Most home gardens and natural landscapes have a few plants that may look beautiful but could be harmful if accidentally ingested or touched. While these plants can be easy to find, knowing what to watch out for can help prevent potential hazards to children, pets, and yourself. Here’s a rundown of commonly found plants that you should approach with a bit of caution.
Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Although Oleander’s striking pink, white, and red flowers make it a popular choice, every part of this plant is highly toxic, containing compounds that can affect the heart if ingested. Oleander poisoning can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and irregular heart rhythms. Even smoke from burning oleander clippings can be dangerous if inhaled. It’s best kept out of reach of children and pets, and gloves should be used when handling it in the garden.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Foxglove’s tall spikes of purple, pink, and white blooms make it a favorite for garden borders. It contains cardiac glycoside, a compound typically used in medicine to regulate heart function, but it can be highly toxic when consumed directly from the plant. Eating any part of foxglove, especially the leaves, can lead to dizziness, confusion, and heart irregularities.
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
Poison ivy is one of the most well-known harmful plants in the U.S. Its three-leaved structure is easily recognizable, yet still, it’s easy to brush against unknowingly. Contact with poison ivy’s oil, urushiol, can lead to an itchy, painful rash lasting for days or weeks. The AMA estimates that Poison Ivy, coupled with Pacific poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), is responsible for more cases of contact dermatitis in the U.S. than all other plants and household and industrial chemicals combined.
Pokeweed (Phytolacca decandra)
Pokeweed, a plant that often grows wild across the U.S., can easily be mistaken for an innocuous weed due to its distinctive dark purple berries. However, every part of this plant contains toxins, including phytolacca, a potent irritant known to cause severe gastrointestinal distress in humans and animals. If ingested, symptoms can include intense stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. When handling this plant, wearing gloves is recommended because toxins can also be absorbed through the skin.
Castor Bean Plant (Ricinus communis)
The castor bean plant, with its large, exotic-looking leaves and bright seeds, is often used as an ornament in gardens. Despite its beauty, castor beans contain ricin, one of the most toxic natural substances. Even a tiny amount of ingestion can be fatal for humans and animals. Symptoms of ricin poisoning include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and potential organ failure.
Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)
Deadly nightshade, or belladonna, is a naturally occurring plant in some U.S. areas, particularly in wooded and shady regions. Its dark berries are highly toxic, containing alkaloids like atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine that interfere with the nervous system. Eating the berries can cause hallucinations, delirium, and even death. Even minimal ingestion can be hazardous, especially for children and pets who might find the berries appealing.
Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum)
Poison hemlock resembles other non-toxic plants, but it can cause accidental poisoning. Considered one of the most toxic plants in North America, poison hemlock contains a toxin called coniine, which can trigger severe respiratory issues if ingested. It grows in moist areas near rivers or streams, often mistaken for wild parsnips or carrots. Poison hemlock poses the most significant risk if ingested, but its toxins can also enter the body through skin contact or inhalation.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Lily of the Valley has a delicate white, bell-shaped bloom, which hides a robust toxic potential. Every part of the plant contains cardenolides, including convallatoxin, a compound that can disrupt heart rhythm. This toxicity remains even when the plant is dried, and the water in a vase holding these flowers can become dangerously poisonous. The seeds and flowers hold exceptionally high concentrations of these toxins, making them hazardous if accidentally ingested.
English Yew (Taxus baccata)
The English yew, a common evergreen shrub, contains several toxic compounds that make it dangerous if ingested. Taxine alkaloids are among the most potent, acting as cardiotoxic agents by blocking calcium and sodium channels in the heart. Additionally, yew essential oils contain at least ten other alkaloids, nitriles, and ephedrine. Even small amounts of leaves or seeds can lead to severe symptoms, requiring urgent medical care.
Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)
Rhubarb is often used in pies and jams, but it’s important to note that only the stalks are safe to eat. The leaves contain oxalates, which are toxic substances and can cause stomach and respiratory issues if ingested. If rhubarb is part of your garden, ensure that children and pets are aware to avoid the leaves. When harvesting, separate the stalks from the leaves immediately to prevent accidental mixing.
Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)
Jimsonweed, often found along roadsides and open fields, is deceptively attractive but highly dangerous. This plant contains potent alkaloids, including atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which can severely disrupt the nervous system. Ingesting even a small amount can result in symptoms like blurred vision, intense hot flashes, hallucinations, seizures, and, in some cases, death. Its toxicity makes it a serious hazard, particularly to children and pets who may not recognize the danger.