Although most adults would not intentionally eat the leaves or fruit of ornamental plants in the landscape, young children or pets sometimes do. The purpose of this publication is to familiarize you with some of the common landscape plants known to have poisonous properties when ingested. You may be surprised to learn just how many of our common plants, such as azaleas, hydrangeas, boxwood and English ivy, are known to have poisonous properties. Some plants may be only mildly toxic and may cause stomach ache or mild irritation of the mouth and throat when ingested. It is not the intent of this publication to discourage you from planting any of the plants on the list, but to make you aware of their potential hazard when used in landscapes frequented by young children, domestic animals or mentally challenged adults.
Prevention is the best medicine to prevent toxic plant poisoning.
Affect the spinal cord resulting in paralysis and convulsions. Act as heart depressants and stimulants. Irritate the digestive tract and nervous system. Know the names of all the plants in your landscape. If you need help identifying a plant, take a piece of it to a nursery, florist or your county extension agent.