| Even I have to admit that some plants fit the | | | | consume in any amount. |
| category of "weed." Sometimes they are too | | | | 4) Peppergrass: In some areas of the U.S., this is |
| dangerous for anyone but a doctor to handle and | | | | a native and very much enjoyed. Florists use it |
| others take over the territory of native plants. A | | | | both fresh and dried in their arrangements and |
| few are deadly, and not just for humans. Knowing | | | | some people enjoy eating them. Unfortunately, it |
| what they are can make a big difference, | | | | is now springing up where it isn't native and it's |
| especially as a few are considered landscape | | | | taking over. Several states have instructions for |
| plants. | | | | what you should do if you notice it on your |
| 1) Castor Beans: These plants are escapees from | | | | property, and they urge containment. It spreads |
| hummingbird/butterfly plant mixes. They can | | | | by seed, so the soil around the plants may need |
| become quite large, I've seen a few taller than I | | | | to be carefully removed. |
| am at 5'9". The plant is often found along hiking | | | | 5) Pampas Grass: Small tufts of this plant look |
| trails and in waste places. They can make nice | | | | nice around mail boxes, etc. Unfortunately, it |
| foliage, but inside the pretty package lies a deadly | | | | doesn't stay small and it spreads rapidly. It is |
| poison. Once castor oil has been removed from | | | | sharp and can cause cuts when cattle or horses |
| the beans, ricin is left over. | | | | try to graze on it, so it isn't wanted in pastures. |
| 2) Euphorbia Terracina: Its common name is | | | | 6) Poison Hemlock: They aren't kidding about the |
| carnation spurge, and it is exploding exponentially | | | | name. Death can occur as fast as twenty |
| in Southern California right now. At first, it was | | | | minutes after ingestion. One reason it is eaten is |
| mostly coastal areas, but it is now in grasslands, | | | | that it resembles edible members of the carrot |
| the desert and in other wetlands. It can potentially | | | | family. While wildcrafting is gaining popularity, this is |
| take out just about every type of native plant in | | | | an example of why you shouldn't do it unless you |
| the state left unchecked. | | | | know exactly what's edible and what isn't. |
| There are several reasons this plant may be | | | | 7) Yellow Star Thistle: If you have horses, you |
| popping up. For some, it's a prized member of a | | | | have two reasons to want your property rid of |
| spurge garden. Moving soil and rocks, and | | | | this noxious weed. it kills them. Like the other |
| construction equipment are all possible means. | | | | plants on this list, it can take over a pasture and |
| They think some of the massive wildfires we've | | | | push out forage grasses. Horses have a need to |
| had recently also contribute to the menace. | | | | chew, and if there isn't adequate grass they will |
| On top of its tendency to take over habitat from | | | | turn to this plant. It is addictive to them, and will |
| other plants, it is toxic. All spurges, including | | | | then be sought out after this point. |
| poinsettias, have a sap that can cause pain on | | | | The problem it causes is with swallowing. The |
| contact and if ingested. The stronger ones can | | | | toxin damages the horse's brain, centering in the |
| cause burns, but this one tends towards minor | | | | area that governs chewing and swallowing. Most |
| skin irritation on contact. | | | | horses that have present these symptoms have |
| 3) Jimson Weed: Even though it is naturalized to | | | | to be put down or they will literally starve to |
| most of the U.S., this plant is native to Asia. It has | | | | death. |
| many names, including Gabriel's Trumpet, Datura | | | | Knowing what's growing on your property is |
| and thorn apple. It is related to the nightshade | | | | important. When you are planning a garden, it's a |
| family. It sprouts up in disturbed soil and in waste | | | | good idea to find out how the plants you choose |
| places such as vacant lots. | | | | will affect not just your property but that of |
| If you see this plant, get rid of it. It is deadly in a | | | | people around you. If you discover a plant you |
| hurry, and it's not pleasant. It contains surgical | | | | aren't familiar with, consult your county agricultural |
| type elements that can shut down the central | | | | commissioner to see what you need to do about |
| nervous system and cause both breathing and | | | | it. |
| heart beat to stop. No part of it is safe to | | | | |