The writer is a lecturer with the Department of Horticulture Science. This column is provided by the Division of Extension and Community Relations and the Department of Horticulture Science, University of Saskatchewan. Most people are vaguely aware that some plants can be poisonous. In fact, some of Nature's most beautiful plants are quite deadly - including some common house plants. Lettuce is an exception.
Milky sap is often a skin irritant that causes swelling of tissues.
The most common victims of plant poisoning are children. Be sure you know both their common and botanical names. This information will greatly assist the physician in case of accidental poisoning. Some Toxic House Plants Potentially poisonous common house plants are listed below. Many are not fatal but can cause severe digestive problems, pain and discomfort.