General Plants You Should Avoid When Hiking

Here’s a general list of common plants to steer clear of in most parts of the U.S.:

🌿 Common Plants to Avoid

1. Poison Ivy
   
   • “Leaves of three, let it be.”
     
   • Causes itchy, blistering rashes.
     
2. Poison Oak
   
   • Similar to poison ivy; found mostly in western and southeastern U.S.
     
   • Also has leaves in clusters of three.
     
3. Poison Sumac
   
   • Grows in wet, swampy areas; has 7–13 leaflets per stem.
     
   • Even more toxic than ivy or oak.
     
4. Stinging Nettle
   
   • Covered in tiny, hair-like spines that sting on contact.
     
   • Causes a burning, itching sensation.
     
5. Giant Hogweed
   
   • Sap can cause severe burns when exposed to sunlight.
     
   • Has huge leaves and umbrella-shaped white flowers.
     
6. Wild Parsnip
   
   • Like hogweed, its sap can cause burns.
     
   • Yellow flowers, tall stalk.
     
7. Deadly Nightshade (Belladonna)
   
   • Pretty but poisonous berries.
     
   • Causes hallucinations, seizures, or worse if ingested.
     
8. Water Hemlock
   
   • Highly toxic; even a small amount can be deadly.
     
   • Looks similar to wild carrot or Queen Anne’s lace.
     

If you’ve got pets or little ones with you, it’s even more important to be aware of these. Be careful when you’re out hiking around the campground! Watch out for these when you stay at Knoxville Campground!