Poisonous Plants for Children: A Parent's Safety Guide

Young children explore the world by putting things in their mouths — including plants, berries, and flowers. According to Poison Control, plants are one of the most common reasons parents call about accidental ingestion. Many common household and garden plants can cause reactions ranging from mild irritation to life-threatening emergencies.

Most Dangerous Plants for Children

These plants can cause serious harm or death if ingested by a child:

🚨 Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Every part of the oleander is extremely toxic, including the flowers, leaves, stems, and even the smoke from burning it. Contains cardiac glycosides that can cause fatal heart rhythm disturbances. Common as a landscaping shrub in warm climates, with attractive pink, white, or red flowers that may attract children.

🚨 Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Beautiful bell-shaped purple flowers on tall spikes — but all parts contain cardiac glycosides similar to oleander. Even a small amount can cause dangerous heart rhythm changes. Common in cottage gardens and sometimes grows wild.

🚨 Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)

The seeds contain ricin, one of the most toxic naturally occurring substances. Just a few seeds can be fatal to a child. The plant is large and tropical-looking with distinctive star-shaped leaves. Seeds are mottled and may look attractive to curious children.

🚨 Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)

The shiny black berries are particularly dangerous because they look appealing and reportedly taste sweet. Contains tropane alkaloids causing hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, seizures, and potentially death. Even 2-5 berries can be fatal to a child.

🚨 Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata)

Considered the most toxic plant in North America. Looks similar to wild carrot or Queen Anne's Lace. Can cause violent seizures and death within hours of ingestion. Found near streams, marshes, and wet meadows.

🚨 Yew (Taxus species)

Every part except the fleshy red berry covering is toxic. The seeds inside the berry, bark, and needles contain taxine, which can cause sudden cardiac death. Very common as hedge and ornamental plants. The bright red berries attract children.

Common Household Plants Dangerous to Children

• Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane): Biting or chewing leaves causes immediate, intense burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat. Swelling can potentially obstruct the airway. Named "dumb cane" because the swelling can prevent speech.
• Philodendron: Contains calcium oxalate crystals causing painful mouth and throat irritation. All parts are toxic.
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Similar oxalate crystal toxicity — mouth pain, drooling, and swelling.
• Pothos: Oral irritation and vomiting. One of the most common houseplants.
• Sago Palm: Extremely toxic — can cause liver failure. The seeds are particularly dangerous.

Outdoor Plants with Toxic Berries

Berries are especially dangerous because children are naturally drawn to pick and eat them:

• Holly berries (Ilex): Bright red berries cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drowsiness. 20+ berries can be fatal.
• Pokeweed berries (Phytolacca americana): Deep purple berries on red stems. All parts are toxic, especially roots and unripe berries.
• Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara): Red berries on a vine. Causes nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.
• Privet berries (Ligustrum): Blue-black berries on common hedge plants. Causes vomiting and diarrhea.
• Mistletoe berries: White berries are mildly to moderately toxic. Causes stomach upset and potentially more serious effects in large quantities.

Child-Proofing Your Home and Garden

1. Identify every plant in your home and yard. Use Snap Plant to photograph and identify each one. Check toxicity ratings.
2. Remove the most dangerous plants — especially those with attractive berries, or move them completely out of reach.
3. Teach children the rule: "Never eat any plant, berry, or mushroom unless a grown-up gives it to you."
4. Place houseplants out of reach — high shelves, hanging planters, or rooms children can't access unsupervised.
5. Choose non-toxic alternatives — Spider Plants, Boston Ferns, African Violets, and Peperomias are all safe options. See our safe plants guide.
6. Watch for wild plants — teach children not to pick and eat plants at parks, trails, or other people's yards.
7. Save Poison Control's number — 1-800-222-1222. Put it in your phone right now.

What to Do If Your Child Eats a Plant

1. Stay calm. Most plant ingestions cause only mild symptoms.
2. Remove plant material from the child's mouth.
3. Identify the plant — take a photo, collect a sample. Use our identifier if you're not sure what it is.
4. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. They'll tell you what to do based on the specific plant and amount ingested.
5. Don't induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to by Poison Control or a doctor.
6. Call 911 for difficulty breathing, seizures, excessive drowsiness, or loss of consciousness.

Plants That Are Safe Around Children

• Spider Plant — completely non-toxic
• Boston Fern — safe and lush
• African Violet — colorful and non-toxic
• Christmas Cactus — non-toxic, interesting plant for kids
• Sunflower — fun to grow with kids, non-toxic
• Snapdragon — fun flower shapes, non-toxic
• Marigold — bright, easy to grow, non-toxic

Frequently Asked Questions

What plants are most dangerous to children?

Oleander, Water Hemlock, Castor Bean, Foxglove, Deadly Nightshade, and Yew are among the most dangerous. Many are common in gardens. Plants with attractive berries (Holly, Pokeweed, Nightshade) are particularly risky because children are drawn to them.

What should I do if my child eats a plant?

Remove plant material from their mouth, identify the plant (take a photo), and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Don't induce vomiting unless instructed. Call 911 for severe symptoms.

How can I make my yard safe for children?

Walk your property and identify all plants. Remove or fence off toxic plants, especially those with berries. Teach children never to eat plants they find. Save Poison Control's number in your phone.

Related reading: Is This Plant Poisonous to Dogs? · Indoor Plants Safe for Cats · How to Identify Mushrooms