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33 Poisonous Plants to Keep out of Your Home and Yard

This list of toxic plants needs to stay on your radar.

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two types of flowers side by side a blue iris on the left and wild parsnip flowering plant on the right
Pauline Lewis; tirc83//Getty Images

There are many plant varieties that can add beauty and color to your home, whether it's your garden or kitchen windowsill. But as you're shopping for the perfect plant for your space, keep in mind that there are some picks that can be extremely harmful to humans and animals.

This list of poisonous plants and flowers can cause everything from severe skin irritation and breathing issues to vomiting. Some have even proven to be fatal, so it's important to keep this visual guide in mind. If you're eager to add some greenery to your home, don't miss our list of hard-to-kill houseplants (the orchid and money tree are just a few favorites). And while you're at it, keep this year's gardening trends on your radar, too!

1

Death Camas

death camus (toxicoscordion venenosum) a.k.a. meadow death camas
Murphy_Shewchuk//Getty Images

This pretty perennial is found throughout the western U.S., but don't let its beauty fool you — every part of this plant is highly toxic to both humans and animals. If it's ingested, it can lead to symptoms like vomiting, stomach pain, tremors and weakness.

2

Cotoneaster

piece of scandinavian cotoneaster twig with vibrant red berry fruits in the warm sunny fall garden
Artist and photographer from Poland//Getty Images

While birds typically gravitate towards Cotoneaster's vibrant berries, this plant can be extremely poisonous to humans and animals (cats and dogs included!). It's native to Europe and certain parts of Asia.

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3

Iris

a close up shot of iris siberica with an out of focus background.
Pauline Lewis//Getty Images

These common garden plants are known to be harmful to humans and pets. Keep in mind that coming in contact with its roots and leaves can irritate the skin, so it's best to wear long sleeves and gloves if you're going to be handling them.

4

Lupine

germany, largeleaved lupine, lupinus polyphyllus
Westend61//Getty Images

This perennial, which is a member of the pea family and can be found across the U.S., might boast visual appeal, but it contains alkaloid chemicals, which can cause harm to humans and animals. If ingested, parts of the lupine can cause upset stomach, difficulty breathing and even seizures.

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5

Night Blooming Jasmine

night blooming jasmine
Karyn R. Millet//Getty Images

This invasive species can be extremely harmful to pets and animals if it's ingested. Symptoms can range from vomiting to seizures if one is exposed to its toxins.

6

Wild Parsnip

wild parsnip (pastinaca sativa) growing at the seashore
tirc83//Getty Images

At some point, you might have spotted this toxic plant by a roadside or in an open field. It should be left alone, as its sap can cause severe rashes, blisters and skin discoloration.

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7

Angel's Trumpet

brugmansia, angels trumpet flowers
Luis Diaz Devesa//Getty Images

This warm-weather plant is a go-to for adding beauty to gardens, but beware since it's part of the nightshade family. The entire plant — from the seeds to the flowers – is toxic and harmful to humans and animals.

8

Autumn Crocus

dolomites, italy 2024/09/04: close up of alpine meadow saffron
Wolfgang Kaehler//Getty Images

This spring perennial, which is also known as meadow saffron and naked lady, may be easy to care for, but every part of the plant is highly toxic to humans and pets. Poisoning symptoms range from diarrhea to burning in the mouth.

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9

Jimson Weed

jimson weed
DeepDesertPhoto//Getty Images

With green leaves — that are sometimes tinged with purple — jimson weed is incredibly unsafe when ingested or inhaled. Although used to treat asthma and other health conditions, it can lead to nausea, vomiting and hallucinations.

10

Lantana (Lantana camara)

poisonous plants lantana lantana camara
AYImages/ Getty

Keep these colorful and bright plants away from your children. Although toddlers and babies may find them attractive, they're toxic and poisonous (even to dogs and cats).

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11

Bitter Nightshade

poisonous plants bitter nightshade
Ali Majdfar/Getty

Commonly found in creeks, gardens and parks, these vines or shrubs have been found to cause livestock and pet poisoning.

12

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

poisonous plants mountain laurel
Picture by Tambako the Jaguar/ Getty

These gorgeous blossoms hold a secret: they're deadly. After consumption, people may suffer from burning on their lips, mouth and throat.

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13

Chinese Lanterns (Physalis alkekengi)

poisonous plants chinese lanterns physalis alkekengi
Martina Borsdorf / EyeEm/ Getty

While the leaves and immature fruit of this plant may be toxic, the color pods are sometimes used in wreaths and dried floral arrangements.

14

Stinging Nettle

poisonous plants nettle
Johner Images/ Getty

If anyone touches the leaves or stems, the needle-like hairs of this plant can inject formic acid into the skin. This can lead to burning and an itchy rash.

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15

Giant Hogweed

poisonous plants hogweed
Ali Majdfar/ Getty Images

It's not the umbrella-shaped flower itself that's dangerous to touch, but the sap. The toxic chemicals make the skin sensitive to sunlight, leading to sunburn and blisters.

16

Yellow Dock

poisonous plants yellow dock
undefined undefined/Getty

Despite its medicinal qualities, yellow dock is unsafe when left raw and uncooked. It can cause difficulty in your breathing as well as heart issues. It's also unsafe for dogs.

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17

Rosary Pea

poisonous plants rosary pea
Pthiti/ Getty

Rosary peas are found in tropical areas and are often used in prayer rosaries and jewelry. While the seeds aren't dangerous on their own, if cracked, broken or chewed, they have poisonous effects.

18

Tobacco

tobacco poisonous plants
Visoot Uthairam/ Getty

The nicotine and anabasine contained in this popular plant is fatal when eaten. Nicotine is widely consumed around the world despite it being psychoactive and addictive.

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19

Lily of the Valley

lily of the valley poisonous plants
Getty Images

Breaking Bad fans will remember that Walter White used this sweet-looking plant for some not-so-sweet deeds. Consuming its toxic compounds — called cardiac glycosides — can send people to the hospital with symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, rashes and diarrhea. If left untreated, those little bells can even cause death.

20

Castor Oil Plant

castor oil plant poisonous plants
Getty Images

Castor oil plays a part in many home remedies, but the actual plant itself is more likely to kill you than cure you. The seeds contain one of the most poisonous naturally occuring substances known to man, according to Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Just one seed can kill a child, as the toxic protein ricin can cause severe dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.

Headshot of Lauren Piro
Lauren Piro
Senior Web Editor
Overseeing all things home for GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com, Lauren swoons over midcentury design and employs tough-love approach to decluttering (just throw it away, ladies). She loves anything neon coral, puts bacon on her veggie burgers, and would follow Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to the end of the earth.
Headshot of Monique Valeris
Monique Valeris
Home Design Director

Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."

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two types of flowers side by side a blue iris on the left and wild parsnip flowering plant on the right
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