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Wild cucumber is a nickname given to at least three different but similar plants: Cucumis myriocarpus, Marah macrocarpus and Echinocystis lobata. They all have large underground stems and produce vines up to 25 feet in length. Coiling tendrils allow them to easily climb shrubs and trees in their native environments. Wild cucumber weeds prefer the moist soil found at the edges of woodlands, in thickets and in swampy areas.
Cultivating a garden and growing indoor plants is a passionate hobby for many people. The beauty of these plants can mask the health risks that select plants pose to our dogs and cats. Symptoms can range from mild digestive upset to death. Research the plants that you choose to bring into your environment. Keep plants and their dropped leaves away from your animals. If your pet has ingested any part of a plant, contact your vet immediately.
The nitrates and nitrites in plant fertilizer, also called plant food, are dangerous to people, especially infants and young children. The toxicity of the dose is determined by how much plant fertilizer an infant or child ingests. In some cases, ingesting plant fertilizer can be fatal, because the chemicals in fertilizers limit the amount of oxygen received by the brain. Call 911 or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 if you know or suspect a baby has ingested plant fertilizer.
Wild cucumber is a vine that grows up the trunks of trees and shrubbery. The vines can reach up to 25 feet long. Wild cucumbers are not edible. The plant is an annual that grows from new seed each spring and dies back each winter. Controlling wild cucumber will prevent it from overtaking the trees in your landscape. Since the plant is an annual, the best control methods involve preventing seed formation.
Wild cucumber weed (Echinocystis lobata) is not a cucumber plant but an annual weed with long vines and star-shaped leaves. Once established, its vinelike stems climb fences and engulf small trees and plants. Eradication is especially important if gardening actual cucumbers or other cucurbits. Although not a cucurbit itself, it can harbor and transmit the diseases that infect them. Wild cucumber responds well to control efforts. However, they will likely need to be applied for several seasons until the soil's seed supply is exhausted.
Sumac is a native North American shrub, which may grow as large as a small tree. Sumac is often seem along roadsides, in old fields or other dry, open areas where the ground has been disturbed and is often too rocky or harsh for other plants. Poison sumac is only one variety of this versatile native plant. In the home landscape, sumacs are valuable for their ability to thrive in places where other shrubs will not. Their production of bright-red berries are valuable to birds and other wildlife in winter when other food is scarce, according to the West Virginia…
Gardeners in the eastern United States must carefully manage vegetable and flower gardens in close proximity to the roots of black walnut trees (Juglans nigra). The walnut's root, leaf and nut husk tissues contain juglone, a chemical that retards the growth or kills plants sensitive to the chemical. Tomatoes, apple trees, petunias and peonies die if planted too close to a black walnut. Dahlias are one flower group for which no definitive data exists on sensitivity to juglone in the soil.
Native to the eastern United States, the black walnut tree (Juglans nigra) excretes a chemical that inhibits or kills competing nearby plants. This phenomenon is called allelopathy, and involves the chemical hydrojuglone, which becomes juglone when in contact with air or soil. Apple trees (Malus domestica) are one tree species that cannot tolerate or survive environments containing juglone. Juglone does not affect all plant species; many can grow close to the black walnut.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency consistently ranks indoor air pollution as among the top five threats to public health. Common houseplants have the potential for improving indoor air quality, according to a joint study conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America. Houseplants are beneficial to your health and can enhance your quality of life.
Birds and plants seem natural together, but some plants can affect a bird's heart or cause liver or kidney failure. A bird does not have to eat part of the plant to absorb the toxins either. Some plants contain toxins on the flowers, seed pods or the leaves. Should your pet bird land on these plants, they could absorb the toxins through their skin or by drinking water that some of the toxic plant material has fallen into.
Gardeners that share their space with cats need to make careful choices when it comes to plant selection. A large number of plants will have adverse effects on the health of cats and may be toxic if ingested. Depending on the plant, leaves, stems, petals and other parts may be harmful and may cause a respiratory distress, kidney failure and death. To avoid problems, growers should consider plants that produce no harmful effects to their pets.
Most children are attracted to flowers. Fragrant and beautiful, they are often irresistible to little hands. In fact, cultivating a garden is a great way to teach children about science and the cycle of life. Unfortunately, many showy flowers, such as oleander, are poisonous and can be deadly if consumed by children. Keep your garden child-friendly by planting flowers that are not poisonous to kids.
Foods that humans consume on a daily basis are potentially harmful to dogs. Plants that attract birds, bees and butterflies outdoors can harm dogs if eaten. Indoor plants look nice on a table or floor, but can be toxic to dogs if eaten. Keeping toxic foods and plants away from dogs is the only way to prevent a serious reaction and possibly death.
Owning a pet places limitations on a number of activities, from having to pay for a kennel while on vacation to putting plastic on the furniture to protect it from their hair and dirt. Owning a pet can also limit the types of plants you can have in your garden and home, since some, including the hosta plant, are dangerous and toxic to pets.
For pet owners and animal lovers, plants that can be harmful to animal health are a source of worry. No one likes the idea that something growing in their flower or vegetable garden or in the neighboring countryside could be poisonous to their dog or cat. The best way to assuage worry and ensure the well-being of your pet is to educate yourself on what kinds of plants may be dangerous if ingested by an animal. Not all vegetables pose a threat, but there are a few poisonous ones that people who own or work with animals should know about.
Desert tortoises are herbivores, meaning plant eaters, and when in captivity will munch their way through almost any greenery they encounter. So it is essential that the garden, and their living space, be filled with safe, healthy plants. Avoid any potentially toxic plants when planning a captive desert tortoise habitat.
Many people enjoy growing houseplants to add beauty to their home or even to purify their home's air. Unfortunately, many popular houseplants are toxic to humans and pets. Since babies have a tendency to put everything in their mouths, poisonous plants present an especially big concern for parents. Being aware of what plants you have in your home and how to treat a toxic exposure can prevent a potential catastrophe.
In some cases, ivy can provide a luscious ground cover and a rustic look to a yard and home. In other cases, ivy may be encroaching on your mulch beds and choking out all of your plants and flowers. For those struggling to keep the ivy in check, there is a simple method of removal. By spraying the ivy with an environmentally friendly herbicide, you can quickly halt its growth and save your mulch beds.
House plants are excellent for adding interest and color to a home décor. Besides being attractive, many types of house plants also cleanse indoor air of impurities and toxins. On the other hand, some house plants that can be harmful to animals, as they contain dangerous toxic elements. Sometimes all the parts of a plant are toxic. If you notice any clinical signs of an oral ingestion, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or your local veterinarian.
The African Spur Thigh, or Sulcata tortoise, is a hardy tortoise that can grow more than 3 feet long and live well over 50 years in the right environment. These enormous reptiles are frequently kept as pets by experienced keepers, but be warned that they need very large pens. Like other reptiles, they require a substrate, but in the case of the Spur Thigh, standard newspaper or dirt will not do. Instead you will need to rely on a variety of plant-based beddings to keep your reptile happy and healthy.
While English ivy is an attractive ornamental ground cover, it's important to keep it under control around trees. Ivy rapidly establishes itself on a tree from growths on the ground. The ivy works its way up the trunk and develops a thick cover on the branches and canopy of the tree. This is detrimental for two reasons -- first, the ivy blocks light to the leaves of the tree, hindering growth. Second, the extra weight of the ivy makes the tree more susceptible to damage in wind and ice storms. It's not difficult to fix the problem, but it will…
A cold blooded reptile, the tortoise enjoys roaming around an outside garden in the warm sunshine. It requires a secure area or pen to protect against escape and predators. Ensure that the outside perimeter fencing of the garden pen stands twice as tall as the length of the tortoise's body. Some species of tortoises enjoy burrowing into the cool soil, so burying wire mesh beneath the soil along the fence line prevents escape. Landscape the pen with edible plants that provide shade and diversity.
People often times have plants in gardens or indoors without considering the toxicity to pets. Several plants harmless to humans are hazardous for dogs and cats. With pets' inquisitiveness of pets, having a toxic plant indoors or outside is dangerous. Avoid certain plants known to be hazardous to pets.
Ornamental grasses are an essential part of landscaping and add interest and variety to lawns and gardens. Although most ornamental grasses are safe for humans and animals, a couple of common varieties may be toxic when ingested. Always consult a professional before choosing plants for your yard if you have outdoor animals or young children.
Of the thousands of species of begonias, only one behaves as a perennial in areas that experience frost. Hardy begonias perform well under shade trees, where they are often combined with hostas, ferns and Japanese anemones. Other species grow well as annuals in borders or in hanging baskets or containers that are easily moved indoors over winter. According to Barbara Pleasant, author of "The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual," the best types for indoor growing include angel-wing, winter-blooming, and fancy-leaved begonias.
Massachusetts is home for many species of poisonous outdoor plants. If you suspect an adult or child has been exposed to or ingested a poisonous plant, call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222.
The list of plants that are poisonous when touched or eaten for Oregon is extensive. Many plants have only some parts that are dangerous and they may vary in toxicity during the year or even from one plant to the next.
Holly plants can be grown indoors as a way to celebrate the winter holidays. For hundreds of years, holly has been used for winter season decorations. More than 780 different species are grown worldwide but only two are used extensively for indoor decorating. In Europe, Ilex aquifolium, known as English holly, predominates. In the United States, Ilex opaca, a native holly plant, is more commonly used. Both of the decorative hollies are know for red berries and shiny leaves on sturdy branches used to make wreaths and other decorations.
Southern Califiornia contains hundreds of potentially toxic plants. Not only are these plants dangerous to humans but also to animals. Some poisonous plants may even cause death.
In the United States, indoor plants are the third most common cause of poisoning in humans, after medicine and household chemicals, according to the University of Nebraska. If you own houseplants, you should find out whether or not your plants are poisonous. In addition, it may be helpful to know which parts of the plants are toxic and the symptoms that may occur if anyone in your household accidentally ingests the plants.
More than one plant species is commonly referred to as a butterfly plant. One is butterfly bush, which refers to shrubs from the Buddleia genus. Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is another. It is a type of milkweed that attracts butterflies.
Although hundreds of plants that grow in the United States are toxic, the number that are poisonous to animals, such as horses, is limited. Despite this, it is important to know which species are dangerous, because they can be confused with grasses that are non-toxic. Some grasses are also only poisonous under certain weather and soil conditions.
Some of the plants and flowers that bring joy and beauty to yards and gardens are poisonous. It is extremely important to be aware of the toxicity potential of your plants to prevent accidental poisoning to humans, pets and livestock.
Poison sumac is a wild plant that can cause topical rashes and when burned, respiratory distress. The plant is not common and it only grows in areas where its roots are in water. Sumac is a shrub-like tree. The oil in the plant is the culprit. It contains urushiol, which sets off an allergic reaction in some people that come in contact with the plant. Poison sumac is mainly found in the Mississippi river area and boggy Southeastern states.
While plants add beauty and life to any home or garden, some can be extremely poisonous if ingested. Eating a poisonous plant can cause anything from a mild stomach upset to seizures, coma and even death. It's always wise to know the facts about a plant before you eat it, and make sure the plants in your garden and home are safe, if you have small children or pets.
The term "house plant" conjures up a small, cozy plant that does nothing but enhance the decor a person's home. Many people, however, do not realize just how dangerous some common house plants can be. In a home with infants who are old enough to pick up objects and put them in their mouths, house plants should be carefully researched and thrown out if they are found to be toxic. Otherwise, these innocent-looking house plants can kill.
According to studies by NASA, houseplants can be healthy for your house, as they effectively filter the air and remove harmful toxins and chemicals. Unfortunately, some houseplants are poisonous to your pets, and should your puppy decide to snack on one, the consequences can be dire. If your home includes a dog, select non-toxic houseplants, or keep them out of Fido's reach.
Many native Asian plants and trees are favorite garden and landscaping choices in North America. However, before planting any species, native or foreign, find out if any of its elements are poisonous. Consider a plant's toxicity before including it in the garden or bringing it into the house, if children or pets could accidentally consume it.
Houseplants are an often-overlooked household danger. Keep your child safe and healthy by knowing the types of plants in and around your home and keeping poisonous plants out of your child's reach. According to the University of Nebraska, plants are the third most common cause of accidental poisoning in American children. Contacting or ingesting poisonous plants is dangerous.
It is always a good idea to be cautious when you are not sure whether a plant or animal is poisonous, but killing or removing them is not necessary. Learn to identify these creatures from a distance so that you can avoid them. Removal is sometimes your best defense against accidental poisoning by plants, so learn to identify the ones that may pose a threat to children or pets. Some parts of plants cause serious problems if eaten, while other parts of the plant are safe to consume. Best practices for poisonous plants include barriers and regular trimming.
Africa has diverse plant life due to the continent's variety of landscapes. Desert, grassland, forest, thickets and savannas support different types of plants. In addition, the continent has broad differences in temperature, rainfall, topography and types of soil that create a variety of ecosystems for vegetation. Africa is also home to a number of poisonous plants that can endanger both humans and livestock.
The jade plant, Crassula argentes, is a houseplant with deep green, thick and fleshy leaves. Despite their beauty, jade plants are highly toxic to animals.
Some of the most beautiful plants and flowers are also the most toxic. When eaten, symptoms range from mild to severe, and possibly death. Keep poisonous plants out of reach of children and pets.
Nicotine is found naturally in the tobacco plants Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana rustica, primarily in the leaves and stems. Nicotine is an alkaloid, a type of organic compound. It is chemically related to cocaine and morphine.
If you have children or pets, your houseplants may be a potential source of danger. Many plants have evolved poisons as a way to ward off potential predators. In many cases, these poisonous plants merely cause stomach upset and pain, but some are much worse. Don't assume a plant is safe just because it is sold as a houseplant; some of the most common plants are also among the most poisonous.
Some tropical plants contain toxins that can harm or even kill the curious cat who tries to eat them. Ingesting these plants' bodies, leaves or seeds can result in organ failure, coma or death.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, "more than 700 plants have been identified" as poisonous to pets. Ingesting a poisonous plant, however, will not necessarily prove fatal. The hydrangea is among plants that are poisonous to pets.
Plants are green because of their chlorophyll content. The chlorophyll alone does not harm cats. Plant toxicity in pets is a dangerous and potentially deadly problem that is unrelated to the color of the plant. Some green plants are poisonous to cats while others, such as catnip, are harmless.
Musk thistle is a member of the aster family and grows up to 6 feet tall. This plant has a purple flower and spiny stems. Musk thistle is classified as a noxious weed, but is non-toxic to animals and humans.
The hibiscus plant is also known as the rose of Sharon and the rose of China. The hibiscus is commonly found in tropical climates. Pet owners should be aware that the hibiscus plant is toxic to animals.
The gerber daisy is also known as the African daisy, Veldt daisy, Transvaal daisy and the Barberton daisy. Gerber daisies will not cause symptoms associated with plant poisoning in animals and children, because they are nontoxic, although the ingestion of any plant can cause adverse effects.
Pet owners must take care to ensure the safety of their animals when choosing plants for their homes or yards. Animals often nibble on plants out of curiosity and can suffer from accidental plant poisoning. Honeysuckle is a plant that is considered poisonous to animals.
The hibiscus plant is also known as the rose of China and the rose of Sharon. This plant is a colorful and exotic addition to any garden or yard. However, hibiscus plants are poisonous to animals, so pet owners may wish to consider a non-toxic alternative when selecting landscaping plants.
If you have a curious pup that likes to jump, climb and chew, keeping poisonous plants out of its reach may prove difficult. Regularly check the plant to make sure your dog hasn't eaten any leaves or flowers.
With their beautiful flowers, hibiscus plants can add a burst of color to your home. While they are not dangerous to humans, hibiscus plants are toxic to cats.
The clivia plant is a species of lily that boasts small flowers in an array of colors, including golden, orange or "scarlet with yellow throat," reports North Carolina State University. These lilies can make a cat sick if it eats one.
Cats have a tendency to be curious and get into or eat things they shouldn't, such as house plants. Unfortunately, some house plants can have adverse, unwanted effects on curious cats. Cat owners should check out a plant's potential toxicity prior to bringing it into the home. If you suspect your cat has ingested a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian right away.
Bamboo plants, bamboo vines and bamboo palm plants are not poisonous to cats. The sacred bamboo plant (also known as heavenly or nandina bamboo) is toxic to felines and can cause "weakness, incoordination, seizures, coma, respiratory failure, death (rare in pets)," according to the ASPCA.
Most Russian tortoises (Agrionemys horsfieldii) found in pet stores for retail are from Uzbekistan, where it hibernates from October through March. From March until June the tortoise mates and forages. There are many plants that are poisonous to the Russian tortoise that are found growing in tropical jungles, outdoor gardens and homes. These are a few of the common plants that should be kept away from the tortoise.
Cat owners often worry about the safety of the plants and flowers inside their home and in their garden. The rose, however, is a flower that is safe to have around cats.
A curious puppy can get into trouble by munching on the wrong outdoor plant. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals advises calling a veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Hotline if you suspect your puppy has ingested a poisonous plant. In some cases, your puppy may not need to see a veterinarian. If your puppy begins exhibiting troubling signs such as seizures or problems breathing, the ASPCA recommends immediate veterinary care. It may save your puppy's life.
The colorful hibiscus is a shrub found in many parts of the country -- usually a landscape plant in warmer climates and container-grown in cooler regions. Pet owners should be aware the hibiscus is toxic to dogs, with ingestion of the plant causing serious adverse effects.
Mercury poisoning, also known as mercuralism, occurs when plants and animals come into contact with a source of mercury. Mercury poisoning occurs when plants and animals are exposed to polluted air and water or ingest other animals with high levels of mercury.
Yes, aloe plants are poisonous to cats (and dogs), according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Consequently, people with cats should not grow aloe plants; if they do, they need to ensure the plants are out of the feline's reach.
Some would argue that few gardens rival the tranquility of an Asian one, and maintaining the proper feng shui energy inside the home is key to balance. If your design theme is Asian, but you own a cat, reconsider jade plants -- they are poisonous to felines.
Jade plants are as magnificent as the mineral they're named after, with leaves a brilliant shade of green. Cats are attracted to greenery, and will eat houseplants if they do not have a healthy source of greens, such as cat grass. Jade plants are poisonous to cats.
The lily is a lovely plant that is popular in many homes. However, cat owners need to be aware that many members of the lily family are poisonous to cats. Certain types of lily plants can cause serous adverse health effects and even death to cats who eat them.
Luckily your pets are smarter than you may give them credit for. The fact that dogs, cats, horses and other animals do not die in large numbers each spring and summer from ingesting poisonous plants indicates they naturally know what to stay away from---usually. But you may not know what is dangerous for the animals. There are several plants you may have around your home or in the house that, if ingested, can do harm to an animal.
As of October 2010, there were nearly 400 plants listed as toxic to cats on the website of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Therefore, it is important for pet owners to research a plant's effects and potential toxicity prior to bringing it into the home. Kittens are especially curious and can get into or eat plants that could be dangerous to them.
The jade plant is a houseplant native to South Africa but common in many households in the United States. Despite its beauty, the jade plant is toxic to both dogs and cats.
Members of the Hosta genus are typically grown as ground cover, providing gardeners with a shade-tolerant plant with interesting foliage. Despite the appeal of these leafy plants, they pose a danger to pets.
Cats are curious animals by nature, and they will occasionally mouth or eat whole plants. If your cats spend time outdoors, make sure that the plants that they will encounter in your yard are not poisonous to them. Learn what outdoor plants are poisonous to cats and make sure that you do not plant them in a place where your cat can reach them.
The pastoral beauty of a farm or a rural home draws on the close cohabitation of livestock and useful and beautiful plants. However, if cattle graze close to your garden, make sure that your selection of plantings doesn't expose them to dangerous toxins. Many ornamental plants, both wild and cultivated, can cause cows serious illness or death if ingested.
Potentially toxic flowering plants are common in the desert, as are a number of desert animals. Flowering plants potentially poisonous to desert animals, however, is a much narrower field. A handful of flowering plants native to North America and the desert of the American southwest are potentially dangerous to desert animals. From massive flowers with lethal hallucinogenic properties to flowering weeds strong enough to kill horses, these plants are potentially harmful to both wild and domesticated animals of the desert.
Houseplant enthusiasts who own pets must take care not to bring poisonous plants in the home. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals posts an extensive list of plants, toxic to cats, dogs and also horses. Puppies like to chew on everything and so do kittens and cats. Poisonous plants may not pose as much danger to an older dog that long ago gave up chewing and eating things, other than their own food. If you suspect your pet ate a poisonous houseplant, call your veterinarian immediately. If your vet isn't available call the ASPCA 24-hour emergency…
Plants that have come in contact with toxic levels of lead show symptoms leading up to eventual death. Lead can enter the plant through its soil supply, water or through the air. Gardeners who live near industrial centers should take care when planting outdoors to ensure that no contamination occurs.
Begonias are a large genus of flower plants that belong to the Begoniaceae family. The plants bear large, attractive flowers in yellow, scarlet, pink and white. According to Mark C. Tebbitt in the book "Begonias: Cultivation, Identification and Natural History," there are more than 1500 different types of Begonias. Every type is slightly toxic, with the roots, tubers and rhizomes being more toxic than other parts. If ingested, these parts cause non-fatal poisoning in animals and humans. Symptoms include swelling and burning of the mouth.
Throughout the world, there are over 400 species of holly plants. Although edible to some birds and other animals, holly berries are not edible for humans and should not be consumed.
Holly plants are beautiful plants that keep their thick leaves throughout the wintery, snow-filled months. Their are many species of holly found in varying climates throughout the world. Some holly vines are considered toxic since their berries and leaves may cause stomach cramping and pain if eaten.
The poison sumac (Toxicodenron vermix Kuntze) plant, found primarily in the eastern United States, is extremely poisonous to humans. Poison sumac plants grow in swamps, bogs, depressions and other wetlands. Other habitats where poison sumac plants are found include acidic pine woods and shady hardwood forests in Texas.
The Amazon rain forest is known for its rich collection of plants and animals, some found nowhere else in the world. Science has only begun to explore the medicinal properties of some of the plant specimens found in the jungle, with some already known to aid modern medicine. While indigenous people are familiar with certain plants and have been using them for shamanic and medicinal purposes, some of the plants of the Amazon are poisonous and potentially fatal if consumed incorrectly or consumed at all.
Many cats like to nibble on plants and unfortunately, some are poisonous. As a result, some cat owners have resigned themselves to a life without plants in or around their homes. This doesn’t have to be the case, however, as there are a variety of plants that actually are safe for cats.
Many people enjoy the plants associated with Christmas; they make wreaths out of holly, put potted poinsettias around the house and perhaps have a sprig of mistletoe hanging overhead. And there's always a tree, decorated with Christmas ornaments and surrounded by gifts. There is no reason not to enjoy traditional Christmas plants, but some are poisonous to cats and should be kept out of their reach.
Water plants add beauty, nutrients and oxygen to backyard ponds or water features, but choose your plants carefully, especially if small children or pets will be near the area. Some water plants commonly used in home landscapes are toxic. Most will cause varying degrees of physical discomfort, but a few of them are poisonous enough to kill adults and large animals.
Domesticated rats are loving pets, but the wild species will infest homes and public buildings, spreading disease and parasites as they seek food and shelter. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, cleanliness and good sanitation will limit rats' ability to survive indoors and around homes but may not prevent infestation. Commercial rat poisons can be harmful to the environment and lethal to pets, barn animals and children. However, poison may be necessary if traps or natural deterrents, such as pet cats, predator urine, dog fur, pepper spray, ammonia or peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls, are unsuccessful.
While it is unlikely you are going to eat any of your house plants, children and pets don't always subscribe to the same sort of self control. Most house plants are harmless if ingested, but there are some that are poisonous and can make a person or animal sick if eaten. All of these poisonous plants are commonly seen in houses, but it is good to recognize which plants are poisonous and keep them out of reach of your kids and pets.
Many people do not realize how dangerous house plants can be to children. The most recent data compiled by the American Association of Poison Control Centers shows that plant poisoning is the ninth most common type of poisoning affecting children. Although the poisons in some house plants are most dangerous to children aged 3 and younger, people of any age should avoid ingesting them. In case of accidental ingestion, contact your local poison control center.
House plants can be very beneficial to our lives and homes. They can renew and purify stale indoor air, by exchanging the carbon dioxide with oxygen, according to the Blankee's website. However, some house plants are poisonous to humans and pets. If a person or pet ingests a poisonous plant (or even if you think they have), contact your doctor or veterinarian immediately. Check to see what kind of plants you have and take the necessary precautions to keep your family and pets safe.
If you're visiting a tropical region that you don't know much about, it's important to know which plants to avoid. Some plants can be extremely poisonous and even cause death.The best way to make sure that you won't be harmed by a poisonous plant is to refrain from eating any part of any plant--even berries that may look edible. Most of the time, poisonous plants can't harm you if you don't ingest them.
Although some shrubs are poisonous, they're not always labeled as such at garden centers. Before you buy a plant you don't know, do some research to find out whether it could pose any risk to you and your family, including your pets. Young children in particular are at risk for plant poisoning because they like to put things in their mouths. Also, if you're enjoying the outdoors, avoid tasting and touching any berries or other plant parts in case they have chemicals harmful to your health.
Anthurium, also known as the flamingo flower, is native to tropical areas of South America, but is now commonly associated with cultivators in Hawaii. Anthurium is a perennial flower, grown from a rhizome, and is most often propagated as a house plant. The plant has rich green foliage and a pink-orange flower. Sometimes referred to as "dumbcane," the plant is also toxic and has historically been used as a torture device to keep people from talking because it swells the tongue.
Many common plant species contain poisonous seeds, leaves, stems or other parts. Before letting animals and small children run unsupervised in the yard or garden, check the area for poisonous plants. Many harmful or even deadly plants may appear attractive and harmless. Plant seeds in particular may be appealing to young children, who may eat them unsuspectingly, thinking or pretending that they are berries.
The use of indoor plants or houseplants help bring in natural green into the inside living areas. According to the University of Georgia Extension, people spend 90 percent of their time indoors and houseplants are becoming an increasingly popular way to enhance a sense of well being indoors. Plant toxicity is one factor to consider when selecting indoor plants. This is especially important where there are pets and children in the house.
Many plants commonly used for ornamental value in residential and commercial landscapes are also poisonous. If ingested by pets or children, these plants can cause severe symptoms and in some cases, may result in death. The wisteria, azalea, lily of the valley, oleander and hyacinth are among the most common poisonous plants used in gardens and as house plants.
House plants dress up and add color and beauty to the home. They can also help purify the air, but there are many common house plants that are poisonous to humans. Most house plants originate from tropical climates because they thrive well in low light conditions but many of them can cause skin irritations, allergies and some can even be fatal if ingested. For this reason, it's important to know if the plants in your home are poisonous or not. If you do have poisonous house plants, you need know how to handle and care for them property.
A bright green plant native to Mexico, the sedum burrito plant is a low-maintenance yet fragile addition to the garden. While this particular type of sedum plant is not poisonous, handling its leaves without gloves can cause skin irritation.
Many plants are known to contain biologically active chemicals like digitoxin, colchicines and atropine which can treat a variety of human and animal diseases. On the same note a number of plants contain constituents which produce an adverse effect on human and animals. In Pennsylvania the economic loss due to ingestion of poisonous plants especially by livestock is relatively less compared to other states. Different groups of poisonous plants exist in Pennsylvania.
South Carolina is home to dozens of colorful and beautiful plants and flowers. There are also a few deadly poisonous plants in South Carolina. These plants are often used to landscape yards all across the state, and they are also widely found in state parks and other areas that humans and animals commonly frequent. Being able to identify these poisonous plants will help you to avoid their danger.
Florida is lush with beautiful flowers and vegetation. However, some of the prettiest, most unassuming plants are extremely dangerous. Instruct children that putting stems, flowers, seeds and berries in their mouth is dangerous. Also, stay vigilant with pets, which might chew on foreign plants. Protect loved ones by removing poisonous plants from the home.
Florida's poisonous plants may be pretty to look at, and are often so common they blend in with their surroundings. The state's dangerous foliage can be difficult to detect and avoid without some knowledge of what each plant looks like, and which parts of it are bad news. It's worth noting that toxic effects of these plants can be transmitted through the air when they are burned, so try not to breathe in any irritants while burning brush.
South Carolina has an abundance of beautiful flora, both in the wild and in private landscapes. However, some of these pretty plants are very dangerous, especially to pets and children that tend to wander and explore with their sense of taste. If you're aware of the plants to look out for, you just might save yourself a trip to the emergency room.
Hawaii is one of the most beautiful states in the United States. It is known for its delightful tropical climate, gorgeous beaches, and exciting cultural experiences. Hawaii is also known for its wide array of tropical plants. Most plants in Hawaii are extraordinary to look at, but some are also dangerous. Like any place, Hawaii has its fair share of poisonous plants.
Many poisonous plants are commonly used as houseplants or garden plants in California. These poisonous plants thrive in California and can make you quite sick, perhaps even die, if ingested. Learning which plants are not only beautiful but deadly can help you keep yourself, children and pets safer.
Plants living in your backyard and garden can be poisonous to you and your children and pets. These are just a few familiar plants to grow with care around children and pets. They can cause illness or death if you eat them or come into contact with their toxic parts.
The Lupine is a plant from the Legume family that has pointed green leaves and pod-like flowers. Many species of Lupine plants contain toxins that are especially harmful to sheep and cattle. Lupine poisoning can be prevented by removing the plants from any range areas where these animals graze.
A common staple in both cut floral arrangements and home flower gardens, plants of the genus Gerbera are easy to grow and maintain. The plants, all of which are annuals, are in the same taxonomic family as the much larger but no less stunning sunflower.
Crassula argentea, the scientific name for the jade plant, is a member of the Crassulaceae family. A succulent, South African desert plant known to exhibit drought-survival strategies through unique photosynthesis, the jade plant is only marginally toxic to humans if ingested.
In Sri Lanka, almost 2000 people suffer from oleander poisoning every year. What is most shocking is that a majority of these deaths are deliberate self poisoning. The oleander plant is commonly used in Sri Lanka as a way to commit suicide. The oleander plant is a perennial bush that originates from the Mediterranean. The plant is used as decoration all over the world. Although oleander is vivid and beautiful, it can be deadly.
Common backyard plants can be poisonous, which may be hazardous to children. Identify poisonous and hazardous plants with tips from a parenting specialist in this free home safety video.
Bittersweet nightshade is a plant whose nature is as rich and complex as its name. While poisonous, the Solanum dulcamara has been used for centuries as a diuretic and herbal remedy for various aches and pains. It's important to be able to identify the bittersweet nightshade plant, whether you're trying to find it or avoid it.
