How to Identify Garden Plants Toxic to Humans

May people turn to gardening as a relaxing hobby that beautifies the yard. Some garden as a source of food. Gardening, however, is a riskier hobby than you might think. Toxic plants commonly grow in gardens. These plants are poisonous to your children, your pets and yourself. For this reason, it's important to identify toxic plants.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Obtain a list of common poisonous garden plants. It's also beneficial to look up pictures of these toxic plants (see Resources below).

2. Scan your garden to see if any of the listed plants are present. Some extremely common plants, such as Periwinkles, Azalea, Rhododendron, Philodendron, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Spider Plant, Chrysanthemums, Mums and Aloe Vera are toxic.

3. Take a clipping of the plant to your local nursery and allow an expert to determine its toxicity, if you're unsure about a certain plant.

4. Remember to keep bulbs and seeds in a storage area that isn't easily accessible.

5. Place Mistletoe and Poinsettia out of reach of pets and small children during the holiday season.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep all poisonous house and garden plants out of the reach of children. Always avoid mushrooms because many species of mushrooms are toxic.
• Don't assume that a garden plant isn't toxic just because you've seen an animal eating it. Sometimes animals are able to digest foods that are toxic to humans. If you're unsure about a certain plant, don't put it near a nasal cavity or even handle it unnecessarily.
• Call 911 or another emergency contact source if a loved one or a pet ingests a plant that's even possibly toxic.

Resources

• Cornell University poisonus plant database.