Found throughout the south, particularly in cultivated fields, barnyards and waste places. This plant may accumulate nitrates after treatment with herbicides such as 2, 4-D and also after heavy nitrogen fertilization. This plant also becomes more palatable after treatment with herbicides. Cattle, sheep and other ruminants are susceptible. Another syndrome has been observed in swine and cattle in which incoordination, coma and death have been observed.
Necropsy examination reveals edema in the kidney region with degeneration of the kidney tubules.
Degeneration of the brain has also been recorded. The animal usually becomes recumbent. If large quantities of toxic material have been consumed, treatment may need to be repeated. The leaves and flowers of this plant contain a cardioactive glycoside and are attractive to cattle and sheep in the early spring. The evergreen appearance is particularly attractive to cattle when other forage is not available.