UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
Poisonous
Plant Garden
T he University of Illinois College of Veterinary
Medicine Poisonous Plant Garden is student
conceived and operated. For over 20 years it
has served to educate veterinarians, students (elementary
through college), and the general public.
The garden is located on the northwest corner of the
College of Veterinary Medicine campus (adjacent to St.
Mary’s Road). It contains over ninety species of plants
native to Illinois or commonly used as ornamentals or
house plants. These plants are potentially hazardous
to a range of animal species including humans.
The garden is managed by 1 or 2 students, selected
yearly, and a college faculty advisor. These students pro-
vide the planning and labor required for spring planting,
garden management through the summer, and fall
cleanup. It is the student curators’ energy, dedication
and enthusiasm that have been the hallmark and
primary force behind the garden’s success.
A guided tour for students or other groups may be
arranged in advance.
Questions, suggestions and requests for additional
information should be directed to:
Dr. Michael Biehl, Faculty Advisor
(217) 244-4649
biehlml@illinois.edu
Poisonous Plant Garden Student Curators
Founding Student Curator: Paula Bratich
1992–1993 Wendy Grethen 2000–2001 Maria Cotner 2007–2008 Richard Hill
1993–1994 David Curbo 2001–2002 Rob Swinger 2008–2009 Kelly Spence
1994–1995 George Langan 2002–2003 Rebecca Dieter 2009–2010 Paul Meade
1995–1996 Bryan McGoldrick 2003–2004 Marianne Krumdick 2010–2011 Lisa Sebree
1996–1997 Michael Sanborn 2004–2005 Jill Horton 2011–2012 Jason Kennell
1997–1998 Kim Carlson 2005–2006 Edward Holub Lindsey Preston
1998–1999 Jamie Kenyon 2006–2007 Ashley Elzerman 2012–2013 Anna Stobnicki
Important Information
DO NOT HANDLE OR CONSUME ANY PARTS OF PLANTS
IN THE GARDEN. In order to keep children and pets safe,
be sure they remain under adult supervision.
If a poisonous plant is consumed by a person or pet you
should:
1. Obtain a sample including all parts of the plant.
2. Estimate the quantity eaten.
3. Estimate frequency and duration of exposure, and
time of onset and nature of clinical signs.
4. Contact a physician or veterinarian immediately
(see Additional Resources).
Note: The toxic effects of plants vary with the health status,
age, and species of the individual affected. Time of year,
humidity, growth conditions, and growth stage, among
other factors, influence a plant’s toxicity.
Additional Resources To Give Your Support
For further information regarding potentially The progress and maintenance of the garden is
poisonous plants please refer to the ASPCA primarily made possible through donations of
Animal Poison Control Center website at money, seeds, plants, equipment, supplies, time
aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control and advice.
If an animal has been exposed to a poison- Please make your contribution in support of the
ous plant, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison garden by:
Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
1. Donating online at vetmed.illinois.edu/
If the animal is experiencing significant clinical advancement/giving.html by selecting
distress call the University of Illinois College of Poisonous Plant Garden Fund for your
Veterinary Medicine Emergency Room at donation destination, or
(217) 333-5300. 2. Sending a check with your contribution to:
If a human has been exposed to a poisonous University of Illinois Foundation
plant, contact the Illinois Poison Control Center Harker Hall
at (800) 222-1222. 1305 West Green Street
Urbana, IL 61801
Please note on the lower left of your check that
it is for the UI Poisonous Plant Garden
See the list of previous donors in the back
of this brochure. Thank You!
Garden Map
S
Plot 12 Plot 11
N
Plot 13 Plot 10
Plot 14 Plot 9
Plot 15 Plot 8
Plot 16 Plot 7
Plot 17 Plot 6
pasture fence
Plot 18 Plot 5
Plot 19 Plot 4
Plot 20 Plot 3
Plot 21 Plot 2
Plot 22 shade Plot 1
houses
GARDEN ENTRANCE
St Marys Road
Plot 1
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Red Maple pollen, green or unknown constituents depression, anorexia, methemoglobin
Acer rubrum, Aceraceae dried leaves hemolytic anemia, dehydration
Jack-in-the-Pulpit all parts insoluble calcium oxalate crystals immediate irritation and burning of mouth, tongue,
Arisaema triphyllum, Araceae histamine releasers lips, and throat; excessive salivation; difficult
breathing
Bittersweet Nightshade foliage and green solanine and solanidine anorexia and abdominal pain; drowsiness, dry
Solanum dulcamara, berries mouth, labored breathing, nausea, and diarrhea
Solanaceae
Bloodroot all parts sanguinarine alkaloid severe irritation and extreme stomatitis and
Sanguinaria canadensis, gastroenteritis if ingested
Papaveraceae
Mayapple unripe fruit, podophyllin which arrests cellular laxative effect with severe purging, vomiting,
Podophyllum peltatum, leaves, roots mitosis in metaphase gastroenteritis
Berberidaceae
Plot 2
Plot 2 Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Jimsonweed all parts hyoscyamine, scopolamine, thirst, hyperirritability, disturbed vision, delirium,
Datura stramonium atropine rapid heart beat, dry mouth, dilated pupils, colic,
Solanaceae anorexia
Belladonna all parts atropine, hypocyamine, dilated eyes, dry throat, rapid heart beat,
Atropa belladonna scopolamine excitement
Solanaceae
Bull Nettle roots, berries, solanine and solanidine hypersalivation, anorexia, progressive muscle
Solanum carolinense stems, leaves weakness, seizures, dilated pupils
Solanaceae
Plot 3
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Scouring rush all parts thiaminase (active in non- unthriftiness, loss of condition, staggering gait,
Equisetum hyemale ruminants) rapid pulse
Equistaceae
Field horsetail all parts thiaminase (active in non- unthriftiness, loss of condition, convulsions,
Equisetum arvense ruminants) staggering gait, rapid pulse
Equistaceae
Privet fruit, bark, leaves glycoside ligustrin, saponins vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions and death in severe
Ligustrum vulgare, Oleaceae cases
Pokeweed all parts, esp. triterpene saponins, mitogens, initial burning in mouth, severe cramps, vomiting,
Phytolacca americana roots, shoots, and glycoproteins, asparagine, oxalate diarrhea, blurred vision, excessive salivation,
Phytolaccacea unripe berries weakness, seizures, coma in severe cases
Plot 4
Plant Toxic Part Toxic Principle Signs
Corn Cockle all parts, githagenein, saponin gastrointestinal upset, “cheesy” discharge in mouth
Agrostemma githago esp. seeds (birds), slow breathing, dizziness, weakness
Caryophyllaceae
Bouncing Bet all parts, saponins CNS and cardiac depression, gastrointestinal upset
Saponaria officinalis esp. seeds
Caryophyllaceae
Castor bean all parts, phytotoxin ricin (one of the most burning of mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting,
Ricinus communis esp. seeds deadly substances known) which bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, fast weak pulse,
Euphorbiaceae inhibits protein synthesis muscle twitching, fever, weakness, death
Plot 5
Plant Toxic Part Toxic Principle Signs
Prairie Groundsel all parts, pyrrolizidine alkaloids liver damage, dullness, staggering, abdominal pain,
Senecio pauperculus esp. when young possible hepatogenous photosensitization
Asteraceae
Monkshood all parts, aconitine, alkaloids restlessness, salivation, nausea, vomiting, death
Aconitum columbianum esp. roots
Ranunculaceae
Wild Parsnip all parts furocoumarins photosensitization, blistering of skin
Pastinaca sativa, Apiaceae
St. Johnswort all parts hypericin photosensitization, increased heart and respiration
Hypericum perforatum rate, fever, diarrhea
Hyperiaceae
Plot 6
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Purple Foxglove all parts digitoxin, digoxin, gitoxin, and irregular heartbeat, heart block, mental confusion,
Digitalis purpurea other cardiac glycosides convulsions, weakness, weight loss, death possible
Scrophalariacea
Lupine seed pods, foliage quinolizidine alkaloids, lupinine, vomiting, increased salivation, general distress,
Lupinus sp. sparteine, anagyrine in cattle birth defects in herbivores
Leguminosae (teratogen), ammodendrine
(teratogen)
Lambsquarters all parts nitrate, oxalate headache, flushing skin, vomiting, dizziness,
Chenopodium album reduced blood pressure
Chenopodiaceae
Sago Palm all parts, esp seeds cycasin vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, hemorrhagic
Cycas revoluta gastroenteritis, bruising, coagulopathy, liver failure,
Cycadaceae death
Plot 7
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Elderberry all parts variety of toxins including saponins, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, nausea,
Sambucus canadensis cyanogenic glycosides and tannins dizziness
Caprifoliaceae
Hydrangea all parts hydrangin nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea
Hydrabgea macrophylla
Hydrangeaceae
Dumbcane all parts calcium oxalate crystals, proteolytic immediate irritating or burning sensation of
Dieffenbachia “Exotica” enzymes which trigger release of mouth, tongue, lips, pharyngeal swelling, difficulty
Araceae kinins, histamine breathing
Plot 8
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Brome seedhead if several alkaloids including ergot gangrene, decreased milk production
Bromus rubens, Poaceae fungus is present alkaloids in fungal elements, nitrate
Tomato leaves, vines, tomatine and tomatidine hypersalivation, anorexia, depression, diarrhea,
Lycopersicon esculentum sprouts drowsiness, atropine-like effects
Solanaceae
Plot 9
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Azalea all parts grayanotoxin hypersalivation, nasal discharge, vomiting, nausea,
Rhododendron sp. incoordination, weakness, cardiac arrhythmias,
Ericaceae coma, death
Oleander all parts cardiac glycosides: oleandrin, irritation of mouth, abdominal pain, cardiac
Nerium oleander oleandroside, nerioside and neriin arrhythmias, fever, vomiting, dilated pupils,
Apocynaceae (similar to digitoxin) tremors followed by progressive paralysis
Ryegrass seedhead if several alkaloids including ergot muscle trembling, incoordination, convulsions,
Lolium perenne, Poaceae fungus is present alkaloids in fungal element, nitrate painful muscle contractions, lameness
Plot 10
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Schefflera actinophylla all parts calcium oxylate crystals oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the
Araliaceae mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting,
difficulty in swallowing.
Caladium all parts calcium oxylate crystals oral irritation, intense burning to mouth,
Caladium bicolor, Araceae gastrointestinal upset
Smartweed all parts may contain toxic levels of nitrates photosensitization and contact dermatitis
Polygonum spp.
Plot 11
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Poison Ivy all parts if contact oily-resin uroshiol itching, burning, and hyperemic skin, blisters,
Toxicodendron radicans when broken secondary infections may occur
Anacardiaceae
Kentucky Coffee Tree leaves, seeds, the alkaloid cytisine, which acts intense pain, profuse diarrhea, straining, muscle
Gymnocladus dioica pods like nicotine paralysis, depression, convulsions, death
Leguminosae
Philodendron all parts calcium oxalate crystals, Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the
Philodendron sp. proteolytic enzymes mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting,
Araceae difficulty in swallowing.
SE Corner
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Black Walnut wood shavings juglone, unknown constituents laminitis, toxic to fish
Juglans nigra
Juglandaceae
Plot 12
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
English Ivy all parts, hederagenin which is a saponin diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, convulsions
Hedera helix, Araliaceae esp. berries
Ohio Buckeye seeds, leaves, the glycosidic saponin, aesculin inflammation of mucous membranes, nervousness,
Aesculus glabra flowers twitching, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea
Hippocastanaceae
Horse Chestnut all parts the glycosidic saponin, aesculin vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, muscle trembling,
Aesculus hippocastanum and a possible narcotic alkaloid respiratory paralysis, bloat, death
Hippocastanaceae
Creeping Charlie all parts not known, possibly colic, sweating, excess salivation, death
Glechoma hederacea, Lamiaceae glechomanolide or sapogenin
Plot 13
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Wild Mustard all parts, glucosinolates and breakdown vomiting (sometimes bloody), diarrhea, liver and
Brassica kaber, Cruciferae esp. seeds products, nitrate skeletal abnormalities, goiter, anemia
Cocklebur seedlings carboxyatractyloside, various vomiting, weakness, spasms, weak pulse, anorexia,
Xanthium Strumarium sesquiterpene lactones liver damage, hypoglycemia
Compositae
Cabbage all parts, glucosinolates and breakdown vomiting (sometimes bloody), diarrhea, liver and
Brassica oleracea, Cruciferae esp. seeds products, nitrate skeletal abnormalities, goiter, anemia
Plot 14
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Catnip all parts neptalactone vomiting if large quantity is eaten, malaise
Nepeta cataria, Lamiaceae
Kale all parts, S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, anemia, growth
Brassica oleracea esp. seeds glucosinolates & breakdown retardation
Cruciferae products, nitrate
Poison Hemlock all parts, the nicotine-like alkaloid coniine, & burning sensation in mouth, difficulty in
Conium maculatum, Apiaceae esp. seeds the teratogen coniceine, cicutoxin swallowing, anorexia, death possibly due to
paralysis of muscles of respiration, birth defects
Broccoli all parts, glucosinolates & breakdown vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, jaundice, growth
Brassica oleracea, Cruciferae esp. seeds products retardation
Plot 15
Plants Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
White Sweet Clover all parts when dicoumarol in damaged hay or failure of blood to clot, severe hemorrhage and
Melilotus alba moldy or forage which interferes with hemorrhage related problems
Leguminosae damaged recycling of vitamin K
Yellow Sweet Clover all parts when dicoumarol in damaged hay or failure of blood to clot, severe hemorrhage and
Melilotus officinalis moldy or forage which interferes with hemorrhage-related problems
Leguminosae damaged recycling of vitamin K
Alsike Clover all parts unknown nervousness, digestive disorders, liver damage,
Trifolium hybridum, Leguminosae photodermatitis, diarrhea
Red Cover all parts when slaframine in the fungal elements excessive salivation, urination, defecation
Trifolium pratense, Leguminosae moldy of Rhizoctonia legumunicola
Field Pennycress all parts, glucosinolates and breakdown gastrointestinal upset, bloody diarrhea, liver and
Thlaspi arvense, Cruciferae esp. seeds products skeletal abnormalities, goiter, anemia
Oxalis Clover leaves contains soluble oxalates
Oxalis pes-caprae
Plot 16
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Buckthorn fruit and bark anthraquinone glycoside nausea, emesis and catharsis
Rhamnus cathartica (hydroxymethyl- anthraquinone)
Rhamnaceae
Plot 17
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Chokecherry leaves, bark, seeds cyanogenic glycoside rapid respiration soon labored, apprehensive, bright
Prunus virginiana red blood, death
Rosaceae
Wild Black Cherry bark, twigs, seeds amygdalin which is broken down rapid respiration, soon becomes labored,
Prunus serotina to cyanide apprehensive, bright red blood, death
Rosaceae
Daylily all parts hemerocallin, unknown kidney failure in cats, incoordination, blindness
Hemerocallis fulva constituents
Liliaceae
Hyacinth bulbs and foliage narcissine-like alkaloids severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea,
Hyacinthus orientalis dermatitis
Liliaceae
Daffodil bulbs alkaloids such as narcissine, difficulty in swallowing, nausea, vomiting,
Narcissus sp. narcipoietin, and lycorin diarrhea, sweating, trembling
Liliaceae
Plot 18
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Rhubarb leaves soluble oxalates nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea,
Rheum rhaponticum excessive salivation, staggering, convulsions, death
Polygonacea
Plot 19
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Lantana foliage and berries lantanin, lantadene A, constipation, bile stasis, severe gastroenteritis,
Lantana camara hepatogenous photosensitizer dilated pupils, liver damage, photosensitization
Verbenaceae
Soybean all parts nitrate, protease inhibitors diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, difficult breathing,
Glycine max convulsions
Leguminosae
Red Root Pigweed all parts nitrate, oxalate and unknown weakness, trembling, incoordination, sternal
Amaranthus retroflexus compound(s) recumbency, perirenal edema, kidney failure
Amaranthaceae
Black Eyed Susan seeds, sap, unknown constituents vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, possible coma in
Rudbeckia all parts swine
Corn all parts nitrate, possible high selenium, brown blood, cyanotic mucous membranes,
Zea mays mycotoxins when moldy collapse, weak heartbeat, hyperventilation; effects
Poaceae of mycotoxins vary
Prairie Dogbane all parts apocynin, glucosides, cardenolides rise in body temperature, sweating, strong pulse,
Apocynum sibiricum cold extremities, dilated pupils, gastric upset
Apocynaceae
Plot 20
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
American Holly fruit, leaves glycosides, saponins, theobromine vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, hemolytic anemia
Ilex opaca in some spp.
Aquifoliaceae
Curley Dock all parts nitrates, photosensitizers, anorexia, severe ataxia, depression, reduced milk
Rumex crispus soluble oxalates production, abortion, prostration, death
Polygonaceae
Broadleaf Milkweed all parts, esp. asclepiadin, asclepion, galitoxin intestinal inflammation, fever, difficulty with
Ascelpias syriaca stems and leaves breathing, anorexia, irregular pulse, dilated pupils,
Asclepidaceae later tetanic seizures, bloat, death
Buttercups all parts acrid yellow oil, protoanemonin acute burning in mouth and throat, vision
Ranunculus sp. esp. irritant sap impairment, paralysis, dizziness
Ranunculaceae
Plot 21
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Wild Chives all parts if eaten in N-propyl disulfide, S-methyl- digestive disturbances, hemolytic anemia, red-
Allium schoenoprasum quantity cysteine sulfoxide discolored urine, weakness, anorexia
Liliaceae
Ground Cherry green foliage, solanine and atropine-like CNS depression, rapid respiration, nausea, diarrhea,
Physalis sp. unripe fruit alkaloids muscle weakness, paralysis
Solanaceae
Plot 22
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Red Oak acorns in large gallotannin constipation, bloody stools, kidney damage,
Quercus rubra quantities, buds, abdominal pain, extreme thirst, frequent urination
Fagaceae stems
Lily-of-the-Valley all parts convallarin, convallamarin, anorexia, irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting,
Convallaria majalis convallatoxin diarrhea, cramps, confusion
Liliaceae
White Snakeroot all parts tremetol and toxic metabolites weakness, sluggishness, stiffness, severe vomiting,
Eupatorium rugosum eliminated in milk tremors, loss of appetite, delirium, acetone smell,
Asteraceae death, cardiac failure in horses
Bracken Fern all parts, esp. thiaminase, carcinogenic factors weight loss, listlessness, convulsions in horses;
Pteridium aquilinum roots ptaquiloside cyanogenic glycoside bloody urine, tumors of the urinary tract in cattle
Polypodiaceae
Morning Glory seeds D-lysergic acid, D-isolysergic acid, tremors, incoordination, piloerection,
Ipomoea tricolor ergonovine hypersensitivity to touch
Convolvulaceae
North Fence
Plant Toxic Parts Toxic Principle Signs
Japanese Yew all parts taxine, other alkaloids that depress dizziness and dry mouth, excitement, difficult
Taxus cuspidata, Tacaceae electro-chemical conduction in breathing trembling, diarrhea, cardiac failure, death
heart
Thank You to Our Supporters
Monetary Contributions:
Dr. Chris Ashworth Dept. of Comparative Biosciences
Dr. Kurt Arnold Dr. Anita M. Kore
Dr. Val Beasley Dr. Richard J. Lambert
Dr. Richard Bevill Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing
Dr. Michael Biehl Pfizer Foundation
Dr. Dennis J. Blodgett Purina Mills, Inc.
Dr. Paula Bratich Dr. Harry Reynolds
Carle Foundation Hospital Ringwood Animal Hospital
Covenant Hospital Sandoz Crop Protection
Dr. David C. Dorman . Dr. Walter Stein
Dr. David Gross Union Health Service, Inc.
Illini FS, Inc. Dr. William Wagner
Mrs. Mitsuko Williams
Gifts in Kind, Plants, or Supplies
Allerton Park Urbana Landscape Recycling Center
Anita Purves Nature Center Illini Fence Master, Inc.
Dr. Val Beasley Dr. Almut Jones
Mr. Steve Bialobreski Dr. and Mrs. Ellery Knake
Dr. Michael Biehl Mr. James Kramer
Dr. Dennis J. Blodgett Mr. Joe Kunkel
Dr. Paula Bratich Dr. John Masuinas
Dr. & Mrs. Alan Elzerman Dr. Marshall McGlamery
F & J Seed Services Ms. Theresa Meers
Mrs. Judie Fair Mr. David Monk
Mrs. Rhonda Feree Ms. Dawn Nordby
FS Farmtown Store Prairie Gardens
Grieder Sod & Landscaping Dr. Ken Robertson
Dr. Jeffrey Hall Ropp’s Flower Factory
Heath’s Outdoor Center Mr. Jim Schmidt
Hidden Acres Nursery Sunnyfield Greenhouse and Gardens
Hohulin Bros. Fence Co. Valley Seed Service
Mr. George Hornbrook Dr. Petra Volmer
Mr. Daryl Huffstetler Dr. David Williams
Mr. Gary D. Huisinga Dr. Herb Whiteley
University of Illinois Sheep Farm Winston’s Black Dog Treats
Designed by the Design Group @ Vet Med • vetmed.illinois.edu/designgroup • 6/22/2012
College of
Veterinary
Medicine
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
