Colour Spectrum

Potentially Harmful Plants

The British public is fortunate to have access to a wealth of plant species. Most of these are harmless. However, there is a risk associated with a small number of plants used in the house and garden.

The Horticultural Trades Association, working with the Poisons Unit at Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital NHS Trust and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew have reviewed the toxicity of all the major genera sold through nurseries and garden centres in the UK. They have recommended labelling those plants that fulfil the following five conditions:

· They have been identified as being a significant hazard.
· The toxic parts of the plant are available or produced in the UK.
· The medical symptoms of ingestion and/or contact are serious.
· Reported cases are widespread (individual sensitivities are not included).
· They pose a threat to human health (not specifically pets or livestock).

Plants are labelled in three categories - A, B and C - according to the severity of the hazard, with A being the most severe. Not all parts of a plant will necessarily be a hazard. Particular attention has been given to those that produce toxic foliage and/or berries, which may be particularly attractive to children. Most plants labelled under the code are perfectly safe to purchase (excepting those in Category A) as long as the warnings are heeded. However, they should not be placed or planted where small children are likely to have access to brush against or ingest them.

For further information on the code please contact the Information Centre at:

The Horticultural Trades Association
19 High Street
Theale
Reading RG7 5AH

Tel: 0118 930 8940
email: info@the-hta.org.uk
www: www.the-hta.org.uk/

[Text taken, with modifications, from 'Harmless? The retailers code of practice for potentially harmful plants', a leaflet produced by the Horticultural Trades Association for its members.]