Poisonous Night-Blooming Flowers

Annual Night-Blooming Flowers

• Nicotiana and four o’clock are two of the most common poisonous night-blooming flowers. Nicotiana, or flowering tobacco, sometimes remains open during the day, depending on the variety, however it is classified as a night bloomer and does not release its scent until evening. All parts of the nicotiana plant are poisonous. As its name implies, the flowers of the four o’clock do not open until about 4 p.m. The roots and the seeds of this flower are poisonous.

Night-Blooming Bulbs

• Gladiolus tristis fall into the bulb category of poisonous night-blooming flowers. Although this particular variety of gladiolus is not commonly grown, it is a highly sought after plant for night gardens. Handling this plant can cause skin dermatitis and allergic reactions. Various parts of this plant, including the corm, are poisonous if ingested.

Trees And Shrubs

• Brugmansia, datura and night-blooming jessamine are extremely beautiful trees and shrubs whose flowers bloom at night. Brugmansia and datura, both commonly referred to as angel’s trumpet, are some of the most fragrant, attention-grabbing night-blooming plants in existence. However all parts of these plants, including the flowers, are poisonous. The liquid that forms inside the seedpods is hallucinogenic and should be avoided because it does absorb through the skin. These plants are so poisonous that one ingested seed can kill an adult. The unripe berries of night-blooming jessamine contain the toxins in this plant.

Night-Blooming Vines

• The moonflower vine is easy to grow, often self-sows and produces masses of large, fragrant white flowers. A member of the Ipomoea family, moonflower requires conditions very similar to its close relative the morning glory. All parts of this plant are toxic, including the sap.