Beware of These 10 Dangerous Plants That Grow in Massachusetts

When we think of dangerous plants, we may conjure up images of exotic, tropical species found in far-off lands. However, many of us would be surprised to learn that there are a number of dangerous plants in Massachusetts. But before you start to panic, while some of these plants can cause some incredibly nasty reactions, the majority are more likely to result in minor skin irritation and mild rashes. If you’re planning to explore the scenic beauty of Cape Cod, the Berkshire Mountains, or Martha’s Vineyard, beware of these 10 dangerous plants that grow in Massachusetts.

Beware of These 10 Dangerous Plants That Grow in Massachusetts: Overview

Plant toxins can take various forms including oily, milky, or powdery. The specific type of toxin and its physical characteristics depend on the plant species and the particular defense mechanism being employed. Some plants produce oily toxins such as urushiol, which is found in poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). Urushiol causes an allergic reaction in many people and can lead to severe skin irritation and blistering. Other plants produce milky toxins. Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) produce a milky sap that contains a plant toxin called diterpene esters, which can be toxic to animals if ingested or if the sap comes into contact with the skin or eyes. Still, other plant toxins are in a powdery form, such as the toxic alkaloids produced by plants in the nightshade family (Solanum). These alkaloids can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested in large quantities.

Individual Reactions

Reactions to the toxins in plants will vary significantly depending on individual sensitivities. Some people may be more sensitive to certain plant toxins than others. These people may experience stronger or more severe reactions after coming into contact with these plants. Factors that can influence an individual’s sensitivity to plant toxins include genetics, age, sex, overall health, and previous exposure to the plant or its toxins. Individuals with fair skin or a history of sunburn may be more susceptible to developing phytophotodermatitis from plants like giant hogweed, while individuals with a history of skin rashes may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to plants like poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix). Everyone should take precautions when handling or coming into contact with potentially dangerous plants, and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of an adverse reaction.

Resilience or Intolerance?

Simply because you have never experienced a reaction to a certain plant doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Repeated exposure to plant toxins can actually lead to a reduction in sensitivity over time, as the immune system becomes desensitized to the toxin. However, this is not always the case, and repeated exposure can sometimes lead to an increased sensitivity to the toxin. As the old saying goes, an ounce (gram) of prevention is worth a pound (kilogram) of cure. Regardless of past experience, it’s always a best practice to protect yourself around dangerous plants.

Beware of These 10 Dangerous Plants That Grow in Massachusetts

Some of these plants have toxic leaves, stems, or fruits that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. It’s essential to be aware of these plants and to take precautions when spending time outdoors. While Massachusetts is home to numerous plants that can be dangerous to humans and animals, our focus will be on these 10:

• Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
• Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix)
• Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
• Water Hemlock (Cicuta douglasii)
• Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)
• Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)
• Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)
• Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
• Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
• Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)

Beware of These 10 Dangerous Plants That Grow in Massachusetts: Toxicodendrons

Plants in the genus Toxicodendron, which includes poison ivy and poison sumac, are known for causing skin irritation and allergic reactions in humans and animals. While these plants are found in many parts of North America, they can be difficult to identify.

Poison Ivy Appearance

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a vining plant that is well-known for its ability to cause a painful and itchy rash when it comes into contact with human skin. It has a distinctive appearance, with leaves that grow in groups of three on a stem. As the other old saying goes Leaves of three let it be. The leaves are typically shiny and green, and they can vary in size and shape depending on the age of the plant and where it is growing. In the spring, the leaves may be reddish or bronze in color, while in the fall they may turn yellow or red.

Poison Sumac Appearance

Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is a woody shrub or small tree that is found in wetlands It can be difficult to identify, as it looks similar to other non-toxic plants in the same family, such as the smooth sumac. Some key features to look for when identifying poison sumac are:

• Leaves: Poison sumac has leaves that are long, narrow, and pointed. They grow in pairs along the stem, with a single leaf at the end. The leaves have a smooth, shiny surface and a slightly wavy edge. They are arranged in a feather-like pattern.
• Berries: Sumac produces clusters of white or cream-colored berries that hang down from the branches. These berries are round and about the size of a pea.
• Bark: The bark of poison sumac is smooth and gray, with small raised dots called lenticels.
• Habitat: Poison sumac is typically found in wetlands, swamps, and other areas with high moisture levels. It often grows in standing water or along the edges of streams and ponds.

Urushiol

Poison ivy and poison sumac are considered dangerous because they contain an oil called urushiol, which is a potent allergen that causes a severe skin reaction in many people. This oil is found in all parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and roots. When a person comes into contact with poison ivy, the urushiol can quickly penetrate the skin and cause an itchy, blistering rash. In some cases, the rash can be very severe and may require medical treatment to alleviate the symptoms. Burning poison ivy can be very dangerous and is not recommended, as the smoke of burning Toxicodendrons contains urushiol.

Systemic Poison Ivy

Systemic poison ivy is a rare but potentially serious reaction to poison ivy or other plants that contain the allergen urushiol. Unlike the more common form which is limited to the skin, systemic poison ivy can affect the entire body.
In cases of systemic poison ivy, the urushiol enters the bloodstream and travels throughout the body. This can happen if the plant is burned and the smoke is inhaled. Urushiol can also be spread to other parts of the body through scratching or touching the rash. The symptoms of systemic poison ivy can include fever and swelling, as well as a widespread rash. In severe cases, the rash may lead to blistering and skin peeling.
Systemic poison ivy is a serious condition that requires medical attention. If you have come into contact with a plant that contains urushiol and are experiencing symptoms beyond a localized rash, seek medical care. Treatment may include oral or topical corticosteroids, antihistamines to manage the symptoms and prevent complications.

Beware of These 10 Dangerous Plants That Grow in Massachusetts: Giant Hogweed

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is an invasive plant species that is native to the Caucasus Mountains of Eurasia. It was introduced to North America and other parts of the world as an ornamental plant in the early 20th century. It has since spread aggressively and become a serious environmental and public health concern.
Giant hogweed typically grows in wetlands, along riverbanks, and in other moist, open areas such as meadows, fields, and roadsides. It can grow up to 15 feet (4.5 m) tall and has distinctive large, umbrella-shaped flower heads. Each flower head can grow up to 2.5 feet (76 cm) across.
The ability to identify giant hogweed will help you to avoid touching or handling any part of the plant. Its sap contains chemicals that can cause severe skin and eye irritation, blistering, and even blindness. If you come into contact with giant hogweed, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms don’t subside, seek medical attention.

Water Hemlock

Water hemlock (Cicuta douglasii) is a highly poisonous plant that grows in wet areas such as swamps, marshes. However, it does not grow directly in the water itself. Water hemlock can grow up to 6 feet tall. It produces small white flowers that grow in umbrella-shaped clusters at the top of the stem. Water hemlock is often mistaken for edible plants such as wild parsnip, Queen Anne’s lace, or cow parsley. This misidentification can lead to accidental ingestion and poisoning.

The plant’s roots contain cicutoxin, which is a potent neurotoxin that can cause seizures, respiratory failure, and death in both humans and animals. Ingesting even a small amount of water hemlock can be deadly.

Jimsonweed

Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) is a large, herbaceous plant that is native to North America. It has a distinctive appearance and can grow up to six feet (1.8 m) tall. The plant has large, trumpet-shaped flowers that are typically white or pale purple in color. Its leaves are broad and lobed, with jagged edges. The stem is thick and sturdy, and the fruit is a spiny capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
All parts of the jimsonweed plant are considered toxic, including the leaves, stem, flowers, and seeds. The plant contains several alkaloids, including atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. These can cause a range of symptoms when ingested or absorbed through the skin. These symptoms can include hallucinations, confusion, delirium, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, and dilated pupils. Severe cases may result in coma or death. Due to the high toxicity of jimsonweed, it’s paramount to avoid contact with the plant and to keep children and pets away from it.

Beware of These 10 Dangerous Plants That Grow in Massachusetts: Pokeweed

Phytolacca Americana, pokeweed, also called poke sallet, dragonberry, or inkberry is considered mildly toxic to humans and pets. Pokeweed is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 10 feet (3 m) tall. It has a deep taproot and a branching stem that is usually reddish-pink or purplish in color. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate to lanceolate in shape. They are large, growing up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and to 6 inches (15 cm) wide. The flowers of pokeweed are small and greenish-white. They are arranged in long clusters or racemes that can reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) long. The fruit of pokeweed is a juicy, dark purple berry that contains many small seeds.

The entire plant is toxic, but the berries are the most toxic. The toxins in pokeweed can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. In rare cases, respiratory distress or seizures may occur. The plant can also cause skin irritation in some people. However, the toxicity of pokeweed can vary depending on the maturity of the plant and the quantity ingested.

Poke Sallet

While it is a best practice to avoid ingesting pokeweed, poke sallet is, nonetheless, considered a delicacy in much of the Southern United States. The young leaves of pokeweed can be consumed after being boiled and drained multiple times. However, the plant can remain toxic if not prepared correctly. Exercise caution and only consume young pokeweed leaves that have been thoroughly cooked and properly prepared.

Nightshades

It is crucial to be able to distinguish between the edible and poisonous nightshade plants if you are foraging or gardening. While some nightshade plants, like tomatoes and peppers, are safe to eat, others like deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) are toxic and can cause serious health problems if ingested. If you are unsure about the identity of a plant, it is best to consult with a plant expert or avoid consuming it.

Deadly Nightshade

Deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) can grow in Massachusetts, although it is not as common as some other poisonous plants. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It has been introduced to North America and can be found in various regions, including Massachusetts. Belladonna is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. Belladonna has large, glossy, and dark green leaves that are ovate in shape and up to 10 inches (25 cm) long.

The flowers of belladonna are bell-shaped, purple or greenish-purple in color, and about 2 inches (5 cm) long. The fruit of belladonna is a round, fleshy berry that is green at first but turns dark purple when ripe. It prefers shady areas with rich, moist soil and can often be found growing in wooded areas or along roadsides. Because of its toxicity, avoid handling or consuming any part of the plant. You should know the drill by now. If you suspect that you or someone else has ingested deadly nightshade, seek medical attention immediately.

Foxglove

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a beautiful flowering plant that contains cardiac glycoside digitalis, which can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested in large amounts. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant that can grow up to 6 feet (2 m) tall. It has a tall, slender stem that is covered with small, woolly hairs. The leaves are large and oval-shaped, and form a basal rosette at the bottom of the plant. They are dark green in color with a slightly fuzzy texture. The flowers of foxglove are tubular in shape and come in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow. They grow in long spikes that can reach up to 4 feet (1.2 m) in height. The throat of each flower is marked with speckles or dots that act as a guide for pollinators. The fruit of foxglove is a capsule that contains many small seeds.
The plant’s leaves, flowers, and seeds all contain the toxin, with the highest concentration found in the leaves. In small doses, digitalis can be used as a medication to treat certain heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. However, ingesting too much of the plant can lead to nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, confusion, visual disturbances, irregular heart rate, and even death. Symptoms can occur within hours of ingestion and can last for several days.

Beware of These 10 Dangerous Plants That Grow in Massachusetts: Black Locust

The black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 80 feet (25 m) tall and has a distinctive appearance. The tree has a straight trunk with deeply furrowed bark that is gray-brown in color. The branches are generally thorny, and the leaves are compound with 7-19 leaflets that are oval in shape and pointed at the tip. The leaves are bright green in the spring and summer and turn yellow in the fall before dropping.

Black locust produces fragrant, white, pea-like flowers in the late spring or early summer. The fruit of the black locust is a pod that is brown and flat and contains several seeds. The pods persist on the tree throughout the winter. They are not considered to be a major source of toxicity for black locusts. The leaves, bark, and seeds are generally considered to be much more toxic.

Skunk Cabbage

Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to wetlands and marshy areas in Eastern North America. It has large, waxy, dark green leaves that can reach up to 3 feet (1 m) in length and 1.5 feet (0.5 m) in width. The leaves emerge in the early spring and have a distinctive pointed shape. The flower of skunk cabbage is a large, fleshy structure that resembles a hood or spathe. It is typically maroon or brown in color and can be up to one foot (30 cm) in length. Inside the spathe, there is a small knob-like structure called the spadix, which is covered in small flowers that produce a strong odor that is similar to that of rotting meat.

While it is not highly toxic, it can cause mild to moderate symptoms if ingested by humans or animals. The toxic components of skunk cabbage are primarily calcium oxalate crystals, which are found in the plant’s leaves and stems. These crystals can cause irritation and inflammation in the mouth, throat, and digestive tract if ingested. In addition, handling the plant can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some people.

Despite its toxicity, skunk cabbage has been used for medicinal purposes by some Native American tribes. The plant’s roots and leaves are used to treat a variety of ailments, including asthma, headaches, and rheumatism. However, seek medical attention if symptoms such as mouth or throat irritation, nausea, or skin rash develop.

Summary of 10 Dangerous Plants That Grow in Massachusetts