Poisonous Plants: A Handbook for Doctors, Pharmacists, Toxicologists, Biologists and Veterinarians

Garden flowers, ornamental shrubs, and houseplants-as well as common species in the wild-can all contain substances poisonous to humans or animals. In fact, after medicines and household chemicals, toxic plants rank third in causes of calls to poison control hotlines. Non-native plants, both temperate and tropical, can be found in many domestic environments. This volume identifies potentially dangerous plants, giving comprehensive information on their distribution, kind and degree of toxicity, symptoms of their poisoning, and suggested treatment. Illustrations, both actual scale and enlarged representations of recognizable features, make each plant identifiable. Separate sections discuss the significant toxins found in plants, and the problems they cause, list plants of special concern to veterinarians, and present identification tables for berries and leaves. The second edition contains more than 50 percent new text and illustrative material, with special attention to North America. This practical reference, with updated glossary, index, and bibliography will be valued by a wide range of medical, veterinary, pharmacological, and botanical professionals for years to come.