Poisonous Plants

According to the University of Arizona, College of Pharmacy, the following plants are dangerous, either to touch or eat.  The following links include further info and pictures from U of A:

Dangerous Plants

Jumping Cactus: The 'jumping cholla' cactus (aka: teddy bear cholla, hanging chain cholla) in Arizona has a reputation for jumping out and sticking to your body. This cholla does not really jump out at people, but it's fine barbs can give the illusion of safely clearing the plant, when walking near it.  If a piece of this cholla sticks to an unsuspecting person, a good method to remove the cactus is with a hair comb, which is standard equipment for many who hike in the cholla's biome. The pieces should not be handled, as the spines are barbed and can cause painful, very slow-healing wounds if the barbs become embedded in the skin.

Any Cactus: Actually, every cacti in Arizona can cause you a great deal of discomfort.  They often have thorn-like spines that can cause you a great deal of pain if you get them in your skin.  And, there are many other plants that can make you sick or cause a bad reaction when touched or eaten.

I hope you can understand, by reading this, that hikers and avid walkers in southern Arizona have to be very well prepared.  If you are wise, take your first hike or walk with a hiker (avid walker) who has lived in the area for many years!