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Poisonous Plant -Water Hemlock
Apiaceae or umbelliferae (Cicuta maculata)
identification: tall plant (to 8'). Its leaves are compound, with 2"–4" long, deeply toothed (serrated) lance-shaped leaflets; white umbrella-shaped flower clusters; hollow stems; visually, it resembles poison hemlock in many respects, and it resembles several of its edible family members dangerously. The leaf venation is unique in that it ends at the notch rather than the tip. This vein serves as an example.
Widely dispersed throughout North America is their habitat. Found in the vicinity of springs, seeps, mountain meadows, marshes, streamsides, and snowmelt.
Toxins: Cicutoxin, one of the deadliest plants in North America.
Within 15 to 60 minutes of consumption, symptoms include nausea, increased salivation, and convulsions. These symptoms frequently result in fast deterioration and death.
First Aid: An emergency medical situation that needs IV diazepam or other anticonvulsants since it is frequently lethal without prompt treatment. cure acidosis and keep the pee flowing. It could be essential to use intubation and mechanical ventilation. Long-term mental impairments in survivors are possible.
Be aware that this plant is sometimes mistaken for another umbelliferae. Learn about this family (fennel, parsley, carrot, cow parsnip, etc.). Find the hemlocks and learn how to recognize them.
Apiaceae or umbelliferae (Cicuta maculata)
identification: tall plant (to 8'). Its leaves are compound, with 2"–4" long, deeply toothed (serrated) lance-shaped leaflets; white umbrella-shaped flower clusters; hollow stems; visually, it resembles poison hemlock in many respects, and it resembles several of its edible family members dangerously. The leaf venation is unique in that it ends at the notch rather than the tip. This vein serves as an example.
Widely dispersed throughout North America is their habitat. Found in the vicinity of springs, seeps, mountain meadows, marshes, streamsides, and snowmelt.
Toxins: Cicutoxin, one of the deadliest plants in North America.
Within 15 to 60 minutes of consumption, symptoms include nausea, increased salivation, and convulsions. These symptoms frequently result in fast deterioration and death.
First Aid: An emergency medical situation that needs IV diazepam or other anticonvulsants since it is frequently lethal without prompt treatment. cure acidosis and keep the pee flowing. It could be essential to use intubation and mechanical ventilation. Long-term mental impairments in survivors are possible.
Be aware that this plant is sometimes mistaken for another umbelliferae. Learn about this family (fennel, parsley, carrot, cow parsnip, etc.). Find the hemlocks and learn how to recognize them.
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Poisonous Plant - Western Skunk Cabbage
Araceae (Lysichitum americanus)
Identification: big yellow bloom, up to 3-foot-long leaves with a waxy sheen; lowland, wetland dweller that develops in colonies. Spreading colonial plant in moist regions beneath western coniferous woods is its habitat.
poisons: includes crystals of caustic oxalate.
Symptoms: raw food causes a burning feeling. Pain and terror may cause respiration and heart rate to be affected if consumed. Additionally, be prepared for numbness, burning in the lips, mouth, and tongue, swelling in the lips or tongue, and gastrointestinal symptoms such diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.
Skunk cabbage from the East
Skunk cabbage in the West
First Aid: Get medical attention by fleeing to the emergency department. stomach could be cleared. When there is stomach and intestinal involvement, give lots of water. Administered drugs can be famotidine, diphenhydramine, or adrenaline. The anaphylactic reaction is treated.
It should be noted that part of the fiery, peppery flavor of the calcium oxalate crystals is eliminated when the leaves or roots of Eastern or Western skunk cabbage are dried. Wrapping fish and pit roast in Western-style leaves is a culinary trick used by Native Americans and other astute chefs. Cooking has no harmful effects.
Araceae (Lysichitum americanus)
Identification: big yellow bloom, up to 3-foot-long leaves with a waxy sheen; lowland, wetland dweller that develops in colonies. Spreading colonial plant in moist regions beneath western coniferous woods is its habitat.
poisons: includes crystals of caustic oxalate.
Symptoms: raw food causes a burning feeling. Pain and terror may cause respiration and heart rate to be affected if consumed. Additionally, be prepared for numbness, burning in the lips, mouth, and tongue, swelling in the lips or tongue, and gastrointestinal symptoms such diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.
Skunk cabbage from the East
Skunk cabbage in the West
First Aid: Get medical attention by fleeing to the emergency department. stomach could be cleared. When there is stomach and intestinal involvement, give lots of water. Administered drugs can be famotidine, diphenhydramine, or adrenaline. The anaphylactic reaction is treated.
It should be noted that part of the fiery, peppery flavor of the calcium oxalate crystals is eliminated when the leaves or roots of Eastern or Western skunk cabbage are dried. Wrapping fish and pit roast in Western-style leaves is a culinary trick used by Native Americans and other astute chefs. Cooking has no harmful effects.
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Poisonous Plant – Yaupon, Yaupon Holly
Aquifoliaceae (Ilex vomitoria)
Identification: Yaupon is an evergreen holly that resembles a shrub and has glossy, green leaves with pointed tips. Simple, alternating leaves with shallow teeth. Small white blossoms on a bush give rise to scarlet berries.
Habitat: coastal plant that is commonly farmed and found in Texas and the Southwest.
Triterpenoids, saponic glycosides, and illicin are among the poisons that make berries hazardous and inedible.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to mild poisoning.
First Aid: disease progresses naturally and self-limits.
Note: colors are made from berries and leaves. Alum mordant is dyed red by the juicy red berries. Use it on wool by soaking it in the dye and allowing it to absorb the color in the sunshine. To attain a gray hue, pound leaves in water containing iron or copper. Young leaves can be consumed or used to make tea.
Aquifoliaceae (Ilex vomitoria)
Identification: Yaupon is an evergreen holly that resembles a shrub and has glossy, green leaves with pointed tips. Simple, alternating leaves with shallow teeth. Small white blossoms on a bush give rise to scarlet berries.
Habitat: coastal plant that is commonly farmed and found in Texas and the Southwest.
Triterpenoids, saponic glycosides, and illicin are among the poisons that make berries hazardous and inedible.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to mild poisoning.
First Aid: disease progresses naturally and self-limits.
Note: colors are made from berries and leaves. Alum mordant is dyed red by the juicy red berries. Use it on wool by soaking it in the dye and allowing it to absorb the color in the sunshine. To attain a gray hue, pound leaves in water containing iron or copper. Young leaves can be consumed or used to make tea.
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Poisonous Plant - Angelica
umbelliferae (Angelica atropurpurea, A. sinensis) identification: With a strong, towering purple stem, A. atropurpurea is a tall biennial that can grow up to 9'. big compound leaves that have three to five leaflets each with a hollow petiole. Sheaths envelop emerging upper leaves, and they persist around the petioles. Clusters of greenish-white flowers resemble umbrellas.
Habitat: Found in the northern tier of states, usually east of the Mississippi, in moist lowlands and near streams and rivers.
Toxins/irritants: furanocoumarins, or psoralens
Symptoms include a severe burn, inflammation, and pain that follows from the phototoxic reaction.
First Aid: Keep plant liquids and leaves away from your skin. After coming into touch with plant juice, or if plant pieces have been consumed, spend a whole day out of the sun.
Remarks: Angelica, like other umbelliferae, contains calcium channel blockers, which enhance peripheral circulation. These medications are comparable to those used to treat angina. Numerous other umbelliferae, such as parsley, celery, carrot, and Queen Anne's lace (wild carrot), can be phytophototoxic to sensitive people or induce contact dermatitis. Those who are prone should wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves when gardening. Decoctions made from the roots of A. atropurpurea were used by Native Americans as a gargle for sore throats, rheumatism, fevers and chills, and flatulence. Additionally, the herb was utilized in sweat lodges to treat headaches, frostbite, hypothermia, and arthritis. To alleviate pain externally, crush the root and apply it as a poultice (avoid direct sunlight). I have casually touched both this plant and cow parsnip while hiking, and nothing bad has happened. Despite being recommended for psoriasis, angelica hasn't worked for me. Eating angelica is supposed to increase your sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation by swallowing psoralens. The uV-light/psoralen interaction may halt or inhibit skin cell division after ten minutes in the sun. Psoralens taken on oneself and then exposed to light can be carcinogenic and phototoxic. For a safe and effective psoriasis wash, visit herbvideos.com. roots that are used to grilled fish, gin, vodka, and different jams to add flavor.
umbelliferae (Angelica atropurpurea, A. sinensis) identification: With a strong, towering purple stem, A. atropurpurea is a tall biennial that can grow up to 9'. big compound leaves that have three to five leaflets each with a hollow petiole. Sheaths envelop emerging upper leaves, and they persist around the petioles. Clusters of greenish-white flowers resemble umbrellas.
Habitat: Found in the northern tier of states, usually east of the Mississippi, in moist lowlands and near streams and rivers.
Toxins/irritants: furanocoumarins, or psoralens
Symptoms include a severe burn, inflammation, and pain that follows from the phototoxic reaction.
First Aid: Keep plant liquids and leaves away from your skin. After coming into touch with plant juice, or if plant pieces have been consumed, spend a whole day out of the sun.
Remarks: Angelica, like other umbelliferae, contains calcium channel blockers, which enhance peripheral circulation. These medications are comparable to those used to treat angina. Numerous other umbelliferae, such as parsley, celery, carrot, and Queen Anne's lace (wild carrot), can be phytophototoxic to sensitive people or induce contact dermatitis. Those who are prone should wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves when gardening. Decoctions made from the roots of A. atropurpurea were used by Native Americans as a gargle for sore throats, rheumatism, fevers and chills, and flatulence. Additionally, the herb was utilized in sweat lodges to treat headaches, frostbite, hypothermia, and arthritis. To alleviate pain externally, crush the root and apply it as a poultice (avoid direct sunlight). I have casually touched both this plant and cow parsnip while hiking, and nothing bad has happened. Despite being recommended for psoriasis, angelica hasn't worked for me. Eating angelica is supposed to increase your sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation by swallowing psoralens. The uV-light/psoralen interaction may halt or inhibit skin cell division after ten minutes in the sun. Psoralens taken on oneself and then exposed to light can be carcinogenic and phototoxic. For a safe and effective psoriasis wash, visit herbvideos.com. roots that are used to grilled fish, gin, vodka, and different jams to add flavor.
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Poisonous Plant -Cow Parsnip
umbelliferae (Heracleum lanatum)
Identification: huge umbels of white flowers, enormous, deeply cut leaves, hollow stem; resemblance to angelica and numerous other members of the carrot family. Odorous plant up to 7 feet tall; in the West, usually smaller.
Habitat: East and west of the Mississippi, wetlands, lakesides, and streamsides; also common along rivers, streams, and trails in the Mountain West.
Toxins/irritants: furanocoumarins, or psoralen. Blisters, irritation, and redness are the symptoms.
Avoidance is first aid. Recognize juices and stay away from them. Most of the time, casual touch made while hiking won't result in any symptoms. Rashes can last for several weeks or months.
Note: a stem that can be eaten raw, boiled, candied, or with its skin removed. Brew roots are supposed to relieve flatulence. It is thought that fresh root makes a useful poultice. After pounding the root, apply. compounds that have been connected in both in vitro and in vivo research to cancer.
umbelliferae (Heracleum lanatum)
Identification: huge umbels of white flowers, enormous, deeply cut leaves, hollow stem; resemblance to angelica and numerous other members of the carrot family. Odorous plant up to 7 feet tall; in the West, usually smaller.
Habitat: East and west of the Mississippi, wetlands, lakesides, and streamsides; also common along rivers, streams, and trails in the Mountain West.
Toxins/irritants: furanocoumarins, or psoralen. Blisters, irritation, and redness are the symptoms.
Avoidance is first aid. Recognize juices and stay away from them. Most of the time, casual touch made while hiking won't result in any symptoms. Rashes can last for several weeks or months.
Note: a stem that can be eaten raw, boiled, candied, or with its skin removed. Brew roots are supposed to relieve flatulence. It is thought that fresh root makes a useful poultice. After pounding the root, apply. compounds that have been connected in both in vitro and in vivo research to cancer.
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Poisonous Club – Devil ‘s Club
Araliaceae (Oplopanax horridus) identification: shrubby perennial to 10', a twisted tangle of spiny thorns. gives off a pleasant scent and has big, maple-like leaves that are thorny on the underside. White blooms in a terminal head that resembles a club.
habitat: seeps, stream banks, damp, low-lying forests—common in the Olympic range and cascades, from sea level to the tree line in Canada—and western mountains to the west coast, particularly in moist places.
Toxins/irritants: This plant causes mechanical harm. Big thorns rip and puncture the flesh. Berries don't taste good.
Symptoms: Intense puncture wounds that in certain cases might lead to dermatitis.
First Aid: clean cuts and apply triple antibiotic ointment if necessary.
Notably, spring buds are consumed as a survival food (remember, though, that people will also eat dirt during bad times). Seek them out early, as soon as the snow melts, and select tender new shoots with gentle spines. This resilient plant fortifies every habitat in which it grows. Uses for its roots, berries, and greenish bark make this one of the most significant medicinal plants in the West. Berries are applied to hair to eradicate lice and impart a glossy finish. Inner bark can be consumed raw by chewing it or it can be decocted and ingested for the same purpose. The inner bark is used to treat ulcers, arthritis, and cramping in the stomach and intestines. See the author's Basic Illustrated Edible Wild Plants and Useful Herbs or go to his website, herbvideos.com, for additional resources.
Araliaceae (Oplopanax horridus) identification: shrubby perennial to 10', a twisted tangle of spiny thorns. gives off a pleasant scent and has big, maple-like leaves that are thorny on the underside. White blooms in a terminal head that resembles a club.
habitat: seeps, stream banks, damp, low-lying forests—common in the Olympic range and cascades, from sea level to the tree line in Canada—and western mountains to the west coast, particularly in moist places.
Toxins/irritants: This plant causes mechanical harm. Big thorns rip and puncture the flesh. Berries don't taste good.
Symptoms: Intense puncture wounds that in certain cases might lead to dermatitis.
First Aid: clean cuts and apply triple antibiotic ointment if necessary.
Notably, spring buds are consumed as a survival food (remember, though, that people will also eat dirt during bad times). Seek them out early, as soon as the snow melts, and select tender new shoots with gentle spines. This resilient plant fortifies every habitat in which it grows. Uses for its roots, berries, and greenish bark make this one of the most significant medicinal plants in the West. Berries are applied to hair to eradicate lice and impart a glossy finish. Inner bark can be consumed raw by chewing it or it can be decocted and ingested for the same purpose. The inner bark is used to treat ulcers, arthritis, and cramping in the stomach and intestines. See the author's Basic Illustrated Edible Wild Plants and Useful Herbs or go to his website, herbvideos.com, for additional resources.
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Poisonous Plant - Hogweed, Giant Hogweed
umxbelliferae (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
Identification: resembles cow parsnip in appearance, but usually much larger (up to 12'), with white flowers, hollow stem, and more deeply divided leaves.
Habitat: East and west of the Mississippi, plants found in marshes, lakeshores, and along streams.
common in garbage areas. a foreign invader from the Far East.
Toxins/irritants: furanocoumarins, or psoralen.
Symptoms include blisters, redness, and inflammation that are more severe than those of cow parsnip or other umbelliferae plants—a plant that many believe should be avoided or completely exterminated. I find this plant to be rather stunning; like us, it enjoys the natural beauty of this place, but beware of its ominous repercussions, which can linger for months or even years.
Avoidance is first aid. Recognize juices and stay away from them.
It should be noted that despite its reputation as a villainous plant, it is unable to walk and does not bite. Be cautious since it punishes those who fail to recognize it and then come into contact with its fluids.
umxbelliferae (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
Identification: resembles cow parsnip in appearance, but usually much larger (up to 12'), with white flowers, hollow stem, and more deeply divided leaves.
Habitat: East and west of the Mississippi, plants found in marshes, lakeshores, and along streams.
common in garbage areas. a foreign invader from the Far East.
Toxins/irritants: furanocoumarins, or psoralen.
Symptoms include blisters, redness, and inflammation that are more severe than those of cow parsnip or other umbelliferae plants—a plant that many believe should be avoided or completely exterminated. I find this plant to be rather stunning; like us, it enjoys the natural beauty of this place, but beware of its ominous repercussions, which can linger for months or even years.
Avoidance is first aid. Recognize juices and stay away from them.
It should be noted that despite its reputation as a villainous plant, it is unable to walk and does not bite. Be cautious since it punishes those who fail to recognize it and then come into contact with its fluids.
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Botanical Terms – Acquired Characteristics
acquired characteristics the traits that an organism picks up throughout its lifetime. Early evolutionary theorists like *Lamarck postulated that characteristics picked up in one generation in response to external cues would be passed down to the gametes and inherited by the following generation. Consequently, over a number of generations, a certain kind of organism
would improve its environmental adaptation. While some parts of the theory have since been revived in a modified form, Lamarck's types of acquisition and their heredity are now rejected.
acquired characteristics the traits that an organism picks up throughout its lifetime. Early evolutionary theorists like *Lamarck postulated that characteristics picked up in one generation in response to external cues would be passed down to the gametes and inherited by the following generation. Consequently, over a number of generations, a certain kind of organism
would improve its environmental adaptation. While some parts of the theory have since been revived in a modified form, Lamarck's types of acquisition and their heredity are now rejected.
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Poisonous Plant. – Castor Bean, African Coffee Tree, Castor Oil Plant
euphorbiaceae (Ricinus communis)
Identification: annual plant, growing to a height of 15 to 40 feet; leaves have 5 to 12 broad cleft lobes; mature leaves are glossy and coarsely serrated, reaching up to 1 foot in diameter; they are usually dark green, sometimes with a reddish tinge. The color of the round, spiny seed capsules and the stalks varies as well. Flowers are carried on spikes by both male and female plants. Female flowers are carried on the ends of spikes with noticeable red stigmas, while male blooms are yellowish green with creamy white stamens. The fruit is a spiny, greenish (to reddish-purple) capsule that is filled with large, glossy, round, highly toxic seeds that resemble beans and have brownish mottling. Castor seeds are guaranteed to disperse due to an insect-attracting appendage known as a caruncle.
euphorbiaceae (Ricinus communis)
Identification: annual plant, growing to a height of 15 to 40 feet; leaves have 5 to 12 broad cleft lobes; mature leaves are glossy and coarsely serrated, reaching up to 1 foot in diameter; they are usually dark green, sometimes with a reddish tinge. The color of the round, spiny seed capsules and the stalks varies as well. Flowers are carried on spikes by both male and female plants. Female flowers are carried on the ends of spikes with noticeable red stigmas, while male blooms are yellowish green with creamy white stamens. The fruit is a spiny, greenish (to reddish-purple) capsule that is filled with large, glossy, round, highly toxic seeds that resemble beans and have brownish mottling. Castor seeds are guaranteed to disperse due to an insect-attracting appendage known as a caruncle.
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Poisonous Plant – Creosote Bush
Zygophylaceae (Larrea tridentata)
Identification: 3'–10' tall, aromatic, resinous shrub with lighter to nearly white bark higher up on limbs and branches, and reddish-brown bark at the base. The texture and appearance of the tiny, yellow-green leaves are glossy and leathery. Tiny yellow blossoms turn into fuzzy, hairy capsules that contain seeds.
Habitat: desert dweller in Mexico and the southwestern United States.
Toxins: Because chaparral may have a toxic effect on the liver and cause acute or subacute hepatitis, its use in medicine and commerce is dubious. The lignan chemistry of chaparral has been well investigated, and a great deal of research has been done on the main constituent, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NdGa), a potent antioxidant that has been demonstrated in animal experiments to have both anti-cancerous and carcinogenic properties. Take into consideration an alternative to chaparral due to the herb's unknown applications, potential for liver toxicity, and cancer-causing properties. Health Canada issued a warning on December 21, 2005, regarding the potential risks associated with consuming chaparral in the form of loose leaves, teas, capsules, or bulk herbal preparations due to liver and kidney disorders. The herb cannot be sold for profit in the United States. Although holistic health care providers may still suggest and utilize chaparral, the author argues that it should be avoided until safety and efficacy are proven via scientific research.
Carcinogenicity and liver failure are symptoms. Avoidance is first aid.
Note: The presence of a very toxic chemical produced in and discharged from the root of chaparral plants is one reason for their extraordinary success in keeping other plants from growing nearby. Rainfall removes the poison, promoting the growth of other plants. The invasive plants are destroyed and the toxin is released once more when the water drains away. This characteristic makes sure chaparral doesn't have to fight with other plants for the little nutrients available.
Many Native American tribes in North America have been using a decoction of the evergreen leaves of the creosote bush to cure stomach issues and diarrhea. Uses documented: the chewed plant was applied as a poultice to bites from insects, spiders, and snakes. To boost milk flow, leaf infusion wash has been employed. Warm twig sap was stuffed into tooth cavities to relieve toothaches; a poultice made of leaves was given to wounds, skin issues, and chest troubles. It was used by Native Americans as a remedy for leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted illnesses. The leaves can be used to make a tea that is internally consumed as a lung antiseptic and expectorant. It is also regarded as an analgesic, antidiarrhetic, diuretic, and emetic. It has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, such as fever, influenza, colds, gas, arthritis, sinusitis, anemia, fungal infections, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and premenstrual syndrome (PMs).
Zygophylaceae (Larrea tridentata)
Identification: 3'–10' tall, aromatic, resinous shrub with lighter to nearly white bark higher up on limbs and branches, and reddish-brown bark at the base. The texture and appearance of the tiny, yellow-green leaves are glossy and leathery. Tiny yellow blossoms turn into fuzzy, hairy capsules that contain seeds.
Habitat: desert dweller in Mexico and the southwestern United States.
Toxins: Because chaparral may have a toxic effect on the liver and cause acute or subacute hepatitis, its use in medicine and commerce is dubious. The lignan chemistry of chaparral has been well investigated, and a great deal of research has been done on the main constituent, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NdGa), a potent antioxidant that has been demonstrated in animal experiments to have both anti-cancerous and carcinogenic properties. Take into consideration an alternative to chaparral due to the herb's unknown applications, potential for liver toxicity, and cancer-causing properties. Health Canada issued a warning on December 21, 2005, regarding the potential risks associated with consuming chaparral in the form of loose leaves, teas, capsules, or bulk herbal preparations due to liver and kidney disorders. The herb cannot be sold for profit in the United States. Although holistic health care providers may still suggest and utilize chaparral, the author argues that it should be avoided until safety and efficacy are proven via scientific research.
Carcinogenicity and liver failure are symptoms. Avoidance is first aid.
Note: The presence of a very toxic chemical produced in and discharged from the root of chaparral plants is one reason for their extraordinary success in keeping other plants from growing nearby. Rainfall removes the poison, promoting the growth of other plants. The invasive plants are destroyed and the toxin is released once more when the water drains away. This characteristic makes sure chaparral doesn't have to fight with other plants for the little nutrients available.
Many Native American tribes in North America have been using a decoction of the evergreen leaves of the creosote bush to cure stomach issues and diarrhea. Uses documented: the chewed plant was applied as a poultice to bites from insects, spiders, and snakes. To boost milk flow, leaf infusion wash has been employed. Warm twig sap was stuffed into tooth cavities to relieve toothaches; a poultice made of leaves was given to wounds, skin issues, and chest troubles. It was used by Native Americans as a remedy for leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted illnesses. The leaves can be used to make a tea that is internally consumed as a lung antiseptic and expectorant. It is also regarded as an analgesic, antidiarrhetic, diuretic, and emetic. It has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, such as fever, influenza, colds, gas, arthritis, sinusitis, anemia, fungal infections, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and premenstrual syndrome (PMs).
