As the leaves turn shades of orange and the days grow shorter, Colorado's landscape takes on an eerie charm that perfectly complements the Halloween spirit. With the thrill of the season in the air, many find themselves drawn to the state’s spooky plants—those that are poisonous, carnivorous, or just downright bizarre. So let’s explore the flora that are sure to give you chills!
Poisonous plants: Colorado is home to several plants that can be toxic, even lethal. One of the most notorious is Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum). Often mistaken for harmless herbs, this plant features tall, fern-like leaves and clusters of white flowers. But don’t let its flowery facade fool you! All parts of the plant are toxic, containing alkaloids that can cause respiratory failure and death if ingested in large quantities.
It is both unsafe to consume and unwise to touch Monkshood, as you can absorb its toxins through your skin. Pliny the Elder called it “woman’s murder” as it was associated with witchcraft.
Not far behind in the deadly department is Monkshood (Aconitum columbianum). Just 500 grams is enough to send a horse to the vet for the last time. Historically, humans have shown dramatic flair by using monkshood extract to do everything from sabotaging water supplies to lacing bait in wolf traps.
Hungry Hunters: While you might think carnivorous plants belong in the tropics, Colorado has its own sinister specimens. The Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), although more commonly found in wetlands, can be spotted in some of Colorado’s high-altitude areas. This small, sticky-leaved plant captures insects with its glandular hairs, slowly digesting them for nutrients.
If you’re looking for plants that bite, meet the Bladderworts (Utricularia genus). These fascinating carnivorous plants can be found in Colorado’s wetlands and are known for their unique underwater traps. With small, bladder-like structures that act like trap doors, they capture tiny aquatic prey. When an unsuspecting victim swims by, the bladder opens, sucking it in and digesting it for nutrients. Sundews and Bladderworts adapt to unconventional environments by supplementing their diet with protein.
A large yellow flower quickly turns to the dark side as a bizarre, claw-like seed pod giving this plant a distinctly spooky appearance.
Eerie Aesthetics: In addition to poisonous and carnivorous plants, Colorado boasts a number of visually striking specimens that contribute to the spooky vibe of the season. One such plant is the Devil’s Claw (Proboscidea louisianica). A large yellow flower quickly turns to the dark side as a bizarre, claw-like seed pod giving this plant a distinctly spooky appearance. Explore the eastern plains of Colorado to search for this horror movie-worthy specimen.
White Baneberries bear white berries with deep purple “pupils” in their centers, so it looks like it’s watching your every move.
White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda) has an eerie quality that earned it the common name of doll’s eye plant. Its red stem bears white berries with deep purple “pupils” in their centers, so it looks like it’s watching your every move. But it gets even scarier: If you touch this toxic North American native your skin may blister. Have a taste, and you might die. Proceed with caution.
Exploring the spooky plants of Colorado can provide a thrilling experience for nature enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. From the deadly poison hemlock to the captivating devil’s claw, these flora serve as a reminder of nature’s beauty—and its potential dangers. Just remember: some things are best left untouched.
Lucy Trosper is a Lead Naturalist at Walking Mountains and your guide to the ghoulish greenery of Colorado.
