The Southern California climate is great for gardening, but the same weather that makes your flowers grow can also encourage the growth of poisonous plants. Enjoy your outdoor space safely by ridding your yard of these poisonous plants that are endemic to the Los Angeles area.

Devil's weed. Look for a plant 3 to 5 feet tall with soft, irregularly shaped toothed leaves and white or purple trumpet-shaped flowers. Consumption of its seeds and leaves can be deadly.

Poison oak. Western poison oak is commonly found in Los Angeles backyards and is often difficult to spot, because it blends in with the surrounding habitat. Toothed or scalloped leaves are divided into threes, and white flowers form in the spring followed by light colored berries in the fall. Touching the leaves can result in a severe allergic reaction and rash.

Poodle-dog bush. Growing in and around areas that have suffered a wildfire, poodle-dog bush produces attractive lavender flowers that cause a severe and long-lasting rash characterized by redness, swelling and intense itching.

Foxglove. This genus that grows colorful tubular flowers on a tall spike can be deadly. Highly toxic, foxglove can cause heart block, increased heart rate, hallucinations, convulsions and severe pain, and may lead to death.

Oleander. This fast-growing shrub or small tree is extremely toxic when ingested by humans or their pets. Characterized by outward-growing stems with a bloom of pink, red or white, oleander can grow up to 20 feet tall if left untamed. The toxic fruit produces many seeds and can grow up to 9 inches long.

Unsure if a plant in your yard is poisonous? Angie’s List has member reports that describe the services of more than 360 highly rated landscapers in the Los Angeles area who would be able to help.