There are many plant varieties that can add beauty and color to your home, whether it’s your garden or kitchen windowsill. But as you’re shopping for the perfect plant for your space, keep in mind that there are some picks that can be extremely harmful to humans and animals.
This list of poisonous plants and flowers can cause everything from severe skin irritation and breathing issues to vomiting. Some have even proven to be fatal, so it’s important to keep this visual guide in mind. If you’re eager to add some greenery to your home, don’t miss our list of hard-to-kill houseplants (the orchid and money tree are just a few favorites). And while you’re at it, keep this year’s gardening trends on your radar, too!
1. Death Camas
This pretty perennial is found throughout the western U.S., but don’t let its beauty fool you — every part of this plant is highly toxic to both humans and animals. If it’s ingested, it can lead to symptoms like vomiting, stomach pain, tremors and weakness.
2. Cotoneaster
While birds typically gravitate towards Cotoneaster’s vibrant berries, this plant can be extremely poisonous to humans and animals (cats and dogs included!). It’s native to Europe and certain parts of Asia.
3. Iris
These common garden plants are known to be harmful to humans and pets. Keep in mind that coming in contact with its roots and leaves can irritate the skin, so it’s best to wear long sleeves and gloves if you’re going to be handling them.
4. Lupine
This perennial, which is a member of the pea family and can be found across the U.S., might boast visual appeal, but it contains alkaloid chemicals, which can cause harm to humans and animals. If ingested, parts of the lupine can cause upset stomach, difficulty breathing and even seizures.
5. Night Blooming Jasmine
This invasive species can be extremely harmful to pets and animals if it’s ingested. Symptoms can range from vomiting to seizures if one is exposed to its toxins.
6. Wild Parsnip
At some point, you might have spotted this toxic plant by a roadside or in an open field. It should be left alone, as its sap can cause severe rashes, blisters and skin discoloration.
7. Angel’s Trumpet
This warm-weather plant is a go-to for adding beauty to gardens, but beware since it’s part of the nightshade family. The entire plant — from the seeds to the flowers – is toxic and harmful to humans and animals.
8. Autumn Crocus
This spring perennial, which is also known as meadow saffron and naked lady, may be easy to care for, but every part of the plant is highly toxic to humans and pets. Poisoning symptoms range from diarrhea to burning in the mouth.
9. Jimson Weed
With green leaves — that are sometimes tinged with purple — jimson weed is incredibly unsafe when ingested or inhaled. Although used to treat asthma and other health conditions, it can lead to nausea, vomiting and hallucinations.
10. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Keep these colorful and bright plants away from your children. Although toddlers and babies may find them attractive, they’re toxic and poisonous (even to dogs and cats).
11. Bitter Nightshade
Commonly found in creeks, gardens and parks, these vines or shrubs have been found to cause livestock and pet poisoning.
12. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
These gorgeous blossoms hold a secret: they’re deadly. After consumption, people may suffer from burning on their lips, mouth and throat.
13. Chinese Lanterns (Physalis alkekengi)
While the leaves and immature fruit of this plant may be toxic, the color pods are sometimes used in wreaths and dried floral arrangements.
14. Stinging Nettle
If anyone touches the leaves or stems, the needle-like hairs of this plant can inject formic acid into the skin. This can lead to burning and an itchy rash.
15. Giant Hogweed
It’s not the umbrella-shaped flower itself that’s dangerous to touch, but the sap. The toxic chemicals make the skin sensitive to sunlight, leading to sunburn and blisters.
