CHILLINGLY REAL TERRORS ARE LIVING IN YOUR GARDEN
In recognition of Halloween and all things scary, I thought it might be interesting to explore some of the not-so-nice plants that could be hanging out in many gardens — plants like those in author Agatha Christie’s garden that served as inspiration and as accessories to murder in several of her mystery novels.
American author Amy Stewart has written a fun and informative book called Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln’s Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities.
What is behind Stewart’s fascination with plants that are, in one way or another, dangerous or toxic?
“I’ve long worked with botanical folks as friends and acquaintances, and most of them had a keen interest in plants that were rather on the dark side. You know, tucked away in a corner somewhere. They were either deadly, dangerous, illegal, or just ugly. I’m not a botanist or a university professor. I’m a bit of an outlier. I write for fun,” said Stewart. “There are lots of lists out there about poisonous plants, so I didn’t want to write a field guide. I wanted to tell a story, not about poisonous plants but about people who died from them. There is a greater interest in famous people whose death was a result of a toxic plant, and I tried to make it a worldwide story, including places like Asia, Africa, The Philippines, and India. I’m more familiar with North America, of course, and the many accounts which have happened here.”
Stewart said she did a great deal of research, especially in history books and medical journals.
Was she fearful that she would be providing information to less scrupulous folks who might use it for nefarious deeds?
“Not in the least,” she said. “Every schoolchild knows about Socrates taking hemlock, and it’s well known how the KGB used ricin from the castor bean plant in many clandestine ways. Just look at today’s many television programs, especially Law and Order. There are lots of ideas out there if you want to harm someone. Tobacco, for example, has caused over 100 million deaths worldwide.”
Stewart does explore a message in the book.
“Nature is powerful, and you need to learn how to respect it. Plants are not a buffet and by far, most plants are not to be eaten. Learning about them is very important for everyone, especially for children and pets,” she said.
Stewart had previously published a very interesting book called Wicked Bugs: The Louse That Conquered Napoleon’s Army & Other Diabolical Insects.
“I’m sure I’ve ruined many vacations by creating an awareness of all the potential problems with insects, especially in tropical countries,” said Stewart.
She cautions travellers to get your shots and be aware no matter where the destination.
Stewart is a refreshing and talented author; both Wicked Plants and Wicked Bugs are two great reads.
She brings up a good point: We need to be careful whether we’re in the wild or in our own gardens.
To help keep you safe, here is a list of some of the not-so-nice plants found in Lower Mainland gardens:
One of the more dangerous
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plants is deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), which is native to Europe, Asia and the Eastern U.S. Its attractive berries turn from green to purple and taste sweet but are poisonous.
Another nightshade called bittersweet
■ (Solanum dulcamara) is just as bad or even worse as all parts of the plant are poisonous. It is a vine-like hardy perennial with purplish starlike flowers, yellow stamens and green berries maturing to red.
The beautiful early-blooming
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bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) has been listed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an unsafe plant. Its rhizomes contain a caustic substance that can cause severe irritation and burning.
Blue flags (Iris versicolor) also
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have rhizomes that are poisonous if taken internally. It’s the one iris you should not choose for your garden.
The beautiful but invasive Chinese
■ lantern (Physalis alkekengi), which is making quite a show in our gardens right now, has toxic fruits. They are dangerous both when the seeds are green and when ripe. If eaten, they can cause severe diarrhea.
Beautiful daffodil bulbs (narcissus)
■ have been mistaken for onions and have caused deaths. As mentioned last week, the foliage also causes death when fed to livestock. All narcissus can be admired but not ingested.
Elegant, shade-loving foxgloves
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(Digitalis purpurea) are one of the most dangerous perennials. Leaves chewed or swallowed may cause paralysis and sudden heart failure. Introduced from Europe in the 1700s, they escaped from early gardens to become naturalized, particularly in areas west of the Cascade Range.
Horse chestnuts (Aesculus hippocastanum)
■ begin to drop their nuts (also known as conkers) at this time of year, and many children gather them to make necklaces. Unfortunately, they are toxic, and no part of the nut should be eaten, or even tasted. These are not your edible chestnuts roasting by the fireside. Castanea sativa are the edible sweet chestnuts.
Fragrant lily-of-the-valley
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(convallaria) is always a mom’s favourite on Mother’s Day, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified this plant as poisonous. Their attractive red fruits in late spring and summer are especially to be avoided.
Early-blooming yellow marsh
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marigolds (Caltha palustris) are toxic to the heart, and if the leaves rub against your arms, they can cause blistering.