Bloodroot plants emerge early, but avoid touching these potentially dangerous beauties. You're in for a major surprise if you walk out to the woods today—and maybe a severe rash if you pick some gorgeous white flowers. Bloodroot is in the same family as lilies and has similar toxic properties. If you get exposed to the toxin, it can cause skin irritation or even lead to liver damage if not treated quickly. The blood-red berries that follow are also highly toxic if consumed. Children especially should never be allowed to eat them because their small size makes them likely to mistake them for candy. The berries are best left for wildlife because humans cannot digest the toxins within them. Also known as Sanguinaria, bloodroot is native to the eastern United States and can grow up to 12 inches tall. It has thick, fleshy leaves and clusters of bright-white flowers with red centers. The plant's name comes from the resemblance of one of its roots to fresh blood. People have been eating bloodroot for centuries all over North America. The Cherokee used the root as a stimulant and medicine for colds and fever. They also made tea from the leaves which were given to children to help them sleep at night.