why is pokeweed poisonous
Pokeweed contains phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccigenin, which are poisonous to mammals. However, the berries are eaten by birds, which are not affected by the toxin because the small seeds with very hard outer shells remain intact in the digestive system and are eliminated whole.ll parts of pokeweed are toxic including the raw aboveground leaves sprouting in the early spring[3]. The poisonous principles are found in highest concentrations in the rootstock, less in the mature leaves and stems, and least in the fruits.