30 Of The Most Poisonous Plants You Can Find In Your Backyard
By molly atherton
8 months ago
Welcome to the wild world lurking just beyond your doorstep! While your backyard might seem like a safe haven for leisurely afternoons and BBQs, it might also be harboring some of nature’s deadliest secrets. Brace yourself for a botanical tour that’ll have you eyeing your garden with newfound caution. From innocent-looking foliage to seemingly harmless flowers, get ready to discover the most poisonous plants that could be thriving right under your nose.
1. Poison Ivy
Ah, poison ivy, the deceptive green villain of the plant world! This seemingly innocent foliage packs a punch that can turn a leisurely stroll through the woods into a relentless battle against an infuriating itch. Upon contact with human skin, this insidious plant unleashes its wrath.
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Poison ivy can be particularly nasty when it is touched by humans. It generally causes an unpleasant itchy red rash on the skin when it comes into contact with the poisonous and hazardous plant. And even the smoke from burning it can irritate or harm your nasal passages or lungs.Original content sourced from Femanin.com2. Poison Oak
Ah, the elusive poison oak, a master of disguise in the foliage kingdom! With a cunning strategy, it releases its treacherous weapon, an oil named urushiol, when provoked or disturbed. This oil is no ordinary substance; it’s the nefarious agent that spells doom.
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Poison oak releases an oil called urushiol when it is damaged and this means that if you touch the plant, your skin absorbs this oil. Most of the adult population in the US is sensitive to urushiol and this can cause an uncomfortable allergic reaction with a nasty rash.3. Poison Sumac
Ah, the elusive poison sumac, the trifecta completion in the league of urushiol-spreading green adversaries! Much like its nefarious counterparts, poison ivy and poison oak, this crafty plant holds a secret weapon: the dreaded urushiol oil.
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Just like poison ivy and poison oak, poison sumac also releases the oil known as urushiol. And if this comes into contact with the skin, it can cause a nasty itchy rash. You may also experience redness, swelling, a burning sensation, and really unpleasant watery blisters.4. Jimsonweed
Ah, Jimsonweed, the deceptive allure hiding behind its vibrant blooms! This isn’t just any ordinary plant; it’s a green villain waiting to wreak havoc if its siren call is answered. Ingestion isn’t just a casual mistake; it’s an invitation to a rapid descent into a world of toxicity.
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If Jimsonweed is ingested, it can poison you pretty quickly. In fact, symptoms of Jimsonweed poisoning appear within 30 to 60 minutes and include dry mucus membranes, thirst, fever, blurred vision, an altered mental state, hallucinations, coma, and in some rare cases even death.5. Deadly Nightshade
Ah, Deadly Nightshade, the sinister temptress of the plant world, adorned with berries that beckon like forbidden jewels! These glossy, enticing orbs are a deceptive lure, a visual trap that disguises a deadly concoction within. Imagine the scenario: succumbing to the innocent allure...
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The berries on Deadly Nightshade look good enough to eat, but if they're ingested, poisoning can be deadly. Shortly after ingesting them, a person will experience gruesome symptoms, including blurred vision, a rash, headaches, and slurred speech and it can eventually kill a person.6. Foxglove
Ah, the enchanting foxgloves, a bewitching sight in the garden, their bell-shaped blooms swaying gently in the breeze. Yet, within their delicate petals and graceful stature lies a potent peril for those unaware of their true nature. Ingesting these seemingly innocuous flowers isn’t just a misstep.
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Foxgloves are very poisonous to humans and can prove fatal if they are ingested. Symptoms of Foxglove poisoning include a stomach upset, muscle weakness and tremors, frequent urination, a strong slow pulse, abnormal heartbeats, confusion, and eventually death.7. Water Hemlock
Water Hemlock, a sinister menace lurking in serene wetlands, a perennial danger with an ominous touch that intensifies in the spring. This isn’t just any plant; it’s a green villain whose toxic nature is a threat all year round, but it’s during the blossoming spring that its malevolence peaks.
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Water Hemlock is poisonous all year round but it is said to be particularly poisonous during Spring. Poisonings to humans usually happen if the plant is ingested but it also contains cicutoxin which can also be absorbed through the skin in rare cases.8. Angel's Trumpet
Ah, the mesmerizing Angel’s Trumpet, an ethereal beauty concealing a deadly secret within its alluring blossoms. This isn’t just any flower; it’s a botanical menace capable of unleashing a catastrophic cascade of symptoms upon the unsuspecting souls who dare to interact with it.
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Angel's Trumpet can be fatal to humans. In fact, poisoning can cause a range of unbearable symptoms if a human touches it, inhales, or eats any part of the plant. These symptoms include intense thirst and eventually a coma. It can also lead to death in humans in some cases.9. Pokeweed
Pokeweed, a seemingly innocuous plant in appearance, harbors a dark secret beneath its inviting facade. It's not just a matter of consumption; this green intruder poses a threat beyond ingestion. The mere act of touching it with bare skin becomes a treacherous encounter.
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When eaten, Pokeweed can poison humans and cause nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, incontinence, and thirst, as well as other serious symptoms. It is also likely to be very unsafe for a human to touch Pokeweed with their bare skin so it is advised that you avoid it at all costs.10. Yew
Ah, the Yew plant, a verdant beauty masking a perilous secret within its every leaf and stem. This isn’t just your average toxic plant; it’s a green peril that renders every part of itself a lethal weapon, poised to strike anyone who crosses its path.
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It is important to be aware of the risks of the Yew plant. In fact, every part of the plant is poisonous and can cause really severe and painful stomach issues. It can also affect the heart rate and cause it to speed up and slow down dangerously. And, amongst other severe and dangerous symptoms, it can also cause confusion and hallucinations.11. Hemlock
Ah, Hemlock, a sinister emblem of danger in the guise of a delicate green presence. Its toxicity isn’t just a threat to the body; it’s a calculated assault on the nervous system, an insidious invasion that leaves a trail of havoc in its wake. The nervous system falls victim to Hemlock’s malevolent embrace.
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Hemlock poisoning has been found to affect the nervous system, including the paralysis of the motor nerve ends. It can also cause vomiting, trembling, and problems with the movement of the body. And in severe cases, symptoms can lead to a coma and even eventually to death.12. Oleander
Ah, Oleander, the deceptively stunning bloom that conceals a treacherous secret within its colorful petals. Don't be fooled by its allure; this floral beauty houses a lethal arsenal within its every part, each year unfurling a poisonous potential that threatens the lives of those who dare to be enticed by its charm.
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Oleander flowers each year but despite its appearance, can be fatal to humans. This is because the plant contains certain chemicals called toxic cardiac glycosides that have been found to affect the heart in dangerous ways including slowing the heart rate right down.13. Castor Bean
The Castor seed, seemingly innocuous in appearance, holds within its protective shell a lethal secret—ricin, a deadly chemical that transforms this seemingly harmless seed into a potent weapon. It's not just a matter of ingestion; it's an unwitting invitation to a catastrophic encounter with a poison.
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The Castor seed has a potentially deadly outer coating. This hard coating contains a deadly chemical called ricin. And the ingestion of ricin can be fatal to humans. Symptoms of ricin poisoning can also include vomiting and diarrhea, stomach pains, dehydration, shock, damage to internal organs like the liver and kidneys, and eventually, death.14. Milkweed
Ah, Milkweed, a delicate beauty in the wild tapestry of flora, yet another unsuspecting plant that harbors a sinister side within its enchanting presence. Don’t be swayed by its gentle appearance; this botanical wonder conceals a perilous secret within its very essence, akin to its floral counterpart, the Oleander.
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Like the Oleander plant, Milkweed also contains toxic cardiac glycosides, and when ingested, these can prove fatal to humans. These chemicals not only slow the heart rate right down, but they can also cause stomach problems, confusion, seizures, and respiratory paralysis.15. Belladonna
Ah, Belladonna, the beautiful yet perilous mistress of the nightshade family, shrouded in allure but concealing a potent poison within its very essence. This isn’t just a plant; it’s a botanical trap that holds a toxic brew capable of plunging the human body into a nightmarish descent.
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If ingested, like a lot of these deadly plants, Belladonna has been found to be likely poisonous to humans. In fact, if a human eats any part of the Belladonna plant, they might experience blurred vision, hallucinations, convulsions, and, in serious cases, coma.16. Water Dropwort
Ah, Water Dropwort, a seemingly innocent plant that harbors a treacherous side within its unassuming presence. This isn’t just a casual encounter with nature; it’s an unwitting dance with a deadly poison capable of wreaking havoc on the human nervous system.
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Water Dropwort can affect the nervous system in humans. It has been found to decrease the nerve signals to the brain and can cause unconsciousness. There are also early symptoms of Water Dropwort poisoning including vomiting, dizziness, blood in your pee, turning blue and convulsions so seek medical attention if you believe this deadly plant has been ingested.17. Datura
Datura, an enigmatic genus in the plant kingdom, presents a captivating yet perilous allure—a collection of flowers known for their lethal beauty and the potent psychoactive compounds hidden within. But this isn’t just a plant; it’s a treacherous enigma, each species a toxic marvel capable of ensnaring the unwary.
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Every single species of Datura are toxic to humans and they have also been found to be psychoactive. And all parts of the plant are poisonous but the flowers and the seeds are the most poisonous of all. Common symptoms of poisoning are hallucinations, psychosis, and even death if ingested. It's important to state that this isn't an exhaustive list of symptoms.18. Rhododendron
Ah, the Rhododendron, an exquisite emblem of nature’s beauty that conceals a venomous nature within its alluring blossoms. It’s not just a plant; it’s a botanical danger that, when encountered, can turn into a perilous gamble with life itself.
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The Rhododendron plant, when ingested, can cause death in humans in extreme cases and if a person has been exposed, they're going to need to get to the hospital fast for cardiovascular support. Other symptoms include, but this is not an exhaustive list, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, and seizures.19. Lily-of-the-valley
Ah, the charming Lily-of-the-Valley, a delicate beauty masking a sinister secret within its elegant blooms. This isn’t just a flower; it’s a floral hazard that, despite its allure, harbors a toxic nature capable of unleashing chaos within the human body.
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Lily-of-the-valley has been found to be extremely toxic to humans. And they contain chemicals that also affect the human heart. In fact, the leaves, flowers, and fruit of the plant are poisonous to humans and can cause cardiac distress, and can even be fatal when ingested in large quantities.20. Aconite
Ah, Aconite, the infamous botanical poison that commands respect with its deadly prowess. This isn’t just any plant; it’s a swift and ruthless assailant that can swiftly turn an encounter into a perilous battle for survival. Whether ingested or making contact with bare skin, Aconite acts with alarming speed.
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When ingested or exposed to bare skin, Aconite is a really fast-acting poison. When exposed to the plant, humans, in severe cases, can actually die from Aconite poisoning. Other symptoms also include vomiting, diarrhea, breathing, and heart problems.21. Fall Crocus
Ah, the Fall Crocus, a deceptive bloom that lures the unsuspecting with the appearance of its edible counterparts—onions, wild garlic, and leeks. Yet, this botanical impostor conceals a perilous secret within its delicate petals, turning a seemingly harmless meal into a nightmarish encounter with toxicity.
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Fall Crocus has occasionally been mistaken for edible plants like onions, wild garlic, and leaks, and therefore eaten. And when they are eaten, it causes poisoning with some really nasty symptoms. These include a burning sensation in the mouth, sickness and diarrhea, liver and kidney damage, blood and nerve problems, and even death.22. Bracken Fern
Bracken Fern, an ubiquitous green presence across the globe, boasts a seemingly innocuous demeanor that belies its sinister potential. This isn’t just any fern; it’s a botanical peril that casts a shadow of danger across its sprawling habitat, impacting both humans and livestock alike.
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Bracken Fern is said to grow all over the globe except Antarctica and has been linked to tumor growth in humans, as well as bone marrow depression and blindness to name a few. It can also impact livestock like cattle if they eat a lot of it and they may experience bone marrow damage and bleeding.23. Elderberry
Ah, Elderberries, nature’s bountiful offering that carries a cautionary tale within its ripening process. These berries, when fully ripe, beckon with their sweet promise, but their unripe state conceals a toxic secret—cyanide, a harmful chemical that turns this seemingly delectable fruit into a perilous encounter.
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Although when ripe, Elderberries are edible when they are unripe, they contain a really harmful chemical called cyanide which can cause nausea, sickness, and diarrhea. This is also true for the leaves and other parts of the plant. So, if you're picking Elderberries, make sure they're not green and hard.24. Woody Nightshade
Ah, the intriguing Woody Nightshade, a plant that presents a curious paradox within its various parts. This isn’t just any shrub; it’s a botanical enigma that harbors a seemingly safe stem amidst its poisonous fruits and leaves, turning a seemingly straightforward encounter into a perplexing ordeal.
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Interestingly, the stem of Woody Nightshade has been found to be likely safe to consume. But the fruit and the leaves are poisonous to humans and when ingested can be fatal in huge amounts. Other symptoms of poisoning can occur too including sickness and diarrhea, nausea, and convulsions.25. Stinging Nettle
Ah, the notorious Stinging Nettles, a botanical paradox that delivers discomfort through its touch but holds the potential for culinary benefits if handled with care. These nettles, notorious for their prickly nature, have a sting that leaves an itchy and painful rash.
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Stinging Nettles can cause itchy and painful rashes if their leaves directly touch bare skin. But if used correctly, they can actually be consumed safely. Sometimes though, symptoms do occur such as mild stomach upset, sweating, and fluid retention so make sure you do your research!26. Poison Hemlock
Ah, Poison Hemlock, a sinister presence in nature’s tapestry, harboring a toxic profile that turns an encounter into a perilous brush with danger. This isn’t just any plant; it’s a botanical hazard that poses a grave threat to those who inadvertently ingest its lethal bounty.
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Poison Hemlock, when ingested, can cause some really unpleasant symptoms of poisoning in humans and if it is ingested in large quantities, it can prove fatal or lead to a coma. And amongst other symptoms of poisoning, Poison Hemlock can affect the nervous system and cause paralysis of motor nerve endings.27. Virginia Creeper
Ah, the Virginia Creeper, a verdant vine that carries hidden warnings within its vibrant foliage. This isn’t just any creeper; it’s a botanical entity that, despite its allure, harbors potential hazards for those who come into contact with it. For individuals with sensitive skin, the sap of the Virginia Creeper poses a risk.
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If you have sensitive skin, the sap from the Virginia Creeper can cause you to have an allergic reaction if it comes into contact with your skin. And it is important to know that the berries of the plant are, in fact, poisonous when ingested because they contain oxalic acid which is mildly toxic to both humans and dogs.28. English Ivy
Ah, the English Ivy, a ubiquitous and charming vine that weaves tales of danger within its verdant embrace. This isn’t just any ivy; it’s a botanical entity that, despite its ornamental appeal, harbors potential hazards for those who come into contact with it.
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Allergic reactions and symptoms of poisoning generally occur when English Ivy is ingested. These include stomach upset, hives, rashes, and difficulty breathing. English Ivy is toxic to cats, dogs, and livestock though and it is important to keep an eye on children under 5 who are more likely to be exposed to plant poisoning.29. Boxwood
Ah, Boxwood, an ornamental shrub that hides a perilous secret within its lush greenery. This isn’t just any shrub; it’s a botanical hazard that, despite its decorative allure, harbors a toxic potential capable of turning an encounter into a life-threatening ordeal.
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The ingestion of Boxwood has potentially life-threatening symptoms that include seizures and paralysis. If a person consumes Boxwood in any dose, it can negatively affect the nerves, and the respiratory system and even cause digestive disorders which can be very dangerous.30. Lily Pollen
Ah, the Lily, a delicate and enchanting bloom that conceals a toxic nature within its exquisite petals. This isn’t just any flower; it’s a botanical beauty that, despite its allure, poses potential hazards for both humans and our beloved furry companions.
