GardenLine | Porpourri - Miscellaneous | More Poisonous Plants

The writer is a lecturer with the Department of Horticulture Science. This column is provided as an extension service by the Division of Extension and Community Relations and the Department of Horticulture Science, University of Saskatchewan.

For those of you who read last week's article on poisonous house plants and assumed that there were no more plants to worry about, here is some bad news. There are other house plants, and numerous garden and yard plants, that are potentially poisonous. Many of these plants are not fatal, but can cause severe digestive problems, pain and discomfort.

The most toxic plant parts are listed. Note that some plant parts are non-toxic, while other parts on the same plant are toxic. Those plants listed with an * are considered potentially fatal. Also note that many plants within a certain family may be toxic, so if you know that one plant in a family is poisonous, be especially cautious with other plants in that same family.

* Autumn Crocus, Colchicum autumnalle, bulb;
Angel's Trumpet, Datura (some species), seeds, leaves;
* Bleeding Heart, Dicentra (some species), all parts;
Buttercup, Ranunculus (some species), all parts;
Calla Lily, Zantedeschia aethiopica, leaves and rhizome;
* Castor Beans, Ricinus communis, seeds;
Chokecherry, Birdcherry Prunus (some species), seeds (stones),

flesh of fruit non-toxic; Daffodil, Narcissus (some species), bulb;
* Daphne, Daphne (some species), all parts, especially seed;
Delphinium, Delphinium (some species), seeds, young plants;
Eggplant, Solanum melongena, all parts except fruit;
* Elderberry, Sambucus (some species), roots, seeds (stones);
Four O'Clock, Mirabilis jalapa, roots, seeds;
* Foxglove, Digitalis purpurea, all parts;
Iris, Iris (some species), rhizome (root);
Larkspur, Delphinium (some species), seeds, young plants;
Lily family (Many members of the lily family are potentially poisonous; avoid eating bulbs unless they are identified to be non- toxic;
Lily-of-the-Valley, Convallaria majalis, all parts;
Lobelia, Lobelia (some species), all parts;
Lupines, Lupinus (some species), seeds;
Monkshood, Aconitum napellus, all parts;
Morning Glory, Ipomoea violacea, seeds;
Mushrooms (many are poisonous, some are deadly. Avoid eating any mushrooms unless they are positively identified as being non- toxic.);
Narcissus, Narcissus (some species), bulb;
Oak, Quercus (some species), acorn, young plant;
Potato, Solanum tuberosum, green seed balls, green tubers;
Privet, Ligustrum vulgare, all parts;
* Rhubarb, Rheum rhaponticum, leaves (stems non-toxic);
Sedum, Sedum (some species), all parts;
Snow-on-the-Mountain, Euphorbia marginata, sap;
Spindle Tree, Euonymus (some species), leaves, fruit, bark;
Sweet Pea, Lathyrus odoratus, seeds;
Tansy, Tanacetum vulgare, all parts;
Tulip, Tulipa (some species), bulb;
Virginia Creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, berries;
* Yew, Taxus (some species), seeds (fleshy red pulp not as toxic).

In addition to these plants, there are many native plants that are considered poisonous. Some native plants are very toxic and if eaten are often fatal. There are many plant books available which identify and describe native plants. Consult a reference book before eating any native berries or nuts, before eating any roots and before making tea from any leaves. Recommended reference books include: Poisonous Plants by Frantisek Story, published by Hamlyn; A Field Guide to Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms of North America by Charles Kingsley Levy and Richard B. Primack, published by the Stephen Greene Press; and Poisonous Plants of the United States and Canada, by John M. Kingsbury, published by Prentice Hall.

If a skin reaction occurs, or if internal poisoning occurs (from eating a poisonous plant), call the Poison Control Centre in Saskatoon at 655-1010 immediately! They will be able to assist you.

Note: In these articles, I have not described all of the poisonous plants, only some of the most commonly encountered ones. Books dealing with poisonous plants are available through the library and stores. Consult these or the Poison Control Centre if you have any questions.

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Sustainable horticultural information, offered free of charge to the public with the support of the University of Saskatchewan Extension Division, the Department of Plant Sciences and the Provincial Government.