Top 5 Backyard Plants That Could Kill You

How close have you been to disaster?

1. Water Hemlock

Gerry Gantt

Water hemlock was the poisonous plant that happened to kill the famous philosopher Socrates. The plant contains toxins that act on the central nervous system, causing strokes, paralysis, and in some cases death. It looks incredibly similar to Queen Anne's Lace, so one must be use extreme caution when picking wildflowers.

2. Rhubarb Leaf

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Rhubarb leaf can be extremely poisonous, especially in large doses. It is not a good plant to keep around small children, especially if they are not specifically educated as to which parts are edible.

3. Daffodil

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Most people know the common daffodil as an innocent flower. It blooms in early spring, signaling hope, and change. This is true, but it also can mean something a lot darker if one is not well informed. It contains the toxin lycorine, which can cause severe abdominal pain, and the bulb has oxalates. If ingested, they can cause severe throat pain, lip pain, and tongue pain. As if that isn't bad enough, they also can cause the same symptoms in pets.

4. Chinese Lantern

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Chinese Lanterns, aka Ground Cherries, are known for their hardiness and beauty. In Asia they are specifically cultivated because the outer pod doesn't fully decay, leaving within view a ripe berry, which is considered a sign of hope. The ripe berries of this plant are edible. The leaves and unripe berries unfortunately are not. This species is also invasive to North America.

5. Lilies

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Lilies. They're a common favorite flower. A pet cat, however, could die if they ate any part of most kinds of lily, especially oriental lilies; For context, oriental lilies are the kind you would find at most grocery stores or florists. They are bad to keep or give to homes with pets or small children. If you must have a lily, keep it far out of reach of Spot.

If you or a loved one suspect poisoning, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222