But even plants that are not lethal unless eaten in extremely large doses can be extremely painful and irritating to the skin if touched. These plants are found among our most-prized trees, shrubs, vegetables and vines. They are cultivated as spring flowers, wild flowers, indoor holiday decoration and even ornamental plants. Although these plants may seem only ornamental, some are used for medicinal purposes. The beautiful and popular purple foxglove, which grows in the wild and in gardens all over the world, contains digitalis, an important life-saving medication used to strengthen heartbeats that is fatal if taken in incorrect dosages.
Poisonous plants can cause severe dermatitis, or skin irritation, or internal poisoning.
One leaf can be lethal. Seeds and pods are highly toxic to children. House plants Several commonly-used house plants can be poisonous, including Amaryllis, crown of thorn, dieffenbachia, glory lilly, hyacinth, narcissus, pencil tree, philodendron, boxwood, English ivy, holly, Jerusalem cherry, mistletoe, mountain laurel, yew and poinsettia. Children are the most vulnerable to these plants. Protect them by knowing what plants are poisonous before putting them in your home or garden.