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There certainly are poisonous plants, but I was wondering, whether there are venomous specimen, too?

First, I thought the stinging nettle could be one such. After all, it's common knowledge it "applies a toxin upon touch". However, reading about the mechanics it seems that the injection is actually a much more passive procedure, which would render the plant poisonous, wouldn't it?

So what are some venomous plants?

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  • $\begingroup$ By venomous, do you mean plants with parts, such as leaves or thorns that sting you with a toxic substance if you touch or get pricked by them? $\endgroup$
    – Brōtsyorfuzthrāx
    Dec 30, 2021 at 1:58

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By definition, the word "venomous" can only technically be applied to animals. The most "poisonous" plant would be the gympie gympie tree, but if you want something "venomous", you might be able to find something similar within some species of carnivorous plants.

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    $\begingroup$ That's interesting. I thought "venomous" simply meant the toxin is applied proactively, rather than passively by being ingested or such. $\endgroup$
    – User1291
    Feb 17, 2017 at 6:33
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    $\begingroup$ Please add references to your answer to support your claims. $\endgroup$
    – Tyto alba
    Feb 17, 2017 at 6:41
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Yes, venom typically uses some form of injection, and doesn't need to be eaten to harm or kill you. The gympie gympie tree uses silica tipped hairs to put a toxin into your flesh, much like how jellyfish do. This tree is naturally found in Australia, because of course it is. But it isn't only australia. Stinging netals, definitely, and poison oak debatably are also venomous, since you don't have to eat them to take some form of chemical harm.

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