Poisonous Flowers

Plants form an indispensable part of our diet. However, there are also some varieties that contain toxic chemicals, which after ingestion may cause medical problems to both humans and animals. Take the example of oleander shrub grown as ornamental plants. Its blooms are enlisted as one of the most poisonous flowers. Hence, it is very important for all of us to understand such toxic plants and flowers before we incorporate them in gardening. Here, we will discuss toxicant flowers that you should avoid planting.

List of the Most Poisonous Flowers in the World

While laying out a flower garden, you should take note of the poisonous flowers beforehand. This step is more important if you are a responsible pet owner. If it is the case of venomous flowers for humans, we can avoid touching and ingesting them. With pets, the risk is high even if you train them not to touch or swallow these flowers. Discussed below are some of the most harmful flowers which we commonly planted in our gardens.

Angel's Trumpet: As the name suggests, the flowers of angel's trumpet are large, magnificent and trumpet-shaped. As per plant experts, growing this plant should be strictly avoided as ingesting its colorful blooms contain hallucinogen which is very harmful for pets and humans.

Autumn Crocus: The autumn crocus, an endangered plant species, is also a poisonous plant variety. The white, lavender or purple colored flowers contain an arsenic like toxin called colchicine that has no antidote. Ingesting autumn crocus blooms may lead to cardiac arrest and cardiovascular complications.

Azaleas and Rhododendron: Azaleas and rhododendron are popular shrubs, grown for its evergreen foliage and spectacular blooms. The varied colored, bell-shaped flowers of both these ornamental plants contain andromedatoxin, a potent poison, which causes pain, paralysis and at times, death.

Belladonna: If you have a slight knowledge about poisonous plants of the world, you may be already aware about belladonna. Belonging to the tomato family Solanaceae, the flowers are purple colored and have a regular shape. The tropane alkaloids present in the plant parts is lethal to animals and humans.

Buttercup: Buttercup are generally found growing the wild habitats, though some people grow in the garden. Simply handling the plants and yellow flowers can cause skin dermatitis, particularly in people having sensitive skin. Whereas ingesting flowers accidentally leads to mouth blistering and intestinal problems.

Daphne: Also known by the common name, lady laurel, the daphne is another poisonous ornamental plant. All the plant parts, including leaves, stem, roots and flowers contain toxic chemicals (mezerine and daphnin). If you like the sweet scent of daphne blooms, consider taking extra care while growing this plant.

Foxglove: Foxgloves are most preferred by gardening enthusiasts, especially because of their colorful and tubular shaped blooms. Though they are therapeutically important, almost all parts of the plants including flowers are dangerous. Symptoms of foxglove intoxication include vomiting, irregular heartbeat and convulsions.

Lily of the Valley: Lily of the valley flowers, borne in a long inflorescence are dangerous. Who will believe the white, bell-shaped, innocent looking blooms are extremely poisonous? Ingesting a couple of these flowers can cause vomiting, stomach cramps, digestion problems and heart related symptoms.

Oleander: Oleander, also known as nerium oleander, is a shrub that possesses narrow leaves and fragrant flowers. Based on the variety, oleander blooms may be white, pink or red in color. Parts of the plant as well as flower contain oleandrin, neriine and several other potent toxins, which affect the heart, nervous system and digestive system. You may prefer to read world's most poisonous plants.

Other than the mentioned blooms, there are various flowers which proved to be harmful for us and pets. To mention a few, flowers like aconite, hydrangea, milkweed, datura, daffodils, larkspur, periwinkle, etc. are dangerous. If you have pets at home, you should avoid planting them in the near vicinity of the house. The best way is to consult a horticulturist and seek advice regarding poisonous flowers for dogs and poisonous plant for cats whichever is applicable for you. Also, do not include any of the flowers in cooking until you are not sure about them.