Toxic Plant ~ Spurge Laurel

This is Yard and garden clean-up time and as you go about eliminating invasive species such as scotch broom and unwanted blackberries, be very careful when you pull or cut daphne/spurge laurel.  All plant parts are toxic and can cause blisters and rash if you don't use gloves.  But there is also evidence that the Smoke from burning this plant is also toxic, so be aware of where your smoke is going if you include this in your burn pile.  Use the Venting Index - burn only when the Index says YES (GOOD) so that the toxic gasses rise rather than spread.

For more information on Spurge Laurel (which will be flowering soon -yellow flowering shrub, sometimes mistaken for a rhododendron, black poisonous berries that birds are able to eat) go here: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/information-sheets/toxic-plant-warnings/severe-skin-irritation-from-spurge-laurel-daphne-laureola?lang=en&direct

TIVFD