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Be aware of these common toxic plants, experts say

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Weeds and invasive plants can be a nuisance to a home or business landscape, and some of them are also toxic to people or animals. A new UF/IFAS publication details some of the most common poisonous plants found in Florida residential landscapes.

Ingestion of poisonous plants makes up only 3% of Poison Control cases but can be fatal in rare instances. However, there is no need to panic, experts say. The key is to be aware of the plant’s presence and the potential risks.

“Just because a plant has some toxic properties does not mean it should not be used in a landscape or that it must be removed,” said Chris Marble, associate professor with a focus on weed management based at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center. “The key is to be informed and to know which species are toxic so you can prevent accidental exposure, especially when small children or pets are present.”

Finding one of these plants in your yard does not necessarily require action in all cases. Many common ornamentals and native plants are toxic if ingested, but that does not always mean they need to be removed. Poisonous plants may still have a place in the landscape and provide curb appeal to a landscape or may benefit wildlife. 

The guide provides toxicity information for each plant which can help weigh the benefits of the plant against the risks of possible exposure. The list is not exhaustive but details the 10 common poisonous weeds and invasive plants found in Florida landscapes.

“The prevalence of each plant will depend on your region and environment,” Marble said. But you need to know who or what might be in danger if they ingest the plant. “Some of the plants are only toxic to pets, others only toxic to people. It’s important to know the differences, and the guide outlines that.”

One of the most common plants listed is pokeweed, a native plant commonly found in wooded areas, pastures, and fields. Often considered a weed, it is an important food source for wildlife. On the contrary, it is toxic to humans, pets, and livestock, and if large amounts are consumed, it can cause death. 

Similarly, nightshade is a native Florida plant found in forests, grasslands, and gardens with berries that can cause gastrointestinal problems, weakness, hallucinations, and even death. Depending on the specific species of nightshade, it may impact pets, humans, and livestock.

“If someone has pets or small children that might be at risk, scouting your property regularly is important to stay up to date with the plants in your landscape,” said Marble. 

An important tool to have on hand when scouting is the UF/IFAS weed identification tool which helps identify weeds by flower color, or this mobile tool specifically designed to identify toxic plants. 

If you, a loved one, or a pet ingests a plant and become ill, immediately contact Poison Control for guidance before the onset of symptoms.

ABOUT UF/IFAS
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) aims to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human, and natural resources and make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries and all Florida residents.  

For more information, go to ifas.ufl.edu.

UF/IFAS, Plants, Toxic Plants, UF/IFAS Weed Identification Tool, Poison Control

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  • MamaMia

    My grandma and my mama both cooked poke salad. They both always cooked it in with other greens, like turnip greens and mustard greens. I don't ever remember either of them cooking poke salad in with collard greens. They cooked collard greens too, just not with poke salad greens. I haven't had poke salad in years and years, since I was a kid. They seasoned it with bacon grease, after they let the greens get done, after pouring off most of the remaining water, along with salt and pepper. Some use a ham hock to season them, some use a little sugar, but my mama and grandma didn't. We did put vinegar over the greens, on our plates. I am still living, didn't poison me. You want to pick the tender leaves, but stay away from the stems, especially the red stems, and definitely no berries! That could poison a person. I remember reading about when Dolly Parton was a teenager, and her family didn't have money to spend on Dolly, for her desire for lipstick, so she went out in field and got some poke salad berries, mashed them, and applied them to her lips, to make her own lipstick stain. Omg, I'm surprised she didn't get poisoned. We also ate creasy greens, another edible that sometimes grows wild. It is old southern foods. If you are a Yankee, I doubt you would want to give it a try....LOL

    Sunday, February 5, 2023 Report this

  • MamaMia

    I looked this article over especially the photos, but I was surprised that I didn't see the castor bean plant. They grow everywhere right near my house. I see them growing on Vick Road. They are deadly poison, as they contain ricin. People have been poisoned here in Florida simply by stopping and breaking off branches to take to the parks and roast marshmallows by the campfire, then get poisoned. They grow big and look tropical, but are deadly. I didn't know the beautiful wisteria vines are toxic. They are so gorgeous, and grew over the tree tops where I grew up.

    Sunday, February 5, 2023 Report this