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Knowing which plants or fungi are poisonous or irritating is important information for parents and carers, child care operators, bushwalkers, those interested in bush tucker, Local Councils and those who simply enjoy time in the garden or bush.
For the operators of child care centres, this website will provide useful guidance when seeking compliance with the Child Care Act 2002 and Child Care Regulation 2003 – Section 43 (1)(j) relating to poisonous, irritant and harmful trees, plants and shrubs.
For gardeners, this booklet will help identify plants that shouldn’t be grown (or at least kept behind a fence) in areas where children or toddlers are likely to play.
This website is not a complete account of all plants and fungi in Queensland that are known to be poisonous or injurious to people. Many native species and a large number of imported plants have yet to be tested for toxicology. If you have any doubts about any plant or fungi call the Queensland Herbarium EPA on (07) 3896 9318.
Information on obtaining non-toxic or non-spiny plants suitable for your area and situation can be obtained from your local nursery.
If you are concerned about an actual or suspected poisoning, call the Poisons Information Centre immediately on 13 11 26. This website also provides basic First Aid advice for plant and fungi poisoning.
This website is based on the publication Plants Poisonous to People in Queensland jointly produced by Queensland Health and the Environmental Protection Agency in August 2005. Visit the Queensland Government Publications site and Search under "Poisonous Plants" to order your hard copies of the booklet ($2.75 each).
