2023-05-01 18:06:44
For anyone who grew up spending some time outdoors, there are certain plants we’ve learned to avoid, like the rash-inducing poison oak and ivy leaves or water hemlock, a deadly poisonous plant.
But is there one thing we don’t often think regarding? The deadly plants that can grow under our noses…that is, in our garden. As unsuspected as they may be, several popular garden plants have incredibly toxic properties that can cause stomach upset or cardiac arrest.
If you’re wondering what poisonous plants are growing in your garden, keep reading. Here are 10 of the most common and poisonous garden plants you should know regarding.
10 Most Common Poisonous Garden Plants
Before going into the details of these plants, it is worth recalling some basic principles of plant toxicity. First, if you think you (or someone else) have ingested a poisonous plant, treat the incident as a medical emergency. You can also contact the Poison Helpline (1-800-222-1222)but the best solution is to get help from a medical professional in person.
Another thing to note is that toxicity levels are often determined by body weight. In other words, a product that only causes a minor reaction in a tall adult may be more dangerous for a small child. Finally, although humans can eat many things animals cannot, most plants that are fatally toxic to humans are also fatally toxic to pets. The ASPCA has more information on this, but any suspicion of poisoning should always be taken seriously.
1. Common oleander
Zones de culture : 8b-10
Unless you’ve read the classic coming-of-age tale White Oleander (which explains oleander toxicity in the opening lines), it’s hard to know just how poisonous these plants can be. Often used as ornamental shrubs, oleander (Nerium oleander) is one of the most poisonous plants on this list, and ingesting a single leaf can be fatal.
All parts of this plant (and some of its relatives such as yellow oleander) are poisonous, including the flowers, leaves, stems and branches. Containing the toxins Digitoxigenin, Neriin, Oleandrin, and Oleondroside, ingesting any part of this herb may cause slow heart rate, blurred vision, and nausea or vomiting. Like all plants on this list, ingestion of oleander is of great concern and should be treated as a medical emergency.
2. Deadly Nightshade
Cultural zones : 5-9
As its name suggests, it is not a plant that can be attacked. Belladonna (Atropa belladonna) is considered the most poisonous plant in the entire Eastern Hemisphere. All parts of the plant (roots, leaves, fruits) contain high levels of alkaloids such as atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine.
If this plant grows in your garden, then you will need to be especially careful to tell children regarding the berries, which have a number of non-toxic analogues. Although the roots of this plant are often considered the most poisonous part, all parts of the plant should be handled with care, as the high concentration of alkaloids present in these plants can cause hallucinations, dizziness, tachycardia and even death.
3. Hydrangea
Cultural zones : 3-7
That’s right, everyone’s favorite ornamental plant is actually quite poisonous (if you eat it). Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) of all shapes and sizes contain a compound called amygdalin glycoside which is metabolized into cyanide in your body.
A few years ago some people even had the idea to start smoking it, which as you can imagine is also toxic. And even if you’re not tempted to take a bite of it, it’s a good idea to keep curious pets (and children) away from these plants, just in case.
4. Digitalis
Cultural zones : 4-9
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a common garden plant found throughout the United States that is fatally poisonous if eaten. As many varieties of this garden favorite herb are biennial (meaning they can take two seasons to show their characteristic flowering stem), this plant has been confused with other plants like mullein and comfrey, which is a big mistake.
It only takes a few leaves or flowers to completely stop the heart, with other symptoms such as low blood pressure, confusion, stomach pains, drowsiness or seeing ‘halos’. You may recognize the name of this plant from digitalis glycoside, a common heart medication, which is indeed derived from digitalis, but believe us when we say that handling this dangerous compound should be left to professionals. professionals. Inform your children regarding the toxicity of this plant and keep your pets away.
5. Daffodil
Cultural zones : 3-8
One of the first spring flowers is actually poisonous. Daffodils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) and their cousins the daffodils contain a toxin called lycorine, present in all parts of the plant, but mainly concentrated in the bulb. It may sound silly, but there have been cases of people mistaking bulbs for onions before flowering has started. Children are also sometimes attracted to the bright yellow flowers which are the first of the season.
Besides lycorine, daffodils also contain microscopic, sharp irritants called oxalates, which can cause skin irritation and an extreme burning sensation in the mouth and throat when eaten. Pets can also get sick from drinking water from a daffodil vase. Signs of daffodil toxicity include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
6. The Trumpet of Angels
Cultural zones 9-12
Native to southern Europe, this tropical plant thrives in warm, sunny southern gardens. These amazing plants are hard to miss with their bell-shaped flowers that can come in different colors (pink, green, yellow). Which is a good thing, because you definitely don’t want to accidentally eat any of these flowers.
As a member of the Solanaceae family (known to sometimes contain toxic levels of alkaloids), Angel’s Trumpet is rich in tropane alkaloids, including hyoscine (scopolamine), hyoscyamine, and norhyoscine. These alkaloids can pose a serious threat to the heart, digestive system, or vision when consumed or handled improperly. Most accidents related to this herb occur when drinking tea made from fresh leaves, although young children have also been reported to have temporarily blurred vision following handling this herb and touching themselves. the eyes.
7. Lys arum
Cultural zones : 8-11
Like most lilies, the arum lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) is considered a highly poisonous plant. With large, glossy green leaves, a creamy white flower and a golden center spike, these lilies are as majestic as they are deadly. Also known as Calla lily, all parts of this plant are considered poisonous to humans and animals, including the flower, leaves, and fruit.
Ingestion of this plant can cause stomach pain, severe vomiting and swelling of the mouth and throat. In extreme cases, this swelling can make breathing difficult and life threatening. If you or any of your pets ingest any part of a lily, seek help immediately.
8. Rhubarb
Cultural zones : 3-8
If you’ve ever eaten a rhubarb pie, this is probably when you start to wonder regarding the plant’s true toxicity. But lo and behold, rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is generally only considered “poisonous” when eaten raw, and it is customary to cook the plant before incorporating it into a recipe.
That said, the plant (and especially the leaves, which are often discarded by savvy rhubarb growers) contain oxalic acid, which can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, numbness, and cramping. Although poisoning requires ingesting large amounts of raw leaves, it is best to avoid this herb for people with kidney problems, as oxalic acid can lead to kidney stone formation and even kidney failure.
9. Daphne
Cultural zones : 4-9
All species of the genus Daphne are considered poisonous. The approximately 70 to 90 species of evergreen and deciduous garden shrubs all contain a compound that irritates the skin and can cause blistering (internal and external).
Every part of the plant, including the flowers, berries, bark and leaves, contains this compound and can cause blisters, ulcers, vomiting and soft tissue damage to the mouth (this also applies to pets). Two or three berries can be fatal to a child, and the sap also acts as a skin irritant. This is why it is best to wear gloves when handling this plant.
10. White Cedar
Cultural zones : 3-8
Also known as Chinaberry, tulip cedar, or Cape lilac, white cedar (Melia azedarach) is a poisonous ornamental plant to be wary of. It is a large deciduous tree with clusters of toothed leaves and lilac-colored flowers. All parts of this plant are poisonous, including the leaves, flowers, and yellow berries it produces later in the season.
This plant contains melia A & toxins; B (tetranortriterepenes), which are mainly concentrated in the seeds and bark and can cause symptoms such as upset stomach, lethargy, confusion, coma, seizures and death.
The final word
As beautiful as they are, poisonous plants should be handled with care, and any suspicion of poisoning should always be treated as a medical emergency. Knowing which plants in your garden may require the use of gloves (and special attention around children and pets) is one of the best ways to ensure your family’s health and safety in the garden.
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