Poison control receives about 30 calls per summer about toxic plants. The vast majority of these do not lead to hospitalization or medical intervention.
Of over two thousand plant species in Alaska, only about 30 are thought to be poisonous or toxic. Most of these plants are uncommon and easy to distinguish from other plants.
If you, your child, or pet, experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, diarrhea, dizziness, or heart palpitations after eating a plant or an unknown substance, call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Most plant poisonings pass without medical intervention, or with minor treatment.
While there are some plants where chronic overuse can cause issues, there is no plant that you can eat one time and then quietly drop dead. There will always be warning signs.
There are plants in Alaska (cow parsnip and stinging nettle) that can causes burns and blisters via touch, as well as thorned plants like devil's club and roses. These are unpleasant, but usually do not require medical treatment.
Most wild plant poisonings come from indiscriminate eating of plants, not foraging mix-ups.
Social media and websites often offer low amounts of information or inaccurate information. Look for a book about wild plants for your region here.