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 THE 10 MOST TOXIC PLANTS

Over their evolution, plants have developed numerous toxic agents to protect themselves from being eaten. Many of these substances are extremely poisonous. Even plants that are considered nontoxic—that is, ingestion should not cause serious systemic signs—may result in vomiting and other gastrointestinal disorders. The plants discussed here are common in many homes and yards but even small amounts can cause serious illness or death.

LILIES
Various species including Easter lilies, stargazer lilies, tiger lilies and day lilies.

  • Occur wild throughout North America.
  • Commonly sold as cut flowers or as part of floral arrangements; day lilies are a common landscaping plant.
  • Toxicosis occurs only in cats.
  • Principal toxin - unknown
  • All parts of plant are toxic
  • Causes acute renal failure

    CASTOR BEAN
    Also known as castor oil plant, mole bean, wonder tree.

  • Found in South, Southwest and California. May be wild or cultivated.
  • Principal toxin - ricin
  • Toxin present in all parts of plant but most concentrated in beans.
  • Highly toxic; a single bean can kill a dog.

    CYCAD PALMS
    Many species, but principally sago palm and fern palm.

  • Used as ornamental plants.
  • Principal toxin – cycasin
  • Toxin present in all parts of plant but most concentrated in seed.
  • As few as 1 – 2 seeds can cause death.

    RHODODENDRON, AZALEA, LAUREL
    Many species including rhododendron, azalea, rosebay, laurel and maleberry

  • Ornamental plant found throughout North America.
  • Principal toxin – grayanotoxins
  • Whole plant is toxic.

    YEWS
    Numerous species.

  • Occurs throughout the U.S.; often used as hedges.
  • Principal toxin – various taxane derivatives or taxines.
  • All parts of the plant are toxic; deaths following chewing on branches have been reported in dogs.

    AUTUMN CROCUSES
    Autumn crocus, meadow saffron.

  • Occurs throughout the U.S.
  • Principal toxin – colchicine and similar alkaloids
  • All parts of the plant are toxic but highest concentration of the toxin is found in the flower, the corm, and the seeds.

    FOXGLOVE
    Common foxglove, purple foxglove and straw foxglove.

  • Occurs wild in Pacific Northwest but also used as an ornamental plant.
  • Principal toxin – cardenolides
  • All parts of the plant are toxic, but highest concentrations are found in the flower, fruit, and immature leaves.
  • Causes cardiac arrhythmias

    LILY OF THE VALLEY
    Grown as an ornamental plant

  • Principal toxin – cardenolides
  • All parts of the plant are toxic but toxin is concentrated in the roots.
  • Causes cardiac arrhythmias, seizures and sudden death.

    OLEANDER
    Laurel rosa, Laurel blanco laurel colorado and rosa laurel.

  • Not native to North America; found in the South and California.
  • Frequently planted as a hedge or ornamental.
  • Principal toxin – cardiac glycosides
  • Toxicity often due to ingestion of dry leaves as green leaves are bitter.

    YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW

  • Ornamental found mainly in the South.
  • Principal toxin – brunfelsmidine
  • All parts of the plant are toxic.
  • Causes seizures.

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