Part 3

DAPHNE

Daphne mezereum--THYMELAEACEAE]

=Description=: A low, woody plant found in many gardens. The daphne bears small rose-purple blossoms in clusters along its branches in early spring before the leaves develop. During the summer, several bright red berries appear, each with a single seed. Some horticultural varieties produce white to yellow flowers and yellow to orange berries.

=Poisonous Parts=: The bark, (this separates easily from the stems) leaves, and berries are poisonous. Children are especially attracted to the berries and fatalities among some who have eaten them have been reported.

Poisoning is characterized by a burning sensation in the mouth and irritation of the stomach and intestines which causes severe cramps. Toxic principles include a bitter glycoside, =daphnin=, and an acid resinous mixture. If not removed reasonably soon, these can produce kidney inflammation since these principles can be absorbed.

=Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians perform gastric lavage and treat for a probable irritation of the gastro-intestinal tract if parts of the plant have been in the stomach for more than an hour.

DEADLY NIGHTSHADE

Atropa belladonna--SOLANACEAE]

=Description=: A perennial bushy herb, 3 to 4 feet in height, branching stems with dark green pointed leaves, lavender-to-purple, bell-shaped flowers, and black cherry-like fruits. (Not related to cherry trees.)

Plants rarely grown in gardens, usually weeds found in scattered areas. Children are especially attracted to the fruits.

=Poisonous Parts=: Roots, leaves, and seeds which contain alkaloids (=atropine=, =hyoscyamine=, =scopolamine=, etc.) similar to those of the jimsonweed (see page 12). Poisoning causes drying of the mouth, dilation of eye pupils, a very rapid heartbeat, and central-nervous-system depression. Poison can be absorbed by handling leaves, as well as by eating fruits. Severely poisonous!

=Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit immediately if eaten. Exposed skin should be washed with soapy water. Physicians treat for =atropine= poisoning.

NOTE: Other nightshades causing poisoning include the blue and black nightshades which are also known as bittersweets (Solanum dulcamara, and Solanum nigrum respectively). (See page 3.)

FOXGLOVE

Digitalis purpurea--SCROPHULARIACEAE]

=Description=: The foxglove is found wild in woodlands, along shady roadsides, and often is cultivated in gardens. During its first year of growth it forms clusters of leaves in a rosette pattern, but no flowers. The flowers develop on long erect stems early in summer during the second year. They are numerous showy white-lavender, or purple bell-shaped flowers which bloom for several weeks. The fruits are dry capsules with many tiny seeds.

=Poisonous Parts=: The leaves and seeds. These contain the digitalis glycosides, chiefly =digitoxin=, which is a powerful heart stimulant. Poisoning is characterized by nausea, vomiting, and dizziness and can be experienced several hours after ingesting the plant parts. The plant is severely poisonous and can cause heart failure because of its powerful action on the heart muscles.

=Antidotes=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians perform gastric lavage and treat for =digitoxin= and digitalis glycoside poisoning.

GREEN HELLEBORE

Veratrum viride--LILIACEAE]

=Description=: This hellebore is found in swampy places, moist meadows, or along the edges of streams. It develops in early spring quite like the skunk cabbage, but then grows during summer on a stout stalk up to 6 to 8 feet in height. Its clasping broad leaves with parallel vein markings are conspicuous. Many small greenish-white flowers form on a branching top.

The size of the plant attracts people, and children find the broad leaves and green tops a curiosity. Powdered roots and a mixture of the alkaloids are found among the contents of some insecticides.

=Poisonous Parts=: Poisonous principles are alkaloids which are in largest amounts in the roots. Leaves and seeds contain smaller quantities and can be harmful. Poisoning is characterized by salivation, abdominal pain, and attempts to vomit. Large quantities produce a cold and clammy skin and depressed circulation due to effects of =veratrum= alkaloids on the heart muscles and on respiration. Death may result.

=Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit if the victim has not become unconscious and appears calm. If shock has developed, use standard first aid measures. Physicians treat for =veratrum= alkaloid poisoning.

INDIAN HEMP

Cannabis sativa--MORACEAE]

=Description=: This tall annual weed is usually eradicated by local authorities as soon as it is found because of its narcotic properties. Occasionally, however, it turns up on dumps, along railroad tracks, or other places. Fruits or “seeds” of the Cannabis for commercial purposes, have been pre-treated to render them non-viable and of use in bird seed mixtures. At times, some are not rendered sufficiently sterile and these, in the home refuse, get to dump areas where they germinate. Plants can reach more than 6 feet in height.

Leaves are slender and divided into five to seven long, narrow, pointed leaflets each with a saw-tooth margin. They are rough to the touch, giving one the feeling of sand paper. Smaller flower bracts are quite resinous and sticky. Flowers and fruits are rather inconspicuous and scattered along upper portions of the stem. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants.