Dangerous Desert Plants

The American Southwest is home to some of the planet’s most resilient and beautiful flora and fauna. The native plants have had to compete with some invasive species brought in by humans for landscaping or that arrived in other ways. Most of these desert plants are harmless, offering only beauty.

However, there are plants that you should be wary of. Many poisonous plants don’t stand out at all, while others are very clearly dangerous. If you live in North America’s desert regions, keep an eye out for the following plants. 

Jimsonweed 

Jimsonweed, AKA thornapple and devil’s trumpet, is an invasive flowering nightshade that can grow just about anywhere. Jimsonweed’s white flower with a purple ring on the inside is as beautiful as it is deadly.

All plants in the Datura family, including Jimsonweed, contain tropane alkaloids classified as deliriants. Intoxication from these alkaloids causes delirium and hallucinations. Jimsonweed’s toxicity can vary wildly depending on the age of the plant, where it was growing, and the weather conditions while it was growing.

All parts of the plant contain these alkaloids, which have been used medicinally, recreationally, and spiritually. Many of the medicinal uses have been phased out, such as smoking Jimsonweed to treat asthma. The variance in toxins also means it’s rare that these plants are used recreationally.

Jumping Cholla 

The jumping cholla is a particularly nasty cactus. It is mainly found in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and Mexico, but can also be found in the Mojave Desert in southern Nevada and Utah, and even in parts of eastern Colorado.

The jumping cholla gets its name because the spiny segments detach easily and stick to everything, which is how the cholla spreads and reproduces. The spines are barbed, which means they are hard to detach when they stick to clothes, and when they stick to skin, they hurt. If you are so inclined, you can find endless videos online of people trying to detach jumping cholla. It’s wise to learn from the experience of others in this case.

House and Garden Plants 

House plants allow you to have a bit of nature in your home. They can help with mental health and aesthetics in your home. It’s important to do your research when selecting your house plants. Even some common house plants can be dangerous, especially to pets. 

One reason we keep plants out of reach of our furry friends is that some common house plants can be much more dangerous for them than for us. A secondary reason may be that you don’t want your nice plant eaten by your dog.

Some dangerous house and garden plants include:  

• • Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
  • English Ivy (Hedera helix)
  • Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum)
  • Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
  • Daffodils (Narcissus)
  • Philodendron
  • Pothos
  • Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
  • ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
  • Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)
  • Oleander (Nerium)
  • Foxglove (Digitalis)
  • Mistletoe (Viscum album)
  • Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

 

These plants can cause anything from allergic reactions, rashes, blisters, blurred vision, to irregular heart rate, damage to the nervous system, or even death.

 Any Plant That Has the Word Poison In Its Name 

It should be pretty evident that avoiding plants with poison in the name is for the best. Poison Ivy is likely one of the first plants someone thinks about when they think about toxic plants, but there are also poison hemlock, poison oak, poison sumac, and all manner of other plants that have similar effects. 

How To Treat Poison Ivy Rash

Poison ivy is generally easy to treat with home remedies, over-the-counter creams, and antihistamines. Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream is typically all you need to handle the itching the poison ivy plant leaves you with.

You can also use cool compresses or a bath with cool water and baking soda. Oatmeal baths also work, but cool water is key; hot water often makes the itching worse. The intense itching can be difficult for victims of the poison ivy leaves, but you don’t usually need the help of a healthcare professional; the skin rashes will go away on their own after a few days.

The severity of the reaction to poison ivy varies from person to person. For severe reactions, you may need to seek medical care. If the rash spreads widely across the body, persists for a few weeks, or gets infected, you should seek medical advice. Generally, you will first speak to your primary care doctor and, if necessary, be referred to a dermatologist. 

Mushrooms 

Death Cap Mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) grow just about everywhere. You’ve likely seen them. They are aptly named, being responsible for the majority of mushroom poisonings due to their wide range and the fact that they look and taste like mushrooms that are commonly eaten with no ill effects.

Mortality rate for eating the death cap is potentially as high as 30%. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, jaundice, seizures, coma, and eventually death. Ensure you know exactly what kind of mushroom you have before eating it.

Other toxic mushrooms found in the United States include the Destroying Angel, the Funeral Bell, AKA Deadly Skullcap, the Fool’s Funnel, and the Pholiotina rugosa, which is the only one of the top five most toxic mushrooms in the US that doesn’t have a nickname that would also fit a death metal band. 

Keep an eye out for a more in-depth look at these dangerous fungi from your friends at The Advocates.