Poisonous Plants (1974)

foreign each year hundreds of frightened people make emergency calls to doctors offices or hospital emergency rooms because of suspected poisonings from eating plants the very word poison is enough to frighten most people for when we hear the word poison we think of a substance switching small quantities has an immediate effect in which leads rapidly to death fortunately this is not the usual case fatalities do occur but they are few still there are significant possibilities of discomfort or serious harm from Plants especially to the small children under the age of five who are the most frequent victims of poisonings perhaps we should use the more General word harmful instead of the technical words poison and poisonous for most of the plants seen in this film can cause physical harm and illness to human beings although the plants rarely kill many different physical changes are produced by different harmful plants ranging from skin irritations and allergies to gastrointestinal upsets circulatory disturbances or nervous system involvement the effects of harmful plants depend on many factors the size and weight of the person contacted is for this reason that our greatest concern is with small children several ounces of a plant eaten by a 200 pound adult might cause a stomach upset consumption of the same amount of material by a 130 pound teenager could result in vomiting and diarrhea but eaten by a 36 pound three-year-old the same material could bring on coma respiratory collapse or death of the many thousands of different kinds of plants found in the United States perhaps only about 300 different species are known to be harmful to man we can increase our safety prevent poisonings by knowing which plants are potentially hazardous or on a daily basis we all come in contact with plants which are poisonous rhubarb sold in stores usually consists only of the leaf stalks but rhubarb grown at home or sold at roadside stands often has the leaf stalk and leaf blade attached the leaf blade is poisonous people have died from using the leafy blade as food these green blades must be discarded and never used as food for humans all pots of potatoes contain the poison selenin there is relatively little poison in the edible white part so that we eat large amounts without becoming ill however wherever the potato is green in the Sprouts or under the skin there is a concentration of the poison it is advisable to remove all sprouts and any green portions from potatoes and to discard spoiled or very green potatoes as people seek to economize or to experiment with wild plants their danger increases the common names of plants may be confused resulting in poisoning the name Laurel is an example the leaves of the dangerous mountain laurel may be confused with the Laurel used as a seasoning the packaged material is perfectly safe the shrub Mountain Laurel is a totally different plant and is hazardous peach seeds are confused with sweet almonds however peach seeds and the seeds of other fruits like cherries can produce cyanide poisoning if a small handful of the seeds are chewed and swallowed common names and surface appearances are not to be relied upon imported chestnuts are safe sold in stores to be cooked and eaten the horse chestnuts familiar to us all are poisonous and should never be put in the mouth plants that look similar may be radically different in effect and many safe plants share common names with other plants which are very dangerous Poison Ivy the plant most commonly thought of is harmful with as much as one half the population sensitized to it at any one time producing an allergic reaction on the skin with millions of cases each year and still not recognized by great numbers of people all parts of poison ivy leaves stems flowers fruit Roots even the smoke from burning plants can lead to a reaction poison ivy is a variable plant appearing is a low plant as a small shrub or even climbing trees it looks different from season to season yet is potent in all in winter this Thicket of poison ivy branches growing high on a maple tree show the characteristic aerial roots of poison ivy in Spring the alternating leaves appear each with their three leaflets colored a shiny red or bronze as summer approaches New Growth retains its reddish cast while the maturing leaves turn green shiny at first then a dollar yet still rich green Autumn brings color to the poison ivy again altering its appearance all of us should learn to recognize and avoid Poison Ivy in all its forms at all times the small whitish berries and colorful Fall Foliage are cut and brought into the home as decorations with unfortunate results poison sumac a close relative of poison ivy found in bogs swamps and other wet areas should not be confused with other plants called sumac which have red fruit and are not harmful the poisonous sumac has greenish flowers and white fruit many other plants produce allergic reactions some pollen carried by the wind from trees and plants provokes hay fever in as many as 60 million people each year in Spring flowering trees in summer grasses and in late summer and fall Ragweed sending millions of microscopic grains of pollen through the air it's often hazy today in the city and I'm sorry to say there's little chance of release coming up tonight for those of you out there who have a touch of a hay fever please know the pollen count as released today is 10. for those without allergies it is difficult to imagine the discomfort and distress caused by these microscopic bits of plant material from simple hay fever to the major complications of asthma the seriousness of pollen allergies should not be underestimated allergies require medical attention if an allergy is suspected a physician should be seen Research into the causes and effects of allergic reactions to plants continues exploring the nature of our immunological system a foreign protein recognition for hay fever reactions are closely linked to our ability to ward off disease and poison ivy reactions are akin to organ transplant rejections the plant dictumness called gas plant because of the strong volatile lemon smelling oil it gives off blisters discoloration and occasionally more serious reactions occur when the juice comes in contact with skin and is followed by exposure to the Sun or other ultraviolet light source these scientists are studying this kind of reaction called phytophotodermatitis other common plants also cause this type of reaction the leafy tops of both the Wild and the cultivated carrot can produce the effect as can fennel parsnip Dill even some extracts of plants used in making perfumes May produce this effect these chemicals in response to ultraviolet light leave marks as much as two months later other plants may cause irritation some through spines Thorns or burrs the nettle has sharp stinging hairs inside each hair is a small amount of fluid which is injected into the skin causing a local inflammation and burning sensation both the cultivated and the Wild Iris can produce skin disorders in some people the leaves and especially the rhizomes the underground stems of the plant contain an irritating substance buttercups lady slippers The Rock poppy or celandine also cause dermatitis crown of thorns a member of the genus euphorbia many of the plants of this genus contain a milky white sap which acts like an acid then Burns some skin this plant snow on the mountain although looking very different is also a euphorbia displaying the typical milky white sap frequently the tough calloused parts of the hands will not be affected by the sap however sap from snow on the mountain has been used to Brand cattle replacing a hot branding iron other euphorbias which looked like cacti and are mistakenly sold as cacti can cause serious trouble people have tried to drink the juice of euphorbia thinking them safe cactus plants the tender tissues of the mouth can be easily and seriously burned by this acrid sap while there are no all-inclusive rules about harmful plants it is wise to avoid contact with any plant which has a colored or a milky white sap another euphorbia frequently found in the home is the Poinsettia the typical milky white sap is present and may be harmful all the dermatitis-causing plants we have seen have an additional Danger if they are eaten the soft tissues of the mouth tongue and digestive system may be damaged and severe gastric distress result with children especially the possibility exists that the irritated mouth and throat can swell blocking breathing and indirectly by choking cause death since plants for the home are sold with instructions for their care a clear and accurate warning of the plant's potential for harm could easily be included other plants brought into the home at holiday times can also be harmful the attractive berries of the Holly while not considered very poisonous can if eaten cause vomiting diarrhea and stupefied behavior in children the Jerusalem cherries leaves and stems and especially the unripe green fruit are dangerous if eaten the white berries of mistletoe are very poisonous and must be kept out of the reach of small children at all times if eaten they lead to severe stomach irritation with diarrhea a slow pulse and death is possible many plants use as decoration in Home and Office are headed us philodendron an occasional cause of death in pets eating the leaves can produce severe digestive upset leading to death or dumb cane frequently grown in offices and homes contain substances which cause a burning of the mouth and throat excessive salivation with the possibility of swelling which blocks breathing caladium potted or planted also belongs to this group unfortunate practical jokes using this type of plant have caused much discomfort and occasionally tragic consequences close relatives are found growing wild in the woods skunk cabbage both leaves and roots are dangerous Jack in the Pulpit is a well-known and easily recognized plant in the springtime yet many people do not recognize the bright colored berries of the Jack in the Pulpit which appear in late summer and early fall and which are highly noticeable and attractive and therefore dangerous to young people when small children are harmed by eating these plants it is usually because the plant attracted the children's attention by their colorful flowers bright fruit or shiny seeds daffodils and other relatives of narcissus like Snowdrop can cause trouble if eaten in quantity Hyacinth as well as the large amaryllis are both capable of producing strong stomach cramping vomiting and diarrhea Special Care should be taken by anyone handling plants to keep bulbs out of the reach of children the bulbs of daffodils and their relatives are the most dangerous part concentrating the poison and causing serious harm if eaten seeds and Seed packets also should be carefully handled to prevent accidental ingestion since some seeds contain concentrations of poisonous substances and others are treated with hazardous fungicides some plants have a different kind of effect the seeds of certain kinds of Morning Glory have been used to produce states of altered Consciousness the state of mild poisoning marijuana Peoria Belladonna opium and many other plants are psychoactive affecting our conscious Minds as well as our physical state from ancient times man has known of the effect of certain plants this knowledge has been communicated as descriptions as warnings some plants are specifically known for their deadly nature however all the following very dangerous plants must be eaten chewed and swallowed to produce their harmful effects the death angel a mushroom of the genus Amanita several small bites are enough to kill an adult the fly mushroom Amanita muscaria no wild mushroom should ever be eaten unless there is absolutely no doubt about its identification and safety in our recent historical past a practical knowledge of plants was required for everyone medicines seasonings food were frequently gathered from the wild valuable animals were kept in close proximity to human habitations to avoid poisoning of the animals all known dangerous plants were removed with lessened agriculture today we hear less of animal poisoning yet even in New England it still occurs water hemlock circuit Immaculata growing in wet areas along fences its roots if pulled up and eaten by grazing cattle may cause death the characteristic flat white or greenish white flower clusters the coarse leaflets two to five inches long with sharp toothed edges and veins ending at The Notches between the teeth and especially either the yellow lines or air Chambers in the pith at the bottom of the stem are identifying marks a piece of stem the size of a small green pea can kill an adult the poison hemlock conium maculatum is the plant used to kill Socrates with leaflets at a small fine almost like a lacy fern other deadly plants are found at some distance from the home encountered on walks or hikes the fall telebore the marsh Marigold in wet swamp ground in the spring the may apple with leaves forming a canopy over the flowers in Spring and over a fleshy green fruit in summer the fruit turns yellowish green as the leaves Wilt in late summer to the home in Parks planted around buildings we find plants like azaleas all parts of all azaleas roots stems flowers and leaves are poisonous if eaten azaleas rhododendrons Mountain Laurel sheep Laurel are all members of the heath family all containing similar poisons producing watering of the eyes nose and mouth loss of energy slow pulse low blood pressure and loss of motor control leading to paralysis and death some shrubs and hedges used near the home are also poisonous box is very harmful if eaten Privet only a few leaves or Twigs can produce ulceration and a severely irritated digestive system children have been poisoned by eating the twigs and leaves cut during pruning clippings should be collected and discarded safely to avoid attracting the attention of small children privet also produces a small poisonous black berry which remains on the shrubs into the winter season the bright colored seeds of euonymus and of Bittersweet are also hazardous the flowers seeds and seed pods of the Golden Chain Tree are also dangerous as are the seeds and seed pods of Wisteria the danger of Wisteria is a comparatively recent discovery but we know now that as little as one or two seeds can cause serious illness in a child when a plant like Wisteria is involved we can be completely safe by simply picking off the seed pods when they first form before they mature and discarding them the black locust has harmed children who ate its seeds or leaves or chewed on the inner bark some of our most common garden plants are potentially harmful we speak of potential harm for as in the case of bleeding heart we have no documented cases of poisoning yet the plant does contain potent chemicals known to be dangerous the garden lupins rarely cause poisonings although some of them also contain dangerous chemicals the low-growing blood root with his reddish sap Monk's Hood the glory Lily lily of the valley in all parts particularly the reddish orange berries all are poisonous did you tell us the Fox Glove yields a drug extensively used in the treatment of heart patients yet eating the plant results in an overdose of the drug and a case of poisoning the Autumn crocus showing leaves in the spring dying back in summer to Blossom in the fall contains the powerful chemical colchicine called the Wonder bulb or Miracle bulb and set out on windowsills to bloom children have been seriously poisoned from biting into the plant some tropical plants are often potted and found in homes or set out in patios or Gardens all parts of the lantana are poisonous but especially the fruits Oleander with white pink red single or double blooms a single leaf can kill an adult if eaten Angels Trumpet Jimson weed the various species of datura are all poisonous children have been sickened by sucking nectar from the blossoms or more generally by eating the seeds of the plants the castor bean plant frequently used for its luxuriant and Rapid growing foliage inside the oval spiny fruits are attractive mottled seeds which are very poisonous one or two seeds can be fatal when eaten seeds must be kept away from children the small seed of the abres the most deadly plant material found in the United States called The pregatory Bean or Rosary pea these red and black seeds were used in the Caribbean area to make jewelry it is now illegal to bring the seeds into the country because they are so deadly one of the seeds is enough to kill the poison is one of the single most deadly substances known to man and is similar in action to the Venom of poisonous snakes these seeds are extremely dangerous and should be eliminated from any home where they still may be found children are often attracted to a plant by its flowers or bright berries Daphne this pink or white flowered shrub shows red or yellowish berries which can cause alteration of the digestive system several berries can kill the nightshades with small flowers and berries appearing simultaneously over a long period of time the purplish flowers and red attractive berries of the deadly nightshade the white flowers and blackberries of the black nightshade in the late summer and fall the white and black berries of the white Baneberry can be seen in the woods as few as five or six berries can cause acute stomach cramps a raised pulse vomiting delirium and circulatory collapse the red-fruited Baneberry is equally poisonous English ivy found so many places used so many ways both berries and leaves are poisonous poke weed pokeberry pigeonberry inkberry or any one of many other names in the spring people pick the young shoots and by boiling and changing the water twice use the shoots as food care must be taken that no part of the dangerous route is eaten the berries of the Poke are the least poisonous part of the plant when cooked however people have died from eating too many of even cooked berries raw as few as three or four berries can seriously sicken a child and as few as 10 can cause serious poisoning in an adult you are taxus commonly used as an ornamental hedge or shrub the bright red fleshy part of the fruit is the least dangerous part children are frequently tempted to touch it and put it in their mouths inside the fleshy red part is a black seed this seed is very poisonous chewing and swallowing the black seed produces serious poisonings with a few Simple Rules we can make ourselves much safer never put any part of any unknown plant in your mouth do not eat suck nectar from chew or drink tea made from the leaves of plants people have been sickened from tea made from the leaves of tomato plants because we eat one part of a plant does not mean another that plant is safe learn which plants near you are dangerous and avoid them everyone should be able to identify poison ivy and other common plants do not put whistles or toys made from plants in your mouth [Music] in the event an emergency occurs it is essential that professional Aid be obtained immediately call a doctor at once if possible get a piece of the plant to help in identifying whether the plant is actually poisonous and what kind of poison is involved knowing the color of flowers the shape of leaves where the plant grows whether it was wild or cultivated whether a tree or a shrub or any common names used for the plant all these pieces of information help the doctors identify the plant to determine the appropriate treatment for the poisoning do not wait until symptoms appear prompt and appropriate treatment can appreciably reduce the danger of any poisoning sometimes symptoms may not appear for several hours and then progress rapidly when they do show call your doctor at once and let him decide the best course of action most child care and medical books for the home only have short General paragraphs on poisons other very useful books and pamphlets are available showing common poisonous plants each member of the family should become familiar with the plants to be avoided in many areas poison control and information centers exist maintaining close contacts with doctors and scientists at Arboretum and Botanic Gardens who are experts in identifying poisonous plants through your descriptions of the plant they assist in identifying and Advising courses of treatment do not induce vomiting until recommended by a physician with some plant poisons vomiting can cause even more harm if vomiting is recommended a small bottle of ipicac syrup should be used to induce the vomiting many things in our world are dangerous to us if misused we can kill ourselves by eating too much table salt by swallowing laundry bleach by misusing some plants knowing about the few plants which are potentially hazardous knowing what to do when a poisonous plant is accidentally eaten can help keep us from danger there is no reason that anyone especially our young children should ever die from plant poisons we can protect their lives and the first step is knowledge of poisonous plants all right