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Poisonous Shrubs
When you hear "poisonous shrubs," what comes to mind first? Probably shrubs that have poisonous berries, such as yew. Unfortunately, cause for concern does not end there, as there is also a danger of children or pets nibbling on toxic leaves. Err on the side of caution and find out which bushes (and which of their plant parts) are poisonous.
Winterberry
Various parts of winterberry were used by Native Americans as medicine. However, ingesting the toxic berries commonly causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This bush is a type of holly and is commonly found growing in wetlands. Cultivars of this poisonous shrub have been developed for those who cherish its bright red berries.
Hollies: Christmas Favorite, Poisonous Shrubs
Winterberry is not the only holly bush with poisonous berries. Unlike winterberry, most hollies are evergreen; this desirable trait makes them more popular in people's yards than the deciduous winterberry. But ingesting their berries causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Mountain Laurels
Both humans and cattle are susceptible to poisoning from the leaves or flowers of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia). Symptoms are nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and watering of the eyes and nose (or worse). It won't surprise you that this is a poisonous shrub if you're familiar with its relative, K. angustifolia, nicknamed "lambkill."
Azalea and Rhododendron Bushes
"What, my azaleas and rhodies, too?" Yes, I'm sorry to inform you that even azaleas and rhododendrons, which are among the most popular of landscape plants, are poisonous shrubs. You know the drill by now: ingesting their leaves or flowers will cause vomiting, diarrhea or stomach pain (if you're lucky).
Boxwood Shrubs
Boxwoods make excellent hedges and topiaries. They are also valued for being deer-resistant, a trait that makes them very popular in deer-infested regions such as northwestern Connecticut (U.S.) But there is a reason deer avoid them: they are poisonous shrubs. Ingesting the leaves can cause gastric problems and vomiting.
Japanese and English Yews
English and Japanese yew bushes (and crosses between them) are widely used as hedges. But yews are notoriously poisonous shrubs. Surprisingly, all parts of the plant are toxic except for the part you would probably expect to cause poisoning: the red, fleshy part of the berry.
Junipers: Poisonous Shrubs
Juniper has both its fans and detractors as a landscaping plant. A pro is its value in erosion control; and a steep hill planted with juniper groundcovers doesn't have to be mowed. Some say a con is that it is overused. All can agree on one thing: ingesting too many of juniper's berry-like cones can lead to kidney damage.
Privet Bushes
Some people complain that privet bush (Ligustrum) is boring. There is actually a more significant complaint that can be lodged against privet: ingesting any part of these poisonous shrubs may cause stomach ache, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, or headache. Eating the toxic berries of privet may even cause death.