Plant Safety Index
A comprehensive guide to identifying and avoiding dangerous plants. Each entry includes identification markers, habitat information, mechanisms of toxicity, and critical safety information.
Uterine Stimulants & Emmenagogues
These plants contain compounds that affect the uterus and reproductive system. They pose particular danger to pregnant individuals and must be strictly avoided during pregnancy. Historical misuse of these plants has caused serious harm.
Pennyroyal
Mentha pulegium
Often confused with culinary mint. Contains pulegone, a highly hepatotoxic compound.
Tansy
Tanacetum vulgare
Common roadside plant. Contains thujone and other toxic compounds.
Queen Anne's Lace
Daucus carota
Wild carrot. Seeds contain compounds affecting implantation.
Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris
Common herb. Contains thujone; traditional uterine stimulant.
Blue Cohosh
Caulophyllum thalictroides
Woodland plant with powerful uterine-stimulating alkaloids.
Cotton Root Bark
Gossypium herbaceum
Used historically by enslaved midwives. Contains gossypol.
Rue
Ruta graveolens
Garden herb with potent abortifacient compounds. Causes photosensitivity.
Cardiac Glycosides
Plants containing compounds that directly affect heart function. Even small amounts can cause dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Many are found in common ornamental gardens.
Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea
Source of digitalis. All parts extremely toxic. Common garden plant.
Lily of the Valley
Convallaria majalis
Deceptively delicate appearance. Contains convallotoxin.
Oleander
Nerium oleander
Common landscaping shrub. Entire plant toxic; smoke from burning is dangerous.
Hepatotoxins
Plants that damage the liver. Effects may be delayed, making them particularly dangerous. Some are found in herbal supplements.
Neurotoxins
Plants affecting the nervous system. Effects range from mild sedation to respiratory paralysis. Accurate identification is critical.
Poison Hemlock
Conium maculatum
Resembles wild carrot. Contains coniine. Causes ascending paralysis.
Water Hemlock
Cicuta spp.
Most toxic plant in North America. Violent seizures within minutes.
Monkshood
Aconitum napellus
Beautiful garden flower. Contains aconitine. Toxic through skin contact.
⚠️ Important Safety Notice
This index is for educational purposes only. The information provided is intended to help readers identify and avoid dangerous plants. Never attempt to harvest, prepare, or consume any plant listed here.
If you suspect plant poisoning, contact Poison Control immediately: 1-800-222-1222 (US)