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Dangerous Plants

Surprise Seedling: Nicotiana Glauca

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read906 views

A couple of months a ago, we purchased a few Lavender trees from Lowe’s. Every now and then I will find a freebie in the pot while transplanting the plant, and this time wasn’t different. I found a tiny seedling with large bluish-green leaves at the base of the Lavender plant and decided to let it be and see what it grows into (I am not fond of plants with large leaves, unless it’s a Magnolia plant). Today I found out that the plant is the seedling of Nicotiana Glauca. Though non-native to California, it is classified as invasive here.

Nicotiana Glauca, also known as Mustard tree, tobacco bush, tobacco plant, tobacco tree, tree tobacco, or wild tobacco is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to South America. The plant can grow up to twenty (20) feet and is short-lived. It is used as an insecticide and smoked as a stimulant by smoking the plant or chewing it. This plant contains the toxic alkaloid nicotine, and can cause blood pressure, cancer, peptic ulcers, tremors, joint pain, anxiety, depression, drowsiness, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, headaches, respiratory failure, etc … and death.

According to Tropical.theferns.info (Useful Tropical Plants Database), Nicotiana Glauca has a variety of medicinal uses such as:
– Applying a poultice of the leaves to cuts, bruises, swellings and other wounds.
– Applying a poultice of the leaves to remove the pus from scrofulous sores or boils.
– Using an infusion of the leaves as a steam bath in the treatment of rheumatism.
– Applying warmed leaves to the head relieves headaches, on the throat to relieve pain and put in shoes for painful feet.

Though ornamental, the plant is said to pose a threat to biodiversity by competing with native species for resources and displacing native plants. The plant is propagated by seeds and flowers emerge around one year after germination . It is said that in its native range, Nicotiana Glauca is pollinated exclusively by hummingbirds. All parts of the plant are poisonous.

Nicotiana Glauca seedling.

Given the information I obtained about this plant, I know I should get rid of it. However, given the fact that I have never seen a Tobacco tree (and out of curiosity), I will keep it for a year, just until the first flowers emerge. I will relocate the seeding this weekend to the end of my property and watch it grow from a distance, until it’s time to bid it farewell.

Happy and safe gardening!

Deadly Beauty: Toxic Plants

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read5.1K views

Contrary to yesterday, today is a beautiful day (still a little windy, but manageable). I’ve been out watering some plants in the backyard when I stopped and took a good look at my Oleanders. What a terrific, yet toxic plant! The plants bloom beautifully in the Summer and they are appealing to the eyes. These deadly beauties were here long before we bought our home and we’ve talked about getting rid of them and/or replacing them. We are all very conscious of their presence and our kids will tell you that ‘Oleanders are deadly and they must not go close to them.’ Still, we always keep an eye on them whenever we are outdoors. Then I thought about my Daffodils.

What about Pheasant’s Eye, Lily of the Valley, Jimson Weed, Poison Ivy, Rhododendron, Jerusalem Cherry, Hydrangea, Mistletoe, Lantana, Mountain Laurel, Dumbcane, Wisteria, Chrysanthemum, Delphiniums, Belladonna, Foxglove, Ranunculus, and Spathiphyllum? These plants are poisonous. Some cause  delirium and hallucinations. Most of us gardeners love them for their beauty, bright colors and fragrance. We care for them without knowing exactly what we are dealing with. Still, we love them. Below is a list of toxic, deadly plants (just to name a few).

Image Source: BHGio9, Wikipedia, MNN, F1online, Whatafy, Britannica, BCLiving, HorticultureWeek.

Click here, here and here for a list of poisonous plants.

Toxic Plants.

Aside from their poison and toxicity, some plants are dangerous. Take Poinsettia for instance. Though non-toxic, its latex can cause an allergic reaction to some individuals when coming in direct contact with the plant. What about Roses? Their thorns could cause serious injuries to anyone who come in contact with them. Some Cacti and Succulents are dangerous, even poisonous, click here for more information. What about those beautiful house plants/air purifying plants? Some are dangerous to kids and pets.

Some plants can cause discomfort, others can kill. The good news is that we can prevent it by being informed. Once you know what you are dealing with, you will be ready, aware and prepared.

I compiled a list of Safe/Non-Toxic Plants here .