Plants
Ingestion of plants is one of the top 10 causes of poisoning nationwide. Decorative plants are found in many homes, and home landscaped yards provide access to a variety of attractive and potentially toxic plants. Fortunately, serious poisoning from plants is rare in children because the quantity of plant material required to cause serious poisoning is greater than what a small child ingests. Serious toxicity or death from plant ingestion is usually a result of intentional abuse (eg, jimson weed), misuse (eg, various teas steeped from plants), or suicide attempts (eg, oleander).
Mechanism of toxicity. Plants can be categorized by their potential toxicity. Table II–47 describes the effects of various plant toxins, and Table II–48 provides an alphabetical list of potentially toxic plants and herbs.
Table II-47 Plants: Some Toxic Components
Table II-47 Plants: Some Toxic Components
Toxin or Source
Clinical Effects
Aconitum
Tingling in digits followed by paresthesias, feeling of intense cold, gastroenteritis, skeletal muscle paralysis, ventricular arrhythmias, respiratory paralysis, death.
Aesculin
Single seed can cause gastroenteritis. Larger amounts can cause ataxia, gastroenteritis, CNS depression, and paralysis.
Anthraquinone
Severe diarrhea with GI bleeding, renal damage, dyspnea, and seizures.
Chinaberry
Tetranortriterpene neurotoxin: gastroenteritis, lethargy, coma, respiratory failure, seizures, paralysis.
Coniine
Salivation, vomiting, seizures followed by CNS depression and respiratory depression, rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, muscle paralysis, rapid death secondary to respiratory paralysis.
Cyanogenic glycosides
Dyspnea, cyanosis, weakness, seizures, coma, cardiovascular collapse. Symptoms may be delayed for 3–4 hours or more as glycoside is hydrolyzed to cyanide in the gut.
Cytisine
Vomiting, hypotension, tachycardia, paralysis, seizures, respiratory depression.
Euphorbiaceae
Oral irritation, gastroenteritis. Erythema, edema, followed by vesicle and blister formation. Eye exposure may result in corneal ulceration, iritis, conjunctivitis, and temporary blindness. Systemic symptoms: seizures, coma, and death.
Gelsemium indole alkaloids
Headache, sweating, muscular weakness or rigidity, seizures, dyspnea, bradycardia, respiratory arrest.
Grayanotoxin
Burning, numbness, tingling of mouth, vomiting, hypotension, bradycardia, coma, seizures.
Hydroquinone
Vomiting, jaundice, dizziness, headache, delirium, pallor, anoxia, seizures, respiratory failure, cyanosis, cardiovascular collapse. Allergic contact dermatitis.
Lantadene
Anticholinergic effects with gastroenteritis, respiratory distress, ataxia, coma, depressed deep tendon reflexes, weakness, cyanosis, death.
Lobeline
Vomiting, bradycardia, hypertension, tachypnea, tremors, seizures, paralysis.
Nicotine alkaloids
Salivation, gastroenteritis, agitation followed by seizures and coma. Hypertension, tachycardia, tachypnea followed by hypotension, bradycardia and bradypnea.
Protoanemonin
Acrid taste, burning in mouth and throat, oral ulceration, gastroenteritis, hematemesis.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Gastroenteritis, hepatic veno-occlusive disease.
Quinolizidine
Vomiting, hypotension, tachycardia, seizures, paralysis, respiratory depression.
Sanguinaria
Gastroenteritis, CNS depression, ataxia, dyspnea, respiratory paralysis.
Saponin
Gastroenteritis, dermatitis, mydriasis, hyperthermia, ataxia, muscle weakness, dyspnea, coma.
Solanine
Salivation, gastroenteritis, coma, hypotension, bradycardia, cramping, paresthesias.
Tannin
Abdominal pain, extreme thirst, frequent urination, bloody diarrhea, rapid but weak pulse. Liver and kidney damage may occur several weeks later.
Toxalbumin
Severe gastroenteritis, sloughing of the GI tract followed by toxicity to the liver, CNS, kidneys, and adrenals.
Veratrum alkaloids
Gastroenteritis, bradycardia, syncope, paresthesias, hypotension.
Table II-48 Plants: Alphabetical List
Table II-48 Plants: Alphabetical List
Common Name
Botanical Name
Toxic Groupa
Remarks (see text and Table II–47)
Acacia, black
Robinia pseudoacacia
1
Toxalbumin
Aconite
Aconitum spp
1
Nausea, vomiting, arrhythmias, shock
Acorn
Quercus spp
3
Tannin; dermatitis
Agapanthus
Agapanthus spp
3
Dermatitis
Agave
Agave spp
3
Saponin; dermatitis
Akee
Blighia sapida
1
Hypoglycemia, encephalopathy, vomiting, hypotonia
Alder, American
Alnus crispus
3
Dermatitis
Alder buckthorn
Rhamnus frangula
1
Anthraquinone
Almond, bitter
Prunus spp
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Aloe vera
Aloe vera
3
GI upset, skin irritant
Amaryllis
Amaryllidaceae
3
GI upset
Amaryllis
Hippeastrum equestre
3
GI upset
American bittersweet
Celastrus scandens
3
GI upset
American ivy
Parthenocissus spp
2b
Soluble oxalates
Anemone
Anemone spp
1,3
Protoanemonin; dermatitis
Angelica
Angelica archangelica
3
Dermatitis
Angel’s trumpet
Brugmansia arborea, Datura spp
1,3
Anticholinergic alkaloids (See Anticholinergics)
Anthurium
Anthurium spp
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Apple (chewed seeds)
Malus domestica
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Apricot (chewed pits)
Prunus spp
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Arrowhead vine
Syngonium podophyllum
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Artemisia
Artemisia
1,3
GI upset, CNS stimulant
Arum
Arum spp
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Ash tree
Fraxinus spp
3
Dermatitis
Aspen tree
Populus tremuloides
3
Dermatitis
Autumn crocus
Colchicum autumnale
1
Colchicine (See Colchicine)
Avocado (leaves and seeds)
Persea americana
1
Unknown toxin causing hepatitis, myocarditis in animals
Azalea
Rhododendron genus
1
Grayanotoxin
Azalea honey (“mad honey”)
Rhododendron genus
1
Grayanotoxin
Bahia
Bahia oppositifolia
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Balsam apple
Clusia rosea
3
GI upset
Balsam apple
Momordica balsamina
3
GI upset
Baneberry
Actaea spp
1,3
Irritant oil protoanemonin; severe gastroenteritis
Barbados nut, purging nut
Jatropha spp
1
Toxalbumin, Euphorbiaceae
Barberry
Berberis spp
1,3
GI upset, hypotension, seizures
Bear’s grape, bearberry
Arctostaphylos uvo-ursi
1,3
Hydroquinone; berries edible
Beech, European
Fagus sylvatica
3
Saponin
Beech, Japanese
Fagus crenta
3
Saponin
Begonia
Begonia rex
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Belladonna
Atropa belladonna
1
Atropine (See Anticholinergics)
Bellyache bush
Jatropha spp
1
Euphorbiaceae
Be-still tree
Thevetia peruviana
1
Cardiac glycosides (See Digoxin and Other Cardiac Glycosides)
Big root
Marah oreganus
1,3
GI upset, cramping, shock, coagulopathy
Birch (bark, leaves)
Betula spp
1,3
Methyl salicylate (See Salicylates), irritant oils causing Gl upset
Bird of paradise
Poinciana gillesi
3
GI upset
Bird of paradise flower
Streelizia reginae
3
GI upset
Black cohosh
Cimicifuga spp
3
GI upset
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
3
Dermatitis
Black henbane
Hyoscyamus niger
1
Anticholinergic alkaloids (See Anticholinergics)
Black lily
Dracunculus vulgaris
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Black locust
Robinia pseudoacacia
1
Toxalbumin
Black nightshade
Hyoscyamus spp, Solanum nigrum
1
Solanine
Black snakeroot
Cimicifuga racemosa
3
GI upset
Black snakeroot
Zigadenus spp
1
Veratrum alkaloids
Bleeding heart
Dicentra
3
Dermatitis
Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis
3
Sanguinaria
Blue bonnet
Lupinus spp
1
Quinolizidine
Blue cohosh
Caulophyllum thalictroi-des
1,3
Cytisine; dermatitis
Boston ivy
Parthenocissus spp
2b
Soluble oxalates
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea glabra
3
Dermatitis
Box elder
Acer negundo
3
Dermatitis
Boxwood
Buxus spp
3
GI upset, dermatitis
Bracken fern
Pteridium aquilinum
1
Potential carcinogen
Bradford pear
Pyrus calleryana
3
Dermatitis
Broom
Cytisus spp
1,3
Cytisine; dermatitis
Buckeye
Aesculus spp
1,3
Aesculin
Buckthorn
Karwinskia humboltiana
1
Chronic ingestion may cause ascending paralysis
Buckthorn
Rhamnus spp
3
Anthraquinone
Bunchberry
Cornus canadensis
3
Dermatitis
Burdock root
Arctium lappa
1,3
Anticholinergic alkaloids (See Anticholinergics)
Burning bush
Dictamnus albus
3
Dermatitis
Burning bush
Euonymus spp
3
GI upset
Burning bush
Kochia spp
2a,2b,3
Soluble and insoluble oxalates; dermatitis
Buttercup
Ranunculus spp
3
Irritant oil protoanemonin
Cactus (thorn)
Cactus
3
Dermatitis, cellulitis (abscess may result)
Caladium
Caladium spp; Xantho-soma spp
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
California geranium
Senecio spp
1,3
Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids; dermatitis
California poppy
Eschscholzia californica
3
Potentially mildly narcotic, sanguinaria
California privet
Ligustrum spp
3
Saponin
Calla lily
Zantedeschia spp
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Candlenut
Aleurites fordii
1,3
Euphorbiaceae
Cannabis
Cannabis sativa
1
Mild hallucinogen (see “Marijuana”)
Caraway
Carum carvi
3
Dermatitis
Cardinal flower
Lobelia spp
1
Lobeline, nicotine-like alkaloid (See Nicotine)
Carnation
Dianthus caryophyllus
3
Dermatitis
Carolina allspice
Calycanthus spp
1
Strychnine-like alkaloid (See Strychnine)
Cascara
Rhamnus spp
3
Anthraquinone cathartic
Cassava
Manihot esculenta
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide); Euphorbiaceae
Castor bean
Ricinus communis
1
Toxalbumin (ricin)
Catnip
Nepeta cataria
1,3
Mild hallucinogen; GI upset
Cedar
Thuja spp
3
Dermatitis
Celery
Apium graveolens
3
Dermatitis
Century plant
Agave americana
3
Thorns can cause cellulitis, sap causes dermatitis
Chamomile
Anthemis cotula
3
Dermatitis
Cherry (chewed pits)
Prunus spp
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Chili pepper
Capsicum spp
3
Irritant to skin, eyes, mucous membranes
Chinaberry
Melia azedarach
1,3
Chinaberry; severe GI upset, seizures
Chokecherry (chewed pits)
Prunus virginiana
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Christmas rose
Helleborus niger
1,3
Protoanemonin; dermatitis
Chrysanthemum; mum
Chrysanthemum spp
3
Dermatitis, GI upset (see “Pyrethrins”)
Clematis
Clematis spp
3
Protoanemonin
Clover
Trifolium spp
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Clover, sweet
Melilotus alba
1
Coumarin (See Warfarin and Related Rodenticides)
Coffeeberry
Rhamnus spp
3
Anthraquinone
Coffee tree
Polyscias guilfoyei
3
Saponin
Cola nut
Cola nitida
1
Caffeine (See Caffeine)
Comfrey
Symphytum officinale
1,3
Hepatotoxic pyrrolidine alkaloids
Conquerer root
Exogonium purga
3
GI upset
Coral bean
Erythrina spp
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Coral berry
Symphoricarpos spp
3
GI upset
Coriaria
Coriaria spp
1
Contains convulsant agent
Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster
1,3
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Cottonwood
Populus deltoides
3
Dermatitis
Coyotillo
Karwinskia humboldtiana
1
Chronic ingestion may cause ascending paralysis
Crab apples (chewed pits)
Malus spp
1
Cyanogenic glycosides
Creeping Charlie
Glecoma hederacea
3
GI upset
Crocus, wild or prairie
Anemone spp
3
Protoanemonin
Croton (houseplant)
Codiaeum spp
3
GI upset, dermatitis
Croton
Croton tiglium
1
Euphorbiaceae
Crowfoot
Ranunculus repens
1
Protoanemonin
Crown of thorns
Euphorbia spp
1,3
Euphorbiaceae
Cyclamen
Cyclamen
3
GI upset
Daffodil (bulb)
Narcissus spp
2a,3
Calcium oxalate crystals; GI upset
Dagga
Cannabis sativa
1
Mild hallucinogen
Daisy
Chrysanthemum spp
3
GI upset, dermatitis (see “Pyrethrins”)
Daisy, butter
Ranunculus repens
1
Protoanemonin
Daisy, seaside
Erigeron karvinskianus
3
Dermatitis
Daphne
Daphne spp
3
GI upset, dermatitis
Datura
Datura spp
1
Anticholinergic alkaloids (See Anticholinergics)
Deadly nightshade
Atropa belladonna
1
Atropine (See Anticholinergics)
Deadly nightshade
Solanum spp
1
Solanine
Death camas
Zigadenus spp
1
Veratrum alkaloids
Devil’s apple, devil’s trumpet
Datura stramonium
1
Anticholinergic alkaloids (See Anticholinergics)
Devils ivy
Scindapsus aureus, Epipremnum aureum
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia spp
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Dill
Anethum graveolens
3
Dermatitis
Dogbane
Apocynum spp
1
Possibly cardiac glycosides (See Digoxin and Other Cardiac Glycosides)
Dogwood, bloodtwig
Cornus sanguinea
3
Dermatitis
Doll’s-eyes
Actaea spp
3
Irritant oil protoanemonin; severe gastroenteritis, dermatitis
Dragon root
Arisaema spp
2a,3
Calcium oxalate crystals; dermatitis
Dumbcane
Dieffenbachia spp
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Dusty miller
Senecio leucostachys
1
Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Echium
Echium vulgare
1
Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Eggplant (green parts)
Solanum melongena
1
Solanine
Elderberry
Sambucus spp
1,3
Unripe berries contain cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide); GI upset
Elephant’s ear, taro
Alacasia spp, Colocasia spp, Philodendron spp
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Elm, Chinese
Ulmus parvifolia
3
Dermatitis
English ivy
Hedera helix
3
Saponin; dermatitis
English laurel
Prunus laurocerasus
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus
3
GI upset
False hellebore
Veratrum spp
1,3
Veratrum alkaloids
False parsley, water hemlock
Cicuta maculata
1
Cicutoxin; seizures
False parsley; lesser hemlock
Aethusa cynapium
1
Similar to cicutoxin (see above)
Fava bean
Vicia faba
1
Hemolytic anemia in G6PD-deficient persons
Ficus (sap)
Ficus spp
3
Dermatitis
Fiddle-leaf fig
Ficus spp
3
Dermatitis
Fig
Ficus carica
3
Dermatitis
Fig, creeping or climbing
Ficus spp
3
Dermatitis
Firethorn
Pyracantha
3
GI upset, thorn injury
Flag
Iris spp
3
GI upset, dermatitis
Flax
Linum usitatisimum
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Fleabane
Erigeron spp
3
Dermatitis
Fool’s parsley
Aethus cyanapium
1
Coniine, nicotine-like alkaloid (See Methanol)
Four o’clock
Mirabilis jaiapa
1,3
Seeds have hallucinogenic effects; dermatitis, GI upset
Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea
1
Cardiac glycosides (See Digoxin and Other Cardiac Glycosides)
Garden sorrel
Rumex spp
2b,3
Soluble oxalates; dermatitis
Geranium
Pelargonium spp
3
Dermatitis
Geranium, California
Senecio spp
1,3
Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids; dermatitis
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba
1,3
Dermatitis; chronic use: increased bleeding time
Goldenrod, rayless
Haplopappus heterophyl-lus
1
CNS depression in animals
Golden chain
Laburnum anagyroides
1
Cytisine
Golden seal
Hydrastis spp
1,3
GI upset, possible systemic toxicity
Gordoloba
Achillea millefolium
3
GI upset, dermatitis
Gotu kola
Hydrocotyle asiatica
1,3
CNS depression, dermatitis
Grape ivy
Cissus rhombifolia
3
Dermatitis
Groundsel
Senecio spp
1,3
Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids; dermatitis
Guaiac
Guaiacum officinale
3
Saponin
Harmaline
Banisteriopsis spp
1
Harmaline, hallucinogen
Harmel
Peganum harmala
1
Harmaline, hallucinogen
Hawaiian woodrose
Merremia tuberosa
1
Hallucinogen
Hawaiian baby woodrose
Argyreia nervosa
1
Hallucinogen
Heart leaf philodendron
Philodendron spp
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Heath
Calluna vulggaris
1
Grayanotoxin
Heliotrope
Heliotropium spp
1
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids; hepatotoxicity
Hell’s bells
Datura stramonium
1
Anticholinergic
Hemlock (poison hemlock)
Conium maculatum
1
Coniine, nicotine-like alkaloid (See Nicotine)
Hemlock (water hemlock)
Cicuta maculata
1
Cicutoxin; seizures
Henbane, black henbane
Hyoscyamus spp
1
Anticholinergic alkaloids (See Anticholinergics)
Holly (berry)
Ilex spp
3
GI upset
Hops, European
Humulus lupulus
3
Dermatitis
Hops, wild
Bryonia spp
3
GI upset, dermatitis
Horse chestnut
Aesculus spp
1,3
Aesculin
Horsetail
Equisetum spp
1
Chronic use: hyponatremia, hypokalemia and muscle weakness, possible nicotine-like symptoms
Hyacinth
Hyacinthus spp
3
GI upset, dermatitis
Hydrangea
Hydrangea spp
1,3
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Indian currant
Symphoricarpos spp
3
GI upset
Indian tobacco
Lobelia spp
1,3
Lobeline, nicotine-like alkaloid (See Nicotine); dermatitis
Indigo weed, wild indigo
Baptisia tinctora
1
Cytisine
Inkberry
Ilex glabra
3
GI upset
Inkberry (pokeweed)
Phytolacca americana
3
Saponin
Iris
Iris
3
GI upset, dermatitis
Ithang
Mitragyna spp
1
Sedative and hallucinogen
I-thien-hung
Emilia sonchifolia
1
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Ivy
Hedera spp
3
GI upset, dermatitis
Ivy bush
Kalmia spp
1
Grayanotoxin
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Arisaema spp
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Jaggery palm
Caryota urens
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Jalap root
Exogonium purga
3
GI upset
Jasmine, Carolina
Gelsemium sempervirens
1
Gelsemium
Jequirity bean
Abrus precatorius
1
Toxalbumin (abrin)
Jerusalem cherry
Solanum pseudocapsi-cum
1
Solanine and possibly anticholinergic alkaloids (See Anticholinergics)
Jessamine, Carolina or yellow
Gelsemium sempervirens
1
Gelsemium
Jessamine, day blooming
Cestrum diurnum
1
Solanine and anticholinergic alkaloids (See Anticholinergics)
Jessamine, night blooming
Cestrum nocturnum
1
Solanine and anticholinergic alkaloids (See Anticholinergics)
Jessamine, poet’s
Jasminum officianale
3
Dermatitis
Jimmy weed
Haplopappus heterophyl-lus
1
CNS depression in animals
Jimsonweed
Brugmansia arborea, Datura stramonium
1
Anticholinergic alkaloids (See Anticholinergics)
Juniper
Juniperus spp
1,3
GI upset, dermatitis; chronic: renal toxicity
Kaffir lily
Clivia miniata
3
GI upset
Kanna
Sceletium tortuosum
1
Mild hallucinogen
Kava-kava
Piper methysticum
1
Acute: sedation, ataxia; chronic: dermatitis and hepatotoxicity
Kentucky coffee tree
Gymaocladus dioica
1
Cytisine, similar to nicotine (See Nicotine)
Khat, chat
Catha edulis
1
Mild hallucinogen and stimulant
Kratom
Mitragyna spp
1
Sedative and hallucinogen
Lady’s slipper
Cypripedium spp
3
Dermatitis
Lady’s slipper
Pedilanthus tithymaloides
1
Euphorbiaceae
Lantana
Lantana camara
1
Lantadene
Larkspur
Delphinium
1
Aconitum-like
Laurel
Laurus nobilis
3
Dermatitis, GI upset
Licorice root
Glycyrrhiza lepidata
1,3
Hypokalemia after chronic use, GI upset
Licorice, wild
Abrus precatorius
1
Toxalbumin
Lily of the Nile
Agapanthus
3
GI upset, dermatitis
Lily-of-the-valley
Convallaria majalis
1
Cardiac glycosides (See Digoxin and Other Cardiac Glycosides)
Lily-of-the-valley bush
Pieris japonica
1
Grayanotoxin
Lion’s ear
Leonotis leonurus
1
Mild hallucinogen
Lobelia
Lobelia berlandieri
1
Lobeline
Locoweed
Astragalus spp
1
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Locoweed
Datura stramonium
1
Anticholinergic alkaloids (See Anticholinergics)
Locoweed
Cannabis sativa
1
Mild hallucinogen (See Marijuana)
Lupine
Lupines spp
1
Quinolizidine
Mad honey
Rhododendron genus
1
Grayanotoxin
Mandrake root
Mandragora officinarum
1
Anticholinergic alkaloids (See Anticholinergics)
Mandrake
Podophyllum peltatum
1,3
Oil is keratolytic, irritant; GI upset, hypotension, seizures reported after ingestion
Marble queen
Scindapsus aureus; Epipremnum aurem
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Marijuana
Cannabis sativa
1
Mild hallucinogen
Marsh marigold
Caltha palustris
3
Protoanemonin
Mate
Ilex paraguayensis
1
Caffeine
Mayapple
Podophyllum peltatum
1,3
Oil is keratolytic, irritant; hypotension, seizures reported; GI upset
Meadow crocus
Colchicum autumnale
1
Colchicine (See Colchicine)
Mescal bean
Sophora secundiflora
1
Cytisine, similar to nicotine (See Nicotine)
Mescal button
Lophophora williamsii
1
Hallucinogen (See Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) and Other Hallucinogens)
Mexican breadfruit
Monstera deliciosa
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Milkweed
Asclepias spp
3
Cardiac glycosides (See Digoxin and Other Cardiac Glycosides)
Mistletoe, American
Phoradendron flavescens
3
GI upset
Mistletoe, European
Viscum album
1,3
Seizures (rare), GI upset
Mock azalea
Menziesia ferruginea
1
Grayanotoxin
Mock azalea
Adenium obesum
1
Cardiac glycosides (See Digoxin and Other Cardiac Glycosides)
Monkshood
Aconitum napellus
1
Aconite
Moonflower
Ipomoea alba
3
Dermatitis
Moonflower
Datura inoxia
1,3
Anticholinergic alkaloids; dermatitis
Moonseed
Menispermaceae
1
Picrotoxin-like seizures
Moonseed, Carolina
Cocculus carolinus
1
Seizures possible
Mormon tea
Ephedra viridis
1
Ephedra; tachycardia, hypertension (See Pseudoephedrine, Phenylephrine, and Other Decongestants)
Morning glory
Ipomoea violacea
1
Seeds hallucinogenic
Morning, noon, and night
Brunfelsia australis
1
Convulsant
Mountain laurel
Kalmia spp
1
Grayanotoxin
Naked lady
Amaryllis belladonna, Lycoris spp
3
GI upset, dermatitis
Narcissus
Narcissus spp
2a,3
GI upset, possibly calcium oxalates
Nectarine (chewed pits)
Prunus spp
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Needlepoint ivy
Hedera helix
3
GI upset, dermatitis
Nephthytis
Syngonium podophyllum
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Nettles, stinging
Urtica spp
3
Dermatitis
Nicotiana, ornamental
Nicotiana longiflora
1
Nicotine (See Nicotine)
Nightshade
Solanum spp
1
Solanine and anticholinergic alkaloids (See Anticholinergics)
Nightshade, black
Solanum nigrum
1
Solanine, anticholinergic alkaloids (See Anticholinergics)
Nightshade, deadly
Atropa belladonna
1
Atropine (See Anticholinergics)
Nightshade, deadly
Solanum nigrum
1
Solanine, anticholinergic alkaloids (See Anticholinergics)
Nutmeg
Myristica fragrans
1
Hallucinogen (See Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) and Other Hallucinogens)
Oak
Quercus spp
1
Tannin
Oakleaf ivy
Hedera helix
3
GI upset, dermatitis
Oakleaf ivy, grape ivy
Cissus rhombifolia
3
Dermatitis
Oleander
Nerium oleander
1
Cardiac glycosides (See Digoxin and Other Cardiac Glycosides)
Oleander, yellow
Thevetia peruviana
1
Cardiac glycosides (See Digoxin and Other Cardiac Glycosides), more toxic than Nerium
Olive
Olea europaea
3
Dermatitis
Ornamental cherry (chewed seeds)
Prunus spp
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Ornamental crab apple (chewed seeds)
Malus spp
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Ornamental pear, Bradford pear
Pyrus calleryana
3
Dermatitis
Ornamental plum (chewed seeds)
Prunus spp
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Ornamental pepper
Capsicum annuum
3
GI upset, dermatitis
Ornamental pepper
Solanum pseudocapsicum
1
Solanine
Oxalis
Oxalis spp
2b
Soluble oxalates
Palm (thorns or spines)
Various
3
Cellulitis, synovitis
Paper white narcissus
Narcissus spp
2a,3
GI upset; may contain calcium oxalates
Paradise tree
Melia azedarach
1,3
Chinaberry; severe GI upset, seizures
Paraguay tea
Ilex paraguaiensis
1
Caffeine (See Caffeine)
Parsnip
Pastinaca sativa
3
Dermatitis
Passion flower
Passiflora caerulea
1
CNS depression
Pasque flower
Anemone spp
1
Protoanemonin
Peace lily
Spathiphyllum
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Peach (chewed pits)
Prunus spp
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Pear (chewed seeds)
Pyrus spp
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Pecan
Carya illinonensis
3
Dermatitis
Pelargonium
Pelargonium spp
3
Possible dermatitis
Pennyroyal (oil)
Mentha pulegium
1
Hepatic injury, coagulopathy, multiple-system failure (See Camphor and Other Essential Oils)
Periwinkle
Vinca rosea
1
Vinca alkaloids
Periwinkle, rose
Catharanthus roseus
1
Vinca alkaloids, possible hallucinogen
Peruvian lily
Alstroemeria aurantiaca
3
GI upset, dermatitis
Peyote, mescal
Lophophora williamsii
1
Mescaline, hallucinogen (See Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) and Other Hallucinogens)
Pheasant’s-eye
Adonis spp
1
Possibly cardiac glycosides (See Digoxin and Other Cardiac Glycosides)
Philodendron
Philodendron spp
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Photinia
Photinia arbutifolia
1
Cyanogenic glycosides
Pigeonberry
Duranta repens
3
Saponin
Pigeonberry
Cornus canadensis
3
Dermatitis
Pigeonberry
Rivina humilis
3
GI upset
Pigeonberry
Phytolacca americana
3
Saponin
Pinks
Dianthus caryophyllus
3
Dermatitis
Plum (chewed pits)
Prunus spp
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Poinsettia
Euphorbia spp
3
Possible GI upset (considered nontoxic by most poison centers)
Poison hemlock
Conium maculatum
1
Coniine, similar to nicotine (See Nicotine)
Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, poison vine
Toxicodendron spp
3
Urushiol oleoresin; contact dermatitis (Rhus dermatitis)
Pokeweed (unripe berries)
Phytolacca americana
3
Saponin
Poplar
Populus spp
3
Dermatitis
Poppy, common
Papaver somniferum
1
Opiates (See Opiates and Opioids)
Poppy, Oriental
Papaver orientale
1
Opiates (See Opiates and Opioids)
Potato (green parts, sprouts)
Solanum tuberosum
1
Solanine and anticholinergic alkaloids (See Anticholinergics)
Pothos; Pothos vine
Scindapsus aureus
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Pothos, Pothos vine
Epipremnum aureum
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Prayer bean
Arbus prectorius
1
Toxalbumin
Pregnant onion
Ornithogalum caudatum
1,3
Contains digoxin-like substances; dermatitis
Prickly pear (thorn)
Opuntia spp
3
Dermatitis, cellulitis
Prickly poppy
Argemone mexicana
1
Sanguinaria
Pride of China, pride of India
Melia azedarach
1
Chinaberry; severe GI upset, seizures
Pride of Madeira
Echium spp
1
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids; hepatotoxicity
Primrose
Primula vulgaris
3
Dermatitis
Privet, common privet, California privet
Ligustrum spp
3
Saponin
Purge nut
Jatropha curcas
1
Toxalbumin, Euphorbiaceae
Purslane, milk
Euphorbia spp
3
Euphorbiaceae
Pussywillow
Salix caprea
3
Dermatitis
Pyracantha
Pyracantha
3
GI upset; thorn stab wounds can cause cellulitis
Queen Anne’s lace
Daucus carota
3
Dermatitis
Queen’s delight, queen’s root
Stillingia sylvatica
3
Euphorbiaceae
Ragweed
Ambrosia artemisiifolia
3
Dermatitis
Ragwort, tansy
Senecio spp
1
Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Ranunculus
Ranunculus spp
1
Protoanemonin
Rattlebox
Crotalaria spp
1
Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Rattlebox, purple
Daubentonia spp
1
Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Rattlebush
Baptista tinctoria
1
Cytisine
Redwood tree
Sequoia sempervirens
3
Dermatitis
Rhododendron, including honey made from rhododendron (“mad honey”)
Rhododendron genus
1
Grayanotoxin
Rhubarb (leaves)
Rheum rhaponticum
2b
Soluble oxalates
Rosary pea, rosary bean
Abrus precatorius
1
Toxalbumin (abrin)
Rose (thorn)
Rosa spp
3
Cellulitis, dermatitis
Rose periwinkle
Catharanthus roseus
1
Vincristine, vinblastine (See Antidiabetic Agents)
Rubber plant
Ficus elastica
3
Dermatitis
Rue
Ruta graveolens
3
Dermatitis
Rush
Equisetum spp
1
Chronic use: hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and muscle weakness; possible nicotine-like symptoms
Rustyleaf
Menziesia ferruginea
1
Grayanotoxins
Sagebrush
Artemisia spp
1,3
GI upset; CNS stimulant
Salvia
Salvia divinorum
1
Mild hallucinogen
Sassafras
Sassafras spp
1
Abortifacient, narcotic
Scotch broom
Cytisus scoparius
1,3
Cytisine; GI upset
Shamrock
Oxalis spp
2b
Soluble oxalates
Silvercup
Solandra grandiflora
1
Solanine and anticholinergic alkaloids
Skullcap
Scutellaria lateriflora
1
Hepatotoxicity, possible seizures
Skunk cabbage
Symplocarpus foetidus
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Skunk cabbage
Veratrum spp
1,3
Veratrum alkaloids
Sky flower
Duranta repens
3
Saponin
Smoke tree, smoke bush
Cotinus coggygria
1,3
Tannins, hydroquinone; dermatitis
Snakeroot
Eupatorium rugosum
1
Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Snakeroot, water hemlock
Cicuta maculata
1
Cicutoxin; seizures
Snakeroot
Aristolochia serpentina
1,3
Acute: cardiac effect; chronic: nephropathy, GI upset
Snowberry
Symphoricarpos spp
3
GI upset
Sorrel
Oxalis spp, Rhumex spp
2b
Soluble oxalates
Soursob
Oxalis spp
2b
Soluble oxalates
Spathiphyllum
Spathiphyllum
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Spindle tree
Euonymous spp
3
GI upset
Split leaf philodendron
Philodendron spp, Monstera deliciosa
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Squill
Scilla, Urginea maritima
1
Cardiac glycosides (See Digoxin and Other Cardiac Glycosides)
Star-of-Bethlehem
Ornithogalum spp
1
Cardiac glycosides (See Digoxin and Other Cardiac Glycosides)
Star-of-Bethlehem
Hippobroma longiflora
1
Lobeline
St. John’s wort
Hypericum perforatum
1,3
Mild GI upset, dermatitis; mild serotonin enhancer (See Herbal and Alternative Products)
Stinging nettles
Urtica spp
3
Dermatitis
Stink weed
Datura stramonium
1
Anticholinergic (See Anticholinergics)
String of pearls/beads
Senecio spp
1
Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Strychnine
Strychnos nux-vomica
1
Strychnine; seizures (See Strychnine)
Sweet clover
Melilotus spp
1
Coumarin glycosides (See Digoxin and Other Cardiac Glycosides)
Sweet pea
Lathyrus odoratus
1
Neuropathy (lathyrism) after chronic use
Sweet William
Dianthus barbatus
3
Gl upset, dermatitis
Swiss cheese plant
Monstera deliciosa
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Syrian rue
Peganum harmala
1
Hallucinogen
Tansy
Tanacetum spp
3
Dermatitis
Taro
Alocasia macrorrhia
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Taro
Colocasia esculenta
2a
Calcium oxalate crystals
Texas umbrella tree
Melia azedarach
1
Chinaberry; severe Gl upset, seizures
Thornapple
Datura stramonium and inoxia
1
Anticholinergic (See Anticholinergics)
Thornapple
Argemone mexicana
1
Sanguinaria; cardiomyopathy, edema
Tobacco (flowering tobacco)
Nicotiana spp
1
Nicotine (See Nicotine)
Tobacco, wild; tobacco, Indian
Lobelia inflata
1
Lobeline
Tonka bean
Dipteryx odorata
1
Coumarin glycosides (See Warfarin and Related Rodenticides)
Toyon (leaves)
Heteromeles arbutifolia, Photinia arbutifolia
1
Cyanogenic glycosides (See Cyanide)
Tulip (bulb)
Tulipa
3
Dermatitis
Tung nut, tung tree
Aleurites spp
1,3
Euphorbiaceae
T’u-san-chi
Gynura segetum
1
Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Umbrella plant
Cyperus alternifolius
1
Acute: GI upset; chronic: renal toxicity, seizures
Uva-ursi
Arctostaphylos uvo-ursi
1,3
Hydroquinone; berries edible
Valerian
Valeriana officinalis
1
Mild tranquilizer
Verbena
Verbena officinalis and hastata
3
Dermatitis
Virginia creeper
Parthenocissus spp
2b
Soluble oxalates
Walnut
Juglans spp
3
Dermatitis
Water hemlock
Cicuta maculata
1
Cicutoxin; seizures
Weeping fig (sap)
Ficus benjamina
3
Dermatitis
Weeping pagoda tree
Saphora japonica
1
Cytisine
Weeping tea tree
Melaleuca leucadendron
3
Dermatitis
Weeping willow
Salix babylonica
3
Dermatitis
White cedar
Melia azedarach
1
Chinaberry; severe GI upset, seizures
White cedar
Hura crepitans
3
GI upset, dermatitis
White cedar
Thuja occidentalis
1
Abortifacient, stimulant
Wild calla
Calla palustris
2a
Calcium oxalates
Wild carrot
Daucus carota
3
Dermatitis
Wild carrot
Cicuta maculata
1
Cicutoxin; seizures
Wild cassada
Jatropha gossypifolia
1
Euphorbiaceae
Wild cherry (chewed seeds)
Prunus spp
1
Cyanogenic glycosides
Wild coffee
Polyscias guilfoyei
3
Saponin
Wild cotton
Asclepias syriaca
1
Cardiac glycosides (See Digoxin and Other Cardiac Glycosides)
Wild cucumber
Marah oreganus
1,3
GI upset, cramping, shock, DIC
Wild dagga
Leonotis leonurus
1
Mild hallucinogen
Wild fennel
Nigella damascena
3
Irritant, possible protoanemonin
Wild garlic
Allium canadense
3
GI upset, dermatitis
Wild hops
Bryonia spp
3
GI upset, dermatitis
Wild indigo, indigo weed
Baptisia tinctora
1
Cytisine
Wild iris
Iris versicolor
3
GI upset, dermatitis
Wild lemon
Podophyllum pelatum
1,3
Oil is keratolytic, irritant; CNS depressant
Wild marjoram
Origanum vulgare
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