Many apartment dwellers may not know that they are growing poisonous plants in their space. When you leave your house or apartment every single day, you put yourself at risk from local flora. Whether these plants are on the road, or in your neighbor’s garden, weeds and other poisonous plants seem to grow at some inconvenient places. Listed below are poisonous plants that you should be aware of.
Poison Ivy
As it is named, Poison Ivy is a poisonous plant that is lightly shiny, with dark green leaves, and is usually found in groups of 3 and can be smooth or notched. During the fall season, they turn red. This plant commonly grows as a vine but can also grow as a shrub. And what’s worse, this plant will still grow after burning. The toxin in the leaves can quickly become airborne and make their way into the lungs. So make sure that you don't mistakenly bring Poison Ivy into your apartment.
Poison Hemlock
Poison Hemlock is a poisonous plant that you should not keep in your apartment. It is a kind of plant that looks like a wild carrot or giant parsley. It has a distinctive purple spotting, with stout, smooth stems, and small white flowers in umbrella-shaped clusters. This toxic plant contains highly poisonous alkaloid compounds. Poison Hemlock typically grows along roads, streams, trails, ditches, forest edges, and waste areas.
Poison Sumac
It’s unlikely that you will come into contact with the poisonous plant Poison Sumac as it usually grows in swampy, boggy areas and has yellowish flowers that mature into clusters of glossy yellow or off-white berries. Sumac that can be found along the roadside is not poisonous. Still, you wouldn’t want to take a risk with this harmful flora. Although this plant is poisonous, when it is used for medical purposes, it can be beneficial. Throughout history, some plants that are unknown to many, have been used for scientific purposes and medicinal uses.
Belladonna
Belladonna plant is one of the most dangerous plants on earth that you should not keep in your apartment. These plants have bright green leaves and dark-colored berries. Even if you chew a small amount of Belladonna leaf, you can be poisoned, and if not treated immediately, it can kill.
Boxwood
Boxwood is a poisonous plant that you have probably seen in your neighbor’s yard or even in your backyard. The leaf of this plant is highly poisonous, and if eaten, it can cause nausea, dizziness, and convulsions. The sap found in its leaf can also cause skin irritation.
Calla Lily
Calla Lily is a beautiful flower that can be found in bouquets at the local florist. But this flowering plant is highly toxic if ingested and can cause burning of the lips, tongue, and throat. It’s also harmful to pets. So make sure to remember this poisonous flowering plant not to keep in your apartment.
Elephant Ear
You’ve probably seen this plant with large leaves in your neighborhood. This poisonous plant should not be kept in your apartment as it can cause seriously dangerous side effects, like difficulty in breathing, if its leaves are eaten.
English Ivy
English Ivy is a popular plant with its climbing vines and dark green leaves. If you touch this plant, it can cause severe skin irritation, and if it’s eaten, it can cause symptoms like hallucinations, convulsions, and a burning throat. Avoid this plant.
Mountain Laurel
This kind of plant often grows on the side of the road and in mountainous regions. Mountain Laurel is a flowering plant that looks beautiful during spring. However, if any part of this plant is eaten, it can cause stomach problems, trouble in breathing, and even death. It’s one of the poisonous plants that you should not keep in your apartment.
Poinsettia
Poinsettia is a kind of flowering plant with bright red or white flowers, that has long been a popular Christmas plant. It is also a kind of plant that you should not keep in your apartment because if any part of a poinsettia is eaten, it can cause skin rash and upset stomach in both children and pets.
When you want to take precautionary action on growing plants indoors, you should first know these poisonous plants that you should not keep in your apartment.