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Re: poisonous flowers

At 03:29 PM 10/22/98 -0700, Holly Forbes wrote:
>In answer to the question below about the poisonous properties of Sambucus,
>I referred to the book Poisonous Plants of California by Thomas C. Fuller
>and Elizabeth McClintock, University of California Press:
>
>Sambucus (Elderberry, Elder)
>
>Toxic part:  roots, bark, stems, leaves
>
>Toxin:  uncharacterized toxic alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, and
>purgative substances
>
>Symptoms: Nausea and upset stomach
>
>Cases of poisoning from elderberries are rare but have been recorded for
>cattle, hogs, and humans.  The roots and extensive rhizomes of elderberries
>have been postulated as the most toxic parts of the plant.  Hogs should not
>be allowed to root in soil near elderberry bushes.  Cattle rarely eat these
>shrubs. 
>
>Ripe berries are not toxic, but they will produce nausea if too many are
>eaten.  Cooked berries are not toxic.      <snip>

I've always understood that the Red Elderberry, Sambucus nigra, of which
there are various ornamental varieties in cultivation, has poisonous
berries, whereas the Blue Elderberry was OK to eat (apparently after
being cooked!).  Again, this discussion points out the importance of
knowing what plant you are talking about.  I have always been surprized
that herbal folk never seem particularly concerned about the true
botanical identity of the plant at hand.  With such closely related
similarly plants (such as these Elderberries, or the 'fennels' discussed
earlier) being dramatically different in their effect, any doubt should
strick fear into their hearts!!

Sean O.
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