If you’re searching for poisonous plant names, you may want to identify dangerous plants in a garden, learn about toxic species for a school project, or simply understand which plants deserve caution.
This guide brings together poisonous or potentially poisonous plant names, including familiar ornamentals, wild plants, trees, vines, bulbs, and houseplants.
Toxicity varies considerably: some plants mainly cause irritation, while others can cause serious poisoning if eaten.
Famous Poisonous Plant Names With a Dangerous Reputation
These well-known poisonous plant names appear frequently in gardens, literature, folklore, and botanical references, but their toxicity should always be taken seriously.
- Deadly Nightshade — Atropa belladonna
- Poison Hemlock — Conium maculatum
- Water Hemlock — Cicuta maculata
- Monkshood — Aconitum napellus
- Foxglove — Digitalis purpurea
- Oleander — Nerium oleander
- Castor Bean — Ricinus communis
- Rosary Pea — Abrus precatorius
- Jimsonweed — Datura stramonium
- Henbane — Hyoscyamus niger
- Mandrake — Mandragora officinarum
- Yew — Taxus baccata
- Lily of the Valley — Convallaria majalis
- Pokeweed — Phytolacca americana
- Autumn Crocus — Colchicum autumnale
These plants are documented in poison-control and veterinary references as poisonous or potentially hazardous species.
Poisonous Plant Names From the Nightshade Family
The nightshade family contains several plants associated with toxic alkaloids, although toxicity differs dramatically among species and even between plant parts.
- Black Nightshade — Solanum nigrum
- Bittersweet Nightshade — Solanum dulcamara
- Jerusalem Cherry — Solanum pseudocapsicum
- Horse Nettle — Solanum carolinense
- Buffalo Bur — Solanum rostratum
- Carolina Horsenettle — Solanum carolinense
- Tobacco — Nicotiana tabacum
- Wild Tobacco — Nicotiana glauca
- Tree Tobacco — Nicotiana glauca
- Thorn Apple — Datura ferox
- Sacred Datura — Datura wrightii
- Angel’s Trumpet — Brugmansia arborea
- Yellow Angel’s Trumpet — Brugmansia aurea
- Devil’s Trumpet — Datura metel
- Henbane — Hyoscyamus albus
Several of these species contain tropane or other biologically active compounds, making accurate identification especially important.
Poisonous Plant Names Found in Homes and Indoor Spaces
Beautiful houseplants are not automatically harmless. Several popular indoor species can cause irritation or poisoning when chewed, swallowed, or mishandled.
- Dumb Cane — Dieffenbachia seguine
- Heartleaf Philodendron — Philodendron hederaceum
- Elephant Ear — Colocasia esculenta
- Alocasia — Alocasia macrorrhizos
- Chinese Evergreen — Aglaonema commutatum
- Pothos — Epipremnum aureum
- Peace Lily — Spathiphyllum wallisii
- Arrowhead Plant — Syngonium podophyllum
- Anthurium — Anthurium andraeanum
- Calla Lily — Zantedeschia aethiopica
- English Ivy — Hedera helix
- Croton — Codiaeum variegatum
- Crown of Thorns — Euphorbia milii
- Pencil Cactus — Euphorbia tirucalli
- Mother of Millions — Kalanchoe daigremontiana
Dieffenbachia, philodendrons, peace lilies, and related plants can contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause painful mouth and throat irritation.
Poisonous Plant Names Seen in Gardens and Landscapes
Garden favorites can have toxic properties despite their attractive flowers, making plant identification particularly useful around children and pets.
- Azalea — Rhododendron simsii
- Mountain Laurel — Kalmia latifolia
- Rhododendron — Rhododendron ponticum
- Larkspur — Delphinium consolida
- Monkshood — Aconitum carmichaelii
- Wisteria — Wisteria sinensis
- Hydrangea — Hydrangea macrophylla
- Lantana — Lantana camara
- Oleander — Nerium oleander
- Privet — Ligustrum vulgare
- Boxwood — Buxus sempervirens
- Golden Chain Tree — Laburnum anagyroides
- Chinaberry — Melia azedarach
- Black Locust — Robinia pseudoacacia
- European Spindle — Euonymus europaeus
North Carolina Poison Control specifically includes several of these landscape plants among potentially poisonous outdoor species.
Poisonous Plant Names Associated With Toxic Bulbs and Corms
Bulbs can look surprisingly similar to edible vegetables, which is one reason they should never be eaten unless their identity is certain.
- Daffodil — Narcissus pseudonarcissus
- Jonquil — Narcissus jonquilla
- Hyacinth — Hyacinthus orientalis
- Tulip — Tulipa gesneriana
- Autumn Crocus — Colchicum autumnale
- Glory Lily — Gloriosa superba
- Star of Bethlehem — Ornithogalum umbellatum
- Amaryllis — Hippeastrum hybridum
- Belladonna Lily — Amaryllis belladonna
- Crocus — Crocus species
- Snowdrop — Galanthus nivalis
- Summer Snowflake — Leucojum aestivum
- Narcissus — Narcissus poeticus
- Cape Tulip — Moraea flaccida
- Death Camas — Toxicoscordion venenosum
Poison Control notes that daffodils and several other bulb plants can be poisonous, while tulip bulbs have also been associated with illness after accidental ingestion.
Poisonous Plant Names You May Encounter in the Wild
Wild plants deserve special caution because unfamiliar species can resemble edible herbs, vegetables, berries, or harmless flowers.
- Cow Parsnip — Heracleum maximum
- Giant Hogweed — Heracleum mantegazzianum
- Wild Parsnip — Pastinaca sativa
- Poison Hemlock — Conium maculatum
- Water Hemlock — Cicuta douglasii
- Pokeweed — Phytolacca americana
- White Snakeroot — Ageratina altissima
- Corn Cockle — Agrostemma githago
- Fiddleneck — Amsinckia intermedia
- Locoweed — Astragalus species
- Yellow Star Thistle — Centaurea solstitialis
- Celandine — Chelidonium majus
- Mayapple — Podophyllum peltatum
- Jack-in-the-Pulpit — Arisaema triphyllum
- Marsh Marigold — Caltha palustris
Poison Control recommends never eating a wild plant unless its identity is known with certainty, particularly because poisonous species can resemble familiar edible plants.
Poisonous Plant Names With Attractive Berries and Seeds
Colorful berries and unusual seeds can make toxic plants especially tempting to children, pets, and curious foragers.
- American Holly — Ilex opaca
- English Holly — Ilex aquifolium
- Mistletoe — Viscum album
- European Mistletoe — Viscum album
- Yew — Taxus baccata
- Pacific Yew — Taxus brevifolia
- Baneberry — Actaea pachypoda
- Red Baneberry — Actaea rubra
- Bittersweet Nightshade — Solanum dulcamara
- Jerusalem Cherry — Solanum pseudocapsicum
- Daphne — Daphne mezereum
- Spurge Laurel — Daphne laureola
- Coralberry — Symphoricarpos orbiculatus
- Pokeberry — Phytolacca americana
- Privet — Ligustrum lucidum
Berry color is never a reliable indicator of safety. Poison-control guidance emphasizes identifying plants correctly rather than assuming attractive fruit is edible.
Poisonous Plant Names From Trees and Woody Shrubs
Trees and shrubs can be overlooked because people often associate plant poisoning only with herbs and flowers. Several woody species, however, contain harmful compounds.
- Manchineel — Hippomane mancinella
- Black Locust — Robinia pseudoacacia
- Golden Chain — Laburnum anagyroides
- Chinaberry — Melia azedarach
- Tree of Heaven — Ailanthus altissima
- Oleander — Nerium oleander
- Pacific Yew — Taxus brevifolia
- English Yew — Taxus baccata
- Horse Chestnut — Aesculus hippocastanum
- Ohio Buckeye — Aesculus glabra
- Red Maple — Acer rubrum
- Silver Maple — Acer saccharinum
- Sugar Maple — Acer saccharum
- Tung Tree — Vernicia fordii
- Sassafras — Sassafras albidum
Cornell’s poisonous-plant database includes species such as yew, buckeye, locust, and several maple species among plants with documented toxicity concerns.
Poisonous Plant Names From Climbing and Vining Species
Climbing plants can spread over fences, walls, and trees, so recognizing potentially harmful vines is useful when gardening or exploring outdoors.
- Poison Ivy — Toxicodendron radicans
- Eastern Poison Oak — Toxicodendron pubescens
- Western Poison Oak — Toxicodendron diversilobum
- Poison Sumac — Toxicodendron vernix
- Virginia Creeper — Parthenocissus quinquefolia
- Wisteria — Wisteria floribunda
- American Wisteria — Wisteria frutescens
- English Ivy — Hedera helix
- Morning Glory — Ipomoea purpurea
- Moonflower — Ipomoea alba
- Hawaiian Baby Woodrose — Argyreia nervosa
- Birthwort — Aristolochia clematitis
- Dutchman’s Pipe — Aristolochia macrophylla
- Bittersweet Nightshade — Solanum dulcamara
- Coral Bean — Erythrina herbacea
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are particularly notable because their oils can cause significant skin reactions, while burning them can create a respiratory hazard.
Poisonous Plant Names Used Historically as Medicinal Plants
A poisonous plant can have a long history of medicinal or cultural use without becoming safe for casual consumption or home experimentation.
- Indian Aconite — Aconitum ferox
- European Aconite — Aconitum napellus
- Wolfsbane — Aconitum lycoctonum
- Belladonna — Atropa belladonna
- Henbane — Hyoscyamus niger
- Mandrake — Mandragora officinarum
- Foxglove — Digitalis lanata
- Foxglove — Digitalis purpurea
- Yew — Taxus baccata
- Pennyroyal — Mentha pulegium
- Comfrey — Symphytum officinale
- Birthwort — Aristolochia serpentaria
- Celandine — Chelidonium majus
- Lobelia — Lobelia inflata
- Sassafras — Sassafras albidum
The fact that a plant has historical medicinal applications does not make homemade preparations safe. Professional sources specifically caution against preparing herbal medicines from potentially poisonous plants.
Poisonous Plant Names Found Near Water and Wetlands
Wetlands and waterways support their own collection of potentially poisonous species, including some plants that resemble harmless aquatic or edible vegetation.
- Water Hemlock — Cicuta maculata
- Western Water Hemlock — Cicuta douglasii
- Bulb-bearing Water Hemlock — Cicuta bulbifera
- Cowbane — Cicuta virosa
- Poison Parsnip — Cicuta maculata
- Marsh Marigold — Caltha palustris
- Water Dropwort — Oenanthe crocata
- Hemlock Water Dropwort — Oenanthe crocata
- Water Parsnip — Sium suave
- Arrow Arum — Peltandra virginica
- Taro — Colocasia esculenta
- Arrowhead Plant — Sagittaria sagittifolia
- Skunk Cabbage — Symplocarpus foetidus
- Water Arum — Calla palustris
- Pickerelweed — Pontederia cordata
Water hemlock is among the plants that poison-control organizations specifically identify as capable of causing severe poisoning, so unfamiliar wetland plants should never be tasted.
Poisonous Plant Names With Irritating Sap or Plant Juices
Some poisonous plant names are associated less with eating the plant and more with irritating sap that can affect skin, eyes, or other tissues.
- Pencil Tree — Euphorbia tirucalli
- Crown of Thorns — Euphorbia milii
- Snow-on-the-Mountain — Euphorbia marginata
- Leafy Spurge — Euphorbia esula
- Cypress Spurge — Euphorbia cyparissias
- Mediterranean Spurge — Euphorbia characias
- Caper Spurge — Euphorbia lathyris
- Giant Spurge — Euphorbia ingens
- Firestick Plant — Euphorbia tirucalli
- Giant Hogweed — Heracleum mantegazzianum
- Wild Parsnip — Pastinaca sativa
- Rue — Ruta graveolens
- Hogweed — Heracleum sphondylium
- Fig — Ficus carica
- Century Plant — Agave americana
Some plant exposures cause skin irritation rather than classic systemic poisoning, illustrating why “poisonous” is a broad description rather than a measure of one particular danger.
Poisonous Plant Names From Forage and Agricultural Areas
Livestock and agricultural settings can contain toxic plants that are particularly important to recognize around grazing animals and stored forage.
- Lupine — Lupinus sericeus
- Silky Lupine — Lupinus sericeus
- Tall Larkspur — Delphinium barbeyi
- Low Larkspur — Delphinium nuttallianum
- Death Camas — Toxicoscordion venenosum
- Foothill Death Camas — Toxicoscordion paniculatum
- White Snakeroot — Ageratina altissima
- Water Hemlock — Cicuta maculata
- Poison Hemlock — Conium maculatum
- Corn Cockle — Agrostemma githago
- Fiddleneck — Amsinckia intermedia
- Yellow Star Thistle — Centaurea solstitialis
- Locoweed — Oxytropis lambertii
- Horsetail — Equisetum arvense
- Dogbane — Apocynum cannabinum
Cornell’s veterinary database stresses that “poisonous” does not necessarily mean deadly and that toxicity depends on factors such as the plant, exposure, and dose.
Poisonous Plant Names From Tropical and Exotic Species
Tropical plants can look unfamiliar in temperate gardens, but several are cultivated ornamentals with documented toxicity concerns.
- Manchineel — Hippomane mancinella
- Castor Bean — Ricinus communis
- Rosary Pea — Abrus precatorius
- Glory Lily — Gloriosa superba
- Indian Aconite — Aconitum ferox
- Yellow Oleander — Cascabela thevetia
- Yellow Oleander — Thevetia peruviana
- Suicide Tree — Cerbera odollam
- Bushman’s Poison — Acokanthera oppositifolia
- Natal Poison Bush — Carissa macrocarpa
- Sandbox Tree — Hura crepitans
- Strychnine Tree — Strychnos nux-vomica
- Calabar Bean — Physostigma venenosum
- Java Plum — Syzygium cumini
- Nux-vomica — Strychnos nux-vomica
Many tropical poisonous plants are also culturally significant, so common names should be paired with botanical names whenever accurate identification matters.
Poisonous Plant Names That Are Easy to Confuse With Harmless Plants
Plant identification becomes especially important when a toxic species resembles an edible herb, ornamental, or familiar wild plant.
- Poison Hemlock — Conium maculatum
- Water Hemlock — Cicuta maculata
- Foxglove — Digitalis purpurea
- Borage — Borago officinalis
- Wild Parsnip — Pastinaca sativa
- Cow Parsley — Anthriscus sylvestris
- Poison Parsnip — Cicuta species
- Black Nightshade — Solanum nigrum
- Deadly Nightshade — Atropa belladonna
- Jimsonweed — Datura stramonium
- Henbane — Hyoscyamus niger
- Mayapple — Podophyllum peltatum
- Jack-in-the-Pulpit — Arisaema triphyllum
- Pokeweed — Phytolacca americana
- Rhubarb Leaf — Rheum species
Accurate identification matters because even plants that appear familiar can have poisonous parts. Poison Control specifically advises identifying a plant before consuming it.
Lesser-Known Poisonous Plant Names Worth Learning
Beyond the famous examples, these lesser-known poisonous plant names demonstrate how broad the world of toxic flora really is.
- Calabar Bean — Physostigma venenosum
- Strychnine Tree — Strychnos nux-vomica
- Bushman’s Poison — Acokanthera schimperi
- Yellow Oleander — Cascabela thevetia
- Suicide Tree — Cerbera odollam
- Prickly Poppy — Argemone mexicana
- Mexican Poppy — Argemone mexicana
- Blue Cohosh — Caulophyllum thalictroides
- Pheasant’s Eye — Adonis annua
- Fumewort — Corydalis cava
- Birthwort — Aristolochia clematitis
- Snakeroot — Aristolochia serpentaria
- Indian Hemp Dogbane — Apocynum cannabinum
- Bitter Milkwort — Polygala amara
- White Hellebore — Veratrum album
This final group highlights why common-name lists alone can be misleading: some plants have several common names, while the same common name can sometimes refer to unrelated species.
How to Use Poisonous Plant Names Safely
Knowing poisonous plant names is most useful when it helps you identify hazards rather than encouraging experimentation with them.
- Learn the botanical name alongside the common name.
- Photograph unfamiliar plants rather than tasting them.
- Keep unknown berries and seeds away from children.
- Keep potentially toxic houseplants away from pets.
- Label plants clearly in household gardens.
- Wear appropriate protection when handling irritating species.
- Wash exposed skin after contact with irritating sap.
- Avoid burning unidentified vegetation.
- Never assume a natural plant is automatically safe.
- Avoid homemade remedies made from unidentified plants.
- Teach children not to chew unknown leaves.
- Check plants before introducing them into pet-accessible spaces.
- Use reliable botanical references for identification.
- Contact a poison center after a suspected poisoning.
- Seek emergency help when serious symptoms such as breathing difficulty or severe swelling occur.
Poison Control emphasizes that plant toxicity varies by species and plant part, and that suspected poisoning should be handled with expert guidance rather than guesswork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most poisonous plant names?
Some widely recognized examples include poison hemlock, water hemlock, deadly nightshade, monkshood, foxglove, oleander, castor bean, and rosary pea. Their risks differ substantially by plant and exposure.
Are all parts of a poisonous plant dangerous?
No. Some plants have toxic compounds concentrated in particular parts, while others can be hazardous throughout the plant. Always check reliable identification information for the specific species.
Are poisonous plants dangerous to touch?
Not necessarily. Some mainly cause problems after ingestion, while others can cause skin or eye irritation. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are notable examples of plants that can cause skin reactions.
Can poisonous plants be kept as houseplants?
Some potentially toxic plants are commonly grown indoors. Dieffenbachia, philodendron, pothos, and peace lily are examples, so households with children or pets should take appropriate precautions.
Why are botanical names important?
Common names can vary by region and may refer to different plants. Botanical names provide a more precise way to identify the species being discussed.
Should I taste an unidentified wild plant?
No. A plant should never be eaten simply because it resembles an edible species. Poison Control recommends being certain of identification before eating wild plants.
What should I do if someone eats a poisonous plant?
Do not guess at treatment. Contact your local poison-control service or emergency medical service and provide the plant’s name or a clear identification if available.
Are poisonous plants always deadly?
No. “Poisonous” covers a wide range of effects, from irritation and stomach upset to severe systemic poisoning. Toxicity depends on the plant, the part involved, the exposure route, and the amount.
Conclusion
Learning poisonous plant names is a practical way to become more aware of the plants growing inside homes, gardens, fields, parks, and wild areas.
From familiar species such as foxglove and oleander to lesser-known plants such as water dropwort and calabar bean, toxic plants come in many forms.
The safest approach is simple: identify before touching or consuming, never eat an unknown wild plant, and seek professional advice after a suspected poisoning.
A common name can be useful for recognition, but pairing it with the scientific name gives you a much more reliable identification.
