Plants to Avoid

Whether it’s flowers, berries, or vibrant, multi-colored leaves, plants can be beautiful additions to your home and landscaping. Even so, it’s important to make sure you’re aware of which plants can be dangerous to you, your children, or your pets. And that goes for both indoors and outdoors! Let’s take a look at some of the most common poisonous plants out there.

Poison ivy, poison sumac, poison oak. These are obvious, but do you truly remember what they look like? Keep in mind for both yourself and your family: “Leaves of three, let them be.” Another thing to keep in mind is that the leaves of these plants are often shiny.

Stinging nettle. Whether you realize it or not, you’ve probably brushed up against this plant at one time or another. It causes varying levels of stinging or burning pain. It’s not “poisonous,” but good to avoid nonetheless.

Lily of the Valley. Any Breaking Bad fans out there? This plant, although beautiful, carries toxins that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, rashes, and even death.

Water hemlock. Easily mistaken for weeds, these white-flowered plants carry a toxin that attacks the nervous system and can kill victims in less than 15 minutes.

English yew. One to keep in mind if you have children, these berries may look enticing, but the seeds of the plant can cause things from heart failure to paralysis.

If you’re more of an indoor plant type, there are a few of those you may want to think twice about, too.

Dieffenbachia. Just brushing up against this one can cause the most sensitive folks out there burning or itching.

Philodendron. This one can cause your throat to swell or an upset stomach. Although severe reactions are rare, it may be good to reconsider this one if you have curious children or pets.

There are several other indoor plants to be wary about if you have furry friends who live indoors; learn more here. 

If you’re going for a stroll in the woods or just curled up on the couch with your cat or dog, it’s never a bad idea to educate yourself on these kinds of plants so that you can protect yourself and the ones you love Have you ever had a run-in with any of these plants? 

Stay safe and contact us next year for landscaping ideas; leave the staying-away-from-poison to us!