A hummingbird garden can be a beautiful place, but be careful with some decorative plants as they may contain chemicals that could be harmful to the tiny creatures. Here are eight plants that pose a risk to hummingbirds with sources to get more information.
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Cardiac glycosides are in Foxglove. These can affect the heart of many living creatures, including birds, which means that Foxglove can disrupt the heart of Hummingbirds. The Cornell University Poisonous Plants Database states that Digitalis purpurea is toxic due to these cardiac glycosides. While the flowers of the Foxglove plant are very beautiful, it is a good idea to keep the plant away from places where Hummingbirds are present. To find garden ideas that may be safer, check out this guide. According to the Cornell University Poisonous Plants Database
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2. Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Oleander is an attractive ornamental shrub that has nice green leaves and beautiful flowers. The National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) reminds us that every part of the Oleander plant is dangerous, as it contains cardiac glycosides which can be lethal to even the smallest of animals, including hummingbirds. Because of the risk, it is prudent to find other options for your landscape. You can read more about keeping hummingbirds safe. the U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) here
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3. Lantana (Lantana camara)
The bright clusters of flowers in Lantana are loved in many gardens, however, The Cornell University Poisonous Plants Database shows that it’s foliage contains toxins that may impact animals and possibly birds. Ingesting this plant can cause liver damage and other severe health problems. For something safer, here are some tips on how to protect hummingbirds. Cornell University’s Poisonous Plants Database this resource
4. Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
Sure, here is the detail rewritten in an 8th grade level with SEO and blog writing format respect. Even though Azaleas have great spring flowers, they are poisonous to animals because they have grayanotoxins that impact the heart and digestive systems. They are very toxic and are listed in the Cornell University Poisonous Plants Database to prove it. Azaleas would not be good to place in a hummingbird garden because of how small hummingbirds are, even a little exposure would be very dangerous. Cornell University’s Poisonous Plants Database hummingbird-friendly gardens
5. Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp.)
Many types of morning glory vines have beautiful trumpet-like flowers that could entice hummingbirds. However, the database from Cornell University points out that certain species of Ipomoea have alkaloids that are toxic in high amounts. It is best to check the specific species before planting, or consider other safer flowering vines as recommended here. Cornell University’s database
6. Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)
Daffodils are one of the first flowers that represent spring. Daffodils have a toxic compound called lycorine which can cause serious gastrointestinal problems. Lycorine is one of the reasons why the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center categorizes the Narcissus species as poisonous. small birds such as hummingbirds may also be affected if they eat plant materials or nectar that are contaminated with this toxin.
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7. Jasmine (Jasminum spp. and similar species)
The smell of jasmine is enticing, but be careful to distinguish true jasminum species from the look alike Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) which is considered highly toxic according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Since these vines get mixed up often, gardeners wanting to attract hummingbirds should check plant labels and/or speak with experts to confirm they are using a non poisonous species. documented by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
8. Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)
Honeysuckle attracts hummingbirds due to their sweet nectar. Some honeysuckle varients can be poisonous. Many hummingbirds visit honeysuckle, but Gardeners should look up species or cultivars that are safer and not as invasive, to learn more, see these hummingbird gardening tips. Cornell University these tips
