This list will help you to identify vegetation that can be dangerous if touched or consumed.
The level of toxicity varies widely but care should be taken before planting or handling the following 22 examples.
This color changes to yellow late in the summer and by fall, it is a rich orange.
The Spruce/Catherine Song.
The colorful pods are used in dried floral arrangements and wreaths.
Foxglove
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Foxgloves (Digitalisspp.)
are tall, flowering biennials that grow well in a spot withdry shade.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
Cultivars of mountain laurel are also sold at nurseries, including the beautiful ‘Minuet’ laurel.
Mountain laurel,azaleas, and rhododendrons(Rhododendronspp.)
belong to the heath family and the bark, sap, leaves, andflowers are toxic.
G.N. van der Zee/Getty Images
The leaves, stalk, and seed heads are all attractive.
Yew
IMS68/Pixabay
Yew (Taxusspp.)
bushes can be grown in sun or shade.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
This plant’s shade tolerance gives landscape designers an important option in challenging areas.
But its fleshy, bright-red berries contain a toxic seed.
The needle-like leaves are toxic to humans and animals.
David Beaulieu
Poison Ivy
Poison ivy’s (Toxicodendron radicans) toxic quality comes from an oil calledurushiol.
This also means you should not burn the plant because the smoke will also cause a reaction.
(The ones you buy at the store have been forced to bloom for the holiday.)
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Stinging Nettles
Like poison sumac and poison ivy, stinging nettles (Urticaspp.
Yellow Dock
byrev/Pixabay
The ASPCA lists dock (Rumex sp.)
astoxic to dogs.The toxicity to humans is low.
IMS68/Pixabay
Lily-Of-The-Valley
Happynut/Pixabay
Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) is a traditionalwedding flower.
Its flowers are bell-shaped, fragrant, and white.
From a landscaping perspective, lily-of-the-valley can become a problem because it is invasive.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
Despite its delicate and romantic appearance, lily-of-the-valley is toxic in large amounts.
The leaves are also shaped like those of an oak tree.
The leaves redden in the autumn, and then the plant produces white berries.
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If touched, a severe skin rash typically develops.
Even when planting this bush, wear protective clothing and gloves to avoid direct contact.
Mistletoe
The many types of mistletoe lead a double life.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
Though mistletoe (Phoradendronspp., Viscumspp.,Arceuthobiumspp.
In its first year, it will produce white umbrella-like flowers resembling Queen Anne’s lace.
Never burn or compost this plant.
Judith Haeusler/Getty Images
It should always be properly disposed of in a sealed garbage container.
Oftentimes wild parsnip grows among poison hemlock, creating a sea of yellow and white umbrella-like flowers.
Wild parsnip should never be touched as it is highly toxic to humans and animals.
byrev/Pixabay
The plant is extremely toxic to touch for both humans and animals.
It is not the most common plant, thankfully.
Gardeners are advised to wear gloves when handling it in any way.
sylviaestock/Pixabay
Foxglove, listed above, is another plant noted to be most toxic to humans.
These plants have three leaves budding from a stem.
However, the characteristics of other poisonous plants can vary.
Happynut/Pixabay
It helps to identify the poisonous plants common during each season in your area.
and wildflowers like lily of the valley.
Common houseplants toxic to pets include snake, jade, pothos, philodendrons, and dumb cane plants.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
This is only a short list of the many common plants that are not safe for pets.
Solanum dulcamaraL.United States Department of Interior.
Safe and Poisonous Garden Plants: Toxic Plants.University of California.
sola deo gloria/Getty Images
North Carolina State University Extension.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons: Identify and Manage Problems.
University of Maryland Extension.
Darren415 / Getty Images
3, pp 1333-1341, 2014.
Yew and Paclitaxel.National Capitol Poison Center.
Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac: When Does the Rash Appear?American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Ursula Alter / Getty Images
Lovely Lilies and Curious Cats.U.S.
Food and Drug Administration.
How to Identify Iowa’s Poisonous Plants.
Jurg Waldmeier / Getty Images
Rumex crispus (Curled Dock).North Carolina State University Extension.
Baneberry.University of Wisconsin Division of Extension: Horticulture.
Common Tansy.Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Jared Quentin / Getty Images
Outsmarting Poison Ivy and Other Poisonous Plants.FDA.
Nerium oleander.North Carolina State University Extension.
Keep Your Pets Safe from These 10 Holiday Hazards!ASPCA.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Is mistletoe poisonous?National Capital Poison Center.
Jimsonweed.West Virginia University Extension.
Weed of the Month: Jimson Weed.Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
KathrynSK / Getty Images
U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service.
Poison Hemlock.Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
Poison hemlock identificaton and control.Michigan State University.
Be Alert to Wild Parsnip.Ohio State University.
Wild parsnip: problem plant in hay and pastures.University of Minnesota Extension.
NIOSH Fast Facts: Protecting Yourself from Poisonous Plants.CDC.
North Carolina State University Extension.
