UK Poisonous Plants
The UK countryside and common gardens contain several wild and cultivated plants that can be dangerous or even fatal if ingested or touched. Accurate identification is the best defence against accidental poisoning.
Surprisingly Poisonous
Tomato Plant (Solanum Lycopersicon): It is not surprising that tomato plants are poisonous, as tomatoes belong to the same family as deadly nightshade (Solanaceae).
While the ripe red fruit is safe to eat, the green leaves and hairy stems contain toxic alkaloids such as solanine. If ingested, the foliage can cause severe stomach pain, profound weakness, difficulty breathing, and a dangerous drop in heart rate.
Further Reading & Resources:
- The Woodland Trust on Poisonous Plants: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/uk-poisonous-plants/
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) – Potentially Harmful Garden Plants: https://www.rhs.org.uk/prevention-protection/potentially-harmful-garden-plants
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Plants answers with extra info on page 2.