Poisonous Plants in General

THE PROBLEM: Most of us know about the native poisonous plants of Britain. There's mistletoe with its poisonous berries, holly berries, bella donna which is commonly called deadly nightshade and the toadstool in all its varieties. However there is now a new problem. The number of poisonous plants in Britain is increasing. New species of rare plants are appearing because of climate change and our supermarkets and garden centres are bursting at the seems with ever more exotic plants. SOME EXAMPLES: Aloe Vera contains aloe-emodin which has a purging effect on the large intestine. This plant is know as an aid for ...  Read the complete review

I know of a few people who have been tempted to go picking mushrooms, but this is a far more hazardous activity than it might first appear to be. If you aren't an expert, you can end up very sick, or seeing pink elephants. Here's some useful information to be going along with. Most would be mushroom eaters go after field mushrooms - much like the mushrooms they sell you in the supermarket, only bigger. Field mushrooms grow on the ground, usually in long grass, they have whitish tops. The key thing is to look underneath - if they are also white round the gills, they are going to poison you. Field mushrooms have black undersides - again, like the shop ...  Read the complete review

Whilst deaths from poisonous plants in this country are very rare, even though there are number of plants and fungi growing in the wild that are potentially lethal, it should be remembered that there is still a real risk. Obviously children are most vulnerable, being particularly attracted to small colorful berries, or even seeds in pods which resemble peas or beans, thankfully the acidic taste puts most off from consuming enough to cause death, however they can certainly make you very ill. The poisoning of adults, whilst rare, is often caused when picking and eating something that is mistaken for edible food, such as the bulb off a saffron plant looks ...  Read the complete review

Belladonna/deadly nightshade is a perennial herb. I am sure most of us have heard of this poisonous plant. As with a lot of poisonous plants it does have its uses as well. How do we recognise it? The plants can grow to a height of 3 to 5 feet when they are mature. The leaves taste very bitter, and are of an elongated 4-6 inches oval shape they are coloured a dirty dull dark green. If you look at the underside of the leaf you will notice the leaves are grey/green with veins that are clearly visible. The plant flowers from July to August. The flowers are a longish/ drooping bell shaped; they have a dirty purple and green tinge colour. ...  Read the complete review

POISONOUS PLANTS COMMONLY FOUND Walking round the Garden Centres,buying plants,how many people know just how poisonous many of our favourite plants are! To my mind there is not warning on the label, although being law there should be.. Everyday plants, some to numerous to mention Here are a few most of us grow; Columbine,Grannies Bonnets(AQUILEGIA) Pretty cottage perennial, one of my favourites in the garden.All parts,of all the different species are harmful if eaten! Larkspur/Delphinium. These need to be put at the back of the border,as these beauties are potentially dangerous. Lupins;Everybody`s favourite, but the pods & ...  Read the complete review