Nature's provided us with a gorgeous array of plants producing oxygen for our environment and adding beauty to both the indoors and outdoors of our home. However, plants are not always man's best friend. We've complied a list of ten poisonous plants that, if ingested, have frightful effects to beware of. While most people know to watch out for poison ivy plants with three almond-shaped leaflets, it's hard to be aware of all the dangers outdoors in the midst of hundreds of plant species. Try to become familiar with the plants in the gallery above so you can be best prepared for all those leaves you encounter. There are some you know or have heard of so we're here to inform you of their ramifications. The most important thing, however, is that you recognize and avoid them.
View the slideshow above for ten poisonous plants to watch out for.
Photo Credit: flickr/BlueRidgeKitties
Angel Trumpet (Brugmansia): This flower is rich in the toxin scopolamine, which when ingested can include migraine headaches, paralysis of smooth muscles, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, confusion, visual and auditory hallucinations, and mortality.
Photo Credit: flickr/Mr.Mac2009
Castor Oil Plant (Ricinus communis): In the food industry, castor oil is used in food additives, candy, flavorings, and in packaging. However, only two beans can kill an adult. This is due to the high concentration of ricin in each bean. The effects of castor oil ingestion include: nausea, vomiting, mouth burning, cramps, drowsiness, circulatory collapse, and more.
Photo Credit: flickr/miheco and Adam Freidin
Oleander (Nerium oleander): This is the most deadliest plant on Earth. The flowers of the plant smell great, but the leaves are extremely poisonous because just one leaf can lead to demise.
Photo Credit: flickr/dinesh_valke
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis): All parts of this plant are highly poisonous. The red berries may be attractive to children, and are also just as poisonous. If eaten, even in small amounts, this plant can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and also a reduced heart rate.
Photo Credit: flickr/BlueRidgeKitties
Belladonna (Atwpa belladonna): If ingested, all parts of this flower can be fatal; especially its leaves, roots, and berries because toxin paralyzes the parasympathetic nervous system.
Photo Credit: flickr/yksin
Monkshood (Aconitum): This is one plants that can be dangerous even through touch. The first signs of monkshood poisoning will appear almost immediately. They include burning and tingling or numbness of the tongue, throat, and face. After that, there may be nausea, vomiting, blurred vision. As the poison spreads, the body temperature will gradually drop, and there will be a reduced heart rate.
Photo Credit: flickr/dog.happy.art
Rhubarb (Rheum): The leaves of this common food are fatal. Large amounts of raw or cooked leaves can cause convulsions or coma and followed rapidly by mortality.
Photo Credit: flickr/Harlequeen
Dieffenbachia: If ingested, there is an intense burning and irritation of the mouth and tongue. Mortality can occur if the base of the tongue swells enough to block the air passage of the throat.
Photo Credit: flickr/adaduitokla
Water Hemlock (Cicuta douglasii): This plant contains a toxin that destroys the central nervous system. The toxin will cause loss of consciousness, seizures, and extreme muscle contractions, and eventually mortality.
Photo Credit: flickr/Hilbert 1958
Rhododendron: Eating from this plant will cause your mouth to burn, followed by increased salivation, vomiting, diarrhea and a tingling sensation in the skin. Your heart rate could slow down or beat strangely, and you could quite possibly drop into a coma and undergo fatal convulsions.
Photo Credit: flickr/Gertrud K.
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