Plant of the Day: Devil's Walkingstick

Aralia spinosa (Araliaceae)

Devil's walkingstick is named for its relatively long and strait stem that looks like it might make a good walking stick. There are, however, small thorns all along the stem and the center is pith. What a metaphor. The leaves of this plant were taken to treat chest pain during the Civil War.

Plant of the Day: Rue Anemone

Anemonella thalictroides (Ranunculaceae)

Rue anemone is rumored to have an edible root, but it is also rumored to be toxic. It can apparently have anywhere from five to eleven petals.

Plant of the Day: Bloodroot

Sanguinaria canadensis (Papaveraceae)

Bloodroot is named for its root, which is juicy and red inside. Eating the root causes vomiting; it also contains a toxin, sanguinarine, which destroys animal cells. In this case, then, vomiting is probably the best-case scenario.

Plant of the Day: Ground Ivy

Glechoma hederacea (Lamiaceae)

Ground ivy is native to Eurasia and was introduced to North America, where it is now very common. The leaves are apparently used in teas and salads, but other sources I looked at said it's toxic in certain brews.