Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Some Common Poisonous Garden Plants


Though often quite attractive, there are many common plants and flowers which are often used in gardens and landscaping… which are poisonous! While some poisonous plants give only relatively mild effects, such as headaches, others can induce seizures, or even kill you. Serious gardeners and landscapers are often encouraged to study handbooks of poisonous plants, so that they can easily recognize them when they see them. Children are especially at risk for consuming poisonous plants, and should be carefully monitored when in garden areas containing known poisonous plants.


Wisteria For Sale are one poisonous vining plant, often cultivated for their beautiful blue-purple blooms, which fall like thick grape clusters. Eating almost any part of this plant can cause various conditions, ranging from cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and even vomiting. Anti-nausea pills can help to mitigate severe symptoms.


Foxglove is another beautiful but poisonous plant. It can grow up to 3 feet in height, and features drooping, bell-like flowers which can be either white, purple, or pink. Special, concentrated compounds from this plant are used in the pharmaceutical industry. Eating parts of this plant can induce pain in the mouth, nausea, or vomiting. In severe cases of poisoning by foxglove, one’s stomach may need to be pumped of the plant’s toxins.
Shockingly, hydrangea  is also poisonous. Despite being a popular plant in yards and gardens,  this plant can easily cause stomach ache and nausea… and, unfortunately, in some case may cause itchy skin, seizures, breakdown in the circulatory system, and even a coma. Luckily, scientists have developed simple antidotes to hydrangea poisoning!


Lily of the Valley is another poisonous plant which makes the list! Sometimes called mayflowers, the small bell-shaped flowers of these plants are easily distinguished in many gardens. Harmless in small doses, this plant cam affect your heart rate, and cause pain in the mouth, or gastro-intestinal discomfort. Poisoning by Lily of the Valley is often treated by using charcoal to absorb the toxin.


Flamingo Flowers (Anthurium) is also a poisonous plant, though often used in more southern locations. This plant can cause a burning and blistering of the hands and mouth, and may also damage your voice. In severe cases, it may affect the muscles of your throat, affecting your ability to swallow. These symptoms are typically temporary, and most recommend that they be treated with pain pills and cool liquids!


Did you know that even mums are slightly poisonous? These plants, popular around the holidays, are often planted around gardens and landscaping to keep pesky rabbits at bay. Eating the flower heads can cause inflammation and mild allergic reactions. 

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