--- title: "10 Poisonous Plants You May Find in Your Backyard" date: "2016-08-18" modified: "2016-08-18" authors: - name: "Jennifer Noonan" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jennifer-noonan/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-ways-your-backyard-can-hurt-you-50383/" categories: - "Gardening" - "Home Safety" - "Interior" - "Landscaping" - "Lawn & Garden" tags: - "gardening" - "safety" --- # 10 Poisonous Plants You May Find in Your Backyard ![]() ### Atropa Belladonna ![]() *istockphoto.com* Known as deadly nightshade (and for good reason), *Atropa belladonna* is one of the most [toxic plants]() in the Western Hemisphere. The dark purple, bell-shaped flowers cause hallucinations and even death if consumed, and just brushing up against its leaves is enough to cause blisters. Exercise caution if you spot the plant in your yard, and get rid of it immediately. ### Bittersweet Nightshade ![]() *istockphoto.com* While not as toxic as its cousin belladonna, bittersweet nightshade is poisonous to pets and can be deadly to children who eat its brilliant red berries. This perennial vine flowers from mid-May to September with pretty clusters of purple flowers. If you have kids or [pets](), stay on the safe side and banish the plant from your lawn and garden. ### Pokeweed ![]() *istockphoto.com* Also known as poke root and pokeberry, pokeweed is a perennial that can grow six to eight feet tall. It’s festooned with white clusters of flowers[ ]()that give way to shiny berries that attract birds. Every part of this plant is harmful, especially the roots, and contact can cause anything from vomiting to internal bleeding. Even worse, pokeweed is invasive and difficult to eradicate. For the best chance of success, [take swift action]() if you notice the weed on your property. ### Poison Oak ![]() *istockphoto.com* Like poison ivy, poison oak grows three-leaf clusters that can cause severe dermatitis and intense itching. This plant can appear as a [shrub]() or a climbing vine, and it's often found in both the western and southeastern United States. If you're planning on getting hands-on, be careful and make sure to wear gloves and protective clothing. ### Jimson Weed ![]() *istockphoto.com* Jimson weed, also called devil’s snare, is loaded with deliriant toxins. The roots, stems, leaves, and seeds are all [dangerous]() if ingested, and they can cause terrifying hallucinations, hyperthermia, erratic heart rhythms—even death. Believed to have originated in Mexico, it has now adapted to survive in cooler climes of North America. ### Giant Hogweed ![]() *istockphoto.com* Giant hogweed is part of the carrot family but has none of the good qualities of the [vegetable](). Growing up to 14 feet tall, with leaves that span up to 5 feet, it’s topped with flowers so beautiful you might want to reach out to touch them—but don't! The sap of giant hogweed is phototoxic, and it can cause skin irritation and blistering that can result in scars that last for years. If you find the wily weed, call your county’s environmental agency immediately. It’s toxic and invasive, and it must be handled with great care. ### Poison Sumac ![]() *istockphoto.com* Even more toxic than poison ivy and poison oak, poison sumac packs a serious punch. If you brush against a plant, you can expect rashes, oozing blisters, and mucous membrane irritation. It grows most commonly in the southeastern United States, specifically in boggy swamp areas. Unlike poison ivy and poison oak, it has leaves that grow in clusters of 7 to 13, with bunches of green berries drooping from its stems. ### Castor Bean ![]() *istockphoto.com* The seeds of the castor bean are among the deadliest on earth, and they are hazardous to both people and pets. While some varieties are intentional additions to ornamental gardens, castor bean also grows as a weed that can reach 15 feet tall. The main toxin in the castor bean seed is ricin, which has been used as a chemical or biological warfare agent. Avoid growing it at home if you have pets or [children](). ### Poison Hemlock ![]() *istockphoto.com* Most famously used to poison Socrates, poison hemlock has no relation to the evergreen hemlock tree. Its fringy leaves can be easily taken for parsley—a [dangerous mistake]() if ingested. If you find the weed on your property, it’s best to remove it carefully while taking precautions, as its toxins can also be absorbed by the skin. ### Poison Ivy ![]() *istockphoto.com* No list of poisonous weeds would be complete without a nod to the nemesis of campers, gardeners, and hikers alike: poison ivy. Growing throughout much of North America, poison ivy causes a rash upon contact that’s accompanied by severe itching and blistering. Its trademark hairy vine is punctuated by three-leaf clusters and white berries. Considered a noxious weed, poison ivy should be eradicated from your property by either pulling it out (while wearing protective clothing and gloves) or spraying it with [herbicide](). ## Author A confessed DIY junkie, Jennifer Noonan writes about home improvement, gardening, and all things do-it-yourself. The recipient of degrees in International Relations and Library & Information Science from Syracuse University, Noonan has worked in media and related fields for over 15 years, including her time at [MTV Networks](), where she served as Manager of Digital Programming at [Nickelodeon](). Today, Noonan lives in Delaware with her husband and daughters, where she is ardently teaching the next generation how to use power tools. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()