Problem plants. Tell us about your experience and knowledge.

[Jeff zone 8 N.C.]

I recently became aware that nandina’s have berries poisonous to birds. What other plants do you know of that are poisonous to animals.

Edited February 18, 2024 by Jeff zone 8 N.C.

[MarcusH]

47 minutes ago, Jeff zone 8 N.C. said:

I recently became aware that nandina’s have berries poisonous to birds. What other plants do you know of that are poisonous to animals.

I recently bought an Alocasia Portora ( elephant ear) . Those are toxic to animals and humans once you start eating it. 

[Silas_Sancona]

1 hour ago, Jeff zone 8 N.C. said:

I recently became aware that nandina’s have berries poisonous to birds. What other plants do you know of that are poisonous to animals.

Nandina is also highly invasive  -and ugly-  Was always a pleasure when i could rip some out back in CA 😁 3rd link added lists some other yeeck trouble maker landscape plants too..

https://mgnv.org/mg-in-the-garden/plant-this-not-that-replacing-nandina/

https://nativebackyards.com/5-reasons-you-dont-want-nandina-in-your-yard/

https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/nassauco/2021/10/17/invasion-of-the-landscape-snatchers-nandina-nandina-domestica/

..As mentioned, list of other, non native " problem " plants  the " Trapped in 1950 corporate Hort. Industry "  continues to spread around? ...That list is LONG, haha..  Luckily, thanks to educated and people gifted with critical thinking skills, more of us are forcing such businesses to ditch the " trash plants " 

Online petitions are very convincing once out where the world can see them



Native wise,  Nectar produced by Buckeye / Horse Chestnut ...some at least.. are toxic to Bees ..Introduced Euro Honeybees at least.  Pretty sure certain things in the Laurel family produce nectar that effects certain invertebrates adversely, while others aren't bothered at all.

While they may not necessarily be " Toxic ",  Firethorn ..another gross Horticultural Atrocity still sold by some produces berries that can make birds " drunk "  ..Also quite an invasive non - native.

 

[Allen]

Azalea, Schip laurel, sago palm, Castor bean (duh), Lantana, Yew, foxglove, oleander, jimsonweed, colocasia, alocasia

[ChicagoPalma]

7 hours ago, Allen said:

Azalea, Schip laurel, sago palm, Castor bean (duh), Lantana, Yew, foxglove, oleander, jimsonweed, colocasia, alocasia

Isn't colocasia edible, like the tuber?

[Allen]

8 hours ago, ChicagoPalma said:

Isn't colocasia edible, like the tuber?

Yes if cooked and certain varieties.