The social distancing and quarantine lifestyle lately has been a big change for most of us. Here at the poison center, we have noticed an increase in Missouri residents exploring the great outdoors and foraging for food.
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The Common Houseplant – Lovely to Look at, Unsafe to Eat!
Houseplants decorate in an attractive way, providing freshness to the air in the home. While children love to explore items in their environment, sometimes they may get a little too curious when it comes to houseplants with their interestingly shaped leaves and colorful pots.
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Are there poisonous springtime plants?
Children love to explore the outdoors, but sometimes they get a little too curious with the many colorful plants and give them a taste. You might wonder, are there poisonous springtime plants in Missouri?
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Your Guide to Mushroom Hunting and Poisonous Mushrooms: Don’t Know, Don’t Eat It:
As the old saying goes… “Every mushroom is edible, but some only once.” True or false? Mushrooms are a type of vegetable. Let’s find out! Mushrooms have nutritional value, they are low in calories, high in potassium, fiber, phosphorus and B vitamins. They also contain small amounts of high quality proteins. …
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What Is this Berry?
Most berries aren’t anything to worry about, but a few can be a problem. Symptoms vary based on the plant involved, and most often, children do not ingest enough to cause serious symptoms. However, if someone has ingested a berry from a plant outside, play it safe and call the Missouri Poison Center for help! If you have a child who has ingested a berry or part of a plant, wash their hands, wipe out their mouth, and give them something to drink.
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“Leaves of three? Let it be.”
Poison ivy and poison oak are widespread across Missouri, but poison ivy is more common than poison oak in most areas across the state. You can find it in almost every city and county in Missouri. Read these helpful tips about poison ivy in case you come across it this summer!
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Mushroom Hunting Safety
Wild mushroom hunting is a popular hobby. Mushroom identification is tricky. Toxic and nontoxic mushrooms can grow side by side, and many mushrooms that can make you sick look just like edible mushrooms. Our best advice is to NEVER pick and eat wild mushrooms unless they’ve been identified by an expert.
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