They are responsible for numerous cases of livestock poisoning. A number of relatively simple types are found in the genus Garrya , the only genus of the family Garryaceae. Alkaloids from Aconitum and Delphinium have been used to prepare arrow poisons in Alaska, Siberia, and Hokkaido. As few as one or two leaves can kill animals. These alkaloids have cardiac activity similar to digitalis.
Yew cuttings are responsible for a number of livestock deaths each year.