ShareThisDon’t Poison the Baby: 5 Killer Northwest Plants
It’s pretty crazy to think that some of the most common landscaping plants pose extreme danger to humans and animals.
I figure since the whole concept of sustainability involves not harming things, a quick reminder of the toxicity of the plants in your yard is a fitting topic. All the plants in this blog post can also be found on Oregon Health and Science University’s list of ‘Very toxic’ plants or ‘mildly toxic’ plants.
Rhododendron
Considering the rhododendron is the state flower of Washington and can be found in just about every yard everywhere (slightly joking), the rhododendron is truly the epitome of this list.
Toxic to: Humans, Animals
Toxic parts: All parts
Transmission of poison: Ingestion
Symptoms can include: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, weakness, coma, hypotension, cardiovascular collapse and death.
Ivy
Another Northwest favorite, ivy is not only poisonous, but an invasive species as well. Ivy is often planted indoors making it more accessible to children and animals.
Toxic to: Humans, Animals, Livestock
Toxic parts: Leaves
Transmission of poison: Ingestion, Dermatitis (Skin Contact) although very rare
Symptoms can include: breathing difficulty, convulsions, vomiting, paralysis and coma
Hydrangea
These colorful flowers can be found almost everywhere from landscaping to floral bouquets. I've even seen wedding cakes sprinkled with hydrangea petals (Yikes!).
Toxic to: Humans, animals
Toxic parts: Bark, Leaves, Buds
Transmission of poison: Ingestion, Dermatitis although rare
Symptoms can include: vomiting, abdominal pains, diarrhea, labored breathing, lethargy and coma
Foxglove
Foxglove is a great plant for a Northwest garden, because it is a rather stunning flower that can grow in full shade. This plant is not recommended for households that have small children or animals.
Toxic to: Humans, Animals, Livestock
Toxic parts: All parts
Transmission of poison: Ingestion, Dermatitis
Symptoms include: severe headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, abdominal pain, delirium, irregular pulse, tremors, visual disturbances, convulsions, and heart block.
Oleander
Oleander may possibly be the most poisonous plant in the world. The legendary toxicity of oleander has graced the pages of documents for thousands of years. It's rumored that a few oleander leaves in a puddle can poison a dog that drinks from it.
Toxic to: Humans, Animals, Livestock
Toxic parts: All parts
Transmission of poison: Ingestion, Dermatitis
Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, excess salivation, drowsiness, tremors or shaking, severe eye inflammation and irritation, seizures, and comas that can lead to death. Oleander sap can cause skin irritations and other allergic reactions.
Additionally, there are many other common plants that are poisonous. If you have questions regarding the potential toxicity of a plant, check the OHSU list or talk with your local plant nursery representative.
*The picture of the foxglove and the rhododendron are from freefoto.com.
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