The beauty and sheer diversity of flowers is nothing short of remarkable. Different varieties are appreciated for their splendour, made into medicines and even the odd tasty salad. However, before you start foraging in your garden for lunch a quick word of caution – although they might look harmless many flowers can make you seriously ill, and in some instances can kill.

These are some of the flowers you probably shouldn’t give your mum for her birthday. Now, if only you could find some gift ideas for the mother-in-law…

10. Buttercups

Surprised to see this here? The bright yellow Buttercup is a common sight in fields and gardens throughout summer, being particularly popular with children.

That’s probably because most kids don’t know they are poisonous; causing blistering of the mouth and intestinal tract when ingested. Handling the plants can also cause dermatitis of the skin.

9. Hydrangea

Hydrangea bushes are often used as ornamental shrubs due to their large, attractive flower heads in shades of pink, blue, purple and white. This cotton candy appearance can tempt the young or those looking for edible flowers, but eating Hydrangea is a mistake.

People ingesting the flowers can expect stomach cramps, vomiting, fever and, if they are unlucky, might even slip into a coma. If you suspect a patient might have eaten Hydrangea flowers seek the antidote immediately.

8. Daffodils

The Daffodil (also known as Narcissus) is a widespread plant in the UK, and has become synonymous with the onset of Spring. Although Daffodils have very beautiful flowers, it is their bulbs which carry poison.

All varieties contain the alkaloid poison lycorine, which is potentially deadly if taken in sufficient quantities. In May 2009 a group of primary school children became ill after adding a Daffodil bulb to some soup in cookery class.

7. Wisteria

Wisterias are a pretty climbing plant seen covering picture-postcard cottages in bunches of pink and white flowers.

Wisteria Lane is the aptly named location of the US comedy drama Desperate Housewives, for although the plant seems picturesque it is also potentially dangerous. Expect nausea, cramps and diarrhoea as a minimum if the Wisteria is eaten.

6. Lily of the Valley

Lily of the Valley, also known as Our Lady’s Tears, is a delicate white woodland flower that enjoys cool climates. The plant and its berries are highly toxic, particularly to the heart, and can kill if taken in sufficient quantities.

However, in healthy adults one or two of its berries or flowers are more likely to cause nausea and painful stomach cramps. It is advisable to wash your hands after handling Lily of the Valley.

5. Foxglove

The tubular flowers of the Foxglove, in purples, pinks, whites and yellows, are a well-known and much loved sight in the British countryside and in many gardens. Also well-known is the plant’s Latin genus – Digitalis.

Although used as a heart medicine, every part of the Digitalis plant is toxic and ingestion is often fatal. Symptoms leading up to death may include vomiting, hallucinations, convulsions and heart irregularities.

4. Rhododendron

Rhododendrons are a showy, large flowering shrub that can be seen in parks and gardens across most of the world.

The toxicity of Rhododendrons has been noted since ancient times; honey made from its flowers can have hallucinogenic effects, and is known as “Mad Honey”. The plant’s grayanotoxin can cause paralysis or even death, and is particularly deadly to horses.

3. Angel’s Trumpet

Native to South America, the pleasantly named Angel’s Trumpet has large and colourful trumpet-shaped flowers. Despite the innocuous name, the flower is exceptionally dangerous.

Its toxins produce a strong hallucinogenic effect, making the plant a popular drug for shamanic rituals with several Amazonian tribes. However, the unpredictability of its scopolamine and atropine toxins means fatal doses are not uncommon.

2. Autumn Crocus

The Autumn Crocus is an attractive plant strongly resembling true crocuses, though it is not closely related. Its similarity to its popular cousin means unfortunate cases of mistaken identity are frequent.

Anyone accidentally ingesting the Autumn Crocus will suffer the effects of the deadly poison colchicines; a toxin similar to arsenic to which there is no antidote.

1. Belladonna

Belladonna, also known as Deadly Nightshade, is renowned as one of the most poisonous plants in the world. Recognisable as a delicate dull purple flower, a single leaf of Belladonna is enough to kill a healthy adult human due to high concentrations of alkaloid toxins which disrupt the nervous system.

Other symptoms of Deadly Nightshade poisoning include confusion, blurred vision, headaches and hallucinations.

Our gardens and local countryside are packed with potentially dangerous plants and flowers; even the leaf of the humble rhubarb or the seeds of an apple are toxic. However, with a little caution, favourite flowers like Buttercups and Daffodils are probably unlikely to hasten your demise.

Written on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 at 2:37 pm in the category Well fancy that!.
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