Original publication date:
July 1, 2009
More than 68,000 Americans a year are poisoned by plants.
Reactions can range from a skin rash or upset stomach to severe gastrointestinal symptoms or even death. Small children and pets are at highest risk.
Common plants that can be harmful: Oleander, datura, castor bean. Ask a garden center or landscaper for more information. Or check the Poisonous Plants Home Page of the University of Pennsylvania at http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/projects/poison/index.html for pictures of these plants... and others.
Bottom Line/Personal interviewed Amy Stewart, avid gardener and winner of the California Horticultural Society’s Writers Award and author of Flower Confidential (Algonquin).
