Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities (Kovarnye Rasteniya)

Poisonous trees, killer flowers, paralyzing bushes, strangler vines, leaves capable of starting a war—in this book by plant enthusiast Amy Stewart, you'll find chilling botanical stories about nearly two hundred select 'villains' of the flora world. Before you is a beautifully illustrated selection of green (and not so green) 'friends' you should avoid unless you plan to join the ancestors early. You'll be surprised to discover some of them on your windowsill, in your garden, or at the nearest park. This book, on its pages, intertwines medicine, history, and chemistry with legend and mysticism. It will amaze both the most experienced gardeners and nature lovers, as well as those who got Cs in botany.