IMPORTANT POISONOUS PLANTS 107 



The acrid properties of many of the species of Polygonaceae are well known. 

 This species is widely distributed in the north. Contains probably polygonic 

 acid. 



Polygonum hydropiper L. Smartweed. 



Poisonous like preceding. 



Chenopodiaceae. 



Chenopodium anthelmmticum L. Worm-seed. 



Occasionally reported in the state. Cases of poisoning from the oil of the 

 seeds have been reported in medical literature. Contains the volatile oil of 

 worm-seed. This is a narcotic-acrid poison. 



Chenopodium ambrosioides L,. Mexican Tea. 



This species is occasionally reported with properties like the preceding. 



Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. Summer cypress. 



This plant contains saponin and, according to Greshoff, the extracts from the 

 seeds of another species froth in a solution up to 1 to 700. These plants must 

 be regarded as slightly toxic in their effect. We may add here that saponin 

 has also been found in Eurotia ceratoides. Eurotia lanata is used as a forage 

 plant in the West; it is commonly called winter fat. 



Chenopodium mexicana Moq. Mexican Lamb's Quarters. 



This plant contains saponin and is known to be poisonous. 



Amaranthaceae. 



Amaranthus retroflexus L. Green pigweed. 



Common everywhere in eastern north America, also in the great basin. 

 O'Gara reports bloat from it in Nebraska. 



Amaranthus spinosus L. Thorny pigweed. 



The species are injurious. 



Greshoff states that the leaves oi A. hypochondriacus give an extract which 

 froths strongly and contains saponin. The saponin is only slightly toxic. 



Atriplex Nuttallii S. Wats. Salt bush. 



The leaves of the salt bush contain saponin and Greshoff also found the 

 same substance in A. halimus, A. hortensis and A. laciniata. He states that the 

 haemolysis of the seeds of some of the species is moderately great. In China 

 a skin disease known as Atriplicismus is caused by a species of Atriplex. 



Beta vulgaris. Mangolds and Sugar Beets. 



The feeding of mangolds and sugar beets to sheep causes renal calculi. 



Sarcobatus vermiculatus Hooker. Grease wood. 



Frequently produces mechanical injuries. According to Chestnut one man 

 lost over 1000 sheep, probably due to bloat, caused by this plant. 



Phytolaccaceae. 



Phytolacca decandra L. Pokeweed. 



The roots and seeds contain a very poisonous substance. The young shoots 

 are eaten as greens ; probably the poisonous principle is dissipated on boiling 

 the plant. Found from southern Iowa Eastward and Southward. Contains 

 phytolaccin. 



Caryophyllaceae. 



Stellaria media L. Chick-weed. 



This has been reported as poisonous, although the seeds are eaten by birds. 



Agrostemma githago L. Corn cockle or cockle. 



Generally found in wheat fields. Screenings are often sold as stock food 



