A stunning chain of golden blossoms, blooming continuously between spring and summer, creates an endlessly beautiful natural scene. Each exquisite flower, not inferior to the lily, is known as the golden shower tree or Osaka, hailed as the national flower of Thailand, symbolizing the country's royalty. Golden Shower, also known as Osaka flower or Yellow Scorpion flower, is a popular flower in Vietnam. From June to September each year, you can easily spot these resplendent Golden Shower Trees along the streets or parks in Hanoi, showcasing their incredibly attractive and dazzling colors.
The vital role of these green rows extends beyond mere decoration, enhancing the beauty of the streets, contributing to the city's aesthetics, and aiding in natural regulation to reduce the intensity of heat on hot days. Moreover, these Golden Shower Trees also help reduce noise pollution. The purpose of planting Golden Shower Trees on streets is not only to beautify the urban landscape but also to reduce noise and create a cleaner environment.
However, few people are aware that the flowers, leaves, and seeds of this tree contain highly toxic substances. If accidentally ingested, it can lead to poisoning. Despite bearing the bright yellow color and enchanting beauty, the Golden Shower Tree harbors extremely toxic compounds, posing risks to one's health. The flowers, leaves, fruits, and seeds of the Golden Shower Tree all contain toxic substances, potentially causing poisoning if consumed.
Golden Shower Tree
Golden Shower TreeThis is a type of plant you can often find planted in parks, offices, or used for landscaping at home. The Rose of Death can come in vibrant red, pink, or white, standing out amidst heart-shaped, pale green leaves that are incredibly captivating. When ingested, this plant will cause your mouth to burn, swell, and even lead to loss of voice or hoarseness. No one can deny the appealing appearance of the rose of death, a plant that serves multiple decorative purposes and proves useful in daily life. However, the rose of death is a toxic plant with its entire body containing toxins. It contains saponin and calcium oxalate crystals that can penetrate the layers of the digestive mucous membrane, causing a painful sensation.
The toxic substances in the plant affect all mammalian species; chewing the leaves can cause swelling in the mouth and irritation in the throat. Contact with the skin can result in rashes and blistering.
The rose of death is widely cultivated worldwide, used as an ornamental flower for both interior and exterior landscaping. It is also among the plants recognized by NASA for its air-purifying capabilities, significantly eliminating toxic gases such as formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and ammonia from the air. Particularly in feng shui, the rose of death symbolizes love and gratitude. It is highly suitable for decorating living rooms, reception desks, places with frequent foot traffic, or interior spaces in general, adding a touch of elegance to any environment...
Rose of Death
Rose of DeathWhen mentioning this flower in the list of toxic flowers, many of you might be surprised because the Poison Ball Flower is quite common and popular for landscaping in Vietnam. The spherical flowers come in various colors such as dark green, pink, white, resembling the ornate balls of rich ancient Chinese ladies. The small clustered flowers form an incredibly attractive and adorable bloom. However, this flower is not as 'gentle' as one might think. If ingested, it can immediately cause itching, nausea, or even induce unconsciousness, seizures, and in large quantities, stroke. The Poison Ball Flower is a beautiful flower, considered a famous symbol of Dalat. With its magically changing colors from green to pink, white to purple... This flower is often preferred for weddings and interior decoration...
The Poison Ball Flower also goes by many sweet names such as Sun Ball Flower, Tử Dương... This flower originates from Asia, growing abundantly in East Asia (from Japan to China), South Asia, Southeast Asia (Himalayas, Indonesia), and the Americas... According to Dr. Tran Van Nam, the leaves and flower buds of the Poison Ball Flower contain the highest amount of Hydragin. If consumed, the patient may experience symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and breathlessness. Ingesting large quantities can lead to unconsciousness, seizures, and circulatory disorders. Legend has it that Queen Cleopatra of Egypt once forced a servant to commit suicide using this flower. Therefore, when traveling to places with many of these flowers,
The Poison Ball Flower can also cause skin inflammation and itching for those with easily allergic skin. This especially happens when touching the plant, leaves, or flowers barehanded. The fine pollen particles of this flower will spread upon contact with human skin. Hence, doctors advise that if you love this flower too much, pay special attention not to touch the flowers, especially for young children with weaker immune systems. Only handle the flowers when they are properly wrapped and packaged.
Poison Ball Flower
Desert Rose Flower
4. Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
The Desert Rose, originating from Africa, has been imported to Vietnam for many years and is commonly used for landscaping. The petals have a deep pink color, and the heart of the flower is white. This familiar and beloved flower, however, carries a toxin that can easily kill a large elephant.
The Desert Rose plant is a medicinal plant for people in Africa. In the Sahel region (Southern Sahara desert), the extract from its roots, or in combination with other plants, is used to treat sexually transmitted diseases. The water extracted from the roots or bark is used for bathing, treating skin diseases, and killing ticks. Despite its medicinal uses, the Desert Rose is a highly toxic plant. In many parts of Africa, such as Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, the root sap or latex is used to poison arrows for hunting. Animals hit by these poisoned arrows die very quickly. To increase the toxicity of the arrows, in northern Kenya, people apply the latex to their hair to repel ticks. The powdered bark or water extract with high toxicity at all stages of development is used to control external parasites for camels and sheep, such as Amblyomma spp and Boophilus spp.
Desert Rose Flower (Adenium Obesum)
Desert Rose Flower (Adenium Obesum)This is a beautiful flower species commonly found in the southwestern United States and the state of California. In Vietnam, Cherry Blossom is widely planted in industrial zones or along highways. Cherry Blossom flowers in vibrant clusters of pink or yellow. Not only do the flowers contain toxins, but Cherry Blossom is also known as the 'king of poisonous flowers,' as every millimeter of this plant is considered to be the most toxic in the world. Ingesting even a single leaf of Cherry Blossom can be lethal. The toxicity is present in the plant, leaves, flowers, fruit, and seeds of Cherry Blossom. Even inhaling the smoke from burning this plant can cause poisoning. Cherry Blossom has flowers that cluster at the end of each branch, with colors ranging from white, yellow to pink (depending on the variety), with a diameter of 2.5–5 cm. The flower has 5 petals with a central tube surrounded by petal lobes. While it may appear harmless at first glance, this flower is quite toxic. Inhaling too much can lead to symptoms such as severe nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and diarrhea. If Cherry Blossom sap comes into contact with the skin, the condition can be more severe. Drinking water from an area where the flowers have fallen can also cause poisoning and even death. In many places, the crushed leaves and seeds of Cherry Blossom are used to make highly effective insecticides.
After the toxin enters the body, symptoms can occur rapidly, such as intense vomiting, followed by extreme fatigue, reluctance to speak or move, headache, dizziness, and abdominal pain. Severe poisoning can lead to heart failure, a drop in blood pressure, fainting, and disruption of heart rhythm. Severe poisoning will gradually lead to oxygen deprivation in the brain. Without timely treatment, it can lead to death. Cherry Blossom flowers are beautifully colorful, ranging from white, light pink, dark pink, or slightly orange-red, sometimes purple. The flowers can be single or double. Among them, the pink flowers are the most common. The flowers have a light fragrance. Due to these reasons, cherry blossoms are very popular for landscaping purposes.
In addition to their beauty, Cherry Blossom trees also have other valuable properties beneficial for medicine. For example, glycosides such as Oleandrin (neriolin), neriin, adynerin, and neriantin have been extracted from Cherry Blossom leaves. Neriolin is used as a heart aid, treating heart failure, breathlessness, and edema due to heart failure. Compared to digitalin or digoxin, neriolin has the advantages of not being destroyed by digestive enzymes, rapid excretion, and no accumulation. It is known that not only the leaves but all parts of the Cherry Blossom tree are toxic. All parts of the tree contain cream-colored resin, ivory, and then turn green. This resin contains toxic glucosides.
Cherry Blossom Flower
Cherry Blossom FlowerRum flower, also known as Chi Van Mon, is an exquisite flower originating from the South Pole. Nowadays, Rum flower is quite common and cultivated in many places around the world. This Western wedding favorite contains an extremely toxic substance, calcium oxalate - a peculiar intestinal poison. Ingesting this plant by mistake can lead to poisoning, and in severe cases, immediate death.
Rum flower is the English name for Arum, also known as a calla lily because the flower looks faintly like the claw of a young calf. Rum flower is also called by many other names such as Zum flower, Water Vu flower, Calla, Arum Lily, Calla Lily, Calla palustris, White Arum, and Lily of the Nile. Rum flower belongs to the Arum family (Araceae) and has its origins in South Africa. Rum flower symbolizes a profound perception of love. The Rum flower plant is about 1m tall, a sun-loving shrub. It is planted in October - November and blooms in April. The peak flowering period is in May and June. Common flower colors include pure white, and occasionally other colors such as yellow, pink, and red. The flower spike is 10 - 15cm long.
Rum flowers are beautiful and pleasant to look at, making them popular for potted landscaping or vase arrangements in living rooms, workspaces, etc. With its pure white color and beautiful meaning, white Rum flowers are especially favored in wedding decorations and as bridal bouquets. However, when choosing Rum flowers for landscaping or display, you must be cautious due to the toxic substance in this plant. The leaves and tubers of the Rum flower contain a lot of intestinal poison calcium oxalate. Ingesting it by mistake or carelessly can lead to poisoning, with symptoms commonly seen as vomiting, mouth burns, tongue numbness, and surface mucosal swelling.
Rum Flower
Rum Flower
7. Water Fairy Flower - Narcissus
Water fairy flower - Narcissus, a plant with bulbs and flowers similar to the narcissus commonly grown in Vietnam, is especially toxic. If you mistakenly consume the bulb of this flower, you may experience paralysis, rash, and, most dangerously, seizures leading to cardiac arrest. Narcissus, from the Greek word 'narkao' meaning numb, reflects the stunning effect of Narcissus flowers, which often consist of fragrant plants causing a mesmerizing sensation; 'tazetta' from the Italian word 'tazza,' meaning small cup, recalls the appearance of the narcissus flower resembling a small cup.
Legend has it that the god Narcissus was so enchanted by his own beauty that he was always fascinated by his reflection in the water and transformed into a narcissus flower.
The Water Fairy flower, originally from Japan and China, is often planted during Tet for its beauty and fragrance. It is also found growing in Mediterranean countries, some African countries, and other Asian countries. Mainly used for landscaping, with a few places utilizing the root and stem of the Water Fairy flower for medicinal purposes. However, the medicine's taste is poisonous, requiring extreme caution in usage.
Narcissus - Water Fairy Flower
Narcissus - Water Fairy Flower
8. Dog's Garlic - Colchicum Autumnale
The Dog's Garlic flower is commonly found in England, various places in Europe, and New Zealand. This captivating purple flower possesses harmful properties similar to colchicine. If poisoned by this Colchicum plant, death is inevitable, akin to colchicine poisoning, with no known antidote. The Dog's Garlic flower (Colchicum autumnale), also known as the Meadow Saffron, Autumn Crocus, or Western Nudibranch, is a beautiful plant containing the toxic compound colchicine, which can be lethal. Colchicine poisoning symptoms resemble those of arsenic poisoning, potentially causing immediate cardiac arrest without an antidote.
The Dog's Garlic flower blooms only in Autumn. Despite its unattractive name, this flower exhibits stunning beauty during its bloom. However, it is dubbed the 'queen of poisons' due to its colchicine toxicity equivalent to that of deadly nightshade. This plant is often confused with wild garlic (Allium ursinum) by foragers due to their similar appearance, but it is a lethal plant containing colchicine.
Colchicine poisoning symptoms are similar to arsenic poisoning (arsenic) and lack an antidote. Despite its toxicity, colchicine is approved for treating gout and used in plant breeding for polyploid production. Dog's Garlic often contains cyanide and thallium in the bulbs, which are extremely toxic. Ingesting these substances can lead to seizures, difficulty breathing, blood pressure drop, decreased oxygen, and ultimately, death if not promptly treated.
Dog's Garlic - Colchicum Autumnale
Dog's Garlic - Colchicum Autumnale9. Angel’s Trumpet Flower
The Angel’s Trumpet flower, seemingly harmless and beautiful, contains a potent toxin. Just by inhaling the flower's fragrance, one can immediately enter an unconscious state, losing control of behavior, or experiencing hallucinations. Large exposure to the toxin from this flower can lead to immediate fatality. Accidentally tasting or inhaling the 'breath of the devil' can induce unconsciousness and compel the victim to follow others' suggestions. Ironically, people unknowingly plant the 'breath of the devil' as a decorative plant in gardens without realizing its true nature.
Scientific studies have affirmed the mysterious effects of this plant on human health. The 'breath of the devil' originates from Mexico and Peru, and has been cultivated in Dalat for a long time. Also known as the Borrachero plant, Angel’s Trumpet flower, or the trumpet of angels, it is a shrub with robust wood, gray bark, and drooping branches and leaves. The leaves are alternate, resembling tobacco leaves. The flowers hang down, large, solitary, or arranged in pairs, white, 25-30 cm long, and 1-1.5 cm in diameter, with stamens attached to the fused corolla tube.
The 'breath of the devil' can propagate easily through cutting or self-propagation when the dried fruit falls. The plant contains scopolamine, a hallucinogenic toxin. When this toxin enters the body, it quickly induces a state of unconsciousness. The victim may unconsciously hear and obey the words of others, and upon awakening, they will not remember what they did before. Analysis and extraction results reveal the presence of the hallucinogenic substance scopolamine in the flower of this plant.
Angel’s Trumpet Flower
Angel’s Trumpet Flower10. Laburnum - Golden Chain Tree
The Laburnum tree, also known as the golden chain or yellow chain, belongs to the genus Laburnum in the pea family (Fabaceae). There are two main species, Laburnum anagyroides (common laburnum) and L. Alpinum, both deciduous trees with small leaves.
The Laburnum tree, often called the golden chain or golden rain tree, boasts clusters of vibrant yellow flowers, making it a popular choice for outdoor decoration along streets and in parks. However, it is a toxic plant containing cytisine. In low doses, cytisine has positive effects and can aid in smoking cessation. Nevertheless, in large quantities, it can be lethal. Ingesting flowers or seed pods can cause vomiting and convulsions in children, potentially leading to death if not promptly treated.
All parts of the golden chain tree are toxic and can be fatal if consumed excessively. Symptoms of Laburnum poisoning may include intense drowsiness, nausea, cramps, stupor, foaming at the mouth, and dilated pupils. In severe cases, there may be profound diarrhea, and convulsions can be as pronounced as in strychnine poisoning. The primary toxin in Laburnum is Cytisine, a nicotinic agonist.
Laburnum - Golden Chain Tree
Laburnum - Golden Chain Tree11. Rhododendron – Azalea Flower
Rhododendron is a beautiful flowering plant widely cherished in many countries around the world. In Vietnam, this flower is mainly distributed and imported from Japan. Not only popular for its stunning beauty, but the rhododendron also holds significant symbolism. Known by various charming names such as mountain camellia, jadeite, herald of spring flower, it's considered a symbol of Washington and is widely cultivated in the Northwest Pacific. The beauty of this flower truly lives up to its name.
In spring, the rhododendron starts to bloom, displaying its exquisite beauty. However, all parts of this flower contain toxic substances, which can be fatal. Mild poisoning leads to nausea, paralysis, and deep unconsciousness. Studies suggest that the Rhododendron has the ability to absorb pollutants such as nitric oxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and some harmful radioactive substances in the air, providing a clean and fresh environment for the home. Due to its ability to absorb many toxic substances, various types of Rhododendron flowers contain a considerable amount of toxins. Ingesting even a small amount of Rhododendron can lead to poisoning with symptoms like dizziness, difficulty breathing, lethargy, nausea, and more.
Rhododendron is a large shrub, reaching a height of about 2 to 2.5 meters, with numerous branches and small twigs. The leaves are thin, oval, arranged in a spiral shape, and can range from 1-2 cm to over 50 cm. Rhododendron flowers symbolize remembrance and the desire to return home. They are an emblem of love between couples, the unyielding bond of marriage, and loyalty. With vibrant colors, pink and purple rhododendron flowers symbolize happiness and joy. Yellow rhododendrons are a symbol of emotional connections, sincerity, and warmth for family and friendship.
Rhododendron – Azalea Flower
Rhododendron – Azalea Flower12. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
This is a beautiful flower with clusters that shoot straight up like a tower. It's also used as a raw material for making medicines to treat heart diseases and common ailments such as anemia and constipation. However, if consumed raw, it can cause irregular heartbeats and severe abdominal pain. The foxglove plant (Digitalis purpurea), originating from Western Europe, is a small plant that grows in clumps, with a height of only about 50cm. The stem is single, straight, and the top can be three times longer than the base. The bell-shaped pink-purple flowers bloom into long clusters. Due to its cuteness and vibrant flowers, they are commonly used for landscaping in Western countries, at entrances and exits.
The plant contains digitoxin, which strengthens the heart rate but releases very slowly. Therefore, digoxin is often used for long-term treatment. In the history of medicine, foxglove became famous through the discovery by William Withering, an 18th-century English physician. Curious about the local herbalists' formula, he discovered the medicinal properties of the plant. His work led to the production of life-saving medicines.
Foxglove is highly beneficial for heart-related diseases. Heart conditions worsen when the ability to maintain normal circulation decreases. Cardiac glycosides help the heart beat stronger, slower, and more evenly without requiring much oxygen. At the same time, the plant stimulates urine production, reducing blood volume and transport to the heart. According to landscaping experts, foxglove belongs to the Solanaceae family. The toxins in foxglove are similar to those in deadly nightshade, so it should not be consumed. Also, under normal conditions, people with skin allergies to any part of the plant can develop red and itchy rashes.
Foxglove Plant - Digitalis purpurea
Bleeding Heart (Daphne)Lavender is a shrub commonly used for garden decoration in Europe, recently introduced to Vietnam and extensively planted in the gardens of villas. However, this is an extremely toxic plant with a high toxicity level due to the presence of mezerein. If the leaves or fruits are accidentally ingested, the initial symptoms are severe nausea and vomiting, followed by internal bleeding, unconsciousness, and ultimately, death. Lavender is an evergreen shrub that rarely bears fruit, but when it does, the red fruits are very attractive. Especially in Europe, this plant is highly favored for garden decoration.
Lavender is also known by other names such as bong lai tu, and elegant perfume. It is native to China and Japan. Lavender is an evergreen shrub that can live for 8 - 10 years. The fragrant flowers of lavender make it very popular among Europeans for garden decoration. The flowers come in shades from yellow-green (lime yellow) to white or light pink.
Lavender rarely bears fruit, but when it does, the red color is very eye-catching. However, the leaves and fruits of lavender are highly toxic. The flowers come in shades from yellow-green (lime yellow) to white or light pink. The Daphne genus is a type of shrub, about 1-1.5 meters tall, also known as paradise plant, often cultivated for its beautiful, fragrant flowers. In reality, this flower is highly toxic; accidentally ingesting it can cause severe stomach pain, headaches, and seizures. If someone swallows the fruit of this plant, it can lead to unconsciousness or sudden death.
Lavender Flower
Lavender Flower14. Wisteria Flower (Purple Bean)
As a legume flower, a climbing vine with beautiful clusters of purple, the Wisteria Flower is commonly used for landscaping in China, Japan, Korea. Not only is the Wisteria Flower visually appealing, but it also carries a delightful fragrance. However, its seeds are highly toxic. Ingesting them can lead to poisoning, causing nausea, convulsions, and diarrhea. Introduced to Vietnam, the Wisteria Flower thrives well with its dormancy nature, shedding leaves before and after Tet (Lunar New Year).
The Wisteria Flower, belonging to the large-sized woody plant category, has a rough and dry stem with strong flexibility. Its branches and dense leaves can climb up to 20m above the ground and spread up to 10m horizontally, providing ample shade. The flower consists of numerous small blossoms, forming elongated, delicate clusters that cascade like a foamy waterfall in white, pink, or purple, blooming in early summer, symbolizing the season. Wisteria blooms in May and June, with green symmetric leaves. During the flowering season, clusters of romantic pink flowers hang down, creating an incredibly vibrant floral sky. In Japan, it is regarded as a symbol of love, similar to the rose in Western countries. The Wisteria Tunnel in Kawachi is an ideal dating spot for loving couples. Moreover, the Wisteria Flower signifies welcoming, harmony, and the elimination of past grudges. It also holds various medicinal uses, as its stem, bark, flowers, and fruit can be used for detoxification and antiseptic purposes. Young leaves and flower petals can be used in food preparation.
Wisteria Flower (Purple Bean)
Wisteria Flower (Purple Bean)