A blooming garden pleases the eye and the heart. However, some plants can quickly become dangerous. Because many popular garden plants are poisonous, some of them can even be fatal.
Very poisonus
Nugget(Strychnos nux-vomica)
- Synonyms: Common nuke tree, crow's eye tree, strychnine tree, nuke tree
- Plant genus / family: Nuts (Strychnos) / Nitrous family (Loganiaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant, especially the seeds
- Toxin (s): Strychnine (alkaloid)
- Symptoms of poisoning: Diaphragmatic cramps, muscle twitching, respiratory paralysis, central nervous system paralysis
- toxic for: Human, dog and cat
Blue monkshood(Aconitum napellus)
- Synonyms: Real balaclava
- Plant genus / family: Monkshood (Aconite) / Buttercups (Ranunculaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant
- Toxin (s): Diterpenoid alkaloids, ester alkaloids
- Symptoms of poisoning: Burning and tingling sensation first in the mouth, then spread over the whole skin to the point of complete numbness; Severe vomiting, colicky diarrhea, muscle paralysis, visual disturbances, collapse, cardiac arrhythmias, changes in nature, respiratory paralysis, severe pain, death
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses and birds
Note: The blue monkshood is already dangerous for children when they play with the flowers, as the poison can also penetrate the intact skin or skin. Oral mucosa is absorbed. A clinic should be visited immediately if there is any suspicion.
Christmas rose(Helleborus niger)
- Synonyms: Black hellebore, snow rose
- Plant genus / family: hellebore (Helleborus) / Buttercups (Ranunculaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant
- Toxin (s): cardiotoxic bufadienolides, saponins, ecdysones, protoanemonin
- Symptoms of poisoning: increased salivation, scratchy mouth and throat; Gastrointestinal upset along with vomiting, diarrhea and colic
- toxic for: Human, dog, cat, rabbit, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, horse and bird
Real silk blast(Daphne mezereum)
- Synonyms: Cellar neck, bissyberry, real silk blast, ordinary silk blast
- Plant genus / family: Seidelblast (Daphne) / Daphne family (Thymelaeaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant; Exception: pulp
- Toxin (s): Diterpenes (mezerein in the seeds; Daphnetoxin in the bark)
- Symptoms of poisoning: Skin redness, itching, swelling, and blistering (skin); When eating bitten seeds in the area of the oral cavity: swelling, blistering, reddening, increased salivation, dry mouth (feeling thirsty); Difficulty swallowing, cramps, cardiovascular disorders
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, hares, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, horses, tortoises and birds
One berry(Paris quadrifolia)
- Synonyms: Four-leaved oneberry
- Plant genus / family: One berry (Paris) / Germer plants (Melanthiaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant, especially the berries
- Toxin (s): Saponins and glycosides
- Symptoms of poisoning: Nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, visual disturbances, kidney damage, disorders of the central nervous system, death
- toxic for: Man, horse
Angel trumpets(Brugmansia)
- Plant family: Nightshade family (Solanaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant
- Toxin (s): Tropane alkaloids; Scopolamine, hyoscyamine, atropine (main alkaloids)
- Symptoms of poisoning: Hot skin, flushing of the face, dry mucous membrane, dilated pupils, visual disturbances, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, diarrhea, heart problems, hallucinations
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses and birds
Note: If poisoning is suspected, a clinic must be visited immediately.
Spotted hemlock(Conium maculatum)
- Synonyms: Bang herb, real hemlock, garden hemlock, dog parsley, mouse hemlock, rage, horny goat weed
- Plant genus / family: Hemlocks (Conium) / Umbelliferae (Apiaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant, especially the seeds
- Toxin (s): Coniin (alkaloid)
- Symptoms of poisoning: Burning sensation in the mouth and throat, nausea, visual disturbances, muscle cramps, loss of speech and swallowing ability, respiratory paralysis, death
- toxic for: Human beings, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses and birds
Common autumn crocus(Colchicum autumnale)
- Plant genus / family: Timeless (Colchicum) / Timeless plants (Colchicaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant
- Toxin (s): Colchicine
- Symptoms of poisoning: Severe vomiting, severe diarrhea (risk of shock), paralysis, cardiovascular failure
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, hares, guinea pigs, hamsters, horses and birds
Note: The symptoms of poisoning often only appear after two to six hours in humans. A clinic must be visited immediately.
Common thorn apple(Datura stramonium)
- Synonyms: Asthma herb, white thorn apple
- Plant genus / family: Thorn apples (Datura) / Nightshade family (Solanaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant
- Toxin (s): Scopolamine and other alkaloids
- Symptoms of poisoning: Restlessness, dilation of the pupils, dry mouth, obstruction of the bladder, excess temperature, accelerated pulse, clouding of consciousness and / or hallucinations
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses and birds
Note: If poisoning occurs, the nearest clinic must be visited immediately.
Dog parsley(Aethusa cynapium)
- Plant genus / family: Aethusa / umbelliferae (Apiaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant
- Toxin (s): Aethusin (polyin)
- Symptoms of poisoning: Burning in the mouth, paleness, vomiting, cold sweat, increased heart rate, flatulence, dilation of the pupils, visual disturbances, cramps, symptoms of paralysis, clouding of consciousness, respiratory paralysis, death
- toxic for: Human beings, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses and birds
Castor oil(Ricinus communis)
- Synonyms: Wonder tree, Christ palm
- Plant genus / family: Ricinus / milkweed family (Euphorbiaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: Seeds
- Toxin (s): Lectin
- Symptoms of poisoning: general malaise, paleness, fever, tremors, abdominal pain, nausea, nausea; in serious cases: decreased level of consciousness, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, death; after skin contact: redness, itching (allergic reaction)
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses and birds
Note: Castor poisoning from chewed seeds can take hours or days to show. It is recommended that you consult a doctor immediately, even if you suspect it.
Locust trees(Robinia)
- Synonyms: False acacia, false acacia
- Plant family: Legumes (Fabaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: in all parts of the plant
- Toxin (s): Lectins
- Symptoms of poisoning: Abdominal pain with nausea and nausea, increased heart rate, seizures, collaptic conditions
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses and birds
Red thimble(Digitalis purpurea)
- Synonyms: Foxglove, cinquefoil, foxweed, wild bells, wood bell, schoolcocks
- Plant genus / family: Thimbles (Digitalis) / Plantain family (Plantaginaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant
- Toxin (s): Digitaloids
- Symptoms of poisoning: in the early stages: vomiting and nausea, diarrhea; in the advanced stage: severe cardiac arrhythmias, visual disturbances, hallucinations, delirium
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses and birds
Note: In the event of symptoms of poisoning, a clinic or a doctor must be consulted immediately.
Black henbane(Hyoscyamus niger)
- Synonyms: Madwort, old sitter herb
- Plant genus / family: Henbane (Hyoscyamus) / Nightshade family (Solanaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of plants, especially roots and seeds
- Toxin (s): Tropane alkaloids, L-hyoscyamine, scopolamine (alkaloids)
- Symptoms of poisoning: hot skin, flushing of the face, dry mucous membrane, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, changes in the pupils, visual disturbances, heart problems, hallucinations, respiratory paralysis (death)
- toxic for: Human, dog, cat, rabbit, rabbit, horse and birds
Note: If black henbane is poisoned, a clinic must be visited immediately.
Black deadly nightshade(Atropa belladonna)
- Synonyms: Forest nightshade
- Plant genus / family: Deadly nightshades (Atropa) / Nightshade family (Solanaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant
- Toxin (s): Tropane alkaloids
- Symptoms of poisoning: dry mouth, dilated pupils, reddening of the skin, hot skin, racing heart, hallucinations
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and birds
Note: If there is a suspicion of poisoning, a clinic must be visited immediately.
Smelly hellebore(Helleborus foetidus)
- Plant genus / family: hellebore (Helleborus) / Buttercups (Ranunculaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant
- Toxin (s): Saponins (steroid saponins), ranunculoside (petals)
- Symptoms of poisoning: Irritation of the mucous membranes, nausea, cramps
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses and birds
crying heart(Lamprocapnos spectabilis)
- Synonyms: Two-colored heart flower, heart stick, flaming heart, heart of Mary
- Plant genus / family: Lamprocapnos / Poppy Family (Papaveraceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant
- Toxin (s): Cytisine (alkaloid)
- Symptoms of poisoning: Gastrointestinal complaints with vomiting and diarrhea, burning sensation in the mouth and throat, burning eyes, symptoms of paralysis, paralysis, respiratory failure
- toxic for: person
Toxic to very toxic
yew(Taxus baccata)
- Synonyms: European yew, common yew, arch tree
- Plant genus / family: Yew trees (Taxus) / Yew family (Taxaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: Needles and seeds; non-toxic pulp
- Toxin (s): Taxin
- Symptoms of poisoning: Dry mouth, red lips, dilated pupils, paleness, nausea, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cardiovascular disorders, liver and kidney damage, seizures, death
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses and birds
Spotted Arum(Arum maculatum)
- Synonyms: Drumstick, Ronenkraut, Carrion flower, duckbill, peony flower, Stanitzel flower
- Plant genus / family: Arum (Arum) / Arum family (Araceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant including the berries
- Toxin (s): Aroin, cyanogenic glycosides, saponins
- Symptoms of poisoning: severe skin irritation (reddening to blistering, numbness); Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures after consumption
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses and birds
Laburnum(Laburnum)
- Synonyms: Beanbam, clover tree, gold rush, yellow shrub
- Plant family: Legumes (Fabaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant, especially the ripe seeds
- Toxin (s): Quinolizine alkaloids
- Symptoms of poisoning: Vomiting, nausea, tremors; Possible deaths from circulatory failure or respiratory paralysis
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses and birds
Note: If poisoning is suspected, a clinic must be visited immediately.
Giant hogweed(Heracleum mantegazzianum)
- Synonyms: Hercules shrub, Hercules herb, Russian herb, bear claw
- Plant genus / family: Hogweed (Heracleum) / Umbelliferae (Apiaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant; especially the juice
- Toxin (s): Furocoumarins, such as bergapten, pellellin, xanthotoxin
- Symptoms of poisoning: burning, itchy reddening of the skin; Edema, blistering
- toxic for: Human beings, hares, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses
Poisonous
Occidental tree of life(Thuja occidentalis)
- Synonyms: Occidental thuja, common thuja, cemetery tree, fence hedge thuja, tree of life
- Plant genus / family: Trees of life (Thuja) / Cypress family (Cupressaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: Wood, tenons and especially the two-prongs
- Toxin (s): Monoterpenes (essential oils)
- Symptoms of poisoning: after consumption: irritations of the mucous membranes, gastrointestinal complaints including nausea, flatulence, diarrhea and nausea; rare: liver and kidney damage, seizures; reddening and itching on skin contact (allergic reaction)
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses and birds
Cyclamen(Cyclamen)
- Synonyms: cyclamen
- Plant family: Primrose family (Primulaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: Leaves, tuber
- Toxin (s): unknown in cultivated forms
- Symptoms of poisoning: Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea; with larger quantities: sweating, dizziness, increased pulse, drop in blood pressure, seizures, symptoms of paralysis
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and birds
Wisteria(
Wisteria)
- Synonyms: Glycine, Glycinie, Chinaflor, Wisterie, Wistarie
- Plant family: Legumes (Fabaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: Seeds, pods, bark, roots
- Toxin (s): Lectins (pods and seeds), unknown toxin (seeds), wistarin (bark and roots)
- Symptoms of poisoning: Stomach discomfort with diarrhea and vomiting, paleness, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, circulatory collapse
- toxic for: Human beings, hares, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses and birds
Buckthorn(Rhamnus frangula)
- Synonyms: Buckthorn, rifleberry, powder wood
- Plant genus / family: Buckthorn (Rhamnus) / Buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant
- Toxin (s): Glucofrangulin; Glycosides, tannins, saponins (bark)
- Symptoms of poisoning: Malaise, nausea, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea
- toxic for: Man, horse and birds
Cherry laurel(Prunus laurocerasus)
- Synonyms: (Pontic) laurel cherry
- Plant genus / family: Prunus / rose plants (Rosaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of plants, especially leaves and seeds
- Toxin (s): cyanogenic glycosides (leaves and seeds, pulp)
- Symptoms of poisoning: Abdominal pain, nausea, nausea, flushing of the face; rare: headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness, decreased breathing
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses and birds
Coral bush(Solanum pseudocapsicum)
- Synonyms: Coral trees, coral cherries, bouquet cherries, Jerusalem cherries
- Plant genus / family: Nightshade (Solanum) / Nightshade family (Solanaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: (unripe) fruits
- Toxin (s): Alkaloids (solanocapsine)
- Symptoms of poisoning: after consumption: gastrointestinal complaints incl. Nausea, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and birds
lupine(Lupinus polyphyllus)
- Synonyms: Multi-leaved lupine, herbaceous lupine
- Plant genus / family: lupine (Lupus) / Legumes (Fabaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: Seeds, herb
- Toxin (s): Alkaloids
- Symptoms of poisoning: general restlessness, paleness, sweating, tremors, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, cramps, paralysis
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses and birds
oleander(Nerium oleander)
- Synonyms: Rose laurel
- Plant genus / family: oleander (Nerium) / Dog poison plants (Apocynaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of plants, especially leaves
- Toxin (s): Glycosides
- Symptoms of poisoning: Gastrointestinal complaints incl. Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea; with severe poisoning: cardiac arrhythmias, death from cardiac or respiratory paralysis; after skin contact: itching and reddening possible (allergic reaction)
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses and birds
Pfaffenhütchen(Euonymus europaeus)
- Synonyms: (Ordinary) spindle bush, Pfaffenkäpplein, Pfaffenkäppchen, Pfaffenkapperl, Spillbaum, Spindelbaum, European or common eccentric cap
- Plant genus / family: Spindle bushes (Eonymus) / Spindle trees (Celastraceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of plants, especially seeds
- Toxin (s): Steroid glycosides (seeds), alkaloids, evonine, caffeine, theobromine
- Symptoms of poisoning: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, death possible
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and horses
Note: The symptoms of poisoning in the eucoat may only set in after 18 hours.
rhododendron(Rhododendron spps.)
- Synonyms: Rose tree, (hairy) alpine rose, rust rose, alpine rose
- Plant family: Heather family (Ericaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: Flowers, nectar, fruits, leaves
- Toxin (s): Diterpenes (grayanotoxins)
- Symptoms of poisoning: increased salivation, nausea, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, breathing disorders, seizures, severe cardiac arrhythmias
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses and birds
Sadebaum(Juniperus sabina)
- Synonyms: Stink or poison juniper, sevi tree, saber tree, seben shrub, sefi shrub, seven tree, virgin rosemary, maiden tree
- Plant genus / family: juniper (Juniperus) / Cypress family (Cupressaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant, especially biceps and berries
- Toxin (s): essential oil, monoterpenes, sabinene, sabinol, sabinyl acetate, podophyllotoxin
- Symptoms of poisoning: after skin contact: irritations, blistering, tissue damage; After consumption: severe irritation of the mucous membranes, severe vomiting, (intestinal) cramps, diarrhea, kidney damage (bloody urine), irritation of the urinary tract, symptoms of paralysis, respiratory paralysis possible
- toxic for: Humans, particularly toxic to dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits and birds
Cypress Spurge(Euphorbia cyparissias)
- Synonyms: Poison milk, warthog
- Plant genus / family: Spurge (Euphorbia) / Spurge Family (Euphorbiaceae)
- poisonous plant parts: all parts of the plant, especially the milky sap
- Toxin (s): Triterpene saponins, diterpene esters (milk juice)
- Symptoms of poisoning: Inflammation of the mucous membranes and burning sensation in the mouth and throat, vomiting, abdominal cramps, pain, restlessness, delirium, circulatory disorders, circulatory collapse; after skin contact: redness, swelling, itching; After eye contact: inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva, possible threat to eyesight
- toxic for: Humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses and birds
Sources:
https://gizbonn.de/giftzentrale-bonn/pflanzen
https://www.ivydenegardens.co.uk/Plants/poisonousplantsl.html
https://www.botanikus.de/