UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

Poisonous Plant Garden

vetmed.illinois.edu/poisonplants/

T he University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Poisonous Plant Garden is student conceived and operated. For over 25 years it has served to educate

veterinarians, students (elementary through college), and the general public.

The garden is located on the northwest corner of the College of Veterinary Medicine campus (adjacent to St. Mary’s Road). It contains over ninety species of plants native to Illinois or commonly used as ornamentals or house plants. These plants are potentially hazardous to a range of animal species including humans.

The garden is managed by two students, selected yearly, and a college faculty advisor. These students provide the planning and labor required for spring planting, garden management through the summer, and then fall cleanup and transfer of many plants to the university greenhouses for overwintering. It is the student curators’ energy, dedication and enthusiasm that have been the hallmark and primary force behind the garden’s success. These students are listed below.

A guided tour for students or other groups (e.g. garden clubs) may be arranged in advance. Questions, suggestions and requests for additional information or guided tours should be directed to:

Dr. Michael Biehl, Faculty Advisor(217) 244-4649

biehlml@illinois.edu

1992–1993 Wendy Grethen1993–1994 David Curbo1994–1995 George Langan1995–1996 Bryan McGoldrick1996–1997 Michael Sanborn1997–1998 Kim Carlson1998–1999 Jamie Kenyon2000–2001 Maria Cotner2001–2002 Rob Swinger2002–2003 Rebecca Dieter2003–2004 Marianne Krumdick

Poisonous Plant Garden Student CuratorsFounding Student Curator: Paula Bratich

2004–2005 Jill Horton2005–2006 Edward Holub2006–2007 Ashley Elzerman2007–2008 Richard Hill2008–2009 Kelly Spence2009–2010 Paul Meade2010–2011 Lisa Sebree2011–2012 Jason Kennell Lindsey Preston2012–2013 Anna Stobnicki2013-2014 Anne Strong

2014-2015 Lynsee Melchi2015-2016 Laura Reynolds2016-2017 Kassie Deal2017-2018 Shira Parks2018-2019 Jake Smiley

DO NOT HANDLE OR CONSUME ANY PARTS OF PLANTS IN THE GARDEN. In order to keep children and pets safe, be sure they remain under adult supervision.

If a poisonous plant is consumed by a person or pet you should:

1. Obtain a sample including all parts of the plant.2. Estimate the quantity eaten.3. Estimate frequency and duration of exposure, and time of onset and nature of clinical signs.4. Contact a physician or veterinarian immediately (see Additional Resources).

Note: The toxic effects of plants vary with the health status, age, and species of the individual affected. Time of year, humidity, growth conditions, and growth stage, among other factors, influence a plant’s toxicity.

For further information regarding potentially poisonous plants please refer to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website at aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control

If an animal has been exposed to a poison-ous plant, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

If the animal is experiencing significant clinical distress call the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Emergency Room at (217) 333-5300.

If a human has been exposed to a poisonous plant, contact the Illinois Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222.

Additional Resources

The progress and maintenance of the garden is primarily made possible through donations of money, seeds, plants, equipment, supplies, time and advice.

Please make your contribution in support of the garden by:

1. Donating online at vetmed.illinois.edu/ advancement/giving.html by selecting Poisonous Plant Garden Fund for your donation destination, or

2. Sending a check with your contribution to:

University of Illinois Foundation Harker Hall 1305 West Green Street Urbana, IL 61801

Please note on the lower left of your check that it is for the UI Poisonous Plant Garden

See the list of previous donors in the back of this brochure. Thank You!

To Give Your Support

Important Information

Website: vetmed.illinois.edu/poisonplants/

Garden Map

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shade houses

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GARDEN ENTRANCESt Marys Road

College BuildingsParking Lot

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Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle SignsRed MapleAcer rubrum, Aceraceae

pollen, green or dried leaves

unknown constituents depression, anorexia, methemoglobinhemolytic anemia, dehydration

Jack-in-the-PulpitArisaema triphyllum, Araceae

all parts insoluble calcium oxalate crystalshistamine releasers

immediate irritation and burning of mouth, tongue, lips, and throat; excessive salivation; difficult breathing

Bittersweet NightshadeSolanum dulcamara,Solanaceae

foliage and green berries

solanine and solanidine anorexia and abdominal pain; drowsiness, dry mouth, labored breathing, nausea, and diarrhea

BloodrootSanguinaria canadensis,Papaveraceae

all parts sanguinarine alkaloid severe irritation and extreme stomatitis and gastroenteritis if ingested

MayapplePodophyllum peltatumBerberidaceae

unripe fruit, leaves, roots

podophyllin which arrests cellular mitosis in metaphase

laxative effect with severe purging, vomiting, gastroenteritis

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Plot 2 Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

JimsonweedDatura stramoniumSolanaceae

all parts hyoscyamine, scopolamine, atropine

thirst, hyperirritability, disturbed vision, delirium, rapid heart beat, dry mouth, dilated pupils, colic, anorexia

BelladonnaAtropa belladonnaSolanaceae

all parts atropine, hypocyamine, scopolamine

dilated eyes, dry throat, rapid heart beat, excitement

Bull NettleSolanum carolinenseSolanaceae

roots, berries, stems, leaves

solanine and solanidine hypersalivation, anorexia, progressive muscle weakness, seizures, dilated pupils

Plot 3

Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

Scouring RushEquisetum hyemaleEquistaceae

all parts thiaminase (active in non-ruminants)

unthriftiness, loss of condition, staggering gait, rapid pulse

Field HorsetailEquisetum arvenseEquistaceae

all parts thiaminase (active in non-ruminants)

unthriftiness, loss of condition, convulsions, staggering gait, rapid pulse

PrivetLigustrum vulgare, Oleaceae

fruit, bark, leaves glycoside ligustrin, saponins vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions and death in severe cases

PokeweedPhytolacca americanaPhytolaccacea

all parts, esp. roots, shoots, and unripe berries

triterpene saponins, mitogens, glycoproteins, asparagine, oxalate

initial burning in mouth, severe cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, excessive salivation, weakness, seizures, coma in severe cases

Plant Toxic Part Toxic Principle Signs

Corn CockleAgrostemma githagoCaryophyllaceae

all parts, esp. seeds

githagenein, saponin gastrointestinal upset, “cheesy” discharge in mouth (birds), slow breathing, dizziness, weakness

Bouncing BetSaponaria officinalisCaryophyllaceae

all parts, esp. seeds

saponins CNS and cardiac depression, gastrointestinal upset,hemolysis if consume large quantities

Castor BeanRicinus communisEuphorbiaceae

all parts, esp. seeds

phytotoxin ricin (one of the most deadly substances known) which inhibits protein synthesis

burning of mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, fast weak pulse, muscle twitching, fever, weakness, death

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Plant Toxic Part Toxic Principle Signs

Prairie GroundselSenecio pauperculusAsteraceae

all parts, esp. when young

pyrrolizidine alkaloids liver damage, dullness, staggering, abdominal pain, possible hepatogenous photosensitization

MonkshoodAconitum columbianumLarkspurDelphinium tricorne Ranunculaceae

all parts, esp. roots

aconitine, alkaloids restlessness, salivation, nausea, vomiting, cardiovascular issues, respiratory paralysis, death

Wild ParsnipPastinaca sativa, Apiaceae

all parts furocoumarins photosensitization, blistering of skin

St. JohnswortHypericum perforatumHyperiaceae

all parts hypericin photosensitization, increased heart and respiration rate, fever, diarrhea

Oxalis CloverOxalis pes-caprae

leaves contains soluble oxalates

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Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

Purple FoxgloveDigitalis purpureaScrophalariacea

all parts digitoxin, digoxin, gitoxin, and other cardiac glycosides

irregular heartbeat, heart block, mental confusion, convulsions, weakness, weight loss, death possible

LupineLupinus sp. Leguminosae

seed pods, foliage quinolizidine alkaloids, lupinine, sparteine, anagyrine in cattle (teratogen), ammodendrine (teratogen)

vomiting, increased salivation, general distress, birth defects in herbivores

LambsquartersChenopodium albumChenopodiaceae

all parts nitrate, oxalate, cyanogenic glycosides

headache, flushing skin, vomiting, dizziness, reduced blood pressure, bloody diarrhea

Sago PalmCycas revoluta, Cycadaceae

all parts, esp seeds cycasin vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, coagulopathy, liver failure, death

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Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

ElderberrySambucus canadensisCaprifoliaceae

all parts, ripe berries okay

variety of toxins including saponins, cyanogenic glycosides and tannins

diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, nausea, dizziness

HydrangeaHydrabgea macrophyllaHydrangeaceae

all parts hydrangin nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea

DumbcaneDieffenbachia “Exotica”Araceae

all parts calcium oxalate crystals, proteolytic enzymes which trigger release of kinins, histamine

immediate irritating or burning sensation of mouth, tongue, lips, pharyngeal swelling, difficulty breathing

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Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

BromeBromus rubens, Poaceae

seedhead if fungus is present

several alkaloids including ergot alkaloids in fungal elements, nitrate

gangrene, decreased milk production

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Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

AzaleaRhododendron sp.Ericaceae

all parts cardiac glycoside: grayanotoxin hypersalivation, nasal discharge, vomiting, nausea, incoordination, weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, coma, death

OleanderNerium oleanderApocynaceae

all parts cardiac glycosides: oleandrin, oleandroside, nerioside and neriin (similar to digitoxin)

irritation of mouth, abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmias, fever, vomiting, dilated pupils, tremors followed by progressive paralysis

RyegrassLolium perenne, Poaceae

seedhead if fungus is present

several alkaloids including ergot alkaloids in fungal element, nitrate

muscle trembling, incoordination, convulsions, painful muscle contractions, lameness

Plot 10

Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

ScheffleraSchefflera actinophyllaAraliaceae

all parts calcium oxylate crystals oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing.

CaladiumCaladium bicolorAraceae

all parts calcium oxylate crystals oral irritation, intense burning to mouth, gastrointestinal upset

SmartweedPolygonum spp.

all parts may contain toxic levels of nitrates photosensitization and contact dermatitis

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Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

Poison IvyToxicodendron radicansAnacardiaceae

all parts if contact when broken

oily-resin uroshiol itching, burning, and hyperemic skin, blisters, secondary infections may occur

Kentucky Coffee TreeGymnocladus dioicaLeguminosae

leaves, seeds, pods

the alkaloid cytisine, which acts like nicotine

intense pain, profuse diarrhea, straining, muscle paralysis, depression, convulsions, death

PhilodendronPhilodendron sp.Araceae

all parts calcium oxalate crystals, proteolytic enzymes

oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing.

Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

Black WalnutJuglans nigra, Juglandaceae

wood shavings juglone, unknown constituents laminitis, toxic to fish

SE Corner

Plot 12

Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

English IvyHedera helix, Araliaceae

all parts, esp. berries

hederagenin which is a saponin diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, convulsions

Ohio BuckeyeAesculus glabraHippocastanaceae

seeds, leaves, flowers

the glycosidic saponin, aesculin inflammation of mucous membranes, nervousness, twitching, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea

Horse ChestnutAesculus hippocastanumHippocastanaceae

all parts the glycosidic saponin, aesculin and a possible narcotic alkaloid

vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, muscle trembling, respiratory paralysis, bloat, death

Creeping CharlieGlechoma hederacea, Lamiaceae

all parts not known, possibly glechomanolide or sapogenin

colic, sweating, excess salivation, death

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Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

Broccoli Brassica oleracea, Cruciferae

all parts, esp. seeds

glucosinolates & breakdown products

vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, jaundice, growth retardation

CabbageBrassica oleracea, Cruciferae

all parts, esp. seeds

glucosinolates and breakdown products, nitrate

vomiting (sometimes bloody), diarrhea, liver and skeletal abnormalities, goiter, anemia

CockleburXanthium strumarium Compositae

seedlings carboxyatractyloside, various sesquiterpene lactones

vomiting, weakness, spasms, weak pulse, anorexia, liver damage, hypoglycemia

KaleBrassica oleracea Cruciferae

all parts, esp. seeds

S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide, glucosinolates & breakdown products, nitrate

vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, anemia, growth retardation

Wild MustardBrassica kaber, Cruciferae

all parts, esp. seeds

glucosinolates and breakdown products, nitrate

vomiting (sometimes bloody), diarrhea, liver and skeletal abnormalities, goiter, anemia

Plot 14

Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

CatnipNepeta cataria, Lamiaceae

all parts neptalactone vomiting if large quantity is eaten, malaise

Poison HemlockConium maculatum, Apiaceae

all parts, esp. seeds

the nicotine-like alkaloid coniine, & the teratogen coniceine, cicutoxin

burning sensation in mouth, difficulty in swallowing, anorexia, death possibly due to paralysis of muscles of respiration, birth defects

TomatoLycopersicon esculentumSolanaceae

leaves, vines, sprouts, green fruit

tomatine and tomatidine hypersalivation, anorexia, depression, diarrhea, drowsiness, atropine-like effects

Plot 15Plants Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

White Sweet CloverMelilotus albaLeguminosae

all parts when moldy or damaged

dicoumarol in damaged hay or forage which interferes with recycling of vitamin K

failure of blood to clot, severe hemorrhage and hemorrhage related problems

Yellow Sweet CloverMelilotus officinalisLeguminosae

all parts when moldy or damaged

dicoumarol in damaged hay or forage which interferes with recycling of vitamin K

failure of blood to clot, severe hemorrhage and hemorrhage-related problems

Alsike CloverTrifolium hybridum, Leguminosae

all parts unknown nervousness, digestive disorders, liver damage, photodermatitis, diarrhea

Red CoverTrifolium pratense, Leguminosae

all parts when moldy

slaframine in the fungal elements of Rhizoctonia legumunicola

excessive salivation, urination, defecation

Field PennycressThlaspi arvense, Cruciferae

all parts, esp. seeds

glucosinolates and breakdown products

gastrointestinal upset, bloody diarrhea, liver and skeletal abnormalities, goiter, anemia

Plot 16

Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

BuckthornRhamnus catharticaRhamnaceae

fruit and bark anthraquinone glycoside(hydroxymethyl- anthraquinone)

nausea, emesis and catharsis

Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

ChokecherryPrunus virginianaRosaceae

leaves, bark, seeds cyanogenic glycoside rapid respiration soon labored, apprehensive, bright red blood, death

Wild Black CherryPrunus serotinaRosaceae

bark, twigs, seeds amygdalin which is broken down to cyanide

rapid respiration, soon becomes labored, apprehensive, bright red blood, death

DaylilyHemerocallis fulvaLiliaceae

all parts hemerocallin, unknown constituents

kidney failure in cats, incoordination, blindness

HyacinthHyacinthus orientalisLiliaceae

bulbs and foliage narcissine-like alkaloids severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis

DaffodilNarcissus sp.Liliaceae

bulbs alkaloids such as narcissine, narcipoietin, and lycorin

difficulty in swallowing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, trembling

Plot 17

Plot 18Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

RhubarbRheum rhaponticumPolygonacea

leaves soluble oxalates nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, excessive salivation, staggering, convulsions, death

Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

LantanaLantana camaraVerbenaceae

foliage and berries lantanin, lantadene A, hepatogenous photosensitizer

constipation, bile stasis, severe gastroenteritis, dilated pupils, liver damage, photosensitization

SoybeanGlycine maxLeguminosae

all parts nitrate, protease inhibitors, phytoestrogens

diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, difficult breathing, convulsions

Red Root PigweedAmaranthus retroflexusAmaranthaceae

all parts nitrate, oxalate and unknown compound(s)

weakness, trembling, incoordination, sternal recumbency, perirenal edema, kidney failure

Black Eyed SusanRudbeckia

seeds, sap, all parts

unknown constituents vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, possible coma in swine

CornZea maysPoaceae

all parts nitrate, possible high selenium, mycotoxins when moldy

brown blood, cyanotic mucous membranes, collapse, weak heartbeat, hyperventilation; effects of mycotoxins vary

Prairie DogbaneApocynum sibiricumApocynaceae

all parts apocynin, glucosides, cardenolides, cardiac glycosides

rise in body temperature, sweating, strong pulse, cold extremities, dilated pupils, gastric upset

Plot 19

Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

American HollyIlex opacaAquifoliaceae

fruit, leaves glycosides, saponins, theobromine in some spp.

vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, hemolytic anemia

Curley DockRumex crispusPolygonaceae

all parts nitrates, photosensitizers, soluble oxalates

anorexia, severe ataxia, depression, reduced milk production, abortion, prostration, death

Broadleaf MilkweedAscelpias syriacaAsclepidaceae

all parts, esp.stems and leaves

asclepiadin, asclepion, galitoxin intestinal inflammation, fever, difficulty with breathing, anorexia, irregular pulse, dilated pupils, later tetanic seizures, bloat, death

ButtercupsRanunculus sp.Ranunculaceae

all parts esp. irritant sap

acrid yellow oil, protoanemonin acute burning in mouth and throat, vision impairment, paralysis, dizziness

Plot 20

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Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

Wild ChivesAllium schoenoprasumLiliaceae

all parts if eaten in quantity

N-propyl disulfide, S-methyl-cysteine sulfoxide

digestive disturbances, hemolytic anemia, red- discolored urine, weakness, anorexia

Ground CherryPhysalis sp.Solanaceae

green foliage, unripe fruit

solanine and atropine-like alkaloids

CNS depression, rapid respiration, nausea, diarrhea, muscle weakness, paralysis

Plot 22Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle SignsRed OakQuercus rubraFagaceae

acorns in large quantities, buds, stems

gallotannin constipation, bloody stools, kidney damage, abdominal pain, extreme thirst, frequent urination

Lily-of-the-ValleyConvallaria majalisLiliaceae

all parts convallarin, convallamarin, convallatoxin

anorexia, irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, confusion

White SnakerootEupatorium rugosumAsteraceae

all parts tremetol and toxic metabolites eliminated in milk

weakness, sluggishness, stiffness, severe vomiting, tremors, loss of appetite, delirium, acetone smell, death, cardiac failure in horses

Bracken FernPteridium aquilinumPolypodiaceae

all parts, esp. roots

thiaminase, carcinogenic factors ptaquiloside cyanogenic glycoside

weight loss, listlessness, convulsions in horses; bloody urine, tumors of the urinary tract in cattle

Morning GloryIpomoea tricolorConvolvulaceae

seeds D-lysergic acid, D-isolysergic acid, ergonovine

tremors, incoordination, piloerection, hypersensitivity to touch

Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs

Japanese YewTaxus cuspidata, Tacaceae

all parts except flesh of red berries

taxine, other alkaloids that depress electro-chemical conduction in heart

dizziness and dry mouth, excitement, difficult breathing trembling, diarrhea, cardiac failure, death

North Fence

Dr. Chris Ashworth Dr. Kurt Arnold Dr. Val Beasley Dr. Richard Bevill Dr. Michael Biehl Dr. Dennis J. Blodgett Dr. Paula Bratich Carle Foundation Hospital Covenant Hospital Dr. David C. Dorman .Dr. David Gross Illini FS, Inc.

Monetary Contributions:Dept. of Comparative BiosciencesDr. Anita M. KoreDr. Richard J. LambertMinnesota Mining and ManufacturingPfizer FoundationPurina Mills, Inc.Dr. Harry ReynoldsRingwood Animal HospitalSandoz Crop ProtectionDr. Walter SteinUnion Health Service, Inc.Dr. William WagnerMrs. Mitsuko Williams

Thank You to Our Supporters

Allerton ParkAnita Purves Nature Center Dr. Val Beasley Mr. Steve Bialobreski Dr. Michael Biehl Dr. Dennis J. Blodgett Dr. Paula Bratich Dr. & Mrs. Alan ElzermanF & J Seed Services Mrs. Judie FairMrs. Rhonda Feree FS Farmtown Store Grieder Sod & LandscapingDr. Jeffrey HallHeath’s Outdoor CenterHidden Acres NurseryHohulin Bros. Fence Co.Home DepotMr. George HornbrookMr. Daryl HuffstetlerMr. Gary D. HuisingaIllini Fence Master, Inc. Dr. Almut JonesMs. Kate Keets

Gifts in Kind, Plants, or Supplies

Dr. and Mrs. Ellery KnakeMr. James KramerMr. Joe KunkelMr. Roger LambertLowe’s Home ImprovementDr. John MasuinasDr. Marshall McGlameryMs. Theresa MeersMr. David MonkMs. Dawn NordbyPrairie Gardens (recurring)Dr. Ken RobertsonRopp’s Flower FactoryRural KingMr. Jim SchmidtSunnyfield Greenhouse and GardensUniversity of Illinois Sheep FarmUrbana Landscape Recycling CenterValley Seed ServiceDr. Petra Volmer Dr. David WilliamsDr. Herb WhiteleyWinston’s Black Dog Treats

Designed by the Design Group @ Vet Med • vetmed.illinois.edu/designgroup • 6/6/2018

vetmed.illinois.edu/poisonplants/