Poisonous Plants in the Landscape

C 957

While most of us are familiar with common poisonous plants that cause
dermatitis (skin irritations) such as poison ivy or poison oak, we fail to
recognize common ornamental plants in the landscape that may cause internal
poisoning when ingested. Although most adults would not intentionally eat the leaves
or fruit of ornamental plants in the landscape, young children or pets sometimes do.
The purpose of this publication is to familiarize you with some of the common landscape
plants known to have poisonous properties when ingested. You may be surprised to learn just
how many of our common plants, such as azaleas, hydrangeas, boxwood and English ivy, are
known to have poisonous properties.

Published by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. For more information or guidance, contact your local Extension office.

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