Is Woodland lettuce Poisonous

September 11, 2024 1 min read

Woodland lettuce's sap contains lactucarium, a mild narcotic.

Consuming extremely high doses of woodland lettuce's sap can cause death by cardiac paralysis.

Woodland lettuce is widespread in central Canada and the eastern and central United States.

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Slightly Toxic

Human

Eaten in large doses

Effect methods

Is Woodland lettuce toxic to humans?

Poisoning is most likely to occur from ingesting large quantities of woodland lettuce's milky sap. This sap contains a chemical called lactucarium, which acts as a mild narcotic and flows from any wounds in the plant. This compound is most concentrated when the plant is going to seed. Extremely high doses of the sap can cause death by cardiac paralysis. Lower doses of the sap can lead to mild symptoms such as drowsiness and restlessness. This plant is most likely to be encountered in woodland gardens, and it is particularly widespread in central Canada and the eastern and central United States.

Images of Woodland lettuce

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WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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