Dangerous Outdoors: Urgent Warning for Arizona!

Rattlesnakes and Gila Monsters aren't the only creatures you need to watch out for when you're spending time outdoors in Arizona. The Grand Canyon state has more than its fair share of toxic blooms, succulents, and weeds.

I'm fascinated by wildcrafting and plant medicine, but I'm no expert, so I always use caution first and defer to experts.

What's the old saying? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Before you grab your hand trowel and shears, here is a short list of dangerous plants found all over Arizona. Some of these plants are so toxic that if you find them on your property, you should remove them to prevent your children and pets from coming into contact with them.

Avoid these plants like your life depends on it, because it does.

7 Dangerous Toxic Plants in Arizona

Arizona’s desert beauty hides some seriously sneaky dangers. We have an extensive list of animal and insect dangers, but are you familiar with the state's dangerous plants? Here are seven toxic troublemakers to remove and avoid at all costs.

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Oleander (Nerium oleander)

This popular landscaping shrub is a silent killer. Landscapers and homeowners love it because it stays green, grows quickly, and thrives with minimal water.

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Every part of the oleander plant, from leaves to flowers, is packed with cardiac glycosides. Ingesting even a small amount can cause nausea, irregular heartbeat, and in severe cases, death.

Jimsonweed or Devil’s Snare (Datura stramonium)

Jimsonweed, also known as Devil's Snare, is found along roadsides and fields. The plant’s trumpet-shaped flowers contain potent alkaloids that can cause dangerous hallucinations, seizures, and even coma. It’s beautiful, but dangerous, so steer clear!

Water Hemlock (Cicuta douglasii) 

Water hemlock is one of the deadliest plants in North America. It can be found in northern Arizona and prefers to grow in moist soils. It is typically found along the edges of standing or running water, wetlands, marshes, and shady roadside areas at elevations between 4,500 and 10,000 feet. 

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Water hemlock is arguably the most toxic plant in North America. It contains cicutoxin, which can cause seizures and respiratory failure. It’s often mistaken for wild parsley. If you find this anywhere, leave it alone. Even touching the plant can be dangerous.

Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)

The Castor bean thrives in hot, dry climates with plenty of sunlight, and prefers elevations below 1,000 feet, which describes most of southern Arizona.

The castor bean is a dangerous plant that produces ricin, one of the deadliest natural toxins. Just a few chewed seeds can be fatal. It’s often found in gardens and vacant lots.

Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)

A favorite in Arizona gardens, this succulent contains cardiac glycosides that can cause vomiting and heart issues if ingested.

All parts of the plant, especially the sap, contain cardiac glycosides (similar to digitalis), which are highly toxic if ingested. It causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, and it can also affect the heart if consumed. It's also highly toxic to pets.

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The sap can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, so be extra careful around this plant.

Silverleaf Nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium)

This star-shaped flowered plant is toxic to livestock and pets. It’s especially dangerous to horses and can cause neurological symptoms.

The plant prefers elevations from 1,000 to 5,500 feet and thrives across most of Arizona. It's very invasive and difficult to eradicate. It's listed as a noxious weed in twenty states and several countries.

Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli)

Its milky sap is highly toxic and can cause skin burns and temporary blindness if it gets in your eyes. It thrives in Arizona’s dry heat, so keep your distance.

Always wear gloves when handling or removing this plant, and keep pets and livestock away!

Consult a Plant Expert

If you're not sure about a plant, leave it alone and consult an expert at the University of Arizona or another local resource.

Sources: A to Z Animals | World Atlas | Arizona Republic | University of Arizona