Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is a plant that is poisonous to dogs and cats. The toxin that the plant produces is called phytolaccatoxin, and it can vary in potency between plants. However, the toxin is usually much higher in the roots than in the leaves. It is also less in the berries of the plant as compared to the roots. In animals, the clinical effects of plant ingestion are gastrointestinal irritation, delayed vomiting, and decreased appetite.
What is Pokeweed?
Pokeweed, also known as Phytolacca americana, is a poisonous member of the Phytolaccaceae family. It is a shrubby plant with stems that are usually upright and can grow to 4 m (13 ft) high and 2 m (7 ft) wide. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, with each leaf 3-5 cm (1.2-2 in) long and 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) wide. The leaves are shiny green, pointed and with a blunt leaf tip. The flowers are pinkish-white and are borne in a large rounded, nodding head that is 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) in diameter. The fruit of the pokeweed