Extremely poisonous plants that can cause death that we should stay away from

What leaves can kill people? If you also want to know the answer, please explore the deadly poisonous plants below.

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The natural world is rich and varied, with many mysteries yet to be discovered. There are many poisonous plants around the world, and if you’re going to be spending time hiking in the backcountry, knowing the difference between what’s edible and what’s harmful is an important skill. While the vast majority of plants you’ll encounter are harmless, there are some that can be deadly. Always carry a local plant guidebook with you, and don’t eat anything you’re unsure about.

To start, here are the poisonous plants to avoid when you're out in the wild. Ranked on a scale of 1 (mildly unpleasant if ingested) to 10 (potentially fatal if ingested), this summary is a look at some of the most dangerous plants in the world.

Extremely poisonous plants in the world

• 13. Strychnine plant
• 12. European Yew
• 11. Buttercups
• 10. Cowbane or Water Hemlock
• 9. Elder
• 8. Oleander - Oleander
• 7. Aconite or Wolf's Bane
• 6. Jimsonweed
• 5. Hogweed
• 4. Spurge
• 3. Rhubarb
• 2. Belladonna
• 1. Castor Bean
• Supplement: Venus flytrap

13. Strychnine plant

• Scientific name: Strychnos nux-vomica
• Found in: India and Southeast Asia
• Danger level: 10

According to legend, Cleopatra tested the effects of the Strychnine Plant on her servants while researching the best way to commit suicide. When she saw the horrifying symptoms—vomiting, facial disfigurement, severe convulsions, almost certain death—she chose not to use the method on herself. It's best to stay away from the apple-sized oranges it produces, as its seeds contain deadly poison.

12. European Yew

• Scientific name: Taxus baccata
• Found in: Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
• Danger level: 8

Considered one of the most dangerous plants on the planet, the English Yew is part of the evergreen family and is lush and majestic in appearance. All parts of the plant, including the needles and the seeds of the red berries, contain the toxin taxine and are extremely poisonous. Symptoms of ingestion include irregular heartbeat, severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and potentially death.

11. Buttercups

© Pixabay © Chris~commonswiki/wikipedia © Christian Fischer/wikipedia

Scientific name : Ranunculus

Found in : temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Often grows in wet or marshy places.

There are several species of buttercups and many of them are poisonous.

Danger : Goldenseal contains caustic wax that can leave a streaky mark on the skin. Contact with mucous membranes can cause coughing and spasms of the larynx. If the wax gets into the eyes it can cause temporary blindness.

10. Cowbane or Water Hemlock

© Anneli Salo/wikipedia © Franz Eugen Köhler/wikimedia © Olivier Pichard/wikimedia

Scientific name: Cicuta virosa

Found in : Europe, Asia and North America. Cowbane or Water Hemlock grows in wet places such as swamps and river banks.

Cicuta smells like carrots, don’t be fooled by it, it is one of the most poisonous plants in the world. It is not easily distinguished from other related species. To be safe, avoid handling similar plants growing in damp areas.

Dangerous : Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, seizures and heart failure. It can even be fatal. Just 100-200 grams of watercress root is enough to kill a cow.

9. Elder

© Jonathan Billinger/wikipedia © Lobachev Vladimir/wikipedia © Franz Eugen Köhler/wikipedia

Scientific name : Sambucus

Found in : Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and Australia. The most common species of this genus are red elderberry and black elderberry. All parts of this plant contain toxins that are harmful to the human body.

Even the slightest touch of an elderberry should be followed by immediate hand washing. However, fully ripe black elderberries are perfectly safe and can even be used in drinks and baked goods.

Dangers : Elderberry causes headaches, weakness, stomach aches, and occasionally seizures. This can lead to heart or respiratory failure.

8. Oleander - Oleander

© Ranko/wikipedia © Francisco Manuel Blanco/wikipedia © Keith Williamson/wikipedia

Scientific name : Nerium

Found in : tropical and subtropical regions. Oleander is used in landscape design and is grown throughout the world for ornamental purposes.

Oleander is actually a dangerous plant, it attracts us with its fragrance and beautiful flowers in pink or white color.

Dangerous : Oleander contains glycosides that can alter heart rhythm, cause nausea, headaches, weakness, and even death. According to ancient legend, Napoleon's soldiers used oleander branches to make fires and roast meat on them. The next morning, some of them could not wake up again.

7. Aconite or Wolf's Bane

© Rüdiger Kratz/wikipedia © BioLib.de/wikipedia © User:Tigerente/wikipedia

Scientific name : Aconitum

Found in : Europe, Asia and North America. Because of the beautiful purple, blue and yellow flowers of the Aconite plant, it is grown as an ornamental plant. It is a tall and eye-catching plant.

In the ancient world, the Aconite plant was used in poisonous arrows. Even bees can be poisoned if they collect pollen from the Aconite plant.

Dangerous : Aconite is EXTREMELY poisonous, causing arrhythmia, paralysis, loss of vision and death.

6. Jimsonweed

© Nova/wikipedia © Franz Eugen Köhler/wikipedia © Lazaregagnidze/wikipedia

Scientific name : Datura stramonium

Found in : North and Central America, Europe and southern Russia.

The nightshade resembles a potato or tomato, which is not surprising since they are close relatives. It is an inconspicuous plant with spiny fruit and black seeds inside. The white flowers of the nightshade plant give off an intoxicating scent.

Dangerous because: It contains alkaloids that cause anxiety, disorientation, and delirium. In severe cases, it can lead to coma and death. Shamans of many ethnic groups used this plant in their rituals.

5. Hogweed

© Carl Axel Magnus Lindman/wikipedia © Walter J. Pilsak/wikipedia © Dcrjsr/wikipedia

Scientific name : Heracleum

Found in : Temperate Eurasia. Some species grow in America. This is a huge plant and quite impressive looking, but be careful not to take a photo next to it.

Danger : Some species contain furanocoumarins that cause blistering in sunlight. If this plant wax gets on your hands, wash it off and avoid sunlight for about 2 days.

4. Spurge

© Niklitov/wikipedia © Dinkum/wikipedia © H. Zell/wikipedia

Scientific name: Euphorbia

Found in : all over the world. It is commonly found even in our homes.

There are many species of Euphorbia. However, they are often very different: some look like cacti, others like flowers. Teach your children not to touch unfamiliar plants, even if they are in pots.

Danger : Euphorbia leaf wax can cause blistering, resulting in discomfort, swelling, and fever.

3. Rhubarb

© DocteurCosmos/wikipedia © Dieter Weber/wikipedia © Florilegius /amanaimages

Scientific name: Rheum rhabarbarum

Found in : Europe, Russia and America.

In many countries, rhubarb is also used in pies, salads, and sauces. Some people even enjoy chewing on the raw stalks.

Dangerous because : Not everyone knows that the leaves and roots of this rhubarb plant are inedible because they contain large amounts of oxalic acid that can cause irritation of the throat and eyes, kidney stones, nausea, and even diarrhea.

2. Belladonna

© Otto Wilhelm Thomé Flora von Deutschland/wikipedia © Kurt Stüber/wikipedia © Science Museum/wikipedia

Scientific name : Atropa belladonna

Found in : North Africa, Europe, southern Russia, Asia Minor and parts of North America.

Belladonna looks like a bush with black berries and pink flowers. It contains atropine, an organic protein that dilates the pupils. In the Middle Ages, belladonna drops were used to make eyes look more attractive. Today, belladonna drops are also used in eye surgery.

Danger : Mild poisoning can cause nervousness, anxiety, dryness and burning in the mouth. Severe poisoning can cause complete loss of consciousness, sometimes causing cramps and death.

1. Castor Bean

© Dezidor/wikipedia © Franz Eugen Köhler/wikipedia © Pete Markham/wikipedia

Scientific name : Ricinus communis

Found in : tropical, subtropical and tropical regions. With its unusual appearance, castor beans are often grown as ornamental plants. It is no surprise that castor beans are used to make castor oil. Don't worry: heat treatment will kill any toxins contained in them.

Dangerous because : This is probably the most dangerous plant. It contains extremely toxic compounds: ricin and ricinine . Castor beans are especially dangerous: eating just 4-7 seeds will result in death. In addition, smaller doses can still cause irreparable damage to health because ricin destroys body tissues.

Supplement: Venus flytrap

© Kluna Tik / Youtube.com

This curious Venus flytrap plant is unlikely to kill you, but it looks like something out of a horror movie, doesn't it?

See more: 8 mysterious natural phenomena that cannot be explained by science

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