{"id":27477,"date":"2023-05-20T17:44:37","date_gmt":"2023-05-20T15:44:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sciencefocus.com\/?p=143841"},"modified":"2023-05-20T18:37:13","modified_gmt":"2023-05-20T16:37:13","slug":"10-surprisingly-poisonous-plants-you-should-avoid-in-the-uk","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcsciencefocus\/rss_feed\/10-surprisingly-poisonous-plants-you-should-avoid-in-the-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"10 surprisingly poisonous plants you should avoid in the UK"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you go down to the woods today, don’t start treating it like a salad bar… <\/p>

By James Cutmore\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Saturday, 20 May 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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We often think that the UK is a very safe place, with no volcanos or dangerous animals<\/a> lurking nearby ready to rip our heads off. But nature loves to lull us into a false sense of security.<\/p>\n

The woodland all around us is not as safe and benign as you might expect, and we have the evidence to prove it. We have brought together some of the most poisonous plant species that you might find on your travels through the seemingly pleasant countryside.<\/p>\n

These are the plants you want to avoid while you are out and about in the UK, especially if you have inquisitive dogs<\/a>, cats or young children.<\/p>\n

And remember: If you or anyone you know may have plant poisoning, spit out any plant parts and call the emergency services immediately. Do not try to induce vomiting, and bring a piece of the offending plant with you for identification.<\/p>\n

So, with the safety briefing finished, here are the most dangerous plants in the UK.<\/p>\n

Ivy (Hedera helix)<\/em><\/h2>\n
\""Ivy\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Ivy growing on the bark of a tree in Dover, UK. Photo by Kallerna\/Wikipedia Commons<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

This ubiquitous clinging vine is everywhere in the UK, spreading over walls, fences and trees. It is a great home for insects, nesting birds and bats. Unlike many other species of climbing plants, this one does not harm trees or other shrubs when it clings to them.<\/p>\n

Be warned though \u2013 the leaves of the ivy plant can irritate your skin if you handle it without wearing gloves. It can also give you a mild stomach upset if consumed, and is toxic for dogs and cats.<\/p>\n

Rhododendron (Rhododendron)<\/em><\/h2>\n
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Close-up image of a flowering pink Rhododendron. Photo by Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Rhododendrons are a very common sight around the world, known for their distinctive flowers in a wide range of bright colours.<\/p>\n

They are essentially large hardy shrubs, thriving in different kinds of climates. They are also harmful when eaten.<\/p>\n

You would need to consume a lot of rhododendrons to become ill, but they are much more harmful to dogs, especially small ones. All parts of the plant are poisonous in small doses, so best to just keep your four-legged friends away.<\/p>\n

Tulips (Tulipa<\/em>\u00a0species)<\/h2>\n
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A close-up view of tulip merlot blooms in springtime. Photo by Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Tiptoe through the tulips if you must, but maybe don\u2019t put them in your sandwiches. Consuming any part of these iconic flowers in even small quantities can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and dizziness. In rare cases, they can even cause heart problems.<\/p>\n

The bulbs are the most dangerous part, so make sure your dog doesn\u2019t try to dig them up and eat them.<\/p>\n

Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale<\/em>)<\/h2>\n
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Beautiful autumnal crocuses; deadly in the wrong hands. Photo by Cephas\/Wikipedia Commons<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The autumn crocus is not actually a crocus at all, but a different family altogether. Their slight resemblance to wild garlic has often led them to be consumed by foragers, who soon come to regret this mistake. Symptoms of accidental ingestion can range from stomach upsets to kidney and liver problems.<\/p>\n

It isn\u2019t all bad news though \u2013 this plant contains colchicine, which can be used to treat gout. It is also a useful anti-inflammatory medication when given in small doses, and is often administered after heart surgery.<\/p>\n

Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta<\/em>)<\/h2>\n
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Bluebell photographed at Box Wood, Stevenage, UK. Photo by AnemoneProjectors\/Wikipedia Commons<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Bluebells are probably one of the most recognisable flowers in the UK, and are often a good indication that a woodland area is ancient and well-established. They tend to flower in large swathes, creating striking blue coverings on fields and in clearings.<\/p>\n

But these little beauties also conceal a dark secret \u2013 they contain toxic chemicals. Even small doses can cause stomach upsets, and if consumed in large quantities they can be fatal to humans.<\/p>\n

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea<\/em>)<\/h2>\n
\""Digitalis\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Distinctive purple flowers of a foxglove. Photo by Benjamin Bal\u00e1zs\/Wikipedia Commons<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Foxglove really is a devil in disguise. This common plant can be found in many woodland areas and gardens up and down the land. But it is worth bearing in mind that all parts of the plant are highly toxic, and can result in severe poisoning if consumed.<\/p>\n

Symptoms range from diarrhoea and skin irritation to heart problems, so consider this carefully on your next visit to the garden centre, and maybe buy a spider plant instead.<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n