Autumn is a great time to get out and about in nature. Long forest walks are a staple of the chillier months — preferably with a pub lunch at the end. However, did you know that this quintessential English activity can be fraught with danger?
Hidden in woodlands across the UK are some flowers and plants that could be seriously harmful. Highly toxic plants like deadly nightshade and giant hogweed can cause serious harm to both people and pets. These plants are found across the country — and it’s crucial to know what you’re looking for.
David Denyer, flower expert at Eflorist has shared the 11 most dangerous plants that could threaten your health.
11 poisonous plants that could be growing near you
Belladonna
David said: “Halloween lovers will recognise deadly nightshade due to its use in ‘witches’ potions to induce hallucinogenic effects–but you should stay away from this plant if you spot it in the wild.
“The deadly nightshade flower (also known as Belladonna) is one of the most poisonous flowers in the UK. Its glossy black berries can look deceptively sweet, but you should steer clear of them. If ingested, deadly nightshade can cause hallucinations, seizures, and even death due to its ingredients, such as atropine. These can affect your nervous system by disrupting signals between your nerves and muscles.”
These plants flower between June and September and their berries look similar to elderberries or blackcurrants. While both elderberries and blackcurrants are harmless , deadly nightshade berries can be very dangerous if consumed.
Foxgloves
Famed for its tall purple, pink and white blooms. This plant can be fatal if consumed.
David said: “Foxglove poisoning symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and dizziness, which can develop into more serious effects such as irregular heartbeat and confusion.
“Foxgloves bloom from June to September, but their seed pods remain throughout October, which means you need to be extra vigilant on autumn walks. Do not confuse foxgloves with comfrey, which are also tall and leafy but have smaller, clustered flowers.”
Make sure that if you have foxgloves growing in the garden, you wear gloves to handle them as they can irritate your skin.
Wolfsbane
Monkshood or wolfsbane is famous in folklore for its powers in repelling vampires and werewolves. However, in real life, it is one of the most toxic plants in Europe. The toxin in the plant is so strong it can cause an irregular heartbeat and paralysis from skin contact alone.
David said: “Monkswood usually flowers from late summer throughout October and is often mistaken for delphiniums, which share a similar tall shape and rich blue flowers. While delphiniums are also toxic, monkshood is far more dangerous and should never be handled without extreme care.”
Autumn Crocus
These charming little lilac flowers pop up around Halloween — but they can be extremely dangerous if ingested. The flowers contain colchicine, a toxin that can lead to kidney and liver failure if ingested.
David said: “The blooms are sometimes confused with spring crocuses, which are less toxic, or with wild garlic shoots in early growth stages. Unlike wild garlic, autumn crocus lacks the distinctive smell. Because of its late flowering, autumn crocus is often overlooked in gardens, making awareness all the more important.”
Yew Tree
These trees have been tied to graveyards for centuries due to their association with death. While beautiful, every part of the yew tree is highly toxic so it’s best to admire from a distance.
David said: “Yew berries can sometimes be confused with guelder-rose or hawthorn berries, both of which are safe for wildlife and humans in moderation. Unlike these, a yew tree has needle-like evergreen leaves alongside its bright red berries.
“Because of its toxicity, the yew tree should never be planted in gardens where children or pets roam freely, and in the wild, fallen clippings can be especially dangerous to grazing animals like horses and cattle.”
Other dangerous plants to watch for
Lords-and-Ladies: arrow-shaped leaves in spring and spikes of bright red berries that can cause swelling of the mouth and throat if consumed
Poison Hemlock: tall hollow stems with umbrella-like clusters of small white flowers. Causes muscle paralysis or respiratory failure if ingested
Giant Hogweed: thick, blotched stems and huge umbrella-like flowers. Sap causes burns and long term scarring
Lily of the valley: pendant, bell-shaped sprays of white flowers. If eaten can cause vomiting, confusion, and potentially fatal heart problems
Laburnum: golden hanging chains of flowers. Seed pods are highly toxic and van cause nausea, convulsions, and even comas.
Wild ivy: climbing plant which grows on walls, fences, and trees. Berries can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and breathing difficulties and even simple contact with ivy sap can also irritate the skin.
