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Why Use Latin Names

Many plants are known by their "Common Name" which is often the local name.

This may not be a problem is some cases, but it other cases, it may kill you or worse.

For example, Sumac has several varieties.

The white or silver Sumac is toxic and even deadly while the RED Sumac will help with pain (if made into a very strong tincture).

Example 2: Plantain is a variety of Banana. The actual plant commonly ascribed to "Plantain" is called Plantago, and it also comes is several varieties, the most common is the Narrow leaf and the Broad leaf Plantago.

Example 3: is Marigold.

Look A-Likes

Another serious problem comes from LOOK ALIKES which are toxic and even deadly plants that look similar to the beneficial plant.

2 quick examples are:

• "Purslane" Look Alikes
• "Princess Anne's Lace" Look Alikes

1) Purslane has a poisonous look alike called Spurge.

2) Princess Anne's Lace has many look alikes including the deadly Poison Hemlock and the even more deadly Water Hemlock.

FYI: Water hemlock is considered to be "the most" poisonous plant growing in North America.

3) Some other "Poisonous look alike plants".

Correct identification is extremely important when using mushrooms.

TIP:

Adding the word HERB in your search term does not help if the plant is toxic.