Poke or Pokeberry or Pokeweed

(Phytolacca americana L.)
(= P. decandra L.)

Toxic Principle

• Saponins, believed to be the primary toxic constituents, are present in the berry juice and other parts.
• Other toxic constituents have also been identified including the alkaloid phytolaccine (in small amounts) and the alkaloid phytolaccotoxin, as well as a glycoprotein.
• If used as food, the water in which they are boiled must be thrown away.

| Description & image | Distribution | Conditions of poisoning | Control | Clinical signs |

| Plant Lists: Scientific or Common | Veterinary Medicine Library | UIUC Library |

Last revised 12/07/95
Please direct all comments or requests for information to Greg Youngen.