7 dangerous plants you should never eat
Not everything that looks edible actually is.
Nature is full of amazing plants, but some can be harmful if you eat them. Just like with pretty flowers, not everything colourful or tasty looking is good for you.
This can be especially true when exploring the outdoors or trying new things in the garden. To keep yourself safe, it’s important to know which plants to admire from afar and which ones to avoid altogether. We’ll explain what these plants look like, where you might find them, and why they can be harmful.
Let’s get started and learn how to identify these plants to avoid.
1. The angel’s trumpet
This alluring plant, with its large, trumpet-shaped flowers, might seem nice to eat. But don’t be fooled! Angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia) contains hallucinogenic compounds that can cause severe intoxication, confusion, and even paralysis.
2. Morning glory seeds
These small, colorful seeds might resemble breakfast cereal, but they’re definitely not on the healthy food list. Morning glory seeds contain lysergic acid amide (LSA), a powerful psychedelic that can cause hallucinations, vomiting, and seizures.
3. Pokeweed
Pokeweed can be deceiving. Its dark purple berries look like juicy treats, but they’re packed with toxins that can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The roots and leaves are just as dangerous, so it’s best to admire pokeweed from afar.