Tag: Poisonous leaves

According to the National Poisons Information Centre of Ireland, many common garden and wild plants contain toxic compounds in their leaves that can cause severe illness, or in rare cases, be fatal, if ingested. Learning which leaves are dangerous is a crucial skill for anyone who gardens, forages, or simply wants to ensure safety around their home.

Over a century ago during World War I, rhubarb leaves were mistakenly recommended as a vegetable substitute, leading to tragic poisoning cases. This grim history serves as a critical reminder: the leaves are the part of rhubarb that is not edible.

Every species within the large *Ranunculus* genus is considered poisonous when fresh. This includes the leaves, stems, and flowers, making it crucial for gardeners and pet owners to understand the potential dangers before handling these beautiful but toxic plants.