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Safe and Toxic Houseplants
Posted on February 28, 2011 at 10:02 PM |
Safe and Poisonous Houseplants Many homes contain houseplants or other natural materials to add beauty and interest to the décor. Not only are they attractive but many varieties of houseplants serve as indoor air cleaners as well. Lovely and functional as they may be, some houseplants may present a hazard especially if young children or pets share the household. A poisonous plant is one that contains a chemical substance which produces a harmful reaction in the body of humans or animals when taken in small or moderate amounts. A harmful reaction could include allergic reactions, dermatitis or skin irritation, of internal poisoning. Allergic reactions are not always classified as poisoning and will not be treated as such here. This is because there is a wide range of plants that can cause allergic reactions, and sensitivity to a particular plant varies among individuals. Also, individuals can react in different ways after contact with a poisonous plant depending on their sensitivity level. It is important that houseplant owners be aware of the potential problems that plants with toxic properties might cause. Be aware of the identity of your houseplants and learn if they pose potential threats to children and pets. If you cannot identify a houseplant, call your local Extension Center or the Home and Garden Education Center for assistance. It is also important to realize that many plants need to be consumed in considerable quantities for poisoning to occur. Often poisonous plants taste bitter or acrid and children and pets may not ingest large amounts. Young children, especially, should be taught not to put unknown plants or plant parts in their mouths. If a houseplant or natural decoration is ingested by children or pets and poisoning is suspected, call your family doctor, nearest emergency room or veterinarian immediately. The number for the National Poison Center is (800) 222-1222. They can tell you if a plant is poisonous and what symptoms might be expected with a particular toxin. You will need to provide them with the identity of the plant, however. The following is a list of plants considered toxic. Remember that plants may contain a variety of poisons. They may cause symptoms ranging from a mild stomach ache to serious heart and kidney problems. Common Name Latin Name Amaryllis Hippeastrum spp. Anthurium Anthurium spp. Apricot kernels Prunus armeniaca Azaleas Rhododendron spp Caladium Caladium bicolor Calla Lily Calla palustrus Chinese Evergreen Aglaonema spp. Colchicum Colcicum autumnale Daffodil Narcissus spp. Dumb Cane Dieffenbachia spp. Elephant’s Ear Colocasia antiquorum English Ivy Hedera helix Fishtail Palm Caryota spp. Holly Berries Ilex spp. Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis Jerusalem Cherry Solanum pseudocapsicum Lantana Lantana camara Mistletoe Phoradendron villosum Mountain laurel (holiday greens) Kalmia spp. Oleander Nerium oleander Philodendron Philodendron spp. Ranunculus Ranunculus spp. Rosary Pea Abrus precatorius Schefflera Schefflera actinophylla Spathiphyllum Spathiphyllum spp. Yew (holiday greens) Taxus spp. Plants listed below are considered safe and not poisonous. Although eating or touching these plants is unlikely to cause illness, any plant might cause a reaction in certain sensitive individuals. African Daisy Dimorphotheca aurantiaca African Violet Saintpaulia ionantha Aluminum Plant Pilea spp. Baby’s tears Soleiria soleirolii Bamboo, Golden Phyllostachys aurea Bird of Paradise Strelitzia reginae Bird’s Nest Fern Asplenium nidus Boston Fern Nephrolepis exaltata Camellia Camellia sinensis Cast Iron Plant Aspidistra elatior Christmas cactus Schlumbergera bridgesii Coleus Coleus hybridus Corn Plant Draceana spp. Donkey’s Tail Sedum morganianum Dracaena Dracaena spp. Echeveria Echeveria spp. Figs, Weeping and Fiddleleaf** Ficus spp. Geraniums Pelargonium spp. Goldfish Plant Columnea spp. Impatiens Impatiens wallerana Jade Plant Crassula argentea Japanese Aralia Fatsia japonica Kalanchoe Kalanchoe spp. Lipstick Plant Aeschynanthus spp Maidenhair Fern Adiantum spp. Nerve Plant Fittonia spp. Orchids Cattleya, Epidendrum, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum spp.Norfolk Island Pine Araucaria heterophylla Palms Most nontoxic except fishtail palm, Caryota spp Peperomia Peperomia spp. Piggyback Plant ** Tolmiea mensziesii Poinsettia ** Euphorbia pulcherrima Prayer Plant Maranta leuconeura Purple Passion Plant Gynura aurantiaca Sensitive Plant Mimosa puddica Spider Plant Chlorophytum comosum Surinam cherry Eugenia uniflora Swedish Ivy Plectranthus spp. Wandering Jew ** Tradescantia spp. Wax Plant Hoya carmosa Zebra Plant Aphelandra squarrosa **Sap may be irritating. Remember: Never eat any unknown plant and teach children the same.
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