Beautiful But Deadly

An exhibition of works by the Botanical Art Society of the National Capital Region

What dark secret does that sweet little buttercup conceal? Beautiful But Deadly leads you down a twisted path into a shadowy world whose plants have poisonous effects ranging from the mildly irritating to the venomously lethal. Be they common garden varieties, native wildflowers, or hot-house exotics, enter the exhibit at your peril!

Thirty works by sixteen members of the Botanical Art Society of the National Capital Region were chosen by the jurors as representative of an array of unusual as well as familiar native and exotic plants with toxic effects. The labels that accompany the exhibition explain the specific properties that make the featured plants poisonous and dangerous.

This exhibition was juried by two members of the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA): Lara Call Gastinger from the Botanical Art Society of the National Capital Region and Elena Balmaseda Scherer from the New England Society of Botanical Artists.

Click here for brief artist bios.

Double click the image area to the right to see each image in the show and to get details and learn about toxic properties

Click for Gallery Sales

Esther Carpi

Plumeria ‘Waimakua White’
(Plumeria ‘Waimakua White’)
watercolor and colored pencil, 20’w x 24”h, 2020, NFS

Plumeria, popularly known as Frangipani, is native to the Caribbean and tropical America, and widely grown as an ornamental in warm regions of the world. The milky latex of the Plumeria plant can irritate the eyes and skin.

Carol Beach

Oleander and Oleander Hawk Moth
(Nerium oleander and Daphnis nerii)
acrylic, 16”w x 20”h, 2020, $800

Every part of the Nerium oleander plant is toxic. It contains oleandroside and nerioside, two major cardiac glycosides that produce cardiac abnormalities, as well as gastrointestinal issues. It is considered to be the most poisonous plant on earth. It can even poison someone who eats honey produced by bees that have ingested oleander nectar. It is native to the Mediterranean area and areas in the east, and it grows in poor soil and dry areas. It takes the form of a large shrub and it very hardy. The Oleander Hawk Moth or Daphnis nerii was introduced by humans to control invasive oleanders. They are active during twilight hours and prefer to feed on the nectar from the fragrant blossoms. Besides oleander, they feed on jasmine, honeysuckle and petunias among other plants. The caterpillars feed mainly on oleander leaves, as they are immune to the oleander poison.

Lee D'Zmura

Toad Lily
(Trycirtis hirta)
watercolor, 18”w x 24”h, 2020, $650

All parts of the toad lily are poisonous if ingested. It is particularly toxic to cats and can affect their kidneys. Dogs are also somewhat sensitive to toad lilies.

Pamela Mason

Castor Bean
(Ricinus communis)
colored pencil on drafting film, 14”w x 18” h, 2020, NFS

Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) is the most poisonous common plant. Planted as an ornamental because of its dramatic leaves and coloring, it can grow to 10 feet or more in a season. The seeds, which resemble ticks (Latin: “ricinus”) are so poisonous if eaten that 4 to 8 can kill an adult. Purified ricin powder is so lethal that an amount equivalent to a few grains of salt can kill.

Marsha Ogden

Tulip ‘Queen of Night’
(Tulipa hybrid)
watercolor, 16’w x 20”h, 2018, $1100

Everyone loves a bed of tulips in the springtime. Their beauty is nearly indescribable, but surprisingly people have tried eating them, because they were so hungry in Holland during World War II. Because the bulbs resemble onions, some unwittingly used them as onion substitutes during those dire times. Unfortunately, all parts of a tulip, except for the petals, contain toxic compounds that cause illness. Eating a tulip bulb may cause dizziness, abdominal pain, and sometimes convulsions and death. In horticultural settings, where there is high exposure to the dust tulips produce, people can develop skin rashes on their hands and other parts of the body.

Mari Sawhill

Pokeweed
(Phytolacca Americana)
watercolor, 15.7”w x 19.4”h, 2020, $1050

All parts of Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) are toxic, especially the rootstock. It presents severe health risks for both humans and animals if eaten by mistake. It can cause death due to respiratory paralysis.

Jonathan Paul

Doll’s Eyes
(Actaea pachypoda)
watercolor, 15”w x 21”h, 2020, $800

Doll’s Eyes or White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda) is native to the shady woods of the eastern U.S. The plant (especially the berries and roots) contains cardiogenic toxins that can result in stomach cramps, dizziness, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, delirium and cardiac arrest.

Joan Maps Ducore

Christmas Rose
(Helleborus species)
watercolor and graphite, 18”w x 22”h, 2020, $800

All parts of hellebores are toxic. Ranunculin and protoanemonin in the leaves and sap can cause skin irritations if touched. The toxic glycosides in the roots are highly emetic and were once used to induce vomiting though an overdose could easily prove fatal. Symptoms of hellebore poisoning include nausea and vomiting, throat and tongue swelling, and cardiac arrest.

Ann Lesciotto

Carolina Allspice
(Calycanthus floridus)
watercolor, 19”w x 23”h, 2017, $500

The Carolina Allspice or Sweetshrub is native to the eastern U.S. from Florida to New York and the Mississippi Valley to the west. The seeds of the Carolina Allspice plant are toxic if large amounts are eaten. Results might include elevated blood pressure and convulsions.

Ann Lesciotto

Nightshade
(Solanum dulcamara)
watercolor, 19” w x 25”h, 2016, $500

Nightshade, also called belladonna or bittersweet, possesses poisonous properties in both the berries and the foliage which can cause delirium or hallucinations when ingested.

Mary Page Hickey

Winterberry
(Ilex verticillata)
watercolor, 16”w x 19.25”h, 2020, $600 (sold as set with Holly, $1,200 total)

The berries of Ilex verticillata are poisonous; diarrhea, vomiting dehydration and drowsiness can occur if ingested by humans. For wildlife, small mammals, and 48 species of birds the berries are an important source of food.

Mary Page Hickey

Holly
(Ilex opaca)
watercolor, 16”w x 19.25”h, 2015, $600 (sold as set with Winterberry, $1,200 total)

The berries of Ilex opaca are poisonous; diarrhea, vomiting dehydration and drowsiness can occur if ingested by humans. However, deer, squirrels and other small animals devour the berries and leaves, which are an important source of food for animals and as many as 18 species of insects.

Elena Maza Borkland

Angel Trumpets
(Brugmansia hybrid)
watercolor, 21”w x 23”h, 2019, $600

All parts of this native tropical American plant are potentially poisonous, with the seeds and leaves being especially dangerous. Brugmansia are rich in scopolamine (hyoscine), hyoscyamine, and several other tropane alkaloids which can lead to paralysis of smooth muscles, confusion, irregular heartbeat, dry mouth, constipation, tremors, migraine headaches, poor coordination, delusions, visual and auditory hallucinations, and death if ingested. The hallucinogenic effects of Brugmansia, which are still traditionally used by shamans in several tribes in South America are described in the journal Pathology as "terrifying rather than pleasurable." The author Christina Pratt, in An Encyclopedia of Shamanism, says that "Brugmansia induces a powerful trance with violent and unpleasant effects, sickening after effects, and at times temporary insanity."

Lee D'Zmura

Purple Foxglove
(Digitalis purpurea)
watercolor, 16”w x 20”h, 2019, $600

All parts of the foxglove plant are poisonous. They contain digitalis which can cause the heart rate to slow or become irregular, particularly if taken in large doses. Foxglove, however, contains chemicals from which the prescription medication digoxin (Lanoxin) is made. These chemicals can increase the strength of heart muscle contractions, change heart rate, and increase heart blood output

Ann Lesciotto

Tulip
(Tulipa hybrid)
watercolor, 17”w x 20”h, 2017, $400

Eating tulip bulbs can be poisonous, causing possible gastrointestinal issues, sweating and heart palpitations. In 1978 several people died after eating food that was prepared using tulip bulbs as a substitute for onions. Another toxic effect is called ‘tulip fingers,’ ‘tulip itch,’ or ‘tulip nail’ and results from a skin sensitivity that occurs when you touch the outside of the bulb.

Ann Lesciotto

Spring Bulbs
(Tulipa, Hyacinthus orientalis, Narcissus species)
watercolor, 15.25”w x 13.25”h, 2019, $400

Tulip, hyacinth and narcissus bulbs are all toxic to humans if eaten, causing gastrointestinal distress and even death.

Joan Maps Ducore

Paperwhite Bulb
(Narcissus papyraceus)
watercolor, 9.5”w x 12”h, 2015, $400

Narcissus bulbs contain the alkaloid lycorine which is poisonous to pets. Symptoms include cardiac arrhythmia, convulsions and abdominal pain.

Vicki Malone

Tree of Death
(Hippomane mancinella) graphite, 16”w x 20”h, 2020
$600

The Manchineel tree is native to the Caribbean and tropical America. All parts of the tree are very toxic: the fruit can be fatal if ingested, the milky sap contains phorbol and other skin irritants. Standing beneath the tree during a rain will cause blistering of the skin from mere contact with this liquid: even a small drop of rain with the milky substance in it will cause the skin to blister. The sap has also been known to damage the paint on cars. Burning the tree may cause ocular injuries if the smoke reaches the eyes. Contact with its milky sap (latex) produces bullous dermatitis, acute keratoconjunctivitis and possibly large corneal epithelial defects.

Esther Carpi

Citrus Trilogy
(Citrus calamansi ‘Filipo Lime’, Citrus tangerine ‘Tangerine’, Citrus paradise ‘Pink Grapefruit’)
watercolor and colored pencil, 16”w x 20”h, 2020, NFS

Citrus is widely consumed by humans for its nutritional value and vitamin C. However, the oils and compounds of psoralen in citrus are toxic to dogs, cats, and other animals

Paula Tobenfeld

Lily Told Bud She Needed More Space
(Lilium hybrid)
Watercolor, 16”w x 20”h, $350

Lilies in the “true lily” and “daylily” families are very dangerous for cats. The entire lily plant is toxic: the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase. Eating just a small amount of a leaf or flower petal, licking a few pollen grains off its fur while grooming, or drinking the water from the vase can cause your cat to develop fatal kidney failure in less than 3 days. The toxin, which only affects cats, has not been identified. Dogs that eat lilies may have minor stomach upset but they don’t develop kidney failure.

Anne Clippinger

Black Bryony Berries in Fall
(Dioscorea communis)
colored pencil, 20.5”w x 14.5” h, 2014, $400

Black bryony (Tamus comunis), a climbing plant native to Europe and the British Isles, grows in hedgerows and scrubby woodland. In fall, when the glossy, heart-shaped leaves have wilted, the vines, laden with clumps of bright red berries, drape over other plants like beaded necklaces. They are attractive, but the whole plant is poisonous, and especially the berries and tuberous roots, which contain calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) that cause blistering, severe digestive symptoms, seizures, kidney failure, and dangerously slowed breathing. Black bryony has sometimes been used medicinally as an emetic, or in a poultice for bruises, arthritis, hair loss, and other skin conditions, but as a cure, it may be worse than the disease.

Lee D'Zmura

Amaryllis ‘Susan’
(Hippeastrum hybrid)
watercolor, 16”w x 20”h, 2020, $600

Amaryllis bulbs contain the alkaloid toxin, lycorine, which is poisonous to both humans and pets causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Judy Thomas

Caladium bicolor ‘Pink Symphony’
(Caladium bicolor ‘Pink Symphony’)
colored pencil, 20”w x 17”h, 2018, $750

Caladiums are native to tropical America and grown for their colorful leaves. While most adults would not ingest the leaves of this plant, pets and children are often drawn to them. The chemical contained in the plant, particularly its leaves, calcium oxalate, consists of tiny crystals that cause severe irritation of the mouth, throat, and stomach and even death if ingested in sufficient quantities.

Marsha Ogden

Angel Trumpet
(Brugmansia species)
watercolor, 20”w x 17”h, 2020, $1100

Angel trumpets are widely grown in warmer climates for decorative purposes, but they are dangerously toxic. Their leaves, flowers, seeds and roots all contain alkaloids make up some modern medicinal compounds but are deadly in the wrong hands. The seed pods, leaves and flowers hold the highest concentration of toxic compounds. Poisoning can occur easily when a gardener rubs the eyes or eats: weak muscles, dilated pupils and dry mouth, rapid pulse, hallucinations, paralysis and convulsions, and even death can ensue quickly. Cross-contamination with crops can occur, so keeping angel trumpets away from vegetable gardens is a must.

Lee D'Zmura

Iris ‘Pink Fancy’
(Iris germanica hybrid)
watercolor, 16”w x 20”h, 2019, $600

The glycoside irisin affects the intestinal tract, and contact can cause skin irritation or dermatitis.

Elena Maza Borkland

Angel Trumpet
(Brugmansia hybrid)
watercolor on vintage hand-made paper, 21”w x 26”h, 2020, $700

All parts of this native tropical American plant are potentially poisonous, with the seeds and leaves being especially dangerous. Brugmansia are rich in scopolamine (hyoscine), hyoscyamine, and several other tropane alkaloids which can lead to paralysis of smooth muscles, confusion, irregular heartbeat, dry mouth, constipation, tremors, migraine headaches, poor coordination, delusions, visual and auditory hallucinations, and death if ingested. The hallucinogenic effects of Brugmansia, which are still traditionally used by shamans in several tribes in South America are described in the journal Pathology as "terrifying rather than pleasurable." The author Christina Pratt, in An Encyclopedia of Shamanism, says that "Brugmansia induces a powerful trance with violent and unpleasant effects, sickening after effects, and at times temporary insanity."

Mary Page Hickey

Bearded Iris
(Iris germanica)
watercolor, 17”w x 22”h, 2013, $600

Iris germanica contains toxic compounds concentrated in the roots or rhizomes. They contain an irritating resinous substance called irisin that if ingested can cause severe gastric disturbance. The plant can also cause skin irritation and allergies in some people.

Mary Page Hickey

Blue Flag
(Iris versicolor)
watercolor, 17”w x 22”h, 2012, $500

Iris versicolor contains toxic compounds concentrated in the roots or rhizomes that if ingested can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and elevated temperature. The plant can cause skin irritation on contact with the seeds or sap.

Karen Coleman

La Luna
(Ipomoea alba and Actias luna)
colored pencil and pastel, 23”w x 25”h, 2011, $500

All parts of the Moonflower vine (Ipomoea alba) are toxic to the human body in various ways, from fatal effects to the nervous system, heart rate and blood pressure, which can cause cardiac arrest. It is also a known hallucinogenic which can be fatal.

Mari Sawhill

Narcissus ‘Tete a Tete’
(Narcissus hybrid)
watercolor on vellum, 16.7”w x 15.3”h, 2020, $750

Poisoning can occur when leaves, stems and bulbs are mistaken for onions or leeks and eaten. Animals seem to know it is toxic, thus these bulbs are sold under the label “deer resistant.”