Jennifer Porwit M.G.
Although many beautiful plants (and a few weeds) in our gardens are toxic, there are a few that can be fatal. This is especially true for children, who are inclined to put things in their mouths that we might not dream of trying. Many children think that all small dark blue or black berries are blueberries. They handle flowers, leaves and stems and then put their hands in their mouths. Children must be taught not to eat anything unless an adult gives it to them!
Here is a brief list of some of the most common culprits:
Aconitum spp (Monkshood)—Entire plant. Toxic in small amounts. Vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, muscle spasms, respiratory paralysis, death in hours. Even handling the plant will give many people a severe dermatitis.
Actea spp (Baneberry, red & white)—Roots and berries. Nausea, Vomiting, cramps, headache, delirium. Fatalities
Brugmansia spp (Angel’s Trumpet) & Datura spp (Jimsonweed, Thorn Apple)—Entire plant. Atropine poisoning. Dry throat, great thirst, vertigo, impaired sight, lack of muscle control, convulsions, death. Also dermatitis.
Colchicum autumnale (Fall Crocus)—Entire plant. Burning in mouth, cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, kidney failure.
Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)—Sap, berries. Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, hallucination, depression, heart failure.
Daphne spp (Daphne)—Entire plant, esp fruit. Just a few berries to kill children. Severe bleeding and ulceration of mucous membranes of mouth and GI tract.
Digitalis spp (Foxglove, Larkspur)—Flowers, leaves, seeds. Nausea, slowing of pulse, mental confusion. Fatalities.
Lantana camara (Lantana, Yellow Sage)---Green berries, leaves. Gastroenteritis, lethargy, weakness, cyanosis & labored, slow respiration.
Ligustrum spp (Privet)—Leaves and berries. Gastroenteritis, nausea, vomiting, convulsion, paralysis, death.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Woodbine, Virginia creeper)---Berries, possibly leaves. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, drowsiness, stupor, muscle cramps, kidney failure.
Ricinus communis (Castor bean)---Seeds and foliage. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, uremia and convulsions. One or two seeds are near the lethal dose for adults. Handling seeds or flowers can cause respiratory problems.
Solanum spp (Nightshade)---Berries and leaves. Solanine is a heart depressant. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, delirium, convulsions, death.
Taxus spp (Yew, Japanese and English)---Seeds, leaves, bark and wood. Nausea, vomiting, weakness. Weakens heart or stops it completely. The red flesh around the seed is not toxic, but the seed is extremely so.
Helpful websites:
The Hennepin Regional Poison Center/ Minnesota Poison Control System (MPCS) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-222-1222 and all calls are free of charge and confidential.
www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/poison.htm
http://health.ucsd.edu/poison/plants.asp
http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/Tox-COM.htm
http://www.mnpoison.org