The Toxic Nature of Pokeweed
Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is a common, large, herbaceous perennial found across much of North America, recognized by its reddish stems and clusters of dark purple berries. While it is a significant food source for birds, its toxicity to mammals, including humans, is well-documented. The danger lies in the presence of several toxic compounds, primarily saponins like phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccigenin, which can cause severe illness. The concentration of these toxins varies by plant part and maturity, but the risk is present throughout the entire plant.
Which Parts of the Pokeweed Plant are Most Poisonous?
All parts of the pokeweed plant are poisonous to humans, but the toxicity level is not uniform. The danger increases with the plant's maturity and depends on which part is ingested.
- Roots: The most toxic part of the plant, containing the highest concentration of poisons. Fatalities have been reported, often when the root is mistaken for an edible tuber like horseradish or parsnip.
- Berries: The shiny, dark purple berries are particularly dangerous to children who might mistake them for edible wild grapes. While the berries contain less toxin than the root, eating more than a few can cause serious problems. The seeds within the berries are also highly toxic.
- Leaves and Stems: The toxicity of the leaves and stems increases as the plant matures. While young spring shoots are traditionally prepared as a food source (poke sallet), this process is risky and not recommended by health experts, as improper boiling can leave residual toxins.
Pokeweed Poisoning: Symptoms and What to Do
Ingesting any part of the pokeweed plant can cause a range of symptoms, usually appearing within six hours. Contact with the sap can also cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Common Symptoms of Pokeweed Ingestion
- Gastrointestinal Distress: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and severe diarrhea, which can sometimes be bloody.
- Neurological Effects: In more severe cases, symptoms can progress to headaches, muscle spasms, convulsions, and even loss of consciousness.
- Cardiovascular Issues: A rapid or low pulse and low blood pressure may occur.
- Respiratory Distress: Slow or difficult breathing is a serious sign of advanced poisoning.
What to Do in Case of Poisoning
If you suspect that a human or pet has ingested pokeweed, you should immediately take the following steps:
- Call for help: Contact your local emergency number (such as 911) or the national Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) immediately.
- Collect information: Be prepared to provide details about the person's age, weight, general condition, the amount eaten, and the part of the plant consumed.
- Do not induce vomiting: Unless instructed by a healthcare professional, do not attempt to make the person vomit.
- Seek medical attention: Take the individual to the emergency room for treatment. Doctors may administer activated charcoal, IV fluids, or other supportive care.
The Risks of Improper Preparation
For generations, young pokeweed shoots have been a traditional Southern Appalachian delicacy known as "poke sallet." The preparation involves boiling the shoots multiple times and discarding the water to remove toxins. However, this practice is inherently dangerous because it is impossible to guarantee that all toxins have been removed, and many food safety specialists advise against it. A single mistake in the process—failing to boil enough times, using older plant parts, or harvesting part of the toxic root—can lead to serious illness or death. As the plant matures beyond its young spring shoots, its toxicity increases, and it should never be eaten.
Identifying Pokeweed vs. Lookalikes
Accidental poisoning often occurs due to misidentification. Here is a comparison of pokeweed with some common lookalikes.
| Feature | Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) | Elderberry (Sambucus) | Invasive Knotweed (Fallopia) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stems | Fleshy, smooth, and stout; often reddish or purplish, and hollow. | Woody stems; brown or grayish. | Hollow, bamboo-like, segmented stems; often reddish. |
| Leaves | Large (up to 12 inches), lance-shaped, smooth edges, alternate arrangement. | Compound leaves with serrated edges. | Large, heart or shield-shaped, smooth edges. |
| Berries | Drooping clusters of small, shiny, dark purple berries. | Round, umbrella-like clusters of dark berries. | No berries, but small flowers. |
| Flowers | Drooping clusters of whitish-green flowers in summer. | Umbrella-like clusters of white flowers in spring. | Upward clusters of small white flowers. |
It is crucial to remember that unless you are 100% certain of a plant's identity and safety, you should never consume it. The berries of pokeweed are especially risky for children, who might be attracted by their appearance.
Dangers to Children and Pets
Children are particularly vulnerable to pokeweed poisoning. The dark, juicy berries can look appealing, and a child may eat a handful, leading to serious illness. An 18-month-old was found with purple juice on his hands and mouth after eating pokeberries but recovered with supportive care. Infants are especially sensitive, and tragic cases have occurred where young children have died from eating just a few raw berries. Pets and livestock, particularly swine, are also at risk. The plant's bitter taste often deters most animals, but poisoning can occur if other food sources are scarce or if the plant is mixed into feed.
Conclusion
Pokeweed is a common, highly toxic plant that poses a serious risk to human and animal health. All parts of the plant, especially the roots and seeds, are poisonous due to compounds like phytolaccatoxin. While there are historical accounts of preparing young spring shoots for consumption, this practice is not recommended due to the significant risk of improper preparation, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, neurological symptoms, and even death. It is safest to avoid all parts of the plant and teach children to never eat wild berries without adult supervision. If ingestion or contact is suspected, the most critical step is to call a poison control center or emergency services immediately for guidance. Proper identification and avoidance are the best strategies to ensure safety from pokeweed.
For more detailed information on toxic plants, visit the Northern New England Poison Center.
