MAR 14, 2023

Poisonous Plants 101: A Visual Guide

WRITTEN BY: Laurence Tognetti, MSc

The Earth is home to millions of plant species, but some of them are best to be avoided due to their toxic and poisonous attributes and can be poisonous due to a variety of reasons, including defense mechanisms and environmental conditions. While these poisonous attributes can cause harm or death, some also provide medical benefits, including treatments for a variety of cancers, as well as relaxants for surgeries. The field that studies poisonous plants is known as phytotoxicology, which identifies and catalogs such toxic plants and their respective toxins, as well. Several precautions and first aid treatments are recommended in dealing with poisonous plants, and professional medical attention should be immediately sought out in severe cases.