Poisonous Plants

Poisonous Plants

Plant Guides

How to prevent poisonings:

  • Keep houseplants out of a young child’s reach.
  • Identify the name of all your plants, both indoors and outdoors. Label each of your plants with the correct botanical name. If you are unsure, bring a sample to a plant nursery or garden center for help with identification.
  • Mushrooms and berries are particularly attractive to young children. Teach your children never to put mushrooms, berries, or any part of a plant including leaves, flowers, stems, bulbs, or seeds in their mouths.
  • Mushrooms are especially abundant after a rainfall. Remove mushrooms from your yard and dispose of properly after each rainfall.
  • Do not assume a plant is non-poisonous because birds or wildlife eat it.
  • Do not rely on cooking to destroy toxic chemicals in plants.
  • Never use anything prepared from nature as “tea” or medicine.

Pesticide safety resource

Follow these steps if someone is exposed to a poisonous plant

Mouth:

  • Remove any remaining portion of the plant, berry or mushroom.
  • Gently wipe with a wet cloth.
  • Check for any irritation, swelling or discoloration.
  • Give one glass of water to drink, provided victim is conscious and able to swallow.
  • Call the Poison Center for further treatment instructions: 1-800-222-1222.

Skin:

  • A few plants may cause local irritation, itching and/or a rash to the skin. To prevent further irritation, remove contaminated clothing and wash skin well with soap and water. Call the Poison Center for further treatment instructions.

Eyes:

  • Wash hands with soap and water to avoid further irritation to the eye.
  • Rinse eye well with lukewarm tap water for 10-15 minutes. Gently pour water from a clean container held 2-4 inches above the eye. Call the Poison Center  for further treatment instructions.

After following the above steps, always call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.