FOREST AND RANGE RESOURCES OF UTAH 



41 



swamps, ponds, and lakes, and along the banks of streams. It com- 

 monly occurs along irrigation ditches throughout the State. 



Cases of poisoning have resulted from eating the young shoots 

 in spring. The greatest loss occurs among cattle. Occasionally 

 farm stock are killed 

 by this plant, as it is 

 found on many irri- 

 gated farms. If the 

 roots should be un- 

 covered by plowing or 

 otherwise, stock should 

 be kept away from the 

 area until the plants are 

 removed. 



The symptoms of 

 water-hemlock poison- 

 ing are frothing at the 

 mouth, arching of the 

 back, and violent con- 

 vulsions. In many cases 



Figure 20. — Loco weed (Astragalus), one of 

 the most destructive of all poisonous plants 



the animal lives but a few minutes 

 after eating the plant. 



Deaths among human beings 

 from water-hemlock poisoning are 

 not infrequent. Very often the roots 

 are found near the surface of the 

 ground. Small children at play 

 sometimes pull the plants and eat 

 the roots. If an emetic can be 

 given promptly, so that the 



stomach is quickly emptied, recovery usually takes place. If no 



emetic is given death usually results. 



Figure 21. — Water hemlock (acuta). 

 The rootstock and root of this plant 

 are violently poisonous to animals 



MONKSHOOD 



Monkshood (Aconitum) receives its name from its peculiarly- 

 shaped blossom which is a deep-blue, white, or purple color. Monks- 

 hood very closely resembles tall larkspur in size and shape of leaves. 



