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The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother: And Other Botanical Atrocities

Larry Reed

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Published in Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln S Mother And Other Botanical Atrocities

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We all know that some plants can be harmful if ingested, but did you know that some plants can actually be deadly? In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most dangerous plants in the world, including the weed that killed Lincoln's mother.

The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother

In 1818, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, the mother of Abraham Lincoln, died after eating a meal of milkweed greens. Milkweed is a common plant that is found throughout the United States, and it is often used as a food source by Native Americans and other foragers. However, milkweed contains a toxin called cardenolide, which can be fatal if ingested in large doses.

Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities

by Amy Stewart

4.7 out of 5

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A Photo Of A Milkweed Plant Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln S Mother And Other Botanical Atrocities

Nancy Hanks Lincoln likely ate the milkweed greens because she was pregnant and craving greens. However, the cardenolide in the milkweed proved to be too much for her body to handle, and she died a few days after eating the meal.

Other Botanical Atrocities

Milkweed is not the only plant that can be deadly if ingested. In fact, there are many other plants that contain toxins that can cause serious illness or even death. Here are a few examples:

Hemlock: Hemlock is a plant that is found in Europe and North America. It contains a toxin called coniine, which can cause paralysis and death.
Foxglove: Foxglove is a plant that is found in Europe and Asia. It contains a toxin called digitalis, which can cause heart problems and death.
Rhododendron: Rhododendron is a plant that is found in Asia and North America. It contains a toxin called grayanotoxin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and death.
Oleander: Oleander is a plant that is found in the Mediterranean region. It contains a toxin called oleandrin, which can cause heart problems and death.

How to Stay Safe

It is important to be aware of the dangers of poisonous plants. If you are ever unsure about whether a plant is safe to eat, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid it. You can also take the following steps to stay safe:

Teach your children about the dangers of poisonous plants.
Never eat any plant that you cannot identify.
If you are ever in doubt about whether a plant is poisonous, contact your local poison control center.

Poisonous plants are a real danger, but they can be avoided by taking simple precautions. By following the tips in this article, you can help keep yourself and your family safe.

Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities

by Amy Stewart

4.7 out of 5