Poisonous Plants by Elizabeth A. Dauncey

Poisonous Plants profiles 132 plants that can be harmful to humans if eaten, or in some cases touched. Although you might be unsurprised the see the stinging nettle listed, rhubarb can also cause problems if the leaves or uncooked stems are eaten and the foxglove can cause severe poisoning if ingested.

This guide aims to reduce anxiety about poisonous plants and is the result of  a long-standing collaboration between the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Medical Toxicology Information Services at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London.

The beginning of Poisonous Plants gives information on how plants cause harm, risk and  A Safe Garden. Plus there is a useful first aid and emergency advice section from the Medical Toxicology Information Services. The main part of the book is the plant profiles which are divided into outdoor and indoor plants.Each profile give the botanical name, then common names, the family, the main toxin, risk, symptoms and HTA (Horticultural Trades Association) category – A most likely to cause harm, C least likely. Each profile is beautifully illustrated.

Poisonous Plants, A guide for parents and childcare providers is an excellent book to keep as a handy reference. It's full of excellent advice and tips for anyone who has a garden or houseplants.


Poisonous Plants: A Guide for Parents & Childcare Providers is available from Amazon and www.kewbooks.co.uk.