12 Deadly Fungi and Plants Lurking in Your Backyard: The Hidden Dangers You Need to Know

Music can often be a portal to our emotions, acting as a catalyst to our deepest fears and anxieties. When someone asks us, "What are you afraid of?" our minds typically conjure up images of slithering snakes, creepy spiders and other unsettling creatures that make our skin crawl. Rarely does anyone respond with "the white flower that grows in my backyard." After all, why would we become apprehensive about a seemingly harmless plant? Yet, some flora, as innocuous as they may appear, harbour a lethal potential that can be as threatening as any venomous serpent, if not more so.

There exists an array of deadly fungi and plants that are widespread across the globe, some of which bear an appearance so menacing, they seem to have emerged straight from the fiery pits of Hades itself. Their grotesque features serve as a natural deterrent, making us unlikely to approach them. However, there are others that adopt more benign forms, appearing as sweet and unthreatening as a daisy. These, in fact, might pose an even greater danger to you and your loved ones.

Bright Side, a reliable source for such information, has compiled a comprehensive list detailing twelve perilously dangerous fungi and plants that might be quietly flourishing in your backyard. As you read this, I implore you to make a silent pact with yourself. If you ever encounter any of these, do not attempt to engage with them. Instead, seek professional assistance immediately to ensure their removal. Your safety, after all, is paramount.

As we embark on this eerie journey of botanical terrors, allow me to introduce our first contender - the Deathcap. Does your mouth water at the thought of mushrooms in a rich steak sauce? Have you ever indulged in the quaint pastime of mushroom hunting, particularly popular among the inhabitants of Northern Europe and Russia? Mushrooms, with their humble origins and ease of access, are often found in abundance along roads or clinging to the trunks of trees in your backyard. While some varieties are delectably edible, others carry a lethal potency that can bring about your untimely demise.

One such specimen is the Deathcap, a deadly beauty that has earned its grim reputation. Its beguiling appearance often leads to confusion with harmless straw mushrooms and Caesar's mushrooms. Found across Europe, this deadly fungus contains amanitins, potent toxins that remain unscathed even under high temperatures. Therefore, irrespective of how well it's cooked, consumption of the Deathcap leads to cell damage. Symptoms of its lethal intake include violent vomiting, bloody diarrhea and excruciating abdominal pain. Its venomous toxins can result in damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system, leading to a decrease in blood sugar levels and reduction in urine production. The subsequent stages include a coma and a high likelihood of death.

The Deathcap's lethal history includes the suspected murder of Pope Clement VII in 1534 and possibly even the Roman Emperor Claudius in 45 CE. Given its lethal history, the Deathcap is a silent killer that lurks in our gardens, ready to strike the unaware.

Moving on to our next dangerous specimen, we have the seemingly harmless Conocybe filaris. This mushroom, with its deceptively cute and innocent appearance, is capable of causing death or severe pain. If you reside in the Pacific Northwest, you've likely seen this variety growing in lawns, harmless to the eye but deadly when consumed. This deceptive fungus carries the same lethal mycotoxins as the Deathcap. Upon ingestion, it takes time for the toxins to commence their destructive work, with symptoms of food poisoning or stomach flu emerging anywhere between 6 to 24 hours post-consumption. The delayed onset can often baffle medical professionals, and even if treated appropriately, symptoms can recur, leading to potential liver and kidney failure.

Our third contender is the innocently named 'Destroying Angels'. These fungi, with their innocuous white appearance, bear a striking resemblance to edible button and meadow mushrooms. However, this North American native is far from edible and carries a potent toxicity. Symptoms of ingestion include convulsions, diarrhea, vomiting, liver and kidney failure, and even delirium, occurring anywhere between 5 to 24 hours post-consumption, often culminating in death.

Now that we've discussed fungi that appear harmless but are deadly, let's take a look at a fungus that could be straight out of a horror movie - Clathrus archeri. This terrifying fungus, also known as the Devil's Fingers or the Stinker, seems like it was dispatched from outer space with a malevolent intent to wipe out humanity. In reality, it is a terrestrial species originating from Australia. It's believed that this terrifying fungus may have hitched a ride with World War I military supplies, making its initial appearance in Europe in 1914. With its four tentacles covered in a thin fabric-like substance, it releases a strong odor that attracts flies from afar. Contrary to what one might expect, the fungus doesn't kill the flies; instead, it contaminates them, using them as a vehicle to spread its spores. If you ever encounter this monstrous fungus in your backyard, remember to seek professional help for its removal.

Another plant that nature seems to have sculpted with a sense of macabre humor is the Devil's Claw. Native to Arizona, this plant's frightening seed pods are known to cling to animals' feet, hitching a ride to new locations where they can take root and spread. Once the pods are crushed, the seeds are released and ready to grow in a new location. Despite its menacing appearance, Native Americans have been known to use the Devil's Claw for basket weaving.

Next on our list is the Blood Tooth fungus, a plant that appears to be drenched in the blood of its victims, yet mysteriously emits the scent of fresh strawberries. This fungus, found in the forests and mountains of North America, Europe, Iran, and South Korea, secretes a blood-like substance from its pores during its active growth phase. If you're bold enough to taste this plant, you'll find it to be poisonous and detrimental to your health.

Moving on, we encounter the Porcupine Tomato, a plant native to Madagascar. Despite its comical name, this plant is far from harmless. It can grow up to eight feet tall and wide in a short span of time, and its razor-sharp, highly toxic thorns can be a serious hazard. If you see this plant near your home, be sure to seek professional help for its removal.

Our next botanical threat is Fraxinella, also known as the Burning Bush, Dittany, and Gas Plant. This plant, native to southern Europe, North Africa, and most parts of Asia, may appear sweet and innocent, but it hides a dangerous secret. Touching this plant may not cause immediate discomfort, but after a day, you will experience burns and blisters that can make you feel weak and feverish.

Next in line is the Giant Hogweed, a plant native to the Caucasus mountain region between the Black and Caspian Seas. Despite its danger, it became a popular ornamental plant due to its low maintenance and rapid growth. If you come into contact with its sap, it can severely irritate your skin and eyes, leaving you with permanent scars or even blindness.

The Death Camas, or 'cute little white flower', as it appears, is another deadly plant you should be wary of. The entire plant, from stem to flower, is poisoned with zygacine. Often confused with onions due to their similar bulbous roots, ingestion of this plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, general weakness, and even coma.

Oleander, a beautiful pink-flowering tree common in the Mediterranean region and the subtropics, is our penultimate deadly plant. The toxins in this plant are so powerful that even honey made by bees that have pollinated its flowers can be lethal. Its leaves and sap can irritate your skin and cause significant damage.

Finally, we have Doll's Eye, a plant that looks like it has extraterrestrial origins. The entire plant contains cardiogenic toxins, and ingestion can immediately affect your cardiac muscle tissue, leading to likely death. This plant is native to eastern North America and can be found in Canada, the Midwest, and the eastern states.

In conclusion, while we hope you never encounter any of these botanical threats, if you do, remember to seek professional help for their removal. Stay safe, and remember to be aware of the potential dangers hiding in your own backyard.