Toxic Plants to Be Aware Of While Gardening or Hiking Some plants, such as poison ivy, poison oak, poison hemlock, and poison sumac, are commonly found in gardens, trails, and yards. These can cause skin irritation or severe health issues if touched or ingested. Outdoor safety tips: Learn how to identify harmful plants Teach children about plant safety Use gloves and long sleeves during yard work Understanding your environment helps ensure safe and enjoyable time in nature.