Poisonous Plants

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K-L
Karaka | Kowhai | Laburnum | Lantana | Larkspur | Lily of the Valley | Lily of the Valley Shrub | Lupin

Karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus). The attractive orange fruits are poisonous. This traditional Mori food was only safe to eat after a long and complicated processing method. It is a common street and garden tree in the Auckland region.

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Kowhai (Sophora microphylla and S.tetraptera). The yellow seeds are very poisonous if eaten, but only if they are ground or crushed before swallowing. Otherwise, they pass through the digestive system and cause no harm.

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Laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides). The black seeds are very poisonous if they are chewed or crushed before swallowing, as with kowhai. It mainly grows in the southern half of the North Island.

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Lantana (Lantana camara). It is more common for children to be affected by eating the small blue-black berries, although stock have been poisoned too. In New Zealand there are several forms with different coloured flowers and differing degrees of toxicity, but to be on the safe side none of them should be eaten. A commonly cultivated shrub which grows wild north of Auckland.

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Larkspurs (Consolida species). These ornamental annuals are closely related to delphiniums, and all parts are poisonous. Although larkspurs and delphiniums have no fleshy fruits, they are so poisonous that even the pretty flowers could cause illness if eaten.

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Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis). All parts are poisonous if eaten, but the orange berries are most likely to attract young children. Although uncommon, it is presently available in nurseries in the North Island.

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Lily of the valley shrubs (Pieris species). Like most members of the heather family, these plants are poisonous. The little white flowers should not be eaten.

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Lupins (Lupinus species). All the species commonly grown have poisonous seeds which if crushed or chewed before being swallowed result in the release of toxins.

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	Karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus). The attractive orange fruits are poisonous. This traditional Mori food was only safe to eat after a long and complicated processing method. It is a common street and garden tree in the Auckland region. Back to Top
	Kowhai (Sophora microphylla and S.tetraptera). The yellow seeds are very poisonous if eaten, but only if they are ground or crushed before swallowing. Otherwise, they pass through the digestive system and cause no harm. Back to Top
	Laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides). The black seeds are very poisonous if they are chewed or crushed before swallowing, as with kowhai. It mainly grows in the southern half of the North Island. Back to Top
	Lantana (Lantana camara). It is more common for children to be affected by eating the small blue-black berries, although stock have been poisoned too. In New Zealand there are several forms with different coloured flowers and differing degrees of toxicity, but to be on the safe side none of them should be eaten. A commonly cultivated shrub which grows wild north of Auckland. Back to Top
	Larkspurs (Consolida species). These ornamental annuals are closely related to delphiniums, and all parts are poisonous. Although larkspurs and delphiniums have no fleshy fruits, they are so poisonous that even the pretty flowers could cause illness if eaten. Back to Top
	Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis). All parts are poisonous if eaten, but the orange berries are most likely to attract young children. Although uncommon, it is presently available in nurseries in the North Island. Back to Top
	Lily of the valley shrubs (Pieris species). Like most members of the heather family, these plants are poisonous. The little white flowers should not be eaten. Back to Top
	Lupins (Lupinus species). All the species commonly grown have poisonous seeds which if crushed or chewed before being swallowed result in the release of toxins. Back to Top