PITCHCARE CLASSIFIEDS MONKSHOOD
Death by flower!
With the UK currently on lockdown over Covid-19, the last thing you might want to hear is that danger lurks in your ‘safe haven’ - your garden, and especially your flower beds! From respiratory problems, nausea and diarrhoea to hallucinations and even death, there’s some innocent looking plants hiding danger behind their good looks! Peter Britton rounds up the main culprits
With many taking an enforced break from work whilst the spring weather is being annoyingly ‘pleasant’, a good number of us will take refuge in our gardens. Indeed, this has been recommended by the government during ‘lockdown’ as a way to calm the soul. But beware, some plants have hidden danger.
Monkshood (Aconitum variegatum)
The most dangerous of garden plants is Monkshood - also known as Wolfsbane - which has resulted in death on one recent occasion.
It is one of the most toxic plants found in the UK. The toxins in Monkshood can cause a slowing of the heart rate to the extent that it could be fatal. Even eating a very small amount can lead to an upset stomach. Its poison can also act through contact with the skin, particularly through open wounds.
Be aware that small children and elderly people are most vulnerable. Contact with leaves, sap and flowers may cause blisters or burns, whilst a small number of species render the skin excessively sensitive to strong sunlight. Contact with the plant followed by exposure to sunlight results in very severe, localised sunburn with blistering and long-lasting skin discoloration.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Don’t let the pretty colours and striking appearance of the foxglove fool you - these bell- shaped blooms contain a compound used for treating heart failure.
Digitalis toxicity (also known as digitalis intoxication and digitalism) results from an overdose of digitalis and causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, as well as resulting in
Monkshood
xanthopsia (jaundiced or yellow vision) and the appearance of blurred outlines (halos), drooling, abnormal heart rate, cardiac arrhythmias, weakness, collapse, dilated pupils, tremors, seizures and even death.
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)
Also known as May bells, all parts of the plant are highly poisonous, including the red berries which may be particularly attractive to children. If ingested - even in small amounts - the plant can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, reduced heart rate, blurred vision, drowsiness, and red skin rashes.
Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Oleander has historically been considered a poisonous plant because some of its compounds may exhibit toxicity, especially to animals, when consumed in large amounts. Among these compounds are oleandrin and oleandrigenin, known as cardiac glycosides, which are known to have a narrow therapeutic index and can be toxic when ingested.
Ingestion of this plant can affect the gastrointestinal system, the heart, and the central nervous system. The gastrointestinal effects can consist of nausea and vomiting, excess salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhoea that may contain blood.
Delphinium or Larkspur (Delphinium elatum)
Immediately after ingesting any part of this enticing blue plant, nausea, burning in the mouth, vomiting, and slowing of the heartbeat set in. If this happens, seek medical treatment right away, because six hours is all it takes for this flower to become lethal. Death is through
cardiotoxic and neuromuscular blocking effects, and can occur within a few hours of ingestion.
Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
These popular blossoms contain a toxin that we’ll all be scarily familiar with: cyanide! It can cause shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, and a rapid pulse, along with a drop in blood pressure. However, pets and humans would need to ingest quite a bit for the effects to be fatal.
Other plants to be wary of: Other popular garden plants to be wary of are:
Poinsettia - May cause vomiting and diarrhoea in children and pets.
Mistletoe - Munching on a couple of leaves, berries, or shoot - or drinking mistletoe- flavoured tea - will cause abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
Water Hemlock - Some of the prettiest wildflowers around, but if you have curious pets, you should remove them. The toxin smells like carrot yet wastes no time in attacking the central nervous system, causing severe seizures and convulsions that turn deadly as a result of asphyxia and cardiovascular collapse.
Poisoning from plants is exceptionally rare as long as some basic hygiene rules are adhered to:
• Don't eat it if it isn't a food plant
• Use gloves when pruning or weeding and keep skin covered
• Check plant labels for toxicity warnings (sometimes stated on label)
Foxglove 120 PC April/May 2020
Lily of the valley
Hydrangea
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