Poisonous plants to avoid

SOURCE

The UK is home to several highly toxic plants that can be fatal if ingested or touched. Some of the most dangerous native species include hemlock water dropwort, monkshood (wolfsbane), deadly nightshade, foxgloves, and giant hogweed. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Several of the most hazardous plants found in the UK require particular caution:

Wild & Native Plants

Hemlock Water Dropwort (Oenanthe crocata): Often called the "poison parsnip", this is widely considered one of the most toxic plants in the UK and Northern Hemisphere. Its roots and leaves contain a potent neurotoxin that attacks the central nervous system. [1, 2]
 
 
Monkshood (Aconitum napellus): Also known as Wolfsbane, it is one of the UK’s most poisonous plants. Ingestion can cause severe heart problems and stomach pain. [1, 2]
 
Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum): Found in damp, wooded areas and roadsides, this plant has purple-blotched stems. It is often mistaken for cow parsley but contains alkaloids that cause paralysis. [1, 2]
 
 
Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum): A common invasive weed in the UK. While not fatal to eat, its sap causes severe skin blistering and burns when exposed to sunlight. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

 

Garden & Common Plants
  • Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna): Famous for its dark, shiny berries. All parts of the plant are highly toxic and can cause a rapid pulse, paralysis, and death. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
  • Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) a): Commonly found in woodland and gardens. All parts of the plant are toxic and contain compounds that can cause fatal heart arrhythmias. [1, 2, 3, 4]
  • Daffodils (Narcissus): More hospitalisations and serious poisonings in the UK are caused by the accidental consumption of daffodil bulbs (which are often mistaken for onions) than by any other plant. [1, 2, 3,
Resources for Safety
If you are foraging, gardening, or walking pets, always ensure you correctly identify plants and keep children and animals away from toxic species.