Common toxic plant ingestions

In general, the majority of significant signs and symptoms will develop within a short time from ingestion, so long-term follow-up and monitoring is unnecessary. An important exception is the development of liver toxicity after exposure to pyrrolizidine alkaloids (e.g., ragwort, other Senecio species, rattleweed, Heliotropium species, and colchicum alkaloids [autumn crocus]). Liver function must be followed closely until the resolution of symptoms or a liver transplant occurs. Patients should not be allowed to go home from the emergency department or hospital until all symptoms have resolved. The duration of monitoring is dependent on individual risk assessment. Patients with significant ingestions of autumn crocus may resolve their acute nausea, vomiting, and systems failure only to develop delayed bone marrow failure 5 to 7 days later.[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: SenecioFrom private collection of Gerald O'Malley [Citation ends].