Well, there's been this little vine lurking around my garden - in the daylily bed, to be precise - for a couple of years now. Last year, it had the sweetest little purple blooms on it, as it rambled happily through the bed. Two days ago, I noticed the blooms a bit early, and thought it was so pretty. So, I went to one of my online garden clubs, and inquired if anyone could identify it. I figured it was a weed and/or volunteer, but wasn't familiar with it.
Anyway, I discovered this morning, that the little varmint is Deadly Nightshade a/k/a Belladonna - highly toxic in every way. Huh! Two to three of its berries, which bloom late summer, can be fatal to children, and 15-to-20 for adults. It's deadly to domestic animals, yet rabbits and birds are immune ... what the heck is that about?
So, I'm off to hack the intruder off at the ankles ... too bad; I liked it.
Anyway, I discovered this morning, that the little varmint is Deadly Nightshade a/k/a Belladonna - highly toxic in every way. Huh! Two to three of its berries, which bloom late summer, can be fatal to children, and 15-to-20 for adults. It's deadly to domestic animals, yet rabbits and birds are immune ... what the heck is that about?
So, I'm off to hack the intruder off at the ankles ... too bad; I liked it.
It grows as a wild plant around here and is quite pretty. It has quite a history as a murder weapon, but also has medicinal value in small doses. The roots are toxic too...best pull up the toes too!
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