Pokeweed
Phytolacca
Phytolacca americana L.
FAMILY: Phytolaccaceae
Native to both America and Africa, this family is composed of plants with leaves: alternate. entire; flowers: in racemes, bisexual (or unisexual); calyx: 4- to S- parted; petals: absent; stamens: 3 to many; ovary: superior (or partly inferior); fruit: drupelike berries. Phytolacca americana is the only plant of the Phytolaccaceae found in Pennsylvania.
DISTRIBUTION:
Found in rich, disturbed soils such as barnyards, lowlands. fields,
fencerows. and moist woodland.
DESCRIPTION:
Phytolacca americana can be identified by sepals: greenish white to
pink; flowers: 6 mm wide; racemes: 1-2 dm, pedunculate; infructescence:
nodding; stamens: 10; pistils: 10; fruit: 5-15
cells, a 1 cm thick, juicy (inky), shiny, dark-purple berry; plants: glabrous,
perennial herbs, to 3 m tall, branched above; leaves: lance-oblong to
ovate, 1-3 dm; petioles: 1-5 cm.
TOXIC PARTS:
All parts, but primarily the roots, are considered poisonous. Small
quantities (more than 10) of raw berries can result in serious poisoning of
adults. Fatalities in young children can result from the consumption of a few
raw berries.
TOXICITY:
The more common symptoms are gastrointestinal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and
convulsions in severe cases. Perspiration, prostration, weakened respiration and
pulse, salivation, and visual disturbance are possible symptoms. Death may
result. Humans experience an immediate burning sensation in the mouth upon
consumption. Postmortem: gross lesions: mild to severe gastroenteritis;
congestion of internal organs; histological lesions: stomach ulcerations
with hemorrhage.
TOXIC PRINCIPLES:
The physiologically active principles have been identified. Suspected
compounds include saponin, together with lesser amounts of the alkaloid
phytolaccin.
TREATMENT
Gasric lavage and emesis; Treat symptoms as they appear, supportive therapy;
peripheral plasmacytosis with potential immunosuppressive properties.