Nonpoisonous Plants (2024)

FAQs

What plant is not poisonous? ›

Is it possible to recognise a poisonous or harmful plant? There are no common characteristics of form, colouring, odour or taste, which distinguish a poisonous or harmful plant from a non-poisonous plant.

“Poisonous” implies a HIGH level of toxicity. In summary, all poisonous plants are toxic, but not all toxic plants are poisonous. A toxic plant can cause harm through various means, such as skin irritation or inhalation, while a poisonous plant is specifically dangerous if ingested.

The beautiful Hydrangea, known for its striking clusters of blue, purple, pink and white blossoms, is a lovely flowering plant that adds a touch of romance to the garden. Sadly, the entire plant, including the flower buds, is quite toxic to pets and children. All parts of Hydrangea contain traces of cyanide.

Water hemlock (Cicuta douglasii)

Water hemlock is considered to be the most deadly plant growing in North America. It is common in moist areas in meadows, marshes, ponds and even roadsides.

1: Oleander

The oleander, or Nerium oleander, is considered by many to be the most poisonous plant in the world. All parts of the beautiful oleander contain poison — several types of poison. Two of the most potent are oleandrin and neriine, known for their powerful effect on the heart.

The lethality of Manchineel, the world's most poisonous tree ,is made evident by one Spanish name for it, manzanilla de la muerte, or "little apple of death".

Are all house plants poisonous? ›

There are many houseplants which are perfectly safe to grow, but as lovely and harmless as others may appear, they can be toxic and/or dangerous in other ways. It is important to be as knowledgeable as possible about the plants growing in your home.

Any person working outdoors is at risk of exposure to poisonous plants, such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. When in contact with skin, the sap oil (urushiol) of these plants can cause an allergic reaction. Burning these poisonous plants produces smoke that, when inhaled, can cause lung irritation.

Many plants are poisonous to humans when ingested or through skin contact with plant chemicals. The most common problems with poisonous plants arise from contact with the sap oil. Several plants native to the United States can cause an allergic skin reaction. These include poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.