10 Plants that Can Kill You Instantly

Many plants are beneficial to humans and animals, but some species can be lethal. The following plants cause immediate death if ingested, touched or inhaled.

Hemlock (Conium maculatum)

The plant contains a deadly compound called coniine that paralyzes the central nervous system, leading to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. Symptoms of Hemlock poisoning include stomach pain, vomiting, tremors and convulsions.

Aconite (Aconitum napellus)

Also known as the monkshood, this plant produces aconitine, a potent poison that targets the heart and nervous system. Ingestion of the plant causes numbness and tingling in the mouth, followed by muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat and respiratory failure.

Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)

The plant's berries contain atropine, a toxic alkaloid that affects the heart, brain and other organs. Eating just a few berries can cause delirium, hallucinations, seizures and death.

Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)

One of the deadliest plants in the world, the Castor Bean contains ricin, a potent toxin that inhibits protein synthesis and causes organ failure. Ingestion of a single seed can be lethal to an adult human.

Oleander (Nerium oleander)

The plant's leaves and flowers contain cardiac glycosides, which cause severe disturbances in heart rhythm and can lead to death. Mere contact with the plant can cause skin irritation, eye damage and respiratory problems.

Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum)

Similar to Hemlock, this plant contains coniine, which causes paralysis, respiratory failure and death. Poison Hemlock is often mistaken for edible wild carrots, causing accidental poisoning.

White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima)

This plant contains a toxic compound called tremetol, which causes tremors, vomiting and ultimately death in humans and livestock. White Snakeroot poisoning was responsible for the death of Abraham Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln.

Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia arborea)

The plant produces scopolamine, a powerful hallucinogenic compound that causes delirium, muscle paralysis, convulsions and death. Ingestion of the plant's flowers or leaves can lead to fatal poisoning.

Water Hemlock (Cicuta douglasii)

The deadliest plant in North America, the Water Hemlock contains cicutoxin, a potent poison that affects the central nervous system and causes seizures, respiratory failure and death. Ingesting just a small amount of the plant can be lethal to humans and animals.

Manchineel (Hippomane mancinella)

Nicknamed the "Tree of Death," Manchineel produces a sap that contains phorbol, a skin irritant that can cause severe burns and blistering. Ingestion of the fruit can lead to abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and death. Even standing under the tree during rain can cause blisters and burns on exposed skin.

These plants should be avoided and not touched, ingested or inhaled. It's important to educate oneself on the characteristics and dangers of these lethal species in order to stay safe.