Though adorned with vibrant colors and captivating beauty, many flower species contain lethal toxins that can be deadly.
Top Poisonous Flowers
Angel’s Trumpet (Devil’s Breath)
From the outside, the white or yellow, pink-tinted, and red blooms of the Angel’s Trumpet appear harmless. However, this plant harbors a terrifying toxin. Native to Colombia, it is ominously referred to as “Devil’s Breath.”
The flower “Devil’s Breath” is said to contain toxic substances that can induce a state of unconsciousness, leading to uncontrollable behavior.
A mere whiff of the flower can send victims into a state of unconsciousness, rendering them unable to control their actions and causing them to speak incoherently. The extract from this flower is rumored to be utilized by criminals to hypnotize and poison victims for theft or assault without their knowledge.
Wisteria
Consuming Wisteria flowers can lead to poisoning, cramps, and diarrhea.
A member of the legume family, Wisteria is a beautiful climbing plant with clusters of purple flowers, commonly grown as an ornamental plant in China, Japan, and Korea.
Wisteria is not only beautiful but also fragrant. However, the seeds of Wisteria are highly toxic. Ingesting them can result in poisoning, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea.
Golden Shower Tree
The leaves, flowers, and fruits of the Golden Shower Tree can all cause poisoning if ingested.
Another ornamental flowering plant from the legume family, the Golden Shower Tree is a woody plant with a round canopy. Its bright yellow flowers bloom in clusters from June to September each year, with long, drooping flower clusters measuring 20-40 cm.
The fruit of the Golden Shower Tree is elongated and contains oval-shaped seeds. All parts of the Golden Shower Tree—flowers, leaves, fruits, and seeds—contain toxins that can cause poisoning if consumed.
Hydrangea
Historically, Queen Cleopatra reportedly forced a servant to commit suicide using this flower.
Hydrangeas, with their beautiful pink, white, and blue spherical blooms often seen in gardens, are not benign plants. Both the leaves and flowers of hydrangeas contain toxins. Historically, Queen Cleopatra is said to have forced a servant to commit suicide using this flower.
Thus, if accidentally ingested, the toxin can cause symptoms such as itching, vomiting, sweating, and severe abdominal pain. In more severe cases, it can lead to coma, seizures, and circulatory disturbances.
Rhododendron
This flower, popular among brides, contains many toxic substances, including calcium oxalate.
The leaves and roots of rhododendron contain high levels of the intestinal toxin calcium oxalate. If mistakenly consumed, symptoms of poisoning typically include vomiting, mouth burns, numbness of the tongue, and swelling of the mucosal surfaces.
Aloe Vera
This is a very common plant, widely used for beauty care and in cooking, among other uses. However, traditional Eastern medicine categorizes Aloe Vera as a purgative and diuretic.
Pregnant women who consume excessive amounts of Aloe Vera face a risk of miscarriage.
Individuals with heart conditions should avoid Aloe Vera due to the risk of arrhythmia. High doses of Aloe Vera latex can lead to poisoning, skin itching, dizziness, and gastrointestinal hemorrhaging.
Particularly, pregnant women should refrain from using Aloe Vera as it poses a risk of miscarriage.
Oleander
Oleander is a plant with very high toxicity, posing significant risks to the cardiovascular system.
Oleander is a highly toxic flower that poses great danger to the cardiovascular system. The toxins are present in the plant, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. Symptoms can appear 10-15 minutes after ingestion, including severe nausea, confusion, headache, fatigue, continuous diarrhea, and serious arrhythmia.
Without prompt treatment, it can lead to cardiovascular collapse, unmeasurable blood pressure, and death. In many places, crushed oleander leaves and seeds are effectively used as pesticides.
Gloriosa
Gloriosa contains highly toxic colchicine and other poisonous substances.
Scientifically known as Gloriosa superba, the bulbs and seeds of this plant contain the highly toxic colchicine and other alkaloids. Ingesting them can cause tongue numbness, loss of sensation, and in severe cases, coma. Without timely intervention, it can lead to death.
Water Hemlock
Water Hemlock is considered one of the most toxic plants in North America. In Vietnam, it grows abundantly in marshy areas and wet ponds.
According to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the water hemlock is the most toxic plant in North America. While the flowers and stems are safe, the roots contain a deadly resin, even in minute amounts, primarily composed of cicutoxin, which can cause seizures and stroke.
Poison Hemlock
Poison hemlock is an extremely toxic plant containing high levels of mezerein.
Poison hemlock is a decorative shrub highly favored in European gardens. It has recently been introduced to Vietnam and is commonly planted in the gardens of villas. However, it is an extremely toxic plant containing high levels of mezerein.
If consumed, the initial symptoms include severe nausea and vomiting, followed by internal bleeding, coma, and potentially death.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Eating foxglove flowers can cause stomach pain and arrhythmias.
This beautiful flower with spikes pointing skyward is also a key ingredient in heart medications and treatments for common ailments like anemia and constipation. However, consuming it raw can lead to severe stomach pain and arrhythmias.
Night Blooming Jasmine
Night blooming jasmine releases numerous tiny particles at night that stimulate the sense of smell, and people often plant this shrub around their homes to repel mosquitoes.
This flower contains a toxic alkaloid that can cause rapid hair loss with prolonged exposure.
However, prolonged exposure to the scent of night blooming jasmine can cause dizziness and discomfort for those with high blood pressure or heart diseases, potentially exacerbating their conditions.
This flower contains a toxic alkaloid, and prolonged contact can lead to rapid hair loss.
Ivy
Ivy leaves can cause difficulty breathing, nausea, rashes, hives, vomiting, paralysis, or coma.
Ivy is a common climbing plant often used as indoor decor or grown on walls. However, these lush green leaves contain toxins harmful to human health, leading to symptoms like difficulty breathing, nausea, rashes, hives, vomiting, paralysis, or coma.
Yew (Taxus spp.)
All parts of the yew tree contain lethal toxins.
The yew tree is a common shrub found across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. When it bears fruit, its soft, bright red berries look appealing, but like oleander, all parts of this tree are toxic. Particularly, consuming yew seeds can cause paralysis or convulsions, leading to death within minutes.
Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)
Consuming daffodils may cause skin rashes or ulcers.
Daffodils are among the most beautiful and beloved flowers. However, mistakenly consuming this flower may lead to toxins causing paralysis, skin rashes, or ulcers.
White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda)
The toxins in baneberry can cause the heart to stop immediately.
Baneberry is commonly found in Eastern and Northern America. All parts of this flower are highly toxic, particularly the flowers and berries. The toxins in the plump, attractive baneberry can cause the heart to stop instantly.
Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
The hairs on the leaves of giant hogweed contain very high levels of toxins.
The giant hogweed is characterized by broad green leaves covered in sharp hairs. These hairs contain high levels of toxins, and even a slight touch can cause pain for days or even months. More severely, this plant can also cause death.
Aconite (Aconitum spp.)
Aconite can cause vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea upon contact.
Aconite is a toxic plant that causes vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea upon contact. If accidentally ingested, it can lead to rapid heart rate, heart paralysis, breathing cessation, and ultimately death.
Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)
The sap of this plant is extremely dangerous; contact with it can lead to death.
This tree has a large canopy and is often planted near the sea to break waves. The fruit is green and turns yellow-red when ripe, resembling an apple. However, it is so toxic that warning signs are placed on the tree urging people to stay at least 6 meters away to avoid contact with the sap. If the sap touches the skin, death is inevitable. Even standing under the canopy can cause itching, rashes, and redness.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
The sap of the peace lily can cause skin allergies, burns, choking, and difficulty breathing.
The peace lily is commonly grown as a houseplant. Accidental ingestion of its leaves can lead to severe burns to the mucous membranes and skin damage. If the sap comes into contact, it can cause skin allergies, burns, choking, and difficulty breathing. More seriously, excessive exposure to the sap can be fatal.
Anthurium (Anthurium spp.)
The attractive appearance and air-purifying properties of anthuriums make them one of the most commonly used ornamental plants in Vietnam.
According to scientific evidence, the Elephant Ear plant (Alocasia) is a toxic species that contains saponins and calcium oxalate crystals, which can penetrate the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, causing a burning sensation.
If someone accidentally consumes Elephant Ear leaves, they will experience swelling in the mouth and irritation in the throat. The leaves and other parts of the plant, when pressed against the skin, can cause rashes and blistering.
Five-Color Flower
The Five-Color Flower, also known as the Guava Flower, is a plant that grows wild in many areas. It is often cultivated in pots for ornamental purposes, as it blooms year-round. The flowers come in various colors such as orange, yellow, red, and pink, forming beautiful round clusters.
However, the fruit of the Five-Color Flower contains toxins, specifically lantanin alkaloid or lantadene A, which can cause severe intestinal burns, muscle dilation, or circulatory disorders in those who ingest it.
Rhododendron
Rhododendron is a resilient flower that can thrive in both dry and humid environments. Its warm, vibrant beauty makes it a favorite among many.
Often grown as an ornamental plant indoors, Rhododendron can absorb toxins like sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, radioactive substances, and other harmful gases, thereby purifying the air. However, it also contains numerous toxins, especially the white and yellow varieties.
Ingesting even a small amount of Rhododendron can lead to poisoning, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Therefore, if you plan to grow Rhododendrons, keep them out of reach of children and the elderly.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a well-known plant widely used for beauty care and cooking. However, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is classified as a purgative and diuretic. People with heart disease should avoid Aloe Vera, as it may cause arrhythmias. High doses of Aloe Vera sap can lead to poisoning, skin irritation, dizziness, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Pregnant women should also avoid Aloe Vera due to the risk of miscarriage.
Starfish Cactus
The tiny seeds dispersed by the Starfish Cactus are extremely harmful to the human body, potentially causing dizziness and fainting.
Mountain Laurel
Mountain Laurel, scientifically known as Kalmia latifolia, boasts beautiful pink and white flowers that bloom near the end of spring. This species is a typical example of beautiful yet toxic flowers, containing two main toxins: andromedotoxin and arbutin.
These toxins can cause the heart to beat slowly and rapidly at different areas simultaneously, leading to serious complications, ultimately resulting in cardiac arrest and death.
Deadly Nightshade
Deadly Nightshade, scientifically known as Colchicum Autumnale, is found throughout England, as well as in Europe and New Zealand. The name speaks for itself—the plant has extremely toxic flowers that can be fatal to both humans and animals.
The primary toxin in Deadly Nightshade is colchicum, with symptoms resembling arsenic poisoning. The effects are slow-acting, and there is no antidote; victims will endure a painful death if poisoned.
Philodendron
Philodendron is a stunning plant that was once only found in Antarctica but has now been cultivated and grown in many places.
The flowers of this plant contain calcium oxalate, a peculiar toxic substance that can create needle-like crystals floating within your internal organs. A small dose of calcium oxalate can be lethal, so it’s best to keep away from this plant.
