SAFE PLANTS & DANGEROUS PLANTS
for Therapeutic Gardening Programs
We so often worry about whether a plant is safe or not and even avoid the use of plants in senior care and school settings because of a fear that someone may be harmed. While it is true that some plants, or at least some parts of plants, are toxic, most don’t pose a threat. Some plants can cause a skin reaction, such as inflammation, rash or itching. Others can cause an allergenic reaction for some and not for others. But many of us are allergic to certain medications, foods, pets, etc. As far as poisoning from plants, the risk is far greater from the cleaning compounds found on easily accessible service carts.
There is a natural and instinctive connection between people and plants. We depend on them for food, shelter, clothing, some of our medications and fuels. We delight in the garden because we are naturally drawn to the beauty of life itself, the colors, forms and fragrance of flowers and foliage. Being with, and being actively engaged with, plants is good for us physically, mentally,
emotionally, socially and spiritually. Spending some time gardening can decrease depression, lower blood pressure and reduce anger. It can also increase our sense of self-worth, encourage our instinct for nurturing and foster a general sense of well-being. Even in Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients the sensory stimulation and the memory triggering that naturally occurs with plants and flowers is beneficial. For children with developmental disabilities or cognitive limitations, the time spent gardening is rewarding in many ways. Even school children and troubled youths can learn many of life’s lessons in the garden.
Still, there are many plants that are generally considered safe, and others that are considered dangerous. The following is a brief list of plants that are usually thought to be safe for most people to handle and pose little threat even if ingested. Having said that, we do need to remind you that people on medications, those suffering from illness or disease, our children and senior
citizens may react differently than a healthy adult. In the following list we provide the botanical names of many and notes on others to help you make your best possible decision on whether or not you want to include this plant in your facility’s garden. If you have questions, contact your local poison control center or your county extension agent for details. Warning! No matter how safe the plant is, the use of pesticides and some plant foods can render them dangerous.
This is by no means a complete list. Thousands of other plants are perfectly safe for use in settings where they might be accidentally consumed. Some of these may cause an allergic reaction or react with medications. Take care and observe closely until certain that there are no problems.
Only the plants marked as edible should be consumed, and even then, only in limited quantities until you are certain that there isn’t going to be any reaction.
SAFE PLANTS: The list
Alyssum, sweet
African daisy, Arctotis
African violet, Saintpaulia
Allspice, Pimenta officinale
Aloe vera, safe medicinal herb
Aluminum plant, Pilea
Amaranth, many types, some with edible leaves and seeds
Apricot, easy to start from seed, makes an easy bonsai
Areca palm, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens
Artillery fern,Pilea microphylla
Astilbe, Meadow sweet, False spirea, Astilbe, many varieties
Bamboo, many varieties
Bachelor’s buttons, cornflower, Centaurea cyanus, flowers can be eaten
Balloon flower, Platycodon grandiflorus
Banana, dwarf or standard, Musa
Barley, Edible seeds, this was a special food for the Roman gladiators
Basil, edible aromatic herb
Beets, edible roots and leaves
Begonias, many types, some species have flowers and leaves that contain oxalic acid
Bellflower, Campanula, Leaves can be eaten
Bird’s nest fern, Asplenium nidus
Black eyed Susan vine, Clock vine, Thunbergia alata
Buckwheat, Polygonacaea, var. Edible seeds, easy fast growing plant
Butterfly bush, Buddleia davidii
Boston fern, Nephrolepis exaltata
Bottlebrush tree, Callistemon
Bromeliads
Calendula, flowers are edible
California poppy, Eschscholzia californica
Calathea, Calathea
Camellia
Canna
Carob tree, St. John’s bread, Ceratonia siliqua
Catnip, Nepeta cataria
Celery, edible leaves, stems and seeds
Chard
Chia, as in the Chia Pets, edible seeds
Chives, edible herb
Christmas cactus
Cilantro, edible leaves, seeds are coriander
Cleome, Spider flower, Cleome hasslerana
Cockscomb, Celosia
Coleus, many varieties
Coffee, Coffea arabica
Coral bells, Heuchera sanguinea
Coreopsis, Coreopsis grandiflora
Corn plant, Dracena
Cosmos
Crape myrtle
Cryptanthus, star flower
Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, edible leaves, flowers and roots
Dahlia
Daylily, Hemerocallis, flowers and roots are edible
Dianthus, pinks, sweet William, edible flowers
Dill, edible herb
English ivy, can cause reaction in some if ingested.
Fennel, edible herb
Flame violet, Episcia
Flowering kale, Flowering cabbage, edible leaves
Flowering maple, Abutilon
Fragrant olive, Osmanthus, several varieties
Fuchsia
Gardenia, Gardenia jasminoides
Geraniums, old fashioned, zonals, scented leaf, ivy and others
Gerber daisy, cape daisy, Gerbera jamesonii
Ginger, Zingiber officinale, edible roots, flowers and young shoots
Gloxinia
Green beans, edible
Goldfish plant, Columnea
Hen & chicks, Echeveria, Sempervivum
Hibiscus, flowers and young leaves are edible
Holly fern, Cyrtomium falcatum
Hosta
Jerusalem artichoke, (sunchoke) roots are eaten
Job’s tears, Coix lacryma-jobi
Joseph’s coat, Alternathera
Kalanchoe, many varieties
Ice plant, several plants
Impatiens, Touch-me-not
Lambs ears, Stachys byzantium & lanata
Lambsquarters, Chenopodium album, edible leaves, seeds of some varieties are the grain quinoa
Lavender, edible herb
Lemon grass, Cymbopogon citratus, leaves good for tea
Lettuce, edible
Lipstick plant, Aeschynanthus
Liriope
Maidenhair fern, Adiantum
Magnolia, several varieties
Marigolds, Tagetes, flowers can be eaten or used as a seasoning
Mint, many varieties with distinct fragrance and taste
Money plant, Lunaria annua
Moss rose, Portulaca
Mulberry, Morus, varieties
Nasturtium, leaves and flowers can be eaten
Norfolk Island Pine, Araucaria heterophylla
Onions, edible leaves and root
Orchids, most orchids are safe to handle
Oregano, Greek and Italian, edible herb
Oregano, Cuban, Mexican or Spanish, edible herb
Palo Verde, Cercidium
Pansy, flowers are edible
Parsley, edible herb
Passionvine, passion flower, Passiflora, many varieties
Peanut, flowers and seeds are edible
Peppermint, edible herb
Petunia
Piggy-back plant, Tolmia menziesii
Persian violet, Exicum affine
Pineapple, Ananas varieties, edible fruit
Pocketbook plant, pouch flower, Calceolaria
Polka-dot plant, Hypoestes
Ponytail palm, Beaucarnea recurvata
Prayer plant, Maranta
Purple coneflower, Echinacea
Purslane, Portulaca, edible leaves and flowers
Radish, many types, root, leaves and flowers edible
Rabbit’s foot fern, Polypodium aureum
Red hot poker, torch lily, Kniphofia uvaria
Rockrose, Scotch broom, Cistus
Roses, old-fashioned, shrubs, hybrid teas, climbers and more. Thorns only threat
Rosemary, edible herb
Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus
Sage, Salvia, many kinds, some varieties are edible
Snapdragon, Antirrinum, flowers are edible
Spearmint, edible herb
Spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum
Sunflower, Helianthus annuus
Swedish ivy, Plectranthus
Sweet gum, Liquidambar styraciflua
Sweet potato, several ornamental varieties, leaves are edible as well as tubers
Thyme, edible herb
Ti plant, Hawaiian ti, Cordyline terminalis
Torenia, Florida pansy, wishbone flower
Viola, edible flowers
Violet, edible flowers
Wheat, Edible seeds, easily grown, cats love it
Zebra plant, Aphelandra squarrosa
Zinnia
Dangerous Plants, an Awareness Guide
for Homes, Schools and Senior Care Facilities
This was not written to discourage anyone from growing plants. In no way do we want to prevent anyone from being a part of the people-plant connection. There is generally a far greater threat found in pesticides, cleaning compounds and over the counter medications than there are from most, so called, poisonous plants.
There are various ways that a plant can be a threat to an individual.
1. Some, like yucca, prickly pear cactus and roses have thorns, spines or
sharp points that can cause puncture wounds. These wounds can be an entry site
for infection.
2. Some can cause dermatitis, rashes, or an allergenic reaction. We are all
familiar with stinging nettles and poison ivy.
3. Often problems can come from common fruits and vegetables. Tomato and
potato leaves contain solanine. Onions, horseradish, even chives contain natural
chemical compounds that can cause eye inflammation. Mangos and cashews are in
the same plant family as poison ivy and some people react to them.
4. Many of the plants we commonly cultivate as a part of the landscape or
indoor decor can be a problem. Azaleas, rhododendron and mountain laurel,
delphiniums and lily-of-the-valley, philodendron and tulips all pose a threat if
ingested.
5. Often, a plant, or plant part, that can cause a mild or insignificant
reaction in a health adult can cause a serious problem for a child, the frail
elderly or someone with chronic health problems.
6. There can also be the danger from a reaction with medications, chemical
sensitivity or allergy. The actual number of people adversely reacting to plants
considered dangerous is very small.
Fatalities are extremely rare and usually connected with other health problems. Far more people die each year in from insect stings, rattlesnake bites, household chemicals or food poisoning than dangerous plants.
The following is a brief list of common plants that can be considered a threat if ingested. If parts of these plants listed are put in the mouth or swallowed, immediately contact the nearest poison control center for advice. Assume all parts are a threat unless otherwise noted. It should be noted that many of these plants are commonly used as medicinal herbs and can be beneficial
many situations, and when properly prepared. When we consider the danger we must keep in mind that quantity can be a factor. A whole bottle of aspirin can be dangerous swallowed at one time.
We compiled the following list, not to discourage you from gardening, or even growing these plants, but to inform you of the risk, so that they can be grown where contact can be controlled. We have included botanical names and brief notes to help guide your identification.
DANGEROUS PLANTS: The List
Aconite, Monkshood, Acomitum, tubers are the greatest threat, resulting in possible heart damage
Aglaonema, Aglaonema, can inflame throat and cause suffocation if leaves are eaten
Alamanda, sometimes called Golden Trumpet or Yellow Trumpet vine, all parts toxic
Alocasia, Alocasia, can inflame throat and cause suffixation if leaves are eaten
Amaryllis, Hippeastrum
Andromeda, Pieris japonioca
Angels trumpet, Jimson weed, Brugmansia arborea, all parts toxic, seeds can cause serious problems
Anthurium, (Flamingo flower), Anthurium, can cause mild mouth inflammation from eating leaves
Autumn crocus, Colchicum autumnale and others, while extracts are used medicinally, deadly
Azalea, Rhododendron
Balsam pear, cucumber cousin can cause gastric distress
Belladonna, Atropa belladonna, while a source of important medicines, the berries can be deadly
Bittersweet, Celastrus scandens
Black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia, all parts can cause gastric distress
Bleeding heart, Dicentra
Blood lily, Haemanthus
Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensisBoxwood, Buxus
semperens
Bracken fern
Brazilian pepper tree, Schinus terebinthifolius
Buckeye, Horse chestnut, Aesculus
Buttercup, Ranunculus, many species, all parts can cause skin irritation, inflammation of mouth, vomiting, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.
Caladium, Caladium bicolor and others
Calla lily, Zantedeschia
Candelabra tree, (pencil tree), Euphorbia
Cardinal flower, Lobelia cardinalis
Carolina jasmine, Yellow jasmine, Gelsemium sempervirens, all parts dangerous, including nectar from the flowers
Caster bean, Ricinus comminus, source of castor oil, the raw beans can be deadly
Cherry tree, Cherry laurel,Chokecherry, Prunus, drying leaves can cause gastric problems
Chinaberry, Melia azedarach, eating the berries can result in convulsions or death
Chinese evergreen, Aglonemia
Chinese lantern, Physalis alkekengi & others, roots and leaves are poisonous
Christmas rose, Helleborus niger
Clematis, Clematis spp.
Columbine, Aquilegia, many varieties, can cause cramps and breathing difficulties
Coral plant, Jatropha spp.
Coral tree, Erythrina spp.
Cowslip, Primula veris
Crinum lily, Crinum spp.
Cyclamen, Cyclamen spp.
Daffodil, Narcissus, jonquil, Narcissus spp.
Daphne, Daphne odorata and others, all parts can cause breathing difficulty & kidney damage
Death camas, Zygadenus venenosus
Delphinium, Delphinium
Dipladenia, Mandevilla
Dumb cane, Dieffenbachia, can inflame throat and cause suffixation if leaves are eaten
Dutchman’s breeches, Dicentra, several species, contains poisonous alkaloids, gastric distress
Dutchman’s pipe, Aristolochia
Elderberry, Sambucus spp. (Ripe berries are both safe and delicious in pies)
Elephant ears, Alocasia, Colocasia & Xanthosoma spp.
Euonymus, Spindle tree, many landscape shrubs, all parts can cause severe abdominal pain
Fishtail palm, Caryota spp.
Flowering tobacco, Nicotiana glauca, nicotine poisoning can result from eating leaves or flowers
Four O’clock, Mirabilis jalapa, gastric distress
Foxglove, Digitalis purpurea, leaves most dangerous, can cause cardiac arrest
Glorisa lily, Climbing lily, Glory lily, Gloriosa
Golden rain tree, Laburnum anagyroides,& others, seeds can cause vomiting & delirium
Ground cherry, nightshade, Physalis
Ground ivy, Glechoma hederacea
Heather, Scottish heather, Calluna vulgaris
Heliotrope, Heliotropum arborescens and others
Holly berries and raw leaves, Ilex
Horse nettle, nightshade, Physalis
Hyacinth, Hyacinthus orientalis
Hydrangea, Hydrangea
Iris, Iris
Jack-in-the-pulpit, Indian turnip, Arisaema triphyllum
Jasmine, Cestrum
Jerusalem cherry, Solanum pseudocapsicum
Jimson weed, Datura stramonium
Lantana, Lantana camera
Larkspur, Delphimium
Ligustrum, privet, Ligustrum
Lily-of-the-valley, Convallaria majalis, all parts, if ingested, can cause cardiac arrest
Lupine, Lupinus, many varieties, can case respiratory distress and digestive disorders
Mandavilla
Marsh marigold, Caltha palustris, not deadly, more an irritant
Mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum, The roots are the problem, not the above ground parts
Mexican flame vine
Mistletoe, Viscum album, and others, all parts poisonous, damages red blood cells
Narcissus
Nightshade, common, Solanum nigrum
Oleander, Nerium oleander, all parts poisonous, can case cardiac arrest
Oriental poppy, Papaver orientalis, source of Opium, Codeine & Morphine
Peace lily, Spathiphyllum
Peony, Paeonia officinalis
Pelican flower, Aristilochia
Periwinkle, Vinca major, V. Rosea, all parts can cause minor digestive upset, now used for both cancer treatment and to control blood pressure
Philodendron, many varieties, all can cause inflammation of mouth & throat even suffixation
Poinciana
Poison hemlock, Conium maculatum, not the tree but a bog plant similar to Queen Anne’s Lace
Poison ivy, oak & sumac, both topical and internal reactions, can be serious
Potato leaves & green potatoes, contains solanins that can cause vomiting & discomfort
Pothos, Epipremmum aureum, can inflame throat and cause suffixation if leaves are eaten
Precatory bean, rosary peas, rosary bean, Arbrus precatorius
Primrose, Primula species, some can cause skin irritation, others severe gastric discomfort
Privet, Ligustrum, species
Ragweed, Ambrosia, pollen can cause serious allergic reactions
Rain lily, Zephyr lily, Fairy lily, Zephyranthus
Ranunculus, Buttercup, Ranunculus, many species, all parts can cause skin irritation, inflammation of mouth, vomiting, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.
Rhododendron, all parts toxic
Rhubarb, leaves, leaves contain oxalic acid but stems are safe
Rosary pea, Crab’s eye, Abrus precatorius, beautiful red & black seeds can be deadly
Star anise, Japanese star anise, Illicium anisatum, not the related culinary spice (Illicium verum)
String of pearls, rosary vine, Senecio, disorientation, gastric discomfort
Sweet pea, all parts can cause gastric distress
Thornapple, see nightshade
Tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum, nicotine is such a potent insecticide that is has been banned from use in many states.
Tomato, the leaves and green tomatoes are toxic and can cause gastric distress & hallucinations
Tree of Heaven, Ailanthus altissima
Tulip, the bulb contains alkaloids
Vetch, common or hairy, all parts can cause minor gastric distress
Water lettuce, Pistia stratiotes, can cause severe mouth & throat irritation if eaten raw
Windflower, Anemone
Wisteria, Wisteria sinensis, seeds are toxic
Yews, Taxus, many varieties, the both leaves & seeds are toxic
Skin irritations and allergies
The following are only a few of the plants may cause contact dermatitis, rash or skin inflammation if handled. Numerous local weeds can also cause skin or respiratory reactions. There are many other plants that can cause an allergenic reaction in those sensitive to compounds contained in these plants.
African milk tree, Euphorbia
Century plant, Agave, sap can cause a reaction in some
Euphorbia, a large family with many species producing a milky sap that can casue skin irritation
Juniper, Juniperus, pollen can cause breathing difficulties in those sensitive. Handling the branches can cause skin irritation as well.
Pencil cactus, Euphorbia
Purple Passion Plant
Poinsettia
Poison ivy, poison oak & poison sumac, Toxicodendron
Spiderwort, Window’s tears, Tradescantia
Stinging nettle, Urtica dioica, can cause rash, hives or short term inflamation
Wandering Jew, Tradescantia
There is a natural and instinctive connection between people and plants. We depend on them for food, shelter, clothing, some of our medications and fuels. We delight in the garden because we are naturally drawn to the beauty of life itself, the colors, forms and fragrance of flowers and foliage. Being with, and being actively engaged with, plants is good for us physically, mentally,
emotionally, socially and spiritually. Spending some time gardening can decrease depression, lower blood pressure and reduce anger. It can also increase our sense of self-worth, encourage our instinct for nurturing and foster a general sense of well-being. Even in Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients the sensory stimulation and the memory triggering that naturally occurs with plants and flowers is beneficial. For children with developmental disabilities or cognitive limitations, the time spent gardening is rewarding in many ways. Even school children and troubled youths can learn many of life’s lessons in the garden.
Still, there are many plants that are generally considered safe, and others that are considered dangerous. The following is a brief list of plants that are usually thought to be safe for most people to handle and pose little threat even if ingested. Having said that, we do need to remind you that people on medications, those suffering from illness or disease, our children and senior
citizens may react differently than a healthy adult. In the following list we provide the botanical names of many and notes on others to help you make your best possible decision on whether or not you want to include this plant in your facility’s garden. If you have questions, contact your local poison control center or your county extension agent for details. Warning! No matter how safe the plant is, the use of pesticides and some plant foods can render them dangerous.
This is by no means a complete list. Thousands of other plants are perfectly safe for use in settings where they might be accidentally consumed. Some of these may cause an allergic reaction or react with medications. Take care and observe closely until certain that there are no problems.
Only the plants marked as edible should be consumed, and even then, only in limited quantities until you are certain that there isn’t going to be any reaction.
SAFE PLANTS: The list
Alyssum, sweet
African daisy, Arctotis
African violet, Saintpaulia
Allspice, Pimenta officinale
Aloe vera, safe medicinal herb
Aluminum plant, Pilea
Amaranth, many types, some with edible leaves and seeds
Apricot, easy to start from seed, makes an easy bonsai
Areca palm, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens
Artillery fern,Pilea microphylla
Astilbe, Meadow sweet, False spirea, Astilbe, many varieties
Bamboo, many varieties
Bachelor’s buttons, cornflower, Centaurea cyanus, flowers can be eaten
Balloon flower, Platycodon grandiflorus
Banana, dwarf or standard, Musa
Barley, Edible seeds, this was a special food for the Roman gladiators
Basil, edible aromatic herb
Beets, edible roots and leaves
Begonias, many types, some species have flowers and leaves that contain oxalic acid
Bellflower, Campanula, Leaves can be eaten
Bird’s nest fern, Asplenium nidus
Black eyed Susan vine, Clock vine, Thunbergia alata
Buckwheat, Polygonacaea, var. Edible seeds, easy fast growing plant
Butterfly bush, Buddleia davidii
Boston fern, Nephrolepis exaltata
Bottlebrush tree, Callistemon
Bromeliads
Calendula, flowers are edible
California poppy, Eschscholzia californica
Calathea, Calathea
Camellia
Canna
Carob tree, St. John’s bread, Ceratonia siliqua
Catnip, Nepeta cataria
Celery, edible leaves, stems and seeds
Chard
Chia, as in the Chia Pets, edible seeds
Chives, edible herb
Christmas cactus
Cilantro, edible leaves, seeds are coriander
Cleome, Spider flower, Cleome hasslerana
Cockscomb, Celosia
Coleus, many varieties
Coffee, Coffea arabica
Coral bells, Heuchera sanguinea
Coreopsis, Coreopsis grandiflora
Corn plant, Dracena
Cosmos
Crape myrtle
Cryptanthus, star flower
Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, edible leaves, flowers and roots
Dahlia
Daylily, Hemerocallis, flowers and roots are edible
Dianthus, pinks, sweet William, edible flowers
Dill, edible herb
English ivy, can cause reaction in some if ingested.
Fennel, edible herb
Flame violet, Episcia
Flowering kale, Flowering cabbage, edible leaves
Flowering maple, Abutilon
Fragrant olive, Osmanthus, several varieties
Fuchsia
Gardenia, Gardenia jasminoides
Geraniums, old fashioned, zonals, scented leaf, ivy and others
Gerber daisy, cape daisy, Gerbera jamesonii
Ginger, Zingiber officinale, edible roots, flowers and young shoots
Gloxinia
Green beans, edible
Goldfish plant, Columnea
Hen & chicks, Echeveria, Sempervivum
Hibiscus, flowers and young leaves are edible
Holly fern, Cyrtomium falcatum
Hosta
Jerusalem artichoke, (sunchoke) roots are eaten
Job’s tears, Coix lacryma-jobi
Joseph’s coat, Alternathera
Kalanchoe, many varieties
Ice plant, several plants
Impatiens, Touch-me-not
Lambs ears, Stachys byzantium & lanata
Lambsquarters, Chenopodium album, edible leaves, seeds of some varieties are the grain quinoa
Lavender, edible herb
Lemon grass, Cymbopogon citratus, leaves good for tea
Lettuce, edible
Lipstick plant, Aeschynanthus
Liriope
Maidenhair fern, Adiantum
Magnolia, several varieties
Marigolds, Tagetes, flowers can be eaten or used as a seasoning
Mint, many varieties with distinct fragrance and taste
Money plant, Lunaria annua
Moss rose, Portulaca
Mulberry, Morus, varieties
Nasturtium, leaves and flowers can be eaten
Norfolk Island Pine, Araucaria heterophylla
Onions, edible leaves and root
Orchids, most orchids are safe to handle
Oregano, Greek and Italian, edible herb
Oregano, Cuban, Mexican or Spanish, edible herb
Palo Verde, Cercidium
Pansy, flowers are edible
Parsley, edible herb
Passionvine, passion flower, Passiflora, many varieties
Peanut, flowers and seeds are edible
Peppermint, edible herb
Petunia
Piggy-back plant, Tolmia menziesii
Persian violet, Exicum affine
Pineapple, Ananas varieties, edible fruit
Pocketbook plant, pouch flower, Calceolaria
Polka-dot plant, Hypoestes
Ponytail palm, Beaucarnea recurvata
Prayer plant, Maranta
Purple coneflower, Echinacea
Purslane, Portulaca, edible leaves and flowers
Radish, many types, root, leaves and flowers edible
Rabbit’s foot fern, Polypodium aureum
Red hot poker, torch lily, Kniphofia uvaria
Rockrose, Scotch broom, Cistus
Roses, old-fashioned, shrubs, hybrid teas, climbers and more. Thorns only threat
Rosemary, edible herb
Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus
Sage, Salvia, many kinds, some varieties are edible
Snapdragon, Antirrinum, flowers are edible
Spearmint, edible herb
Spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum
Sunflower, Helianthus annuus
Swedish ivy, Plectranthus
Sweet gum, Liquidambar styraciflua
Sweet potato, several ornamental varieties, leaves are edible as well as tubers
Thyme, edible herb
Ti plant, Hawaiian ti, Cordyline terminalis
Torenia, Florida pansy, wishbone flower
Viola, edible flowers
Violet, edible flowers
Wheat, Edible seeds, easily grown, cats love it
Zebra plant, Aphelandra squarrosa
Zinnia
Dangerous Plants, an Awareness Guide
for Homes, Schools and Senior Care Facilities
This was not written to discourage anyone from growing plants. In no way do we want to prevent anyone from being a part of the people-plant connection. There is generally a far greater threat found in pesticides, cleaning compounds and over the counter medications than there are from most, so called, poisonous plants.
There are various ways that a plant can be a threat to an individual.
1. Some, like yucca, prickly pear cactus and roses have thorns, spines or
sharp points that can cause puncture wounds. These wounds can be an entry site
for infection.
2. Some can cause dermatitis, rashes, or an allergenic reaction. We are all
familiar with stinging nettles and poison ivy.
3. Often problems can come from common fruits and vegetables. Tomato and
potato leaves contain solanine. Onions, horseradish, even chives contain natural
chemical compounds that can cause eye inflammation. Mangos and cashews are in
the same plant family as poison ivy and some people react to them.
4. Many of the plants we commonly cultivate as a part of the landscape or
indoor decor can be a problem. Azaleas, rhododendron and mountain laurel,
delphiniums and lily-of-the-valley, philodendron and tulips all pose a threat if
ingested.
5. Often, a plant, or plant part, that can cause a mild or insignificant
reaction in a health adult can cause a serious problem for a child, the frail
elderly or someone with chronic health problems.
6. There can also be the danger from a reaction with medications, chemical
sensitivity or allergy. The actual number of people adversely reacting to plants
considered dangerous is very small.
Fatalities are extremely rare and usually connected with other health problems. Far more people die each year in from insect stings, rattlesnake bites, household chemicals or food poisoning than dangerous plants.
The following is a brief list of common plants that can be considered a threat if ingested. If parts of these plants listed are put in the mouth or swallowed, immediately contact the nearest poison control center for advice. Assume all parts are a threat unless otherwise noted. It should be noted that many of these plants are commonly used as medicinal herbs and can be beneficial
many situations, and when properly prepared. When we consider the danger we must keep in mind that quantity can be a factor. A whole bottle of aspirin can be dangerous swallowed at one time.
We compiled the following list, not to discourage you from gardening, or even growing these plants, but to inform you of the risk, so that they can be grown where contact can be controlled. We have included botanical names and brief notes to help guide your identification.
DANGEROUS PLANTS: The List
Aconite, Monkshood, Acomitum, tubers are the greatest threat, resulting in possible heart damage
Aglaonema, Aglaonema, can inflame throat and cause suffocation if leaves are eaten
Alamanda, sometimes called Golden Trumpet or Yellow Trumpet vine, all parts toxic
Alocasia, Alocasia, can inflame throat and cause suffixation if leaves are eaten
Amaryllis, Hippeastrum
Andromeda, Pieris japonioca
Angels trumpet, Jimson weed, Brugmansia arborea, all parts toxic, seeds can cause serious problems
Anthurium, (Flamingo flower), Anthurium, can cause mild mouth inflammation from eating leaves
Autumn crocus, Colchicum autumnale and others, while extracts are used medicinally, deadly
Azalea, Rhododendron
Balsam pear, cucumber cousin can cause gastric distress
Belladonna, Atropa belladonna, while a source of important medicines, the berries can be deadly
Bittersweet, Celastrus scandens
Black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia, all parts can cause gastric distress
Bleeding heart, Dicentra
Blood lily, Haemanthus
Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensisBoxwood, Buxus
semperens
Bracken fern
Brazilian pepper tree, Schinus terebinthifolius
Buckeye, Horse chestnut, Aesculus
Buttercup, Ranunculus, many species, all parts can cause skin irritation, inflammation of mouth, vomiting, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.
Caladium, Caladium bicolor and others
Calla lily, Zantedeschia
Candelabra tree, (pencil tree), Euphorbia
Cardinal flower, Lobelia cardinalis
Carolina jasmine, Yellow jasmine, Gelsemium sempervirens, all parts dangerous, including nectar from the flowers
Caster bean, Ricinus comminus, source of castor oil, the raw beans can be deadly
Cherry tree, Cherry laurel,Chokecherry, Prunus, drying leaves can cause gastric problems
Chinaberry, Melia azedarach, eating the berries can result in convulsions or death
Chinese evergreen, Aglonemia
Chinese lantern, Physalis alkekengi & others, roots and leaves are poisonous
Christmas rose, Helleborus niger
Clematis, Clematis spp.
Columbine, Aquilegia, many varieties, can cause cramps and breathing difficulties
Coral plant, Jatropha spp.
Coral tree, Erythrina spp.
Cowslip, Primula veris
Crinum lily, Crinum spp.
Cyclamen, Cyclamen spp.
Daffodil, Narcissus, jonquil, Narcissus spp.
Daphne, Daphne odorata and others, all parts can cause breathing difficulty & kidney damage
Death camas, Zygadenus venenosus
Delphinium, Delphinium
Dipladenia, Mandevilla
Dumb cane, Dieffenbachia, can inflame throat and cause suffixation if leaves are eaten
Dutchman’s breeches, Dicentra, several species, contains poisonous alkaloids, gastric distress
Dutchman’s pipe, Aristolochia
Elderberry, Sambucus spp. (Ripe berries are both safe and delicious in pies)
Elephant ears, Alocasia, Colocasia & Xanthosoma spp.
Euonymus, Spindle tree, many landscape shrubs, all parts can cause severe abdominal pain
Fishtail palm, Caryota spp.
Flowering tobacco, Nicotiana glauca, nicotine poisoning can result from eating leaves or flowers
Four O’clock, Mirabilis jalapa, gastric distress
Foxglove, Digitalis purpurea, leaves most dangerous, can cause cardiac arrest
Glorisa lily, Climbing lily, Glory lily, Gloriosa
Golden rain tree, Laburnum anagyroides,& others, seeds can cause vomiting & delirium
Ground cherry, nightshade, Physalis
Ground ivy, Glechoma hederacea
Heather, Scottish heather, Calluna vulgaris
Heliotrope, Heliotropum arborescens and others
Holly berries and raw leaves, Ilex
Horse nettle, nightshade, Physalis
Hyacinth, Hyacinthus orientalis
Hydrangea, Hydrangea
Iris, Iris
Jack-in-the-pulpit, Indian turnip, Arisaema triphyllum
Jasmine, Cestrum
Jerusalem cherry, Solanum pseudocapsicum
Jimson weed, Datura stramonium
Lantana, Lantana camera
Larkspur, Delphimium
Ligustrum, privet, Ligustrum
Lily-of-the-valley, Convallaria majalis, all parts, if ingested, can cause cardiac arrest
Lupine, Lupinus, many varieties, can case respiratory distress and digestive disorders
Mandavilla
Marsh marigold, Caltha palustris, not deadly, more an irritant
Mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum, The roots are the problem, not the above ground parts
Mexican flame vine
Mistletoe, Viscum album, and others, all parts poisonous, damages red blood cells
Narcissus
Nightshade, common, Solanum nigrum
Oleander, Nerium oleander, all parts poisonous, can case cardiac arrest
Oriental poppy, Papaver orientalis, source of Opium, Codeine & Morphine
Peace lily, Spathiphyllum
Peony, Paeonia officinalis
Pelican flower, Aristilochia
Periwinkle, Vinca major, V. Rosea, all parts can cause minor digestive upset, now used for both cancer treatment and to control blood pressure
Philodendron, many varieties, all can cause inflammation of mouth & throat even suffixation
Poinciana
Poison hemlock, Conium maculatum, not the tree but a bog plant similar to Queen Anne’s Lace
Poison ivy, oak & sumac, both topical and internal reactions, can be serious
Potato leaves & green potatoes, contains solanins that can cause vomiting & discomfort
Pothos, Epipremmum aureum, can inflame throat and cause suffixation if leaves are eaten
Precatory bean, rosary peas, rosary bean, Arbrus precatorius
Primrose, Primula species, some can cause skin irritation, others severe gastric discomfort
Privet, Ligustrum, species
Ragweed, Ambrosia, pollen can cause serious allergic reactions
Rain lily, Zephyr lily, Fairy lily, Zephyranthus
Ranunculus, Buttercup, Ranunculus, many species, all parts can cause skin irritation, inflammation of mouth, vomiting, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.
Rhododendron, all parts toxic
Rhubarb, leaves, leaves contain oxalic acid but stems are safe
Rosary pea, Crab’s eye, Abrus precatorius, beautiful red & black seeds can be deadly
Star anise, Japanese star anise, Illicium anisatum, not the related culinary spice (Illicium verum)
String of pearls, rosary vine, Senecio, disorientation, gastric discomfort
Sweet pea, all parts can cause gastric distress
Thornapple, see nightshade
Tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum, nicotine is such a potent insecticide that is has been banned from use in many states.
Tomato, the leaves and green tomatoes are toxic and can cause gastric distress & hallucinations
Tree of Heaven, Ailanthus altissima
Tulip, the bulb contains alkaloids
Vetch, common or hairy, all parts can cause minor gastric distress
Water lettuce, Pistia stratiotes, can cause severe mouth & throat irritation if eaten raw
Windflower, Anemone
Wisteria, Wisteria sinensis, seeds are toxic
Yews, Taxus, many varieties, the both leaves & seeds are toxic
Skin irritations and allergies
The following are only a few of the plants may cause contact dermatitis, rash or skin inflammation if handled. Numerous local weeds can also cause skin or respiratory reactions. There are many other plants that can cause an allergenic reaction in those sensitive to compounds contained in these plants.
African milk tree, Euphorbia
Century plant, Agave, sap can cause a reaction in some
Euphorbia, a large family with many species producing a milky sap that can casue skin irritation
Juniper, Juniperus, pollen can cause breathing difficulties in those sensitive. Handling the branches can cause skin irritation as well.
Pencil cactus, Euphorbia
Purple Passion Plant
Poinsettia
Poison ivy, poison oak & poison sumac, Toxicodendron
Spiderwort, Window’s tears, Tradescantia
Stinging nettle, Urtica dioica, can cause rash, hives or short term inflamation
Wandering Jew, Tradescantia