Some pots or even bouquets can become poison for dogs and cats
Most plants can be toxic to some degree. However, some species are particularly dangerous for animals or humans.
This was stated in an interview with RBC-Ukraine by candidate of biological sciences, researcher at the National Museum of Natural History of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Alexey Kovalenko.
Read also: Will lilacs and azaleas bloom? The Grishko Botanical Garden explained the consequences of the critical winter
Which familiar plants are dangerous for animals
According to the specialist, one of the most dangerous plants (common to most people) for cats is the lily.
“It causes kidney failure in them,” the scientist explained.
The hemerocallis or daylily (a popular garden plant) can also pose a problem for pets.
Orange daylily (photo: uk.wikipedia.org/A.Barra)
Some houseplants can also be dangerous for animals.
“Such as dumb cane, monstera… They contain many sharp crystals of calcium oxalate,” Kovalenko shared.
Dumb cane (photo: uk.wikipedia.org/Jerzy Opioła)
According to his information, they can cause:
- irritation of the mucous membranes;
- acute pain.
Monstera (photo: uk.wikipedia.org/Chhe)
“Tulips are also considered dangerous. Their bulbs and leaves contain the toxin tulipalin, which is harmful if ingested,” Kovalenko said.
“Something similar,” he noted, “is found in hyacinths and daffodils.”
Which plants can be toxic to humans
“We have many of these. Almost every plant can be toxic,” the scientist reported.
He cited potatoes as an example.
“As long as we eat the tubers of the potato, it is beneficial. But if we eat a leaf or a berry, we can get poisoned. If the potato is left in the sun, toxic compounds solanine and chaconine form,” the biologist explained.
Therefore, according to him, “any plants can be toxic to some degree.”
“One of the most dangerous in Ukraine is hemlock. There have even been fatal cases due to its consumption. It belongs to the celery family, which also includes dill and parsley. They are similar to hemlock and hard to distinguish,” Kovalenko said.
Hemlock (photo: wikipedia.org/breki74)
He added that hemlock “has a pleasant, carrot-like smell,” which is why people try it.
“People have also been poisoned by mezereum. The colchicum or autumn crocus is also toxic,” the expert concluded.
Recall that earlier we reported that a bright plant from the “black list” is rapidly spreading in Ukraine and explained why it is dangerous.
Additionally, we discussed a dangerous plant that can cause severe burns, lead to tissue necrosis, and even limb amputations.
Also read about the gardener’s calendar for April 2026 – when to sow and when to stay away from the beds.
