12 Outdoor Plants That Are Secretly Hurting Your Garden

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The first things that come to mind as outdoor gardening are a variety of flowers, greenery, and a sweet smell of nature. But some of those lovely plants are not so lovely, as gardening is a tricky business as they say. Sometimes plants play tricks on you and it feels like a struggle to keep your garden flourishing.

Let’s take a closer look at 12 outdoor plants that might be hurting your garden’s health and you didn’t even know it!

Poison Ivy

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Poison ivy is a friend that’s always nice at first but leaves you with a nasty surprise. The plant is notorious for being able to make itchy rashes upon contact. You may find folklore related to this plant, but one thing that it won’t do is ruin your peaceful garden day! If you’re not careful, you might end up scratching more than you enjoy the great outdoors. A few careful glances at the edges of your garden can save you from a world of hurt.

Wisteria

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Although wisteria can make a beautiful visual statement with its hanging blooms, it is also poisonous. They can be dangerous to the digestive tract when consumed, because of seeds and pods. Despite its romantic vibe, this climbing plant has the potential to be quite poisonous and ruin your garden’s charm.

Rhubarb

Green Plants of Rhubarb on Field
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While we’re accustomed to seeing rhubarb in pies and other desserts, don’t let its culinary reputation fool you. The leaves are toxic when eaten in large quantities because they contain oxalic acid. If you plan on including this plant in your garden for culinary use, then you’ll want to make sure those leaves are out of reach. If not, you could be in for a not so sweet surprise.

Euphorbia

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There are many different types of Euphorbia plants, in all shapes and sizes, many of which are very colorful and attract gardeners. But these beauties secrete a milky sap that will irritate the skin and eyes. If you’re not careful pruning or handling these plants you may find yourself regretting your gardening enthusiasm. You might just save yourself from a run in with this sneaky plant if you handle with care.

Ragweed

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Ragweed isn’t the flashiest plant on this list, but it deserves a mention. Allergies to this common weed are notorious for occurring in late summer and fall. If you don’t want to sneeze your way through the season in your outdoor space, watch out for ragweed and get rid of it. Your sinuses will thank you!

Hemlock

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The infamous villain of the plant world is hemlock. It’s a very poisonous plant that has killed people throughout history, but it’s also beautiful. Small amounts can cause severe poisoning. If you come across this deceptive beauty, the best thing to do is to stay away! Your garden should be a happy place, not a dangerous one.

Creeping Charlie

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Creeping Charlie is the plant that can ruin your garden’s aesthetics. Hardy and somewhat tolerant it may be, but it can readily take over, choking out the very flowers and plants that you grow. It’s like the friend who interrupts your stories all the time—it’s irritating and hard to get rid of! If you want to keep a balanced garden, this plant needs to be kept in check.

Japanese Knotweed

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The unwanted party crasher that just won’t leave is Japanese knotweed. According to ResearchGate, it was brought to Europe initially as an ornamental plant, but it’s now known for its aggressive growth. Its roots seep in foundations and drain pipes and make hell under the ground. If you dream of a well kept garden you may want to keep an eye on this one before it takes over the dance floor!

Lantana

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Though a pretty color on traditional gardens, lantana has a dark side. It attracts butterflies and bees, but its berries are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. You might see the vibrant flowers, but don’t let them fool you into forgetting that these flowers might be dangerous. As such, if you have little ones or furry friends wandering your garden, consider this your friendly warning.

Foxglove

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The beauty that can lead you astray is foxglove. However, it’s easy to forget that this plant contains toxins that can cause serious health issues, since it has such striking tubular flowers. Ingestion of even a few leaves can be fatal. This stunning yet treacherous choice might not be the best idea if you’re trying to create a safe space for children or pets.

Nettle

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While the plant has horticultural and pharmaceutical uses, you may find the burn from the sting of a nettle to be a painful reminder that not all plants are friendly. This plant will give you a burning sensation and an itchy rash if you brush against it. If you choose to bring nettle into your garden, make sure you wear gloves when working with it to prevent any unwanted surprises!

Mint

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While mint can be a lovely herb to plant in your garden, it can also be a persistent spreader. Left unchecked, mint can take over your flower beds and garden, leaving you to look at a minty mess. If you don’t keep it contained in pots it will quickly compete with your prized plants for space. You feel like you have a guest who just won’t get the hint and leave!

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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