An Alien Pest

We were walking down a dirt side road and came across this odd looking flowering shrub. It is called a Rattle Box or Spanish Gold, among other common names used. I was going to try planting some of the seeds and growing it in my yard until I read more about it. This plant, native to South America and introduced as an ornamental in this country in the early 1900's, has spread and taken over large areas of wetlands. All parts of the plant are poisonous and the seeds will easily kill squirrels and birds if eaten. For that reason I'm going to pass on growing this pretty but deadly plant.