Poisonous and Invasive Plants in Australia: enabling consumers to buy safe plants

A new WWF report has found that Australian plant nurseries and gardens are home to an alarming number of plants that are poisonous to humans and animals - small children and pets are especially at risk. The report highlights that close to half of these plants are also 'weedy' or invasive, hence if they escape from gardens into the environment they are likely to become a problem for the environment and agricultural industries as well as posing an even broader risk to human and animal health and safety. The report calls for 'truth in labeling' of garden plants through the development of a national plant labeling code that parallels other retail industry codes of practice. Consumers can take action by sending a letter to the Federal Minister.