
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 |
Return to: Plant Selection
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Last Modified: 07/10/96