Poisonous plants around my pond !

[marialittlebzz]

I have build a small pond this year in a shady corner of my garden... but I just found out that most of the plants surrounding it are poisonous!!!
It seems that Colombine and Foxgloves seeds are toxic, as well as Fatsia Japonica which is almost touching the water...I thought it would be great as it is hanging just above and makes a perch for birds. Do you think that it will kill wildlife in the pond ?

I mean, if some seeds get into the water, will my tadpoles die ?

Any advice needed !!!

[digthatchick]

No, your taddies will be ok. Columbine and Digitalis (Foxglove) are great for attracting bees and hoverflies.

[Sweepster]

Poisonous to humans (don't eat them), not wildlife

[marialittlebzz]

mmm that's my first thought. But it's the castor oil plant that worry me the most as its touching the water, it seems that all parts of the plant including bark contains "ricin"... highly poisonous!!
I can't find anything on the web about any possibility for the water to become toxic through contact with the plant...

A feel like a mummy frog worrying (a little too much?) for her babies

[Sweepster]

Fatsia Japonica is the 'False Castor Oil Plant', i.e. NOT the castor oil plant

[marialittlebzz]

Hurra !! Sweepster you lighted my lantern (old french expression, not sure you can say that in english!)

so worries all gone, Japanese Aralia ( fatsia japonica) is not toxic and thus will stay were it is, looking lovely and offering a perch to lil' birds.
Thanks for you swift answer!

[Sweepster]

Ooh la la

[marialittlebzz]

Merci mon cher

[digthatchick]

As Sweepster has said the Fatsia is the false Castor Oil Plant - the real one is Ricinus Communis the name gives you a clue that it is poisonous. Glad everything is well in the pond.