Toxic Plants in Your Garden: Keep Your Children and Pets Safe

By Candida Bohnne-Eittreim, published Mar 12, 2008
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Gardening is such a life-affirming pastime our families can enjoy together. Nothing touches us more than to watch our little ones' eyes widen with delight at some small miracle of nature or to watch our pets chasing after butterflies and exploring plants. Our gardens are our refuge from the stresses of daily life and a place to relax away from the noise and bustle around us. Yet.. how many of us are aware of hidden hazards in our own backyards?

There are plants, common to many gardens, that can pose a serious threat to our children and pets safety. Sure most of us are aware of oleander, castor bean and morning glory being dangerous, but how about the other not so well known toxins out there?

One of the most deadly is the Hydrangea Macrophylla. This genus can grow to 15 feet high. Known as Hills of Snow, Hortensia or Seven Bark, all portions of this plant are poisonous. But the budding flowers contain the most toxin. Ingestion can lead to cyanide poisoning.

Crocus, Autumn Crocus or Meadow Saffron is a bulb. Just one flower from this plant can be deadly. Symptoms include burning, intense thirst, vomiting and diarrhea.

Hyacinth can also cause severe vomiting and diarrhea if any part of its stem, leaves or flowers is ingested.

Iris, Flags In The Snow or Fleur de Lis can cause a severe skin irritation when sap contacts the skin. It also, if ingested, can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and nausea

Sweet Peas, upon ingestion, can cause permanent paralysis. Making this lovely vine a no no where children play.. It can also cause tremors and convulsions in children. The entire plant is toxic.

Tomato The common tomato plants leaves stems and young rootlings can cause a host of symptoms including headache, circulatory depression, vomiting and diarrhea.

Tulip The plant can cause a bad case of dermatitis. When eaten, it can bring on increased salivation, rapid heartbeat, and vomiting.

 
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My daffies hide an ugly secret.

Credit: Candida Eittreim

Copyright: Candida Eittreim

Takeaways
  • Ingestion of mopcap hydrangea can lead to cyanide poisoning.
  • Sweet Peas, upon ingestion, can cause permanent paralysis.
  • Wisteria can cause severe symptoms if ingested.
Did You Know?
During the 17th and 18th centuries, women favored garden toxins as a method for killing off a spouse.
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Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
 
 
Robin thank you. I thought I was very familiar with the common toxic plants, so when I discovered this database I was both surprised and concerned.

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Posted on 04/14/2008 at 1:04:40 AM

 
Plants are bizarre and wondrous chemical factories. Thanks for sharing some of their quirks.

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Posted on 03/28/2008 at 2:03:21 PM

 
Great information! Especially since I have a baby and pets!

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Posted on 03/27/2008 at 9:03:04 PM

 
Very informative info !!!!

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Posted on 03/22/2008 at 9:03:26 PM

 
I think it's important for people to enjoy gardening, but to be aware that hazards do exist. Especially where little ones and pets are present. Before I wrote this, I had no idea sweet peas could be so potentially lethal. Now that I do know, I can be much more proactive in being careful what I plant.

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Posted on 03/17/2008 at 12:03:51 PM

 
very interesting job.

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Posted on 03/17/2008 at 8:03:14 AM

 
Intriguing almost as a thriller. Thank you Candida for a detailed and instructive article.

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Posted on 03/13/2008 at 9:03:03 AM

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