Contributors: T.E. Bilderback, Extension Horticulture Specialist; A.H. Bruneau, Extension Crop Science Specialist; S.C. Hodges, Extension Soil Science Specialist; L.T. Lucas, Extension Plant Pathology Specialist; W.A. Skroch, Professor Emeritus, Horticulture Science; S.L. Warren, Associate Professor, Horticulture Science.

Poisonous Plants

The better people are at recognizing poisonous plants, the more likely they are to avoid them. Plants have various degrees of toxicity. The leaves, roots, or fruit of the following plants are considered toxic to humans. Precautions should be taken when using these plants in areas frequented by small children.

Botanical Name Common Name(s)
Calycanthus floridus Sweetshrub
Cephalanthus occidentalis Common Buttonbush
Conium maculatum Poison Hemlock
Cytisus scoparius Scotch Broom
Gelsemium sempervirens Yellow Jessamine
Hypericum perforatum St. Johnswort
Kalmia latifolia Mountain Laurel
Melia azedarach Chinaberry
Nerium oleander Oleander
Prunus caroliniana Cherry-laurel
Prunus serotina Black Cherry
Rhododendron maxima Rosebay Rhododendron
Rhus radicans Poison Ivy
Rhus toxicodendron Poison Oak
Rhus vernix Poison Sumac
Robinia pseudoacacia Black Locust

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Last Modified: 07/10/96