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When we think about plants, we usually think about beautiful blossoms that bring pops of color and joy into our yard and life—not scary carnivores that are better suited to horror movies. However, in the spirit of the haunting season, let’s take a look at some of the more insidious plants from around the world. Some might even make great additions to your yard or even your home just in time for Halloween (if you dare).
The Cuscuta, also known as the Strangle Tare, looks quite a bit like a tumbleweed and is actually perfectly safe for humans. However, in the world of plants, it’s akin to a ghost. It sucks the life out of host plants, literally, becomes detached from its roots, and turns into a complete parasite. It does best in hot climates, and with only four species “living” in northern Europe, there’s a good chance this ghost plant won’t ever cross your path.
The Utricularia, or Bladderwort, is like the Venus Flytrap’s more evil twin. The flowers of this plant act a lot like a Venus Flytrap, catching and eating whatever comes inside. However, their “maws” are much bigger and snap close. Bladderworts exclusively thrive in water, so you won’t find them on land—but keep an eye out for the bright yellow flowers next time you go swimming.
There’s also the Dering Wood, also known as the Screaming Wood. Aptly named, you’ll find it in a haunted village in Kent, England. These trees look perfectly normal, but it’s said that anywhere up to 16 (former human) ghosts live in between them. This area is a hub for supernatural activity and ghost hunters from around the world flock here.
The Armillaria Solidipes, also known as the Humongous Fungus, spread across the American underground in Malheur National Forest thousands of years ago. And it keeps growing. It’s a mushroom said to be anywhere from 1,900 – 8,650 years old and takes up 3.7 square miles. Head to Oregon’s forest and just imagine the enormous shroom inching along beneath your feet.
Anyone who’s seen the Actaea Pachypoda knows why it got the nickname Doll’s Eye. The creepy white berries look just like eyes mounted on blood-red stems. You’ll find them in the woods of the U.S. and Canada, and they don’t just stalk you through your forest hike but they’re also highly toxic to humans. Eat even a small amount and you’re likely to suffer cardiac arrest.
The Hydnellum Peckii is better known as the Bleeding Tooth Fungus. It’s also a mushroom, but unlike any you’ve encountered before. It oozes (or bleeds) a red, gooey substance from its pores non-stop. Finally, you can’t overlook the Corpse Flower, which boasts the biggest flower in the world. It also smells just like rotten flesh. The goal is to attract carnivores and it even looks like rotting flesh in order to draw more hungry hunters near.
Whether you want to take care of your terrifying plant or want more information on not such horrific options, contact The Dirt Bag today for all your hauntingly beautiful gardening needs.
