Autumn crocus
With its delicate petals, gorgeous tones and calming name, the autumn crocus doesn’t immediately strike you as one to watch out for – but contains hazardous levels of colchicine, a toxic chemical whose effects are similar to arsenic poisoning.
Even in mild cases the autumn crocus, indigenous to the United Kingdom, induces vomiting, diarrhoea and a burning
sensation in the mouth and throat. In severe cases, this unassuming flower can cause liver and kidney failure, heart attacks and death.