Belladonna
Belladonna, also known as deadly nightshade, is a very attractive and dangerous plant which can be found in scrub and woodland.
It’s a perennial plant with long, thin branches and produces shiny blackberries which are highly poisonous.
Deadly nightshade has a long and violent history and is thought to have been used by the original Macbeth to poison Duncan’s troops.
The Giant Hogweed
Giant Hogweed is an invasive plant in the Apiaceae family which is not native to the UK but can now be found in many areas, especially colonising river banks where its seeds are transported by the water.
The sap of Giant Hogweed contains chemicals which are highly poisonous to humans.
The sap is phototoxic, which can cause photosensitivity and phytophotodermatitis.
When someone touches this plant with their skin, they effectively remove any protection against the sunlight causing severe skin inflammations.
Children have been hospitalised and suffered third-degree burns to their skin before.
