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100 Toxic Plants in Queensland: A Practical A-Z Guide
This resource is tailored for anyone living in or visiting the Queensland region and offers vital information on plants that pose potential risks. From common garden varieties to those found in the wild, our A-Z list covers each scientific name, known toxins, and the specific symptoms they present if ingested by pets. Whether you’re a homeowner, outdoor enthusiast, or concerned pet parent, this guide aims to provide practical and essential knowledge to help you avoid these hazardous plants in your backyard and out and about.
This list is updated regularly. The plants are listed in alphabetical order. To use this list, find the plant name by the most common name.
- Aconite | Scientific Name: Aconitum spp.
Toxins: Aconitine, other alkaloids | Toxicity Level: Extremely High | Ingestion Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, heart arrhythmia - African Milk Bush | Scientific Name: Synadenium grantii
Toxins: Latex | Toxicity Level: Moderate to High | Ingestion Symptoms: Skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhea - Agapanthus | Scientific Name: Agapanthus spp.
Toxins: Saponins | Toxicity Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea - Algerian Ivy | Scientific Name: Hedera canariensis
Toxins: Triterpenoid saponins | Toxicity Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation - Almond (Bitter) | Scientific Name: Prunus dulcis
Toxins: Cyanogenic glycosides | Toxicity Level: Moderate to High | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, respiratory distress, convulsions - Aloe Vera | Aloe vera | Scientific Name: Anthraquinones
Toxicity Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy - Amaryllis | Scientific Name: Amaryllis spp.
Toxins: Lycorine and others | Toxicity Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain - Anemone | Scientific Name: Anemone spp.
Toxins: Protoanemonin | Toxicity Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting - Angel Wing Begonia | Scientific Name: Begonia coccinea
Toxins: Oxalic acid, other irritants | Toxicity Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Oral irritation, kidney problems - Angel’s Trumpet | Scientific Name: Brugmansia spp.
Toxins: Tropane alkaloids | Toxicity Level: High | Ingestion Symptoms: Hallucinations, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing - Apricot (Pits and Leaves) | Scientific Name: Prunus armeniaca
Toxins: Cyanogenic glycosides | Toxicity Level: High | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, respiratory failure, shock - Arrowhead Vine | Scientific Name: Syngonium podophyllum
Toxins: Calcium oxalate crystals | Toxicity Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain, swelling - Asparagus Fern | Scientific Name: Asparagus spp.
Toxins: Sapogenins | Toxicity Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Allergic dermatitis, gastrointestinal upset - Australian Pine | Scientific Name: Casuarina spp.
Toxins: Unknown | Toxicity Level: Mild | Ingestion Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, vomiting - Autumn Crocus | Scientific Name: Colchicum autumnale
Toxins: Colchicine | Toxicity Level: High | Ingestion Symptoms: Severe vomiting, diarrhea, kidney and liver damage - Autumn Olive | Scientific Name: Elaeagnus umbellata
Toxins: Unknown | Toxicity Level: Mild | Ingestion Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, vomiting - Avocado | Scientific Name: Persea americana
Toxins: Persin | Toxicity Level: Moderate to High | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, myocardial damage - Azalea | Scientific Name: Rhododendron spp.
Toxins: Grayanotoxins | Toxicity Level: Moderate to High | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, heart problems
- Balsam Pear | Scientific Name: Momordica charantia
Toxins: Unknown | Toxicity Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain - Begonia | Scientific Name: Begonia spp.
Toxins: Oxalic acid | Toxicity Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Oral irritation, kidney problems - Bird of Paradise | Scientific Name: Strelitzia reginae
Toxins: Tannins, gastrointestinal irritants | Toxicity Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness - Bird of Paradise Flower | Scientific Name: Caesalpinia gilliesii
Toxins: Unknown | Toxicity Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness - Bishop’s Weed | Scientific Name: Ammi majus
Toxins: Furanocoumarins | Toxicity Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Photosensitivity, skin irritation - Black Locust | Scientific Name: Robinia pseudoacacia
Toxins: Robin, phasin, lectin | Toxicity Level: High | Ingestion Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness - Black Nightshade | Scientific Name: Solanum nigrum
Toxins: Solanine, other alkaloids | Toxicity Level: High | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, paralysis - Bleeding Heart | Scientific Name: Dicentra spp.
Toxins: Alkaloids | Toxicity Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors - Bleeding Heart Vine | Scientific Name: Clerodendrum thomsoniae
Toxins: Unknown | Toxicity Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation - Bloodroot | Scientific Name: Sanguinaria canadensis
Toxins: Sanguinarine | Toxicity Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, sedation, lethargy - Bluebell | Scientific Name: Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Toxins: Glycosides | Toxicity Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea - Borage | Scientific Name: Borago officinalis
Toxins: Pyrrolizidine alkaloids | Toxicity Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Liver damage, lung damage - Boston Ivy | Scientific Name: Parthenocissus tricuspidata
Toxins: Oxalate crystals, glycosides | Toxicity Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea - Box Elder | Scientific Name: Acer negundo
Toxins: Unknown | Toxicity Level: Mild | Ingestion Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, vomiting - Boxwood | Scientific Name: Buxus spp.
Toxins: Alkaloids, toxic glycosides | Toxicity Level: Moderate to High | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures - Brunfelsia | Scientific Name: Brunfelsia spp.
Toxins: Brunfelsamidine, hopeanine | Toxicity Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, seizures, muscle tremors - Buckeye | Scientific Name: Aesculus spp.
Toxins: Glycosides, saponins | Toxicity Level: Moderate to High | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, paralysis - Buckthorn | Scientific Name: Rhamnus spp.
Toxins: Anthraquinones | Toxicity Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness - Burning Bush | Scientific Name: Euonymus atropurpureus
Toxins: Unknown | Toxicity Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, weakness - Buttercup | Scientific Name: Ranunculus spp.
Toxins: Protoanemonin | Toxicity Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Oral irritation, drooling, gastrointestinal upset - Butterfly Weed | Scientific Name: Asclepias tuberosa
Toxins: Cardenolides | Toxicity Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, weakness, seizures
- Cacao | Scientific Name: Theobroma cacao
Toxin: Theobromine | Toxin Level: High | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, tremors, seizures - Caladium | Scientific Name: Caladium spp.
Toxin: Calcium oxalate crystals | Toxin Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain, swelling - Calla Lily | Scientific Name: Zantedeschia aethiopica
Toxin: Calcium oxalate crystals | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain, swelling - Cape Jasmine | Scientific Name: Gardenia jasminoides
Toxin: Gardenoside | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, hives - Carolina Jessamine | Scientific Name: Gelsemium sempervirens
Toxin: Gelsemium | Toxin Level: High | Ingestion Symptoms: Dizziness, weakness, breathing difficulties - Cassava | Scientific Name: Manihot esculenta
Toxin: Linamarin | Toxin Level: High | Ingestion Symptoms: Cyanide poisoning symptoms - Castor Bean | Scientific Name: Ricinus communis
Toxin: Ricin | Toxin Level: Extremely High | Ingestion Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures - Castor Oil Plant | Scientific Name: Fatsia japonica
Toxin: Ricin | Toxin Level: Extremely High | Ingestion Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, seizures - Catclaw Acacia | Scientific Name: Senegalia greggii
Toxin: Unknown | Toxin Level: Mild | Ingestion Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, vomiting - Cathedral Bells | Scientific Name: Cobaea scandens
Toxin: Unknown | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, vomiting - Ceriman | Scientific Name: Monstera deliciosa
Toxin: Calcium oxalate crystals | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain, swelling - Cherry Laurel | Scientific Name: Prunus laurocerasus
Toxin: Cyanogenic glycosides | Toxin Level: Moderate to High | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, respiratory failure, shock - Chinaberry | Scientific Name: Melia azedarach
Toxin: Meliatoxin | Toxin Level: Moderate to High | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, seizures, respiratory distress - Chincherinchee | Scientific Name: Ornithogalum thyrsoides
Toxin: Toxic alkaloids | Toxin Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, lethargy - Chinese Evergreen | Scientific Name: Aglaonema modestum
Toxin: Calcium oxalate crystals | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain, swelling - Christmas Berry | Scientific Name: Heteromeles arbutifolia
Toxin: Unknown | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, vomiting - Christmas Rose | Scientific Name: Helleborus niger
Toxin: Ranunculin, glycosides | Toxin Level: Moderate to High | Ingestion Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain - Chrysanthemum | Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum spp.
Toxin: Pyrethrins | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Skin irritation, drooling, vomiting - Cineraria | Scientific Name: Pericallis hybrida
Toxin: Pyrrolizidine alkaloids | Toxin Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Liver damage, lung damage - Clematis | Scientific Name: Clematis spp.
Toxin: Protoanemonin | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling - Clivia | Scientific Name: Clivia miniata
Toxin: Lycorine and others | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling
- Daffodil | Scientific Name: Narcissus spp.
Toxin: Lycorine and others | Toxin Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symtoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain - Dumb Cane | Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia spp.
Toxin: Calcium oxalate crystals | Toxin Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symtoms: Oral irritation, swelling, difficulty breathing
- Elephant Ear | Scientific Name: Alocasia spp.
Toxin: Calcium oxalate crystals | Toxin Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain, swelling - English Ivy | Scientific Name: Hedera helix
Toxin: Triterpenoid saponins | Toxin Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
- Foxglove | Scientific Name: Digitalis purpurea
Toxin: Cardiac glycosides | Toxin Level: High | Ingestion Symptoms: Heart rate changes, vomiting, diarrhea
- Gardenia | Scientific Name: Gardenia spp.
Toxin: Gardenoside | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, hives - Gladiolus | Scientific Name: Gladiolus spp.
Toxins: Colchicine-like alkaloids | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, lethargy - Gloxinia | Scientific Name: Sinningia speciosa
Toxin: Unknown | Toxin Level: Mild | Ingestion Symptoms: Mild gastrointestinal upset
- Heavenly Bamboo | Scientific Name: Nandina domestica
Toxin: Cyanogenic glycosides | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress - Holly | Scientific Name: Ilex spp.
Toxin: Saponins, ilicin | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy - Hyacinth | Scientific Name: Hyacinthus orientalis
Toxin: Calcium oxalate crystals | Toxin Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, oral irritation - Hydrangea | Scientific Name: Hydrangea spp.
Toxin: Cyanogenic glycosides | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy
- Iris | Scientific Name: Iris spp.
Toxin: Iridal | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation
- Jasmine | Scientific Name: Jasminum spp.
Toxin: Gelsemium | Toxin Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, coordination problems - Jerusalem Cherry | Scientific Name: Solanum pseudocapsicum
Toxin: Solanine | Toxin Level: Moderate to High | Ingestion Symptoms:Gastrointestinal upset, confusion, seizures
- Kalanchoe | Scientific Name: Kalanchoe spp.
Toxin: Cardiac glycosides | Toxin Level: Moderate to High | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, heart problems
- Lantana | Scientific Name: Lantana camara
Toxin: Pentacyclic triterpenoids | Toxin Levels: Moderate to High | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, liver damage - Lily (True Lilies) | Lilium spp.
Toxin: Various toxins | Toxin Levels: High | Ingestion Symptoms: Kidney failure (especially in cats), vomiting, lethargy - Lily of the Valley | Scientific Name: Convallaria majalis
Toxin: Cardiac glycosides | Toxin Levels: High | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, heart rhythm problems
- Mistletoe | Scientific Name: Viscum album
Toxin: Toxalbumin, phoratoxin | Toxin Level: Moderate to High | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, cardiovascular collapse - Morning Glory | Scientific Name: Ipomoea spp.
Toxin: Lysergic alkaloids | Toxin Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation - Mother-in-Law’s Tongue | Scientific Name: Sansevieria trifasciata
Toxin: Saponins | Toxin Level: Mild | Ingestion Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Coming Soon
- Oleander | Scientific Name: Nerium oleander
Toxin: Cardiac glycosides | Toxin Level: High | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, heart problems - Oleaster | Scientific Name: Elaeagnus spp.
Toxin: Unknown | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, vomiting - Oregano | Scientific Name: Origanum vulgare
Toxin: Essential oils | Toxin Level: Mild | Ingestion Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation
- Peace Lily | Scientific Name: Spathiphyllum spp.
Toxin: Calcium oxalate crystals | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain, swelling - Philodendron | Scientific Name: Philodendron spp.
Toxin: Calcium oxalate crystals | Toxin Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Oral irritation, pain, swelling - Poinsettia | Scientific Name: Euphorbia pulcherrima
Toxin: Diterpenoid euphorbol esters | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Irritation to mouth and stomach, vomiting - Privet | Scientific Name: Ligustrum spp.
Toxin: Glycosides, terpenoids | Toxin Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, heart problems, nervous system disorders
Coming Soon
- Rhododendron | Scientific Name: Rhododendron spp.
Toxin: Grayanotoxins | Toxin Level: High | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness - Rubber Plant | Scientific Name: Ficus elastica
Toxin: Proteolytic enzymes | Toxin Level: Mild | Ingestion Symptoms: Skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset
- Sago Palm | Scientific Name: Cycas revoluta
Toxin: Cycasin | Toxin Level: High | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, liver failure, seizures - Sweet Pea | Scientific Name: Lathyrus odoratus
Toxin: Aminoproprionitrite | Toxin Level: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Weakness, tremors, seizures
- Tomato Plant | Scientific Name: Solanum lycopersicum
Toxin: Tomatine | Toxin Level: Mild | Ingestion Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, weakness, confusion - Tulip | Scientific Name: Tulipa spp.
Toxin: Tulipalin A and B | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Oral irritation, drooling, gastrointestinal upset
Coming Soon
- Virginia Creeper | Scientific Name: Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Toxin: Oxalate crystals | Toxin Level: Mild to Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Oral irritation, abdominal pain
- Wandering Jew | Scientific Name: Tradescantia zebrina
Toxin: Unknown | Toxin Levels: Mild | Ingestion Symptoms: Dermatitis, gastrointestinal upset - Wisteria | Scientific name: Wisteria spp.
Toxin: Lectin, glycoside | Toxin Levels: Moderate | Ingestion Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
Coming Soon
- Yellow Jessamine | Scientific Name: Gelsemium sempervirens
Toxin: Gelsemium | Toxin Level: High | Ingestion Symptoms: Dizziness, weakness, breathing difficulties - Yew | Scientific Name: Taxus spp.
Toxin: Taxine | Toxin Level: Extremely High | Ingestion Symptoms: Tremors, difficulty breathing, heart failure
- Zebra Plant | Scientific Name: Aphelandra squarrosa
Toxin: Unknown | Toxin Level: Mild | Ingestion Symptoms: Mild gastrointestinal upset
