Here Are Ten Ways That Your Garden Can Be Danger To You
No one likes weeds. They invade our garden beds and take the water and nutrients from the soil, leaving the flowers and shrubs to wither.
But which ones have the potential to cause you serious harm? Continue reading for a list of the top 10 most dangerous plants that could be hiding on your property.
Atropa Belladonna
The Atropa belladonna plant, also known as deadly nightshade (and for good reason), is one of the most toxic plants that can be found in the Western Hemisphere.
Consuming the flowers, which have the shape of bells and are a dark purple color, can lead to hallucinations and even death; however, simply brushing up against the plant’s leaves can cause blisters.
If you discover the plant in your garden, you should immediately get rid of it and exercise extreme caution.
Bittersweet Nightshade
Bittersweet nightshade is dangerous to humans, animals, and children if they consume any of its brilliant red berries.
Its toxicity is comparable to that of its belladonna relative, but not quite as severe. This evergreen climbing vine blooms with pretty clusters of purple flowers from the middle of May until the end of September.
If you have children or animals in your home, it is best to err on the side of caution and remove the plant from your lawn and garden.
Pokeweed
Pokeweed is a type of perennial plant that can reach heights of six to eight feet and is also known as poke root and pokeberry.
It is covered in fluffy clusters of white flowers, which eventually transform into lustrous berries that draw in a variety of avian species.
If you come into contact with any part of this plant, especially the roots, you run the risk of experiencing symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to internal bleeding.
To make matters even worse, pokeweed is a noxious weed that is difficult to remove.
If you discover the weed on your property, you should move quickly to eradicate it for the best chance of success.
Poison Oak
Similar to poison ivy, poison oak develops into clusters of three leaves and has the potential to cause severe dermatitis as well as intense itching.
This is a plant that can either take the form of a shrub or a climbing vine, and it is common in the western as well as the southeastern parts of the United States.
If you intend to get your hands dirty, exercise extreme caution and always make sure to wear gloves and other protective gear whenever you do so.
Jimson Weed
Toxins that cause delirium are abundant in jimson weed, which is also known as devil’s snare.
Ingestion of any part of the plant, including the roots, stems, leaves, or seeds, can result in terrifying hallucinations, hyperthermia, erratic heart rhythms, and even death.
All of these effects can be brought on by the plant. It is thought that Mexico is where it first appeared, but it has since adapted to live in the more temperate climate of North America.
Giant Hogweed
Even though it comes from the same family as carrots, giant hogweed lacks all of the positive characteristics that are associated with the vegetable.
It can reach a height of up to 14 feet, and its leaves can spread out to a width of up to 5 feet.
At the very top, it bears flowers that are so stunning that you might be tempted to reach out and touch them.
Because the sap of giant hogweed is phototoxic, it has the potential to irritate the skin and cause blistering, both of which can lead to permanent scarring if left untreated.
If you discover the sneaky weed, you should immediately contact the environmental agency serving your county.
Because it is both poisonous and invasive, dealing with it requires extreme caution.
Poison Sumac
Poison sumac packs an even more powerful toxin than poison ivy and poison oak, making it one of the most dangerous plants in the world.
If you accidentally brush up against a plant, you might end up with rashes, blisters that leak fluid, and irritated mucous membranes.
It is most common in the southeastern region of the United States, more specifically in swampy and boggy areas.
It differs from poison oak and poison ivy in that its leaves appear in clusters of seven to thirteen, and it also bears clusters of green berries that hang from its stems.
Castor Bean.
Castor bean seeds are among the most poisonous substances that can be found anywhere, and they pose a threat to both people and their pets.
Castor bean is a plant that can grow up to 15 feet tall and has several varieties, some of which are added on purpose to ornamental gardens.
However, castor bean can also grow like a weed. Ricin, which can be used as a chemical or biological agent in warfare, is the primary toxin found in castor bean seeds.
Ricin has been used in the past. If you have children or pets, you should probably steer clear of growing them at home.
Poison Hemlock
Poison hemlock is not related in any way to the evergreen hemlock tree, even though it was most famously used to kill Socrates.
It is very simple to confuse its fringed leaves with parsley, which is a very risky mistake to make if the leaves are consumed.
If you discover the weed growing on your property, it is in your best interest to remove it carefully while taking appropriate safety measures.
The weed’s toxins can be absorbed through the skin.
Poison Ivy
To say that poison ivy is the archenemy of campers, gardeners, and hikers would be an understatement.
Poison ivy should be mentioned on every list of noxious weeds. Poison ivy is a plant that can be found growing across a large portion of North America.
When it comes into contact with the skin, it causes a rash that is accompanied by severe itching and blistering.
The distinctively hairy vine of this plant bears clusters of three leaves and white berries at regular intervals.
To rid your property of poison ivy, which is a noxious weed, you can either pull it out by hand (while wearing protective clothing and gloves) or you can spray it with a herbicide.
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