What weed can kill humans who do not eat it?
By Chelsie Vandaveer
August 29, 2002
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Dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium (Lamarck) Small) is a pioneer, a weed. The airborne seeds are ubiquitous and quickly germinate in ruderal (disturbed) habitats like fields and overgrazed pastures. The plants can grow to two and a half meters (8 feet) becoming the dominant species and shading out sun-dependent grasses and crops.
Dogfennel manufactures pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These alkaloids are cyclic compounds containing a nitrogen atom. There are well over 500 pyrrolizidine alkaloids found in the aster (Asteraceae), bean (Fabaceae), and borage families (Boraginaceae).
Herbivores generally avoid plants with alkaloid compounds; the plants are malodorous and taste worse. The name dogfennel derives from the fennel-like leaves and, disparagingly, the aroma only having cuisine value to 'dogs'.
As the pyrrolizidine alkaloids are metabolized they become carcinogens and hepatotoxins (cause liver damage). The toxic effect is caused by the alkylation of DNA. According to Lewis and Elvin-Lewis (Medical Botany, 1977), "A feature of these chemicals is their ability to bind to DNA and to produce cancer in the tissue with which they are placed in contact."
The symptoms of poisoning happen well after ingestion. When ingested, the alkaloids concentrate in the liver causing cirrhosis. "Death may ensue from 2 weeks to more than 2 years after poisoning, but patients may recover almost completely if the alkaloid intake is discontinued and the liver damage has not been too severe." (Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids, CFSAN bulletin, USFDA)
Cattle in poor pasturage forced to eat the plants can pass the toxins on to humans who eat the meat or drink the milk. A nursing mother drinking contaminated herbal teas can pass the toxins to her infant. Seeds mixed in with grains can poison flour. These problems are most frequently found where poverty exists. (See Plants that Changed History, August 7, 2001)
Dogfennel's deterrent is the odor and bitter taste. It works, the plants are seldom harmed. On the odd occasion the plant is eaten, the plant kills the herbivore long after the herbivore has killed the plant.
The Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, has two photographs of dogfennel taken by Betty Wargo. To view the photographs, click on the link:
http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu/images.asp?plantID=3716
Click on the thumbnails to enlarge the images.
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading:
What lawn weed was once a tonic? Herbal Folklore - January 28, 2002
What was spirit weed? Herbal Folklore - October 11, 2004
What weed was a treatment for mange? Herbal Folklore - January 5, 2004
Why is this ancient grain making a comeback? Plants that Changed History - September 7, 2004
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Hardy Hosta Collection
Springhill Nursery®
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Every garden has a shady spot that can be enhanced by elegant, easy-to-grow and extremely hardy hostas. Hostas offer lush, richly colored foliage that lends a cool, soothing feel to areas under large trees or shrubs.
In the summer, tall-flowering stems with delicate pastel lavender or white bells give off a lovely scent. The foliage is attractive from spring right up until the hard frosts of fall.
This collection includes one each of the following varieties:
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Gold Standard Hosta - Leaves grow 24" tall and emerge light green with a dark edge in the spring. Centers turn gold by midsummer, when pale lavender flowers bloom on 36" stems. Spreads 30".
Royal Standard Hosta - Magnificent shiny leaves grow 18-24" tall, sporting 24-30" stems with sweetly scented white flowers in late summer. Super-hardy shade lover spreads 4'.
Green & White Hosta - Stunning, rich leaves variegated with green and white grow 15-20" tall. Sweet-smelling lilac bells appear on 26-32" stems in midsummer. Spreads 18-24".
Krossa Regal Hosta - One of the tallest growing varieties, its lush, elegant blue-green foliage grows to 3' tall and spreads 3-4'. Lavender blooms appear on 5-6' spires in mid to late summer.
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One collection includes nine plants (including bonus)!
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