Tips on living safely around poisonous plants

There is no foolproof way to avoid poisonous plants. Perhaps the best course is to learn which varieties can harm people and pets, then decide if you want them on your property.

If you elect to display a few of the toxic beauties, here's how to reduce risks:

• Accurate and timely identification will speed diagnosis if you call a poison control center. Know the names of plants commonly found in and around your home. E-mail a photo of the suspect plant. Have some illustrated reference books on hand to help with recognition. Two helpful ones are "Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants," by Lewis Nelson, Richard Shih and Michael Balick and "The North American Guide to Common Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms," by Nancy Turner and Patrick von Aderkas.

• Clear away berries, seeds or any other suspect plant material to prevent it from being eaten by children, livestock or pets.

• Some plants are toxic when rubbed against the skin, including poison ivy, poison oak, sumac, nettles and euphorbia. Reactions can vary from minor discomfort, inflammation and swelling to hospital stays.

• Many bulbs, seeds and plant parts (such as from lilies, castor beans or mushrooms) are extremely toxic. Store them out of reach of children and well away from anything edible. Even experienced gardeners can mistake poisonous bulbs for harmless onions and bite into them.

• Teach children never to put plants in their mouths, or even to gather mushrooms and berries, since their juices can be absorbed through cuts or scratches.

• Some plants that aren't toxic to humans may be lethal to animals, and vice versa. Azalea, rhododendron, lilies and schefflera are commonly grown houseplants that can be hazardous to pets.

"Lilies are especially toxic to cats, and can cause life-threatening kidney failure even in small amounts," the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says.
• Even non-toxic plants can be dangerous if swallowed. Leaves can lodge in throats and block airways.

• Post in a prominent place the national toll-free information numbers for poison-related emergencies.

For help about exposure to humans, call 1-800-222-1222 (this number is for poison centers across the United States). For incidents involving pets, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. A consulting fee may be charged, according to the ASPCA's Web site.