14 Common Plants to Avoid If You Have Kids

Gardening with my kids is one of my favorite things to do. They love to get dirty, and with the most basic of gardening skills they can easily make all sorts of flowers, fruits, and vegetables grow. Before I had kids I had a big garden full of plants (some of which were beautiful, but I never really bothered identifying). But once they came along started to get mobile in our backyard, I knew it was time to figure out just exactly what was out there, and what I needed to rip out (if anything) for my kids’ safety.

There are a few common plants to avoid in your yard if you have kids. The repercussions range; some are dangerous to eat, while others can cause painful scratches or rashes when touched. These aren’t necessarily terrible plants that should never be grown anywhere, ever. However, so long as there are young kids around, it is best to steer clear of growing these plants in your garden.

More Gardening Tips:

Plants to Avoid If You Have Kids

Bulb Plants

Daffodils and crocuses are harmless to look at. But if your kids are diggers and might dig up the bulbs, then don't plant them. They are toxic when ingested.

Source: Texas A&M

Image: Christopher Wiles/EyeEM/Getty
Rhubarb

The stalks are delicious and great for cooking, but the leaves are poisonous. Best avoid planting rhubarb until you know your children are old enough to know to stay away.

Source: US National Library of Medicine

Image: Paul Viant/Digitalvision/Getty
Mistletoe

While perfect for the holidays, mistletoe berries are poisonous. Kids will be tempted to eat them, so just don't plant mistletoe until they understand not to touch it.

Source: US National Library of Medicine

Image: Byron Hirsch/EyeEm/Getty
Crown of Thorns

This prickly plant is okay to touch if you wear protective gloves. But it is poisonous if ingested. Between the harsh, prickly exterior and the poisonous interior, it's best not to plant them at all.

Source: New York Botanical Garden Library

Image: Moment Open/Getty
Roses

While gorgeous to look at, rose bushes are covered in harsh thorns. Plant them away from play areas or just don't plant them at all. It's better to be safe than for the children to end up with loads of scratches and cuts.

Image: BasieB/E+/Getty
Oleander

Every single part of this plant is poisonous. When ingested it is extremely harmful. Contact poison control if you think someone has done so.

Source: US National Library of Medicine

Image: Sahebe Alam/EyeEm/Getty
Lily of the Valley

This very pretty plant is very poisonous. Though it smells sweet, it should never be ingested or touched.

Source: US National Library of Medicine

Image: PhotoAlto/Odilon Dimier/PhotoAlto Agency RF Collections/Getty
Bleeding Hearts

These pretty flowers are toxic if ingested and also cause rashes when touched.

Source: Washington State University

Image: Steven Hesse/EyeEm/Getty
Carnations

These pretty plants seem benign, but the leaves are toxic and the flowers can cause dermatitis when touched.

Source: Illinois Poison Center

Image: Danijela Bolanca/EyeEm/Getty
Castor Oil Plant

This plant will sow itself. When ingested it causes terrible gastro symptoms, and you should seek medical attention. Never grow it, and have it removed if it sows itself in your garden.

Source: Cornell University

Image: W-ings/E+/Getty
Deadly Nightshade

This deceptive plant grows beautiful berries. The only problem is that they are poisonous. Children may not be able to discern that these shouldn't be eaten, so it's best not to plant this in the garden at all.

Source: Illinois University

Image: Westend61/Getty
Cactus

The thorns are the most dangerous part of a cactus. Don't plant them where children play so they can avoid being scratched and hurt.

Image: Tudor Catalin Gheorge/EyeEm/Getty
Belladonna Lily

It is so beautiful! But the bulb and sap are poisonous, and children should not be anywhere near them.

Source: University of California

Image: Colin Bush/EyeEm/Getty
Mushrooms

There are thousands of different types of mushrooms that grow wild and in people's lawns. Many of them look alike, and very few of them are actually poisonous. But unless you're a mushroom expert, it's best to avoid any wild mushrooms you see growing. Even though the risk of them being poisonous is slim, kids that ingest a poisonous mushroom may experience severe cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. When you see one growing in your garden, remove it and dispose of it immediately.

Source: Hopkins Medicine

Image: Jackie Bale/Moment/Getty