All these wonders that we find in nature are often so beautiful and attractive … But beware of toxic outdoor plants and shrubs!
We go exploring as a family, Yippee! Your child has a crazy pleasure to pick flowers to make his mother happy. Your baby has a tenacious tendency to put everything in his mouth… Beware of dangerous plants.
This is the time toeducate yourself about common plants that can affect human health. Some plants, present in Quebec, can have an impact on human health. It’s time toeducate yourself on these perennial plants that sometimes grow in abundance near our homes. I made a list of the 5 that caught my attention the most. But there are many others. Here we go for my top 5! Scroll right on my photos to see the images of these undesirables.
1 :Poison ivy is very common in Quebec. Everyone knows it, but not everyone can recognize it. The sap of poison ivy contains an allergen that causes very painful rashes and skin lesions.
2 : Stinging Nettlegrows throughout Canada. This plant contains toxins that cause burning, itching, numbness, swelling and painful skin rashes.
3 : Hemlock is one of the most poisonous plants in America. It contains a toxin, which if ingested even in small quantities, attacks the nervous system and can cause convulsions and even death. (I saw one just this morning near my house! )
4 : Giant Hogweed whose sap contains toxins that can cause burns and blisters. In contact with the eyes, it can cause temporary or even permanent blindness.
5 : The Canadian Bloodroot produces a toxic sap. If an animal has the bad idea to ingest it, it could kill it. For humans, if its sap comes in contact with the skin, it can cause serious lesions.
That’s it! You will understand that this list is not exhaustive. Take the time to observe the plants around you and be careful with those that look suspicious!
I wish you a wonderful summer and happy family outings!
LPT Xx
