Hazardous Plants
For plants that can make you ill to those that can kill. This group contains a surprising number of common garden ornamentals. Remenber, even culinary plants often contain dangerous compounds. Before ingesting any plant material, you should always satisfy yourself that you fully understand which part of the plant to use safely, its dose and preparation.
Ivy
Hedera helix is ubiquitous and available in all sorts of attractive varieties both green and variegated but can cause breathing difficulties and coma. Medicinal
Harmful if eaten/may cause skin allergy.
Privet
Ligustrum species contain poisonous compounds in foliage and berries. Were poisonous plants originally chosen to plant stock proof hedges?
Harmful if eaten.
Laburnum
This member of the Pea and Bean family produces bunches of gorgeous yellow flowers in spring but all plant parts, especially the seed, are poisonous. Medicinal
CAUTION toxic if eaten.
Yew
Often seen growing in cemetaries and the tree that provided wood for the best longbows. Most parts of Taxus species have a paralysing effect on the heart. Culinary - Medicinal - Aromatic
CAUTION toxic if eaten.
Euphorbia
The sap can cause photosensitive skin reactions. Plant this one at the back of a border where people would not brush past. Medicinal
CAUTION harmful if eaten/skin & eye irritant.
Passion Plant
The leaves and unripe fruit of Passiflora caerulea contain cyanide. The fruit of edible species must be almost over-ripe before it is safe to eat. Culinary
Harmful if eaten.
Lupin
Even the humble Lupin can pose a danger. We have found one report that lists lupin seed as nutritious but toxic if they taste bitter! Very reassuring. Culinary - Medicinal
Harmful if eaten.
Euonymus
Poisonous but does contain the anti-cancer compound Dulcitol. Medicinal
Harmful if eaten.