Questions tagged [poisons]

For questions about poisons - both animal and plant.

A poison is a chemical that can cause harm and possibly death to an organism. This tag should be used for horticultural questions about poisons of all kinds, including both plant and animal poisons.

A poison might be deliberately used to control a particular pest, but care should be taken so that they do not poison other desirable plants and animals (including humans). Similarly, some plants produce their own poisons (e.g. nightshades) and these would be on-topic for this tag.

Finally, most poisons are relatively benign in very small quantities; but a few are actually considered essential nutrients. For example, copper is an essential, if minor, plant nutrient; but it is often employed as an effective tree poison.

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Damaged Bay Laurel: are the leaves safe to use?

Three months ago, my bay roof was re-felted. While the roofers were sealing the felt, they spilled hot pitch onto the leaves of my Bay Laurel which is in a tub, on the ground below (see photos). I’ve gradually removed most of the damaged leaves,…
Mancuniensis
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How poisonous is Oleander?

I know that Oleander ( Nerium oleander ) is poisonous. Almost every book and webpage about this plant warns the readers. But how poisonous is this plant? I can touch the leaves without any skin irritation. I can prune it without using gloves. What…
asalamon74
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What plants or gardening additives might cause the specific neurotoxin symptom 'Descending Paralysis'?

I have been involved in an event where the presumed diagnosis is botulism secondary to ingestion from hay from last year. In this case the hay is second cutting timothy hay (making it 6 plus months old). Three pet house rabbits appear to have been…
James Jenkins
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Poison Sumac or something else?

I saw this growing out of a yard and onto the sidewalk. Is it Poison Sumac or non-poisonous Sumac? 11 leaflets, It has a smooth stem and leaflets so it is not Staghorn Sumac. I did not see any berries or fruit. Is there any of the poisonous kind…