The heads are sunflowerlike, and are borne at the tips of all the branches. They bear no crown of scales nor bristles of any type. Although cattle losses do occur from eating annual goldeneye, little is known about the actual nature of the poison, nor are the conditions necessary for poisoning understood. Animals may consume large amounts with no harm, and at other times small quantities may be fatal. From the symptoms, either nitrate or cyanide poisoning is suspected.
Cattle are the only livestock affected.
Poisoning usually occurs in the fall when annual goldeneye growth is at its peak.