Compiled by the University of Illinois’ College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
It is difficult to create a list of poisonous plants. While some plants are outright toxic to anyone who eats or comes in contact with the plant (Jimson Weed, nightshade), others may cause a reaction in some but not in others.
The following is a listing of plants normally thought to be poisonous. The list is not complete. People should not eat plants not grown as food crops. Children should be taught never to eat non-food crop plants. You should restrict your pets’ access to questionable plants.
Poisonous plants vary between animals. Don’t assume that since a bird, squirrel or pig ate a plant with no problems, others (human or rabbit) can do the same.
Unless otherwise stated, consider all parts of the plant poisonous.
Never hesitate to seek medical help if you think a person or animal has ingested a poisonous substance.
Agave (leaves)
Amaryllis (bulbs)
Apple (seeds)
Azalea
Bird of Paradise (seeds)
Bloodroot
Buttercup (leaves)
Black Locust (seeds)
Boxwood (leaves/twigs)
Buckeye (seeds)
Buckthorn (berries)
Caladium
Calla (rhizome)
Castor Bean (seed)
Christmas Rose
Cone Flower
Crown of Thorns
Daffodil
Daphne
Delphinium
Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia)
Eggplant (plant)
Elderberry (unripe berries)
Elephant Ear
Flowering Tobacco
Foxglove
Holly (berries)
Horsechestnut (nuts)
Hyacinth
Iris
Ivy, Boston & English (berries)
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Jerusalem Cherry
Jimson Weed
Jonquil
Lantana
Larkspur
Lily-of-the-Valley
Lupine
Mayapple
Mistletoe (berries)
Morning Glory (seeds)
Mustard (root)
Narcissus
Nicotiana
Nightshade
Oleander
Philodendron
Poison Hemlock
Poison Ivy
Potato (green)
Privet (berries)
Ranunculus
Rhododendron
Rhubarb (leaf blade)
Rosary Pea (seed)
Snow-on-the-Mountain
Sweet Pea (seeds)
Sweet Potato
Skunk Cabbage
Tansy
Tomato (leaves)
Tulip
Virginia Creeper (berries)
Water Hemlock
Wisteria (seeds/pods)
Yew (berries)
Further Reading
- Rabbit Welfare Association’s Poison Plant List
- Sacramento House Rabbit Society’s Poison Plants list (pdf)
- ASPCA’s Poison Plant List
Reprinted with permission. Copyright 1995 by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.
