12 Plants That Are Toxic to Children and Pets (#12 is Super Popular, Too!)

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Houseplants and spring bulbs can change the feng shui of a yard and home. Many plants are excellent for removing toxins from the air inside the home. A lush, beautiful plant can bring color and life to any dark room or corner but not every plant is safe for the home.

Some of the following plants will only cause nausea and vomiting, but others are actually fatal if consumed. If you have small children or pets, you might want to keep the following plants out of their reach, or remove them entirely.

Most animals seem to know which plants are OK to chew on, but occasionally you find a young pup or kitten that just can’t seem to resist putting every plant they see in their mouth. The same applies to toddlers. Some kids just love putting dirt and plants into their mouths. You are the best judge of which plants you feel comfortable having in your home but first you need to know which common household plants are dangerous. Keep reading to find out more!

1. Daffodils

Daffodils are some of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, but be careful, as they are highly toxic, especially the bulb. They can cause intense stomach issues, including severe vomiting and diarrhea, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and tremors. If your pet should eat the bulb, it will most likely not survive. If you have children or pets, daffodils are probably best kept in a pot on a table or flowers in a vase.

2. Foxglove (Digitalis)

This is one of the most beautiful spring flowers ever. Huge spikes of colorful flowers that grow on tall stalks, these are quite common along fences. However, they are also one of the most deadly plants around. Every single part of this plant can cause coma and death, including the flowers, leaves, and seeds (bulbs). They are truly beautiful, but think twice if you have small children or pets that love to chew.

3. Dumb Cane (dieffenbachia)

This is a very popular houseplant because it is easy to grow and adds color to dark corners. Dieffenbachia has earned the name dumb cane because of the symptoms that happen when it is eaten. The sap of this plant causes the tongue and throat to burn. Soon, the tongue and mouth swell to the point that it can actually block the airways! It is fatal when consumed, although most pets seem to avoid it.

4. Amaryllis

These are popular plants that are often sold as bulbs in pretty containers around Christmas time so that they will bloom near Easter. They have large, beautiful flowers that look similar to trumpets, and generally have 4 blooms per plant that last for about a month. This popular plant is also poisonous if consumed, so you might want to keep that container on a tall table or windowsill out of reach of pets and children.

5. Irises

These are more popular spring bulbs that come in a variety of beautiful colors. Unfortunately, they are also poisonous to both pets and humans if consumed. They cause fever, intense stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and severe vomiting.

6. Hyacinths

These beautiful springtime bulbs are often sold in pots just before they bloom. They have a super sweet scent that is simply intoxicating. Unfortunately, like daffodils, they can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting if the flowers or leaves are consumed, and death if your pet or child should eat the bulb. This is another one that is best kept on a table and out of reach of children and pets.

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