Poisonous Plants...?

Question

I have to do a project on one poisonous plant that is native to and widespread in New England for my Field and Forage Crops class.I've been looking online and I found a great resource in a big list on Cornell's website,except it doesn't say where the plant is found.The plant has to be poisonous to livestock and/or horses,doesn't matter if it is to people.Anyone have any suggestions,or know where I can find this information?I was thinking foxglove,or milkweed,but I don't know where they are from,so it doesn't really help me,haha.

Answer 1

I have a book on local edible plants and it warns of all the bad ones.
I have belladonna (deadly night shade) growing in my back yard, its cute and I think it is native to the Americas, and if not it grows really well and is a problem for local livestock.
have you looked at the wikipedia entry for each one of the plants you are thinking about ?

Answer 2

Plants don't care about us and are not here to benefit or harm us. Evolution caused variation in all species. Poisonous plants are poisonous to protect themselves. Plants didn't just decide to make poison, and were not "given" poison. Somewhere along the way, there was a genetic mutation which caused the plant to be toxic to animals, and those plants survived better than others. Alternately, plants with healing properties only have those chemicals for their own benefit. But since ALL organisms are related, those chemicals help other organisms too (we're not the only animals that use plants besides eating). And perhaps having medicinal properties is a way of attracting animals to spread their pollen. Some people might ask, "Why don't all plants evolve both if they are so useful?" Because Evolution doesn't work that way. The mutations that cause Evolution can be positive, negative, or neutral. And Evolution is not a guarantee of perfection, it is just a way organisms change. Natural Selection *favors advantages, but doesn't get rid of imperfections.

Answer 3

Try nightshade, often found in pastures. Cockleburr is poisonious when in the codyledon stage. Wilted cherry tree leaves are also deadly. Nitrate posioning by corn or sorghums during drought. Prussic acid poisioning by frosted surghums and sudan grasses.

Answer 4

I know some milkweeds come from South America. I would call a local botanic garden or arboretum (or other type of institution) and ask them. (or even the botany section of a university). Also jimsom weed...but don't know if its local either....

Answer 5

I know Burrdock is poisonous to pigs here in Michigan-- not sure if it's native to the New England area tho'.

Answer 6

Here is a good list of poisonous plants of Indiana, while that is not New England, I expect most are the same.
http://vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/cover1.htm

Answer 7

call a local county extension agent. they will know. or a vet from the area. or maybe find yourself a cowboy!