If you’ve followed my blog for a bit—or know anything about me—you know I LOVE all things creepy. Beneath the SOIL, the eighth book in the Chase “Superman” Duffy series is actually a thriller.
So, it shouldn’t surprise you that I’m fascinated by poisonous plants—like, today’s N-word, the deadly Nightshade.
Nightshade has a long history of being used as a poison, but here’s something really scary—the Nightshade family includes common plants like potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants and chili peppers (plants my grandma has in her garden!)
All of these plants contain toxins, usually found in the foliage—maybe that’s why my resourceful grandma has never served potato or tomato greens, fried steamed or in a salad! Nightshade, on the other hand even has poisonous berries.
Yesterday, I talked about daffodils being a sign of spring, but did you know that if the bulbs are eaten—sometimes mistaken for onions—they can be toxic? And how about Hemlock? It’s one of the most famous poisonous plants in history. It even killed Socrates. The whole plant contains a poison that can cause stomach pains, vomiting and paralysis! (ew!)
Don’t worry though, not much Hemlock grows in Alberta.
However…you do have to keep an eye out for Poison Ivy. If you accidentally touch that stuff, you’ll get a rash. It’s not contagious and it will clear up in a few weeks—but they won’t be a very fun few weeks.
Sufficiently scared? I didn’t think so. Comment here or on one of my social media links above for a chance to WIN the scariest book in the Chase “Superman” Duffy series—Beneath the Soil.
Gotta jet! See you tomorrow for the letter O.
— Chase Superman Duffy
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