Beautiful but Deadly Plants

Lots of plants are poisonous, if you EAT them.

It's safe to touch this plant; you just shouldn't INGEST IT. Huge
difference.

Yes the plant is toxic but... symptoms only show up after you eat
them.

Since the kids were picking them for bouquets and not banquets they'll
be safe.


No sign needed.

Some people never respect the natural beauty of a state park. They
need to leave things like flowers alone because they are there for the
enjoyment of everyone.

I take my grandaughter to a small arboretum (sorry) for some fun and
education. It's free and we always have a great time. There aren't any
signs to discourage the picking of flowers, but common sense says DO
NOT PICK THE FLOWERS. I appreciate the staff's care and dedication to
the upkeep of the greenhouse. Emily can smell, look and admire the
flowers and foliage. They also have a parrot, budgies and fish. There
are signs that say "don't feed". but I have stopped folks from trying
to feed and have no qualms in calling them out. Bottom line: signs
don't matter. I appreciate your concerns and would have stated your
original concern. After all, you won't see them again.All the best.

Wonder what happened to "take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but
footprints"?

I do appreciate this dialogue. While I may not completely agree with
everything that's been said, valid points have been made, and I
respect these other points of view.

Glad to hear the guide warned the family that picking the flowers
could result in a hefty fine....

This letter reminds me of when I visited Stone Mountain in Georgia.

Rode the cable car up to the top and was wandering around on the top
of the mountain, taking in the gorgeous sights, the fresh air and
being "one with nature". I paused at one point to sit on a rock and
then noticed it was over half covered with graffiti - peoples' names
and such.

Kind of ruined the whole experience.

Why would anyone think that anyone else would want to see their
idiotic name tagged all over a prominent rock outcropping on a nice
natural wonder like that mountain?

Oh I LOVE natural bridge!!! It is stunning there.

It really doesn't matter how many signs they put up, people will still
pick the flowers. I have been to dozens and dozens of state parks and
other places and some have had HUGE signs, "please do not pick
flowers" or something like that -- people still pick the flowers.
Especially little kids.

Quite a number of plants/flowers are toxic if eaten.

and take a photo with a bear", either... but if someone is stupid
enough to try it, they get what's coming to them.

there are moose everywhere. You couldn't walk 20 feet without running
into a moose. At least 10 times a day I saw other tourists trying to
walk up to the animals and take a picture with them and pet them.

Here is a website with more information:
www.doityourself.com/stry/poisonous-plants-the-dangers-of-mountain-lau
rel-flowers

Plus, some of the children who had the flowers were quite young and
one woman had the blossoms wrapped around her infant's toy. These kids
may stick the flowers in their mouth and their parents wouldn't worry
because they were told the plant was harmless. Perhaps signs aren't
the solution. After all, people should know not to pick flowers in a
park, but I was truly concerned for the kids.

According to the guide to poisonous plants I found in the gift shop,
just touching or handling the plant is enough to cause ill effects.

Mountain Laurel is only poisonous if ingested. So unless they were
planning on eating the flowers, they will not come to harm.

As stated by another poster - plenty of plants are toxic if ingested:
Pointsetta, Lily of the Valley, Daffodils, Delphiniums and Calla
Lillies.

While they should not have been picking flowers in a state park, there
need not be a warning about their toxicity.

Were they eating them?

"Symptoms of toxicity begin to appear about 6 hours following
ingestion"

Mistletoe and Ivy are toxic, but that doesnt stop millions of people
from buying Mistletoe for Christmas or from growing ivy on their
homes.