What makes Laburnum a poisonous plant?

Laburnum contains an alkaloid called cytisine, which is highly toxic and can cause severe symptoms including vomiting, convulsions, and even death if ingested. All parts of the plant, especially the seeds, are poisonous.

How can I identify a plant from the pea family in a crossword context?

Plants in the pea family (Fabaceae) are often characterized by their distinctive pea-like flowers and their fruit, which is typically a pod containing seeds. Crossword clues often hint at these features, or mention specific members like beans, peas, clover, or acacia.

Are all plants in the pea family poisonous?

No, not all plants in the pea family are poisonous. In fact, many are staple food crops like peas, beans, lentils, and chickpeas. However, the family is very large and diverse, and it does include some highly toxic members such as Laburnum and certain species of Abrus.

poisonous plant of the pea family crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome! If you're tackling the crossword clue "poisonous plant of the pea family crossword clue", you've landed on the right page. We provide the most accurate answers and detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.

Solutions for "poisonous plant of the pea family crossword clue" by Letter Count

8 Letters

LABURNUM: A genus of two species of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae (pea family), known for their bright yellow flowers and highly toxic seeds. Often called golden chain trees.

6 Letters

LUPINE: While many lupine varieties are cultivated and not highly toxic, some species contain bitter alkaloids that can be poisonous if consumed in large quantities, placing them within the broader pea family (Fabaceae).

More About "poisonous plant of the pea family crossword clue"

The Fabaceae, or pea family, is one of the largest and most economically important plant families, encompassing a vast array of species including staples like beans, peas, and lentils. However, it also includes plants with significant toxic properties, and for crossword enthusiasts, 'poisonous plant of the pea family' frequently points to one specific culprit: Laburnum.

Laburnum, often recognized by its beautiful cascades of yellow flowers, is commonly known as the "golden chain tree." Despite its ornamental appeal, all parts of the Laburnum tree, especially its seeds, are highly poisonous to humans and animals due to the presence of cytisine. Ingesting even small amounts can lead to severe symptoms, making it a critical plant to identify and avoid, especially in gardens where children or pets might be present.

Understanding such specific botanical knowledge can give you an edge in crosswords. Clues involving plant families often test your knowledge of both common and less common members, particularly those with notable characteristics like toxicity. Knowing key examples within broad categories like 'pea family' can quickly unlock challenging clues.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze the Word Count: For clues like "poisonous plant of the pea family crossword clue," knowing the exact number of letters needed can drastically narrow down the possibilities. Always check the answer grid first.
Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Crosswords often use specific words for certain categories. For plants, think about both common names and scientific names if they are short and well-known.
Think Beyond the Obvious: While common food items like "peas" or "beans" are in the pea family, the "poisonous" qualifier pushes you towards less common, but equally valid, members like Laburnum.
Utilize Cross-References: If you're stuck on this clue, look at intersecting words. Even a single letter from a confidently solved intersecting clue can provide the breakthrough you need.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common poisonous plant of the pea family used in crosswords?

The most frequently appearing answer for a poisonous plant in the pea family in crosswords is LABURNUM, due to its well-known toxicity and distinct appearance.

How can I remember specific plant names for crosswords?

One effective strategy is to categorize plants by their families or characteristics (e.g., poisonous, edible, tropical). Creating mental lists or flashcards for common crossword entries in these categories can significantly improve recall during a puzzle.

Why are some plants in the pea family poisonous while others are edible?

The pea family (Fabaceae) is incredibly diverse. While many species have evolved to produce edible pods or seeds as a reproductive strategy, others have developed toxic compounds as a defense mechanism against herbivores. The presence or absence of these compounds, like alkaloids (e.g., cytisine in Laburnum), dictates their toxicity.