Avoid These Eight Poisonous and Toxic Plants in Oklahoma

Spring has sprung in Oklahoma! Plants are popping up all over the place. But be careful! Not all plants are safe.

Before Oklahomans start getting in their gardens or doing some yard work, they'll want to make sure they know what plants they're dealing with. There are more poisonous plants out there than just poison ivy and poison oak. These are the eight poisonous plants found in Oklahoma the people will need to watch out for.

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According to the Oklahoma State University Extension Office, toxic plants will seen begin blooming alongside flowers and other plants. Here's what Oklahomans need to look out for.

Poison Hemlock

They look similar to baby's breath, but poison hemlock is not a flower you want to put in a bouquet! According to the OSU Extension Office, "poison hemlock is one of the most toxic plants found in Oklahoma, excluding the Panhandle." To spot poison hemlock, you'll need to look for the white, umbrella shaped flower clusters with fern-like leaves. Poison hemlock is different from other white flowering plants because of its height, which can be six to 10 feet tall. Poison hemlock also features red spotting on the stem.

Poison hemlock is toxic to wildlife if ingested and is harmful to humans just be the touch. So if you notice poison hemlock in your garden, do not touch it! To eradicate it, you'll want to use a herbicide.

Poison Ivy

Oklahomans know to avoid poison ivy! It's abundant throughout Oklahoma, but may be scarce in the southwest and the panhandle. But that doesn't mean it's not out there! According to the OSU Extension Office, spotting poison ivy is not as easy as "leaves of three, let it be." To spot poison ivy, look for leaves that are "compound and consist of three individual leaflets. Leaves vary from smooth to being lobed or pointed."

Poison ivy and poison oak both "contain an irritating, oily sap called urushiol, which causes many people to break out in a rash when they come into contact with it."

Poison Oak

To spot poison oak, the OSU Extension Office, advises to look for leaves that "are usually in clusters of three leaflets and the leaves are lobed or pointed with rounder edges." Both poison ivy and poison oak will experience color changes throughout the seasons. Poison ivy will become a dull green through the summer with will turn yellow or scarlet in the fall. While poison oak stays green through the summer and develops yellow and brown undertones in the fall.

If you come into contact with poison ivy or poison oak, the OSU Extension Office says to " immediately use rubbing alcohol, dishwashing liquid or a special soap made for use after contact with poison ivy or oak. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Consult a physician if a rash appears."

Common Moonseed (Menispermum Canadense)

Common moonseed, or menispermum, is a climbing woody vine that produces grape-like drupes. But these are not for eating! They're toxic and can cause seizures and neuromuscular. All parts of the plant are poisonous!

Larkspur (Delphinium Elatum)

Although beautiful, larkspur (delphinium elatum) is toxic to humans! Livestock have been known to be poisoned by it, too. So don't eat it!

Elephant Ears

Elephant ears are big, beautiful leafed plants that almost every professional gardener has in their garden! But be warned, they are poisonous and should never be eaten! They can also irritate your skin, so be careful when handling them or working around them.

Oleander

Again, another beautiful but toxic plant! This one is poisonous to humans and dogs if ingested in large quantities.

Mistletoe - Oklahoma's State Floral Emblem!

Although it's Oklahoma's State Floral Emblem, mistletoe is considered a parasite, which is harmful to trees, but it can be harmful to humans if ingested! There are over 1,000 different types in mistletoe, and the most harmful species are found in Europe. But the common mistletoe found in America could still be toxic to humans. According to an article from The New York Times, consuming the leaves and berries, especially children, could cause blurred vision, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.