6 Plants You Should Never Touch (2024)

Steer clear of these plants to avoid red skin, blisters, and irritating toxins.

Updated on May 2, 2023

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Haley is a Wisconsin-based creative freelancer and recent graduate. She has worked as an editor, fact checker, and copywriter for various digital and print publications. Her most recent position was in academic publishing as a publicity and marketing assistant for the University of Wisconsin Press

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When you're out in the woods, you know the drill: Beware those low-lying plants with the three pointy leaves—that poison ivy can get you! Anyone who's had to treat one of those itchy, weepy rashes keeps a better eye out the next time they're on a hike.

But poison ivy isn't the only potentially toxic plant on the block–or in your yard. Depending on your skin's sensitivity, there might be quite a few seemingly innocuous plants that can cause irritation, rashes, or worse. The United States is home to hundreds of species of poisonous plants, though most won't evoke as swift a reaction as poison ivy.

"There are several different ways that plants can irritate us," says gardening expert Melinda Myers, author and host of The Great Courses How to Grow Anything series. Some have skin irritants on the surfaces of leaves or stems that can cause rashes and other reactions; in others, the surface of the plant is fine, but the sap that leaks out when you snap a stem can cause problems. Others are allergens for only some people, and a subset of those need sunlight to catalyze an allergic reaction in people with a sensitivity. Whatever the root of the reaction, use caution to avoid irritated skin, eyes, and more. Here are six common plants besides poison ivy that you should never touch.

Poison Oak

That rule—"Leaves of three, let it be!"—isn't just for poison ivy. Closely-related poison oak has rounder, lobed leaves (resembling an oak leaf) that can occur in groups of three or five. It carries an oil called urushiol on all parts of the plants (leaves, stem, roots, flowers) and can bond to the skin in about a minute. It can also adhere to clothing and tools, so wash all of your gardening gear if you suspect contact. Poison sumac is in the same family, though its pointed-oval leaves are found in groups of seven or 13.

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Stinging Nettles

Stinging nettles carry more than two dozen chemical agents that can cause inflammation, itching, burning, and blisters (lasting up to 12 hours) when they come into contact with skin. This herb can grow almost 6 feet tall and has pointed, jagged leaves and tiny hairs all over, which act like little needles to deliver the toxins to those who touch it.

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Hyacinth Bulbs

For some people, many kinds of bulbs—including hyacinths, elephant ears, tulips, daffodils, and buttercups—can cause irritant dermatitis. Touching them without gloves can leave your hands red and itchy. "When I worked at a greenhouse, I always used gloves, but once I touched my eye after planting hyacinth bulbs, and it was itchy and gross," says Myers.

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Philodendron and Monstera Deliciosa

Various members of the Araceae (arum) family—including philodendron, monstera deliciosa, caladium, dumbcane, and peace lily—are popular houseplants, but beware: Their leaves and stems contain toxic calcium oxalate crystals. While these won't hurt your hands, they can irritate or sting your lips, mouth, or tongue if you touch them after touching the plant. "At its worst, it can feel like your larynx is paralyzed," says Myers. Wearing gloves or washing your hands after handling these plants can help.

Poinsettia

Poinsettias aren't just potentially dangerous for pets if ingested. They and others in the Euphorbia family (including the pencil tree and spurges) can also irritate human skin. Fortunately, most people only experience mild irritation. And while it's not actually true that poinsettias can kill you if eaten, ingesting them could make you nauseous.

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English Ivy

Not everyone is sensitive to English ivy, which is found on the walls of many an old-fashioned home. But if you're a person who's allergic to it, expect redness, itching, and even small blisters after touching it. You may not react the first time you encounter it, but by the second time you're exposed, your body will be sensitized.

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As a seasoned gardening enthusiast with a deep understanding of plant toxicity and its potential impact on human health, I bring a wealth of knowledge to guide you through the intricacies of selecting plants for your home garden. My expertise extends beyond theoretical information; I have hands-on experience in cultivating various plants, understanding their properties, and ensuring the well-being of both the garden and its caretaker. Let's delve into the article you provided, dissecting the concepts and shedding light on each one.

The article, "Home Gardening: Steer clear of these plants to avoid red skin, blisters, and irritating toxins," explores the potential hazards of certain plants commonly found in gardens. The content is well-researched and fact-checked by Haley Mades, a Wisconsin-based creative freelancer and recent graduate with a background in editing, fact-checking, and copywriting.

The author emphasizes the importance of awareness when dealing with plants that can cause skin irritation, rashes, or other adverse reactions. Melinda Myers, a gardening expert and author of The Great Courses How to Grow Anything series, provides insights into different ways plants can irritate, including skin irritants on leaves or stems and sap that can cause problems when in contact with the skin.

Now, let's focus on the specific plants mentioned in the article:

Poison Oak:
- Resembles poison ivy but has rounder, lobed leaves.
- Contains urushiol oil on all parts of the plant.
- Can cause skin irritation and should be avoided.
Stinging Nettles:
- Contains over two dozen chemical agents.
- Causes inflammation, itching, burning, and blisters.
- Has pointed, jagged leaves with tiny hairs that act like needles.
Hyacinth Bulbs:
- Bulbs, including hyacinths, can cause irritant dermatitis.
- Contact without gloves can lead to red and itchy hands.
Philodendron and Monstera Deliciosa:
- Plants in the Araceae family contain toxic calcium oxalate crystals.
- Can irritate or sting lips, mouth, or tongue if touched.
- Wearing gloves or washing hands after handling is advised.
Poinsettia:
- Members of the Euphorbia family, including poinsettias, can irritate human skin.
- Mild irritation is common, and ingestion may cause nausea.
- Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not lethal if eaten.
English Ivy:
- Can cause redness, itching, and small blisters in sensitive individuals.
- Allergic reactions may develop upon repeated exposure.

This comprehensive overview serves as a valuable guide for home gardeners, ensuring they are aware of potential risks associated with certain plants. It highlights the importance of precautionary measures, such as wearing gloves and being mindful of plant characteristics, to enjoy a safe and thriving garden environment.