Pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica)

The pin cherry, similar to almost all species within the Prunus genus, contains cyanogenic compounds throughout its entire structure, including the seeds, except for its fruit. When a person consumes the seeds, leaves, or any other portion of the plant, these cyanotoxins transform into cyanide gas upon encountering stomach acid. This gas is absorbed through the mucous membranes, leading to poisoning in affected individuals. Symptoms can escalate from restlessness to physical weakness, impaired coordination, muscle contractions, troubles with movement or speech, decreased respiration and heart rate, ultimately resulting in fatality. While humans are generally at lower risk of consuming a lethal amount compared to livestock, cyanide poisoning remains a serious concern in all scenarios.