As in other parts of the United States and the world, some plants are poisonous. In Vermont, there are two common poisonous plants that cause particular health concerns for Vermonters:
False hellebore, a plant mistaken for ramps or wild leeks
Wild parsnip, also called "poison" parsnip
False hellebore (Veratrum viride) is a leafy plant native to Vermont that comes up very early in the spring. False hellebore can be found almost anywhere in Vermont, like backyards, forests, roadsides, or anywhere there is wet soil. It is also known by other common names such as Indian poke, Indian hellebore, American white hellebore, or bunchflowers. Some people may call false hellebore skunk cabbage.
When it is only a few inches tall, the false hellebore plant is easily confused with ramps or wild leeks, which people harvest to eat. False hellebore is toxic when you eat it. It is not toxic if you touch it. False hellebore is also toxic to pets and livestock, which experience similar symptoms as humans.
The Health Department advises people foraging for ramps to know how to correctly identify them.
Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.) is an invasive species that is very common in many parts of Vermont. The plants grow wild along roadsides and other unmaintained areas. They produce yellow flowers that look like Queen Anne’s Lace. Most people refer to wild parsnip as "poison parsnip."
Although this is the same plant as the common garden parsnip we eat in soups and stews, the flower heads are the second-year growth from the carrot-like roots. It is a close relative of carrots, parsley, angelica, and giant hogweed, all of which can cause similar skin reactions in sensitive individuals.
The Health Department advises people to stay away from direct skin and eye contact with wild parsnip sap.
