Even More Poisonous Plants...

Common Snowberry





Symphoricarpos albus and related spp.

Snowberries are sometimes grown as ornamental shrubs in North America and Europe. One child, after eating three berries, experienced mild sedation, vomiting, and slight dizziness. Others have died from eating them. In several indigenous languages, they are known as ghost berries or corpse berries.

Calla Lilies



Zantedeschia aethiopica and related spp.

When ingested, this attractive flower causes intense burning of the mouth and throat. however, it is seldom fatal. They are grown as houseplants in many places, although they are native to South America.

Jack in the Pulpit



Grows in much of Eastern North America. The plant causes salivation, nausea, and vomiting. Very rarely, it causes irregular heart beat, fits, coma, and death. Fortunately, the plant burns when it is swallowed, so a fatal dose is rare.

Buttercups



Ranunculus spp. and related genera

Attractive yellow flowers. They are found throughout North America. The fresh plants can cause painful blistering of the skin and irritate the mouth. However, they taste horrible, so it is rare that they are eaten in quantity. However, a fatal dose is not impossible.

More Poisonous Plants...

Black Hellebore

Helleborus niger and related spp.

An herbaceous perennial, with the flowers blooming in winter or spring. Poisoning is rare, but can be fatal. Symptoms of poisoning involve cramps, nausea, visual disturbances, and vomiting.

Larkspur and Delphinium



Consolida ajacis, Delphinium spp.

These plants grow in many gardens. Their poison is similar to that of aconite, a highly poisonous plant. The amount of poison in these plants depends on the age of the plant and the species, but a fatal dose is not impossible.

Hemlock



Conium maculatum

Carrot like plants. The root can be mistaken for carrots and the leaves for parsley. The plant has an unpleasant taste and smell, which is fortunate, since it is deadly poison. It was used to kill Socrates and is said to be a very humane way to die. Initially, those who eat it will feel stimulated, then fall into severe depression of the nervous system, became paralyzed, and die if not helped.

In case anyone's wondering where my sudden interest in poisonous plants came from, it's because I read The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, by Alan Bradley. And no, I have NOT been researching poison so I can actually USE it. Just in case this wasn't obvious, I don't recommend testing these plants to see if I'm right. (Though I'm sure none of you were thinking about it... were you?)

Aconite




Aconitium napellus

This blue flower is deadly. It has a poison similar to that of larkspurs and delphiniums (which, in big enough doses, can also kill you, although I don't think it's as deadly as aconite). It can be found growing throughout Europe and the United States. It is also known as monkshood, the name coming from the appearance of the sepal, which resembles a hood or helmet. The Nazis added aconite to their bullets to make them extra deadly.



Bleeding Heart



Dicentra spp.

This attractive flower resembles a heart with a drop of blood suspended from it. It contains alkaloid toxins similar to those of the poppy family. The alkaloid can cause seizures, nausea, and respiratory problems.




Lily-of-the-Valley




Convallaria majalis

All parts of this flower are poisonous, the bulbs in particular. It contains various cardiac glycosides and, when consumed, provides a reaction similar to that of foxgloves (which I discussed in my last post). Both plants have been used to treat heart conditions. Lily-of-the-Valley can lead to headaches, nausea, and even heart failure.




Deadly Nightshade



Atropa belladonna

Due to the name, "Deadly Nightshade", do I really need to tell you that this plant isn't something you want to put in your mouth? This plant can cause hallucinations and headaches, among others things (which include killing you.) The black berries, however, are very attractive. Rabbits and cattle can eat them with no side effects. However, this does not extend to humans. (Which goes to show you that, when stranded on a deserted island, watching what the animals eat will not help you much.) The name Atropa has an interesting route. The three Fates of Greek Mythology each had a role. Lachesis measured the thread of destiny at birth. Clotho spun the thread, controlling their destiny. Atropos chose the time and manner of death.