Poisonous Plants and Seeds

The vast majority of the plants we list are not poisonous and a great number are actually edible, however to be safe unless it is known with complete confidence that a plant, or part of it is edible, it must, without exception be assumed to be poisonous.

In the case of seeds bought for the production of plants, they must without exception be treated like medicines and kept out of the reach of children and pets, they should NEVER be eaten. This in particular applies to seed bought for the production of edible plants which may have been treated say, with a fungicide or otherwise rendered inedible.

Before attempting to eat a previously unknown plant it is essential that the plants true identity be verified.

There are many plants whose poisonous qualities are household knowledge (such as Foxgloves, Yew and Rhubarb leaves) there are others that the average gardener is quite happy to handle in perfect safety unaware of their poisonous potential, in part or whole, such as Lily-of-the-Valley, Iris and Runner Beans.

Somewhere there will be someone allergic to almost ever plant we list. To everyone reading these lines, there will be a plant to which they are allergic to. It might be the place to suggest, although many will scoff, wherever possible all plants be handled wearing rubber gloves.

While we can point out the potential hazards that we are aware of, we will never know all of them. Please let me know if there is anything you think we should add to our descriptions.

Sue