Poisonous Plants

The following is a list of garden and house plants which can cause problems in the garden. The list is not exhaustative, but these are the plants generally which are come across in a common garden situation. The plants are listed alphabetically and list the potential problems associated with them. The listed plants all have a category (cat) associated with them which is either A, B, or C. Garden centres generally do not stock category A plants which are considered to be the potentially the most severe of hazard.

Harmful if eaten (Eat)

these are plants which can cause vomiting or stomach ache if ingested via mouth. It is usually berries or seeds which are toxic but can be the whole plant.

Skin and Eye Irritant

Most issues relating to toxic plants contacting the skin is only temporary, causing minor inflammation, itching or blistering. The classic example is when handling Chilli peppers and their seeds and you rub your eyes, touch your lips possibly use the toilet(!) before washing your hands. If the plant is handled excessively and is the skin is exposed to sunlight, the irritation can be intensified. Eye irritation is generally caused by the sap of plants or fine hairs getting into the eye.

*1 = Seed Kernals
*2 = With Sunlight
*3 = Fruit

No matter how you feel, always seek medical advice if the problems encountered persist.

In order to try to reduce the risks which the above plants cause if you follow a few easy points, the family will stay safe and the plants listed will do their jobs of looking great and not being a danger to anyone.

Always supervise children in the garden and teach them to not eat any parts of any plant until they are old enough to know the difference between dangerous and food plants.
Plant any plants which are potentially toxic away from the front of the garden borders or away from areas with high traffic like paths.
Always wear gloves when pruning, planting and generally handling toxic plants and wash your hands when you have finished.
If you do run into problems and you do need medical assistance, take the plant label with you to the doctor or A&E. If you suspect poisoning maybe involved, do not invoke vomiting.