IOWA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE 
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139. Pyrus malus, L. Apple. 
The seeds are poisonous; they contain the glucoside which is changed into 
hydrocyanic acid. 
140. Crataegus mollis, L. Haw. 
Cases of poisoning are reported by persons eating the fruit of Crataegus 
mollis , probably more on account of the inedible seeds than the fruit. 
141. Prunus americana, Marsh. Wild Plum. 
The shoots and seeds contain the principle amygdalin which is converted 
into hydrocyanic acid, which is a deadly poisonous substance. The fruit, it 
should be said, is entirely harmless. 
142. Prunus pumila, L. Sand Cherry. 
This cherry is not widely distributed in the state, found along the Mis- 
souri river and in sandy soil in Eastern Iowa. The fruit is slightly acid and 
somewhat astringent. Not poisonous, except the wilted leaves and the seeds. 
The astringent qualities in our wild fruit are. undesirable. 
143. Prunus pennsylvanica, L. Wild Red Cherry. 
Common, especially in the eastern part of the state, and northern as far 
as Boone and Story Counties. The leaves are poisonous, as well as their 
seeds. The fruit is edible. 
144. Prunus virginiana, L. Choke Cherry. 
The leaves and seeds are poisonous. The fruit is astringent, so great is this 
astringency that it often produces very unpleasant conditions when eaten in 
any considerable quantity. Choke Cherry is rather widely distributed in the 
state. The leaves in the wilted condition contain hydrocyanic acid HCN. 
145. Prunus serotina, Ehrh. Wild Black Cherry. 
Most poisonous species in the state. The half wilted leaves are much more 
poisonous than the fresh leaves, and the seed are very poisonous. The poison- 
ous substance produced is hydrocyanic acid HCN. 
146. Amygdalus persica, L. Peach. 
The leaves and seeds are poisonous. They contain the substance amygdalin, 
from which hydrocyanic acid is derived. 
Leguminosae. 
147. Cassia chamaecrista, L. Partridge Pea. 
Widely distributed in the state, especially on sandy, gravelly soils. There 
was reported to one of us a case where a great many sheep had the scours; 
this ailment was attributed to this plant. Many of the species of the genus 
are known to be laxative. 
148. Cassia marylandica, L. Wild or American Senna. 
Found in the southeastern part of the state, and probably acts like the 
preceding. 
149. Gymnocladus canadensis, Lam. Kentucky Coffee-tree. 
This is widely distributed in the state, especially along the river courses in 
Eastern Iowa, although growing as far north as Sioux City in the north- 
western part of the state, and along the Mississippi into Minnesota. The 
fruit contains a sweetish, but disagreeable pulp which, as well as the leaves, 
is poisonous. In the South the leaves are used as fly poison. 
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