6 Water Hemlock

Found in the marshy areas of the American continent, the roots of the plant contain cicutoxin, a deadly compound that can cause violent convulsions or severe health conditions like amnesia.

Another dangerous plant out of the top 10 deadliest plants is the water hemlock, present in the marshy areas of the American continent. The plant contains a deadly toxin called “cicutoxin,” which is abundantly present in the roots. In most cases, the white roots of the plant are mistaken for the parsnip.

Cicutoxin present in the plant causes painful and violent convulsions, vomiting, muscle tremors, nausea, and cramps. Those who survive the toxin develop long-term health conditions, such as amnesia. No amount of water hemlock is safe to consume. (1, 2)

7 Deadly Nightshade

As the name suggests, two sweet berries of the plant can kill children and up to 20 berries can kill adults. The deadly poison of these berries directly affects the nervous system. It is completely safe for birds and animals but extremely poisonous for humans.

The scientific name,  Atropa belladonna, has the scariest name among the top 10 poisonous plants. The deadly nightshade has a maximum height of 1.5 meters. The dull, dark green leaves and bell-shaped purple flowers help a person to recognize this plant.

The sweet and juicy fruit of deadly nightshade compels children to consume it. The deadly poison of these berries affects the nervous system, making the nerve endings in involuntary muscle induce paralysis.

Symptoms of its poison include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, confusion, dilated pupils, headaches, and convulsions. Two ingested berries of deadly nightshade can kill a child, and 10 – 20 berries can kill an adult. Even handling them can result in skin irritation.

This, one of the most dangerous plants, is found in wild regions. However, the plant is completely safe for animals and birds but can kill human beings. (1, 2, 3)

8 Castor Oil Plant

Native to Africa, the poisoning of its deadly toxin, ricin, which is found in the seed coating can cause abdominal cramps, internal bleeding, kidney, and circulation failure.

Among the deadliest plants in the world, Castor oil was first found in Africa but is now available worldwide. It can be recognized by its yellowish-green flowers having a red center and the large leaves with toothed edges.

Traditionally, the castor bean was used in manufacturing ointments, and allegedly, Claptora used the oil to the white part of her eyes to brighten them up.

We all are aware of castor oil. It is a mild-tasting vegetable oil used in making different food dishes, flavoring in candy production, inducing labor, and laxatives. It is acquired from the plant seeds, which are almost 40-50% oil.

The castor oil plant is included in the 10 most dangerous plants because the plant contains a deadly toxin known as “ricin.” It is present in the seed coating in high concentrations. Although seed poisoning is rare, there have been numerous deaths reported.

Symptoms of castor poisoning are vomiting, nausea, internal bleeding, abdominal cramps, and circulation and kidney failure. Some people are allergic to the dust from the seeds and may experience muscle aches, coughing, and shortness of breath. (1, 2, 3)

9 Datura: Jimsonweed

The plant is mainly found in India and is used as a poison in many cultures. The plant has hallucinogenic properties, which makes it useful to voodoo and spiritual possessions. A slightly high dosage can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Datura is one of those 10 most dangerous plants in the world that consists of pointed fruits and leaves. It has been related to voodoo and spiritual properties due to its hallucinogenic properties.

The plant was first found in America but is now present in all parts of the world. It is widely known for its medicinal properties, acting as an analgesic during surgery or bone setting and relieving the symptoms of asthma.

The alkaloids of the datura plant are responsible for making it hallucinogenic and make it useful for medicinal purposes. However, it can act as a fatal toxin, and even a slightly higher dosage can result in hospitalization or even death.

Also, the nectar and petals of its flowers are dangerous. They are tainted with toxins just like the other parts of the plant. (source)

10 Rosary Pea

This is a plant widely used for making jewelry, however, it can cause death within three to four days! The seeds of this plant contain a poison called “abrin.” About 2.5 milligrams of abrin is enough to cause death, and each pea has more than 2.5 milligrams of abrin. 

With tempting fruits, the rosary pea contains red and black seeds. This plant is used widely in making imported jewelry and is popular as rosary prayer beads. The seeds of this plant contain poison.

They are absolutely safe until scratched or the outer coating is undamaged. Due to obvious reasons, the jewelry maker is more vulnerable to getting harmed than the wearer. These plants grow aggressively and can cover the entire region if not restrained.

the rosary pea contains an exclusively dangerous poison called “abrin,” which is far more dangerous than ricin. About 2.5 milligrams of this poison is enough to cause the death of a person. However, each pea has more than 2.5 milligrams of abrin.

If ingested, the rosary pea poison inhibits protein synthesis by bonding with the cell membranes. The symptoms of consuming this poison include fever, difficulty breathing, nausea, and fluid in the lungs.

When you consume it, and the seed coating breaks, it can cause severe vomiting and nausea, which can further cause dehydration. This results in kidney, spleen, and liver failure. Death usually occurs within three to four days. (source)