Plants and mushrooms

Hydrangea

Common name		Hydrangea
Botanical name		Hydrangea macrophylla
Other common names		Big leaf hydrangea, mop heads
Family		Hydrangeaceae
General description		An ornamental deciduous shrub to 3m tall cultivated for its large showy flowers.
Flowers		The blue, pink or less commonly, white flowers are in large dense clusters held at the end of the branches. Each flower has 4-5 petals.
Leaves		The shiny light green leaves are opposite, broadly ovate with a pointed tip and coarsely toothed margins, 10-20cm long and 6-14cm wide.
Fruit/Berries		The fruit is a capsule 6-8mm long and 1-3mm in diameter with numerous tiny light brown seeds.
Other		-
Symptoms		All parts of the plant are poisonous. If eaten, symptoms can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Skin contact can cause dermatitis, rash or irritation.
Toxicity category		2, 3
Warning		Seek medical attention if symptoms occur.