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Know your plants. The vast majority of plants are harmless. Only a few cause skin problems for gardeners. Some plants can bother us, but not because we are "allergic". There may be chemicals in the plants that cause irritant reactions and will affect anyone -- such as the fiery sensation caused by eating or cooking with chile peppers.
Some plants make people break out in rashes that are also not caused by allergies, but by oils or other chemicals in the plants. The technical term for all skin rashes caused by plants is phytodermatitis. There are several different types of reactions; some plants can cause more than one type of reaction.
In one type, the skin problem develops even if the person has never previously been exposed to the plant. This reaction is usually immediate and usually subsides quickly. Stinging nettles are an example of a non-allergic reaction. Anyone who brushes against them suffers the tingling, painful sensation on the skin. So this is called non-allergic contact dermatitis.
The other situation means that the plant can cause a reaction, but it's necessary to be sensitized by previous encounters with it. This is allergic contact dermatitis. This skin reaction usually takes more than 24 hours to develop and can last for weeks. Poison ivy reactions are an example. Some people suffer terribly from exposure to poison ivy, and the reaction may get worse with each experience. Other people do not get rashes from poison ivy no matter how often they fall into it.
Another type of reaction can be hives, or large uncomfortable welts. The allergic type of hives happens when the person is already sensitized to the plant. Plants that can cause allergic hives include strawberries, onions, garlic, tulip bulbs, and hyacinth bulbs.
One of the most uncomfortable and potentially damaging responses has the lengthy name phytophotodermatitis, which is caused by exposure to the plant chemical, plus sunlight. When the blisters from this type of reaction heal, the affected skin can be left with a dark pigmentation for months. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), is an example of a plant that can cause this reaction, and one reason why it's on the Washington State noxious weed list.
If you think you are having skin problems caused by plants, see a dermatologist. Prevention would include wearing long sleeves and protective gloves, washing with soap and water after gardening, and being aware of what plants might cause problems in order to avoid contact with them. A list of plants, and more complete information about phytodermatitis can be obtained from the Safety and Health and Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (1-888-66-SHARP). This information is also on their website http://www.lni.wa.gov/sharp/derm/phytoderm.pdf
And can plants kill us? Only a small percentage of plants are known to cause toxic or poisonous reactions if eaten. Of those some are harmful only if eaten at certain stages of their growth, some only parts of the plant may be toxic. Keep in mind that poisonous does not generally mean fatal. A person can be quite ill after ingesting a plant but may not die because symptoms of toxicity vary considerably.
Plant related deaths are extremely rare. In the 2000 AAPCC (American Association of Poison Control Centers) Annual Report, only five plant related deaths were reported, three of which were the result of intentional abuse of hallucinogenic Datura stamonium (Jimsom Weed). In addition the amount eaten, the health, age and size of the person who eats the plant are each important factors in determining the potential hazard.
Children need to be particularly cautioned against eating plants or plant parts unless they check with their caregivers. Hard berries could also present a choking hazard for toddlers. Eating any unidentified berries, mushrooms or toadstools requires prompt medical assessment. Call AAPCC 1-800-222-1222 to be connected to Washington Poison Center.
Even plants commonly grown for food have toxic parts. Potato vines, leaves,
new sprouts and green tubers are toxic. Tomato leaves and stems, and rhubarb
leaves are also toxic. Eating moderate amounts of Iris rhizomes can cause severe
digestive upset. All parts of Convallaria majalis or Lily of the Valley,
including water from vases in which cut flowers have been placed are poisonous.
Some plants like Digitalis or Foxglove are sources of useful drugs, but may
cause dangerously irregular heartbeat, digestive upset and mental confusion.
Convulsions and death are possible. A few Daphne (Daphne species) berries
can cause burning or ulceration in digestive tract causing vomiting and diarrhea.
This plant considered "extremely dangerous", particularly for children.
One or two Wisteria seeds may cause mild to gastrointestinal disturbances severe enough to require hospitalization. Ornamentals like English holly, English ivy, Rhododendron, azalea, and yew are found in many gardens.
For plant identification you can also bring a sample to a your local
Master Gardener Plant Problem Clinic. For the most positive identification
it may be necessary to wait until the plant is flowering.
Hortsense: Managing plant problems with Integrated Pest Management
