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Open hours
Monday – Saturday : 8am – 5pm
Poisonous Plant Garden
Our garden exists to educate both professional veterinary students as well as the general public how to recognize poisonous plants.
About the Garden
The garden exists primarily to educate our professional veterinary students so that they will be knowledgeable regarding toxic plant identification and better able to clinically manage potential plant poisonings in animals. We are also happy to accommodate student groups, the community, and any individuals interested in touring the garden.
The garden is managed by 1-2 students selected yearly for a 2 year period (2-3 total students) of service and a college faculty advisor. These students provide all of the planning and labor required for yearly spring plantings and garden renovation, management through the summer, and then final Fall cleanup and transfer of many plants to the university greenhouses for overwintering. Over the years, those student curators’ energy, dedication and enthusiasm have been the hallmark and primary force behind the garden’s success and service to students and the general public. Those students are listed below.
UI POISONOUS PLANT GARDEN STUDENT CURATORS
Founding Student Curator: Paula Bratich
Please do not handle or consume any parts of plants in the garden. In order to keep children and pets safe while in the garden, be sure they remain under strict adult supervision.
When a poisonous plant is consumed by a child or pet you should:
- Obtain a sample including all parts of the plant.
- Estimate the quantity eaten.
- Estimate frequency and duration of exposure, and time of onset and nature of clinical signs.
- Contact a physician or veterinarian immediately (see RESOURCES).
NOTE: The toxic effects of plants vary with the health status, age, and species of the individual(s) affected. Time of year, humidity, growth conditions, and growth stage, among other factors, influence a plant’s toxicity.
*Some plants can be viewed only during certain times of the year because of their unique life cycles. In a few instances, listed plants are temporarily unavailable, but will be re-established in the near future.
Schedule a tour today!
Schedule a tour today!
The garden is located north of the College of Veterinary Medicine just off St. Mary’s Road.
Donors
As a veterinary professional student activity, the progress and maintenance of the garden is primarily made possible through donations of money, seeds, plants, equipment, supplies, time and advice.
Or, you can also show your support by sending a check with your contribution to:
University of Illinois Foundation
Harker Hall
1305 West Green Street
Urbana, IL 61801
PLEASE NOTE ON THE LOWER LEFT OF YOUR CHECK THAT IT IS FOR THE UI POISONOUS PLANT GARDEN
Previous Contributors
Monetary Contributions
Gifts in kind, plants or supplies
Aubrianna and Kelly
2024 Student Curators
Resources
Veterinary Medicine Emergency Room
Phone: (217) 333-5300
Illinois Poison Control Center
Phone: (800) 222-1222
Contact us
Questions, suggestions, scheduling a tour, and requests for additional information should be directed to:
Dr. Rose Peters, Faculty Advisor
Kelly Giles, Senior Curator
Aubrianna Radee, Junior Curator
