Gardening From The Ground Up

 

.
Site map

[ What is a Garden ] [ The Gov.  and the scientist. ] [ Frequent Questions ] [ Landscape horticulture ] [ The Biosphere ] [ NM Soils ] [ Botany ] [ Native Trees and Shrubs ] [ Plants for NM ] [ Vegetable Varieties ] [ Fruits ] [ Grass1 ] [ Plant Disease Defined ] [ Pest Management (IPM) ] [ Weeds ] [ Water Gardening ] [ Drip Irrigation ] [ Composting ] [ House plants ] [ Other Resources ]

What's New

Tomatoes 2008
Composting.ppt
Iris with music.ppt
Flowers and bulbs in garden.ppt

POISONOUS HOUSE and GARDEN PLANTS

by Ruth Bronson

Ingestion of household plants and garden plants by children under age five is the leading cause of inquiries to poison control centers nationwide. The best treatment for poisoning is to prevent it from ever happening. Teach children not to taste or play with or eat non-food plants both indoors and outdoors. Even though some plant parts will have a bitter, unpleasant taste, some children may experiment so be prepared for such emergencies with first aid supplies handy
There are many houseplants which are perfectly safe to grow but as lovely and harmless as others may appear, they can be toxic and/or dangerous in other ways. It is important to be as knowledgeable as possible about the plants growing in and around your home.
Chemicals concentrated in the cells of roots, leaves, bark and seeds serve as the plant's defense against insect and animal attack. Some of these compounds can be toxic, especially if ingested or touched by humans or pets and can, result in adverse reactions.
A few plant families to be wary of include: the Poinsettia family (Euphorbiaceae), the Philodendron family( Araceae), the Cactus family (Cactaceae), and the Tomato family (Solanaceae). Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia), in the Araceae family, has plant parts which contain oxalate crystals. If ingested these can cause the tongue to swell so severely that breathing stops. Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia), a succulent in the Euphorbiaceae family has toxic sap which can irritate the skin. Among the most poisonous are the compounds found in Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) and Oleander (Nerium oleander) both of which can be deadly if ingested.
 
STEPS TO ELIMINATE RISK OF POISONING 
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: If a plant has been ingested, identify the plant, learn how much was eaten, contact your local poison control center, watch for adverse symptoms, take the plant with you if you are advised to go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Always know your local poison control center contact number. If that is not available call 911.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION: Learn which houseplants are poisonous and to what degree. Be sure to properly identify and label houseplants, preferably with the botanical name. It is important to note that plants often have several common names which may vary by region but only one botanical name.
EXPOSURE TO POISONS: Exposure to poison is caused by ingestion of plant parts and/or by contact to the skin. Ingestion of plant parts can cause internal poisoning, heart or kidney failure. Skin contact can produce unpleasant symptoms such as dermatitis and allergic reaction. Brushing against sharp prickles, spines and thorns can also be extremely painful.
SAFE DISPLAY OF PLANTS: Do not place potentially toxic plants within easy reach of a child or pet. To be safe it is best to grow ONLY safe plants in the house or garden.
Aloe sp. Burn plant. Poisonous parts Latex (juices) Toxins Aloe-emodin
Ingestion of the latex can cause a cathartic (purging) reaction by irritating the large intestine. Aloe is a popular house plant due to its reputation as a healing plant for burns, cuts and other skin problems but contact dermatitis can occur in sensitive individuals. If you use Aloe, you should cut away the skin and inner layer of yellow juice leaving only the actual gel. The yellow juice, especially prominent in older plants, is the primary irritant in the cases of contact dermatitis. You should test a small area of skin, such as the inner forearm, for a reaction before more general use.
Amaryllis sp. Amaryllis Poisonous parts Bulb Toxins Lycorine  
Amaryllis is grown indoors for its showy winter/spring bloom. The principal irritant is present in small amounts so large quantities of the bulb must be eaten to cause symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting).
Anthurium andraeanum Flamingo lily, Little boy flower. Poisonous parts All parts Toxins Calcium oxalate 
Anthurium's have tiny flowers crowded in a spadix  that is subtended by a spathe (usually red, bract like leaf). Ingestion usually does not occur because chewing quickly causes painful irritation of the mouth and throat. General symptoms of poisoning are blistering, dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), hoarseness.
Asparagus sp. Asparagus fern Poisonous parts seeds Toxin unknown
May cause dermatitis as well as gastric symptoms. Some varieties also have sharp hooks on the fronds that can tear the skin.
Buxus sp, Boxwood Poisonous parts leaves and twigs.  Toxin  GI irritant
If ingested in quantity vomiting, stomach pain bloody stools, convulsions, death.
Cacti; Opuntia, Cereus, Aporocactus Lophophora,Euphorbia  etal, Bunny ears, and others Poisonous parts various Toxins various.
Besides the ever present thorns and glochids which can cause painful skin irritation some species will have various toxins. Keep all these plants out of reach of small children.
Caladium hortulanum Angels' wings Poisonous parts All parts Toxins Calcium oxalate
Ingestion can cause severe irritation to the mouth and throat and may also be an irritant to the G.I. tract.
Chrysanthemum indicum Chrysanthemums, Mums Poisonous parts Leaves, stalks Toxins Arteglasin A
Some people will develop contact dermatitis after extended exposure to garden chrysanthemums. This is an occupational hazard of florists, nursery workers, and gardeners.
Clivia miniata Kaffir Lily Poisonous parts Roots Toxins Lycorine
Large quantities must be ingested to cause symptoms of toxicity. General symptoms of poisoning are collapse, diarrhea, paralysis, salivation, vomiting.
Codiaeum variegatum Croton Poisonous parts Bark, roots, latex Toxins 5-deoxyingenol
Chewing the bark and roots is said to cause burning of the mouth. The latex has caused eczema in some gardeners.
Convallaria majalis Lily-of-the-valley Poisonous parts entire plant convallatoxin glycosidesloss of appetite, leading to heart failure
Cyclamen persicum Cyclamen Poisonous parts Bulb,  Rhizomes Toxins Cyclamin A
The tuberous rhizomes are bitter, so children or family pets are unlikely to be exposed to the toxins.
Cyperus Umbrella plant, sedge. Poisonous parts all parts Toxins unknown but used as an agent in herbal therapy. Thus it probably has some activity in the body.
Cypripedium species Orchid, Poisonous Part Bulbs  Toxins unknown
Handling the bulbs can cause contact Dermatitis
Narcissus sp. Daffodil Poisonous parts Bulbs Toxins unknown
 Gastric upset trembling convulsions, dermatitis in some people.
Datura sp. Angel's Trumpet aka Brugsmania Poisonous parts all parts Toxins Atropine, hyoscine, and hyoscyamine
Angel's trumpet contains the toxic alkaloids that have caused poisoning and death by Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium), also known as 'loco weed' because of it's effect on cattle. This plant is grown because of its spectacular  tubular flowers, and may also be known as 'thorn apple' because of its spiny fruit. General symptoms of poisoning are agitation, choreiform (spasmodic) movement, coma, drowsiness, hallucination, elevated temperature.
Dieffenbachia sp. Dumb cane Poisonous parts All parts Toxins Calcium oxalate
The distinctive leaf pattern of the very popular Dieffenbachia sp. is seen in many homes. Painful and immediate swelling of the mouth and throat occurs after chewing on dumbcane. Speech impediment can occur, sometimes lasting for several days.
Epipremnum syn.Scindapsus Devil's Ivy, Pothos aureus Poisonous parts All plant parts Toxins calcium oxalate.
Intense irritation of the mucous membranes produces swelling of the tongue, lips and palate
Euphorbia sp. Crown-of-thorns, Poinsettia et al Poisonous parts Sap Toxins 5-deoxyingenol.
 Contains caustic and irritant chemicals in the latex. Avoid contact to the skin and eyes. General symptoms of ingestion are: abdominal pains, blistering/irritation of the mouth/throat and vomiting.
Gloriosa sp. Gloriosa lily. Poisonous parts Entire plant especially tubers Toxins colchicines alkaloids,
Numbness of lips, tongue throat, difficult breathing, convulsions, death
Hedera helix English Ivy Poisonous parts Leaves Toxins didehydrofalcarinol, falcarinol, hederasaponins
Includes the variegated cultivars of English Ivy. Symptoms of ingestion are difficulty in breathing, convulsions, vomiting, paralysis and coma. Dermatitis is rare but can be severe with weeping blisters. The berries are bitter so it's unlikely children will consume them in large quantities.
Hemigraphis alternata 'Exotica' aka colorata Red Waffle plant Poisonous parts unknown Toxins unknown
Hyacinthus orientalis, Hyacinth Poisonous parts Bulbs Toxins alkaloids
Hydrangea sp. Hydrangea Poisonous parts Leaves and buds Toxins Hydragin
Poisoning from eating the flower buds has occurred. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pains, diarrhea, labored breathing, lethargy and coma. Sensitive individuals may develop contact dermatitis from handling the plants.
Jatropha Coral plant, Poisonous parts entire plant Toxins toxalbumin
gastric upset, dermatitis, death
Jessamine, Jasmine, Poisonous parts entire plant, Toxins unknown
 causes sweating, weakness, convulsions, respiratory failure, death
Kalanchoe sp. Devil's Backbone et al Poisonous parts Leaves, stems Toxins Daigremontianin
The young plantlets which grow along the leaf edges are easily dislodged to become new plants and can be found in profusion around the base of the adult plant. Children and family pets have easy access to these plantlets. Devil's-backbone contains a cardiac glycoside that has caused experimental toxicity and death in chicks and mice. Several other species of Kalanchoe may be found growing as houseplants. Tests have shown that some of them may also contain toxic compounds and so caution should be exercised with all Kalanchoe species.
Lantana sp, Lantana Poisonous parts all parts, especially berries, Toxins alkaloid lantanin or lantadene A,
 gastric upset, jaundice, circulatory collapse
Monstera Swiss-cheese plant Poisonous parts All parts except fruit. Toxins Calcium oxalate
The leaves can cause problems if chewed by humans or family pets. Experimentally, rats and mice died after they were fed plant extracts. General symptoms of poisoning are immediate and painful with aphonia (loss of voice), blistering, hoarseness, irritation of the mouth and urticaria (an allergic disorder characterized by raised edematous (watery swelling) patches of skin) accompanied by intense itching.  
Nerium Oleander Poisonous parts All plant parts Toxins  glycosides.
One leaf can be fatal and will disrupt heart function, trigger circulatory failure and lead to death.
Ornithogalum aka. Squill  pregnant onion, False sea onion.  Poisonous parts All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested and can also cause contact dermatitis.  Toxins cardiotoxic cardenolides.
 The bulbs should not be confused with those of wild onions. *
Oxalis Oxalis Poisonous parts All plant parts Toxins oxalic acid. Ingestion causes nausea and vomiting and kidney inflammation.
Polyscias Aralia Poisonous parts All plant parts Toxins saponins. Ingestion causes gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Schefflera syn. Brassaia Australian Umbrella Tree Poisonous parts All plant parts Toxins oxalic acid and saponins. Ingestion causes vomiting, loss of coordination, and other symptoms
Spathiphyllum Peace Lily Poisonous parts All plant parts Toxins calcium oxalate. Intense irritation of the mucous membranes produces swelling of the tongue, lips and palate
Syngonium Arrowhead Vine Poisonous parts All plant parts Toxins calcium oxalate Intense irritation of the mucous membranes produces swelling of the tongue, lips and palate.
Philodendron sp. Philodendron, Philodendron Poisonous parts Leaves, juices Toxins Calcium oxalate  Philodendrons are an indoor ornamental that can cause poisoning in humans and pets because of the oxalates they contain. General symptoms of poisoning are: erythema (reddening and inflammation of the skin), itchiness.
Rhododendron sp. Azalea Poisonous parts All parts Toxins Andromedotoxins (grayanotoxins)
Azalea, a bonsai favorite, is the common name for the dwarf type Rhododendrons. Although a low toxicity plant it is best to keep children and pets away. Treat all Rhododendrons as poisonous.
Solanum sp. Jerusalem Cherry et al Poisonous parts Immature and mature fruit, leaves Toxins Solanocapsine. Jerusalem-cherry is an indoor ornamental grown for its colorful berries. Children or family pets that ingest moderate amounts of leaf or berry material may experience abdominal pains, gastroenteritis and vomiting. Other members of this family may also be toxic to some people even though they include the extremely popular tomato, potato, tobacco and eggplant.
Strelitzia Reginae Bird of Paradise Poisonous parts seeds and pods Toxins causes severe stomach and intestinal distress.
Zantedeschia aethiopica Calla lily, Poisonous Parts Leaves  Toxin Calcium oxalate. When ingested, causes intense burning of the lips and mouth. Also direct irritant dermatitis.

*In one case of which I have knowledge, a sea onion was placed in a low window and children playing nearby knocked it over and then stepped on it. The children’s mother then cleaned up the mess and got the abundant juice on her hands. She then prepared a sandwich without first washing her hands. She ate the sandwich and within the hour was taken to the hospital with a suspected heart attack. She quickly recovered and was returned home the same day."

Cornell University Poisonous Plants Home Page

02/01/2009
[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Plants and Your Cat ] [ Poisonous house plants ] [ Plant Questions ] [ Interiorscape ] [ Houseplant Pests ] [ My Solar Greenhouse ] [ Houseplant Links ] [ House plants 2.htm ]