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IOWA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE 
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 narcotico-acrid poison. 
84. Chenopodium ambrosioides, L. Mexican Tea. 
This species is occasionally reported with properties like the preceding. 
Phytolaccaceae. 
85. Phytolacca decandra, L. Pokeweed. 
The roots and seed contain a very poisonous substance. The young shoots 
are eaten as greens; probably the poisonous principle is dissipated on boiling 
the plant. Found only in southern Iowa. Contains phytolaccine. 
Caryophyllaceae. 
86 . Stellaria media, L. Chick-weed. 
This has been reported as poisonous, although the seeds are eaten by birds. 
87. Agrostemma githago, L. Corn cockle or cockle. 
Generally found in wheat fields. Screenings are often sold as stock food 
and several cases of poisoning from food that contained screenings of cockle 
have been reported to me. When cockle is in flour, it is poisonous. Several 
cases of poisoning from flour containing cockle are on record. Cockle is said 
to be especially poisonous to poultry. Contains the glucoside saponin C.-EU+Ois 
sapogenin C 14 H 22 O 2 , and the alkaloid agrostemmine. 
88 . Silene antirrhina, L. Sleepy catchfly. 
Very widely distributed in the state. Said to be poisonous. 
Silene noctiflora, L. Evening catchfly. 
Widely distributed in eastern Iowa. Native to Europe, probably also poi- 
sonous. 
89. Saponaria officinalis, L. Bouncing Betty. 
This plant is said to be somewhat poisonous. Naturalized here and there 
in the state. 
90. Vaccaria vulgaris, Host. Cow cockle. 
Common only in grain fields, seeds said to be poisonous, like corn cockle. 
RAN ALES. 
Nymphaeaceae. 
91. Nelumbo lutea, Pers. The American Nelumbo. 
Root stocks were used by the Indians for food. It is said to be used to 
destroy cockroaches according to Schaffner. Roasting dispels the poisonous 
principle. 
Ranunculaceae. 
92. Hydrastis canadensis, L. Orange Root. Golden Seal. 
In northeastern Iowa. Contains hydrastine C 22 H 23 NOG, berberina, berberinum 
and xanthopuccina. Hydrastis causes severe ulceration and cattarhal in- 
flammation. 
93. Caltha palustris, L. Marsh marigold. 
The leaves of the marsh marigold are eaten, but the poisonous principle is 
dissipated on boiling. Plant found on low grounds, especially in northern 
Iowa. 
94. Actaea alba, Mill. White baneberry. 
