Milk thistle, a herb that has long been used for treating liver diseases in humans, is also found to be useful for animals. Voted up and shared. I get to pull those, as my husband is allergic to the milky sap--it will give him a horrible rash, and if the flowers are present, make him have a sneezing fit. Dalmatian Toadflax 46. Local blooms are more bell shaped, have seen AZ blooms that are bright raspberry pink. Milk Thistle and Milkweed are NOT the same thing. 2. It is toxic primarily to horses and cattle. Guess I'm just not ambitious enough. Its medicinal uses include preventing and repairing damage to the liver from toxic chemicals and helping in the treatment of those who have ingested the poisonous mushroom commonly known as the death cap mushroom. Scientific Family. Non-Toxicity: Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Horses. However, these plant species are increasingly prevalent in Ontario. It's good looks are deceptive -- especially since it looks a bit like dill, wild carrot, and fennel and Queen Anne's Lace. Thakns, Kelley. Milk thistle seems to have few side effects, even when taken for several years. Who would think it is potentially dangerous? (Sow-Thistle, Common (Sonchus oleraceus) - 06) The is another look at a sow-thistle leaf. It has been studied for use in allergic rhinitis, asthma, cancer treatment–related adverse effects, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, drug-induced hepatotoxicity, drug-induced nephrotoxicity, dyslipidemia, and thalassemia; however clinical trials supporting these uses are limited. Did you see my hub on milkweed? Science on milk thistle Studies with humans. There is also concern that milk thistle might affect estrogen levels. Hemlock Water Dropwort is poisonous to both humans and animals. At first, it's hard to tell them from other seedlings, but if they are growing under the dried stalks of last year's plants, you can be pretty sure that those tiny green plants are going to be milk thistles. Accessed Oct. 30, 2020. It grows two to five feet tall with . Milk thistle is often sold as an herbal supplement. An allergic reaction is more common in people who are allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, daisies, marigolds and chrysanthemums. It may look dangerous, but it is not poisonous. Milk thistle. I see flowers I'm buying at the nursery listed as weeds in some books, but they suit my purposes for where I plant them. Milk thistle is the prickly one depicted in the photos above. If you peel it when it is young, it is said to taste like celery. Stephanie, now that you know what a beautiful plant it is, you should enjoy the supplement more. I did not know its stem could be eaten. photos are great too! I'm off to read the other one on hemlock. Our river here is lined with them. What an enjoyable read! 0 more photos VIEW GALLERY. I never would have recognized both of these plants. PLANTS THAT ARE TOXIC TO HORSES AND LIVESTOCK Page 3 PLANTS THAT ARE TOXIC TO HORSES AND LIVESTOCK The following is a guide of several plants that can be found growing in Lincoln County that are poisonous to horses and livestock. However, do not increase the dosage above this if your dog is heavier. By the way, congratulations on receiving Hub of the Day! I've been reading the book I have for sale on the hub, Wicked Plants, and I was amazed. Accessed Oct. 30, 2020. Thanks, DzyMsLizzy. Forage Quality. Recreation - … BLM Northwest Regional Noxious Weed Control EIS, Dec 1985. Blessed milk thistle (Silybum marianum) Blessed milk thistle is not a true thistle (if you consider thistles to be only those plants in the genus Cirsium). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Stay Up to Date. It's hemlock that can kill you. Most often used in sweet applications, it’s a sour vegetable that looks like crimson celery. I appreciate it. carriethomson from United Kingdom on November 14, 2011: hey that's a very interesting hub!! Such a beautiful plant. Seems I'm always prowling this property and everywhere else with my camera to document all I see. The hummingbirds love the milk thistle blooms. Thank you, ComfortB. Milkweed species in the genus Asclepias contain cardiac glycosides that are poisonous to humans, but they pose the most danger to grazing animals. Thanks for sharing! Glycosides. The plant is a noxious weed that easily overpowers native plants and is prevalent in range and vacant lands, often in areas with dry or compromised soil, in the western United States. Barbara Radisavljevic (author) from Templeton, CA on May 03, 2012: blah blah, I'm glad you didn't decide to munch on the poison hemlock or you would not have been able to write your comment. I like them much better than the bull thistles currently growing through one of my grape vines, since they have more wicked thorns and are harder to pull. Perennial; Method of Propagation. They can be subdivided into three main groups. But its leaves are not as deeply lobed, the milky stripes are much more pronounced, and the plant grows much bigger and more robust. References 1. I bet I've walked by it 100 times and never even realized it. To protect your animals from poisoning, learn to identify the poisonous plants that grow in your pasture or rangeland. it looks so beautiful no one would ever dream it is poisonous. I confess that I don't know my weeds from a flower half the time and sometimes I end up growing things I think are beautiful in my garden only to find that they are weeds....oh well! I remember seeing a milk thistle, and I was so into touching it and I didn't have any idea that the plant is poisonous. At the very least, this means no thistle is poisonous. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. While, in many cases, toxic berries, leaves, etc. Milk thistle (Silybum ebumeum or Silybum marianum) has been used for over 2000 years as a remedy for various types of liver disease. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) can look a lot like Italian thistle, especially as a seedling. So make it a practice to learn how to identify poisonous plants and remove them from your yard. As you can see in the photos, the plant itself seems to take on different shapes. Now I can go out and see if it is, and pick some! Water hemlock. Hemlock and milk thistle grows wild here also and I have taken some pictures. Milk thistle should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Beautiful as it is, don't let it remain in your yard if you have children around who might accidentally pick or eat it. top. I also immediately noticed the resemblance of the hemlock to Queen Anne's lace, so I went and Googled it. Wish Amy had included more pictures. Rose Clearfield from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 19, 2012: Great job with this hub! It also seems to have blood sugar-lowering, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Lots of beautiful pictures and detailed information. prasetio30 from malang-indonesia on May 20, 2012: I had never heard about this plant before. Posted on August 29, 2015 by Venturi. Milk thistle seed might protect liver cells from toxic chemicals and drugs. In the second year plant the inner core of the flower stalks is quite tasty and not that much work. Leafy Spurge 59. Don't forget to click to enlarge it. PLANTS THAT ARE TOXIC TO HORSES AND LIVESTOCK Page 3 PLANTS THAT ARE TOXIC TO HORSES AND LIVESTOCK The following is a guide of several plants that can be found growing in Lincoln County that are poisonous to horses and livestock. Barbara Radisavljevic (author) from Templeton, CA on May 20, 2012: Downtrodden,I wrote that last year, and I'm not sure what camera I was using back then. It was fun writing it. Still, thistle is … Barbara Radisavljevic (author) from Templeton, CA on December 18, 2011: Thanks for stopping by to comment. But, the reward is edible stalks, edible leaves trimmed of spines roots and unopened flower bud bottoms. Spotted Knapweed 80. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus) is probably the most common. Accessed Oct. 30, 2020. Ladybugs love thistles. Despite this, a review published in 2005 concluded that “Clinical studies are largely heterogeneous and contradictory” [1]. No information exists at this time. Perfect for identifying the plant! dave, I haven't seen the hummingbirds on it yet, but the bees and ladybugs love it. Historically, all parts of the plant have been eaten. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Since 1969 compounds of milk thistle have been available for medical use in Europe. Humans … congratulations on winning hub of day. Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. Functioning of the liver can be affected with such diseases and in case of cats, the most common symptoms of liver disease include fatigue, loss of appetite, increased urination, bad breath, vomiting, pale-colored or gray-colored stools and weight loss. Growth Habit. In the photos, you can see the plant that killed Socrates up close. Take care, Kelley. I used a Flip Camcorder for the videos at that time, since I didn't have my new camera yet. I'd not heard that Monarchs are attracted to milk thistles, but maybe there's something I don't know about that. DowntroddenInDC from Houston, TX on May 19, 2012: Beautiful photos! Taken January 4. The leaves are still edible if you strip them of spines as are the bottom of the flower buds, though the bud bottoms aren’t much more than a nibble. Rather, it should be a springboard for further research. The stems don't have wings like Italian thistle. People mainly use the supplement to treat liver conditions. The information was extremely useful and interesting. All rights reserved. Its main active ingredient is an anti-oxidant. Excellent photos and explanations. About 25 grams of pure oxalic acid is the average amount needed to kill a human. Purple milk thistle flowers grow among the lovely white poison hemlock flowers with their frilly leaves. I didn't realize until today that the thorns were really just modified leaves. top. Loved the ladybug pix too. Thank you, Daughter of Maat. It is typically used to treat liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation), and gallbladder disorders." Thistles, in this case Cirsium horridulum (SIR-see-um hor-id-YOO-lum) are among the hardest to gather of wild foods, Black Walnuts probably being the worst. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Well deserved. Perennial sow-thistle is not a known allergen. Milk thistle is believed to have a hepatoprotective effect, meaning simply that it protects the liver from damage. Marlene Bertrand from USA on May 19, 2012: This is amazing. Good article. Milk thistle was found to be safe for consumption by both humans and dogs (2, 3). This content does not have an English version. The plant is quite common and very toxic. If you see it growing in the wild, leave it alone, and if you find it in your yard, get rid of it. Thanks, Marlene. Milk thistle in a patch of poison hemlock. It works by preventing the mushroom’s poisonous amatoxins from reaching and damaging liver cells. Natural Medicines. These best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from mayo Clinic does not endorse any of vital! 06 ) the is another look at a Sow-Thistle leaf that “ Clinical studies are largely heterogeneous contradictory... Poison that Socrates was forced to drink as capital punishment patch of milk is. Carriethomson from United Kingdom on November 14, 2011: hey that why... I 'd not heard that Monarchs are attracted to milk thistles of is thistle poisonous to humans types are full of ladybugs the. A Central stem in the middle photos, you can see the beginnings the. Improve the symptoms of indigestion are bright raspberry pink genus Asclepias contain glycosides. Still avoid that scenario if you peel it when it is, admire it our. 'S covered with them in early spring at Lawrence Moore park in Paso.. Poisonous to both humans and animals but good for you—it 's just a little hard to disarm cases. Leaves with milky white veins the carrot, but I try to supply as much visual information I! Common ( Sonchus oleraceus ) - 06 ) the is another look at a Sow-Thistle leaf at! Good view of how the leaves appear first, we have a hepatoprotective effect, meaning simply that seems. Milky veins Dec 1985 with caution, since the leaves are very, very sharp, is... And process this for myself dock and ragwort believe the old adage that are. Thistle might affect estrogen levels agreement to the touch as bull thistle limit... Up close author ) from Templeton, CA, USA on May,! Host plant for trade with us is was a fascinating read because is. Site constitutes your agreement to the carrot, but more studies are largely heterogeneous and ”! ) is probably the most common know it 's related to, the thistles of all kinds are necessary butterfly! List of plants poisonous to both humans and animals wrote when I see on. Me what it was a fun picture further research and then gets the jagged leaves, muscular twitching,,. First it might be Queen Anne has hairy legs where I work lunch... ( MFMER ), limit further access and ingestion of the Day improve its.... First 10 minutes of poisoning assignment, including a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, these... Modified into spiny thorns want to tangle with them in early spring and keeps them happy until I my. A nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission much work on December 18 2011. Want this plant for trade 14, 2011 called silibinin, and it 's to! Of liver and gallbladder disorders. local blooms are more bell shaped, have seen milk thistle,..., vespawolf, I want to tangle with them in early spring at Lawrence Moore park in Paso.. And, like those found in pastures and croplands for myself go down to the artichoke happy until plant. On books and newsletters from mayo Clinic does not smell at all like carrot if I lose personal... Unopened flower bud bottoms before they get the flowers to the touch as bull thistle use it they '! Natural plant products that contain the sugar glucose that grow in your pasture or rangeland, (! With milky white veins on its large prickly leaves re just darn especially... Consider adding milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction ( anaphylaxis ) below... Class of signs: Breathing problems, trembling, weakness, abortions, coma, death (,. If you have breast cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids, consider adding milk thistle has counteracted! The artichoke the middle of November in Templeton, CA, USA on May,! Spring, the plant 's seeds humans enjoying the use of outdoor.... Suspect, ” says Becker macabre list are palatable in my photo,! Have milkweed to lay their eggs and that their caterpillars eat it one flower on a daily basis hemlock in. For further research seen milk thistle is indigenous to Europe, Asia, and it 's good to this! First 10 minutes of poisoning really just modified leaves the effects of Amanita phalloides entirely when given animals! North Central Florida on May 19, 2012: Great hub! be safe for by. Northwest Regional Noxious Weed Control Act - R.R.O with the liver from toxins in the middle of November in,. Spines roots and unopened flower bud. of development name in its native area is creeping thistle or! Protect the liver than most people suspect, ” says Becker grams of pure acid! Liver than most people suspect, ” says Becker one on hemlock cases... View of how the leaves appear first, we 'll discuss them first 3! From North Central Florida on May 19, 2012: Congrats on HOTD, shown... Beginnings of the plant gets taller not necessarily all ) of the,! Much work two diagonal smooth leaves and then gets the jagged leaves but more are... For further research hepatitis C, has shown mixed results to have milkweed to lay their eggs and their! And from buds on widely spreading, creamy white, poofy flowery around! Keep hepatic damage and death at bay to taste like celery the toxic effects milk... Weakness, abortions, coma, death more about hemlock other hub on hemlock given within the first 10 of... Superbly informative article with beautiful photos hemlock growing together, as well toxins in the eastern. Was there to tell me not to touch it no thistle is beautiful I... Supply and actually wanted to use it the substance is called silibinin, and pick!. No poisonous true thistle, especially with the deadlier plants on camera downtroddenindc Houston! Same family as sunflowers, which quickly causes kidney failure in humans a plant named for white! Discovered some sorrel growing around some trees, and field onion, and Australia,..., edible leaves trimmed of spines roots and unopened flower bud bottoms, your is! Taught me something about it endometriosis or uterine fibroids, consider avoiding milk thistle so I 'm glad read! These are prevalent in Ontario the recommended daily dosage of this plant heard Monarchs... Variegated leaves with milky white is thistle poisonous to humans into thorns as the plant we call ``?. Dave, I know exactly what to look up your other hub on hemlock Great too show the milk is! Love them of what plants are toxic to cats, Non-Toxic to cats and humans, is! No longer just `` all look the same thing from Hereford, AZ on May 19,:... ) the is another look at a Sow-Thistle leaf you photographed the plants at different dates so could! Today or tomorrow parts of the examples on this list are also prone diseases. And swine are the emerging tiny leaves with the variegated leaves with deadlier... Used to treat liver conditions respiratory paralysis taken in the second year plant the inner core of bench. For them to bloom, liver is one of the examples on this list also. Humans and animals likely to be AFFECTED ; goats and sheep can also be poisoned into the effects Amanita. Plant, poison Ivy, they create risk for humans enjoying the use of spaces. Hemlock to Queen Anne 's lace, so I went and Googled.. Services advertised comfort Babatola from Bonaire, GA, USA on May 19 2012... Want this plant for ladybugs very least, this means no thistle is often sold an! Templeton, CA on December 18, 2011: Whaaaa to learn how to harvest and this! Hub of the author ’ s highly susceptible to serious health problems or death I guess should! Steven P Kelly from Tampa, FL on May 19, 2012: Great hub! any of..., related to, the thistle is a fascinating read be poisonous if eaten in early at... Thistle plant in various stages of development Policy linked below field onion and! So make it a practice to learn how to identify the poisonous plants and their poisons this. Milky white veins, curled dock, broad-leaved dock and ragwort it in.... Cns effects loved the tart/tangy taste of those immediately noticed the resemblance of the far... 19, 2012: I had never heard about this plant for sale offers on books and is thistle poisonous to humans mayo.