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Poisonous plants

B3B3 Posts: 27,505

I know many plants are poisonous if you eat them, but are there any you should wash your hands after touching?

In London. Keen but lazy.
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  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340

    Euphorbia and anything else that has a milky sap.
    I had a very nasty experience with rue yrs ago which left me breathless for several hours


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505

    Yes I rubbed my eye after not washing carefully enough ouch!

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090

    It is wise to wash your hands anyway after gardening as you never know what critters of all shapes and sizes have been peeing and pooing on your plants and in and on the soil, not to mention composts and manures.

    The RHS advises that gloves be worn when dealing with plants that are poisonous or can cause skin irritations such as burning from sap or allergic rashes and itches.   Here is their list of poisonous plants and how they can be harmful:-

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=524

    If you have children, don't panic.   Plants like foxgloves and other common garden plants have been cultivated for centuries without wiping us out.   Just teach them respect for plants and not to put things in their mouths without permission or knowing what it is - flowers, leaves, berries can all be tempting. 

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505

    Thanks obelixx I'll have a look

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505

    I didn't realise that I had such a dangerous hobbyimage

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546

    Aconite is one - I remember reading that it has caused problems for florists who didn't know.

  • Villaverde123Villaverde123 Posts: 196

    I think all parts of Oleander are poisonous.  

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505

    I've got one so I'll be careful. Thanks Vv

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090

    Went off oleanders after seeing them used as motorway centre and municipal planting in Italy.   Love foxgloves and aconitum and will be growing more here as I have seeds.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505

    I don't avoid planting poisonous stuff, but it's good to be aware.

    Municipal planting can put you off stuff. I hate big municipal daffodils.

    In London. Keen but lazy.
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