Beautiful Yet Poisonous Household and Landscaping Plants

Amaryllis

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Although Amaryllis is quite beautiful and has been given suggestive names like Belladonna and Naked Ladies, this South African Native can be quite dangerous. Amaryllis bulbs are potentially deadly if they are eaten.

Azalea

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The hearty Azalea is a shrub and not a plant, but toxic nonetheless .It is hard to believe that something as pretty as these shrubs can be such a danger. If ingested, Azaleas can cause not only nausea, it can also cause convulsions and paralysis. Dog owners should be extra cautious when planting Azaleas, as they are dangerous to pets as well, and dogs seem to favor them.

Crown of Thorns

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This colorful shrub comes in a variety of vibrant colors and is a nice addition to any landscaping project, but beware. The milky sap of the Crown of Thorns can cause severe irritation to the eyes, skin, mouth, stomach and throat if it is swallowed.

Dieffenbachia

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Dieffenbachia, or Dumb-cane, is used for tropical gardens, but because of it`s ability to tolerate shade, it is also widely used as a house plant. The leaves and stem of the Dumb-cane can cause irritation and numbness to the mouth and throat if they are eaten.

Hydrengea

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Native to eastern Asia and some parts of North and South America, Hydrangeas bloom from early spring to late fall and come in a rainbow of brilliant colors. Beware of the deceiving beauty though, because if eaten, the buds and leaves of the Hydrangea can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, problems breathing and possibly convulsions.

Lilly of the Valley

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Known for its attractive scent and delicate white flowers, Lilly of the Valley is loved by gardeners everywhere. Originally found in woods and forests, Lilly of the Valley makes a great ground cover in home gardens because it spreads like wildfire. Unlike most plants that are known to cause danger, the entire Lilly of the Valley is poisonous and if eaten can cause nausea and heart disturbances.

Lantana

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Although considered by many to be weeds, Lantana is a popular addition to many butterfly gardens. While many birds are drawn to the berries of the Lantana, its leaves are poisonous to most animals. To humans, if eaten, all parts of the Lantana can cause vomiting, diahrea, visual problems and weakness.

Oleander

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Oleander is a small hearty evergreen that can stand up to frost or drought and is one of the most poisonous plants known. It is so highly poisonous that even a single leaf can cause death if eaten. If burned, even the smoke is toxic.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

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Most commonly used as a house plant, the Pothos plant is admired for its ability to rid the air of pollutants like phamaldahide and benzene. However, it is also harmfull to pets if eaten. The leaves and stems cause irritation to mouth and throat if eaten by humans, and the juices can cause skin irritations.

Yew

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The Yew is classified as an evergreen shrub that many use as a focal point in their home garden. It has dark flat leaves and produces dark red berries. It is said that some Yews have grown to be 1000 years old, but the same cannot be said for animals who eat them. It is advisable that dog owners plant Yews with caution, as it takes less than 1/2 ounce per 10lbs of the animals body weight to cause death.