Birthday
HydrangeasThis article was prepared with the support of UFL flower delivery. In spring and summer gardens fill with flowers, and quite a few of them are poisonous. That is no reason to avoid them: most poisonings happen when children or pets taste a plant, when it is mistaken for something edible or when it is used as a "folk remedy". Knowing which plants are dangerous makes it easy to stay safe.
8 beautiful and dangerous plants
1. Mezereon (Daphne mezereum)
A small shrub that covers its bare branches with fragrant pink flowers in early spring and bright red berries in summer. The berries, bark and sap contain mezerein and daphnin, which burn the mouth and throat, cause vomiting and can lead to serious poisoning. The sap irritates skin, so wear gloves when pruning.
2. Brugmansia (angel's trumpet)
A showy shrub with huge hanging trumpet flowers, usually grown in tubs. All parts contain tropane alkaloids, scopolamine and atropine. Poisoning causes confusion, hallucinations and a racing heart and can be fatal. Keep brugmansia out of reach of children and pets, and wash your hands after handling it.
3. Lily of the valley
Every part, including the berries and even the water from a vase of the flowers, contains cardiac glycosides (convallatoxin). They disrupt heart rhythm and cause nausea and weakness. They are particularly dangerous for children, who are attracted to the red berries, and for cats.
4. Rhododendron and azalea
The leaves, flowers and nectar contain grayanotoxins. The ancient Greek historian Xenophon described soldiers of his army being poisoned by honey from rhododendron flowers, and this "mad honey" is still found on Turkey's Black Sea coast. Poisoning causes drooling, vomiting, low blood pressure and a slow pulse.
5. Autumn crocus (Colchicum)
It is often confused with the crocus, and that is the main danger. Colchicum flowers in autumn and produces large leaves in spring that resemble wild garlic, which is how most poisonings happen. The plant contains colchicine, for which there is no specific antidote. True spring crocuses are far less toxic, and saffron, the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus, is safe in culinary amounts. Read more in our guide to growing crocuses.
6. Foxglove
Tall spikes of bell-shaped flowers brighten gardens in June. Foxglove contains cardiac glycosides and was once the source of the drug digoxin, but the plant itself is extremely dangerous. Its leaves can be mistaken for comfrey or borage.
7. Oleander
A popular tub plant with pink, white or red flowers. All parts, including dry leaves and the smoke from burning branches, contain oleandrin. Never use oleander sticks as skewers and do not burn the prunings.
8. Monkshood (Aconitum)
A perennial with blue, helmet-shaped flowers and one of the most poisonous plants of temperate climates: aconitine can even be absorbed through broken skin. Always wear gloves when handling it.
More dangerous plants
Besides the eight plants above, lists of the most poisonous plants often include these:
- Deadly nightshade (belladonna) — its shiny black berries look edible but are dangerous, especially for children.
- Bittersweet and black nightshade — unripe berries and green parts contain solanine.
- Buttercups — the acrid sap irritates skin and mucous membranes; grazing animals avoid them.
- Burning bush (Dictamnus) — on hot days its essential oils combined with sunlight can cause severe skin burns.
- Mountain laurel (Kalmia) — a relative of rhododendron; all parts are poisonous.
- Common ragwort — a weed dangerous mainly to horses and cattle, as its alkaloids damage the liver.
- Desert rose (Adenium) — a popular houseplant with toxic milky sap; wear gloves when handling it.
- Bloodroot (Sanguinaria) — the red sap of the rhizome is caustic and irritates the skin.
- Calla lily (Zantedeschia) — contains calcium oxalate; if chewed it causes burning and swelling, and it is dangerous to cats and dogs.
How to grow poisonous plants safely
- Do not plant them near playgrounds, sandpits or animal enclosures.
- Teach children never to taste anything from a flower bed.
- Wear gloves and wash your hands and tools after pruning.
- Do not forage "wild garlic" or herbs unless you are 100% sure of the plant.
- Never use poisonous plants for self-treatment.
- If you have cats, check houseplants and bouquets: lilies, lily of the valley and daffodils are especially dangerous for them. See our guide to allergenic houseplants.
What to do if you suspect poisoning
Call an ambulance immediately (103 in Ukraine), keep a piece or a photo of the plant for the doctors, do not induce vomiting and do not give any home remedies unless medics tell you to. If a pet is affected, contact a vet urgently. This article is for information only and does not replace medical care.
FAQ
Can I keep poisonous plants at home?
Yes, if there are no small children or pets likely to chew them, or if the plants are kept out of reach.
Is it dangerous to smell poisonous flowers?
Usually not: poisoning happens when the sap is swallowed or gets into broken skin. However, the strong scent of lilies or brugmansia can cause headaches.
For your home and for gifts, choose safe flowers such as roses and orchids with delivery in Kyiv from UFL.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
