Are you decorating your property and then surprised by a series of troubles?
Perhaps the culprit is plants that have been considered “cursed” since time immemorial.
Some attract pests, others destroy the foundation, and others are downright poisonous. Find out which flowers you should stay away from so that your home doesn't become a source of problems.
Foxglove: The Beauty That Kills
Its bells look innocent, but all parts of the plant contain digitalin, a poison that causes cardiac arrest.
Why it is dangerous:
- The juice causes burns on the skin.
- Pollen is dangerous for children and animals.
- Even water from a vase containing foxgloves becomes toxic.
Substitute: Snapdragons or bells - similar in appearance but safe.
Ivy: The Silent Destroyer
It twines around the walls, creating a “fairytale” look, but beneath the canopy of greenery lies a threat.
What harm does it do:
- Roots penetrate into the cracks in the foundation and destroy the masonry.
- Attracts rodents and insects (bugs, ants).
- It retains moisture, causing mold to form on the walls.
British scientists have proven that houses covered with ivy require repairs 30% more often.
An alternative would be maiden grapes. The plant is less aggressive and pleases with bright colors in autumn.
Oleander: A Fragrant Enemy
Its smell causes dizziness, and its juice can poison even a large animal.
Facts:
- Inhaling pollen can trigger migraines and nausea.
- Dangerous for bees - honey becomes poisonous.
- If the juice gets into the eyes, it causes blindness.
Advice: plant oleander only in parks, no closer than 10 meters from housing.
Safe option: jasmine or lilac - fragrant and harmless.
Yew berry: the tree of death
In the Middle Ages, its branches were thrown into the wells of enemies to poison the water.
Why you can't plant near your home:
- The needles, bark and seeds contain a substance called taxine (the main active ingredient in yew), which is lethal to humans.
- Attracts birds that spread poisonous seeds throughout the garden.
- Yew grows slowly, but lives for hundreds of years - a mistake will be a "legacy" for descendants.
What to replace: boxwood or thuja - similar aesthetics, but safer.
Henbane: a hallucinogenic flower
It is often confused with the harmless chamomile, but the consequences are fatal.
Risks:
- The smell causes headaches and confusion.
- The seeds are carried by the wind, germinating even in cracks in the sidewalk.
- Causes dermatitis and burns when in contact with skin.
Important! Henbane often grows as a weed - check the area regularly.
Chamomile or calendula are alternatives.
Author: Dmitry Bobrov
