7 Most Dangerous Plants In The World

Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata)

Water hemlock is one of the most poisonous plants in North America. The perennial herbaceous plant contains a harmful toxin known as cicutoxin. The cicutoxin is known to breakdown the central nervous system causing rapid seizures and tremors. Other symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain and emesis. The symptoms usually occur within 60 minutes of ingesting the plant. High dosage of the plant parts, especially the highly toxic roots can quickly cause death. Due to the quick onset of symptoms, treating a patient is often unsuccessful. Historically, this plant was used in Greece as an agent of capital punishment. In 399 B.C., the Greek philosopher Socrates drank some kind of a Hemlock infusion at his execution.