Tag: Gardening risks

All parts of the cherry laurel plant, *Prunus laurocerasus*, contain toxic compounds called cyanogenic glycosides that release deadly hydrogen cyanide when ingested. Given this potent danger, can we eat cherry laurel? The simple and unambiguous answer is a resounding no.

According to reports, rare cases of "toxic squash syndrome"—caused by high levels of compounds called cucurbitacins—have led to severe illness, including one case of death. But does this mean all cucurbits are dangerous, and can you eat cucurbitacins in smaller, non-toxic amounts?

Despite their similar appearance, many plants with 'lily' in their name are not true lilies. So, **are pink lilies edible**? The answer is complex and requires careful identification, as some are edible daylilies while other visually similar species are highly toxic. This critical distinction is essential for anyone interested in foraging or growing edible flowers safely.