Connecticut Compiles List of ‘Unsafe’ Plants

The Connecticut Poison Control Center is listing many basic landscaping plants as “unsafe” – and a new state law will require industry associations to distribute the list of harmful species to professionals.

The law encourages nurseries, garden centers and landscapers to educate consumers about the possible hazards of eating flowers and plants considered “toxic.”

Unsafe plants on the list include: hemlock, caladium, azalea, holly, hydrangea, juniper, mountain laurel, privet, rhododendron and yew. Flowers listed as “unsafe” include: daffodil, daisy, delphinium, foxglove, gladiola, heather, hyacinth, iris, larkspur, lily of the valley, lupine, monk’s hood, narcissus and star of bethlehem.

All of these items are used almost daily in Connecticut flower shops and garden centers. Both the Connecticut Florists Association and Connecticut Nursery & Landscape Association boards want the terminology changed on the list before it is actually distributed to professionals. The list is currently available to the public.