Tag: Plant poisoning

The ageratum flower, commonly known as floss flower, is not edible and is toxic. These plants contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, harmful compounds that can cause serious health problems if ingested.

Despite historical use, the ruda plant (*Ruta graveolens*), also known as rue, contains toxic compounds that can cause severe side effects, including organ damage and even death, especially when consumed in large quantities or as an oil. This evergreen shrub is far more dangerous than its traditional status suggests, requiring extreme caution from anyone considering its use.

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, accidental mistletoe exposures are common, especially among children. Despite this, the festive plant, specifically American mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum), should never be considered edible and poses significant health risks when ingested.

Fact: Every part of a raw elephant ear plant contains microscopic, needle-like calcium oxalate crystals that can cause intense pain and irritation if consumed. This is precisely what happens when you eat an elephant ear plant, causing an immediate, burning reaction that serves as a powerful deterrent against further ingestion.

As little as two milligrams of pure aconitine or one gram of the Aconitum plant can be fatal, causing respiratory paralysis and heart failure. This potent neurotoxin makes Aconitum, commonly known as monkshood or wolfsbane, one of the most toxic plants on Earth.

Ingesting poison ivy is highly dangerous due to the presence of urushiol, a potent oil that triggers severe allergic reactions. The idea that eating the leaves can build immunity is a harmful myth with potentially catastrophic health consequences.

Hellebores, including the popular “Christmas Rose” and “Lenten Rose,” are members of the highly toxic buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, and should never be consumed. Contrary to how their beautiful appearance might suggest, the hellebore flowers are not edible and are in fact, highly poisonous.

Most natural rubber is sourced from the *Hevea brasiliensis* tree, a species known for producing highly toxic fruit containing cyanogenic compounds. So, is the rubber tree fruit edible? For humans, consumption is extremely dangerous unless subjected to specialized, extensive processing.

Ingesting even a single seed from the *Thevetia peruviana* fruit can be lethal for a child, highlighting the extreme danger of this plant. While the plant's trumpet-shaped yellow flowers may be attractive, its fruit is one of the most toxic parts and is definitively not edible for humans or most animals.

According to the ASPCA, Alocasia contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, making every part of the plant toxic to pets. This toxicity also applies to humans, causing immediate pain and irritation if ingested or handled improperly.