains an
unidentified chemical, which causes dermatitis in a few sensitive
individuals (Santucci et al. 1985).

unknown chemical
References:
Dogs
coma
death
kidney failure
vomiting
References:
Toxicol., 32: 368.
Humans
eczema
nausea
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
The most severe symptoms of poinsettia ingestion substantiated
in the literature are a few cases of nausea and vomiting, with an
occasional rash (Klug et al. 1990).
References:
Toxicol., 32: 368.
Rodents
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Notes on poisoning:
poison ivy
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Poison ivy (Rhus radicans; synonym Toxicodendron radicans) is
a native shrub or vine found throughout southern Canada. Three
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites recognized varieties are found in various parts of the country
(Mulligan and Junkins 1977). Urushiol is the allergenic agent
found in most parts of the plant. Damage to plant tissues causes
the nonvolatile chemicals to be exposed. Humans are often
sensitized, with symptoms ranging from mild itchiness and
redness to severe oozing lesions with fever. Poison ivy is
probably responsible for more cases of plant dermatitis in Canada
than any other plant. Urushiol can contaminate clothes, tools, and
the fur of domestic animals. Humans can subsequently develop
dermatitis from contact. Humans do not contract the dermatitis on
first contact, but most people are sensitized the first time
(Mulligan 1990, Schwartz and Downham 1981, Gayer and
References:
N., 47: 23-28.
State J. Med., 56:2255-2259.
Cutis, 42: 99-100.
1389-1390.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rhus radicans L.
Vernacular name(s): poison ivy
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Rhus radicans
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
poison ivy:
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
plant juices
References:
Cutis, 42: 99-100.
1389-1390.

Urushiol, a group of alkylcatechols, is found in the sap of
poison-ivy plants. The allergic reaction has been traditionally
thought to involve initial oxidation by which a protein-reactive
quinone is formed. Recent work indicates that redox cycling in

the skin, following penetration of the allergenic alkybenzenes,
initially depletes local levels of endogenous-reducing equivalents
such as NADH and glutathione. Further cycling results in the
uncontrolled generation of radical species that exhibit protein
reactivity. The urushiol is not volatile and can contaminate
clothing, tools, and domestic animals. Under dry conditions, the
chemical can remain harmful for long periods (Mulligan
1990,Schmidt et al. 1990).

urushiol oil
3-pentadecyl catechol
References:
N., 47: 23-28.
State J. Med., 56:2255-2259.
Cutis, 42: 99-100.
1389-1390.
Humans

blistering
blisters, weeping
erythema
face, edema of
itchiness
pneumonitis
tracheitis
References:
N., 47: 23-28.
Cutis, 42: 99-100.
1389-1390.
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Notes on poisoning:
poison suckleya
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Poison suckleya (Suckleya suckleyana) is a native herb found in
the southern Saskatchewan and southern Alberta. This plant has
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites caused losses of cattle and possibly sheep in the western United
States. The plant is not normally ingested, but in times of scarce
forage, it may be eaten in sufficient amounts to cause death. It
contains an unknown cyanogenic glycoside that upon ingestion of
sufficient quantity can release cyanide in the animal system,
resulting in cytotoxic hypoxia. Experiments with cattle, sheep,
laboratory rabbits, and guinea pigs have shown the cyanogenic
potential of poison suckleya. This plant is not usually ingested by
animals and is not common in the southern prairies. However,
poisoning can occur (Thorp and Deem 1938, Berry and Gonzales
1986).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Suckleya suckleyana (Torr.) Rydb.
Vernacular name(s): poison suckleya
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Suckleya
suckleyana
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
poison suckleya:
Toxic parts:
leaves
stems
References:
1055-1056.

An unknown cyanogenic glycoside is found in poison suckleya.
Upon ingestion, cyanide is released in the animal''s system. The
cyanide potential of this plant was measured at 0.01-0.24%. After
fasting, sheep showed transitory symptoms, with forced feedings
of large amounts of the plant containing 0.011% cyanide
potential. Plant material measured at 0.0364% cyanide potential
is lethal to cattle, guinea pigs, and sheep (Thorp and Deem 1938).

unknown chemical
References:
1055-1056.
Cattle
breathing, labored
cyanosis
gait, staggering
muscle twitching
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting abundant plant material causes cyanide to be released
into cattle. Symptoms include glassy eyes, muscular twitching,
dribbling urine, staggering, cyanosis, fast and weak heart, labored
breathing, spasms, and death by asphyxiation. Postmortem
findings showed black-colored blood, congestion of the mucous
membrane on the folds of the abomasum and initial part of the
duodenum, and a distended bladder. Treatment includes
intravenous sodium nitrate and sodium thiosulfate, with a laxative

to remove plant material from the rumen (Thorpe and Deem
1938, Berry and Gonzales 1986).
References:
Sheep
collapse
dyspnea
heart rate, slow
salivation
Notes on poisoning:
On the rangelands of the western United States, sheep were
believed to have died as a result of ingesting poison suckleya.
Sheep were experimentally poisoned after they were force-fed
plant material. Sickness and death resulted. Symptoms were
similar to those of cattle that died from cytotoxic hypoxia
(Thorpe and Deem 1938).
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
poison sumac
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Poison sumac (Rhus vernix; synonymy Toxicodendron vernix) is
a native shrub or vine found in southern Quebec and southern
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites Ontario. The sap of this plant contains the allergen urushiol. The
chemical is released when plant tissue is damaged. Humans are
highly sensitive to allergic reaction, although at least one
exposure is needed for sensitization. Mild to severe dermatitis can
result from exposure to poison sumac (Mulligan 1990, Gayer and
References:
Cutis, 42: 99-100.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rhus vernix L.
Vernacular name(s): poison sumac
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Rhus vernix
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
poison sumac:

Most parts of poison sumac contain the allergen except the
pollen, anthers, xylem, and epidermis. Damage to plant parts
releases the sap that contains the allergen (Mulligan 1990). The
allergen occurs in the plant sap, which is found in all plant parts
except the pollen, anthers, xylem, and epidermis. If the stems are
damaged they can release the allergen, even in the winter. The
roots are also dangerous (Mulligan 1990).
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
mature fruit
plant juices
roots
stems
References:

Urushiol, an group of alkylcatechols, is found in the sap of poison
sumac. The allergen is nonvolatile and can contaminate clothing,
tools, and domestic animals. The allergen can be hazardous for a
long time if the contaminated object remains dry (Gayer and
Burnett 1988). See poison-ivy (Rhus radicans) for additional
information.

urushiol oil
References:
Cutis, 42: 99-100.
Humans
blistering
blisters, weeping
itchiness
References:
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Notes on poisoning:
poison-hemlock
Interactive
name
Poison-hemlock (Conium maculatum) is a naturalized herb found

All poisonous plants by Common in parts of southern Canada. The plant grows on dry to moist soils.
Cattle, goats, horses, swine, and sheep as well as rabbits, poultry,
name
deer, and humans have been poisoned after ingesting
poison-hemlock. Animal species vary in their susceptibility to
Important WWW Poisonous Plants acute toxicity (Keeler et al. 1980):
sites
cows 3.3 mg/kg body weight 1.5-2 h
ewes 44 mg/kg body weight 1.5-2 h
mares 15.5 mg/kg body weight 30-40 min
Poison-hemlock causes toxicity and death in animals after it is
ingested. It also causes teratogenic effects called crooked calf
disease in young pigs and cattle, caused by the chemical coniine
(Keeler 1974, Panter et al. 1985).
References:
Vet., 5(2): 26.
386-388.
Hannam, D. A. 1985. Hemlock (Conium maculatum) poisoning in
the pig. Vet. Rec., 116: 322.

Toxicol., 7: 195-206.
poisonous and injurious plants. American Medical Assoc. Chicago,
Ill., USA. 432 pp.
MacDonald, H. 1937. Hemlock poisoning in horses. Vet. Rec., 49:
1211-1212.
Panter, K. E., Bunch, T. D., Keeler, R. F. 1988. Maternal and fetal
toxicity of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) in sheep. Am. J.
Vet. Res., 49: 281-283.
Sci., 66: 2407-2413.
Panter, K. E., Keeler, R. F., Buck, W. B. 1985. Congenital skeletal
malformations induced by maternal ingestion of Conium
46: 2064-2066.
669-670.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Conium maculatum L.
Vernacular name(s): poison-hemlock
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Conium
maculatum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
poison-hemlock:

All parts of poison-hemlock contain some level of the alkaloids,
except for the sap in young plants. The most toxic chemical,
gamma-coniceine is abundant in leaves flowers and less common
in the fruits, where it is quickly converted to coniine and

N-methylconiine (Cromwell 1956).
Toxic parts:
flowers
leaves
mature fruit
roots
seeds
stems
young shoots
References:
Vet., 5(2): 26.
Biochem. J., 64: 259-266.
386-388.
1211-1212.
669-670.

gamma-Coniceine is the precursor of the other alkaloids in poison-
hemlock. This chemical is a partly unsaturated piperidine alkaloid.

The other chemicals, including coniine and N-methylconiine, are
saturated. During the first year of growth, gamma-coniceine is the
predominant chemical. During the second year of growth, the
content of both coniine and N-methyconiine increase, especially in
the leaves and fruits, with a decrease in the first chemical.
gamma-Coniceine is considered seven or eight times more toxic
than coniine, with N-methyconiine even less toxic (Cromwell
1956, Fairbairn and Suwal 1961, Panter and Keeler 1989).
The following LD50 toxicities in mice have been reported
(Bowman and Snaghvi 1963):
gamma-coniceine
12.0 mg/kg (oral)
coniine
80 mg/kg (subcutaneous)
100 mg/kg (oral)
death time
30 sec
12 min
8 min
death time
30 sec
15 min
10 min
N-methylconiine
204.5 mg/kg (oral)
death time
30 sec
16 min
12 min

coniine
gamma-coniceine
N-methylconiine
References:
Bowman, W. C., Snaghvi, I. S. 1963. Pharmacological actions of
hemlock (Conium maculatum) alkaloids. J. Pharm. Pharmocol., 15:
1.
Biochem. J., 64: 259-266.

Toxicol., 7: 195-206.
Vet. Res., 49: 281-283.
Sci., 66: 2407-2413.
46: 2064-2066.
Cattle
arthrogryposis
breathing, rapid
depression
diarrhea
elbow joint, flexure
gait, unsteady
incoordination
muscle spasms
salivation
scoliosis
teeth grinding
torticollis
trembling
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
General signs of poisoning in all types of livestock include apathy,
salivation, frequent regurgitation, teeth grinding, and reduced milk
production. For a lethal dose, cattle require coniine at a rate of
about 16 mg/kg of body weight (Keeler et al. 1980).
References:
Toxicol., 7: 195-206.
Sci., 66: 2407-2413.
669-670.
Horses
collapse
trembling
unconsciousness
Notes on poisoning:
Horses exhibit symptoms similar to other types of livestock that
have ingested poison-hemlock. Trembling and paralysis are
common symptoms.
References:
1211-1212.
Humans
coma
convulsions
dizziness
headache
incoordination
pupil dilation
thirsty
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Poison-hemlock has been ingested on purpose and accidentally.
Socrates was executed in 399 B.C. by an extract of this plant.
Humans have accidentally ingested it, mistaking it for carrot or
parsnip. The symptoms are similar to those in other animals.
Coldness is often felt in the extremities. There is rapid onset of
irritation of mucous membranes of the mouth and throat,
accompanied by salivation and nausea. Severe poisoning may
cause coma and death by respiratory failure. Treatment includes
administering activated charcoal after emesis ceases. Treatment is
otherwise symptomatic. Despite the severity of poisoning mortality
is low (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Lampe and McCann 1985).
References:
poisonous and injurious plants. American Medical Assoc. Chicago,
Ill., USA. 432 pp.
Rabbits
ataxia
breathing, shallow
death
trembling
weakness
References:
Sheep
ataxia

death
defecation, frequent
salivation
tail, kinked
trembling
urination, frequent
weakness
References:
Vet. Res., 49: 281-283.
Swine
arthrogryposis
articular rigidity
ataxia
blindness
breathing, labored
breathing, rapid
collapse
death
fetlock joint, flexure
gait, staggering
gait, unsteady
lacrimation, severe
palatoschisis
paralysis
prostration
pupil dilation
scoliosis
syndactylism
trembling
urination, frequent
vision, impaired
weakness
References:
Vet., 5(2): 26.
46: 2064-2066.
Turkeys
death
diarrhea
enteritis
paralysis
salivation
weakness
References:
386-388.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
pokeweed
Interactive
name
Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is a native herb found in the

All poisonous plants by Common southwestern parts of Ontario and Quebec. The young shoots are
used as poke salad and the leaves as a folk medicine or tea. In both
name
cases, the plant material should be boiled at least twice to get rid of
the toxin, according to literature reports. Failure to do so has caused
Important WWW Poisonous Plants poisoning in humans. Ingesting a few berries does not cause
sites
problems, but larger quantities, if uncooked, can be toxic to humans.
Cattle, horses, sheep, and particularly swine, have been poisoned by
ingesting pokeweed plant material. The berries have poisoned young
turkeys experimentally (Patterson 1929, Barnett 1975, Callahan et al.
References:
M. M. W. R., 30: 65-67.
Med. J., 74: 639-640.
Am. Med. Assoc., 242: 2759-2760.

Pharm., 36: 1303.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Phytolacca americana L.
Vernacular name(s): pokeweed
Scientific family name: Phytolaccaceae
Vernacular family name: pokeweed
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Phytolacca
americana
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
pokeweed:

Leaves, young shoots, and roots are poisonous. The berries are
considered relatively nontoxic to humans, although toxicity to
animals and humans has been reported. Barnett (1974) describes
experimental poisoning and death in turkey poults.
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
mature fruit
roots
stems
young shoots
References:
M. M. W. R., 30: 65-67.
Med. J., 74: 639-640.
Am. Med. Assoc., 242: 2759-2760.
Pharm., 36: 1303.

Phytolaccatoxin, a triterpene saponin, has been implicated in
pokeweed toxicity. The toxin is water-soluble, which has led to the
common assumption that boiling the plant material twice will get rid
of toxicity. Such treatment is usually sufficient to remove the toxin

phytolaccatoxin
phytolaccigenin

References:
432 pp.
Am. Med. Assoc., 242: 2759-2760.
Cattle
abortion
coma
convulsions
diarrhea
vomiting
References:
Horses
convulsions
diarrhea
gastroenteritis
salivation
vomiting
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
blood pressure, low
breathing, rapid
confusion
diarrhea
dizziness
gastroenteritis
headache
nausea
salivation
stomach cramps
stool, bloody
sweating
thirsty
trembling
unconsciousness
vomiting
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms of toxicity include sweating, bloody diarrhea, abdominal
pains, weakness, incontinence, vomiting, salivation,
unconsciousness, tremors, and blurred vision. Ingesting the leaves or
young shoots causes toxicity. Sometimes tea made from the leaves
can cause poisoning. Symptomatic treatment and replacement of
fluids are recommended (Callahan et al. 1981, Jaeckle and Freemon
1981).
References:
M. M. W. R., 30: 65-67.
Med. J., 74: 639-640.
Am. Med. Assoc., 242: 2759-2760.
Pharm., 36: 1303.
Sheep
diarrhea
drowsiness
gastroenteritis
vomiting
References:
Swine
death
gait, unsteady
gastroenteritis
muscle twitching
Notes on poisoning:
Swine are most frequently poisoned by pokeweed. Symptoms include
staggering, vomiting, posterior paralysis, tremors, and death. Postmortem findings show swollen, dark liver and severe hemorrhagic
gastritis (Patterson 1929).
References:
Turkeys
ascites
hock, swollen
Notes on poisoning:
Experimental feeding of mashed berries to turkey poults caused
weight-gain reduction, ascites, and swollen hocks, causing
unsteadiness. Enlarged gall bladder filled with brown fluid was
common in dead birds. Wild birds ingest the berries and spread
seeds; no toxic cases have been mentioned. Chickens are not
poisoned by the berries (Barnett 1975, Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
ponderosa pine
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) is a native tree in British
Columbia. Pregnant cows that ingest the needles abort within 2
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites days to 2 weeks. Calves near full term may be born in good
condition. Cows in the third trimester are affected; the problem
usually occurs during winter and spring, when forage is scarce.
Cows may retain the placenta. If medical attention is not given, a
high degree of fatality can occur. Annual losses in the entire
western United States have been estimated at 4.5 million dollars.
This problem has also occurred in British Columbia (MacDonald
1952, Stevenson et al. 1972, Gartner et al. 1988, Lacey et al.
1988).
References:
Lacey, J. R., James, L. F., Short, R. E. 1988. Ponderosa pine:
economic impact. Pages 95-106 in James, L. F., Ralphs, M. H.,
Anim. Sci., 66(1): 372.

Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Pinus ponderosa Dougl.
Vernacular name(s): ponderosa pine
Scientific family name: Pinaceae
Vernacular family name: pine
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Pinus
ponderosa
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
References:

989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
ponderosa pine:
Toxic parts:
needles (pine)
young shoots
References:
Anim. Sci., 66(1): 372.

Although no chemical has been proved to cause toxicity and
abortion in cattle, several toxic compounds have been suspected,
including diterpene resin acids. Additional factors such as stage
of gestation when ingestion occurs, environmental stress, and
condition of the cow compound the problem. Inducting
experimental abortion has not been consistent (Gartner et al.
1988).

unknown chemical
References:
Cattle
abortion
cervix dilation,narrow
death
fetus, dead
metritis septic
parturition, early
placenta, persistent
progesterone,decreased
uterine hemorrhage
References:
Anim. Sci., 66(1): 372.
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Important Notices
Notes on poisoning: potato

Introduction
Interactive
Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a common introduced garden plant

cultivated for its edible tubers. The entire plant contains toxic
glycoalkaloids but usually in harmless quantities in the edible tubers.
However, in the presence of light, the tubers photosynthesize and
coincidentally increase the amount of toxins. The skin, eyes, and sprouts of
Common name
the tubers can develop toxic amounts. Even the flesh of the tuber can
develop toxic quantities of the glycoalkaloids. Cattle, sheep, and swine as
Important WWW Poisonous well as humans were poisoned and died after ingesting parts of potato
Plants sites
plant. Other animals were also been poisoned experimentally. A dog
became comatose after ingesting green potato tubers. The aboveground
plant portion can also be toxic. The berries produced by the plant can
contain 10-20 times more glycoalkaloids than the tubers (Cooper and
Johnson 1984). The glycoalkaloids solanine and chaconine are not
destroyed by normal cooking. Alkaloidal levels above 20 mg/100 g are
considered unsafe for human consumption. Some cultivars have naturally
high concentrations of alkaloids and have been rejected for use. Care
should be taken to store potatoes in light-proof paper bags. If any
green-colored potatoes are found, they should be discarded. Potato peelings
and sprouts destined for a compost heap should be buried and kept from
dogs or other animals. Sharma and Salunkhe (1989) provide an excellent
review of potatoes and toxins and their effects on animals.
Botanical name
References:
England. 305 pp.
Toxicon, 28: 873-884.
J. Med., 48: 227-243.

Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Solanum tuberosum L.
Vernacular name(s): potato
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Solanum tuberosum
References:
132 pp.
References:
6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94:
131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
potato:

Potato tubers can develop toxic levels of glycoalkaloids if they are exposed
to sunlight. The development of the toxins coincides with the production of
chlorophyll in the presence of light. The toxins are highest in the skin,
eyes, and sprouts. In a test on rats fed 10% sprouts from early pregnancy,
55% of litters died because of failure to lactate. Potato cultivars, such as
''Lenape'' have been developed with natural toxic levels of alkaloids in the
tubers; these cultivars have not been released for use. The leaves, stems,
and berries of potato also contain toxic substances. The concentration of
alkaloids in the berries may be 10-20 times that of the tubers (Butterworth
and Pelling 1980, Cooper and Johnson 1984, Cheeke and Schull 1985,
Salunkhe 1989).
Toxic parts:
immature fruit
leaves
stems
tubers
References:
England. 305 pp.

Two glycoalkaloids, alpha-solanine and alpha-chaconine, are the major
alkaloids in potatoes. The major effects are gastrointestinal tract irritation
and nervous system impairment. Exposing the potato tubers to light may
increase the concentration of glycoalkaloids to 0.05% in the tuber instead
of the usual 0.008%. Potatoes are now screened for toxin levels, which
must be below 20 mg/100 g. Levels above 14 mg/100 g are bitter. One
variety developed in the 1960s, ''Lenape'', had levels over 30 mg/100 g and
was rejected. Berries of potatoes have also been tested and an LD-50 of
677 g/kg was found in mice. It has been estimated that ingesting 400 g of
potato berries would be required to induce symptoms in humans

(Butterworth and Pelling 1980, Filadelfi 1982; Cooper and Johnson 1984,
Sharma and Salunkhe 1989).

chaconine
solanine

References:
England. 305 pp.
Filadelfi, M. A. 1982. Naturally occurring toxicants in the potato.
Herbarist, 48: 21-23.
Cattle
anemia
anorexia
convulsions
death
diarrhea
restlessness
Notes on poisoning:
Cattle were poisoning after they were given access to green, decayed, or
sprouting potatoes. In Europe, feeding large quantities of stored potatoes to
young cattle over long periods is recognised as causing severe anemia
References:
England. 305 pp.
Dogs
breathing, labored
coma
pupil dilation
References:
England. 305 pp.
Humans
abdominal pains
confusion
death
drowsiness
gastroenteritis
hallucination
headache
trembling
vomiting
Notes on poisoning:
Ingesting potatoes with green flesh, skin, or tubers causes sickness and, in
some cases, human fatalities. Symptoms of ingestion include those
common to gastrointestinal problems and nervous disorders. Clinical signs
include headache, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Neurological
symptoms include apathy, restlessness, drowsiness, stupor, confusion,
hallucinations, dizziness, trembling, and visual impairment. In severe
cases, fatalities occur. Certain birth defects are believed to result from
ingesting potatoes infected with potato blight (Phytophthora infestans).
However, no definitive proof has been found yet (McMillan and Thompson
1979, Sharma and Salunkhe 1989).
References:
J. Med., 48: 227-243.
Rodents
gastroenteritis
Notes on poisoning:
Pregnant hamsters were gavaged with potato sprout material. Some dams
died as a result of experimentally ingesting sprout material. Fetal
craniofacial malformations occurred in 24% of cases (Keeler et al. 1990).
References:
Toxicon, 28: 873-884.
Sheep

death
incoordination
weakness
References:
England. 305 pp.
Swine
anorexia
coma
convulsions
diarrhea
incoordination
pupil dilation
restlessness
salivation
vomiting
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
In Europe, swine that ingested potatoes were poisoned and subsequently
died. Some animals died suddenly, whereas others showed signs of
incoordination, convulsions, and appeared dazed. Additional symptoms
included anorexia, excess salivation, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation,
and circulatory failure. Some cases required amputation, resulting from
necrosis of the feet (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
England. 305 pp.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
precatory-pea
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Precatory-pea (Abrus precatorius) seeds contain a chemical
called abrin, which is highly toxic. A single well-masticated seed
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites can kill an adult human (Kingsbury 1964).
In Canada the seeds of this plant are imported into the country on
necklaces and perhaps on other decorative items. These attractive
seeds are shiny, red, and black and about 5-8 mm long (Hoy and
Catling 1981).
References:
19:2-5.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Abrus precatorius L.
Vernacular name(s): precatory-pea
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Abrus
precatorius
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
precatory-pea:
Toxic parts:
seeds
References:

19:2-5.

Abrin is a lectin of Abrus precatorius and is a
ribosome-inactivating protein. This chemical is regarded as one
of the most deadly plant toxins known.
LD-50: 0.56 micro gm/kg in mice (Stirpe and Barbieri 1986).
Kingsbury (1964) states that a toxicity dose is about 0.00015% of
a human subject's weight. A single well-masticated seed can kill
an adult. Abrin causes large-scale disruption in lymphoid tissues,
with apoptotic cell death. Apoptotic bodies have increased in the
small intestine of experimental rats (Griffiths et al. 1987).

abrin
References:
Humans
abdominal pains
cecum, red and inflamed
cerebral edema
death
diarrhea
gastric mucosa, purple
nausea
stomach, gray mucous
vomiting
References:
19:2-5.
Rodents
death
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
prickly comfrey
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Prickly comfrey (Symphytum asperum) is a naturalized herb
found in parts of southern Canada. The plant contains
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause veno-occlusive
symptoms leading to liver cirrhosis. The plant can also
accumulate toxic amounts of nitrates. Animals do not normally
eat the plant because of the bristly hairs on the leaves. However,
swine given the plant as green fodder showed signs of nitrate
poisoning. Long-term use of the plant as food could lead to liver
dysfunction (Cooper and Huxtable 1984, Huxtable 1989).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Symphytum asperum Lepech.
Vernacular name(s): prickly comfrey
asperum
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
British Columbia
Manitoba
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
prickly comfrey:
Toxic parts:
all parts
leaves
roots
stems
References:

This plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids such as echimidine.
These alkaloids cause veno-occlusive symptoms in animals. Total
alkaloid content (as a percentage of dry weight) for fresh leaves is
about 0.01% and for dry leaves, about 0.059%. Many members of
the genus contain much higher concentrations of alkaloids in the
roots (Huxtable 1989).

echimidine
nitrate
References:
Swine
breathing, labored
cyanosis
methemoglobinemia
Notes on poisoning:
Prickly comfrey is not normally ingested by animals because of
the bristly hairs on the leaves. This plant can accumulate nitrates.
In Britain, swine were poisoned when given prickly comfrey as
green fodder. Symptoms were typical for nitrate poisoning,
including apathy, labored breathing, cyanosis, and
methemoglobinemia (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
prickly lettuce
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Prickly lettuce (Lactuca scariola) is a naturalized herb found
across parts of southern Canada. In the western United States,
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites cattle developed pulmonary emphysema after ingesting the plant.
The injury appears to be associated with a deficiency, because the
toxicity develops after the cattle have fed on dry rangelands.
When they are subsequently moved to lush, autumn pasture,
some cattle feed ravenously on the prickly lettuce regrowth and,
in a few days, the symptoms may develop (Beath et al. 1953).
References:
Bull., 324. 94 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Lactuca scariola L.
Vernacular name(s): prickly lettuce
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Lactuca
scariola
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
prickly lettuce:

Mature plants and dried plant material are reported to be
harmless. Regrowth of the plants in autumn has caused poisoning
in field cases in the western rangelands of the United States
(Beath et al. 1953).
Toxic parts:
young shoots
References:
Bull., 324. 94 pp.

unknown chemical
References:
Bull., 324. 94 pp.
Cattle
breathing, labored
emphysema
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Symptoms include pulmonary emphysema, characterized by
weakness and difficult breathing. Postmortem examination shows
the lung tissue inflamed, with almost complete destruction of the
air-cell tissue (Beath et al. 1953).
References:
Bull., 324. 94 pp.
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
primula
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Primula (Primula obconica) is an ornamental herb that may be
grown indoors or outdoors. Sensitized humans develop dermatitis
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites from exposure to the allergen contained in hairs on leaves and
other plant parts. Pollen also can cause dermatitis. Some other
species of the genus Primula can cause dermatitis as well
(Mitchell and Rook 1979).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Primula obconica Hance.
Vernacular name(s): primula
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
primula:

Minute glandular hairs accumulate the allergen, which is exuded
in tiny drops. The hairs are most common on the leaves but are
also found on other plant parts. The pollen grains can also cause
dermatitis (Mitchell and Rook 1979).
Toxic parts:
flowers
hairs
leaves
References:

Primin, a quinone, is the allergen in primula. This chemical is
found in minute (0.05-0.3 mm long) glandular hairs. The
concentrated allergen accumulates as irregular resinous drops on
the hairs. Highly sensitive people may react to 20 micro gm of
the allergen. The allergen content of primula is highest between
April and August, when grown outdoors (Mitchell and Rook
1979).

primin
References:
Humans
blistering
conjunctivitis
eczema
erythema
fever
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
prostrate pigweed
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Prostrate pigweed (Amaranthus blitoides) is a naturalized herb
found across parts of southern Canada. This plant accumulates
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites nitrogen and can cause nitrate poisoning because it can
accumulate amounts sufficient to kill cattle (Fuller and
McClintock 1986).
References:
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Amaranthus blitoides S. Wats.
Vernacular name(s): prostrate pigweed
blitoides
References:
Canada. 288 pp.

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
prostrate pigweed:
Toxic parts:
leaves
References:

nitrate
References:
Cattle
Swine
Another search?
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
purple cockle
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Purple cockle (Agrostemma githago) is a naturalized herb found
across southern Canada. The seeds are contaminants of wheat
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites seeds and they are considered to be poisonous to poultry, cattle,
and humans. Human poisoning is rare. Feeding trials have been
conducted with ground seeds, which are unappetizing to poultry
(Quigley and Waite 1931).
References:
USA. 167 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Agrostemma githago L.
Vernacular name(s): purple cockle
Scientific family name: Caryophyllaceae
Vernacular family name: pink
Go to ITIS*ca for more taxonomic information on: Agrostemma
githago
References:

Canada. 288 pp.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
References:
989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655.
purple cockle:
Toxic parts:
seeds
References:

Purple cockle (Agrostemma githago) contains the saponin
githagin, which is toxic mainly to poultry. The toxin is destroyed
in seeds at 50 C. The following quantities have been found to be
toxic in experiments with animals:
calf 0.0025% of body weight
poultry 0.0025%
pig 0.0010%
dog 0.0009%
Most feeding experiments have been conducted on chickens
(Quigley and Waite 1931; Heuser and Schumacher 1942).

githagin
References:
Humans
breathing, shallow
diarrhea
dizziness
stomach cramps
vomiting
weakness
Notes on poisoning:
Purple cockle (Agrostemma githago) seeds can contaminate

wheat because the seeds are difficult to screen. Highly
contaminated wheat is unsalable. The seeds are a danger if
present in home-ground wheat, corn, or oats (Hardin and Arena
1969).
References:
USA. 167 pp.
Poultry
appetite, loss of
breathing, labored
death
diarrhea
gait, staggering
heart, cheesy material
mouth, cheesy material
References:
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Important Notices
Introduction
Notes on poisoning:
purple locoweed
Interactive
All poisonous plants by Common name Purple locoweed (Oxytropis lambertii) is found in the southern
parts of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. This species can cause
Important WWW Poisonous Plants sites locoism, a chronic disease that results after long-term grazing.
The plant contains swainsonine, an alkaloid, which results in
cellular dysfunction through a long biological process. Affected
animals show nervous system impairment, with symptoms such
as dullness and excitement, as well as immune system
impairment. Abortion and congenital birth deformities may
occur. Animals affected include cattle, horses, and sheep.
Animals may become habituated to locoweed. Death can result
(James 1983, Cheeke and Schull 1985).
References:
Conn., USA. 492 pp.
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Oxytropis lambertii Pursh
Vernacular name(s): purple locoweed
lambertii
References:
Canada. 288 pp.
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
References:
Boivin, B. 1966, 1967. numr

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Dining on the Wilds, wild edible plants for gourmet and survival

Survival tip &

Wild Edible Plants.

Dining on the Wilds

"They are pulling the wool over your eyes.

NEW SHAREWARE spelling dictionaries in the books

http://www.edibleplants.com/ (1 of 4) [5/10/2004 2:44:08 PM]

Dining on the Wilds

see for yourself

I have thoroughly enjoyed

http://www.edibleplants.com/ (2 of 4) [5/10/2004 2:44:08 PM]

This video set is a unique, fun and educational

[Why learn wild edible plants?][Table of contents ] [About the presenters][Cover

Dining on the Wilds

Author of Wild Plants to Eat

Has studied wild edible plants for 28

Tell us what you think:

Your e-mail address: *

[Skip Prev][Prev][Next][Skip Next][Random][Next 5][List Sites][Home]

(Reset date July 1, 1997)

http://www.edibleplants.com/ (4 of 4) [5/10/2004 2:44:08 PM]

Wild Edible Plant Acorns

The most common steps in leaching are

http://www.edibleplants.com/month/wepmonth.htm (1 of 3) [5/10/2004 2:44:10 PM]

Wild Edible Plant Acorns

A Method of Cold Water Leaching

White man's wiwish

Wild Edible Plant Acorns

1/4 cup sweetener honey or fruit juice concentrate (optional)

Order Home Books

http://www.edibleplants.com/month/wepmonth.htm (3 of 3) [5/10/2004 2:44:10 PM]

Survival tip &

Wild Edible Plants.

Dining on the Wilds

"They are pulling the wool over your eyes.

NEW SHAREWARE spelling dictionaries in the books

http://www.edibleplants.com/dwvfram.htm (1 of 4) [5/10/2004 2:44:11 PM]

Dining on the Wilds

see for yourself

I have thoroughly enjoyed

http://www.edibleplants.com/dwvfram.htm (2 of 4) [5/10/2004 2:44:11 PM]

This video set is a unique, fun and educational

[Why learn wild edible plants?][Table of contents ] [About the presenters][Cover

Dining on the Wilds

Author of Wild Plants to Eat

Has studied wild edible plants for 28

Tell us what you think:

Your e-mail address: *

[Skip Prev][Prev][Next][Skip Next][Random][Next 5][List Sites][Home]

(Reset date July 1, 1997)

http://www.edibleplants.com/dwvfram.htm (4 of 4) [5/10/2004 2:44:11 PM]

North by the moon

http://www.edibleplants.com/month/survival.htm [5/10/2004 2:44:12 PM]

Wild Edible Plant Nutritional Table

Wild Edible Plant Nutrition (per 100 grams)

(mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg)

(I.U.) (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg)

3,410 0.13 0.14 0.5

1,600 0.05 0.24 1.2

1.60 0.40 1.4