Observed throughout April, National Garden Month celebrates not only gardening, but horticulture and plant appreciation. Although it’s an enjoyable activity for both experienced gardeners and beginners, many people often don’t know that some plants and mushrooms can be toxic, said officials with the California Poison Control System (CPCS).
Some plants produce chemicals that can cause harm, and others may become toxic from pesticide residues. Scientific research suggests that, each year, there are about 100,000 cases of plant-related toxic exposures in the U.S.
“There are a lot of plants and mushrooms that can cause toxicity. Most of the time, plant poisonings are mild, simply requiring observation and no treatment,” explained Dr. Rais Vohra, Medical Director for the Fresno/Madera Division of CPCS. “But there are other plants that pose a serious risk of illness, injury, and even death, so it’s important to be able to identify them.”
Symptoms of Plant and Mushroom Poisoning
Symptoms of plant poisoning vary depending upon the plant, the part of it ingested (fruits, berries, leaves, stems, or roots), the amount consumed, and other variables, such as whether it was simply skin contact with either the plant itself or a substance from the plant.
While each situation is unique, toxic plant symptoms can include red, itchy rashes; vomiting and diarrhea; and some can have effects on the heart, liver or kidneys. Symptoms of mushroom toxicity can include abdominal pain and cramping; vomiting and diarrhea; and liver damage. While uncommon, death due to eating wild mushrooms does occur. In fact, death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides), among the deadliest of all mushrooms, were responsible for 40 cases of poisonings identified by CPCS since November 18, 2025, resulting in four deaths and at least three liver transplants.
“Some symptoms can appear within minutes while others can be delayed,” continued Dr. Vohra. “So it is important to always call Poison Control if you, your child, or another loved one has touched or consumed a plant or part of a plant, including wild mushrooms, which may be poisonous. Additionally, your pets and other animals can be exposed to toxic plants. In cases related to animals, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.”
What to do for a Plant Poisoning
Call the Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Even if you are not sure, it will not be a waste of time.
When you call the Poison Hotline about a plant poisoning, it is best to have a name of the plant involved. You can have either the common name or the Latin name. Poison Hotline staff cannot identify plants over the phone from a description of the plant.
Do not induce vomiting.
Remove any plant parts from the mouth or hands. Keep any pieces of the plant for identification.
Wash around the mouth and hands and give a few sips of water.
Check for any irritation of the skin, mouth, or tongue.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Treatment will be more difficult once symptoms have developed.
If you are advised to go to the hospital, take the plant or part of the plant with you.
About CPCS
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (number is the same in all states) for questions about poison encounters. Trained pharmacists, nurses and other providers are available to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free, confidential and interpreters are available. Follow CPCS on Facebook, on YouTube @californiapoisoncontrol, and on X @poisoninfo. Sign up for The California Poison Safety Post, California Poison Control System’s quarterly electronic newsletter, by visiting calpoison.org/newsletters. CPCS is part of the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy and is responsible to the California Emergency Medical Services Authority.
