Thevetia peruvaniana, also known in the U.S. as yellow oleander, is native to South America where it can grow to 30 feet tall, blooming all the while. The long narrow leaves give the branches an almost brush-like appearance, showing off the fragrant yellow trumpet flowers. In zone 8 and south, you can use yellow oleander in the yard as a bush, a small tree, or even a hedge. Further north, it needs to be in a container and come indoors in the cold months.

All parts of this plant are poisonous to humans and animals if ingested – roots, leaves, bark, sap, fruit and seeds. Interestingly enough, native cultures have found ways to turn all those parts of the tree into a variety of medicines and in fact its kernel oil is proven to be a strong antibacterial.