Deadly Plants You’d Better Stay Away From

- September 16, 2017

When you’re out in the wild, there’s always the chance of stumbling upon a poisonous plant. While adults will probably just pass by, children could suffer from their curiosity.

11. Buttercups

Scientific name: Ranunculus

Where it occurs: In the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. Prefers damp spots or bogs.

There are several species of buttercups, and many of them are poisonous.

Why it is dangerous: It contains caustic sap that can leave blisters on the skin. On contact with mucous membranes, it provokes coughing and larynx spasms. If the sap gets into your eyes, it can cause temporary blindness.

10. Cowbane or Water Hemlock

Scientific name: Cicuta virosa

Where it occurs: In Europe, Asia, and North America. It grows in wet places such as bogs and riverbanks.

Cowbane smells like carrots, but don’t let yourselves be misled: it’s one of the most toxic plants on Earth. It’s not easily distinguished from related species; to be on the safe side, don’t touch similar-looking plants growing in damp places.

Why it is dangerous: Poisoning symptoms include nausea, seizures, and cardiac depression. It may even cause death. As little as 100-200 grams (3.5-7 oz) of cowbane root is enough to kill a cow.

9. Elder

Scientific name: Sambucus

Where it occurs: Temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere and Australia.

The most common members of this genus are red elder and black elder. All parts of the plant are toxic. If you as much as touch an elder, you’d better wash your hands. Ripe black elderberries, however, are completely safe and are used to make beverages and pies.

Why it is dangerous: Causes headache, weakness, abdominal pains, and, occasionally, seizures. Cardiac or respiratory failure are also possible.

8. Oleander

Scientific name: Nerium

Where it occurs: In tropical and subtropical regions. It is used in landscape designing and grown all over the world as a houseplant.

Nerium is truly a treacherous plant enticing us with its fragrance and beautiful pink or white flowers.

Why it is dangerous: It contains cardiac glycosides that can alter your heart rate and cause nausea, headache, weakness, and even death. According to a legend, Napoleon’s soldiers once started a fire using oleander branches and roasted meat on it. In the morning, some of them didn’t wake up.

7. Aconite or Wolf’s Bane

Scientific name: Aconitum

Where it occurs: In Europe, Asia, and North America. Due to its beautiful purple, blue, and yellow flowers, it is grown for decorative purposes. It’s a tall and eye-catching plant.

In the ancient world, it was used for poisoning arrows. Even bees can poison themselvesif they collect aconite pollen.

Why it is dangerous: It is VERY toxic. It causes cardiac arrhythmia, numbness, darkened vision, and death.

6. Jimsonweed

Scientific name: Datura stramonium

Where it occurs: In Northern and Central America, Europe, and Southern Russia.

Jimsonweed resembles potatoes or tomatoes, which is not surprising because it’s their close relative. It is an inconspicuous plant with thorny capsule fruits that have black seeds inside. Its white flowers emit a stupefying smell.

Why it is dangerous: It contains alkaloids that cause palpitations, disorientation, and delirium. In severe cases, death or coma are possible. Shamans of many peoples used this plant in their rituals.

5. Hogweed

Scientific name: Heracleum

Where it occurs: In temperate regions of Eurasia. One species grows in the USA.

It’s a giant and rather impressive-looking plant, but be careful not to take photos of yourselves next to it.

Why it is dangerous: Some species contain furanocoumarins that cause painful blistering under sunlight. If some hogweed sap gets on your hand, wash it and protect it from sunlight for about 2 days.

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