Joseph S. Karas

“ The bark, (this separates easily from the stems) leaves, and berries are poisonous. Children are especially attracted to the berries and fatalities among some who have eaten them have been reported.
Poisoning is characterized by a burning sensation in the mouth and irritation of the stomach and intestines which causes severe cramps. Toxic principles include a bitter glycoside, daphnin, and an acid resinous mixture. If not removed reasonably soon, these can produce kidney inflammation since these principles can be absorbed. ”

“ At times, some are not rendered sufficiently sterile and these, in the home refuse, get to dump areas where they germinate. Plants can reach more than 6 feet in height.
Leaves are slender and divided into five to seven long, narrow, pointed leaflets each with a saw-tooth margin. They are rough to the touch, giving one the feeling of sand paper. Smaller flower bracts are quite resinous and sticky. Flowers and fruits are rather inconspicuous and scattered along upper portions of the stem. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. ”

“ The flowers are yellowish green to white in color and formed in clusters attached to the stems, or in the stem forks. Fruits are smooth globular structures, sometimes remaining on the branches until spring.
Poisonous Parts: All parts of the plant are poisonous, even the tiny plant hairs and the smoke from burning the leaves in the fall. This plant produces a severe dermatitis upon contact causing inflammation, blistering, and vesicles. As the skin breaks, a liquid exudes and scabs or crusts form. ”

“ All parts are poisonous, particularly roots, shoots, and unripe berries. As the berries ripen, their poisonous properties lessen but, nevertheless, if many are eaten, they too can be harmful. Toxic materials include a resinous material and a water-soluble saponin. ”

“ It develops in early spring quite like the skunk cabbage, but then grows during summer on a stout stalk up to 6 to 8 feet in height. Its clasping broad leaves with parallel vein markings are conspicuous. Many small greenish-white flowers form on a branching top.
The size of the plant attracts people, and children find the broad leaves and green tops a curiosity. Powdered roots and a mixture of the alkaloids are found among the contents of some insecticides. ”

“ Physicians perform gastric lavage and treat gastric inflammation and circulatory failure.
[Pg 3]
BITTERSWEET
European bittersweet, blue nightshade, woody nightshade
Solanum dulcamara—SOLANACEAE
Description: A woody climbing or reclining herb with slender stems and dark green pointed leaves which may be purplish-green when young. Clusters of white or purplish-white flowers borne on a 5-pointed, wheel-shaped base (calyx) . During summer and early fall, fruits become attractive berries, bright red to scarlet, and are scattered in clusters. They remain when leaves fall. ”