Did You Know There Are Toxic Plants in Your Own Backyard?

Plants can be an amazing thing. Inside they are beautiful bountiful, and full of life. Outside they sustain life, put off lovely flowers, and many are editable. But many of those plants can and are poisonous. Sometimes its only part of the plant which can be dangerous.Knowing what plants are poisonous inside and out can help prevent a accident that could potentially be fatal. A small list of plants and their effects are as follows.

Some indoor plants are Hyacinth, Daffodil and Narcissus. The bulbs of these spring flowers are toxic causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea as well as may potentially be fatal if enough is ingested. The Oleander leaves and branches are extremely poisonous. They effect the heart, causes digestive upset and has been known to cause death. All parts of the Dieffenbachia ( dumb cane) and Elephant Ear are toxic causing intense burning and irritation of the mouth and tongue. Death can occur when the tongue swells enough to block an airway. And the seeds of the Rosary Pea and Castor Bean plants are fatal, as little as a single seed is a lethal dose.

Outdoor plants can be just as toxic. The young plant as well as the seeds of Larkspur cause digestive upset, nervous excitement, depression and can cause death. The flowers of Lilly of the valley while very pretty as well as the leaves cause irregular heart beat, digestive upset and mental confusion. Iris's are another lovely flower that causes a problem, the underground steams cause severe but not serious digestive upset. The fleshy roods of Monkshood cause digestive upset and nervous excitement. The foliage and roots of the Bleeding Heart is fatal in large amounts. Leaves of Foxglove cause dangerously irregular heartbeat and pulse as well as digestive upset and mental confusion and may even be fatal, and finally the Autumn crocus, and Star of Bethlehem bulbs cause Vomiting and nervous excitement.

Many ornamental flowering plants are also hazardous to ones health. Daphne berries cause death, even a few berries will be fatal. The seeds and pods of Wisteria cause mild to severe digestive upset, children seem to be particularly susceptible. All parts of the Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Laurels are fatal, they produce nausea vomiting, depression, difficulty breathing, prostration and finally coma. Yew berries and foliage are fatally toxic, the foliage more so. Death usually occurs sudden without any symptoms. Jasmine berries are fatal, with digestive disturbance and nervous symptoms. Golden Chain has bean like capsules in which are seeds, they are severely toxic causing excitement, staggering, convulsions and coma. May even be fatal. And the Lantana Camera ( red sage) unripe ( green) berries are fatal effecting lungs kidneys, heart, and nervous systems.
There are a few trees known to be toxic as well, those include Cherry trees ( foliage and twigs) which are fatal, they contain a compound which releases cyanide when eaten. Gasping, excitement and prostration are common. Elderberry, all parts especially roots are toxic, causing nausea and digestive upset. Oak foliage and acorns effect the kidneys gradually taking several days or weeks to show. Takes a large amount to have effect though. And the Black Locust bark, sprouts, seeds and foliage cause nausea, weakness and depression.

Shade loving toxic plants include Mistletoe berries which are fatal, May apple foliage roots and fruit contain at least 16 active toxins causing diarrhea. Jack-in-the-pulpit plant and roots are much like the Dumb cane mentioned above with similar side effects of swelling in the mouth and tongue. Moon seed berries are a blue purple color resembling wild grapes which may be fatal.

As for Plants growing in fields, all parts are known to be toxic including Thorn Apple which causes abnormal thirst, distorted sight, delirium, incoherence and coma, can be fatal. Nightshade especially unripened berries are fatal with digestive disturbance and nervous symptoms. Buttercups produce irritant juices that severely injure the digestive system and Hemlock resembles a wild carrot which is fatal.

Other plants include water Hemlock which all parts are fatal causing violent and painful convulsions and the Rhubarb leaves, Large amounts cook or raw can cause convulsions, coma and rapidly occurring death.

With research specific to your location you can find out what plants are toxic and what their side effects are. This vital bit of time spent can protect your family, children and pets from what could be a terrible accident. Many plants are beautiful but poisonous, others merely cause discomfort. Its always best to know what grows in your area