Plants are pretty. They come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Children are especially attracted to plants that smell good, look colorful, have berries, and are within easy reach. While most plants are harmless to humans, poisonous plants are commonly found in our homes, gardens, and public areas. Plants poison people in two ways – contact with the skin and contact with the mouth including swallowing. Reactions range from mild skin irritation to much more serious effects. It is common that one part of a plant is poisonous while other parts are not. Poisonous mushrooms are very difficult to identify. Even the experts make mistakes.
Know your plants. Contact your poison center for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Identify plants. A nursery or garden center may be able to help you. Label the plants in and around your home. Determine which plants are safe and which may be harmful.
Many people use bug killers, weed killers, lawn fertilizers, and other pesticides and insecticides to keep their trees, shrubs and lawns healthy and insect-free. These products are poisonous and can be particularly dangerous.
- Berries
- Bites and Stings
- Insecticides
- Insect Repellant
- Lawn Chemicals
- Mushrooms
- Pesticides
- Plants
- Rodenticides
Brochures and Tip Sheets
- First Aid for Poisoning
- Your Poison Center
- Know Your Plants
- Poison Ivy Fact Sheet
- Spring Poison Safety Tips