1. Check the Flowers
Many poisonous plants sport very beautiful flowers, which may make them attractive to small children. The good news is that distinctive flowers can be easily spotted, telling you which plants should be avoided. Foxglove, for instance, features bell-shaped flowers with purple and white spots on them that hang down instead of pointing up. Hemlock features small clusters of white flowers that can sometimes be mistaken for wild carrots or parsnips. Knowing which flowers correspond to poisonous plants--and when those flowers bloom--can help you avoid them.
2. Look at the Berries
Berries are often the most dangerous parts of a plant for children, who might consume them without knowing what they are doing. However, they can also help you identify poisonous plants. Mistletoe berries, for instance, have a waxy, white consistency to them. Because they are dangerous, many store-bought mistletoe sprigs available around the holidays will have faux berries. Belladonna can be identified by its large, shiny black berries, which are extremely toxic. It takes only three or four to produce poisonous reactions in adults and even fewer in children. Learn to spot the kinds of berries that are poisonous, and teach your children to avoid all berries found in the wild.
3. Check the Stems and Roots
The stems and roots of poisonous plants are rarely consumed inadvertently, though they can be mistaken for a more benign plant. They can be recognized both by their features and by the particular way the leaves and flowers grow from them. Hemlock features red or purple mottling on its green stems and a tuberous root that may resemble that of a turnip, while the death camas sports prominent stalks above its leaves, with flowers growing on top. Never burn the stems or wood of poisonous plants, as they may give off toxic fumes.
4. Watch Out for Mushrooms
Wild mushrooms are not strictly plants. Instead, they're a form of fungus. They are often consumed, however, either by people who have mistaken them for edible mushrooms or by those hoping to achieve hallucinogenic or psychotropic effects. Never consume mushrooms growing in the wild, and always consult an expert before attempting to identify them yourself.
