ARS | Publication request: Plants to Avoid

Submitted to: Popular Publication
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: June 5, 2008
Publication Date: June 20, 2008
Citation: Cooke, T., Bryson, C.T. 2008. Plants to Avoid. Delta Wildlife, pp. 28-29.

Technical Abstract: Knowledge of poisonous plants is extremely important for home owners, gardeners, farmers, hunters, hikers, and the rest of the general public. Among the most important plants to avoid in the Delta Region are poison ivy, bull nettle, eastern black nightshade, Queen Ann’s lace, jimsonweed, and trumpet creeper. Poison ivy and trumpet creeper produce contact dermatitis. The dermatitis from trumpet creeper is usually transient and last for a few minutes to a few hours. In contrast, dermatitis from poison ivy can cause blisters on the skin that last for days or weeks and secondary infection can occur. The small hairs on bull nettle leaves and stems produce immediate painful stinging, burning, itching and irritation which can last for a few minutes to several hours. Plant parts of eastern black nightshade, Queen Ann’s lace, and jimsonweed are toxic when ingested. In high enough amounts, these plants can produce lasting or prolonged symptoms or even fatality in humans, livestock, and wildlife. It is important for individuals to recognize these and other plants to avoid in the Delta Region.