26 Poisonous Plants: Watch Out for These Bad Boys
Poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac are the obvious culprits, but there are a whole host of dangerous plants out there.

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Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy may be number one on everyone's short list of plants to watch out for in the yard. Knowing how to identify poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is critical to steering clear of this plant, which can cause reactions in humans ranging from a red, itchy rash to blistering or even anaphylaxis.
Learn More: How to Kill Poison Ivy in Your Yard
Poison Sumac
The leaves of poison sumac sometimes have black or dark brown spots that are filled with urushiol. In autumn, the leaves turn red, yellow and pinkish. Poison sumac typically grows into a woody shrub with glossy cream or pale yellow berries.
Learn More: Poison Plants: Identifying Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac
Bleeding Heart
Dicentra spectabilis, or bleeding heart, is native to woodlands and is a shade loving perennial. The name bleeding heart describes the unique flowers, which resemble tiny pink or white hearts with drops of blood at the bottom. The roots and foliage of bleeding heart contain alkaloids that are toxic to people and plants if eaten in large amounts.
Learn More: How to Grow Bleeding Heart
Azalea
All parts of the azalea are dangerous if eaten in great quantities. Ingestion of the toxin contained in the plant, andromedotoxin, can result in progressive paralysis, coma and death. But human fatalities from eating this plant are rare.
Learn More: How to Plant and Grow Azaleas
Poison Oak
English Ivy
Nerium Oleander Is a Deadly Beauty
Nerium oleander is a rounded shrub or small tree, with long, dark green leaves and an abundance of single or double, sometimes fragrant flowers in variety of colors. All parts of the plant are extremely poisonous.
Learn More: Oleander: Pretty But Poisonous
Heartleaf Philodendron
All parts of the philodendron are toxic.
Learn More: Philodendron Care
Narcissus
The entire daffodil is poisonous, but especially the bulb.
Learn More: Planting and Growing Daffodils
Dieffenbachia Amonena
Iris
The rhizomes and root stock of the iris are poisonous.
Learn More: Iris Flower: Varieties to Grow and How to Care for Them
Foxglove
The flowers, leaves, stems and seeds of foxglove are poisonous.
Learn More: How to Grow Foxgloves
Mistletoe
'Silver Queen' Euonymus Fortunei
Aloe
Amaryllis
The amaryllis bulb contains the poisonous alkaloid lycorine, harmful to pets and humans.
Learn More: How to Grow and Care For Amaryllis
Chrysanthemum
Begonia
Caladium
Gardenia
Hibiscus
Lily of the Valley
Giant Hogweed
Castor Oil Plant
Euphorbia
Wolfsbane
Aconitum vulparia, commonly known as wolfsbane, bears ivory to yellowish flowers from late spring into autumn. Aconitums are extremely poisonous and can cause numbness and tingling just by brushing against the plants.