A field of golden buttercups, smooches under the mistletoe, a puffy snow-white oleander…some flowers are more fatal than you think. We plant them in our gardens, grow them in our houses, and buy them from the local greenhouses. But what you don’t know may hurt you. Surprisingly, some common types of plants and flowers are hazardous to our health, and sometimes even lethal. Here’s a list of a few and their potential side effects. Let the buyer beware.

Buttercups ─ In pictures, we often see mile after mile of buttercups, like a sea of gold stretched across the horizon. Remember the old wives tale: Hold a buttercup under your chin and if your skin glows yellow, you must like butter. The sweet yellow flower actually packs a serious punch if eaten. The juices of the buttercup irritate the digestive system, and can cause severe injuries.

Mistletoe ─ Go ahead and sneak a smooch under the fuzzy green bough, but stay away from the berries. The plump red berries can prove fatal if their eaten. If you want a little holiday cheer, stick to cranberries.

Rhubarb ─ Not to worry if you love your rhubarb pie, it’s the blade that is lethal. Large amounts of raw or cooked rhubarb blade can lead to a coma or convulsions. If anything, skip your dinner and go directly for the dessert.

Oleander ─ This flowering plant is beautiful to look at, but look and don’t touch, and especially don’t eat it. Even the smallest amount of oleander is extremely poisonous. It causes dramatic racing of the heart, upset digestion, and sometimes, death.

The Oak tree ─ I remember hunting for acorns as a child when autumn brushed the tops of the trees with red, yellow, and orange. I never thought about putting one in my mouth, and good thing I didn’t. The acorns and the foliage of the oak tree are poisonous. Though it takes a large amount to have a major effect, better to leave the nuts for the squirrels and just enjoy the view.

Rhododendrons ─ Though pretty to look at, every inch of this lavender lovely is fatal. You can plant it in your garden but keep it clear of your mouth. Contact will cause nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and unconsciousness.
Wild cherries They’re wild for a reason. These little gems have twigs and leaves that are packed with cyanide.

Jasmine ─ Sure you drink the leaves in your tea. Don’t panic. You can still have your cuppa. It’s the Jasmine berry you need to steer clear of. They cause nervous symptoms and could be fatal.
So whether it’s the hemlock or hebenon of Shakespeare, or the oleander in the brush, know your plants and what they can do. It just may save you.

Whether you’re seeing Calgary florists, or florists in Montreal, they’ll know if what they’re selling can harm you!

Tags: dangerous