Is Jack-in-the-Pulpit Poisonous?

Identifying

• Jack-in-the-pulpit grows from 8 to 24 inches tall. It is a stemless plant that blooms in the spring yet persists throughout summer and fall, and may be identified by its cluster of bright-red berries. The flower grows at the tip of one or two stalked leaves, and has a green, purple, and greenish-white structure.

Poisonous Parts

• Dig up any jack-in-the-pulpit plants as soon as you spot them. Put on protective gloves and dispose of the plants. There is no effective method of eradicating this plant except by removing them from the area. All parts of the plant are poisonous, and consumption causes unpleasant and sometimes severe, life-threatening symptoms. The root sections contain the most concentrated toxins.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Some mouth problems indicate poisoning from jack-in-the-pulpit, such as burning of the throat and mouth, slurred speech, and swelling on the tongue and mouth. The swelling may be so severe that it causes difficulty in breathing. Teary eyes, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea are other symptoms. Call 911 immediately if you experience these symptoms. Animals such as sheep, goats, swine, and cattle are susceptible to the plant. The animals rarely consume enough to cause many symptoms, although they should not be allowed to graze in areas where it is one of the green plants in the area. In animals, colic is common, as well as drinking lots of water in an attempt to cool the mouth and throat.

Treatment

• Wash the affected person's mouth with a washcloth dampened with cold water. Give him milk to drink unless he is unable to swallow, having convulsions or vomiting. Flush affected eyes or skin with water. Do not induce vomiting unless emergency personnel or the poison center instructs you to do so. Seek medical attention immediately so the symptoms can be treated before they become life threatening. Take the plant with you to the hospital, if possible. Put on plastic gloves, and set the plant in a bag or other closed container for positive identification and proper treatment of the patient.