13 Poison Plants in Maine: The Important Ones To Avoid

Poison plants in Maine are deceptively harmless in appearance. In fact, some of them can be so attractive to look at that people are tempted to touch them.

In this article, we’ll tackle the plants you should avoid – like poison ivy and wild parsnip – when walking around in the vast green areas of Maine.

Top Poisonous Plants To Avoid in Maine

1. Poison Ivy

Poison ivy is the most known and prevalent poisonous plant found in Maine. Once you notice the poison ivy rash, your immediate reaction might be to scratch it.

Avoid doing this, and immediately look for an emergency kit or contact a clinic or hospital for help. Applying over-the-counter medicine, such as cortisone creams or ointments, can help as well. Check out how to kill a Poison Ivy without hurting any other neighboring plant!

2. Giant Hogweed

When the coarse hairs from the plant come into contact with your skin, they can cause painful blisters. Aside from this, you may experience irritation in your eyes or have trouble breathing.

Sunlight can sometimes heighten the pain in some people as well. Look for medical advice and care immediately if you suspect any contact with this poisonous plant.

3. Wild Parsnip

While this plant is related to carrots and parsnips, it is incredibly poisonous to humans. Coming into contact with them can result in some pretty painful skin conditions. Thoroughly wash your skin with water and soap as soon as you can.

Keep away from sunlight for at least 2 days. If you experience stronger reactions, immediately seek medical help.

4. Poison Sumac

This is another one of Maine’s poisonous plants that look exceedingly harmless. However, be careful when you spot this plant as it can cause unforeseen injuries, unlike its non-poisonous relative, the fragrant sumac.

As a first-aid solution, you can apply calamine lotion or over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams or ointments.

5. Poison Hemlock

Scientifically known as Conium maculatum, it is sometimes known as wild hemlock or simply hemlock. The plant’s poison can take effect in as little as 20 minutes or as long as 3 hours once ingested.

There is no antidote for hemlock poisoning, so it’s recommended to go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

6. Stinging Nettle

Found in many Maine woodlands, the common nettle is truly a plant to avoid. Immediately clean the skin with soap and water to remove the embedded pieces of hair.

Ice can lessen the pain and itch, while hydrocortisone creams and ointments can reduce swelling. Milk can also be used to neutralize the irritation.

7. Atlantic Poison Oak

Also known as Toxicodendron pubescens, this shrub can be a pain to deal with. Just by its scientific name alone, you already know that this plant just brings nothing but bad news.

Use calamine lotion, colloidal oatmeal, or baking soda to combat itching. You can also use over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams or ointments to relieve the discomfort.

8. Virginia Creeper

The plant itself is not poisonous, but the fruits are considered one of the more poisonous berries in Maine. The sap from the plant can irritate people who are highly sensitive.

Immediately wash the skin with soap and water. Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream or ointment to lessen the itch.

9. Water Hemlock

All parts of the plant are toxic, but the toxin is particularly stronger in the roots. The effect of the toxin takes around 60 minutes to manifest, although it depends mostly on the situation.

It looks similar to parsley, which can lead unsuspecting hikers to try eating it. This could be due to the sight of some water birds eating the fruits without harm.

10. Trumpet Vine

Aside from growing in the wild, the trumpet vine is cultivated in many gardens. This is due to the plant’s flowers, which attract hummingbirds.

However, the foliage, fruits, sap, and even flowers are toxic to humans and livestock. Cows in particular are affected, hence the other common name for this plant – cow itch vine.

11. American Yew

All parts of this plant are toxic to humans when ingested. It has been noted to contain more toxins during the winter season. It produces red fleshy cones, which are still mildly toxic.

There is no known first aid solution to yew poison. If accidentally ingested, proceed to the nearest hospital immediately.

12. Bloodroot

While the plant is toxic, it is sometimes used in traditional medicine. Upon skin contact, humans can experience a severe rash in the area.

The affected skin can result in some erosion, leaving uneven scars. When ingested in large doses, humans and livestock can die.

13. Lupine

This plant is grown as an ornamental due to its flowers. However, when parts of the plant are ingested in large amounts, humans and livestock can experience toxicity. When this happens, it’s best to head to the nearest hospital.

Conclusion

Coming into contact with these poisonous plants doesn’t need to be traumatic.

Let’s go over what we need to remember:

• If you spot plants that look suspiciously like the ones in this article, avoid them completely.
• In case you accidentally get into contact with them, use the appropriate treatments.
• For severe cases, head to your local emergency room immediately.

Learning about these plants can literally save lives. When you’re going hiking or camping, remember that it’s better to be safe than sorry!

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