Irritant Plant Rashes

Irritant plants may cause a local irritation or rash where they come into contact with the skin. Unlike Reference poison ivy, oak, or sumac Opens New Window, you do not have to be allergic to the plant to develop a rash. Irritant plants include:

• Flower bulbs, such as hyacinth or daffodil bulbs or tulip bulb sheaths. These can cause a reaction called daffodil itch or tulip fingers. Tulips can cause either an irritant reaction or an allergic reaction.
• Roses, rose hips, and dahlias.
• Stinging nettle and spurge nettle.
• Herbs such as comfrey, borage, barberry, tansy, yarrow, garlic, and hot peppers.
• Rhubarb.
• Plants from the bromeliad family, such as pineapple and Spanish moss.
• Cacti and sharp grasses.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.