RANK

PLANT

TOXIC COMPOUNDS

DESCRIPTION

1

Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)

Ricin

Contains one of the most toxic compounds known to humans; as little as one seed can be fatal to a child.

2

Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Oleandrin, Neriine

All parts of this plant are highly toxic; ingestion can lead to severe heart problems and death.

3

Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata)

Cicutoxin

Often considered the most violently toxic plant in North America, causing seizures and death.

4

Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)

Atropine, Scopolamine

Known for its highly toxic berries and leaves, can cause delirium, hallucinations, and death.

5

Aconite (Aconitum spp.)

Aconitine

Also known as monkshood or wolfsbane, this plant can cause respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.

6

Rosary Pea (Abrus precatorius)

Abrin

Similar in toxicity to ricin, the seeds are brightly colored but contain a deadly poison.

7

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Digoxin, Digitoxin

A beautiful flowering plant that can cause severe heart issues when ingested.

8

Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia spp.)

Scopolamine, Hyoscyamine

Causes severe hallucinations and can lead to death if consumed in large amounts.

9

Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)

Atropine, Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine

Known for its hallucinogenic properties but can cause severe toxicity, leading to coma and death.

10

White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima)

Tremetol

Causes "milk sickness" in humans who consume dairy products from cows that have ingested the plant.