If enough of the toxin was ingested, neurological signs may develop, including trembling, staggering and difficult breathing. The leaves are pinnately compound, highly divided with very small leaflets giving the plant a fernlike appearance. Leaves are alternate, egg-shaped, smooth and glossy in appearance. The plant produces clusters of purple to black berries that contain a reddish juice and 10 seeds. In rare cases where large doses are consumed, animals may show anemia and alterations in heart rate and respiration.
Flowers are very showy and white.
The plant contains a milky sap. The toxins are diterpene esters contained in the milky sap of the plant. The leaves are alternate and two to three pinnately divided. Flowers are small and white and occur in umbrella-like clusters. Reportedly, a walnut-sized portion of the root is sufficient to kill a cow.