Pieris Japonica

We had some rain over night and a few showers in the morning. Luckily we didn't get any hail. By late afternoon the sky's cleared. A lot of snow fall on the mountains over the last 24 hours, that is why its been so cold. We are expecting a heavy frost tonight.

This Lily of the Valley shrub (Pieris Japonica) has just started to flower. I found some interesting information on it:

All parts of the plant are poisonous especially the foliage, contain some glycosides, to include Andromedotoxin which is chemically similar to turpentine. Andromedotoxin like turpentine will burn the mouth, which tends to discourage potential victims from consuming dangerous quantities. In order for the development of toxic signs, an animal will need to ingest 0.2% by weight of green leaves. To put it another way, a 60lb dog would need to eat a little less than 2 ounces for toxic signs to develop. For more information.