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Poisonous Plant – Pokeweed
Phytolaccaceae (Phytolacca americana) identification: Ovate leaves, pointed at tip; purple stem when mature; elongated clusters of purple berries. grows from a big rootstock with thick, purple, hollow stems. May reach a height of 10 feet.
The plant's habitat includes gardens, waste areas, empty lots, and the edges of wooded areas.
Toxins: every portion, especially the root, is toxic. Formic acid, tannin, phytolaccine, and resinous acid are chemically active compounds. Saponins are the parts of the plant that are harmful.
Symptoms: consuming undercooked vegetables can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping in the abdomen, dermatitis, dizziness, and weakness. Seizures, low blood pressure, fast heartbeat, blocking of the electrical impulses that cause the heart to contract, and even death are possible outcomes in both acute and advanced reactions.
First Aid: Within 24 hours, symptoms go away with a mild dosage that is self-limiting. Ingestion of large amounts is a medical emergency; remove the patient.
Note: Red food coloring is made by the food industry from the juice of the berries. Pokeweed tincture or alcohol extract is used by farmers and dairy farmers to lessen udder swelling in cows. Pick young green leaves before the stems turn purple for best safety. Young green leaves can be eaten after being thoroughly cooked in a change of water and then sautéed. Pokeweed antiviral protein, or PaP, has been proven in lab studies to have anticancer effects in mice and to have antiviral properties against viruses like the human immunodeficiency virus and herpes. Certain formulations of PaP may prove effective against hormone-dependent cancer cells, such as those found in ovarian, breast, and prostate cancers, according to other studies.
Phytolaccaceae (Phytolacca americana) identification: Ovate leaves, pointed at tip; purple stem when mature; elongated clusters of purple berries. grows from a big rootstock with thick, purple, hollow stems. May reach a height of 10 feet.
The plant's habitat includes gardens, waste areas, empty lots, and the edges of wooded areas.
Toxins: every portion, especially the root, is toxic. Formic acid, tannin, phytolaccine, and resinous acid are chemically active compounds. Saponins are the parts of the plant that are harmful.
Symptoms: consuming undercooked vegetables can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping in the abdomen, dermatitis, dizziness, and weakness. Seizures, low blood pressure, fast heartbeat, blocking of the electrical impulses that cause the heart to contract, and even death are possible outcomes in both acute and advanced reactions.
First Aid: Within 24 hours, symptoms go away with a mild dosage that is self-limiting. Ingestion of large amounts is a medical emergency; remove the patient.
Note: Red food coloring is made by the food industry from the juice of the berries. Pokeweed tincture or alcohol extract is used by farmers and dairy farmers to lessen udder swelling in cows. Pick young green leaves before the stems turn purple for best safety. Young green leaves can be eaten after being thoroughly cooked in a change of water and then sautéed. Pokeweed antiviral protein, or PaP, has been proven in lab studies to have anticancer effects in mice and to have antiviral properties against viruses like the human immunodeficiency virus and herpes. Certain formulations of PaP may prove effective against hormone-dependent cancer cells, such as those found in ovarian, breast, and prostate cancers, according to other studies.
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Poisonous Plant - Skunk Cabbage
Araceae (Symplocarpus foetidus, Lysichitum americanus) identification: large, green, elephant-ear-like leaves are lustrous and waxy in appearance with a “skunky” odor when torn. The flower is a colorful, antique sheath encircling a flower spike that resembles a club (spadix).
Habitat: Lowlands, bogs, and other wetlands with a tree cover are home to both western and eastern species.
Toxins: calcium oxalate crystals (raphides); do not use this plant's fresh portions for food or medicinal purposes.
Symptoms include a burning feeling when consumed uncooked and difficulty swallowing since oxalates are corrosive. Pain and stress usually cause respiration and heart rate to increase 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.
First Aid: self-limiting; seek medical attention by fleeing to the emergency room. The doctor might advise emptying the stomach or prescribe medications like Mylanta to soothe the digestive tract. If the person has stomach or intestinal involvement, they should drink a lot of water. Administered drugs can be famotidine, diphenhydramine, or adrenaline. The anaphylactic reaction is treated.
One of the first plants to bloom, pushing through ice and snow before flowering, this uncommon endothermic plant generates heat.
Araceae (Symplocarpus foetidus, Lysichitum americanus) identification: large, green, elephant-ear-like leaves are lustrous and waxy in appearance with a “skunky” odor when torn. The flower is a colorful, antique sheath encircling a flower spike that resembles a club (spadix).
Habitat: Lowlands, bogs, and other wetlands with a tree cover are home to both western and eastern species.
Toxins: calcium oxalate crystals (raphides); do not use this plant's fresh portions for food or medicinal purposes.
Symptoms include a burning feeling when consumed uncooked and difficulty swallowing since oxalates are corrosive. Pain and stress usually cause respiration and heart rate to increase 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.
First Aid: self-limiting; seek medical attention by fleeing to the emergency room. The doctor might advise emptying the stomach or prescribe medications like Mylanta to soothe the digestive tract. If the person has stomach or intestinal involvement, they should drink a lot of water. Administered drugs can be famotidine, diphenhydramine, or adrenaline. The anaphylactic reaction is treated.
One of the first plants to bloom, pushing through ice and snow before flowering, this uncommon endothermic plant generates heat.
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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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Poisonous Plant – Cypress Spurge
euphorbiaceae (Euphorbia cyparissias) purge
Identification: Native European who fled to the Americas grows to a height of 12" (plus or less). Late in the season, yellow-green petals become scarlet or purple. Similar to spotted touch-me-nots, seedpods burst and spread seeds far and wide. Colonies become large and disperse when adventitious roots with lateral root buds are present. Leaves that are short and thin stand out.
Habitat: Found widely in gravelly, sandy soils. wide and poisonous grazing grounds for horses and cattle. found along the banks of roadways in southern Michigan. exists from coast to coast, taking over native habitat like a poisonous weed. Yes, the planet is blending together, with human assistance, of course.
toxins: bitter, toxic latex.
Emetic and purgative internal irritant to grazing animals are the symptoms. The main issue with poisonous latex in humans is that it irritates the lips, eyes, ears, and other exterior areas.
First Aid: liberal application of water irrigation. If consumed and swallowed, get help right away by calling a doctor or fleeing to a hospital for emergency care.
Note: Parasitic fungus and flea beetles govern the spread of plants
euphorbiaceae (Euphorbia cyparissias) purge
Identification: Native European who fled to the Americas grows to a height of 12" (plus or less). Late in the season, yellow-green petals become scarlet or purple. Similar to spotted touch-me-nots, seedpods burst and spread seeds far and wide. Colonies become large and disperse when adventitious roots with lateral root buds are present. Leaves that are short and thin stand out.
Habitat: Found widely in gravelly, sandy soils. wide and poisonous grazing grounds for horses and cattle. found along the banks of roadways in southern Michigan. exists from coast to coast, taking over native habitat like a poisonous weed. Yes, the planet is blending together, with human assistance, of course.
toxins: bitter, toxic latex.
Emetic and purgative internal irritant to grazing animals are the symptoms. The main issue with poisonous latex in humans is that it irritates the lips, eyes, ears, and other exterior areas.
First Aid: liberal application of water irrigation. If consumed and swallowed, get help right away by calling a doctor or fleeing to a hospital for emergency care.
Note: Parasitic fungus and flea beetles govern the spread of plants
