LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - Louisiana is home to various native plants, truly some of the most beautiful and unique flora and fauna you will find in the country. But beware, some of these beauties are toxic or potentially deadly if ingested or improperly handled. Here are some of the most notable ones to look out for:


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Poison Hemlock Proliferates On Kent Roadsides
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Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata)

  • Description: A tall plant with small white flowers arranged in umbrella-shaped clusters.
  • Toxic Parts: All parts of the plant, especially the roots.
  • Toxin: Cicutoxin.
  • Effects: Extremely poisonous, can cause seizures, respiratory failure, and death.
Poison Hemlock Proliferates On Kent Roadsides
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Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum)

  • Description: A biennial herb with finely divided leaves and small white flowers, resembling a large parsley.
  • Toxic Parts: All parts of the plant.
  • Toxin: Coniine and other alkaloids.
  • Effects: Respiratory paralysis and death, similar to water hemlock.
Credit: LSU Ag Center, Mary S. Bowen
Credit: LSU Ag Center, Mary S. Bowen
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Oleander (Nerium oleander)

  • Description: A shrub with long, narrow leaves and clusters of white, pink, or red flowers.
  • Toxic Parts: All parts of the plant.
  • Toxin: Cardiac glycosides.
  • Effects: Severe digestive issues, heart arrhythmias, and can be fatal.
Credit: LSU Ag Center, G. Susan Bacque
Credit: LSU Ag Center, G. Suanne Bacque
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American Mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum)

  • Description: A semi-parasitic plant found growing on trees, with green leaves and white berries.
  • Toxic Parts: Berries and leaves.
  • Toxin: Phoratoxin.
  • Effects: Gastrointestinal distress, cardiovascular issues, and can be deadly in large quantities.
Credit: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
Credit: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
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Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)

  • Description: A tall plant with reddish stems, large leaves, and dark purple berries.
  • Toxic Parts: Roots, stems, leaves, and berries.
  • Toxin: Phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccigenin.
  • Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and can be fatal if consumed in large amounts.
Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
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Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)

  • Description: A large plant with large, star-shaped leaves and spiny seed pods.
  • Toxic Parts: Seeds.
  • Toxin: Ricin.
  • Effects: Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and can be fatal due to its highly toxic nature.
Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
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Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)

  • Description: A plant with large, trumpet-shaped flowers and spiny seed pods.
  • Toxic Parts: All parts, particularly the seeds.
  • Toxin: Tropane alkaloids.
  • Effects: Hallucinations, seizures, and can be fatal.
Credit:: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
Credit:: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
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Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina)

  • Description: A tree with white flowers and dark red to black cherries.
  • Toxic Parts: Leaves, stems, and seeds.
  • Toxin: Cyanogenic glycosides.
  • Effects: Can cause cyanide poisoning, leading to respiratory failure and death.
Credit: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
Credit: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
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White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima)

  • Description: A perennial herb with small white flowers.
  • Toxic Parts: All parts, especially leaves.
  • Toxin: Tremetol.
  • Effects: Causes milk sickness in humans if ingested indirectly through milk from cows that have eaten the plant. Can lead to tremors, vomiting, and death.
Deadly Nightshade
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Nightshade (Solanum spp.)

  • Description: Includes various species like black nightshade, with small white or purple flowers and small berries.
  • Toxic Parts: All parts, especially berries.
  • Toxin: Solanine.
  • Effects: Gastrointestinal distress, drowsiness, hallucinations, and can be fatal.

These plants can be found in various habitats throughout Louisiana, and it’s essential to recognize them to avoid accidental poisoning.

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