Of all the plants that grow in North America, only about one percent are poisonous. That said, even if a plant is not poisonous to humans, it may still be harmful for some animals and can pose a hazard for children or pets. The following list includes some of the most common poisonous plants you should be aware of so you can keep your family safe.
Baby’s Breath
This small white flower is a lovely addition to any garden, but it should not be used where dogs may roam.
This is not a safe option for yards, due to its tendency to be eaten by animals. It also causes stomach problems and may be dangerous if ingested.
Bleeding Heart
Toxicity from bleeding hearts is rare with humans but animals can be poisoned by them, especially dogs. They contain alkaloids that can be very bad for a dog’s liver and may lead to seizures or other neurological damage.
Calla Lily
The calla lily is a beautiful and elegant plant. It can be very toxic if eaten by humans or animals.
Foxglove
Foxgloves are some of the most beautiful flowers you’ll ever see. They come in a variety of colors and do well in dry shade with climates that range from zones 4-10.
But be careful when growing them at home- this plant can hurt you in various ways. The berries and the leaves are toxic, and the seed oil will cause burns on contact with skin.
Daffodil
Daffodils are loved by gardeners for their bright colors and easy to grow features. You will need to be careful when planting them though, since they contain toxic chemicals that can cause stomach problems if ingested.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas can make pets ill with their cyanogenic glycosides. Even the nightshades are toxic for cats and dogs such as potatoes or tomatoes.
The symptoms are primarily stomach problems and lethargy. Even though hydrangea is not usually fatal, it has a poison in it known as hydroquinone.
Larkspur
There is a plant called Larkspur that has effects on animals when it is ingested. It can cause paralysis or even death if eaten in large quantities, and kids may touch the flowers without being able to resist them.
This plant should be kept away from children because its petals will irritate their skin.
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley is a dazzling plant that can be found growing in abundance across North America. Native to cooler regions, it’s easily adaptable and will grow well even with little sunlight or shade – making lilies an excellent choice for any home garden!
Some parts of this plant are toxic, leading to digestive issues like stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting in animals. It’s also toxic for kids if they eat the berries.
Marigold
Marigolds are a type of flower found in gardens, around homes and on farms. They emit a smell that attracts animals. But they’re also toxic to canines when ingested, which is why they’re used as dog repellants.
However, cats actually like marigold plants- if you happen upon your cat playing amidst the stalks, be sure to bathe your cat in soap and water to get the sap off of them.
Mountain Laurel
Mountain laurel is a lovely, delicate plant that grows well in hardiness zones 5 through 9. But each part of this plant is poisonous, so please don’t touch it!
Lantana
This plant is dangerous when ingested. It might cause digestive problems, depression, or even lead to liver failure if the person eats enough of it. Even farm animals like horses and sheep typically get poisoned by eating it.
Wisteria
The lavender color of this flower is the first thing that catches your eye and is also worth taking time to explore its other properties. The seed pods emit a high degree of toxicity and, when ingested, all parts can lead to unpleasant side effects such as dizziness, nausea and confusion.
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