Poisonous Indoor Plants (5713)

Although plants add beauty to your homes and landscapes, some plants are also poisonous. Here are some simple guidelines to follow regarding poisonous plants:

1. Do not eat any plant part you do not recognize as edible.

2. Do not chew on items made from imported beans or seeds.

3. Do not make teas or brews from plants if you are not sure they are safe to use.

4. Make sure your children understand the above rules. Teach young children not to put any plant parts in their mouths.

5. Whenever someone does chew or swallow a poisonous plant part or unknown plant, seek emergency medical treatment immediately. Call the nearest poison control center. Check the inside cover of your telephone book under emergency numbers. Look for the "Mr. Yuk" symbol. Even better, post the poison control center's phone number by your telephone.

6. If you do have to go to the hospital, take the whole plant, or as much as possible with you.

7. Always keep a bottle of Ipecac syrup at home, just in case someone ingests a poisonous substance, including plants. Ipecac induces vomiting. Read and follow label directions.

8. Remember, dogs and cats are also sensitive to poisonous plants. If you suspect your pet has ingested part of a poisonous plant, call your veterinarian.

The most common poisonous indoor plants include dumbcane, also called diffenbachia, snake plant, which is also called mother-in-law's tongue, English ivy, philodendrons, and pothos or devil's ivy.
     
Some poisonous potted flowering plants are azalea, amaryllis, daffodil, hyacinth, chrysanthemum, and hydrangea. Finally, a few Christmas plants are poisonous, namely mistletoe and holly. Poinsettia, although reputed to be very toxic, is only mildly upsetting and not very dangerous.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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