Poisonous Plants Basics Plants are amazing creatures that produce many great benefits for human consumption. We get most of our medicines from plants, our foods and even our beauty products. Still, there are poisonous plants among the wild edible plants that people need to be aware of when it comes to consuming them. To be responsible foragers we should have a few basic pieces of knowledge in our pockets to stay safe. So what are poisonous plants anyways? If you remember one simple fact, it will help you realize why plants produce certain compound to deter predators – PLANTS CANT RUN! If you were to accidentally chomp on a Skunk Cabbage you would become very familiar with oxalate crystals that are like needles that stab you all the way down! Besides defending themselves, plants also make poisonous or toxic substances as byproducts from their usual metabolic processes. Ok, so you are out with your friends harvesting Cattail and you are a new forager. Stay Calm and Act Fast. Know your plants and plant families!
World History for Us All Herbal Directory: Penn State Univ. Information on common herbs for cultivation and culinary purposes. Herbs are classified by their use - aromatic, cosmetic, culinary, decorative, dye, medicinal and ornamental. Important Disclaimer The information shared freely on these pages is meant for cultivation of the crops and for culinary use only. Other uses are simply noted, so that readers are aware that they exist. Contact Michael Orzolek, Professor of Vegetable Crops The Herb directory was developed by Keppy Arnoldsen, Aimée Voisin and Jen Johnson under the guidance of Dr. Identify That Plant: Master The Skill Of Plant Identification Your Guide to Success with House Plants, Tips for Growing Plants Indoors - Guide-to-Houseplants.com Non-Edible Poisonous Flowers Chart Non-edible Poisonous Flowers This chart is a list of the most commonly-known poisonous plants and flowers to avoid while selecting edible flowers. It is not complete, so just because you do not see it listed here, do not assume it is safe to eat. • Edible Flowers Chart • Edible Flowers Information and Recipes • Herb Information • Spice Information • A to Z Recipes and Food Disclaimer: This is a list of the most common poisonous plants and flowers but it is by no means complete. A to Z Recipes and Food | Articles by topic
Applied and Environmental Microbiology Top 10 Most Dangerous Plants In the World 1. Most likely to eat a rat Giant Pitcher Plant: Nepenthes attenboroughii Discovered more than 5000 feet above sea level on Mount Victoria in the Philippines, the giant, carnivorous pitcher plant secretes a nectar-like substance to lure unsuspecting prey into a pool of enzymes and acid. A series of sticky, downward ribs makes it nearly impossible for trapped prey to escape. The plant's 30-centimeter diameter is large enough to trap unlucky rodents, but insects are its most common meal. 2. Castor Bean Plant: Ricinus communis Castor-bean plants can be purchased at just about any garden center, despite containing the deadly poison ricin. 3. Western Water Hemlock: Cicuta douglasii Deemed the most "violently toxic plant that grows in North America" by the USDA, the water hemlock contains the toxin cicutoxin, which wreaks havoc on the central nervous system, causing grand mal seizures--which include loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions--and eventually death, if ingested. 4. 5.
Lunaria annua Lunaria annua, called honesty or annual honesty in English, is a species of flowering plant native to the Balkans and south west Asia, and naturalized throughout the temperate world. It is an annual or biennial growing to 90 cm (35 in) tall by 30 cm (12 in) broad, with large, coarse, pointed oval leaves with marked serrations. In spring and summer it bears terminal racemes of white or violet flowers, followed by showy, light brown, translucent, disc-shaped seedpods (silicles) the skin of which falls off to release the seeds, revealing a central membrane which is white with a silvery sheen, 3–8 cm (1–3 in) in diameter; they persist on the plant through winter.[1] These pods are much used in floral arrangements. Etymology[edit] The Latin name lunaria means "moon-shaped" and refers to the shape and appearance of the seedpods.[2] The common name "honesty" arose in the 16th century, and may also relate to the translucence of the seedpods. Cultivation[edit] See also[edit] References[edit]