I am writing this article not to scare you away from gardening but to educate you about it. I love to garden but some of the most beautiful plants in the garden are actually poisonous, even deadly. I am extremely careful about what I plant in my garden in order to keep my pets safe. If you have children or animals that frequent your garden, please research prospective garden plants prior to planting them to make sure they are not poisonous. And, if you suspect one of your current garden plants may be poisonous, please research it. If the plant is poisonous, be wise and use caution if you choose to keep it. Here is just a small list of common garden plants that are poisonous to humans and animals:
- Foxglove (Digitalis)
- Rhododendron
- Azalea
- Lily of the Valley
- Hydrangea
- Narcissus (Daffodil)
- Larkspur (Delphinium)
- Oleander
- Poinsettia
- Purple nightshade
- Mountain laurel
- Mistletoe
- Water hemlock
- Wisteria
- Elephant ear
- Lilies in the Hemerocallis genus
- English Yew
- Rhubarb leaves
This is just a short list of garden plants that are poisonous. There are more. If you are unsure whether or not a plant is poisonous, please do a search of the plant prior to planting it in your garden. It could save a life. For a larger list of poisonous and non-poisonous garden plants check out the University of California
If you think a child or an animal may have ingested a toxic plant, please call poison control immediately. Don’t wait.
Stay safe and happy gardening!
Quote of the Day
“A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.”
-Gertrude Jekyll, British horticulturist and writer
Simply Gardening 