Skip to content
{# Project svgs #} {# Social Icons #}
Red berries with a seed in the middle

Poisonous Plants

Hidden among the beautiful flowers and innocent-looking shrubs of the Arboretum are some of the world’s most sinister poisons. White snakeroot, yew and even the beloved rhododendron are all filled to the brim with toxins that have both enticed and tormented people for generations. Join Manager of Adult Programming and Events Sarah Nechamen for a walk to learn about these poisonous plants, the chemicals they contain, and the strange histories they carry with them.

Accessibility: This program includes so moderate hills, gravel paths, and off-path terrain.

Audience: This program is geared towards adults.

Inclement weather policy: Participants will be notified via email at least one day in advance if a program needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather, and will be notified by phone if a program must be cancelled with less one day’s notice. Click here to view our full inclement weather policy. If you have questions about the status of a program, please email publicprograms@arnarb.harvard.edu (inbox monitored on weekdays) or call the Visitor Center desk between 10:00am and 4:00pm at (617) 384-5209.

Book Event

Form/ticket icon icon
Ticket
Form/up small icon icon Form/down small icon icon
Available Tickets: 14
The "Ticket" ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.

Date

Aug 17 2025

Time

10:00 am - 11:30 am

More Info

Read More

Formats

Walk

Location

Bussey Street Gate
7VWC+HQ7 Boston, Massachusetts
Subject Matter
REGISTER
QR Code
Bussey Street Gate

Directions

Learn about accessibility at the Arboretum.

Bussey Street Gate

By subway

Take the MBTA Orange Line to its southern end—Forest Hills. Exit through the door marked “Arnold Arboretum,” cross Washington Street, and take a left and walk up Washington Street. Enter the Washington Street Gate and walk along Blackwell Footpath. Cross the road and enter South Street Gate. Walk along Rhododendron Path and take a left onto Hemlock Hill Road. Bussey Street Gate will be on your left at the end of Hemlock Hill Road.

By bus

Take the #35 or #38 bus to Centre Street opposite Walter Street. Cross Centre Street onto Walter Street, and after a short distance, take a left onto Flora Way (formerly Bussey Street). Bussey Street Gate will be on the left.

By car

There is public parking available along Flora Way (formerly Bussey Street). Take care not to park on the sidewalk or you will risk a ticket.