=Poisonous Parts=: Roots, leaves, and seeds which contain alkaloids (=atropine=, =hyoscyamine=, =scopolamine=, etc.) similar to those of the deadly nightshade. (See page 8.) Poisoning causes drying of the mouth, dilation of eye pupils, a very rapid heartbeat, and central-nervous-system depression. Poisoning can be experienced merely by handling the leaves. Children sometimes ingest the poisonous seeds or rub the eyes after touching the leaves and are then poisoned. =Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Hands should be washed with soap and water if in contact with the plant. Physicians treat for =atropine= poisoning. NOTE: There are other species and varieties of _Datura_ which contain similar poisonous principles although in lesser amounts. These are sometimes grown in gardens and greenhouses as ornamentals and are frequently called angel’s trumpet. They include _Datura innoxia_, _Datura metel_, _D. metaloides_, _D. arborea_, _D. sanguinia_, etc. Most have large trumpet-like, white or pinkish-white flowers and some reach small tree height. Observe same precautions as for jimson weed. LARKSPUR [Illustration: Larkspur, delphinium, lark’s claw, knight’s spur _Delphinium ajacis--RANUNCULACEAE_] =Description=: The cultivated larkspurs found in New England are annuals or perennials found in many gardens and produce showy blossoms with many colors (usually white and violet-purple) growing on erect flower stalks. Leaves are divided into parts and have the general outline of a bird’s foot. The small seeds which form in dry follicles are usually pointed and very irregular in shape. The plant varies in height from 2 to 4 feet. =Poisonous Parts=: Leaves and seeds contain toxic alkaloids which when ingested may affect the nervous system. Tingling sensations of the mouth may at first be experienced followed by excitation and severe depression. Animals poisoned by wild larkspurs growing on western ranges stagger and appear to develop symptoms of tetany. Powdered larkspur seed is also found in some commercial lice remedies. =Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians perform gastric lavage and treat for alkaloid (=ajacine=) poisoning and central nervous system excitation using short-acting barbiturates because of subsequent depression. LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY [Illustration: Lily-of-the-valley _Convallaria majalis--LILIACEAE_] =Description=: A perennial, low-growing herb found in many gardens. Its attractive small, white, nodding, bell-shaped flowers are fragrant and used in bouquets. They blossom in spring and summer. Several of these are found on one side of a slender flowering stalk. Leaves have parallel vein markings. The fruits appear in late summer and early fall and are attractive red to orange-red fleshy berries.