You are on page 1of 33

Poisonous Plants

Extension Horticulturist & Turfgrass Specialist


Created by Andrea Carlson

Ronald Smith, Ph.D.

Common Poisonous House Plants


Common Name Flamingo Flower Scientific Name Anthurium Toxic Parts All plant parts contain calcium oxalate All plant parts contain calcium oxalate All plant parts contain lycorine All plant parts contain calcium oxalate Symptoms Produced Intense irritation of the mucous membranes produces swelling of the tongue, lips and palate. Intense irritation of the mucous membranes produces swelling of the tongue, lips and palate Ingestion produces nausea & diarrhea Intense irritation of the mucous membranes produces swelling of the tongue, lips and palate Intense irritation of the mucous membranes produces swelling of the tongue, lips and palate

Caladium

Caladium

Clivia Dumb Cane

Clivia Dieffenbachia

Devil's Ivy

Epipremnum syn.Scindapsus

All plant parts contain calcium oxalate

http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/

Common Poisonous House Plants

Caladium Caladium

Dieffenbachia Dumb Cane

Common Poisonous House Plants


Common Name Poinsettia Scientific Name Euphorbia pulcherrima Hedera Toxic Parts Milky latex sap contains terpenes & diterpenes Leaves & berries contain hederin, a saponin Bulbs contain licorine Plant parts contain tannin & volatile oils Leaves contain calcium oxalate Symptoms Produced If swallowed =nausea, diarrhea, vomiting & irritation. Skin contact = severe irritation Ingestion produces burning sensation in throat & gastroenteritis Ingestion causes nausea & diarrhea Ingestion causes nausea & vomiting Intense irritation of the mucous membranes produces swelling of the tongue, lips & palate

Ivy

Amaryllis Myrtle Swiss Cheese Plant

Hippeastrum Myrtus communis Monstera

http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/

Common Poisonous House Plants

Hedera spp.

Myrtus communis Myrtle Euphorbia pulcherrima Poinsettia

Common Poisonous House Plants

Common Name Oleander

Scientific Name Nerium oleander

Toxic Parts Plant parts contain glycosides

Symptoms Produced One leaf is fatal & will disrupt heart function, trigger circulatory failure & lead to death Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, & kidney inflammation Intense irritation of the mucous membranes produces swelling of the tongue, lips & palate Ingestion causes gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting & diarrhea

Oxalis

Oxalis

Plant parts contain oxalic acid Plant parts contain calcium oxalate Plant parts contain saponins

Heart-Leaf Philodendron Aralia

Philodendron scandens Polyscias

http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/

Common Poisonous House Plants

Oxalis spp. Oxalis Philodendron scandens Heart Leaf, Sweetheart Plant

Common Poisonous House Plants


Scientific Name
Schefflera syn. Brassaia Solanum pseudocapsicum

Common Name
Australian Umbrella Tree

Toxic Parts
All plant parts contain oxalic acid & saponins Fruit contains solanine, a highly toxic glyco-alkaloid

Symptoms Produced
Ingestion = vomiting, loss of coordination, & other symptoms Ingestion = burning sensation in mouth & throat, followed by gastric irritation, fever & diarrhea Intense irritation of the mucous membranes produces swelling of the tongue, lips & palate Intense irritation of the mucous membranes produces swelling of the tongue, lips & palate

Jerusalem Cherry

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum

All plant parts contain calcium oxalate All plant parts contain calcium oxalate

Arrowhead Vine

Syngonium

http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/

Common Poisonous House Plants

Spathiphyllum wallisii Peace Lily

Herbal Medicines
Herbal medicine is the use of drugs found in plants for prevention and cure of disease. Some are safe but others may produce harmful side effects. FDA approval is not required for package or marketing claims. Unlike approved drugs, herbs are almost entirely unregulated for safety, uniformity of contents, and contamination. Herbal remedies may have other unlabeled medicines or materials mixed in with them. Many herbal medicines are taken by drinking a tea. Avoid concentrating or over-steeping a tea remedy. Herbal extracts, tablets, and powders are also used.
http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/

Herbal Medicines
The correct dose of herbal products is often hard to determine. When herbs are taken with a prescribed or over-the-counter drug, health problems may occur. It is wise to check with your doctor. Because scientific studies have not been done on man herbs, pregnant women, breast feeding mothers, infants and young children should probably not use herbs. Older people with serious health conditions should also be careful about the use of herbs. An herbal treatment that does not work, even if it won't hurt you, could delay getting necessary medical treatment. A "natural" product from a plant is not necessarily better than the same chemical produced in a laboratory. Some herbal products contain active ingredients that can produce unexpected side effects (for example, Saw palmetto contains estrogen, a female hormone).
http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/

Herbal Medicines
Examples of potentially harmful plant remedies:
Herb Borage Calamus Chaparral Comfrey Ephedra; Ma-huang Germander Life root Pennyroyal Sassafras Scientific Name
Borago officinalis Acorus calamus Larrea indentata Symphytum officinale Ephedra sinica) Teucrium chamaedrys Senecio aureus Mentha pulegium Sassafras albidum

Potential Toxic Effect


Skin irritation Skin irritation, stomach upset, may cause cancer Liver damage Liver damage Agitation, high blood pressure, rapid heart beat, convulsions Liver damage Liver damage Liver damage. Concentrated oil can cause convulsions, shock, & multi organ failure Liver damage. Concentrated oil can cause hallucinations, trembling, shock, & possibly cancer

http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/

Harmful Herbal Medicines

Borago officinalis Borage

Mentha pulegium Pennyroyal

Mushrooms
Eating any mushrooms collected outdoors should be considered dangerous. Call the Poison Control Center even if you only think that someone has eaten one. Even after a serious poisoning, symptoms may not appear until many hours later. Do not wait until symptoms appear Symptoms of severe mushroom poisoning can include intense vomiting and diarrhea and can lead to liver failure and death Eating mushrooms collected outdoors can be very risky, because many poisonous mushrooms look and taste like ones that are safe to eat. There is no easy way to tell the difference between safe and unsafe mushrooms Teach children never to touch or taste outdoor mushrooms

http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/

Ornamental plants reported to be toxic when ingested by humans


Plant Name Air potato Algerian Ivy Botanical Name Dioscorea bulbifera Hedera canariensis Toxic Plant Part Raw fruit All parts Symptoms Abdominal pain, nausea Diarrhea, nervousness, labored respiration, convulsions Nausea, high temperature, dryness of the mouth Gastrointestinal problems, vomiting, diarrhea Low blood pressure, convulsions Blurring of vision, delirium Abdominal pain, vomiting, convulsions, death Nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, breathing difficulty, coma
http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/

Allamanda Amaryllis American Arborvitae Angel's Trumpet Anise-tree Azalea

Allamanda spp. Amaryllis spp. Thuja occidentalis Datura spp Illicium floridanum, Illicium anisatum Rhododendron spp.

All parts Bulbs & seeds Leaves All parts Leaves All parts

Ornamental plants reported to be toxic when ingested by humans

Rhododendron spp. Azalea

Hippeastrum spp. Amaryllis

Ornamental plants reported to be toxic when ingested by humans


Plant Name Barberry Black Locust Boxwood Buckeye Caladium, Calla-lily Castor bean
Botanical Name Toxic Plant Part Symptoms

Berberis spp. Robinia pseudoacacia Buxus sempervirens Aesculus spp. Caladium bicolor Zante deschia spp. Ricinus communis

All parts bark, seeds Leaves All parts All parts All parts Seeds

Depressant action on the heart muscle Nausea, weakness, depression Gastric, vomiting parts digestive irritant, nausea, vomiting Burning in mouth & throat, vomiting Burning and inflammation of the mouth and throat Burning in mouth & throat, gastric and intestinal problems Vomiting, diarrhea Gasping, nervous disorder
http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/

Century Plant Cherry (all species)

Agave americana Prunus spp.

Leaves Leaves bark, seeds

Ornamental plants reported to be toxic when ingested by humans

Berberis spp. Barberry

Zante deschia spp. Calla Lily

Ornamental plants reported to be toxic when ingested by humans

Plant Name Clematis Crinum Lily Delphinium Elderberry

Botanical Name Clematis spp Crinum spp Delphinium spp. Sambucus canadensis Colocasia esculenta Hedera helix

Toxic Plant Part All parts Bulb All parts Root, bark, stem, leaves All parts Leaves, stems, fruits

Symptoms Gastro-intestinal irritation Vomiting, diarrhea Digestive upset, nervous excitement or depression Raw berries may cause nausea. Fruit commonly made into pies, jelly and wine not harmful when cooked Intense burning and irritation of the tongue Headache, fever, anxiety, breathing difficulty, coma

Elephant Ear English Ivy

http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/

Ornamental plants reported to be toxic when ingested by humans

Hedera Helix English Ivy

Clematis spp. Clematis

Colocasia esculenta Elephants Ear Delphinium spp. Delphinium

Ornamental plants reported to be toxic when ingested by humans


Plant Name Eucalyptus. False Indigo Firethorn Four-o-clock root Ginkgo (female) Gloriosa Lily Holly Honeysuckle, Japanese & Trumpet Botanical Name Eucalyptus spp Baptisia spp. Pyracantha spp Mirabilis jalpa Ginkgo biloba Gloriosa superba Ilex spp. Lonicera japonica, L.sempervirens Toxic Plant Part Leaves All parts Berries Seeds Fruit All parts Berries All parts Symptoms Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, respiratory difficulty, nausea Paralysis Stomach ache, blistering of tongue, vomiting Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain Violent stomach pain, kidney disorders Numbness of lips, tongue and throat, nervous system paralysis Vomiting, diarrhea Diarrhea, pupil dilation, irregular heartbeat, respiratory failure, coma

http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/

Ornamental plants reported to be toxic when ingested by humans

Illex spp. Holly

Lonicera japonica, L.sempervirens Japanese & Trumpet Honeysuckle

Ornamental plants reported to be toxic when ingested by humans


Plant Name Smooth Hydrangea, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Bigleaf Hydrangea Impatiens, balsam Iris Jack-in-the-Pulpit Juniper Lantana Botanical Name
Hydrangea quercifolia, Hydrangea macrophylla Hydrangea arborescens

Toxic Plant Part Leaves, bark

Symptoms Gastric, intestinal, convulsions Vomiting, diarrhea Severe digestive tract discomfort Mouth and throat irritation, vomiting Kidney damage Gastric, vomiting, diarrhea, circulatory collapse Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat and pulse, mental confusion Dizziness, stomach pain, collapse, fatal to livestock

Impatiens spp. Iris spp. Arisaema spp. Juniperus spp. Lantana spp.

Stem, leaves, root Underground stems All parts Berry-like seeds Fruit

Lily-of-the-Valley

Convallaria majalis

All parts

Lilies (Rain Lily, Atamasco Lily, Easter Lily)

Zephyranthus spp.

All parts

http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/

Ornamental plants reported to be toxic when ingested by humans

Impatiens spp. Impatiens

Iris spp. Iris

Lantana spp. Lantana

Hydrangea quercifolia, H.macrophylla H.arborescens Smooth Hydrangea, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Bigleaf Hydrangea

Ornamental plants reported to be toxic when ingested by humans


Plant Name Mahonia Mimosa Morning Glory Mountain Laurel Oleander Botanical Name Mahonia spp. Albizzia spp Ipomoea spp. Kalmia latifolia Nerium oleander L Toxic Plant Part All parts All parts Seeds, root Leaves, twigs, flowers All parts Symptoms Depressant action on the heart muscle Intestinal irritation Hallucinations, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tightness Gastric, paralysis, convulsions Dizziness, irregular heart beat, nausea, convulsions, death. This is one of the most toxic ornamental plants in the southeast Weakness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, paralysis Intestinal irritation Hallucinations, damage to liver, kidney, nervous system
http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/

Ornamental Tobacco Periwinkle (vine) Periwinkle (annual)

Nicotiana spp. Vinca minor Catharanthus roseus

All parts All parts All parts

Ornamental plants reported to be toxic when ingested by humans

Impomoea spp. Morning glory

Nerium oleander Oleander

Ornamental plants reported to be toxic when ingested by humans


Plant Name Plumbago Privet Sago Palm Sweet shrub Trumpet Creeper (Chalice Vine) Virginia Creeper (Woodbine) Wisteria Yew Botanical Name Plumbago spp. Ligustrum spp. Cycas revoluta Calycanthus floridus Campsis radicans Parthenocissus quinquefolia Wisteria spp Taxus spp. Toxic Plant Part Leaves, stems Fruit Seeds, roots, trunk pith Seeds All parts except fruit Berries, leaves Pods, seeds Berries, foliage Stomach pain Nausea, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure Headache, vomiting, stomach disorders Affects central nervous system, spasms, increased heart rate Gastric irritation, dilated pupils, numbness in hands Nausea, bloody vomiting, abdominal pain, kidney damage, headache Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting Foliage more toxic than berries, death can be sudden without symptoms Symptoms

http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/

Ornamental plants reported to be toxic when ingested by humans

Campsis radicans Trumpet Vine

Wisteria spp. Wisteria

Preventing Poisoning Exposures


If you have small children or curious pets, consider removing toxic plants from your garden and house. Before buying a plant, have the store tell you the name of the plant and label it with both the common and botanical name. Show grandparents and baby sitters where the plant label is. It is very hard for Poison Specialists to identify plants from a description given on the phone. Know the names of your plants before a poisoning happens. House plants should be placed out of the reach of the very young. Store labeled bulbs and seeds safely away from children and pets. Avoid confusing bulbs with onions you can eat. Use protective gloves and clothing when handling plants that may be irritating to the skin. Wash clothes afterwards.
http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/

Preventing Poisoning Exposures


Do not eat plants or mushrooms collected outdoors, unless you are certain that they are safe. Teach children not to put any part of a plant in the mouth. This means leaves, stems, bark, seeds, nuts, berries and bulbs. Do not allow children to suck nectar from flowers or make "tea" from the leaves. Never chew, or let children chew, on jewelry made from seeds or beans. Throw away plant leaves and flowers in a safe way so that children and pets cannot get to them. Smoke from fires made of twigs and other parts of poisonous plants, including poison oak, can irritate or harm the eyes, throat and other parts of the body. As a general rule, plants toxic to humans are also toxic to pets.
http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/

Treatment of Exposure
Mouth: Remove any remaining parts of the plant or mushroom from victim's mouth and clean out the mouth. Give a small amount of water. Skin: Wash any skin exposed to the plant with soap and cool water as soon as possible. Eyes: Flush eyes with lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes. Be very gentle, as vigorous or prolonged rinsing can hurt the eyes.

http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/

Poison control

For nearest Poison Control: Hennepin Regional Poison Center Hennepin County Medical Center 1-800-222-1222 If vomiting is recommended by the Poison Control Center or your doctor, use only Syrup of Ipecac. Do not use anything else, and do not put your finger in the throat to cause gagging, which can cause more injury. If advised to take the person to the hospital, bring the plant or a piece of it along with the label.

Questions?

You might also like