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Poisonous Plants: Outdoors

By Shelly Garner

Poisonous plants are a part of our environment that we must be aware of to protect our children, our pets, and ourselves. The beauty of our flowers and the abundance of good, healthy foods we get from our gardens cause us to sometimes forget about the dangers that lurk in there as well.

There are several ways that poisonous plants can affect us. Many of the drugs prescribed to us by our physicians are derivatives of poisonous plants and are only safe in the proper concentrations. When taken in too large a dose they can cause irreparable damage to our bodies, even death. Other poisonous plants can cause skin reactions - pain, redness, blistering, swelling or eye damage from simple contact. For some people with severe allergies, even common and normally edible plants can be a deadly poison. The following are compilations of classes of potentially harmful plants.

Fruits and Vegetables

Apple (Malus), Apricot (Prunus Armeniaca), and Peach (Prunus Persica) - the seeds of these edible fruits contain cyanide-producing compounds and are harmful in quantity.

Asparagus (Asparagus Officinalis) - young shoots may cause skin irritation, berries are non-edible.

Chokecherry (Prunus Virginiana) - leaves, bark and seed kernels contain a cyanide-producing compound.

Eggplant (Solanum Melongena) - plants, unripe and over-ripe fruits are non-edible.

Elderberry (Sambucus) - roots and seeds non-edible.

Flax (Linum) - some species - seeds contain a cyanide-producing compound.

Mango (Mangifera Indica) - skin is non-edible.

Parsnips (Pastinaca Sativa) - foliage can cause skin irritation.

Peanuts (Arachis Hypogaea) - can cause severe allergic reactions to susceptible people.

Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) - greens, sprouts, and green tubers are toxic.

Rhubarb (Rheum Rhabarbarum) - leaves are extremely toxic.

Sage (Salvia Officinalis) - toxic in high doses.

Wild Plants

Acorns from Oaks (Quercus) - leaves and shoots are highly toxic; nuts must be leached to remove bitter tannins.

Clover (Trifolium) - some species contain toxic compounds, mainly when eaten in high doses.

Lamb’s Quarters (Chenopodium Album) - can cause calcium reduction and phototoxicity when eaten in large quantities.

Lupines (Lupinus) - plants contain alkaloids, seeds are non-edible.

Mountain Ash (Sorbus) - seeds contain cyanide-producing compounds.

Saskatoon Berry (Amelanchier Alnifolia) - leaves, bark and seeds contain cyanide-producing compounds. Fruits are safe and edible.

Skunk Cabbage (Lysichitum Americanum) - plant must be prepared specially and cooked a long time.

It’s important to note here that Chokecherries and Mountain Ash berries can be made into a jelly, as the seeds will be thrown away after the juice is extracted.

Wild Plants that are Contact Poisons

Poison Sumac, Poison Oak and Poison Ivy. These produce a skin irritation or rash and you should wash immediately with soap and water. An anti-perspirant containing aluminum salts may provide some relief when applied to the affected area. If there is any contact with eyes, the eyes should be flushed with lots of water.

Flowers

Autumn Crocus (Colchicum) - bulbs are toxic.

Angel’s Trumpet (Datura) - seeds and leaves are toxic.

Bleeding Heart (Dicentra) - all parts are toxic.

Buttercups (Ranunculus) - all parts are toxic.

Calla Lily (Zantedeschia Aethiopica) - leaves and rhizomes are toxic.

Castor Beans (Ricinus Communis) - seeds are toxic.

Daffodil (Narcissus) - some species and bulbs are toxic.

Daphne (Daphne) - all parts are toxic, especially the seeds.

Delphinium (Delphinium) - some species - seeds and young plants are toxic.

Euphorbia (Spurge) - sap is toxic, irritating to skin and harmful to eyes.

Four O’Clocks (Mirabilis Jalapa) - roots and seeds are toxic.

Foxglove (Digitalis Purpurea) - all parts are toxic.

Iris (Iris) - some species - rhizomes are toxic.

Lily (Lilium) - many species - bulbs are toxic.

Lily of the Valley (Canvallaria Majalis) - all parts are toxic.

Lobelia (Lobelia) - some species - all parts are toxic.

Lupines (Lupinus) - seeds are toxic.

Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) - all parts are toxic.

Morning Glory (Ipomoea Violacea) - seeds are toxic.

Privet (Ligustrum Vulgare) - all parts are toxic.

Sedum (Sedum) - some species - all parts are toxic.

Sweet Pea (Lathyrus Odoratus) - seeds are toxic.

Tansy (Tanacetum Vulgare) - all parts are toxic.

Tulip (Tulipa) - some species - bulbs are toxic.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus Quinquefolia) - berries are toxic.

Yew (Taxus) - some species - seeds are toxic.

Many of these plants are present in our gardens and in public gardens and by their beauty can provide us with food for the soul. We must be aware, however, of their potential for danger and protect our loved ones. Many native plants are toxic and, of course, wild mushrooms as well. Consult a reference book before ingesting anything you are unfamiliar with. If there is a skin reaction or internal poisoning occurs, immediately contact the nearest poison control centre. In Saskatchewan the Poison Control Centre number is 1-866-454-1212.

A good thing to have on hand is Syrup of Ipecac, which induces vomiting in cases where poison has been ingested. Many types of poisoning need immediate treatment at the nearest hospital.

This article is just an overview of poisonous plants that are common in our area. For a more in-depth look at the many plants that are potentially harmful, I recommend going to your local library.

References:

More Poisonous Plants - Grant Wood - University of Saskatchewan

Common Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms of North America - Nancy J Turner and Adam F. Szczawinski

Remember:

“For everything that lives is holy, life delights in life.” - William Blake

“If your knees are not green by the end of the day, you ought to seriously re-examine your life.” - Bill Waterson

“Inch by inch, row by row, gonna make this garden grow.” - Unknown

_________________________________________________________________________

Shelly Garner lives in Moose Jaw where she has resided most of her life. Married to Brian and the mother of four children, she is an avid gardener. “I love my yard, it keeps me sane in the summer. I love to open my freezer and have my own food, raised in my own yard, to have for our meal.” Many of her friends and family have benefited from her love of gardening and the preserving and freezing of her garden bounty.

Shelly is a certified reflexologist, a part – time secretary for a local specialist, and a volunteer with local non-profit organizations that provide support to families of children with disabilities. Shelly is a regular contributor to Gwen’s Healing Garden Newsletter and writes gardening articles. She may be contacted at (306) 693-0571 or e-mail: vanadis58@hotmail.com

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