There’s A Deadly Plant Growing In Arizona Yards That Looks Like A Harmless Shrub
By Melissa Mahoney|Published August 04, 2023
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Melissa Mahoney
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I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
They may look pretty (I mean, just look at those pretty pink flowers!) but just because something is nice to look at doesn’t mean it’s a good thing to put in your yard. It’s called Nerium oleander and every part of this plant is toxic. However, this deadly plant growing in Arizona can be found in plenty of yards across the state. Is it in yours?
Nerium oleander is a common plant incorporated into landscape design, especially in the areas in and around Phoenix. Yes, it's pretty, it's nice to look at, and it looks great in a yard but looks can be deceiving.
Oleander is an evergreen bush that can grow anywhere between 4-25 feet tall. And its beautiful flowers have a rather lengthy blooming season that can go from spring into summer and, oftentimes, into fall.
Because of how it can withstand the heat, Nerium oleander thrives in the Arizona desert climate. It's also a plant that can tolerate drought conditions.
However, Nerium oleander is actually quite poisonous, deadly even. And it's not just one part of the plant that's poisonous -- it's every part of the plant!
Even if a small leaf is ingested, it can have extremely harmful effects and may even cause death to both humans and animals. Its toxins affect the digestive system as well as the heart.
So, do you have any of these pretty yet poisonous plants in your yard? What other deadly plant in Arizona do you know about? Tell us about it in the comments.
Do you enjoy spending time outdoors and want to explore all the great trails we have around the state? Check out some of the best hiking trails in Arizona and don’t forget to download AllTrails+!
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