Children & Pets

Some invasive plants are particularly noxious for humans and their animal companions to interact with, either due to their toxicity when consumed, or the injuries they produce when touched. While all people are susceptible to the toxic and potentially life-threatening effects of these plants, they are of particular threat to young children and family pets; both share that they are naturally curious about plants, tend to explore with their senses of touch and taste, and may not always take care to wash their hands (or paws). In addition, some plants are particularly dangerous for children, whose immune systems may respond differently than those of adults.

Plants included in this category are highly toxic or otherwise dangerous and should not be located where unsupervised children or pets might be harmed by them.