=Poisonous Parts=: Roots, leaves, and fruits contain harmful principles, particularly the glycoside =convallatoxin= which stimulates the heart muscles similarly to the poisonous principles of the =foxglove=, =digitalis=. Dizziness and vomiting may occur in 1 to 2 hours if large quantities are eaten. =Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians should look for symptoms of digitalis poisoning. MONKSHOOD [Illustration: Monkshood, aconite, friar’s cap, Wolfsbane _Aconitum napellus--RANUNCULACEAE_] =Description=: There are numerous garden varieties of the monkshood and it is widely cultivated. It is a perennial herb reaching a height of about 3 to 4 feet with many divided leaves (like a crow’s foot). Several violet-blue flowers form on a flowering stalk somewhat like the delphinium or larkspur, but they are more frequently branched. Each flower resembles the cap or hood of a medieval monk, hence its common name. The seeds are tiny and form in dry capsules called follicles. =Poisonous Parts=: Roots and seeds are most poisonous although the leaves may be harmful if eaten. The plant contains several poisonous alkaloids, chiefly =aconitine=, which affects the vital vagus nerve from the brain causing a slowing of the heart. Other effects of poisoning include tingling and numbing sensations of the lips and tongue, irregular pulse, dimness of vision, and respiratory failure. =Antidote=: Call your doctor. The victim should be kept warm, because of the possibility of circulatory collapse, and placed in a horizontal position with the feet level with the head. Physicians treat for =aconitine= alkaloid poisoning. Gastric lavage is preferred to the use of vomiting agents. Circulatory stimulants may be necessary. POISON HEMLOCK [Illustration: Poison-hemlock, poison-parsley _Conium maculatum--UMBELLIFERAE_] =Description=: A biennial weed with leaves resembling those of parsley, dark green, finely divided, with shiny under surfaces. The plant is found in gardens, fields, and along roadsides, and reaches up to 5 feet, or more, in height. Roots resemble those of the parsnip. When crushed, both fresh leaves and roots yield a juice with a characteristic odor of the parsnip. Occasional purplish spots are found on the hollow stems. The very small white flowers and grayish-green fruits are borne on umbrella-like stalks. The tiny fruits upon close examination have flattened inner surfaces. They also look somewhat like fruits of the anise, _Pimpinella anisum_. =Poisonous Parts=: The leaves and fruits during flowering contain an intensely poisonous principle, =coniine=, and other related alkaloids. Older roots are also poisonous. Hemlock poisoning first causes a burning sensation in the mouth and throat followed by muscular weakness, stupor, and paralysis of the arms and chest. Poisonous principles act on the spinal cord and brain causing respiratory failure and death.