Poisonous Plants

Robert J. MacKay, Ed Jennings, Brent Sellers, Jason Ferrell, andAmanda House

Lisbeth Espinoza and Matthew E. Smith

B. A. Sellers, S. F. Enloe, Patrick Minogue, and J. Walter

A UF/IFAS numbered Management. Published by Integrated Pest Management

Yuvraj Khamare and Chris Marble

Plants inside our homes, offices, or those used as part of a patio garden have been shown to create a relaxed, productive environment and to improve indoor air quality. Overall, they are efficient, low-cost, and sustainable. While houseplants are safe to grow and provide many benefits, some can be toxic if ingested accidentally, which could be a concern for those with pets or small children. This publication is intended to inform homeowners, home gardeners, pest management professionals, and other plant enthusiasts of some of the most common poisonous plant species used as houseplants in Florida. It should be noted that while photos are provided of each species, there are many variations of each plant described, which could have different foliage color, variegations, slightly different leaf shapes, or flower colors.

Yuvraj Khamare andChris Marble

This new 10-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department is intended to inform home gardeners, pest management professionals, and other plant enthusiasts of some of the most common poisonous invasive plants or weed species common in home landscapes in Florida, with particular focus on species that could potentially cause harm if ingested. Written by Yuvraj Khamare and Chris Marble.

Yuvraj Khamare and Chris Marble

In this rapidly urbanizing world, landscape plants serve as a convenient pathway for individuals to engage with nature. Due to Florida's subtropical climate, a vast array of diverse plant species is commonly used in home landscapes. However, it is important to note that many landscape plants can be toxic if consumed, posing risks to small children, pets, and even livestock such as cattle, horses, or sheep. These plant species can still be utilized in the landscape, but it is important to understand which species are toxic to prevent accidental exposure, particularly in environments where small children or pets could inadvertently come into contact with them. This EDIS publication informs home gardeners, pest management professionals, and other plant enthusiasts of some of the most common plants in home landscapes in Florida, focusing particularly on poisonous species that could potentially cause harm if ingested.