Toxic Plants

https://www.georgiapoisoncenter.org/poisons/poisonous-plants/

The below table lists common plants known to be toxic when ingested. While

this is not a complete list, it contains many plants commonly found in home

landscapes in Georgia.

The purpose of this list is to familiarize you with some of the common plants

known to have poisonous properties when ingested.

Please note, that the term “POISONOUS” does not imply that the plant is

fatal. Some plants may be only mildly toxic and may cause stomach ache or

mild irritation of the mouth and throat when ingested. There are also a

number of variable that determine how severe the poisoning symptoms may

be, such as the age, weight and health status of a person in relationship to the

quantity of the plant ingested as well as the form that the plant was in at the

time of ingestion. It is not the intent to discourage you from planting any of

the plants on the list, but to make you aware of their potential hazard.

Following is a list of the most common poisonous plants found in Georgia:

American Ivy/Virginia Creeper

Autumn Crocus

Azalea/Rhododendron

Belladonna/Deadly Nightshade

Birch Tree

Bird of Paradise

Bittersweet/Woody Nightshade

Caladium/ Elephants Ear

Castor Oil Plant/Castor Bean

Chinese Lantern/Cape

Choke Cherry/ Chokeberry

Devil’s Ivy/Pothos

Dieffenbachia/Dumb Cane Elder (bark, shoots, leaves, roots, unripe berries)

Dogbane

Elephant’s Ear/Philodendron

Foxglove

Holly (berries, leaves)

Jequirity/Rosary Pea

Jimsonweed

Larkspur

Lily of the Valley

Mayapple

Mistletoe

Monkshood

Morning Glory (seeds)

Peace Lily

Poison Hemlock

Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac

Pokeweed/Pokeberry

Poppy

Red Buckeye/Horse Chestnut

Water Hemlock

Wild Mushrooms

Yew

Common Poisonous Plants and Plant Parts

Chart reprinted from materials provided by the Texas State Department of Health and the

National Safety Council

Vegetation helps sustain life. We eat many plants, herbs and so forth in our daily diet. But, we

must remember to be choosy. Some plants, trees or shrubs are potential killers of man. Some part

of the ornamental plants or flowers in your yard may contain deadly poison. Many poisonous

plants are so common and seemingly innocuous you do not suspect their toxic qualities.

For example, who would expect that the beautiful oleander bush-grown indoors and outdoors all

over the country-contains a deadly heart stimulant, similar to the drug digitalis?

It is easy to be deceived by plants…one part may be edible while another is poisonous. The

following chart lists some of the more common poisonous plants.

PLANT TOXIC PART SYMPTOMS

HOUSE PLANTS

Hyacinth, Narcissus, Bulbs Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. May be fatal.

Daffodil

Oleander Leaves, branches

Extremely poisonous. Affects the heart,

produces severe digestive upset and has caused

death.

Dieffenbachia (Dumb

Cane), Elephant Ear All parts

Intense burning and irritation of the mouth and

tongue. Death can occur if base of the tongue

swells enough to block the air passage of the

throat.

Rosary Pea, Castor

Bean Seeds

Fatal. A single Rosary Pea seed has caused

death. One or two Castor Bean seeds are near

the lethal dose for adults.

FLOWER GARDEN PLANTS

Larkspur Young plant, seeds Digestive upset, nervous excitement,

depression. May be fatal.

Monkshood Fleshy roots Digestive upset and nervous excitement.

Autumn Crocus, Star

of Bethlehem Bulbs Vomiting and nervous excitement.

Lily-of-the-Valley Leaves, flowers

Irregular heart beat and pulse, usually

accompanied by digestive upset and mental

confusion.

Iris Underground stems Severe-but not usually serious-digestive upset.

Foxglove Leaves

Large amounts cause dangerously irregular

heartbeat and pulse, usually digestive upset and

mental confusion. May be fatal.

Bleeding Heart Foliage, roots May be poisonous in large amounts. Has proved

fatal to cattle.

VEGETABLE GARDEN PLANTS

Rhubarb Leaf blade

Fatal. Large amounts of raw or cooked leaves

can cause convulsions, coma, followed rapidly

by death.

ORNAMENTAL PLANTS

Daphne Berries Fatal. A few berries can kill a child.

Wisteria Seeds, pods Mild to severe digestive upset. Many children

are poisoned by this plant.

Golden Chain

Bean-like capsules in

which the seeds are

suspended

Severe poisoning. Excitement, staggering,

convulsions and coma. May be fatal.

Laurels,

Rhododendrons,

Azaleas

All parts

Fatal. Produces nausea and vomiting,

depression, difficult breathing, prostration and

coma.

Jasmine Berries Fatal. Digestive disturbance and nervous

symptoms.

Lantana Camara (Red

Sage) Green berries

Fatal. Affects lungs, kidneys, heart and nervous

system. Grows in the southern U.S. And in

moderate climates.

Yew Berries, foliage Fatal. Foliage more toxic than berries. Death is

usually sudden without warning symptoms.

TREES AND SHRUBS

Wild and cultivated

cherries Twigs, foliage

Fatal. Contains a compound that releases

cyanide when eaten. Gasping, excitement and

prostration are common symptoms.

Oaks Foliage, acorns

Affects kidneys gradually. Symptoms appear

only after several days or weeks. Takes a large

amount for poisoning.

Elderberry All parts, especially

roots

Children have been poisoned by using pieces of

the pithy stems for blowguns. Nausea and

digestive upset.

Black Locust Bark, sprouts, foliage Children have suffered nausea, weakness and

depression after chewing the bark and seeds.

PLANTS IN WOODED AREAS

Jack-in-the-Pulpit All parts, especially

roots

Like Dumb Cane, contains small needle-like

crystals of calcium oxalate that cause intense

irritation and burning of the mouth and tongue.

Moonseed Berries Blue, purple color, resembling wild grapes. May

be fatal.

Mayapple Apple, foliage, roots

Contains at least 16 active toxic principles,

primarily in the roots. Children often eat the

apple with no ill effects, but several apples may

cause diarrhea.

Mistletoe Berries Fatal. Both children and adults have died from

eating the berries.

PLANTS IN SWAMP OR MOIST AREAS

Water Hemlock All parts Fatal. Violent and painful convulsions. A

number of people have died from hemlock.

PLANTS IN FIELDS

Buttercups All parts Irritant juices may severely injure the digestive

system.

Nightshade All parts, especially

the unripened berry

Fatal. Intense digestive disturbance and nervous

symptoms.

Poison Hemlock All parts Fatal. Resembles a large wild carrot.

Jimson Weed (Thorn

Apple) All parts

Abnormal thirst, distorted sight, delirium,

incoherence and coma. Common cause of

poisoning. Has proved fatal.

Treat unknown plants with respect, and teach your children to do the same.

Chart reprinted from materials provided by the Texas State Department of Health and the

National Safety Council

Caladium

genus

Commonly known as angel wings, elephant ear and heart of Jesus. All parts of

all plants in this genus are poisonous. Symptoms are generally irritation, pain, and

swelling of tissues. If the mouth or tongue swell, breathing may be fatally blocked.

are generally irritation, pain, and swelling of

tissues. If the mouth or tongue swell, breathing

may be fatally blocked.

Brugmansia

genus

Commonly known as angel's trumpet. All parts

of all plants in this genus contain the tropane

alkaloids scopolamine and atropine; often fatal.

These plants are closely related to and were once

grouped with members of the Datura genus, which

contain the same deadly alkaloids.

Dieffenbachia

genus

Commonly known as dumbcane. All parts are

poisonous; the culprits are needle-shaped

crystals of calcium oxalate called raphides,

which can cause intense burning, reddening of

the skin, irritation, and immobility of the tongue,

mouth, and throat if ingested. Swelling can be

severe enough to block breathing, leading to

death, though this is rare; in most cases,

symptoms are mild and can be successfully

treated with basic analgesics, antihistamines, or

charcoal.

Hydrangea

genus

Known commonly as hydrangea or hortensia.

Hydrangeas are moderately toxic if eaten, with

all parts of the plant containing cyanogenic

glycosides.[88] Must ingest large quantities.

Zantedeschia aethiopica

Known as calla lily or arum lily. All parts of the plant

are toxic, containing calcium oxalate, which induces

irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat, acute

vomiting and diarrhea.[143] Can be fatal.

Lantana

Easter Lily

e Best and Top of Gardening 13 Common Flowers that are Poisonous | Toxic Flowers

13 Common Flowers that are Poisonous |

Toxic Flowershttp://balconygardenweb.com/13-common-flowers-that-are-poisonous-

toxic-flowers/

Mild to Intense, here we’ve listed 13 most common flowers that are poisonous. Every gardener should know about these toxic flowers. Flowers spread the color and joy and compliment the garden. However, there

are some flowers that are common and loved by gardeners are toxic.

No one is saying you should remove them or avoid them altogether, but if you

have small children and animals, you should know what flowers are poisonous

so that you can keep an extra eye and become aware of what the consequences

might be, if they ingest something from the following flowers and plants.

1. Hydrangea Be extra careful when growing hydrangeas, don’t keep them indoors if you have

cats and dogs, if in case they might nibble it. Hydrangeas contain small

amount of cyanide and can be lethal if ingested heavily. Although they are not

dangerous for human, but ingestion of specific amount of leaves or flowers can

cause vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy in pets.

2. Clematis

Rather mild but toxic, clematis is poisonous. When touched or consumed, the

toxin called anemonin (irritant glycoside) affects the pets and humans both. It

can cause dermatitis in some people after contact and mild burning sensation

and ulcer in mouth, if eaten. It affects the pets like dogs, cats and horses more

and causes nausea and drooling. Fortunately the symptoms subside soon, pets

themselves don’t touch clematis because of its bitter taste. *While pruning

clematis, care to wear gloves.

3. Calotropis Calotropis is one of the most common weed grows all across the South Asia, its

latex ooze out from the flowers and leaves that contains calotropin, which if

contacted to eyes can cause blindness.

4. Oleander Oleanders are charming, fragrant and loved by home owners, they bloom in

white, pink, yellow or red. But be careful if you have children, eating only a

meager amount of this toxic flower can be dangerous. All parts of oleander are

extremely poisonous if ingested, even the smoke burn from its wood is toxic.

Symptoms of poisoning include dehydration, fever, slow heartbeat, tremors and

death is also possible.

5. Azalea Both azaleas and rhododendrons are poisonous for pets. These colorful flower

are beautiful to look at and adds color in a garden. Flowers, leaf or stem can

lead to nausea, abdominal pain and difficulty in breathing, if eaten.

6. Daffodil (Narcissus) BULBS The bulbs are the toxic part of this popular and familiar flower, so you should

probably take extra care when you plant it, if you have a dog that likes to dig in

the flower beds. Too much ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, squeeze

cases, tremors and heart rhythm disorders.

7. Lantana

Lantana is extremely common flower in tropics and be treated as weed in many

countries. Its flowers come in shades of white, yellow, pink, red, violet or

orange. This flower is known for its intense fragrance and it also attracts

butterflies. All parts of the plant contain liver toxin. Symptoms like depression,

vomiting, fatigue and liver failure are possible after ingestion.

NON-Toxic

Nontoxic Outdoor Flowering Plants

http://www.gardenguides.com/100944-nontoxic-outdoor-flowering-plants.html

The list of non-toxic outdoor flowering plants goes on and on, but there are many blooms that are not toxic and edible. As with all plants, be sure that you have identified the correct plant, and not a look-a-like before trusting that it is non-toxic. Keep in mind that even edible plants and flowers can cause problems, such as nausea if eaten in

large quantities. They may also also cause allergic reactions in some people and animals.

Alyssum

Alyssum, also known as carpet of snow, is popular as a border plant in formal gardens and flower boxes. Usually seen in white, it also comes in blue, pink, purple and gold. It has a sweet scent that's similar to honeysuckle, and blooms nearly all summer long. Alyssum is non-toxic and edible, although many people report that the blooms have little to no flavor.

Bachelor Button

Bachelor button, or cornflower, has spiky petals and an appearance similar to a shaggy daisy or sunflower. The most common color is blue, but they can also be white, pink or lilac. Bachelor button is non-toxic and edible, but North Carolina State University warns that while the petals are tasty, the calyx, or green petals at the base, is bitter tasting. The petals have a flavor that can best be described as similar to cloves. Bachelor button blooms for about one month, usually in July, but blooms can be made to last all summer by planting in two-week intervals throughout spring.

Hollyhock

With its spiky growing habit, hollyhock is often used as a backdrop in a flower garden, and planted in rows or groupings in informal country-style gardens. While the flowers are showy, they are also non-toxic. Hollyhock flowers are edible, but have little flavor. Hollyhock is gaining popularity as a garnish and cake decoration, even though it is usually removed after serving. They also grow just about anywhere that they receive full sun and regular water, and are ideal beginner flowers.

Marigold

Popular in gardens and in cooking, non-toxic marigolds are used in place of saffron in many dishes. According to North Carolina State University, the tangerine gem and lemon gem varieties have the best flavor. Fresh marigolds have a citrus-like flavor and chefs often use them in salads. They also have medicinal properties and are used to treat skin rashes and irritations. Marigolds bloom in summer and often continue to hold their blossoms through fall. They need plenty of sunshine, but require little care. Marigolds also repel many common garden pests, such as mosquitoes and gnats.

Sunflower

Usually planted for its seeds or cheerful colors, sunflowers are non-toxic and entirely edible. The unopened flower buds are the preferred portion, and taste similar to artichoke if picked early enough. As the flower blooms, the flavor changes and becomes bittersweet. It continues to be edible, however, and is often used fresh in salads, or as a

decoration or garnish. Sunflowers grow easily and quickly and require minimal care. They do, however, require full afternoon sun in order to thrive.

8. Foxglove

Foxgloves are used to prepare medicines, still all parts of the plant are mildly

poisonous, contains digitalis glycoside, digitoxin and deslanocide and used in

heart medicine. However, if you ingest a particular amount of foxgloves it can

cause headache, stomach pain and fainting.

9. Lily of the Valley

The lily of the valley is very toxic, flowers, leaves and stem should not be eaten.

The plant contains cardiac glycosides, which acts directly on the heart and

causes vomiting, illusion, blurriness, slow heart rates and can be fatal in some

cases. Fortunately, the poison is slowly absorbed into the body, so that the

medical intervention on time after consuming can save from much harm to

occur.

10. Morning Glory

Not all species of morning glory are poisonous but there are few, whose seeds

are poisonous, if swallowed. Morning glory contain the toxic called lysergic

alkaloids, which causes medical signs like diarrhea, in-coordination and liver

failure, if large amount of seeds ingested.

11. Wisteria

The tempting beauty of wisteria is alluring but do you know that it is a mildly

poisonous plant, mainly for cats and dogs. Every part of it is poisonous,

especially seeds. If only few seeds are ingested they can cause mild abdominal

pain, vomiting, diarrhea and depression of the central nervous system.

12. Periwinkle (Catharanthus rosea, *formely Vinca rosea)

Madagascar Periwinkle is one of the most easy to grow flowers and can be an

excellent ground covers in warm climates, but it is mildly poisonous and

contains a group of alkaloids. It is used in Ayurveda and Chinese herbal

medicines to cure high blood pressure. Its excess consumption causes drop in

blood pressure and hypotension. Do not confuse Madagascar periwinkle with

Vinca major (greater periwinkle), which is not poisonous.

13. Calla Lily

Calla lily can be an excellent cut flower and looks beautiful, its leaves are edible

after cooking. According to North Carolina state university all parts of calla lily

are poisonous and contains calcium oxalate crystals and because of this, eating

any part of the plant raw can causes swelling of lips, tongue and throat. Similar

symptoms occur to the animals, if they eat it.