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compostheap
- Newly Registered
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Sat Mar 19, 2011 9:32 pm
- Location: bay area cali
poisonus plants
I want to plant flowers some of them say they are toxic , but if I planted vegetables near them could the poisonous plants leak,spray or contaminate the vegetables.if they are close or touching should they not be eaten?
What plants, specifically, do you expect to plant near what other plants?
If, for instance, you wanted to plant poison oak near *anything* edible, I would say NO NO NO A THOUSAND TIMES NO. But if, for instance, you were contemplating planting foxglove near veggie plants, I'd say go right ahead.
More info, please?
Cynthia H.
Sunset Zone 17, USDA Zone 9
If, for instance, you wanted to plant poison oak near *anything* edible, I would say NO NO NO A THOUSAND TIMES NO. But if, for instance, you were contemplating planting foxglove near veggie plants, I'd say go right ahead.
More info, please?
Cynthia H.
Sunset Zone 17, USDA Zone 9
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compostheap
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- Posts: 6
- Joined: Sat Mar 19, 2011 9:32 pm
- Location: bay area cali
(1) 0199 Asclepias Cinderella
(1) 1746 Balloon Flower Astra Double Lavender
(2) 0348 Butterfly Bush Mix
(2) 51043 Columbine Double Pleat Blackberryâ„¢
(1) 1942 Blue Stokes Aster
(1) 0250 Aster Lilliput Blue Moon
(1) 0070 Alyssum Compacta
(1) 0277 Astilbe Finest Mix
(1) 1017 Morning Glory Scarlet O'Hara
(1) 2497 Amaranthus Towers Mix
(1) 2113 Balloon Flower Komachi
these are what I was going to order I liked how they looked.from a google search a few came up as having toxic effects if eaten but I didnt find anything really specific to about the toxicites.Some say large qauntities are toxic but whats large.some werent at all. So am I just being a paranoid parrot or is there danger a garden noob should know of when trying to grow plants to eat and others that he cant eat in similiar areas.
(1) 1746 Balloon Flower Astra Double Lavender
(2) 0348 Butterfly Bush Mix
(2) 51043 Columbine Double Pleat Blackberryâ„¢
(1) 1942 Blue Stokes Aster
(1) 0250 Aster Lilliput Blue Moon
(1) 0070 Alyssum Compacta
(1) 0277 Astilbe Finest Mix
(1) 1017 Morning Glory Scarlet O'Hara
(1) 2497 Amaranthus Towers Mix
(1) 2113 Balloon Flower Komachi
these are what I was going to order I liked how they looked.from a google search a few came up as having toxic effects if eaten but I didnt find anything really specific to about the toxicites.Some say large qauntities are toxic but whats large.some werent at all. So am I just being a paranoid parrot or is there danger a garden noob should know of when trying to grow plants to eat and others that he cant eat in similiar areas.
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rainbowgardener
- Super Green Thumb
- Posts: 25279
- Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2009 6:04 pm
- Location: TN/GA 7b
Yeah, being a bit paranoid... 
Most "toxic" plants are mildly toxic if you eat them or more especially if a dog or cat would eat them -- but they aren't attractive to dogs or cats, so it would be very strange if they would eat them.
But the toxins are organic compounds in the plant. They don't affect the things around them. By the time the plant breaks down, e.g. in the compost pile, the toxins break down also.
The things you want to worry most about are things, like the poison oak cynthia mentioned, that are poisonous not just by ingestion, but by contact. That does include the milkweed (asclepias). The milky sap of milkweed is a contact irritant which is very bad for your eyes, if you would touch your eye when you have the sap on your hand. It is still a very nice plant to have in your garden for butterflies. I grow some and have never had any problem from it. I have a butterfly garden that's a little bit separate from my veggies, but I doubt it would cause any problem even right next to them, unless you like rubbed milkweed sap on your tomatoes.
I don't know which ones you are worried about. Not all the plants on your list have any toxicity. Astilbe is definitely known as non-toxic and amaranth is an edible grain.
There are only a few plants I worry about. Poison hemlock is a weed that comes up in my yard every once in awhile. It is more virulent poison than most supposedly toxic plants and the toxin can be absorbed through the skin. It is also very long lasting, so could possibly contaminate your compost pile. So I pull that one and trash it instead of composting. Other than a few exceptions like that, that you wouldn't want in your garden anyway, there's little to worry about.
Most "toxic" plants are mildly toxic if you eat them or more especially if a dog or cat would eat them -- but they aren't attractive to dogs or cats, so it would be very strange if they would eat them.But the toxins are organic compounds in the plant. They don't affect the things around them. By the time the plant breaks down, e.g. in the compost pile, the toxins break down also.
The things you want to worry most about are things, like the poison oak cynthia mentioned, that are poisonous not just by ingestion, but by contact. That does include the milkweed (asclepias). The milky sap of milkweed is a contact irritant which is very bad for your eyes, if you would touch your eye when you have the sap on your hand. It is still a very nice plant to have in your garden for butterflies. I grow some and have never had any problem from it. I have a butterfly garden that's a little bit separate from my veggies, but I doubt it would cause any problem even right next to them, unless you like rubbed milkweed sap on your tomatoes.
I don't know which ones you are worried about. Not all the plants on your list have any toxicity. Astilbe is definitely known as non-toxic and amaranth is an edible grain.
There are only a few plants I worry about. Poison hemlock is a weed that comes up in my yard every once in awhile. It is more virulent poison than most supposedly toxic plants and the toxin can be absorbed through the skin. It is also very long lasting, so could possibly contaminate your compost pile. So I pull that one and trash it instead of composting. Other than a few exceptions like that, that you wouldn't want in your garden anyway, there's little to worry about.
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Nature's Babe
- Full Member
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Wed Jul 27, 2011 8:24 am
- Location: East Sussex
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compostheap
- Newly Registered
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- Joined: Sat Mar 19, 2011 9:32 pm
- Location: bay area cali
this info courtesy of Bob Riffle - the formatting is going to get spattered by the Forum software I suspect, so it could be a little painful to review:
Very many plants are poisonous to some degree, esp. those from tropical
regions. This list includes those which are more common in the more temp-
areas of the U.S., in or out of the garden.
Not included herein are those plants which are reputed to be carcinogenic.
Only plants which have an immediate and obvious harmful effect are on this
list. Also not included are infamous plants not native or much found now
in this country such as the European Mistletoe (Viscum spp.) and Mandrake
(Mandragora).
Only flowering plants are here discussed; the toadstools and fungi
being mostly unknown to yours truly.
The asterisks associated with a name mean that there is at least one
record of human fatality associated with the plant.
[NOTE: "spp." means "species" (plural) and indicates that all or most of
the species in the genus are poisonous, e.g., IPOMOEA spp. __All__ species
of morning glory are poisonous to some extent, and some are quite poisonous.]
LIST OF COMMON NAMES FOR QUICK CHECK:
**** Absinthe ****
Aconite
American Hellebore
American Ivy
Angel's trumpet
**** Arnica ****
Autumn Crocus
Azalea
Baneberry
Bead Tree
**** Beaver-Poison ****
**** Belladonna ****
Bittersweet Nightshade
Black Nightshade
Bloodroot
Blue Cohosh
Broom
Buckeye
Caladium
**** California Fern ****
**** Carolina Jasmine ****
**** Carolina Jessamine ****
**** Castor-Bean ****
Cherry Laurel
Chinaberry
Chinese Tallow
**** Christmas Rose ****
Cohosh
Common Nightshade
**** Coral Bean ****
Daffodil
**** Deadly Nightshade ****
**** Delphinium ****
Doll's Eyes
Dulcamara
**** Dutchman's Pipe ****
Elephant's Ear
English Ivy
**** Euonymus ****
False Hellebore
**** Foxglove ****
**** Golden Chain Tree ****
Golden Trumpet Vine
**** Hellebore ****
Helmet Flower
**** Hemlock ****
Henbane
Holly
**** Horse Chestnut ****
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Iris
**** Jack-in-the-Pulpit ****
Japanese Yew
Jerusalem Cherry
**** Jimson Weed ****
**** Lantana ****
Ligustrum
Lily of the Valley
**** Lobelia ****
May Apple
Monk's Hood
Necklace Weed
Meadow Safforn
Mescal Bean
**** Mistletoe ****
Monk's Hood
Moonflower
Morning Glory
Mountain Laurel
**** Musquash Root ****
Narcissus
**** Nebraska Fern ****
Necklace Weed
Night Blooming Jasmine
Oak
**** Oleander ****
**** Palma Cristi ****
Papoose Root
Paradise Tree
**** Periwinkle ****
Philodendron
Peach Tree
Plum Tree
Poison Ivy
Poison Oak
Poinsettia
Poison Berry
Poison Sumac
**** Poke Root ****
**** Poke Salad ****
**** Pokeweed ****
Privet
Red Pucoon
Rhododendron
Rue
Snakeberry
**** Snakeroot ****
**** Spindle Tree ****
**** Spotted Cowbane ****
**** Spotted Hemlock ****
Stinking Nightshade
**** Stramonium ****
Sweet Pea
**** Tansy ****
Texas Mountain Laurel
**** Thorn Apple ****
Vinca
Virginia Creeper
**** Virginia Snakeroot ****
**** Wahoo ****
**** Water Hemlock ****
White Hellebore
**** Winter Fern ****
Wisteria
Woodbine
**** Wormwood ****
**** Yellow Jasmine ****
Yew
ACONITUM spp. (Aconite / Monk's Hood / Helmet Flower) - All parts of these
plants are poisonous. Ranunculaceae.
ACTAEA spp. (Baneberry / Cohosh / Necklace Weed / Doll's Eyes / Snake-
berry) - The fruit (berries) are poisonous. Ranunculaceae.
**** AESCULUS spp. **** (Horse Chestnut / Buckeye) - The seeds are poisonous.
Hippocastanaceae.
ALLAMANDA spp. (Golden Trumpet Vine) - All parts of the vines are poisonous.
Apocynaceae.
**** ARISAEMA triphyllum **** (Jack-in-the-Pulpit) - All parts of the plant
are poisonous. Araceae
**** ARISTOLOCHIA spp. **** (Virginia Snakeroot / Dutchman's Pipe) - All parts
of these plants are poisonous. Aristolochiaceae.
**** ARNICA spp. **** (Arnica) - All parts of these plants are poisonous.
Compositae.
**** ARTEMISIA absinthum **** (Wormwood / Absinthe) - All parts of the plant
are poisonous. Compositae.
**** ATROPA belladonna **** (Deadly Nightshade / Belladonna) - All parts of
the plant are poisonous. Solanaceae.
BRUGMANSIA (DATURA) spp. (Angel's Trumpet) - All parts of the plants are
poisonous. Solanaceae.
CALADIUM bicolor cultivars (Caladium) - All parts of the plant are quite
irritating to mucous membranes. Araceae.
CALONYCTION (IPOMOEA alba) (Moonflower) - All parts of the plant are
poisonous. Convolvulaceae.
CATHARANTHUS rosea (Rose Periwinkle) - All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Apocynaceae. [NOTE: This plant was formerly know as
VINCA rosea.]
CAULOPHYLLUM thalictroides (Blue Cohosh / Papoose Root) - All parts of this
plant are poisonous. Berberidaceae.
CESTRUM nocturnum (Night Blooming Jasmine) - All parts of plant are
poisonous. Solanaceae.
**** CICUTA maculata **** (Water Hemlock / Spotted Cowbane / Beaver-Poison /
Musquash Root) - a close relative of this plant is
reputed to be the poison given to Socrates to cause
his death. All parts of the plant are virulently
poisonous. Umbelliferae.
COLCHICUM autumnale (Autumn Crocus / Meadow Saffron) - All parts of the
plant are poisonous. Liliaceae.
COLOCASIA spp. (Elephant's Ear) - All parts are poisonous. Araceae.
**** CONIUM maculatum **** (Hemlock / Spotted Hemlock / California Fern /
Nebraska Fern / Winter Fern) - very similar in
appearance and chemical properties to the Water
Hemlock. Naturalized in North and South America.
All parts of the plant are deadly poisonous.
Umbelliferae.
CONVALLARIA majalis (Lily of the Valley) - All parts of the plant are
poisonous. Liliaceae.
CYTISUS spp. (Broom) - All parts of these plants are poisonous.
Papillionaceae.
**** DATURA stramonium **** (Jimson Weed / Thorn Apple / Stramonium) - All
parts of the plant are poisonous, the seeds being
the most poisonous. Solanaceae.
**** DELPHINIUM spp. **** (Delphinium) - All parts of the plants are
poisonous. Ranunculaceae.
DIEFFENBACHIA spp. (Dieffenbachia) - All parts of the plants are poisonous.
Araceae.
**** DIGITALIS spp. **** (Foxglove) - All parts of the plants are poisonous
with the leaves being the most poisonous.
Scrophulariaceae.
**** ERYTHRINA spp. **** (Coral Bean) - All parts of the plants are poisonous,
the seeds of some species deadly. Papillionaceae.
**** EUONYMUS spp. **** (Wahoo / Euonymus / Spindle Tree) - All parts of the
plants are poisonous. Celastraceae.
EUPHORBIA pulcherrima (Poinsettia) - All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Euphorbiaceae.
**** GELSEMIUM sempervirens **** (Carolina Jasmine / Carolina Jessamine /
Yellow Jasmine) - All parts of the plant are
deadly poisonous. Loganiaceae.
HEDERA helix (English Ivy) - All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Araliaceae.
**** HELLEBORUS spp. **** (Christmas Rose / Hellebore) - All parts of these
plants are quite poisonous. Ranunculaceae.
HYACINTHUS spp. (Hyacinth) - The bulbs are the poisonous parts. This includes
both Dutch and Roman Hyacinths. Liliaceae.
HYDRANGEA macrophylla (Hydrangea) - All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Saxifragaceae.
HYOSCAMUS niger (Henbane / Stinking Nightshade) - another member of the
Solanaceae (Nightshade Family) and is naturalized over most
of the continental U.S. All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Solanaceae.
ILEX spp. (Holly) - The berries of almost all species are poisonous.
Aquifoliaceae.
IPOMOEA spp. (Morning Glory) - The seeds are poisonous. Convolvulaceae.
IRIS spp. (Iris) - The rhizomes (bulbs) are poisonous. Iridaceae.
KALMIA latifolia (Mountain Laurel) - All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Papillionaceae.
**** LABURNUM anagyroides **** (Golden Chain Tree) - All parts of the plant
are poisonous, esp. the seeds. Papillionaceae.
**** LANTANA spp. **** (Lantana) - All parts of the plants are poisonous.
Verbenaceae.
LATHYRUS odorata (SweetPea) - The seeds are poisonous. Papillionaceae.
**** LOBELIA spp. **** (Lobelia) - All parts of the plants are quite
poisonous. Lobeliaceae.
LIGUSTRUM sp. (Ligustrum / Privet) - All parts of the plants are poisonous.
Oleaceae.
MELIA azedarach (Chinaberry / Bead Tree / Paradise Tree) - all parts of the
plant are poisonous. Meliaceae.
NARCISSUS spp. (Narcissus / Daffodil) - the bulbs are the poisonous parts.
Amaryllidaceae.
**** NERIUM oleander **** (Oleander) - All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Apocynaceae.
PARTHENOCISSUS quinquefolia **** (Virginia Creeper / Woodbine / American
Ivy) - all parts of this vine are
poisonous. Vitaceae.
PHILODENDRON spp. (Philodendron) - All parts of the plants are poisonous.
Araceae.
**** PHORADENDRON serotinum **** (Mistletoe) - All parts of this parasitic
plant are poisonous. Loranthaceae.
**** PHYTOLACCA americana **** (Pokeweed / Pokeroot / Poke Salad) - All parts
of the plant are poisonous. Phytolaccaceae.
PODOCARPUS macrophylla (Japanese Yew) - The berries (fruit) are poisonous.
Podocarpaceae.
PODOPHYLLUM spp. (May Apple) - All parts of the plants are poisonous except
the ripe fruit - it should be avoided.
PRUNUS americana (Plum) - All parts of the plant EXCEPT the fruit pulp
and fruit skin are poisonous. Rosaceae.
PRUNUS caroliniana (Cherry Laurel) - all parts of the plant are poisonous.
Rosaceae.
PRUNUS persica (Peach) - All parts of the plant EXCEPT the fruit pulp
and fruit skin are poisonous. Rosaceae.
QUERCUS spp. (Oak Trees) - The acorns and new growth of oak trees are
mildly poisonous. Fagaceae.
RHODODENDRON spp. (Azalea / Rhododendron) - All parts of Azaleas and
Rhododendrons are poisonous. Ericaceae.
RHUS vernix (Poison Sumac) - All parts of plant are poisonous and immediately
irritating if touched. Always found in low and swampy conditions.
Anacardiaceae.
**** RICINUS communis **** (Castor Bean / Palma Cristi) - All parts of the
plant are poisonous. The seeds are deadly.
Euphorbiaceae.
RUTA graveolens (Rue) - All parts of the plant are poisonous. Rutaceae.
SANGUINARIA canadensis (Bloodroot / Red Pucoon) - All parts of the plant
are poisonous. Papaveraceae.
SAPIUM sebiferum (Chinese Tallow) - All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Euphorbiaceae.
[NOTE: So very many species in the genus SOLANUM and, indeed, the whole
family (Solanaceae) are poisonous that it would behoove the reader
to learn to recognize the very characteristics look of the flowers
of this genus and family and avoid anything that looks like them,
unless it is a certainty that they are benign: viz, tomatoes,
potatoes, etc.]
SOLANUM dulcamarum (Dulcamara / Bittersweet Nightshade) -
SOLANUM nigrum (Black Nightshade / Common Nightshade / Poisonberry) - All
parts of the plant are poisonous, esp. the green (unripe)
fruit. Solanaceae.
SOLANUM pseudocapsicum (Jerusalem Cherry) - The fruit (berries) are poisonous.
Solanaceae.
SOPHORA secundiflora (Texas Mt. Laurel - Mescal Bean) - All parts of the
tree are poisonous, esp. the fruit (seeds).
Papillionaceae.
**** TANACETUM vulgare **** (Tansy) - All parts of this plant are poisonous,
Compositae.
TAXUS baccata (Yew) - All parts of the plant are poisonous. Taxaceae.
TOXICODENDRON spp. (Poison Ivy / Poison Oak) - All parts of the plants are
poisonous. Anacardiaceae.
VERATRUM spp. (American Hellebore / White Hellebore / False Hellebore) - All
parts of these plants are quite poisonous. Liliaceae.
VINCA spp. (Periwinkle) - All parts of these plants are poisonous.
Apocynaceae.
WISTERIA spp. (Wisteria) - The fruit (seed pods) are poisonous.
Papillionaceae.
PLANT FAMILIES REPRESENTED:
Amaryllidaceae: Amaryllis family
Aquifoliaceae: Holly family
Araliaceae: Aralia family
Aritsolochiaceae: Dutchman's-Pipe family
Berberidaceae: Barberry family
Celastraceae: Staff-Tree family
Ericaceae: Heath family
Fagaceae: Beech/Oak family
Hippocastanaceae: Horse Chestnut family
Iridaceae: Iris family
Lobeliaceae: Lobelia family
Loganiaceae: Buddleia family
Loranthaceae: Mistletoe family
Meliaceae: Mahogany family
Oleaceae: Olive family
Papaveraceae: Poppy family
Phytolaccaceae: Pokeweed family
Podocarpaceae: Podocarpus family
Podophyllaceae: Mayapple family
Rutaceae: Citrus family
Saxifragaceae: Hydrangea/Gooseberry family
Scrophulariaceae: Figwort/Snapdragon family
Taxaceae: Yew family
Verbenaceae: Verbena family
Vitaceae: Grape family
ANACARDIACEAE: Cashew/Mango family - many poisonous species (2)
Convolvulaceae: Morning Glory family (2)
UMBELLIFERAE: Parsnip/Carrot family - many poisonous species (2)
Compositae: Daisy family (3)
EUPHORBIACEAE: Euphorbia/Spurge family - many poisonous species (3)
Rosaceae: Rose family (3)
APOCYNACEAE: Dogbane/Oleander family - many poisonous species (4)
Liliaceae: Lily family (4)
RANUNCULACEAE: Buttercup family - many poisonous species (4)
ARACEAE: Arum/Philodendron family - many poisonous species (5)
Papillionaceae (Leguminosae): Pea family (7)
SOLANACEAE: Potato/Tomato/Nightshade family - many species are poisonous (8)
Very many plants are poisonous to some degree, esp. those from tropical
regions. This list includes those which are more common in the more temp-
areas of the U.S., in or out of the garden.
Not included herein are those plants which are reputed to be carcinogenic.
Only plants which have an immediate and obvious harmful effect are on this
list. Also not included are infamous plants not native or much found now
in this country such as the European Mistletoe (Viscum spp.) and Mandrake
(Mandragora).
Only flowering plants are here discussed; the toadstools and fungi
being mostly unknown to yours truly.
The asterisks associated with a name mean that there is at least one
record of human fatality associated with the plant.
[NOTE: "spp." means "species" (plural) and indicates that all or most of
the species in the genus are poisonous, e.g., IPOMOEA spp. __All__ species
of morning glory are poisonous to some extent, and some are quite poisonous.]
LIST OF COMMON NAMES FOR QUICK CHECK:
**** Absinthe ****
Aconite
American Hellebore
American Ivy
Angel's trumpet
**** Arnica ****
Autumn Crocus
Azalea
Baneberry
Bead Tree
**** Beaver-Poison ****
**** Belladonna ****
Bittersweet Nightshade
Black Nightshade
Bloodroot
Blue Cohosh
Broom
Buckeye
Caladium
**** California Fern ****
**** Carolina Jasmine ****
**** Carolina Jessamine ****
**** Castor-Bean ****
Cherry Laurel
Chinaberry
Chinese Tallow
**** Christmas Rose ****
Cohosh
Common Nightshade
**** Coral Bean ****
Daffodil
**** Deadly Nightshade ****
**** Delphinium ****
Doll's Eyes
Dulcamara
**** Dutchman's Pipe ****
Elephant's Ear
English Ivy
**** Euonymus ****
False Hellebore
**** Foxglove ****
**** Golden Chain Tree ****
Golden Trumpet Vine
**** Hellebore ****
Helmet Flower
**** Hemlock ****
Henbane
Holly
**** Horse Chestnut ****
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Iris
**** Jack-in-the-Pulpit ****
Japanese Yew
Jerusalem Cherry
**** Jimson Weed ****
**** Lantana ****
Ligustrum
Lily of the Valley
**** Lobelia ****
May Apple
Monk's Hood
Necklace Weed
Meadow Safforn
Mescal Bean
**** Mistletoe ****
Monk's Hood
Moonflower
Morning Glory
Mountain Laurel
**** Musquash Root ****
Narcissus
**** Nebraska Fern ****
Necklace Weed
Night Blooming Jasmine
Oak
**** Oleander ****
**** Palma Cristi ****
Papoose Root
Paradise Tree
**** Periwinkle ****
Philodendron
Peach Tree
Plum Tree
Poison Ivy
Poison Oak
Poinsettia
Poison Berry
Poison Sumac
**** Poke Root ****
**** Poke Salad ****
**** Pokeweed ****
Privet
Red Pucoon
Rhododendron
Rue
Snakeberry
**** Snakeroot ****
**** Spindle Tree ****
**** Spotted Cowbane ****
**** Spotted Hemlock ****
Stinking Nightshade
**** Stramonium ****
Sweet Pea
**** Tansy ****
Texas Mountain Laurel
**** Thorn Apple ****
Vinca
Virginia Creeper
**** Virginia Snakeroot ****
**** Wahoo ****
**** Water Hemlock ****
White Hellebore
**** Winter Fern ****
Wisteria
Woodbine
**** Wormwood ****
**** Yellow Jasmine ****
Yew
ACONITUM spp. (Aconite / Monk's Hood / Helmet Flower) - All parts of these
plants are poisonous. Ranunculaceae.
ACTAEA spp. (Baneberry / Cohosh / Necklace Weed / Doll's Eyes / Snake-
berry) - The fruit (berries) are poisonous. Ranunculaceae.
**** AESCULUS spp. **** (Horse Chestnut / Buckeye) - The seeds are poisonous.
Hippocastanaceae.
ALLAMANDA spp. (Golden Trumpet Vine) - All parts of the vines are poisonous.
Apocynaceae.
**** ARISAEMA triphyllum **** (Jack-in-the-Pulpit) - All parts of the plant
are poisonous. Araceae
**** ARISTOLOCHIA spp. **** (Virginia Snakeroot / Dutchman's Pipe) - All parts
of these plants are poisonous. Aristolochiaceae.
**** ARNICA spp. **** (Arnica) - All parts of these plants are poisonous.
Compositae.
**** ARTEMISIA absinthum **** (Wormwood / Absinthe) - All parts of the plant
are poisonous. Compositae.
**** ATROPA belladonna **** (Deadly Nightshade / Belladonna) - All parts of
the plant are poisonous. Solanaceae.
BRUGMANSIA (DATURA) spp. (Angel's Trumpet) - All parts of the plants are
poisonous. Solanaceae.
CALADIUM bicolor cultivars (Caladium) - All parts of the plant are quite
irritating to mucous membranes. Araceae.
CALONYCTION (IPOMOEA alba) (Moonflower) - All parts of the plant are
poisonous. Convolvulaceae.
CATHARANTHUS rosea (Rose Periwinkle) - All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Apocynaceae. [NOTE: This plant was formerly know as
VINCA rosea.]
CAULOPHYLLUM thalictroides (Blue Cohosh / Papoose Root) - All parts of this
plant are poisonous. Berberidaceae.
CESTRUM nocturnum (Night Blooming Jasmine) - All parts of plant are
poisonous. Solanaceae.
**** CICUTA maculata **** (Water Hemlock / Spotted Cowbane / Beaver-Poison /
Musquash Root) - a close relative of this plant is
reputed to be the poison given to Socrates to cause
his death. All parts of the plant are virulently
poisonous. Umbelliferae.
COLCHICUM autumnale (Autumn Crocus / Meadow Saffron) - All parts of the
plant are poisonous. Liliaceae.
COLOCASIA spp. (Elephant's Ear) - All parts are poisonous. Araceae.
**** CONIUM maculatum **** (Hemlock / Spotted Hemlock / California Fern /
Nebraska Fern / Winter Fern) - very similar in
appearance and chemical properties to the Water
Hemlock. Naturalized in North and South America.
All parts of the plant are deadly poisonous.
Umbelliferae.
CONVALLARIA majalis (Lily of the Valley) - All parts of the plant are
poisonous. Liliaceae.
CYTISUS spp. (Broom) - All parts of these plants are poisonous.
Papillionaceae.
**** DATURA stramonium **** (Jimson Weed / Thorn Apple / Stramonium) - All
parts of the plant are poisonous, the seeds being
the most poisonous. Solanaceae.
**** DELPHINIUM spp. **** (Delphinium) - All parts of the plants are
poisonous. Ranunculaceae.
DIEFFENBACHIA spp. (Dieffenbachia) - All parts of the plants are poisonous.
Araceae.
**** DIGITALIS spp. **** (Foxglove) - All parts of the plants are poisonous
with the leaves being the most poisonous.
Scrophulariaceae.
**** ERYTHRINA spp. **** (Coral Bean) - All parts of the plants are poisonous,
the seeds of some species deadly. Papillionaceae.
**** EUONYMUS spp. **** (Wahoo / Euonymus / Spindle Tree) - All parts of the
plants are poisonous. Celastraceae.
EUPHORBIA pulcherrima (Poinsettia) - All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Euphorbiaceae.
**** GELSEMIUM sempervirens **** (Carolina Jasmine / Carolina Jessamine /
Yellow Jasmine) - All parts of the plant are
deadly poisonous. Loganiaceae.
HEDERA helix (English Ivy) - All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Araliaceae.
**** HELLEBORUS spp. **** (Christmas Rose / Hellebore) - All parts of these
plants are quite poisonous. Ranunculaceae.
HYACINTHUS spp. (Hyacinth) - The bulbs are the poisonous parts. This includes
both Dutch and Roman Hyacinths. Liliaceae.
HYDRANGEA macrophylla (Hydrangea) - All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Saxifragaceae.
HYOSCAMUS niger (Henbane / Stinking Nightshade) - another member of the
Solanaceae (Nightshade Family) and is naturalized over most
of the continental U.S. All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Solanaceae.
ILEX spp. (Holly) - The berries of almost all species are poisonous.
Aquifoliaceae.
IPOMOEA spp. (Morning Glory) - The seeds are poisonous. Convolvulaceae.
IRIS spp. (Iris) - The rhizomes (bulbs) are poisonous. Iridaceae.
KALMIA latifolia (Mountain Laurel) - All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Papillionaceae.
**** LABURNUM anagyroides **** (Golden Chain Tree) - All parts of the plant
are poisonous, esp. the seeds. Papillionaceae.
**** LANTANA spp. **** (Lantana) - All parts of the plants are poisonous.
Verbenaceae.
LATHYRUS odorata (SweetPea) - The seeds are poisonous. Papillionaceae.
**** LOBELIA spp. **** (Lobelia) - All parts of the plants are quite
poisonous. Lobeliaceae.
LIGUSTRUM sp. (Ligustrum / Privet) - All parts of the plants are poisonous.
Oleaceae.
MELIA azedarach (Chinaberry / Bead Tree / Paradise Tree) - all parts of the
plant are poisonous. Meliaceae.
NARCISSUS spp. (Narcissus / Daffodil) - the bulbs are the poisonous parts.
Amaryllidaceae.
**** NERIUM oleander **** (Oleander) - All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Apocynaceae.
PARTHENOCISSUS quinquefolia **** (Virginia Creeper / Woodbine / American
Ivy) - all parts of this vine are
poisonous. Vitaceae.
PHILODENDRON spp. (Philodendron) - All parts of the plants are poisonous.
Araceae.
**** PHORADENDRON serotinum **** (Mistletoe) - All parts of this parasitic
plant are poisonous. Loranthaceae.
**** PHYTOLACCA americana **** (Pokeweed / Pokeroot / Poke Salad) - All parts
of the plant are poisonous. Phytolaccaceae.
PODOCARPUS macrophylla (Japanese Yew) - The berries (fruit) are poisonous.
Podocarpaceae.
PODOPHYLLUM spp. (May Apple) - All parts of the plants are poisonous except
the ripe fruit - it should be avoided.
PRUNUS americana (Plum) - All parts of the plant EXCEPT the fruit pulp
and fruit skin are poisonous. Rosaceae.
PRUNUS caroliniana (Cherry Laurel) - all parts of the plant are poisonous.
Rosaceae.
PRUNUS persica (Peach) - All parts of the plant EXCEPT the fruit pulp
and fruit skin are poisonous. Rosaceae.
QUERCUS spp. (Oak Trees) - The acorns and new growth of oak trees are
mildly poisonous. Fagaceae.
RHODODENDRON spp. (Azalea / Rhododendron) - All parts of Azaleas and
Rhododendrons are poisonous. Ericaceae.
RHUS vernix (Poison Sumac) - All parts of plant are poisonous and immediately
irritating if touched. Always found in low and swampy conditions.
Anacardiaceae.
**** RICINUS communis **** (Castor Bean / Palma Cristi) - All parts of the
plant are poisonous. The seeds are deadly.
Euphorbiaceae.
RUTA graveolens (Rue) - All parts of the plant are poisonous. Rutaceae.
SANGUINARIA canadensis (Bloodroot / Red Pucoon) - All parts of the plant
are poisonous. Papaveraceae.
SAPIUM sebiferum (Chinese Tallow) - All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Euphorbiaceae.
[NOTE: So very many species in the genus SOLANUM and, indeed, the whole
family (Solanaceae) are poisonous that it would behoove the reader
to learn to recognize the very characteristics look of the flowers
of this genus and family and avoid anything that looks like them,
unless it is a certainty that they are benign: viz, tomatoes,
potatoes, etc.]
SOLANUM dulcamarum (Dulcamara / Bittersweet Nightshade) -
SOLANUM nigrum (Black Nightshade / Common Nightshade / Poisonberry) - All
parts of the plant are poisonous, esp. the green (unripe)
fruit. Solanaceae.
SOLANUM pseudocapsicum (Jerusalem Cherry) - The fruit (berries) are poisonous.
Solanaceae.
SOPHORA secundiflora (Texas Mt. Laurel - Mescal Bean) - All parts of the
tree are poisonous, esp. the fruit (seeds).
Papillionaceae.
**** TANACETUM vulgare **** (Tansy) - All parts of this plant are poisonous,
Compositae.
TAXUS baccata (Yew) - All parts of the plant are poisonous. Taxaceae.
TOXICODENDRON spp. (Poison Ivy / Poison Oak) - All parts of the plants are
poisonous. Anacardiaceae.
VERATRUM spp. (American Hellebore / White Hellebore / False Hellebore) - All
parts of these plants are quite poisonous. Liliaceae.
VINCA spp. (Periwinkle) - All parts of these plants are poisonous.
Apocynaceae.
WISTERIA spp. (Wisteria) - The fruit (seed pods) are poisonous.
Papillionaceae.
PLANT FAMILIES REPRESENTED:
Amaryllidaceae: Amaryllis family
Aquifoliaceae: Holly family
Araliaceae: Aralia family
Aritsolochiaceae: Dutchman's-Pipe family
Berberidaceae: Barberry family
Celastraceae: Staff-Tree family
Ericaceae: Heath family
Fagaceae: Beech/Oak family
Hippocastanaceae: Horse Chestnut family
Iridaceae: Iris family
Lobeliaceae: Lobelia family
Loganiaceae: Buddleia family
Loranthaceae: Mistletoe family
Meliaceae: Mahogany family
Oleaceae: Olive family
Papaveraceae: Poppy family
Phytolaccaceae: Pokeweed family
Podocarpaceae: Podocarpus family
Podophyllaceae: Mayapple family
Rutaceae: Citrus family
Saxifragaceae: Hydrangea/Gooseberry family
Scrophulariaceae: Figwort/Snapdragon family
Taxaceae: Yew family
Verbenaceae: Verbena family
Vitaceae: Grape family
ANACARDIACEAE: Cashew/Mango family - many poisonous species (2)
Convolvulaceae: Morning Glory family (2)
UMBELLIFERAE: Parsnip/Carrot family - many poisonous species (2)
Compositae: Daisy family (3)
EUPHORBIACEAE: Euphorbia/Spurge family - many poisonous species (3)
Rosaceae: Rose family (3)
APOCYNACEAE: Dogbane/Oleander family - many poisonous species (4)
Liliaceae: Lily family (4)
RANUNCULACEAE: Buttercup family - many poisonous species (4)
ARACEAE: Arum/Philodendron family - many poisonous species (5)
Papillionaceae (Leguminosae): Pea family (7)
SOLANACEAE: Potato/Tomato/Nightshade family - many species are poisonous (8)
-
rainbowgardener
- Super Green Thumb
- Posts: 25279
- Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2009 6:04 pm
- Location: TN/GA 7b
Just came upon this list again.... someone's paranoia. From the list above, I have at least 25 of those plants growing in my yard. Other than occasionally brushing up against the poison ivy and getting a bit of rash, I have never had any trouble from any of them (and many of them do go in my compost pile, including bushels of white snakeroot). I have 4 outdoor cats and a variety of wild critters in my yard and none of the critters have ever shown any sign of being bothered by any of these plants.
I think they measure toxicity by isolating the active ingredient and feeding large quantities of it to some small animal (mice?). Almost anything can make you sick if you eat large enough quantities of it. So don't eat anything from your yard or feed it to your pets unless you know what it is and that it is ok (or at least don't do more than taste it). If you are sensible like that, you will be fine and don't need to be going through lists trying to find something to worry about.
I think they measure toxicity by isolating the active ingredient and feeding large quantities of it to some small animal (mice?). Almost anything can make you sick if you eat large enough quantities of it. So don't eat anything from your yard or feed it to your pets unless you know what it is and that it is ok (or at least don't do more than taste it). If you are sensible like that, you will be fine and don't need to be going through lists trying to find something to worry about.