12 Poisonous Plants You May Have in Your Garden
This post may contain affiliate links.
It is common to associate plants with medicinal and healing properties or the beauty, fragrance, and warmth they bring to a space. However, not all plants are safe. Some can be dangerous to humans and pets, and guess what? They may be in your home or garden now.
Shocking, right? Let’s look at some poisonous plants you may have in your backyard or garden that you may not even know about.
Daffodils
Daffodils are a popular spring flower known for their bright yellow flowers and trumpet-shaped blooms. While beautiful, all parts of the daffodil plant are toxic if ingested. The toxin lycorine, found in the bulbs, leaves, and stems, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart problems if consumed in large amounts.
Azaleas
Azaleas are colorful shrubs commonly found in gardens. They contain grayanotoxins, which can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, and even coma if ingested. Even small amounts of leaves or flowers can be toxic to humans and animals.
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley is a delicate-looking flower with tiny white bell-shaped blooms. But don’t be fooled; all parts of this plant are highly poisonous, containing cardiac glycosides that can cause heart problems if consumed. Ingesting just a few leaves or flowers can be fatal.
Oleander
Oleander is a popular landscaping shrub with beautiful pink, red, or white flowers. However, it should not be near your home, as all its parts are toxic and can cause severe reactions if ingested. The toxins in oleander can affect the heart, leading to irregular heartbeats and even death.
Foxglove
Foxgloves are tall and showy flowers often found in cottage gardens. While they may add charm to a space, they contain cardiac glycosides that can be deadly if consumed by humans or pets. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and even heart failure.
Rhubarb
Due to its tangy flavor, Rhubarb is a favorite ingredient in pies and other desserts. But did you know that the leaves contain oxalic acid? Ingesting large amounts of rhubarb leaves can lead to kidney failure or even death.
Castor Bean Plant
The castor bean plant may look innocent with its green leaves and bright red seeds, but it is one of the deadliest plants in the world. The seeds contain ricin, a highly toxic protein that can be fatal if ingested. Just one seed is enough to kill an adult.
Yew
Yews are evergreen trees commonly found in gardens and parks. While they may add beauty to a space, the entire tree is poisonous except for the fleshy red berries. The toxin taxine present in yew can cause cardiac arrest if consumed by humans or animals.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a popular herb used in natural remedies but can also grow wild in gardens. While it may have medicinal properties, it also contains toxic compounds that can cause skin irritation and digestive issues if ingested.
Poison Hemlock
Poison hemlock, often confused with wild parsley, is poisonous. All parts of this plant contain the toxin coniine, which can cause respiratory failure and even death if consumed.
Morning Glory
Morning glories are beautiful climbing vines with colorful trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in the morning. But they contain a toxin called lysergic acid amide, which can cause nausea, dizziness, and even hallucinations if ingested.
Iris
Irises are prized for their elegant flowers and are often found in gardens and bouquets. However, be cautious, as all parts of the plant contain toxic compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation if consumed.