General Wellness
Poisonous Plants
Plants listed here, or certain parts of them, are poisonous and can cause serious harm or death if eaten. Each page says which parts are dangerous. If someone swallows one, get emergency help right away; in the US, Poison Help is 1-800-222-1222.
10 herbs
Each note says whether the link comes from traditional use or research, and what the research found.
Abrus PrecatoriusAbrus precatoriusThe seeds contain abrin, one of the deadliest poisons known.
Ackee LeafBlighia sapidaUnripe ackee fruit contains hypoglycin A, a poison that has killed children.
BelladonnaAtropa belladonnaAll parts are poisonous; it can cause seizures, coma and death.
Castor OilRicinus communisRaw castor seeds contain ricin and are the main danger; processed oil is generally regarded as safe.
ElderberrySambucus nigraRaw or unripe berries, and the leaves and stems, contain substances that produce cyanide.
FoxgloveDigitalis purpureaAll parts are poisonous and affect the heart.
MistletoeViscum albumThe berries and leaves can cause serious harm if eaten.
Penny RoyalClinopodium browneiThe essential oil has caused moderate to severe poisoning.
PokeberryPhytolacca americanaThe whole plant is poisonous, especially the root; even cooked leaves have made people ill.
Wild LettuceLactuca virosaEating wild lettuce raw has caused poisoning with confusion, hallucinations and widened pupils.