California bluebell
General poisoning notes:
California bluebell (Phacelia campanularia) has been found near Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., where it was probably introduced. This plant causes dermatitis that is similar to poison-ivy dermatitis. The plants in Alberta have caused at least one case of dermatitis (Hardwick, personal communication). If these plants expand their range, more people may develop dermatitis (Munz 1965, Mitchell and Rook 1979).
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Phacelia campanularia A. Gray
Vernacular name(s): California bluebell
Scientific family name: Hydrophyllaceae
Vernacular family name: waterleaf
Phacelia campanularia A. Gray
Geographic Information
Alberta
Notes on Poisonous plant parts:
The viscid glandular hairs on the plants stain the skin brown, and the sap causes dermatitis (Munz 1965).
Toxic parts:
Hairs
Toxic plant chemicals:
unknown chemical
Animals/Human Poisoning:
Note: When an animal is listed without additional information, the literature (as of 1993) contained no detailed explanation.
Humans
General symptoms of poisoning:
Blistering, erythema, itchiness.
