Tag: Potato plant toxicity

Over 5,000 varieties of potatoes exist worldwide, but a lesser-known fact is that all green parts of the potato plant contain a natural defense chemical. So, are potato plant leaves toxic? The answer is a definitive yes, due to the presence of glycoalkaloids like solanine.

A study found that the highest concentrations of toxic glycoalkaloids in potato plants are located in the leaves, flowers, and sprouts. While potato tubers are a beloved staple food, the leaves, stems, and fruits that grow above ground are highly poisonous to humans and livestock. Consuming these parts of the plant can cause serious illness and, in rare cases, even death.