Poisonous Plants of Eastern North America

With the exception of poison ivy, most people can identify very few poisonous plants. But whether we live in cities, suburbs or in the country, poisonous plants are all around us. This is demonstrated by the fact that plant-related calls are the third largest category of those received by poison control centers throughout the United States. The Poison Control Center at the University of South Carolina, for example, received more than 2000 such calls a year. Randy G. Westbrooks and James W. Preacher have written this book to aid the general public as well as professionals in identifying, and thereby avoiding, poisonous plants. All native and cultivated plants that are poisonous to humans, either by ingestion or by skin contact, are included. The book contains vivid color photographs and concise descriptions as well as useful information on toxicity and symptoms. The photos will help us identify which plants to avoid. But should exposure occur, the book will be an invaluable aid in describing the plant and symptoms to a physician or poison control center.