Virginia is home to many stunning native plants that brighten gardens and landscapes. From the soft pink blooms of mountain laurel to the bright yellow-orange of flame azalea, these plants are cherished for their beauty. Yet, as the femme fatales of classic film noir often remind us, sometimes beauty can be deceiving—and deadly. Some of these very plants, like the American lily of the valley and jack-in-the-pulpit, are not only striking but also toxic.
These plants—and more—are featured in *The Socrates Project* (University of Virginia, 2020), a compact guide highlighting poisonous plants in Virginia. It is one part of a three-book series, which also includes *The Cleopatra Project* (focused on poisonous animals) and the upcoming *The Claudius Project* (about poisonous mushrooms). These works are the product of a collaboration between the Virginia Master Naturalist program, the Blue Ridge Poison Center at UVA Health, and UVA’s Division of Medical Toxicology.
The *Socrates Project* offers essential educational insights, often accompanied by fascinating historical tidbits. For example, the guide notes that monkshood, also called wolfsbane, is so toxic that it was once used to allegedly kill werewolves—a creature not typically found in Virginia today, but it’s worth remembering, just in case.
Dr. Heather Borek, a medical toxicologist and one of the project’s authors, emphasizes the guide’s goal of being accessible to all readers, mixing practical advice with fun facts. “If we came across an interesting anecdote, we tried to add it in,” she says.
Some plants in the guide are well-known for their toxicity, such as poison ivy, foxglove, and nightshade. But there are others that might be more surprising. Native azaleas and rhododendrons, for instance, are beautiful, yet every part of these plants—right down to the honey made from their nectar—can be harmful. The guide warns that grayanotoxins, which are present in these plants, can cause symptoms ranging from confusion to seizures and irregular heartbeats, sometimes even after consuming honey produced from the flowers.
Another notable threat is water hemlock, which the guide describes as an “attractive” perennial plant. However, it is considered one of North America’s most toxic plants. Death can occur as quickly as 15 minutes after ingestion, making this plant particularly dangerous.
The guide also highlights some notorious non-native invaders. Poison hemlock, the plant believed to have killed the philosopher Socrates, belongs to the carrot family. While it may resemble other plants like Queen Anne’s lace or wild fennel, its toxicity is lethal, even in small doses. The guide warns that ingesting even a little can lead to respiratory collapse and death.
Then there’s giant hogweed, a towering plant that can grow up to 18 feet. Once thought to be a fascinating ornamental garden plant, giant hogweed’s sap causes severe burns and blisters on the skin. In some cases, contact with the sap can lead to permanent scarring or blindness if it comes in contact with the eyes.
The *Socrates Project* serves as a valuable reminder that beauty can sometimes hide a deadly danger. While these plants add to the natural splendor of Virginia, they also carry hidden risks that anyone gardening, hiking, or simply enjoying the outdoors should be aware of.
Related topics: