Flowers are greenish-white and borne on a spike in the upper part of the plant. As the many berries form in clusters in late summer and early autumn, they are at first green then reddish-purple, later purple to black, and contain a red juice which has also given the plant the name red-ink plant. Birds frequently feed on them. The plant is found in many areas. =Poisonous Parts=: All parts are poisonous, particularly roots, shoots, and unripe berries. As the berries ripen, their poisonous properties lessen but, nevertheless, if many are eaten, they too can be harmful. Toxic materials include a resinous material and a water-soluble =saponin=. No alkaloid has as yet been found in pokeweed. Poisoning generally is slow (1 to 2 hours) after ingesting the plant but then becomes violent for a long time. Following a period of nausea and vomiting, drowsiness and impaired vision results. Large amounts can cause purgation and narcosis followed by coma and death. =Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians perform gastric lavage and treat for circulatory and respiratory depression. WATER HEMLOCK [Illustration: Water hemlock, cowbane, beaver poison _Cicuta maculata--UMBELLIFERAE_] =Description=: A perennial herb reaching to 5 feet, or more, in height and found in swampy or moist areas. At least eight species of _Cicuta_ are known to be poisonous. As in the Conium hemlock, the roots of _Circuta_ resemble those of the parsnip but in addition, frequently possess many tuberous rootlets which resemble small sweet potatoes. When cut open, these yield a yellowish aromatic oil. Stems are shiny, hollow, and often have purple spots. Leaf bases clasp around the stem and the leaves are coarsely divided into smaller leaflets. Flowers are white and the small fruits are formed on umbrella-like stalks. Each fruit possesses several prominent corky ribs. =Poisonous Parts=: Mostly the roots. However, above ground parts are also very poisonous and should be avoided. The similarity of roots to parsnip and sweet potato has led to accidental poisoning in children and adults. The poison principle is a resin-like substance called =cicutoxin= and a small quantity of this can cause death. Poisoning is characterized by severe stomach pain, great mental excitation and frenzy, vomiting, and frothing at the mouth. The frothing can be at times bloody. Breathing becomes irregular followed by convulsions and death in a short time. =Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians perform stomach lavage before the contents of the plant are absorbed, treat for =pierotoxin= poisoning since =cicutoxin= is related to it. This includes a judicious use of barbiturates and morphine. YEW [Illustration: Yew, groundhemlock _Taxus canadensis, Taxus baccata--TAXACEAE_]