The Most Common Hazardous Plants to Watch Out for During the Warm-Weather Season

While whispy poison hemlock and stunning hydrangeas may seem harmless at first glance, there's a danger lurking behind their allure, as is the case with many warm-weather plants. So, as we head out to spend more time in the garden, it's important to be aware of the species that may pose a risk to you, your summer house guests, and your pets—even those we highly regard for their fragrance and beauty. Say, for instance, you're pruning hydrangeas without gloves on and some of the toxic oils get onto your hands, or your child secretly decides to gather flowers and make petal soup. Anything and everything from skin irritations to severe illness or even death can occur even if small amounts of certain dangerous plants are handled, nibbled, or eaten.

So, what can you do to ease the angst of a dangerous encounter outdoors? When it comes to poisonous plants, taking a few precautions is critical. Consider putting in any new plants or relocating established ones to areas less frequented by unknowing visitors, curious children, and nibbly pets. Also, when it's time to get planting, pruning, or cleaning up, be safe and prepared by always wearing proper gardening gloves, long sleeves, and protective eyewear, then wash your hands thoroughly after you're done. As an extra precaution, point out any of these serious troublemakers to family members before they get anywhere near your garden beds. If ingestion does happen, or if it's even suspected, seek medical attention right away.

While the complete list of hazardous plants is robust and worth checking out on sites like the National Capital Poison Center, here are some common plant varieties to look out for in your garden to ensure a relaxing and safe summer.

Found in nearly every state across the country, this toxic biennial is an invasive species that can be deadly if consumed. Commonly mistaken for Queen Anne's Lace, each poison hemlock plant produces up to 30,000 seeds that ripen and spread during late summer and into early fall. All parts of the plant are toxic, including the sap, which can cause the skin to blister when it comes in contact with the sun. What's more, ingesting poison hemlock may result in respiratory failure and even death. Look out for the invasive species in unkempt areas with moist soil and be especially diligent about it popping up in your garden if you have pets. 

Tall towering spires of pink, purple, and white bell-shaped blossoms may add drama and height to your garden, but the entire plant—especially the upper leaves—are high in potent chemicals that are deadly if nibbled or ingested.

While this high-impact, low-maintenance perennial dishes out colorful clustered blooms, the entire plant contains toxic alkaloids, with the young leaves and the mature seeds being the worst.

This popular evergreen shrub is a reliable choice to plant in deer-visited gardens, but the reason deer leave it alone is why we should to; the entire plant, including its nectar and gummy sap, can be deadly.

These classic shade-loving shrubs with picturesque flower clusters brighten a garden and add charm, but unfortunately, ingesting these pretty plants, especially the flower buds, are a serious no-no (eating some hydrangea is similar to popping a cyanide pill).

A diverse group of flowering plants, euphorbia hide a milky sap or latex inside their stems that is highly toxic and irritating to our skin and eyes. The latex, of course, repel would-be predators looking for a plant meal, so from the plant's perspective, the sap is a good thing. However, to us, a few drops in our eyes or on our skin can cause extreme rashes, burning, and pain. When pruning these plants be sure to wear gardening gloves and protective eyewear.

With exotic trumpet-shaped flowers that exude an intoxicating sweetness, you might want this plant everywhere but be warned: their beauty belies the extreme toxicity of their leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots which can cause serious illness and death if consumed. Every part is poisonous, but the fruit-like seedpods and flowers pose the greatest risk because they contain the highest concentration of toxic compounds and their shape can be appealing to curious children.