Taxus canadensis – Canada Yew
Canada yew (Taxus canadensis) is a native species of yew that can be found growing wild in CT in forested areas. The plant is nearly all toxic. Yew has pointed needle-like leaves that grow in two lateral rows along the branch. The plant produces red arils (berry-like seed coverings) in late summer. The berries can […]
Rhodotypos scandens – Black jetbead
Black jetbead (Rhodotypos scandens) is an invasive plant in the rose family that is highly toxic. Black jetbead is native to Asia and was introduced to the United States as an ornamental. It can be found in forests and along roadsides. Black jetbead produces white flowers in the spring. In the fall, the plant produces […]
Galerina marginata – Deadly Galerina
The Deadly Galerina (Galerina marginata) is the deadly toxic look-alike to edible honey mushrooms (Armillaria spp.) and enoki (Flammulina velutipes). The deadly galerina grows scattered or in small clusters on hardwood or conifer logs. It generally fruits June-October. The cap is orange-brown to dark brown and sticky. Gills are yellow, becoming rusty-brown with age. The […]
Symphytum officinale – Common Comfrey
Common Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a non-native perennial that has been used for food and medicine for thousands of years. Comfrey can be found on roadsides, old fields, and old homesteads. It can grow in moderate shade to full sun in rich, well-drained soil. Once a colony has been established, it can live for centuries. […]
Asarum canadense – Wild Ginger
Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) is a native perennial that can be found in moist woodlands. Wild ginger often forms dense colonies by rhizome. It can be found at the base of rocky slopes and along rivers. It prefers partial to full shade. Wild ginger has heart-shaped leaves that are usually in pairs. It produces […]
Cicuta spp. – Water Hemlock
Water hemlock (Cicuta spp.) is the most toxic plant in North America. Water hemlock contains cicutoxin which acts on the central nervous system causing seizures and often death. All parts of the plant are toxic, although the roots contain the highest levels of cicutoxin. Treatment for water hemlock poisoning includes activated charcoal and anticonvulsant medications. […]