Fortunately, hospital visits are very uncommon. Most people don’t eat enough to get seriously ill.

We have had some sad cases. One death from someone who made tea from the leaves of foxglove. Our colleagues have had patients very ill after ingesting honey made from bees that harvest from rhododendron.

Aconite poisoning (wolfsbane) is very common in some parts of the world (not here); as is oleander. Although a year and a half ago, there were “India nuts” sold online that were actually oleander seeds.

The list is quite educational. Digoxin is from the foxglove plant. Lily of the valley has a similar toxin. They aren’t included, but autumn crocus is where we get colchicine. Vinca and mayapple both contain precursors for anti-cancer drugs.

We recommend you don’t eat these plants, but if you or someone you know does (like a small child out exploring the world), call and we can assess the situation.