In wildland settings, pokeweed can form dense stands outcompeting native plants and reducing forage for livestock and other mammals. In agricultural fields, pokeweed can contaminate agricultural produce. Pokeweed has become common as an urban and landscape weed where it outcompetes desirable plants. The berries can be extremely messy and potentially hazardous to inquisitive youth. All plant parts, especially the roots, contain numerous saponins and oxalates and can be fatally toxic to humans and livestock when ingested raw or with improper preparations. Severe digestive tract irritation is the primary symptom following ingestion.
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