Households urged to avoid this popular fall plant that can 'affect your heart’s rhythm and be fatal if consumed'

Whether you’re walking your dog in the park, or taking the kids outdoors for fun Halloween activities, it’s always nice to look or touch some of the beautiful, fall plants that add some bright color to the bleak days.

However, while some plants may be visually appealing, others are potentially hazardous. A flower expert has urged households to avoid one specific toxic plant, which can be seriously harmful to people and pets.

What’s more, this plant can be fatal if consumed. So what is this common plant to steer clear of?

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Foxgloves

Foxglove flowers

Foxglove flowers (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Recognized for its tall pastel and white blooms, the foxglove isn’t as innocent as it looks — and is one of the most dangerous plants to look out for this fall.

“The foxglove plant is noticeable for its tall spires of purple, pink, or white blooms, but it hides powerful toxins (digitalis glycosides) that can affect your heart’s rhythm and be fatal if consumed,” states Andrew White, flower expert at Eflorist.

So what symptoms should we look out for? “Foxglove poisoning symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and dizziness, which can develop into more serious effects such as irregular heartbeat and confusion.”

Needless to say, this is concerning for parents or pet owners who might encounter such poisonous plants during walks, and experts advise to always take caution.

“Foxgloves bloom from June to September, but their seed pods remain throughout October, which means you need to be extra vigilant on autumn walks,” adds White. “Do not confuse foxgloves with comfrey, which are also tall and leafy but have smaller, clustered flowers.”

In addition, if you’re gardening and happen to find foxgloves growing in your yard, you’ll need to remove them with care. Always wear the best gardening gloves when handling them as they can irritate your skin.

“Dig carefully around the base to pull up the roots in full, otherwise the plant is likely to regrow the following season. Dispose of the plant material safely, and never add foxgloves to compost heaps where pets or wildlife could come into contact with them.”

So the next time you spot this beautiful yet lethal flower when you’re outdoors, be sure to avoid this at all costs.

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