Plants are the most beautiful things in nature, but what many people don’t realize is that they can be just as dangerous as they are beautiful. While some plants are safe to touch or handle, others will result in serious illness and even death if they come into contact with your skin or if you eat them. There are many kinds of poisonous plants, but here are ten of the worst offenders to look out for when choosing your landscape plants.
1) Aconitum
Aconitum, commonly known as wolfsbane or monkshood, is a genus of flowering plant that contains some highly toxic species. All parts of the plant are poisonous, but the roots and leaves contain the highest concentrations of alkaloids. Ingestion of even small amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, paralysis, and even death. Aconitum should be avoided at all costs and care must be taken to keep pets and children away from it. In addition, this plant is difficult to eradicate once it takes hold in an area and can spread quickly, so prevention is key.
2) Andromeda Japonica
Andromeda japonica, commonly known as Japanese Andromeda, is a poisonous shrub native to Japan and parts of China. This evergreen species can grow up to five feet tall, and has bright green leaves that appear during the spring and summer months. Although it’s known for its beautiful coloration and leaf texture, the fact is that this plant is highly toxic to both humans and animals.
If ingested, this shrub can cause severe symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even paralysis. While it may look innocent enough, taking any risk with this plant is not worth it. It’s best to keep it out of your yard and away from any pets or children who might be tempted to take a nibble.
3) Caladium
Caladiums are a family of flowering plants that can be found in many homes and gardens around the world. While they make for stunning décor, it’s important to note that caladiums are also highly poisonous. All parts of this plant are toxic and can cause severe reactions if ingested. Symptoms of caladium poisoning include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and salivation. In extreme cases, these symptoms can lead to coma or even death.
In order to keep your home and garden safe, make sure you take proper precautions when dealing with caladiums. Handle the plant with gloves, keep children and pets away from it, and seek immediate medical attention if ingested.
4) Daphne
Daphne is a common shrub, but it is also highly toxic. Every part of the plant is poisonous, so it’s important to keep your yard free of this plant. The sap and berries of Daphne contain a toxin called daphnin, which can cause vomiting, seizures, and other adverse reactions if ingested. In addition, the leaves and flowers of Daphne contain compounds that can cause skin irritation and rash in some people. To be safe, it’s best to avoid having this plant in your yard.
5) Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia, also known as Dumbcane, is a common poisonous houseplant that could wreak havoc in your yard. All parts of this plant are toxic, containing oxalate crystals which can cause skin irritation and burning in the mouth if ingested. If someone eats a large quantity of the plant, it can cause swelling of the mouth and throat, difficulty breathing, and even death.
It’s important to be aware of Dieffenbachia if you have small children or pets who could be tempted to chew on the foliage. The plant has large, broad leaves with light and dark green stripes that can easily attract attention.
Dieffenbachia can grow to 6 feet tall if left unpruned, and they prefer indirect sunlight and well-drained soil. If you suspect your yard may contain these plants, it’s important to take steps to remove them before anyone gets hurt.
6) Dracaena
Dracaena is a popular houseplant, but it’s also one of the most poisonous plants that could wreak havoc in your yard. This ornamental shrub can be found growing in most parts of the world and it is often used as an accent in landscaping. Its tall, strappy leaves make it a great choice for a low-maintenance garden.
However, dracaena contains toxic compounds called saponins which can cause serious health problems when ingested. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and confusion. In severe cases, it can lead to convulsions and even death.
To keep your yard safe from dracaena, take preventive measures such as planting it away from pathways or play areas and keeping it away from pets and children. Additionally, make sure to wear gloves when handling the plant and wash your hands thoroughly after contact. It is also important to keep the area surrounding the plant clear of debris so that animals don’t accidentally ingest any fallen leaves or fruits.
7) Ficus Elastica
More often known as the rubber plant, the Ficus elastica is a popular houseplant. It has thick, glossy leaves and can grow up to 10 feet tall. However, it is important to note that Ficus elastica is highly toxic to both humans and animals. The plant contains a toxin called ficusin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures if ingested.
It is also best to keep Ficus elastica away from small children and pets, as the plant’s sap can cause skin irritation and eye inflammation if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. Additionally, it is important to wear gloves when handling this plant as it can cause skin irritation.
Ficus elastica is a beautiful addition to any home, but should be handled with caution due to its toxicity. If you are thinking of adding this plant to your home or garden, make sure to research the potential risks first and keep it away from small children and animals.
8) Ilex Aquifolium
Ilex Aquifolium, commonly known as English Holly, is a shrub or small tree native to Europe and North Africa. It has glossy, dark green leaves with sharp spines along the edges and bright red berries in the winter. Though Ilex Aquifolium is often used as an ornamental plant, it can be highly toxic to humans and animals. The leaves, berries, and bark all contain compounds called saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested. Even contact with the skin can cause an allergic reaction in some people. For this reason, it’s important to take extra precautions when planting Ilex Aquifolium in your yard.
9) Nerium Oleander
Whenever you are landscaping your yard, you should be careful about planting Nerium Oleander and other poisonous plants that can wreck havoc in your yard. These plants can be toxic to humans and animals. To keep your yard and family safe, you should be aware of the symptoms of poisoning and the signs of a poisoned plant. You can prevent a plant from poisoning you by planting it in a safe area.
When a plant is poisonous, it can affect your heart, nervous system, and digestive system. Poisoning can also result in death. You should never plant Nerium Oleander and other poisonous plant near your children or pets.
If you have children or pets, it is best to plant Nerium Oleander and other poisonous flowering plants in areas of your landscape that are well away from them. Nerium Oleander is also toxic to livestock and pets. If your pet has ingested poison from an oleander plant, you can be sure he or she will not be healthy.
Another way to prevent poisoning is by trimming the plant. You should trim it in the spring and in the fall. The plant can be restored to health after proper care. During the summer, you can use a spray of insecticidal soap on the underside of the leaves.
10) Rhododendron
Those who have rhododendrons in their garden might not realize that the plant can be very toxic. Its leaves are a toxic substance that can cause stomach pain, abdominal irritation, and convulsions.
It can also be very toxic to dogs. Although they do not normally eat large quantities of the plant, the amount they ingest can have an effect on whether they develop poisoning. If your dog has consumed rhododendron bush parts, you should call your veterinarian or a poison helpline to find out if the plant is toxic.
Rhododendrons are open trees with leathery leaves. They can grow up to tree size, depending on where they are located. They have colorful clusters of blooms in the late spring.
Rhododendrons can be affected by fungus, toxins, and cold weather. They can also be damaged by protective covers such as burlap and garden fleece.
Rhododendrons don’t like too much water. If the weather becomes too dry, the plants may experience drought stress. This can cause a variety of problems, including a lack of blooms.
The best way to prevent drought stress is to monitor the weather and make sure the soil is moist at the base of the plant. Signs of drought stress will be apparent in the leaves and flowers of the plant.
Conclusion
Having the right knowledge about what plants are poisonous can save you a lot of trouble. These plants may be found in your yard or garden and it is important that you are able to identify them before they do damage to your property.