Practical advice for customers purchasing potentially harmful plants
If seeking medical attention because of suspected poisoning or severe skin reaction, always take the name of the plant with you (the label if possible) or if you dont know the name of the plant, take an identifiable piece of plant. Do not induce vomiting.
Avoid handling plants labeled skin irritant or may cause skin allergy. Skin reactions are usually caused by intentional handling of the plant; when trimming or pruning, for example, it is wise to wear gloves for these jobs. Wash hands after handling plants and before eating or handling food. Children should be taught not to eat any seeds, berries or other parts of ornamental plants.
Very young children need supervision.
Where there are young children in the garden, the risk can be considerably reduced by planting potentially harmful plants away from the edge of garden borders or pool edges, plan the garden so that fruit and vegetable plants are segregated from ornamental plants.
The above information was provided by The Horticultural Association (HTA)
