![]() Rich in alkaloids such as scopolamine and hyoscyamine, if ingested by humans, the trumpets can cause diarrhoea, confusion, migraines, paralysis and even death. Despite their pleasant appearance and aroma, these common garden plants are highly toxic, particularly their leaves and seeds. Named after their large, billowing flowers, Angel’s trumpets are medium-sized trees or shrubs with strong, thin trunks and flowers of red, white, orange or pink. Never consume this tree without seeking professional advice first. The strychnine tree is used in homeopathic and herbal medicines but has also been used as rat poison. The tree’s blossoms and bark can also be poisonous, containing the alkaloids strychnine and brucine.Īt low levels, however, it has been used to promote appetite and is said to aid digestion in humans. This tree bears small, orange-coloured fruits with highly poisonous seeds that are neurotoxic – they harm the body’s nervous system, causing convulsions, paralysis and even death. ![]() “Leaves and flowers may have different amounts of poison, for example.”īut there are a few well-known toxic plant species that humans should avoid. “There is seasonal variation in terms of the content of the poisons in the different parts of plants,” Jeff says. There are also many variables that make distinguishing poisonous plants and their risks difficult. “It’s something to go by but doesn’t necessarily mean that the same will apply to humans.” “A lot of literature refers to plants poisonous to animals,” says Jeff. However, it’s difficult to determine what plants pose risks to humans because of a lack of information about the effect of many plant species on humans, says Jeff Robinson from the Victorian Poisons Information Centre at Austin Hospital in Melbourne. Small dogs typically experience more severe toxic effects than large dogs eating the same amount of rhododendron.Dr Marco Duretto, Manager of Plant Diversity at the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust in Sydney, says if you’re in the bush or just rummaging around the garden “do not put things in your mouth unless you know what they are, because there are a lot of toxic plants out there”. Even ingestion of small amounts of the plant can cause health problems. Rhododendron ( Rhododendron species)Īll parts of a rhododendron plant including the leaves, stems and flowers are toxic to dogs. The actual tomatoes are okay as long as they’re ripe. The leaves and stems can cause stomach pain, weakness, difficulty breathing and slow heart rate if ingested. It's not surprising that tomato plants are poisonous since tomatoes are in the same family as deadly nightshade (Solanaceae). Ingestion of the bulbs of autumn crocus can cause severe stomach upset, kidney and liver problems and bone marrow depression. Don't confuse the spring flowering crocus ( Crocus genus) with autumn flowering crocus (from a different genus - Colchicum autumnale). Crocus ( Crocus species)Ĭrocus plants are said to be of low toxicity and may only cause a mild stomach upset if eaten. Serious cases are rare but can include heart problems and breathing difficulties. Ingestion can irritate the mouth and gastrointestinal tract and lead to drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea. Tulip bulbs are the most poisonous part of the plant, but the stems, leaves and flowers are also toxic. Dogs can also become unwell water from a vase containing daffodils is drunk. In more serious cases it can result in changes to heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure, and even lead to a seizure. Effects include vomiting, stomach upset and salivation, but can escalate to dogs appearing sleepy, wobbly on their legs, or collapsing. They have been used in the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to poison harpoon tips used in whaling.ĭaffodil bulbs, stems, leaves and flowers can cause poisoning in dogs. Several species of Aconitum have been used as arrow poisons. ![]() Toxins can even transfer to the skin via cuts, so it is important to always wear gloves when handling plants in your garden. The poison also affects the heart and in large amounts can be fatal, but poisonings are rare as it has such an unpleasant flavour. If ingested, it can cause stomach pain and dizziness. Toxicity and symptomsĪll parts of the plant are poisonous, particularly the roots. Its flowers grow on tall spikes that bloom between June and September. Its attractive hooded blue flowers have made it a popular garden plant and you’ll find cultivars in varying colours including pink, yellow and white. It’s widely naturalised, but may be native in damp woodlands, meadows and along ditches in the southern half of the UK. Monkshood ( Aconitum napellus) What it is and where it growsĪlso known as Adam and Eve or devil’s helmet, this is one of the UK’s most poisonous plants.
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