Hikers are being urged to watch out for a dangerous plant that looks like it belongs in a Halloween movie. The white baneberry plant — known as “Doll’s Eye” due to the berries’ creepy resemblance to eyeballs — spreads across woodlands and forests during fall. While it’s native to the east coast and Midwest, it can adapt to most growing conditions and can be found in just about every state across the country. Experts warn that every part of the plant — from the roots to berries — is extremely toxic, and if ingested can cause severe side effects and even death. Symptoms include gastrointestinal inflammation, vomiting, stomach pain, a burning sensation in the mouth or throat, headaches and convulsions. Simply touching the plant is typically harmless, but contact can lead to dermatitis in sensitive individuals. The berries and roots are the most toxic, leading to dizziness, delirium, hallucinations, circulatory failure and cardiac arrest. Eating just 6 of the bitter-tasting berries can trigger severe reactions or even death. Pet owners are warned to keep their dogs and cats away from the berries, as they can cause kidney failure in pets. Birds appear to be unaffected.
If You're Out For a Walk and See These Eyeballs Staring Back At You, Don’t Touch Them!
Hikers are being urged to watch out for a dangerous plant that looks like it belongs in a Halloween movie. The white baneberry plant — known as “Doll’s Eye” due to the berries’ creepy resemblance to eyeballs — spreads across woodlands and forests during fall. While it’s native to the east coast and Midwest, it can adapt to most growing conditions and can be found in just about every state across the country. Experts warn that every part of the plant — from the roots to berries — is extremely toxic, and if ingested can cause severe side effects and even death. Symptoms include gastrointestinal inflammation, vomiting, stomach pain, a burning sensation in the mouth or throat, headaches and convulsions. Simply touching the plant is typically harmless, but contact can lead to dermatitis in sensitive individuals. The berries and roots are the most toxic, leading to dizziness, delirium, hallucinations, circulatory failure and cardiac arrest. Eating just 6 of the bitter-tasting berries can trigger severe reactions or even death. Pet owners are warned to keep their dogs and cats away from the berries, as they can cause kidney failure in pets. Birds appear to be unaffected.