Equipment and Supplies

If you’re interested in rose rustling, then you need to start by collecting a few supplies and pieces of equipment. These items can be easily broken down into equipment that you need to bring along with you when you go rustling and supplies that you’ll need later on when you start to root your cuttings. Some of the most important items to take along when you go rustling are:

• pruning shears
• paper towels
• plastic bags
• water
• a cooler
• ice

It’s entirely possible to rustle roses with nothing but a pair of shears or a sharp blade, but damp paper towels and plastic bags will help the cuttings survive until you plant them. Cuttings can survive for days in an ice chest, but it’s better to not take that chance. There are also a number of supplies that you should have waiting at home:

• fine potting soil
• pots
• a sharp knife
• plastic bags, zip bags, or milk jugs

The exact supplies you stock will depend on the specific method you use to root your cuttings. You can root your cuttings in plastic zip bags, or you can place them directly in pots and then cover them with plastic bags or clear milk jugs. Some type of rooting hormone can also come in handy, but it isn’t strictly necessary.

How to Spot a Good Rose

The main point of rose rustling is to preserve old roses, but just about any rose can be propagated by rooting cuttings. If you’re interested in preserving old roses like a true rustler, then you should start by looking in the right places. Abandoned homesteads, untended cemeteries, and overgrown farmsteads are all great places to find old roses. Old homes that are still occupied often have old roses as well, but you’ll need to ask permission before you search the premises.

Expert rustlers can identify roses even if there aren’t any blooms, but it’s significantly easier to just look for plants that are flowering. If you go rustling in the Autumn months, you should be able to find rose bushes and climbers with spent flowers that are perfect for cutting.

The Cutting Process

After you’ve identified the rose you want to rustle, it’s time to take a few cuttings. Always take more than you think you’ll need, because only about 50 to 75 percent of your cuttings are likely to root properly and fully mature. However, you should also be careful not to take too many cuttings. Since the aim is to preserve the old roses, it’s imperative to leave enough of the plant behind for it to continue to survive.

In order to identify a good cutting, you should look for a stem that includes a spent flower, two or more sets of leaves, and a heel where it connects to the main cane. Since the heel wood is the part of the rose that most readily sprouts new roots, an ideal cutting will include it. The spent flower and lower leaves should be removed, and a few leaves at the top of the cutting must remain in place.

If you have all of your supplies with you, then you should immediately wrap your cuttings in damp paper towels. The cuttings can then be placed into bags or set in a cooler that’s full of ice. Your new cuttings may survive without those precautions, but they will not remain viable for very long in warm weather.

How to Grow Your New Roses

Rose cuttings readily grow new roots, so there are a number of ways that you can proceed. Some rustlers simply stick their cuttings in the ground, but that’s not the most reliable method. You can also place the cuttings into pots that are filled with fine potting soil. If you choose that method, you may need to cover the cuttings with plastic bags or milk jugs.

The cuttings can be placed in a rooting hormone prior to sticking them, but that isn’t absolutely necessary. If you don’t want to buy rooting hormone, you can also take some willow cuttings and boil them in water. The willow cuttings should then be allowed to steep overnight. This concoction will act much like a rooting hormone, and you can even use it the first time you water your cuttings.

Regardless of the planting method you select, it’s imperative to pay close attention to your cuttings. Whether you chose to stick them in zip bags or pots, they need a relatively damp environment to thrive. That means you can’t allow them to dry out. However, you should also allow them to breathe on a regular basis. If the mini-climate created by your bags or jugs is excessively damp all the time, the cuttings may rot.

Transplanting

Depending on the rooting method you select, your cuttings may need to be transplanted more than once. If you placed the cuttings in small pots or zip bags, they need to be transplanted when you notice new leaf growth. When a cutting has sprouted two leaves, it’s usually ready to be moved into a larger pot.

If you stick your cuttings in the fall, they’ll usually be ready to move outside in the spring. Some people keep their baby roses in pots for an entire year, and the best timeline can depend on your local climate. If you leave your new roses in pots through the summer months, it’s vital to keep a close eye on them. You may need to move the pots around to find a good area of bright shade, and the potting soil should never be allowed to dry out.

Growth Timeline

The specific timeline you follow will vary depending on your local climate and when you take your cuttings. However, most rooting processes progress through a similar course of events.

• A few days after cutting:

The cuttings should be stuck in a growing medium. If you wait any longer, the cuttings may not root.

• Two weeks after sticking:

You should notice the bases of the cuttings begin to swell. The swelling indicates that the cuttings are starting to root.

• One or two months after sticking:

At this point, you should start to notice new leaf growth. After two or more new leaves have appeared on a cutting, it’s ready to be transplanted into a larger pot.

• Five to six months after sticking:

At this point, your roses should be ready for a final transplant. If you stuck them in the fall, they should be ready for transplant in the spring.

1. Lavandula (Lavender)

   Although there are nearly 40 species of Lavender, the most commonly cultivated one is English lavender, which has a sweet scent used in perfumes, cosmetics, and other products like candles and oils. This beautiful flower can be used for decorative, medicinal, and aromatherapy purposes. Along with its sweet, intoxicating smell, it’s also known to repel against insects, so having this plant around could be extremely useful. Even dead blossoms maintain their scent for days, so you can collect fallen flowers and keep them as potpourri. In the old days, it was a common addition to Greek baths to help reinvigorate the body and mind. Producing a calming, soothing, and fresh smell, the essential oils from Lavender flowers have extraordinary medicinal uses, remedying insomnia, stress, and anxiety.

2. Lonicera periclymenum (Honeysuckle)

   This flowering vine gives off a strong sweet fragrance that is great for your garden trellis or fence. Plant this near an open window and enjoy its pretty flowers and aromatic qualities. Honeysuckle is also commonly used in teas that helps detoxify the body. Sweetly-scented, bell-shaped flowers produce sweet and even edible nectar that will surely add positive energy and aromas to your garden.

3. Mentha piperita (Mint)

   Easily grown and flavorfully delightful, this herb has many other types including apple-mint, pineapple mint, and spearmint. Often used as an air freshener, The Greeks and Romans used mint as a perfume and bath scent, as well as in cooking and medicines. The refreshing aroma of mint can relieve stress and has calming properties. The fresh smell of mint can even help with nasal allergies, so it has many beneficial properties that make it a perfect addition to any garden or space.

4. Gardenia jasminoides (Gardenia)

   A long-tim favorite in southern gardens, Gardenias have double or single white blossoms that grace us with a heavenly, sweet scent. More compact types of Gardenias, including the Daisy and Jubilation Gardenia, have the perfect mounded form for smaller spaces. They are easy to grow and propagate easily. You’ll also have a lot of fun picking out a type of gardenia, as there are many strains you can find in nurseries. Anyone near a scented geranium will enjoy the subtle and therapeutic fragrance coming from the plant’s leaves.

5. Daphne odora (Winter Daphne)

   One of the best evergreen flowering shrubs out there, the intoxicating scent of the Winter Daphne flower makes it the perfect plant near windows, decks, porches, or patios, as their fragrance would be wasted anywhere too far to be enjoyed on a daily basis. The clusters of deep purple-pink and white blossoms also make it great eye-candy, livening up your landscape and mood.

6. Osmanthus fragrans (Orange Tea-Olive)

   Though this type of tea-olive is unusual and hard to find, its potent scent produced from orange flowers are especially exquisite and fragrant. Plant near windows and breezy spaces where the fragrances can be optimized and easily enjoyed. As a small tree or a large evergreen shrub, the Orange Tea-Olive is perfect for smaller spaces and niches.

7. Matricaria recutita (German chamomile)

   Used to treat an array of health conditions, chamomile is also one of the most popular herbs in the world. Today, it is most commonly promoted as a sedative to induce sleep or reduce inflammation when used topically. Tiny daisy-like flowers give off a mild, sweet smell that makes it a great plant to border herb gardens, or place in planted pots near decks and patios.

8. Oleaceae jasminum (Jasmine)

   Highly scented and intoxicatingly sweet, you might not want to plant jasmine near other fragrant plants, as its strong odor would overpower other smells. You can grow jasmine indoors or outdoors, and even use freshly cut flowers as a sweetly scented centerpiece. Jasmine comes in many different varieties, including vines, shrubs, and small trees, which makes it very versatile. The white clusters of flowers produce even more scent at night, as it only opens after the sun has set.

1. Orchid

   The Orchid is one of the more popular varieties of flowers that are on the verge of extinction. In fact, one source puts the number of orchid species on the “severely endangered” list at 120. There are two primary reasons these flowers face extinction; poaching and habitat decline. In Brazil the Cattleya Orchid has been illegally poached and exported causing danger of extinction for this beautiful flower. The Cattleya orchid has been used in cross-breeding in an attempt to create “the perfect orchid”; this being the primary reason for its illegal collection. Additionally, the Cattleya Orchid’s habitat has become overpopulated, furthering the damage to the life of this delicate flower. Because of its ability to adapt to almost every climate on earth, it seems surprising that orchids could face such a bleak future. However, conservation efforts are currently in place to protect the orchid’s life in the wild.

2. Rhododendron

   This brightly colored flower is prized not only for its aesthetic quality but also for its medicinal and household uses. This provides a high incentive for poaching, smuggling, and overuse in general. Of the 90 identified species of Rhododendron, nearly half are on the endangered list. Experts from India, China, and Nepal met in Delhi to hold a workshop concerning conservation efforts that need to be put in place to protect the rhododendron. However, the challenge is that not much is known about the species’ habitat and further research is required in order to better understand the best approach to take in conservation efforts. Recent hydroelectric projects as well as other forms of construction have encroached upon the Rhododendron’s habitat and the conservation plans have to take this into account. The primary focus is India, as China and Nepal already have conservation sites in place.

3. Venus Fly Trap

   The Venus Fly Trap is perhaps one of nature’s most fascinating carnivorous plants, yet because of its coastal habitat being developed, this bug-snaring wonder is also facing total loss of existence. The Venus Fly Trap is perhaps best known of the flowers and plants on the endangered species list because of its unique trapping ability. The fascination over the plant’s bug-eating lifestyle has made the flytrap a target for poachers and overenthusiastic fans. Outside the United States, the sale of this plant is especially profitable for poachers. A predicted 80% of the 117 wild populations of flytraps in North Carolina will not survive. With limited manpower and resources, the government has a hard time catching and punishing poachers to protect this member of the endangered species list. One method of tracking the poaching of the flytraps used by Laura Gadd at the Green Swamp Preserve, N.C. is to spray the wild plants with a special type of glue that will reveal fingerprints of the poacher. While the flytraps were once believed to inhabit four countries, scientists now conclude that the flytrap has retreated only to in North Carolina. Because of staff insufficiency, the battle for conservation is tough.

4. Green Pitcher Plant

   By its scientific title, it is known as Sarracenia oreophila, but it’s more commonly referred to as the Green Pitcher Plant. The pitcher plant too is a carnivorous plant but unlike the flytrap, it drowns its victims at the bottom of its tubular leaves that are filled with digestive juices. The pitcher plant is two ranks away from being considered extinct and the collection of this plant is currently banned in the United States. Currently, this species is only populating in northern Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia. Residential and agricultural developments have destroyed many of the pitcher plant’s native homes and the populations have decreased significantly as a result. Plant collectors also prize this plant for its carnivorous properties.

5. Snow Lotus

   China is home to some of the most exotic flora in the world but tourists are often unaware of the impact their collecting has on the longevity of the rarer varieties, such as the Snow Lotus. Due to its extremely unique appearance, the Snow Lotus is especially popular to people hiking or climbing on the Tianshan mountain range where this delicate blossom is found. In addition to the attractive appearance, the Snow Lotus is also collected for its medicinal and alleged spiritual qualities. Kinjian thieves are the biggest threat to the life of the Snow Lotus and their frequent extraction of these specimens has caused great risk for this now endangered flower.

In general, conservation efforts have focused primarily on reducing human activity in the areas where the endangered plants inhabit as well as attempting to reproduce the flowers and plants in artificially recreated habitats. Funding for these proceedings, however, can be hard to obtain given the high demand on resources for conservation. Protecting the endangered flora is not a top priority in many people’s minds when they budget donations. Furthermore, organizations are typically understaffed, adding to the difficulty in affecting substantial change. Their greatest hope thus far is to raise awareness on this issue to save these incredibly beautiful and rare species.

The Basics

The Christmas cactus is a member of the Schlumbergera genus. Its close relatives include the Easter cactus and the Thanksgiving cactus. The names of the plants reflect the time of year during which they typically bloom. Christmas cacti come from coastal areas of Brazil. In the wild, they typically grow in rocky soil and in the crooks of tree limbs. Despite its name, the Christmas cactus isn’t the kind of cactus that you will find in the desert. It is a tropical plant, and its growing conditions are quite similar to those of the orchid.

In Brazil, the Christmas cactus is called the “Flor de Maio,” which means “May flower.” Its stems have leaf-like pads on them. The easiest way to identify a Christmas cactus is by checking its leaves. They should be flattened, and they should have rounded teeth. People often buy what they believe are Christmas cacti but actually end up with Thanksgiving cacti. As Thanksgiving nears, many stores begin selling the plants so that people can prepare for Christmas. If the plant is flowering around Thanksgiving, however, it probably isn’t an actual Christmas cactus.

Why are They So Popular?

Before delving into a few specifics about caring for Christmas cacti, you’d probably like to know why they are so popular in the first place. The most obvious reason is their dramatic appearance. When they are flowering, these plants are absolutely breathtaking. Another reason for their ever-increasing popularity is the ease with which they can be propagated. You don’t have to be an experienced gardener or even have much of a green thumb to get these plants to propagate. In addition to these points, the Christmas cactus is actually fairly easy to grow. Once you know and understand the basics, the process is quite simple.

Care and Upkeep

When cared for properly, the Christmas cactus can survive for up to 20 years. To produce the right growing conditions, you should try to replicate the climate of coastal Brazil. The ideal soil mixture for a Christmas cactus contains equal parts of coarse, clean sand, leaf mold and garden loam. During the day, these plants need to be kept in a room that receives bright light. However, the light shouldn’t hit the plant directly, or its leaves could be burned. Throughout most of the year, humidity should be kept at around 50 to 60 percent. You can use a humidity tray to increase the humidity of a room, or you can place the Christmas cactus on a tray of moistened pebbles.

Flowering

You can’t expect a Christmas cactus to flower without putting in a little effort. Throughout most of the year, you should keep its soil relatively moist. As fall approaches, however, you should provide less water. You should also increase the humidity in the room in which it is kept. To encourage flowering, the Christmas cactus should receive 12 to 14 hours of complete and total darkness each night. Temperatures should be kept lower, but they should not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertilizing

To encourage healthy growth, you should fertilize your Christmas cactus with care. Whether your plant’s flowers are yellow, pink, white, red, orange or purple, they will be more vibrant with the right type and amount of fertilizer. In late October and early November, give it a 0-10-10 liquid fertilizer. Repeat the process in early February. An all-purpose liquid fertilizer should be given between April and September. Make sure that the fertilizer you use contains no more than 10 percent nitrogen.

Propagation

People enjoy passing along propagated Christmas cacti to friends and relatives. Propagating a Christmas cactus is actually quite easy. Clip short, Y-shaped cutting of the plant’s stem tips. Plant them in the right soil, and place them about one-quarter of an inch into the soil. Keep the soil moist, and keep the cutting away from direct light. You should start to see signs of growth within two to three weeks. If you don’t, something may be amiss, and you may need to try again. Don’t be discouraged. In general, it’s quite easy to grow new Christmas cactus plants.

The Christmas Cactus: A Great Gift

There is something charming about giving small, freshly propagated Christmas cactus plants to friends and loved ones. These plants make great gifts during the holidays. Through the years, you can easily pass along dozens of plants to various people. Those who properly care for their Christmas cacti will be able to report back to you on their growth and progress. From there, the people to whom you have given Christmas cacti can pass along cuttings to others. Before you know it, your plant will have produced new Christmas cacti for countless numbers of people.

This year, you should consider buying a Christmas cactus. These beautiful plants are sure to get a lot of attention from the people who visit your home during the holidays. They are wonderful alternatives to poinsettias, and they are actually fairly easy to grow. The effort that you put into caring for these plants is sure to be more than worth it.

From Cuetlaxochitl to Poinsettia

In ancient Mexico and Central America, the cuetlaxochitl was used to make a red dye for textiles and woven items. Evidence of the flower’s cultural importance can be found in Aztec art and accounts from travelers and explorers. The plant was used during a midwinter celebration to symbolize blood sacrifices and purity, key components of ancient Aztec rituals.

Franciscan prisets who had journeyed from Spain to Mexico noted the flower’s use in such ceremonies. During the 17th century, the priests adopted the plant’s Aztec blood sacrifice imagery for use in Christian celebrations. For the priests, the flower acted as a powerful reminder for all Catholics of Christ’s bloodshed. It became integral in Catholic processions throughout the southern part of Mexico. The plant’s natural proclivity to bloom in October was also seen as a signal for the coming of the holiday season.

The sap of the plant was used medicinally in some areas, mainly to control fever. There are indications that the plant’s sap was used for other medicinal applications, though archaeologists are unsure what conditions the sap might have been used to treat. Montezuma had the plants brought to Mexico City from other areas because they couldn’t be grown in the present-day capital.

The plant was first documented by botanist Juan Balme in the 17th century. It’s scientific name, Euphorbia pulcherrima, means very beautiful. The flower remained largely unknown outside of botany circles until the early 19th century, when an American ambassador imported shoots of the flower from Mexico. In 1825, Joel Roberts Poinsett brought the first poinsettias into the U.S. He was passionate about botany and imported several other plant species, but none had the staying power of the Poinsettia. They were later given their popular name in his honor.

The Ecke family began growing the plants for use in outdoor gardens and landscaping design at their Southern California ranch during the early 1900′s. The family still produces many of the poinsettias sold in America. Poinsettias only flower if kept in the dark for at least 12 hours per day for several weeks. Commercial nurseries trick poinsettias into blooming prior to the holiday season via lighting manipulation. Individuals growing poinsettias at home are encouraged to place them in a dark room from 8 p.m. until at least 5 a.m. beginning in early October.

Contrary to some folklore, poinsettias are not poisonous to humans. Extensive tests have been conducted to beat this urban legend. While they can be dangerous for household pets, human consumption causes only minor stomach irritation. Some individuals are allergic to the sap and pollen of the plants. For these individuals, the holiday season can be trying. Poinsettias are literally everywhere during the months of November and December, from grocery stores to restaurants to schools.

The American Poinsettia Market

The poinsettia’s popularity as a holiday flower is likely tied both to its bright coloring and its shape. The beautiful reds, greens and yellows of the plant are reminiscent of holiday decor schemes. Some scholars have also noted the similarity in shape between the Star of Bethlehem, central to Christian stories of Jesus’s birth, and the poinsettia. A combination of this similarity in shape and the bright, beautiful colors of the poinsettia have led to its popularity as a holiday plant.

Poinsettias are now exported to markets all over the world. Well over 90 percent of exported poinsettias are grown in greenhouses in the U.S. Due to their popularity during the holiday season, the plants are grown in every state by both local and commercial greenhouses. They are sold both at florists’s shops and in grocery stores. Some schools have even adopted selling poinsettias as a holiday fundraising tradition. The plants are also considered a great host or hostess gift.

Approximately 80 percent of the poinsettias sold in the U.S. are grown at the Ecke ranch, where the poinsettia was first grown for the consumer market. The majority of poinsettias are sold in a brief, six week period before Christmas. They are generally available at other times of the year only by special order. More than 100 species of poinsettia now exist, but the majority of buyers still prefer the traditional red poinsettia. The plants are generally purchased by women for use in the home or office.

Individual poinsettia flowers are not usually sold on their own. Most poinsettias purchased in the U.S. are potted plants. With care, poinsettias can last throughout the holiday season and can survive if transplanted in some areas, particularly in the central and eastern United States. Poinsettias growing in the wild tend to prefer temperate climates. The lovely flowers, which are actually leaf parts known by botanists as brachts, tend to wilt or fall off if exposed to temperatures below 60 degrees.

For more information about poinsettias and their history, please visit the Plant Management Network’s Poinsettia page.

1. Oleander

   The oleander is an extremely toxic evergreen shrub that can grow as large as 20 feet tall. It blooms any variation of red, pink, and white flowers. The oleander is native to Morocco, Portugal, and throughout the Mediterranean. It can be used in landscaping and floral arrangements, as it is quite beautiful, but take heed around the poison released by the plant. It may come as no shock to find that the oleander bares the symbolism of caution. It is not a particularly warm message to send to someone you care for. In fact, if you’re looking to woo someone you admire, it may send the wrong message if they are familiar with the symbolism behind this dangerous bloom.

2. Petunia

   The petunia, which blooms from late spring to late fall, puts out trumpet-shaped flowers in various, bright colors, such as pink, ruby, purple, white, and yellow. The petals are occasionally striped. It is an annual plant, able to handle dry weather conditions, and should be planted with full exposure to the sun. The petunia flower may be girly and colorful, but take care as to whom you give it. The petunia indicates resentment or anger, and can be given to show someone that they’ve done something to offend you when they may not realize their mistake. The nature of giving this flower to someone out of irritation suggests that the dispute in question is probably somewhat superficial, but petunias harbor the negative connotation nonetheless.

3. Poppy

   The poppy is a long-stalked plant with heavy, colorful buds, often shown in red. The rapid stalk growth causes the bud to sag. They typically have between four to six petals. Given that they seed and reseed without interference, there’s no need to replant them for the following growing season. In fact, they reproduce so readily that you may begin to consider them more of a weed than a flower. There are hundreds of species of poppies and they come in a variety of colors, although scarlet is the most popular. The poppy is a symbol of Morpheus, the Greek god of dreams. As such, it represents slumber. The Chinese poppy produces opiates, which further its association with drowsiness. This is why poppies were used in The Wizard of Oz to put the group into a deep sleep to delay them from reaching the Emerald City.

4. Hydrangea

   Hydrangeas have a unique and easily identifiable appearance. The many, small, star-shaped flowers are densely gathered together into a ball shape. They come in a variety of pastel shades, such as light blue, pink, lavender, and light green. The word hydrangea itself was derived from the Greek words “hydor,” meaning water, and “angos,” meaning vessel. Perhaps this is because they can be a rather thirsty plant. A Victorian take on the hydrangea was that it was used to symbolize frigidity and heartlessness, but modern day connotations are more positive. We now have come to think of it as to say “thank you for understanding.” Oddly, they also are the flower unofficially assigned to the fourth wedding anniversary.

5. Narcissus

   The narcissus flower is also known as the daffodil, and is a white or yellow flower with a tubed base and a crown within the center, which may be a different color from the rest of the petals. The narcissus has a variety of meanings associated with it, but the most common one comes from Greek mythology. In the myth, the hunter is in love with his own reflection in a pond due to a curse, and once he dies, narcissus plants bloom in the spot that he resided to gaze at his reflection. In that scenario, the narcissus plant came to represent pride and egotism because of the hunter’s flaw of excessive vanity. In Christian lore, the prophet Isaiah was taken with the narcissus, proclaiming that “it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing.” Christians see the narcissus as a symbol of feminine fertility or rebirth, so the narcissus is a common staple for Easter celebrations in reference to the resurrection of Christ.

6. Carnations

   Carnations, native to Mediterranean climates, are grown in nearly every color imaginable and are prized for their durability in and outside of water. They are also easy to find and inexpensive. This is why they are commonly used for corsages. Originally, they are bright purple in color, but can be grown in various colors as well as dyed. They have sturdy stems with typically one flower on them. Depending on the color of the carnation, the symbolism behind it varies. Thus, a red carnation refers to romance, pink to platonic love, and white to luck. In Korea, young girls may adorn their hair with three carnations to tell the future. Should the top flower die first, the final years of her life will be wrought with tribulation. If the middle dies, youth will have its difficulties, and if the bottom dies first, she will be especially miserable since her entire life will harbor trouble.

7. Snapdragon

   The snapdragon’s botanical name is antirrhinum, which is derived from the Greek words “anti,” meaning like, and “rhin,” meaning nose. They were supposedly wildflowers from Italy and Spain originally, and as legend dictates, hiding a snapdragon gives one the appearance of cordiality. Snapdragons are an annual flower, and appear as a stalk with buds growing off of it. The flowers may snap open, which is why they are named as such, and may be colored white, burgundy, red, pink, orange, and bronze. They are resistant to colder weather. They should be allowed to grow in direct sunlight for best results. In terms of symbolism, snapdragons are said to represent deception in some lore and graciousness in others.

8. Primrose

   The word primrose comes from the Latin prima rosa, meaning “first rose” — as such, primroses are usually some of the first flowers to bloom in early spring. The flower may come in an assortment of colors, including pink, yellow, red, blue, and white, and they can also be two-toned. They can be difficult to grow, especially if grown by the seed. Once grown, the flower can reach 10 inches in height. Potted primroses will grow anxious about being in the same pot and need to be replanted in a new pot each year. Be careful to present primrose to a loved one, because in flower symbolism, primrose means “your inconsistency saddens me.” If you gift someone with primrose, they could be insulted and think that you’re under the misconception that they’ve been unfaithful. They are also said to attract fairies and keep your home safe from antagonistic people. Primrose is occasionally used for natural healing, such as in treating spasms, cramps, and rheumatic pains.

1. Sunflowers

   The sunflower is a well-known pollen-producing flower. Sunflowers have a greater-than-average amount of pests that feed on their pollen, proliferating the spread of allergies.

2. Goldenrods

   Characterized by bright yellow flowers, Goldenrods and Ragweeds tend to bloom at the same time, which makes it harder for people to notice the Ragweed, which aren’t as distinguishable as Goldenrods. As Goldenrods’ pollen is spread by insects, Ragweed’s lightweight pollen is spread by wind. Both plants carry highly allergy-prone pollen that should be avoided if possible.

3. Daisies

   The main source of Daisy allergens come from compositae contact (coming into contact with any flower in the compositae family.) The Daisy produces Sesquiterpene lactones, which are found in the stem, leaf, flower, and sometimes pollen, can be disastrous for people who suffer from asthma and allergies.

4. Chamomile

   As part of the Asteraceae plant family, which also includes ragweed, many people with allergies may react to chamomile because of its skin irritability characteristics and release of histamine.

5. Chrysanthemum

   Chrysanthemums are a common allergy trigger because they contain sesquiterpene lactones, which can easily become airborne. The allergens are born on the surface of flowers, leaves, and in the plant hairs. Sometimes, people may get itchy rashes within minutes of direct contact with the plant.

6. Buttercups

   Bulbous buttercup flowers are known to react adversely with people who are hypersensitive to allergies. It may be used as a herbal remedy or supplement in certain products, but can result in adverse side effects including sneezing, swelling, and inflammation. As a rule of thumb, avoid giving these flowers to people who may have allergic tendencies to pollen.

7. Dandelions

   Directly linked to ragweed allergies, about 10 to 20% of all Americans are affected by Dandelions, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. For people sensitive to dandelion pollen, hay fever may be a common symptom. Others may experience sore throat, eye irritations, sneezing, and congestion.

8. Purple ConeFlowers

   Commonly known as Echinacea, this flower produces the most common allergic reaction: hayfever. People with this sensitivity will almost immediately start to have runny noses, sneezes, watery, and itchy eyes. Exposure to even a small amount of Coneflower pollen can trigger all these symptoms.

1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

   This is an ideal indoor plant because it acts as a general air cleanser, filtering chemicals like formaldehyde and trichloroethylene, among many other pollutants. It can even survive when neglected since watering is only needed when the soil is dry (approximately once a week).

2. Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)

   The Kentia palm is popular for growing indoors, since it requires little light. This palm effectively breathes in common chemicals from cleaning supplies, printers, and other household items and even acts as an air humidifier during dry, cold times.

3. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

   WebMD has praised the English ivy for being “a fix for allergies,” as it’s capable of removing up to 60% of airborne mold in a room. Those who suffer from asthma and allergies from pollen, mold, and pet dander should give it a shot. It also grows so easily that it is considered a weed in other countries.

4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

   Ranked ninth on NASA’s list of top air-purifying plants for being the “most efficient filtering plant,” the Boston fern is also a very common house plant. It can be displayed as a hanging plant or potted, giving it more versatility and decorative value.

5. The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

   Rubber plants especially excel at removing formaldehyde from indoor air. The rubber plant outperforms similar plants because of its rubbery texture and milky sap. Although the plant grows very well indoors, keep your pets away, since it may be toxic to animals.

6. Philodendrons

   One of the most durable of all indoor plants, they are also excellent at removing formaldehyde, especially at higher concentrations. The two most efficient kinds of philodendron are the Heartleaf (Philodendron scandens) and the Elephant Ear (Philodendron domesticum.)

7. Red-edged Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)

   Not only does this plant remove benzene and formaldehyde, but it’s also highly effective at removing xylene and toluene. Since it prefers absolutely no direct sunlight, it’s best environment is indoors, with very little water. It’s low maintenance, and it’s air-filtering abilities make it a great indoor plant.

8. Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)

   A long-lasting plant capable of surviving tough drought-like conditions, the dwarf date palm is a very effective and elegant-looking way to lower concentrations of chemical toxins, as well as liven up the ambiance of any room.

9. The Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)

   Highly adaptable and versatile, the lady palm is easy to grow and is repeatedly ranked as one of the best purifying indoor plants. It is fiercely resistant to most types of plant insects and can thrive in dry or humid climates. Its large, lush green leaves are perfect for brightening any room.

10. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)

    The Gerbera is well-known for it decorative qualities, but its air-filtering properties are less known. Especially adept at removing benzene and trichloroethylene, this plant blooms repeatedly and requires moderate care.

1. Aconitum Napellus (Wolf’s Bane)

   This common garden plant contains a deadly cardiac poison that was once used on the tips of spears and arrows for hunting during ancient times. Ingestion of even small amounts of aconitine, the primary toxin in the flower, results in severe gastrointestinal upset. However, what kills you is the effect it has on the heart, slowing it down until it eventually stops.

2. Echium plantagineum (Purple Viper’s Bugloss)

   This vibrant purple flower is grown around the world and belongs to the Echium family. Unfortunately, the plants contain toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are poisonous even to large animals. One teaspoon of honey from the plant is above the recommended weekly minimum intake of these chemicals in humans and can be highly toxic in high quantities.

3. Nerium oleander

   One of the most toxic plants in the world just so happens to have an elegant, sweet scent and appearance. Nearly every part of the plant and flower, from its stem to its sap, is extremely poisonous if ingested. The blossom is so dangerous that even the honey gathered by bees using oleander nectar is poisonous. The toxins from the Oleander flower causes an irregular heart rate in humans – causing our hearts to race, then drop to a dangerous level, until the heart stops beating altogether. Campers should be cautious when roasting food over an open fire, as there have been reports of inadvertent poisonings that result from inhaling the smoke from a burning Oleander.

4. Castor Oil Plant

   Named the most poisonous plant in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records, just one milligram of the plant’s poison can kill a healthy adult. Its flowering seeds contain alkaloid ricin, which is more toxic than common cyanides. What’s even scarier is that this toxin has the ability to accumulate in an organism until the lethal dose is reached. Symptoms first include nausea and vomiting, then bloody diarrhea, fever, seizures, and finally a collapse resulting in death. Its seed, which is the castor bean, is known to be lethal in adults, if consumed in quantities from four to eight seeds.

5. Daphne mezereum

   Also called lady laurel or paradise plant, every part of this beautiful plant is poisonous. The pink or purple flowers bloom in early spring before it gains it woody deciduous appearance with bright red berries. The bark, sap, and berries hold the greatest toxic concentration, including Mexerine, an acrid resin resulting in intense skin irritations, and Daphnine, a bitter glycoside. Combined, these two toxins will cause convulsions, delirium, headaches, diarrhea, and other not-so-pleasant reactions. If you ingest a berry, you could fall into a deep coma and die.

6. Latana camara

   Widely found in the summer landscape of the tropics, beautiful yellow, orange, and pink flowers often obscure its deathly properties found in its green berries. Triterpenes, the poison found in its berries, is a precursor to steroids, which may cause muscle weakness and lead to a circulatory collapse.

7. Atropa belladonna (Deadly nightshade)

   Though the name of the species comes from Latin, meaning a “pretty woman,” its bell-shaped violet blossoms and cherry-like fruit make it an overall attractive plant. However, when ingested, it may cause delirium and hallucinations. Fatal amounts of 10 to 20 berries or a single leaf of the plant can be deadly. Your symptoms including blurred vision, rashes, and a fast or slowed pulse, all leading up to a fatal convulsion.

8. Rhododendron (Azaleas)

   Almost anyone is familiar with an Azalea flower; it’s one of the most popular types of flowering shrubs in the entire world. However, the nectar produced by Azalea flowers contains a grayanotoxin, known as “mad honey,” which is lethal in humans but harmless to bees. As a rule of thumb, Azaleas are nice to look at, but it’s not a good idea to chew on an Azalea flower.

1. Lilies

   Lilies are toxic to all your pets — dogs, cats, and horses alike. But outdoor cats may be the most prone to nibble on lilies, and even the smallest amount is poisonous. The toxin in lilies is soluble in water and deadly, although it isn’t known exactly what causes it to be poisonous. Consuming a tiny bit can cause kidney failure, as well as gastrointestinal and nervous system complications. What’s worse, every single part of the plant, including the pollen, is poisonous. Thus, if a cat or dog gets the pollen on their coat and then bathe or lick themselves, they will ingest the toxin. If your pet is left untreated for more than 18 hours after consuming parts of the lily plant, the mortality rate is 100%, so immediate veterinary care is essential. There is no antidote, but vets can monitor the gastrointestinal tract and keep your pet hydrated, and immediate treatment is usually successful.

2. Sago Palm

   Sago palms are also known as cycads, and are very popular plants both standalone and potted. They also contain cycasin, a deadly toxin that causes liver failure. The toxin can be found in the seeds, fruit, and base of the plant and a dog can die by merely eating one seed from the plant. Within just a few hours, your dog will be vomiting, have diarrhea, and seem out of sorts. One-third of all dogs that consume parts of the sago palm die once the symptoms begin to show, even if given aggressive treatment. It takes about 24 hours for lab work to indicate abnormalities, so it can be tricky to diagnose, but you should always inform your vet of whether or not your yard has sago palms or if your pet likes to chew or dig up plants.

3. Azaleas

   Both the azalea’s leaves and flowers are toxic to animals. The toxicity varies depending on how much of the plant is consumed paired with the animal’s weight. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has deduced the symptoms of poisoning to be vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, hypotension, and coma. If not treated, this could be followed by death. The cardiac glycosides and grayanotoxins found in azaleas are compounds that affect sodium channels on cell membranes. Treatment for azalea poisoning is the same treatment you would conduct for any poisoning; giving the animal something to help it vomit, giving it activated charcoal, and doing anything in your power to get the remaining azalea bits out of their system is the best way to handle it. Recovery is likely so long because there are no complications during the time that the animal is expelling the Azalea, such as cardiac arrhythmias and aspiration pneumonia. Unfortunately, many dogs or cats can become addicted to the toxin in azaleas, which could easily become fatal. Removing this plant entirely from areas that your pet is allowed to go may be necessary.

4. Daffodils

   Daffodils are in the lily family, which explains why they are so toxic. All parts of the plant are poisonous, including the bulbs, leaves, and flowers. Moreover, if your dog consumes just one bulb, the consequences can be fatal. Even the water that the daffodil plant stands in, if ingested, can cause poisoning. A lethal dose for dogs is 15 grams of this plant. Easter time is peak season for toxicity due to daffodil consumption, as the spring time brings on this seasonal flower. Even in humans, contact with parts of the flower can cause dermatitis. Humans have also mistaken the bulbs on daffodils for onion bulbs in the past, causing poisoning upon ingestion.

5. Begonias

   The begonia plant’s juices and sap contain microscopic poisonous, needle-shaped crystals. All species of begonia are toxic to pets. If the animal consumes it, he will develop the common signs of poisoning, including drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. However, treatment is typically not necessary unless an inordinate amount of its poisonous parts has been consumed, as this plant is one of the more mild poisonous plants. The tubers are the most toxic component of the plant. The toxicity of a begonia comes from its insoluble oxalates, which come from oxalic acid. Oxalic acid is one of the strongest acids found in nature. Although the rootstock, tubers, and roots are poisonous, the flowers of the begonia are edible and are still used in some cultures for their tart flavor. They may be used to treat fevers and syphilis, or in cleaning weapons.

6. Hemlock

   Hemlock is highly poisonous to both people and animals. A biennial herb, Hemlock is from the parsnip family and is found typically in less tended to areas including roadsides, railroad tracks, ditches, and waste areas. The volatile alkaloids, coniine and gamma-conicine, are what give Hemlock its toxicity. An animal that has consumed Hemlock will become sick in stages — first, they will be anxious and uncoordinated, second, they become depressed, cold, and bloated. When lethal, Hemlock usually kills the pet with respiratory failure, between 5-10 hours after symptoms become present. However, some pets may recover after feeling ill for several days. Hemlock thrives mostly in the spring, which is also when animals may find it to taste the most appealing. Drying out the Hemlock may lower the toxicity slightly, but not entirely eliminate it. If your pet consumes Hemlock and shows the signs of poisoning mentioned above, veterinary care should be sought. A fatal dose for a sheep is around half a pound, meaning a dog’s lethal dose could be less and a cat’s lethal dose even smaller.

7. Buttercups

   Buttercups may be easy on the eyes, but not so much on the digestive systems of your pets. Buttercups have an acrid taste that most pets will avoid, but if your pet is just curious enough to chew on your plants or will eat anything without a care, keeping buttercups at bay might be your best option. If a pet has been poisoned by buttercups, they may drool, get blisters, undergo abdominal pain, and get diarrhea. The toxin within it, protoanemonin, is not very stable. Thus, if it is dried, the toxicity is significantly lower. If your yard has become overrun with buttercups and you’re trying to eradicate them, make sure to remove all parts of the flower, including the runners and roots. Buttercup can sprout from nodes along the stem and root fragments, so if you aren’t thorough when you get rid of them, they may pop right back up.