Cyanide in plants is not unusual—but high concentrations are. It’s likely a byproduct of the drought and a passing problem. Not that that is any consolation for those affected.
http://www.ehow.com/about_5201273_natural-source-cyanide-plants.html
Yes, and it looks like another hot dry summer unless there are more tropcial disturbances like the current Debby heading our way.