Wicked Plants

Peace Lily

Sure, the peace lily is a highly common household plant and garden gift. But what would happen if you ingested some? These plants have compounds like crystals that cause swelling of the mouth when ingested. Often, household animals, especially cats, get sick when they ingest peace lily. Feline friends should be kept away from lilies, because they are toxic for their furry bodies and can cause kidney failure.
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Margaret Bristol

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas may look pretty in the backyard or in a centerpiece but they are potential hazards to household pets. These delicate flowers have low levels of cyanide that can harm animals.


Romi Ige, courtesy BBG

Poison Sumac

This seemingly innocent shrub is native to the eastern United States. Humans may see animals resting in the branches and assume it's safe to eat, but in fact, it can cause a nasty rash similar to one received by poison ivy.

Dr. Susan Pell, a Molecular Plant Systematist at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, says that often people try to remove this harmful plant by burning it only to find that the toxins become airborne. Pell also noted that the sap from this shrub is often used in woodworking to create a lacquer. When soldiers in WWII started noticing rashes on their arms, a botanist serving in the military figured out that they were often frequenting a bar, where they would rest their hands on the counter that was finished with sap from poison sumac.

Margaret Bristol

Oleander

Common to the southern and western United States, oleander is famous for producing beautiful flowers in a variety of colors. But if ingested, oleander can cause an upset stomach. If eaten in high quantities, the plant can cause coma or even death. In 2004, a Los Angeles woman was sentenced to death for poisoning and killing her husband. She had secretly fed him oleander, which only upset his stomach. When the plant didn't work, she turned to antifreeze to finish the deed.

Margaret Bristol

Castor Bean

With big beautiful leaves, the castor bean plant is actually quite useful as it is processed to help in the production of castor oil. However, the seed coats of these greens are ripe with a toxin called ricin, which according to Pell, prevents a vital protein from helping with cell development. In1978, a Bulgarian dissident named Georgi Markov was assassinated in London. The cause of death? A poison dart soaked in ricin that had been shot from an umbrella.

Margaret Bristol

Purple Devil

Despite its thorny appearance, the purple devil plant is actually related to the tomato family which includes eggplants and potatoes. But don't even think of eating the leaves, which will cause horrible indigestion. As for the stems, the purple thorns should be enough to keep you away.

Margaret Bristol

Jimson Weed

Lush and green, jimson weed has been used in Native American religious ceremonies but it is found worldwide. It is also a powerful hallucinogen that if used in excess can cause illness or death. In 1676, British soldiers arrived in Jamestown, Virginia to quell an early uprising in the colony. Knowing the effects of the plant, settlers gave the weed to the British soldiers. Documented accounts say that the trick put the Brits out of commission for about 11 days.

Margaret Bristol

Venus Fly Trap

Probably the most famous carnivorous plant, the Venus fly trap is native to moist, marsh-like areas. The Venus fly trap's movement is triggered when an insect stimulates the trichomes, which are like little hairs. The trichomes need to be triggered twice within a short period of time, so the predator won't waste any energy on things like twigs or leaves. When stimulated, the plant closes at a startling 360 mph and digests its prey.

Margaret Bristol

Sundew

The sundew is another type of carnivorous plant with over 100 variations of species around the world. These plants have glands lining their leaves, which secrete a sticky substance to trap insects. Once stuck, the sundew will curl its leaf to keep its prey in place, which often causes asphyxiation for the unsuspecting bug.

Margaret Bristol

Jumping Cactus

Runners and hikers beware! The jumping cactus is known for its super sharp spines which seem to hop off the plant with the slightest touch and attach themselves to unsuspecting victims passing by. These prickly plants can cause pain, swelling and even infection if the spikes aren't promptly removed.

Margaret Bristol