February 2026 Meeting Report:

Lucy Ellis –  Poisonous Plants. 

Deadly, Dangerous and risky to hold – the title of a very interesting talk by Lucy Ellis on poisonous plants. She began with the plant causing the highest death toll worldwide – Tobacco. 8 million people die annually as a result of smoking. The most deadly if consumed – Castor oil plant with seeds that resemble ticks but with a poison that can be broken down by heat. The most dangerous to touch is Giant Hogweed, distinguishable from the common Hogweed by its blotchy stem. The sap on the skin causes burns and blisters when exposed to sunlight – phototoxicity.

The most poisonous UK herbaceous plants are Deadly Nightshade.  All parts are toxic – the berries being particularly dangerous.  They look like Sloes and taste delicious! Hemlock has no antidote and is responsible for tightening muscles and can be a problem weeks after being cut down. If consumed, Monkshood with its attractive blue flowers and daffodils which to some look like spring onions, are dangerous. Euphorbia, including Poinsettia and common Rue have dangerous sap. Seeds of lily of the valley, Foxgloves and Arum species are toxic.

There are killer Trees! Yew.  All parts are poisonous to humans and animals except the red fleshy part of the fruit. Laburnum. Extremely poisonous particularly the seeds. Laurel. When the leaves are cut, they produce hydrogen cyanide so beware enclosed spaces! Walnut leaves can poison the soil where they fall.

Finally, Lucy gave advice to all.  Protect yourself, wear gloves and always wash hands after gardening!

We were very grateful to Lucy for stepping in at the last minute and enjoyed her presentation. 

Jacky