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    Published: May 12, 2024 · Modified: May 15, 2025 by Stephanie Gravalese · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Survival Alert: Nature's Silent Killers - 10 Plants That Can Be Fatal to Unwary Enthusiasts

    MINSK, BELARUS - 1 OCTOBER, 2020: mowing and herbicide treatment of sosnovsky hogweed
    Deposit Photos | MINSK, BELARUS - 1 OCTOBER, 2020: mowing and herbicide treatment of sosnovsky hogweed

    Foraging for wild edibles can be an exciting adventure, but it's crucial to be aware of plants that can cause harm. This list highlights ten plants you should avoid touching while foraging. Familiarize yourself with their descriptions and potential dangers to ensure your safety and enjoyment of nature's bounties.

    Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum)

    Poison Oak. Fresh Poison Oak Growing in Springtime with Red and Green Leaves. Toxicodendron diversilobum. Rhus diversiloba. Pacific poison oak. Western poison oak A woody vine or shrub in the Anacardiaceae family. causes itching and allergic rashes — Photo
    deposit photos

    Description: Poison oak is a shrub or vine with three-lobed leaves that resemble oak leaves. It can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals and may turn red or yellow in the fall.

    Oleander (Nerium oleander)

    Beautiful but dangerous oleander flower
    deposit photos | beautiful but dangerous oleander flower

    Description: Oleander is a small tree or shrub with long, narrow, leathery leaves and clusters of showy flowers in various colors, such as pink, white, or red. This popular ornamental plant contains toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested or if its sap comes into contact with the skin.

    Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)

    Close up detail of a Poison Ivy Plant.
    Deposit photos | Close-up detail of a Poison Ivy Plant. Excellent high-resolution image for accurate plant identification.

    Description: Poison ivy is a woody vine or shrub with compound leaves that consist of three leaflets. Contact with the leaves stems, or roots can lead to a severe allergic reaction characterized by itchy, blistering skin.

    Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

    BC Parks warning sign for Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), Gabriola, British Columbia, Canada. Hogweed is a poisonous plant which has caused photosensitization in children after exposure to the plant followed by sunlight. Also may cause dermatitis after contact.
    BC Parks warning sign for Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), Gabriola, British Columbia, Canada. Hogweed is a poisonous plant which has caused photosensitization in children after exposure to the plant followed by sunlight. Also may cause dermatitis after contact.

    Description: Giant hogweed is a tall plant with white, umbrella-shaped flower clusters, deeply incised leaves, and purple-spotted stems. Its sap can cause severe burns and skin irritation, similar to cow parsnip.

    Cow Parsnip (Heracleum maximum)

    Cow parsnip blooms in summer in a meadow, Heracleum Sosnowskyi
    Deposit Photos | Cow parsnip blooms in summer in a meadow, Heracleum Sosnowskyi

    Description: Cow parsnip is a large, robust plant with clusters of white flowers and deeply lobed, toothed leaves. Contact with the plant's white sap can cause skin irritation and blistering, especially in sunlight.

    Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum)

    Conium maculatum or poison hemlock white flowers blooming in spring
    Deposit Photos | Conium maculatum or poison hemlock white flowers blooming in spring

    Description: Poison hemlock is a tall, erect plant with small white flowers arranged in umbrella-shaped clusters and fern-like leaves. It resembles parsley but can be deadly if ingested.

    Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)

    Parsnip, Wild (Pastinaca sativa)
    Depositphotos | Parsnip, Wild (Pastinaca sativa)

    Description: Wild parsnip is a tall, slender plant with yellow umbrella-shaped flower clusters and pinnately compound leaves. The sap can cause severe burns and skin discoloration when exposed to sunlight.

    Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix)

     Growing in Springtime with Red and Green Leaves.
    deposit photos | Fresh Poison Oak Growing in Springtime with Red and Green Leaves.

    Description: Poison Sumac is a tall shrub or small tree with pinnately compound leaves and clusters of greenish-white berries. Found in wetlands, contact with this plant's sap can cause a rash and skin irritation.

    Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

    close up view of nettle tops

    Description: Stinging nettle is a perennial herb with serrated leaves and bristly hairs. While edible when properly prepared, the fine hairs on its leaves and stems can cause a painful sting.

    Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)

    Datura stramonium or jimsonweed plant
    deposit photos | Datura stramonium or jimsonweed plant

    Description: Jimsonweed is a large, branching plant with trumpet-shaped white or purple flowers and spiny seed capsules. All parts of this plant are highly toxic and can cause hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, and other severe symptoms if ingested.

    Parsnip, Wild (Pastinaca sativa)
    Depositphotos | Parsnip, Wild (Pastinaca sativa)

    While foraging offers a chance to connect with nature's bounty, it's vital to prioritize your safety. Understanding the potential dangers of these ten plants will help you avoid harm during your foraging adventures. Always familiarize yourself with the local flora, consult expert resources, and exercise caution while exploring the natural world. Enjoy foraging responsibly and cherish the wonders of the wild!

    Jam vs. Jelly and Other Fruit Preserves

    plate of sliced strawberries with smaller place of peaches and bowl of mulberries in background
    image credit: stephanie gravalese // slow living kitchen

    Fruit spreads are a great way to add flavor and texture to your favorite dishes. These preserves can be used in sweet and savory recipes, so don't consider them dessert toppings. Here we'll look at different types of fruit preserves, where they come from, and how they're made.

    Learn More: Jelly vs. Jam and Other Types of Fruit Preserves

    Wild Edibles for Beginners

    close up image of ramps in the woods
    image credit: deposit photos

    Wild edibles are all around us, but it can be challenging to know what plants are safe to eat, especially if you are newer to foraging. In this post, I'll show you some of the most common wild edibles, how to find them, and how to enjoy them.

    Get This Recipe: 10 Common Wild Edibles Great for Beginners

    10 Methods to Preserve Wild Edibles

    cluster of pigweed aka lambsquarters in a dirt field
    image credit deposit photos

    Do you enjoy foraging for food? Do you find it relaxing to get away from the noise of your smartphone and eat what nature provides? If so, wild edibles might be for you. But you should know that many edible wild plants lose their flavor or become less flavorful as they age. Luckily there are methods to preserve wild edibles and complement your everyday eats. 

    Get This Recipe: 10 Methods to Preserve Wild Edibles

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    Hey there, I'm Stephanie! I'm a food + culture writer, photographer and recipe developer.

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