Tuesday, November 6, 2018

A Deadly But Beautiful Flower...!

You might not know it to look at it, but this little beauty can be extremely harmful to humans. It can also cause death in animals that may eat it. It is very pretty to look at, though.

Buttercup



Buttercup is by far the most innocent looking plant on this list. It is also one of the most ubiquitous, and among the more deadly garden plants. Buttercup commonly grows in grassy patches with poor drainage, and may frequently be found by children who use it in games that involve touching it to the skin. The goal is to experience a momentary red mark on the skin, as the brilliant yellow flowers release a toxin induces temporary rash symptoms. Buttercup is far more dangerous, however. The plant is capable of poisoning grazing animals that eat it, causing serious gastrointestinal toxicity. Ingestion by humans may result in a painful death resulting from organ and nervous system intoxication. Beauty is clearly in the eye of the beholder, not the handler of this killer flower.

Nature can be very beautiful to look at, but often it's better to apply the old adage "look but don't touch!"

Coffee out on the patio this morning, before the cold front gets here tomorrow.

8 comments:

Mamahen said...

Wow...I had no idea!....Raining here AGAIN:((

Gorges Smythe said...

Hmm, didn't know that.

linda m said...

How can something so pretty be so toxic. I guess you are right about the old saying, "Look but don't touch". Still raining here. Guess it could be worse and be that dreaded white stuff. I'll bring some pumpkin bars to share.

Momlady said...

I remember them from childhood. Used to pick them and make a bouquet. Won't touch 'em now. Thanks for the info.

HermitJim said...

Hey Mamahen...
Nature can sure fool us sometimes.
Thanks for stopping by this morning!


Hey Gorges...
Always glad to share these bits of knowledge.
Thanks for coming over today!


Hey Linda...
It just boggles the mind.
Thanks for the visit this morning!


Hey Momlady...
I think many of us played with or around these beauties. Not any more!
Many thanks for stopping by today!

JO said...

WOW we used to pick these and put then on our chin as they would transfer the yellow like a highlight. I don't recall ever getting anything from them. Such a pretty little flower.

See you all on the patio pretty chilly here this morning but afternoons are just perfect

Hermit's Baby Sis said...

I think we used to play with the Morning Primroses, Bubba, bumping them into each others' noses. Don't think I ever even saw a real buttercup, so good for us!


Big hugs today ~

HermitJim said...

Hey Jo...
I think many of us did the same thing, sweetie.
Thanks for dropping by today!


Hey Sis...
Ya know, I believe you are right about the primroses. I always called them buttercups.
Thanks for stopping by today!