Post-mortem examination showed grayanotoxin in the rumen contents. These plants grow wild in the East and cause significant problems there, the danger from these plants in Indiana is much less. All animals may be affected. Stomach irritation, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rate and rhythm, convulsions, coma, death. These perennial shrubs have tough, glossy, smooth-margined evergreen leaves.
Some horticultural varieties have yellow or orange petals.
These plants have been used by people to commit suicide. The older name for this toxin was andromedotoxin. Disturbances in cardiac rate and rhythm may then be noted. If sufficient quantities were consumed, convulsions may occur, followed by coma and death. Not all affected animals will die, and livestock may recover without treatment, depending upon amount ingested.