Newsletter

Now that spring has begun in many parts of the country, you and your family may be spending more time outside. If you are cultivating a garden or hiking on trails, you need to know what to avoid to keep your family safe from poisonous plants. Here’s how to identify many common poisonous plants and what to do if your kids are exposed.

While hiking - poison ivy and poison oak

Exploring the great outdoors has numerous benefits, but it comes with its risks as well. Most of the plants to avoid only cause skin irritation, like itching or blisters, but these can put a damper on an otherwise great hike day. The main offenders are poison ivy (in the majority of the U.S.) or poison oak (in the Western states).

The old adage “leaves of three, let it be” is a good start to identifying the plants, as they are usually found in triplet clusters of pointed leaflets. The middle stalk will be the longest of the three. If you think someone in your group has touched poison ivy or oak, wash your skin and clothes well to make sure the resin doesn’t spread. Calamine or cortisone lotion works well to contain the itch after exposure.

You typically won’t need to contact a doctor after poison ivy/oak contact unless the rash is particularly widespread or blistery. If that is the case, you may receive an oral corticosteroid to help with the swelling or an antibiotic if a bacterial infection has occurred.

At home - poisonous if swallowed

Having a garden is a great stress relief, but if children accidentally ingest certain plants, they can experience issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, or changes in heart rate and blood pressure.

Common plants to be particularly watchful of include azalea, hydrangea, rhododendron, foxglove, and unripe tomatoes. If you have a widespread garden in which your children have free access, you may want to access a more complete list of these plants. It is rare for children to be seriously harmed by ingesting these, but you should call poison control if you believe your child has done so.

Other plants may cause a bit of gastrointestinal upset if swallowed. These symptoms are likely to be less severe than the above plants and may only last a few hours. These include carnations, daffodils, geranium, and poisonweed. If your child’s symptoms last beyond a short amount of time, contact poison control.

Wild mushrooms are another item to look out for. While you might not intentionally plant these, they may pop up in your yard or your local forests. Many wild mushroom types are edible, but some are poisonous, even lethally so. Make sure your children know these are not to be picked and eaten, especially if you frequently include mushrooms in your family’s diet and children may be familiar with their general appearance.

Outdoor activities promote physical health, which in turn helps children to develop strong muscles, motor skills, and coordination. Try encouraging play by visiting local parks, going for bike rides, or playing sports together. This can improve cardiovascular health and contribute to a healthy weight.

Relaxing in the open air can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Nature has a calming effect on both children and adults and can improve mental well-being. Try bird-watching, listening to nature sounds, or going for a walk.

Nature provides countless opportunities for children to explore, discover, and learn, fostering creativity and curiosity. Encourage curiosity by finding cool rocks, looking at trees, collecting leaves, or engaging in hands-on activities like gardening.

Outdoor activities create opportunities for quality time together, away from screens and daily distractions. Use this time to engage in conversations, share experiences, and strengthen your family’s emotional connection. So, lace up those sneakers, grab a water bottle, and head outside to create lasting memories and build a healthier, happier family.

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