Question: What do the following garden plants have in common –
lupins,
daffodils
and foxgloves?
Answer: They are all on the RHS list of potentially harmful garden plants https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=524
I started to think about the subject after reading an article about how the warm weather has really favoured the growth of that big Mr Nasty of the English countryside, Giant Hogweed.
The Daily Mail has called it ‘Britain’s Most Dangerous Plant!’ – and tells of it spreading all over the Midlands in an uncontrolled frenzy in the sweltering weather. It is a nasty thing to rub up against – no doubt. If it’s in your garden seek advice as to how to get rid of it. If you are walking on
wasteland in the city or verges and country lanes – keep your distance! Here’s a link to advice from the NHS
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/bites-and-stings/Pages/Plant-dangers-garden-countryside.aspx
So, back to our garden plants – what harm can a daffodil do you? Serious poisoning by plants is very uncommon in the UK. Some garden plants present a hazard, but the risk of severe poisoning, skin reaction or allergy is generally low. Daffodils according to the RHS are’ somewhat poisonous, as are lupins and iris. Hyacinths cause skin irritation and bluebells are just plain poisonous. It’s worth looking at the long list to see what they say – there are several common houseplants on the list too.
On the plus side we really don’t have much to worry about in this country – children are the most vulnerable so keep an eye open for what they are putting in their mouth. Happy days in the garden.
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