Georgia’s lush landscape hides some dangerous secrets in the form of toxic trees that can harm people and pets. Many homeowners plant these trees without realizing the risks they pose to their families and animals.
Knowing which trees contain dangerous toxins can help you make safer landscaping choices and protect everyone on your property.
1. Black Walnut: The Silent Saboteur
Many gardeners have discovered the hard way that nothing grows well near Black Walnut trees. These native Georgia trees release juglone, a chemical that’s toxic to many plants and can cause vomiting and neurological problems in horses.
The fallen nuts and roots contain the highest concentration of toxins. Keep horses away from these trees, and avoid using Black Walnut mulch or wood chips in garden areas where sensitive plants grow.
2. Yellow Buckeye: Beauty With A Bite
Sporting gorgeous yellow spring flowers, Yellow Buckeye trees tempt with their attractive nuts that resemble chestnuts. Don’t be fooled by their appealing appearance! All parts contain toxic compounds called glycosides that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even paralysis if ingested.
Children are particularly at risk since they might mistake the nuts for something edible. Collect and dispose of fallen buckeyes promptly if you have curious kids or pets around.
3. Angel’s Trumpet: Deadly Nightshade Relative
With pendulous, trumpet-shaped blooms that perfume evening air, Angel’s Trumpet seems heavenly but harbors hellish toxins. Every part contains potent alkaloids that can cause hallucinations, paralysis, and death in severe cases.
Despite not being a true tree, these woody shrubs grow tree-sized in Georgia’s climate. Never plant them where children play, and always wear gloves when pruning. Even handling the leaves can transfer toxins through skin contact.
4. Chinaberry: Invasive Poison-Bearer
Once popular as ornamental shade trees, Chinaberries have fallen from favor due to their invasive nature and toxicity. The small, yellowish berries contain neurotoxins that affect the nervous system and can be fatal to children who might eat the tempting-looking fruits.
Birds spread these trees throughout Georgia after eating the berries. If you spot one on your property with its distinctive umbrella-shaped canopy and clusters of berries, consider removal to protect pets and children.
5. Golden Chain Tree: Deceptively Dangerous
Golden Chain trees dazzle with cascading yellow flower clusters in spring, earning them places in many Georgia gardens. Few homeowners realize all parts contain cytisine, a compound similar to nicotine that can cause severe poisoning.
Just two seed pods can be deadly to a child. The most severe poisoning cases lead to convulsions and cardiac arrest. Keep these ornamental trees away from areas where children play and promptly clean up any fallen seed pods.
6. Cherry Laurel: Hidden Cyanide Factory
A landscape favorite for privacy hedges, Cherry Laurel harbors a deadly secret. When damaged, its leaves and stems release hydrogen cyanide, the same compound used in chemical warfare.
Wilted leaves become especially dangerous, containing concentrated toxins. Never burn Cherry Laurel trimmings, as the smoke contains cyanide. Keep horses and other livestock away from these trees, as animals have died after consuming crushed or wilted foliage during storms.
7. Eastern Red Cedar: Toxic To Livestock
Eastern Red Cedars form a crucial part of Georgia’s landscape but pose serious risks to farm animals. The aromatic foliage contains volatile oils that cause abortions in pregnant cattle and horses who consume them.
These native evergreens become particularly dangerous during droughts when other forage is limited. Fence off areas with these trees if you keep livestock. Remember that fallen branches after storms create sudden access to toxic material for hungry animals.
8. Horse Chestnut: Equine Enemy
Despite its name suggesting a connection to horses, this tree is actually highly toxic to equines and other animals. The nuts contain aesculin, which destroys red blood cells and causes digestive distress.
Fall is the most dangerous season when nuts litter the ground beneath these massive shade trees. The large, spiny seed cases make them easy to identify. Horse owners should completely remove these trees from pasture areas and regularly check for saplings.
9. Yew: Ancient Assassin
Revered in ancient cultures but feared by modern veterinarians, Yews contain taxine alkaloids that cause sudden death by cardiac arrest. Every part except the red fleshy aril around the seed is lethal – even dried clippings remain toxic for months.
Just a handful of needles can kill a horse or cow. Many fatalities occur when homeowners toss yew trimmings over fences into livestock areas. These evergreens are particularly dangerous because they stay green and appealing during winter when other forage is scarce.
10. Chinese Tallow: Popcorn Tree Peril
Known as the “popcorn tree” for its white seed coverings, Chinese Tallow trees contain toxins that irritate skin and cause nausea if ingested. Birds spread these invasive trees throughout Georgia after eating the seeds, creating ecological havoc.
The milky sap causes painful rashes similar to poison ivy. Georgia actually prohibits selling these trees due to their invasive nature. If you discover one on your property, consider removal not just for safety but also to protect native ecosystems.