The plant is a perennial evergreen herb with a black underground stem and roots. Each year a single palmately divided leaf and flower stalk form, the latter with one or two large purplish-white flowers, each with five petals and a yellow center whorl of flower parts. Found in gardens usually as a cultivated plant.
Poisonous Parts: An intensely irritating glycoside principle, helleborein, has been found in the leaves and roots. This probably accounts for much of the skin inflammation caused on contact with bruised parts or the juice of this plant. Other poisonous glycosides and alkaloids which affect the heart (similar to the effects of digitalis) and nervous system (as from aconite) are also present. If ingested, the plant may cause vomiting, tingling and numbing sensations in the mouth, and violent purgation.
Antidote: Call your doctor. Wash the skin at once with soap and water if the juice of the plant is in contact with it. Have patient vomit if any part has been eaten. Physicians treat for dermatitis and vesication if a contact poisoning. When there is evidence of much ingestion treat for digitalis or aconitine poisoning, depending upon symptoms.
DAPHNE
Daphne, spurge olive
Daphne mezereum—THYMELAEACEAE
Description: A low, woody plant found in many gardens. The daphne bears small rose-purple blossoms in clusters along its branches in early spring before the leaves develop. During the summer, several bright red berries appear, each with a single seed. Some horticultural varieties produce white to yellow flowers and yellow to orange berries.
Poisonous Parts: The bark, (this separates easily from the stems) leaves, and berries are poisonous. Children are especially attracted to the berries and fatalities among some who have eaten them have been reported.
Poisoning is characterized by a burning sensation in the mouth and irritation of the stomach and intestines which causes severe cramps. Toxic principles include a bitter glycoside, daphnin, and an acid resinous mixture. If not removed reasonably soon, these can produce kidney inflammation since these principles can be absorbed.
Antidote: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians perform gastric lavage and treat for a probable irritation of the gastro-intestinal tract if parts of the plant have been in the stomach for more than an hour.