Pink oleander (Nerium oleander)
Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Commonly planted in Southern gardens, oleander is one of the most poisonous plants you can grow due to the poison, oleandrin. This toxin damages the heart and will cause heart arrhythmia and can even cause death.
Oleander is so toxic, humans don't even have to ingest it to experience symptoms of poisoning — just touching the plant and tree sap with bare hands or inhaling the smoke of burning oleander can induce toxic effects.
In summer Oleanders produce masses of red, pink and cream flowers. Oleander has historically been considered a poisonous plant because some of its compounds may exhibit toxicity, especially to animals, when consumed in large amounts.
Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)
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.
Native to tropical Australia, heart-leaf poison bush is a woody perennial shrub. It is found from Western Australia's Hamersley Range through the Northern Territory to Cape York Peninsula and Queensland's central highlands. Heart-leaf poison bush is poisonous to stock, requiring pastures with this plant to be fenced.
Recognize the naked lady plant by its bulb-shaped, pink flowers. The primary toxin in the naked lady plant is lycorine, although other alkaloids present in the plants also cause poisoning. Protect yourself and your pet.
The first signs are gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea and vomiting, increased salivation and diarrhea. These are followed by neurological symptoms and cardiac symptoms manifested as sinus bradycardia and other arrhythmias, atrioventricular (AV) block, atrial and/or ventricular fibrillation.
Oleander (Nerium oleander) is an extremely poisonous plant with a non-digitalis cardiac glycoside effect. All parts of the plant are poisonous including the leaves, roots and seeds. Most symptoms from oleander poisoning are cardiac and gastrointestinal in nature and appear 4 hours after ingestion.
Oleander contains multiple poisonous compounds and all parts of the plant are highly toxic to humans and pets. Ingesting even a small amount of the plant can result in serious injury or death. The clear sticky sap can cause skin irritation or a rash on contact.
It's called aconitine, and it's a natural defense mechanism made by the aconite plant, also called monkshood for the shape of its flowers. For its effects, aconite is called wolfsbane, dogsbane and even, disturbingly enough, wifesbane. It grows in mountain meadows across the Northern Hemisphere.
The Bottom Line. Serious poisoning is unlikely when small pieces of azalea or rhododendron are swallowed. But swallowing large amounts of any part of the plant or honey made from these flowering plants can cause life-threatening symptoms.
Many flowering plants have the word “rose” in their common name, but are not true roses. Rose of Sharon, Primrose, Rosebay, Christmas Rose, Moss Rose, or Desert Rose can be poisonous to children and pets.
Like many species of Zephyranthes, pink rain lily bulbs and all parts of the plants contain toxic alkaloids that can cause vomiting, convulsions, and death if ingested. Most nursery stock is self-sterile and unlikely to set seeds.
The entire lily plant is toxic: the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase.
Gympie Gympie
Even the lightest touch can leave victims suffering for weeks, if not months at a time. Infamously known as the most venomous plant in Australia, contact with Gympie Gympie will cause immediate and severe burning that intensifies in just 20 to 30 minutes.
Symptoms: All parts of this plant are toxic and deaths have been reported from significant ingestions. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy and dizziness. Delayed effects include slow heart beat, seizures and coma.
The fruit is not poisonous, but certainly could not be described as edible. Coming from sheltered sites, this tree is much hardier than expected being quite happy in full sun and able to withstand at least a light frost.
excelsa. Known colloquially as the gympie gympie (from the Gubbi Gubbi/ Kabi Kabi name for the plant, gimpi gimpi), gympie stinger, and giant stinging tree (D. excelsa), this plant has the dubious honour of being arguably the most painful plant in the world.
Where they grow: Native to mountainous regions, tulips are most commonly found in places that have dry summers and cold winters. What's poisonous: The leaves, stems, roots, and berries are all toxic, with the bulbs containing the greatest amount of toxic chemicals.
Symptoms: All parts of the plant are poisonous. If eaten, symptoms can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Skin contact can cause dermatitis, rash or irritation. Warning: Seek medical attention if symptoms occur.