» Poisonous Plants

Family: Loranthaceae Scientific name: Phoradendron serotinum (Raf.) M.C. Johnst. Common name: Mistletoe Description: Mistletoes are parasitic plants that grow on a variety of trees and shrubs. Their stems usually are swollen at the nodes and brittle, and they have many … more »

Family: Solanaceae Scientific name: Datura stramonium L. Common name: Jimsonweed, thornapple, datura Description: This coarse, heavy-smelling annual herb of the nightshade family has stout stems up to 4 feet tall. The leaves are alternate and up to 3 inches long, … more »

Family: Rhamnaceae Scientific name: Rhamnus cathartica L. Common name: European buckthorn Description: This shrub or small tree may reach a height of 26 feet. The simple opposite leaves are broadest at or above the middle and have a sharp point … more »

Family: Caprifoliaceae Scientific name: Sambucus spp. Common name: Elderberry Description: There are about six species of elderberry in the temperate zones of the Western United States and at least three species in the East. All are characterized by pithy stems; … more »

Family: Amanitaceae Scientific name: Amanita spp. Common name: Destroying angels, death cup, fly agaric Description: There are edible species of “Amanita”  in North America, and several of the same species have been popular in Europe for centuries. Dozens of species … more »

Family: Liliaceae Scientific name: Zigadenus spp. Common name: Deathcamas, poisoncamas Description: The stems of these perennial plants grow from I to 2 feet tall when in full flower. Several inches below ground the stem is attached to an onion-like bulb … more »