Toxic Plants in Alberta
/Summer is a beautiful time to explore gardens and natural landscapes across Alberta. However, while you're enjoying the outdoors, it's important to stay alert—many native plants can pose serious health risks.
To help the (tag) Solstice team stay informed and safe, Mandy Odynski, Environmental Technician at Solstice, recently shared guidance on how to identify common toxic plants and what to do if you encounter them.
“Learning how to identify toxic plants, helps you mitigate risks in the field.”
mandy at Solstice field Day 2025
Some key plants to watch for include:
Cow Parsnip – Can cause severe burns when its sap contacts skin in sunlight.
Water Hemlock – One of North America’s most toxic plants; ingestion can be fatal.
Western Poison Ivy – Causes intense itching and blistering from even slight contact.
Death Camas – Often mistaken for edible plants but is deadly if ingested.
Stinging Nettle – Delivers a painful sting with its fine hairs.
Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves, pants, and gloves when out in nature. Avoid touching unfamiliar plants and wash any exposed skin thoroughly if contact occurs. If spines or irritants are involved, use sterile tweezers and monitor the area for reactions. To learn more contact our team at info@solsticecanada.com
