xt7j3t9d6k35 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dipstest/xt7j3t9d6k35/data/mets.xml   Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station.  journals kaes_circulars_004_502 English Lexington : The Service, 1913-1958. Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station Circular (Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station) n. 502 text Circular (Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station) n. 502   2014 true xt7j3t9d6k35 section xt7j3t9d6k35   {La {
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    I     IIIIR     Ri Ii T       All I I(
By Mildred T. Hyutt
Ross G. Brown
James W. Herron
JI`}?
{Y1-
of
Circulcir 502
Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture und Home Economics
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND HOME ECONOMICS
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
and the
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, Cooperating
FRANK J. WELCH, Director
Issued in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914.
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   {
 
Some Plonts of Kentucky Poisonous ,
To Livestock g
I
By Mildred T. Hyatt, Ross G. Brown, and James W. Herronl
Poisonous plants are responsible for considerable losses to farmers I
and stockmen in Kentucky. Many cases of plant poisoning are never
diagnosed or even suspected. There are nearly 100 different species
of plants growing in Kentucky that under certain conditions may be
poisonous to livestock. Only one third of these are likely to cause
serious trouble. The primary purpose of this circular is to enable the
farmer to recognize, at sight, plants which are known to be danger-
ously poisonous, and to have some knowledge of those additional
plants, which, under certain conditions may cause trouble.
RECOGNITION OF PLANT POISONING I
Plant poisoning is often dillicult to diagnose, as the symptoms vary .
with the plant eaten and the poisonous substances it contains. \Vhen
plant poisoning is suspected Hrst eliminate the possibility that the
animal is suffering from some infectious disease, or chemical poisoning
from paint, sprays or weed killers left around the farm. Plant poison-
ing may be suspected when there is a sudden onset of unexplained
illness, acute disorders of the nervous system or the digestive tract,
loss of weight, difficult breathing, weakness, coma and collapse. There
is usually no fever except in cases of poisoning by dogbanes and
bracken. lf the animal dies, autopsy finding of identifiable parts of
poisonous plants in the anima1’s digestive tract, may lead to a delinite
diagnosis.
CALL A VETERINARIAN
\Vhen plant poisoning in livestock is recognized or suspected the
first thing to do is call a veterinarian, as making a diagnosis and treat-
mg a poisoned animal must be done early if the animal is to be saved.
Author’s acknowledgements: Information in this publication is based largely
on Pozsonous Plants of the United States (revised ed.), by VV. C. Muenscher, The
Macmillan Company, 1951. The illustrations were made by Mardelle lones, Cor-
trude Hanly, and Betty Burrus.
{Mildred T. Hyatt, Assistant Botanist, May 1950 to Oct. 1951; Ross C. Brown.
Veterinarian; and ]ames W. Herron, Assistant Botanist.
3

   First aid measures can sometimes be given before the veterinarian
I arrives. Place the affected animal where it is quiet and comfortable
A and where diagnosis can be made and treatment given. The treatment
will be determined by observing the series of symptoms, and finding
what poisonous plant was eaten. Other livestock should not be al-
lowed in the pasture where the poisoning occurred nor fed questionable
silage or hay until the cause of the poisoning has been determined.
· Y
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HOW TO PREVENT PLANT POISONING me,]
Learn to recognize poisonous plants. Study the illustrations and \
descriptions in this circular until you are familiar with them. Make mot,
L a thorough survey of your property, wherever stock is turned out to
graze. Poisonous plants sometimes occur in the open pasture, but S
more frequently along fence rows, banks of streams and ponds, and in Shm
woodlands. Learn to recognize these plants in their early stages of plan
growth. Cockleburs and some others are poisonous only as seedlings.
Send to the Experiment Station for identification any plant that you I
cannot positively identify, but suspect to be poisonous. plan
Eraclicate poisonous plants. Frequent mowing and clipping of 5
pastures will keep down the growth of undesirable weeds. A scytlie
or hoe can be used in woods and swampy areas. Some of the new I
. chemical herbicides such as 2,4-D are effective in eradication of many out!
of the poisonous species. Swampy places may be drained and re-
seeded to pasture crops. Poisonous trees, shrubs and garden plants
should be fenced in so that animals cannot reach them. When com-
plete eradication is impractical keep animals away from infested areas,
particularly during early spring and fall when other forage is scarce.
Don’t harvest poisonous plants in hay. Before hay is cut, the field
should be carefully examined.
Avoid ooergrazing. Most cases of plant poisoning are closely con-
nected with a lack of suitable forage. Wlieii plenty of grass or hay
is available animals will usually avoid poisonous plants which aft
often tough and unpalatable. Larkspur, dutchman’s breeches, wattf
hemlock and poison hemlock are particularly dangerous in the early
spring. Likewise in the fall, when pastures are dry, animals will oft€H
eat anything that is available, even unpalatable trees and shrubs.
4

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ll- SUGGESTIONS FOR SENDING PLANT SPECIMENS I
»le FOR IDENTIFICATION .
Plants suspected of being poisonous may be sent for identification ,
to the Department of Entomology and Botany, Agricultural Experi-
ment Station, Lexington, Kentucky.
Hd When possible, send the entire plant, including leaves, flowers,  
Lke roots, fruits, and seeds. I
t0
DUI State the general structure or size of the plant, whether herb,
in shrub, tree or vine, color of flowers, and locality and county where the
of plant was collected.
1gS. g
JOU If two or more kinds of plants are sent at the same time, each .
plant should have a numbered tag attached to it.
of Fresh specimens should be wrapped in damp paper before mailing.
the
iew If plants cannot be sent in fresh condition, they should be pressed
any out flat and packed between pieces of cardboard before sending.
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HORSETAIL FAMILY (Equisetaceae) I
  Horsetuil. Equisetum arvense L. Plate l. Fig. l. E
E DESCHIPTION.— Shoots round, hollow, jointed, of two types i
 M  arising from a perennial, creeping, underground rootstock. One type ,
jj/’ of shoot, tan in color, appears in early spring, and bears the reproduc- Q
  tive spores in a terminal, cone—like structure. The other is sterile and  
  appears later, bearing whorls of pine-needle-like branches. Leaves 1
lj]; reduced to “teeth” and arranged in whorls around the stem at the
"` joints. j
  Common on sandy, moist soil, in meadows, along roadside ditches. I
jjj stream banks and railroad embankments. I
V Scouring rush. Equisetum hyemale L. Plute l. Fig. 2.
  DESCRIPTION? Shoots similar, forming long, tapering, cane-
j like stalks, 1 to 6 feet high. Stems stiff, evergreen, with terminal
i` spore—bearing cones. Leaves reduced to "teeth” and arranged in °
`  whorls around the stem at the joints. ·
Y Common in wet localities, thickets, along streams, roadside ditches
and borders of swamps, and in mountain sections of the state.
CONDITIONS OF POISONINC.— These plants contain both
aconitic acid and the alkaloid equisetin, a nerve poison. Sheep and
cattle are susceptible to poisoning by eating the green plants, but
horses are more readily affected by eating the dried plants in hay.
Horses often develop a depraved appetite or craving for the plant
once they have eaten it.
SYMPTOMS.- Symptoms appear suddenly after the plant is eaten.
especially in a dried condition. The first symptoms are weakness, loss
Of appetite and loss of flesh. In a few weeks a lack of muscle control
will be noticed, and the animal will become easily excited and fall
down often. In advanced cases the symptoms are diflicult breathing,
pale mucous membranes, rapid and weak pulse, diarrhea, convulsion,
coma. and then death. In horses this condition may be confused with
azoturia but the bowel movements are normal and the urine is not red.
TllEATMENT.— In early stages purgatives and stimulants should
be given along with nux voinica. Keep the animal in a quiet warm
place. feed grain but stop feeding the infected hay.
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PITATE 2:- Bracken. Ptcridium latiusculum. A. "leal" attached t• rootstock. I-C. J€·
tail showing spore case along margin 0n underside of "leaf".

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FERN FAMILY (Polypodiaceae)   j
Brake fern or Bracken. Pteridium Iatiusculum Maxon. (Pteris aquilina L,) { j
Plate 2. p {
DESCRIPTION.- Coarse—growing perennial fern, with stout black   l
horizontal rootstock. Frond or leaf broad, triangular in shape and l
divided into three main parts, each of which is twice subdivided. Be- I l
4, f production by spores borne in late summer on the lower edges of I [
  the mature fronds. I {
Q Common in open acid woodlands and high pastures of the state.   l
;.> CONDITIONS OF POISONING.— Not ordinarily eaten by stock. I  
except during a dry season or in late summer when there is a scarcity  
of green herbage. Poisonous both fresh and dried in hay but hogs l
eat the rootstocks without harm. The chemical action causing the l
/M'   poison is cumulative and symptoms often do not appear immediately. l
f c {  The toxic material is unknown. l
A \ SYMPTOMS.- Cattle affected usually have a high temperature,  
R stand with head down and drool at the mouth. There is a rapid loss  
3 of flesh along with difficult breathing and excess salivation. Blood I
\ appears in the feces, either in bright red clots or as black feces. There  
is generally a trickle of blood from the nostrils. The mucous mem-  
branes will be congested, hemorrhagic or a yellow color. These sy1np— Q
toms may be confused with anthrax.  
In horses the first symptom noticed is 2111 unsteady gait. They be- I
come drowsy, push the head against solid objects and have difhculty i
in swallowing. From 7 to 20 days after the symptoms are first noticed  
  the animal will “go down." Death usually follows in several days. p
  _TBEATMENT.- If the condition is diagnosed early enough some L
  unnnals will respond to treatment. Saline purgatives, raw linseed oil, j
  mineral oil or melted lard should be given. Thiamine hydrochloride i
  injected intravenously is useful. The animal should be kept in a quiet  
I place and given laxative feeds. f
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PLATE 3.- Johnson gross. Sorghum halepense. A. purr of plont showing creeping r00¥·
stocks. B. flowering portion of plont.

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GRASS FAMILY (Gramineue)    
Johnson gross. Sorghum hulpense L. Pers. Plate 3.    
DESCRIPTION.- Large perennial, 3-6 feet high, with sealy creep-    
ing rootstalks. Flowers in long open terminal panicle.  
Sorghum. Sorghum vulgare L. .  
DESCRIPTION.- Very sturdy annual. Tall, coarse grass with Q  
{lowers similar to ]ohnson grass. . .
Sudan gross. Sorghum vulgure vur. sudanense (Piper) Hitch.   .
DESCRIPTION.- Annual, similar to sorghum, but of more slender  
growth. A p
Neither sorghum nor sudan grass has sealy, creeping rootstalks. A
All three are cultivated as forage crops, but ]ohnson grass is a weed  
` of considerable importance in Kentucky as it spreads rapidly into  
cultivated fields. Once established it is hard to eradicate because of  
. its underground rootstocks. E
CONDITIONS OF POISONING.- Normally these grasses furnish
excellent forage and their use should not be discouraged. Since under
certain conditions they may be dangerously poisonous, they should
never be fed in a wilted or stunted condition to livestock. Cut hay
and silage should be cured for at least six weeks before they are used. I
These grasses should never be pastured until they are at least a foot i
tall; second growth is also very dangerous.
The toxic principle is hydrocyanic acid. Animals are more likely
to be poisoned if they drink soon after eating plants of these species.
Cattle are more susceptible than horses and sheep.
SYMPTOMS.- Lethal amounts of hydrocyanic acid cause death
toappear suddenly with respiratory paralysis and spasms. These
animals are usually found dead before symptoms are noticed.
Smaller doses cause excitement and convulsions; later, depression
sets in. Respirations are deep and accelerated at first but become
weak and irregular. Pupils of the eyes are dilated and appear glassy.
Nostrils and mouth are usually filled with foam. The animal may
become bloated and urinate and defecate often. The breath will have
, an almond odor.
TREATMENT.- If treatment is to be beneficial it should be started
l)€l01`e respiratory paralysis begins to OCCUI'.
The best antidotes are either sodium nitrite, sodium thiosulphate
or methlylene blue, given intravenously. Calcium gluconate or mo-
lasses is also helpful.
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PITATE 4.— Pokeweerl. Phytolacca americana. A. young shoots, B. part of mature plan!
wnth flowers and frunts. C. tap root.

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POKEWEED FAMILY (Phytolaccrsceae) l  
Pokeweed, pokeberry, poke. Phytolacca americana L. Plate 4.   l
DESCRIPTION.- Tall. smooth, perennial herb with a large tap-  
root. Stems succulent, purplish. 3 to 10 feet high. Leaves alternate, ·  
pointed, narrowly oblong, with smooth margins. Flowers small, white, i  
borne in long, drooping clusters. Fruits flattened, spherical. dark pur- ` ~
ple berries, usually with ten seeds. I L
Common on recently cleared land. in open woods. pastures, and { I
along fence rows. l p
CONDITIONS OF POISONINC.-A saponin-like substance. in l  
addition to the alkaloid, phytolaccine, is present in all parts of the ‘
plant, especially the roots and seeds. Cooking destroys the poison  
and young shoots are sometimes used as cooked greens. Although i
animals usually avoid pokeweed due to the unpleasant taste. early in l
the spring they sometimes feed on the young shoots. .
SYMPTOMS.- In most cases when small amounts are eaten the v
only symptoms are retching and vomiting. usually noticed several hours
after the plant has been eaten. If larger amounts are eaten, spasms. i
(P   g_ diarrhea and convulsions will be the main symptoms. The cause of
  death is respiratory paralysis. .
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 fir TREATMENT.- Tannic acid. mineral oil and stimulants will help
 " in most cases if the condition is diagnosed early enough.
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PLATE 5.- Corn cockle. Agrostemma Githago. A. entire plunt showing flowers und ¤P·
posire leaves. B. enlarged seed.

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I PINK FAMILY (Caryophyllaceae) I  
I  
I Corn cockle, purple cockle, corn-rose. Agrostemma Githagc L. Plate 5.   I
I DESCRIPTION.- An erect, branched, annual with silky-haired    
I stems and leaves. Leaves opposite, narrow and pointed. Flowers I
purplish—pink, 1 to 1% inches wide, borne singly on long slender   I
I stalks, and appear in May and ]une. Fruit a capsule containing many   I
dark brown or black wart—covered seeds %; inch in diameter.  
Occurs commonly as a weed in grain fields and along roadsides I I
in Kentucky. Seeds are often found as contaminants in cereal crops,  
especially in vetch.    
CONDITIONS OF POISONINC.— The poisonous substances,  
githagin, a saponin, and agrostemmic acid are for the most part con- I I
centrated in the seeds, although there are small amounts in all parts I I
of the plant. Most cases of poisoning occur from eating cockle-  
infested grain or screenings. Flour ground from wheat contaminated  
with cockle is dangerous for human consumption. Although poultry I I
and pigs are most likely to be poisoned other animals are susceptible.
SYMPTOMS.- Two types of poisoning may occur from eating corn I  
cockle. The chronic type develops from eating small amounts of the I
seed over an extended period of time. The acute forms occur when  
large quantities of seed are eaten. The symptoms are colic, staggering, I
falling down, rapid breathing, coma, then death.  
Pigs will vomit, have colic and a foul diarrhea. Spasms will occur  
before death.  
I In cattle the first symptoms are nervousness, slobbering and grind-  
ing of the teeth, followed by excitement, colic and coughing, lasting I
from 5 to 8 hours. After this the animal will have a very foul diarrhea,
fast respirations, fast and weak pulse, temperature below normal and  
then death. .
In horses the symptoms are slobbering, yawning, colic, fast and  
weak pulse, coma and death. There are no convulsions. I
TREATMENT.- Digitalis, if given soon enough, is of value. Oils,
\ such as mineral oil, are very useful along with the digitalis.
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PLATE 6.- Dwarf larkspur. Delphinium tricorne. Entire plant, showing flowers, lobed
leaves, and tuberaus roots.

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CROWFOOT FAMILY (kanunculaceae)    
Dwarf Iurkspur, stuggerwced. Delphinium tricorne Michx. Plute 6.    
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DESCRIPTION.- Stout perennial, 4-35 inches high. Leaves al-    
ternate and very deeply lobed. Flowers spurred, blue or occasion- if y
ally white, arranged in terminal clusters, appear in spring. Root a i  
tuberous cluster. I I
Commonly found in rich open woods and along streams.  
The annual larkspur (Delphinium Ajacis L.) which often escapes l l
from gardens and establishes itself as a weed in fields and roadsides   y
L is also poisonous. §  
CONDITIONS OF POISONINC.- Larkspur contains several very  
poisonous alkaloids, including delphinine. They are most poisonous A  
in the early stages of growth, during April and May. Most cases I  
occur when stock graze in woodland pastures, before other green » l
herbage is available. Cattle are the most susceptible, but horses and {  
sheep can be poisoned by eating large quantities.  
SYMPTOMS.- The symptoms of larkspu1· poisoning differ accord-  
ing to the amount eaten and the animal’s tolerance. Small amounts I p
may cause loss of appetite, excitability, staggering and constipation.  
Severe symptoms that develop when an animal eats large quantities I
are slobbering, vomiting, colic, bloating and convulsions. Death is i
due to respiratory paralysis.  
TREATMENT.- Protect animals from excitement by keeping them  
in a quiet place and give them such drugs as chloral hydrate or one  
of the barbiturates. Epsom salts may be given to help the constipa—  
tion. Other drugs should be given to relieve the animal. It may be  
necessary to treat the animal for bloat. l
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17

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PLATE 7.- Fig. l. Dutchmans-breeches. Dicentra Cucullaria. Entire plant showing leaves,
flowers and tuberous roots at base of stem. Fig. 2. Squirrel corn. Dicentra canadensisi
Entire plant showing leaves, flowers and pea-like tubers scattered along undergr0u¤¤
steam.

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FUMITORY FAMILY (Fumariaceae)    
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2_ Squirrel corn, staggerweed, wild bleeding heart. Dicentru canadensis.   i
  (Goldie) Walp. Plate 7. Fig. 2. j  
  DESCRIPTION.— Delicate perennial with Hnely cut fern-like in  
V ° leaves. Small yellow pea-like tubers arranged along the underground J
stem. Flowers 1 to 10, creamy white with 2 short rounded projections, j Y
and arranged on slender stalks. . A
i
Dutchman’s breeches, staggerweed, wild bleeding heart. Dicentru Cucul-  
Iaria L. Bernh. Plate 7. Fig. l.   p
DESCRIPTION.—Closely resembles squirrel corn but small grain— A  
like tubers are clustered at the base of the stem. Flowers with 2 . i
S]_)ll1'—lll<€ projections. T  
Both species are among the earliest of spring plants, blossoming  
in April or May. Common in rich open woods, often in company »  
with dwarf larkspur.    
CONDITIONS OF POISONINC.— The entire plant of both A
species contain a number of poisonous alkaloids. Dutchmaifs hreeches  
is more poisonous than squirrel corn. These plants are unpalatable A
and are not frequently eaten in harmful quantities when other forage i
74 iS available. Most cases of poisoning occur in early spring (April
  or May) when animals are grazing in wooded areas. Cows are more
5. frequently poisoned than horses; sheep are not affected. (
Y .  
` S`IMPTOMS.—A staggering gait and a loss of milk production.  
Later symptoms are sudden trembling which increases in severity.  
; frothing of the mouth, labored breathing, diarrhea and convulsions.  
> Most animals will recover, if the dosage is not too heavy, and if they i
are kept away from the plants after the first symptoms appear.  
g TREATMENT.- Animals showing “staggers” in the spring should  
“ be moved to clean pastures at once. If poisoning symptoms are severe.
purgatives, mineral oil and stimulants may be given.
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PLATE 8.- Wild black cherry. Prunus serotina. A. flower and cluster. B. branch slwV·
ing leaves and fruit. C. leaf showing hairs along midrib of lower surface.

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I ROSE FAMILY (Rcsaceae)   l
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p Wild black cheery. Prunus serotina Ehrh. Plute 8.   l
DESCRIPTION.- Tree or shrub with slender horizontal branches.    
Bark of young branches and twigs reddish-brown with prominent   l
white lenticels (pores). Leaves alternate, simple, elliptical, pointed,    
margins finely toothed, leathery in texture, and usually have a row of Q l
hairs on the lower surface along both sides of the midrib. Flowers I
small, white, in drooping clusters, and produce dark-red to black   f
cherry fruits.   f
Common along fence rows, roadside thickets, and in rich open f  
woods. Choke—cherry (Prunus virginiana L.), also poisonous, is of p
limited distribution in Kentucky.  
CONDITIONS OF POISONINC.— \Vild cherries contain the glu- E  
coside amygdalin, which by a series of chemical changes is converted  
to hydrocyanic acid. This acid is formed very rapidly in wilted or ,  
` bruised leaves, particularly those on young tender shoots. Most cases V j
of poisoning occur when animals have access to wilted leaves on I i
branches blown down during wind or hail storms, or branches that .  
have been clipped or pruned.
SYMPTOMS.— Symptoms may develop very rapidly after an ani-  
mal has eaten wilted wild cherry leaves. The poisoned animal becomes i
uneasy, staggers and has convulsions. Breathing will be very difficult
[ _.·’i and the mucous membranes become blue. Death may come so quickly  
_/) that the animal will be found near the wilted leaves or tree. l
  / /. ¤
kg TREATMENT? If the condition is diagnosed in time intravenous  
    injection of sodium thiosulfate and sodium nitrite will save the animal.  
j' Molasses and calcium dextrose are very helpful. In most cases the f
animal will be dead before a veterinarian can be called. )
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PLATE 9.- Block locust. Robiniu Pseudo-Acacia. A. brunch showing leuves, clusters of
flowers und thorny stems. B. pod.

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PULSE OR PEA FAMILY (Leguminosae)    
Black locust, false ucociu. Robinia Pseud0—Acacia L. Plate 9.   I
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DESCRIPTION.—— Moderate—sized tree, often with 2 short spines    
at base of leafstalk; bark rough. Leaves alternate, pinnately com-    
pound; the individual leaflets oval-shaped, without teeth. Flowers j  
creamy white, fragrant, sweet-pea like, arranged in long drooping    
clusters. Fruit a flat, brown pod, gé inch wide, 2 to 4 inches long, %  
and containing 4-8 small kidney—shaped beans. j .
Common in woods and thickets. Often planted as an ornamental    
and for erosion control, but has spread widely as a “weed” tree along   j
highways and in waste places. T I
CONDITIONS OF POISONINC.— The poisonous substance is a
phytotoxin, robin. Animals are affected by eating the young shoots, E
leaves, pods, seeds, and by gnawing on the bark, or drinking water in r
which the pods have been soaked. All farm animals are susceptible. j
SYMPTOMS.— Animals will become stupid, not notice their sur- j 2
roundings, and stand with the legs apart. Heart action is irregular A  
and the breathing is feeble, mucous membranes are yellow, and the I  
pupil of the eye dilated. Colic pains may be present and soon followed
by diarrhea. Cattle are quite often dizzy and very nervous.  
TBEATMENT.—Death follows the onset of symptoms unless treat-
ment is started soon. An injection of digitalis to help the heart action
is useful. Other treatments used are just to help decrease the symp-  
toms and give ease to the animal. j
 
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