Avoiding Poisonous Landscaping Plants
And Swapping them Out with Great Native Alternatives
It's important to know that there are many popular landscaping plants commonly used in the United States that are actually poisonous to both humans and pets. In order to keep you and your loved ones safe, we can work together to replace these harmful plants with native alternatives that serve the dual purpose of promoting biodiversity and supporting local wildlife. By making this small change, we can make a big impact on both our health and the environment.
The most common poisonous landscape plants can vary by region in the United States. Here are some examples of commonly found poisonous plants in different regions:
Northeast/Mid-Atlantic:
• Japanese Yew (Taxus spp.): All parts of this evergreen shrub are highly toxic, especially the bright red berries.
Nerium oleander
Nerium, a poisonous plant, is rarely lethal to humans due to its bitter taste, which makes it unappealing to animals and people alike.
Southeast:
• Oleander (Nerium oleander): A popular ornamental shrub with beautiful flowers, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
• Castor Bean (Ricinus communis): This tall plant features attractive foliage but produces highly poisonous seeds.
Midwest:
• Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium): A common weed with trumpet-shaped flowers that contain toxic alkaloids.
• Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana): While birds may enjoy the berries, the entire plant, especially the roots and berries, can be poisonous to humans and pets.
Southwest:
• Desert Rose (Adenium obesum): A succulent shrub with beautiful flowers, all parts of the plant contain toxic compounds.
• Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta): Although often mistaken for a palm tree, this cycad is highly toxic, especially its seeds.
Pacific Northwest:
• Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea): Known for its tall spikes of tubular flowers, all parts of this plant contain cardiac glycosides that can be toxic if ingested.
• Lily-of-the-Valley (Convallaria majalis): This fragrant flowering plant contains cardiac glycosides and can be toxic if ingested.
Convallaria majalis
The Lily of the Valley is a beautiful flowering plant. However, it's important to note that consuming parts of this plant can lead to poisoning.
Here are some safer native plant alternatives for landscaping in different regions of the United States:
Northeast/Mid-Atlantic:
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): A small tree with stunning pink flowers in spring and heart-shaped leaves.
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae): A perennial wildflower with vibrant purple flowers that attract pollinators.
Southeast:
Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens): A twining vine with fragrant yellow flowers, loved by bees and butterflies.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): This perennial plant produces striking red flowers and thrives in wetter areas.
Midwest:
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A popular native wildflower with pink to purple petals, known for its medicinal properties and attracting pollinators.
Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra): A small tree with attractive foliage and yellow flowers in spring, followed by spiky fruit capsules.
Southwest:
Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata): This perennial wildflower displays bright yellow flowers and is well-suited for arid conditions.
Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia): An iconic desert tree with unique architectural form and creamy white flowers.
Pacific Northwest:
Red-flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum): A deciduous shrub with clusters of pink to red flowers that attract hummingbirds.
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium): A versatile shrub with holly-like leaves and bright yellow flowers, followed by blue-purple berries.
West:
California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica): A drought-tolerant wildflower with vibrant orange blooms, symbolic of the state's golden landscapes.
Oregon Sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum): A perennial plant with sunny yellow flowers, native to the western states.
When choosing plants, consider factors like sunlight, soil conditions, and water availability in your region. Native plants are well-adapted to local conditions and benefit local wildlife. Consult local nurseries, botanical gardens, or native plant societies for more information on suitable native plants. If you have concerns about plant safety, seek advice from horticultural experts to ensure a safe environment for your pets and family.