Mark, is it also true that that very same creator made the following:
Among HOUSE PLANTS -
1) the bulbs of
Hyacinth, Narcissus, and Daffodil may cause
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and may be fatal.
2) the leaves and branches of
Oleandera are
extremely poisonous, affecting the heart, producing severe digestive upset and have caused death.
3) all parts of
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) and Elephant Ear can cause
intense burning and irritation of the mouth and tongue. Death can occur if base of the tongue swells enough to block the air passage of the throat.
4)
Rosary Pea and Castor Bean seeds are
fatal. A single Rosary Pea seed has caused death. One or two Castor Bean seeds are near the lethal dose for adults.
Or if you prefer FLOWER GARDEN PLANTS –
5) the young plant and seeds of
Larkspur may cause
digestive upset, nervous excitement, depression, and may be fatal.
6) the fleshy roots of
Monkshood can cause
digestive upset and nervous excitement.
7) the bulbs of
Autumn Crocus and Star of Bethlehem cause
vomiting and nervous excitement.
8) the leaves and flowers of
Lily-of-the-Valley cause
irregular heart beat and pulse, usually accompanied by digestive upset and mental confusion.
9) the underground stems of
Iris cause
severe-but not usually serious-digestive upset.
10) the leaves of
Foxglove in large amounts cause
dangerously irregular heartbeat and pulse, usually digestive upset and mental confusion, and may be fatal.
11) the foliage and roots of
Bleeding Heart may be poisonous in large amounts, and
have proved fatal to cattle.
If you prefer VEGETABLE GARDEN PLANTS –
12) the leaf blade of
rhubarb can be fatal. Large amounts of
raw or cooked leaves can cause convulsions, coma, followed rapidly by death.
If you prefer ORNAMENTAL PLANTS –
13) the berries of
Daphne may be
fatal. A
few berries can kill a child.
14) the seeds and pods of
Wisteria can cause
mild to severe digestive upset. Many children are poisoned by this plant.
15) the bean-like capsules in which the seeds of
Golden Chain are suspended can cause
severe poisoning, excitement, staggering, convulsions and coma. May be fatal.
16) all parts of
Laurels, Rhododendrons and Azaleas can be
fatal. Produces
nausea and vomiting, depression, difficult breathing, prostration and coma.
17) the berries of
Jasmine can cause
digestive disturbance and nervous symptoms, or be fatal.
18) the green berries of
Lantana Camara (Red Sage) (grows in the southern U.S. and in moderate climates)
affects the lungs, kidneys, heart and nervous system, and may be fatal.
19) the berries and foliage of
Yew can be
fatal. (The foliage is more toxic than the berries.) Death is usually sudden without warning symptoms.
If you prefer TREES AND SHRUBS -
20 ) the twigs and foliage of wild and cultivated
cherries can be
fatal. They contain a compound that releases cyanide when eaten.
Gasping, excitement and prostration are common symptoms.
21) the foliage and acorns of
Oaks,
affect the kidneys gradually. Symptoms appear only after several days or weeks. Takes a large amount for poisoning.
22) all parts, especially the roots of
Elderberry have
poisoned children who were using pieces of the pithy stems for blowguns.
Nausea and digestive upset.
23 the bark, sprouts, and foliage of
Black Locust have caused
nausea, weakness and depression in children.
If you prefer PLANTS IN WOODED AREAS -
24) all parts, but especially the roots of
Jack-in-the-Pulpit, like Dumb Cane, contain small needle-like crystals of calcium oxalate that cause
intense irritation and burning of the mouth and tongue.
25) the berries of
Moonseed have a blue or purple color, resembling wild grapes. They may be
fatal.
26) The apple, foliage, and roots of
Mayapple contains at least 16 active toxic principles, primarily in the roots. Children often eat the apple with no ill effects, but several apples
may cause diarrhea.
27) The berries of
Mistletoe can be
fatal. Both children and adults have died from eating the berries.
If you prefer PLANTS IN SWAMP OR MOIST AREAS -
28) All parts of
Water Hemlock are
fatal.
Violent and painful convulsions. A number of people have died from hemlock.
If you prefer PLANTS IN FIELDS -
29) all parts of
Buttercups contain irritant juices that may
severely injure the digestive system.
30) all parts, especially the unripened berry of
Nightshade can be
fatal. Intense digestive disturbance and nervous symptoms.
31) all parts of
Poison Hemlock can be
fatal. (Resembles a large wild carrot.)
32) all parts of
Jimson Weed (Thorn Apple) can cause
abnormal thirst, distorted sight, delirium, incoherence and coma. Common cause of poisoning. Has proved fatal.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/...rces/common-poisonous-plants-and-plant-parts/
(I agree that the creator must have been so thoughtful to have provided all of these types of poisonous plants in our midst. I also just want to be sure we are not being one-sided in our descriptions of how wonderful the creator is in the selection of plants he has provided us.)