Common names
Kaffir Lily

Botanical name
Clivia miniata

Poisonous parts
Roots

Poisonous component
Lycorine




Notes
Kaffir lily contains small amounts of the alkaloid lycorine. Large quantities must be ingested to cause symptoms of
toxicity. General symptoms of poisoning are collapse, diarrhea, paralysis, salivation, vomiting.
Kaffir's produce a beautiful cluster of tubular orange flowers with yellow throats. If the flowers are pollinated they
each produce a cherry sized, green berry which slowly turns red over many weeks.
Kaffir's are an easy to care for plant which tolerates typical household conditions. Although good lighting is required
for bloom, non-blooming plants are still visually interesting. They sucker readily so sharing with friends is easy. No
wonder these blooming plants are so popular!
Common names
Aloe Vera, Burn plant

Botanical name
Aloe barbadensis

Poisonous parts
Latex

Poisonous component
Aloe-emodin

Notes
Aloe is a popular house plant due to its reputation as a healing plant for burns, cuts and other skin problems since ancient
times but contact dermatitis can occur in sensitive individuals. Before using Aloe, you should cut away the skin and inner
layer of yellow juice leaving only the actual gel. The yellow juice, especially prominent in older plants, is the primary
irritant in the cases of contact dermatitis. Before use you should test a small area of skin, such as the inner forearm, for a
reaction before more general use.
As with Aloe arborescens, ingestion of the latex, which is found just under the skin, can cause a cathartic (purging) reaction
by irritating the large intestine.
Aloe is also an air purification plant.
Common names
Amaryllis



Botanical name
Amaryllis sp.


Poisonous parts
Bulb

Poisonous component
Lycorine

Notes
The principal irritant is present in small amounts so large quantities of the bulb must be eaten to cause symptoms (diarrhea,
nausea, vomiting).
Hippeastrum originates from The Americas and it is commonly, and incorrectly, sold as "Amaryllis", which comes from South
Africa. The popularity of these plants comes from the ability to be easily forced into bloom for a spectacular Fall/Winter
display of color.
Common names
Flamingo lily
Painter's Palette

Botanical name
Anthurium andraeanum

Poisonous parts
All parts

Poisonous component
Calcium oxalate

Notes
Anthuriums are a blooming plant that have tiny flowers crowded in a spadix that is subtended by a spathe (red, bract
like leaf).
Ingestion usually does not occur because chewing quickly causes painful irritation of the mouth and throat. General
symptoms of poisoning are blistering, dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), hoarseness.
Common names
Angels' wings

Botanical name
Caladium x hortulanum

Poisonous parts
All parts

Poisonous component
Calcium oxalate


Notes
Pictured is one of the pink cultivars commonly sold in garden centers. Ingestion can cause severe irritation to the mouth
and throat and may also be an irritant to the G.I. tract. Children as well as cats, dogs and other family pets that may
nibble on the foliage are all at risk.
Common names
Mums

Botanical name
Chrysanthemum sp.

Poisonous parts
Leaves, stalks

Poisonous component
Arteglasin A

Notes
Some people will develop contact dermatitis after extended exposure to garden chrysanthemums. This is an occupational
hazard of florists, nursery workers, and gardeners.
This plant is also useful for purifying our air.
Common names
Croton

Botanical name
Codiaeum variegatum

Poisonous parts
Bark, roots, latex,
leaves

Poisonous component
5-deoxyingenol




Notes
This exotic plant is grown for it's colorful foliage. Chewing the bark and roots is said to cause burning of the mouth. The
latex has caused eczema in some gardeners after repeated exposure to the latex (plant juices).
Common names
Cyclamen
Sowbread
Persian violet (not a violet)
Primrose (not a primrose)

Botanical name
Cyclamen persicum

Poisonous parts
Bulb, Rhizomes

Poisonous component
Cyclamin A

Notes
Native to the Mediterranean and northeast Africa many species have become endangered due to illegal cultivation. The
plant is typically grown as a potted house plant both indoors and out and the most common variety is frost tender.
The tuberous rhizomes are bitter and found underground, so children or family pets are unlikely to be exposed to the
toxins. If ingested a strong purgative reaction results.
Common names
Angel's trumpet
Thorn apple

Botanical name
Datura innoxia syn. Brugsmania sp.

Poisonous parts
all parts

Poisonous component
Atropine, hyoscine, and hyoscyamine

Notes
This easily grown house plant is prized for its spectacular tubular flowers, up to 6 inches long, and may also be known as
'thorn apple' because of its spiny fruit.
Angel's trumpet contains toxic alkaloids that have caused poisoning and death in humans and animals. Jimsonweed (Datura
stramonium) is mentioned most often and is also known as 'loco weed' because of it's effect on cattle. General symptoms
of poisoning are agitation, choreiform (spasmodic) movement, coma, drowsiness, hallucination, elevated temperature.
Common names
Dumbcane
Giant Dumbcane
Spotted Dumbcane
Leopard Lily

Botanical name
Dieffenbachia sp.

Poisonous parts
All parts

Poisonous component
Calcium oxalate

Notes
The distinctive leaf pattern of the very popular Dieffenbachia sp. is seen in many homes. Painful and immediate swelling
of the mouth and throat occurs after chewing on dumbcane. Speech impediment can occur, sometimes lasting for several
days. Avoid eye contact with the juices which can result in intense pain and swelling.
This plant is useful for purifying our indoor air.
Common names
Crown-of-thorns
Christ's Crown
The Christ's Thorn

Botanical name
Euphorbia milii

Poisonous parts
Sap

Poisonous component
5-deoxyingenol


Notes
The common name of this plant would lead one to believe it is the 'crown' Jesus wore while he carried his torture stake
to his crucifixion. However, native to Madagascar, this plant was unknown in Christ's time. Debate continues but many
feel Paliurus spina-christi is a more likely candidate.
The "Crown-of-thorns" is a trailing or climbing spiny shrub with showy flower clusters and red, petal like bracts.
This plant contains caustic and irritant chemicals in the latex. Avoid contact to the skin and eyes. General symptoms of
ingestion are: abdominal pains, blistering/irritation of the mouth/throat and vomiting.
Common names
Poinsettia
Botanical name
Euphorbia pulcherrima

Poisonous parts
Latex, leaves, stems

Poisonous component
unknown

Notes
No longer classified as extremely toxic.
Poinsettias are a nursery plant very popular at Christmas time. It's reputation as a poisonous plant came from the case
of a child in Hawaii who ingested a single leaf. This report was based on hearsay and subsequent studies have not shown
the plant to be severely toxic. Reactions for humans range from dermatitis to nausea and vomiting.
Common names
Common English Ivy

Botanical name
Hedera helix

Poisonous parts
Leaves

Poisonous component
didehydrofalcarinol, falcarinol,
hederasaponins

Notes
The photograph is one of the variegated cultivars of English Ivy. This vine is grown both as an indoor and outdoor
breathing, convulsions, vomiting, paralysis and coma. Dermatitis is rare but can be severe with weeping blisters which
respond slowly to treatment. The berries are bitter so it's unlikely children will consume them in large quantities.
This plant is also useful as an air purifier.
Common names
Hydrangea

Botanical name
Hydrangea macrophylla

Poisonous parts
Leaves and buds

Poisonous component
Hydragin

Notes
Flowers of H. macrophylla can be blue, red, pink, or purple with the color depending on the pH of the soil; acidic soils
(low pH) produce blue flowers, neutral soils produce pale cream flowers, and alkaline soils (high pH) results in pink or
purple.
Poisoning from eating the flower buds has occurred. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pains, diarrhea, labored
breathing, lethargy and coma. Sensitive individuals may develop contact dermatitis from handling the plants.
Common names
Devil's Backbone,
Mother-of-Thousands


Botanical name
Kalanchoe daigremontiana

Poisonous parts
Leaves, stems

Poisonous component
Daigremontianin

Notes
Another native to Madagascar, K. daigremontiana is commonly sold under the generic title of "Succulent". The young
"plantlets" which grow along the leaf edges are easily dislodged and can be found in profusion around the base of the
adult. Caution should be taken with this plant since children and family pets such as dogs, cats, and rabbits can have
easy access to the fallen materials.
Devil's-backbone contains a cardiac glycoside that has caused experimental toxicity and death in chicks and mice.
Several other species of Kalanchoe may be found growing as house plants in Canada & the USA. Tests have shown that
some of them may also contain toxic compounds and so caution should be exercised with all Kalanchoe species.
Common names
Swiss-cheese plant,
Split-leaf philodendron,
Ceriman

Botanical name
Monstera deliciosa

Poisonous parts
Leaves, juices

Poisonous component
Calcium oxalate

Notes
Swiss-cheese plant is a popular container plant because of its ability to withstand the wide range of conditions
encountered in the home.
The leaves can cause problems if chewed by humans or family pets. Experimental rats and mice died after they were fed
plant extracts. General symptoms of poisoning are immediate and painful with aphonia (loss of voice), blistering,
hoarseness, irritation of the mouth. Urticaria (an allergic disorder characterized by raised edematous (watery swelling)
patches of skin) accompanied by intense itching can occur in sensitive individuals who ingest the ripened fruit.
Common names
P. cordatum -
Heart leaf philodendron (pictured)
P. scandens -
Heart leaf philodendron
(Very similar in appearance to P. cordatum.)
P. selloum -
Lace tree philodendron (pictured below
and to the right)

Botanical name
Philodendron sp.

Poisonous parts
Leaves, juices

Poisonous component
Calcium oxalate

Notes
Philodendrons are an popular container plant that can cause poisoning in humans and pets because of the oxalates they
contain. General symptoms of poisoning are: erythema (reddening and inflammation of the skin), itchiness.
Philodendrons were among the best house plants in N.A.S.A.'s tests for removing toxins. See house plants for air
purification for more info.
Common names
Azalea


Botanical name
Rhododendron sp.

Poisonous parts
All parts

Poisonous component
Andromedotoxins (grayanotoxins)

Notes
Azalea, a bonsai favorite, is the common name for the dwarf type Rhododendrons. Unlike other Rhododendrons, Azaleas
have one flower per flower stem which tend to bloom all at once for a month or two in spring creating a dazzling
display. Although a low toxicity plant it is best to treat all Rhododendrons as poisonous and keep out of reach of
children and pets.
Common names
Jerusalem Cherry

Botanical name
Solanum pseudocapsicum
Poisonous parts
Immature and mature fruit, leaves

Poisonous component
Solanocapsine

Notes
Jerusalem-cherry is typically produced as a nursery plant and brought home for its colorful berries. Children or family
pets that ingest moderate amounts of leaf or berry material may experience abdominal pains, gastroenteritis and
vomiting.
The following FOODS may be dangerous to your pet:

Alcoholic beverages
Apple seeds
Apricot pits
Avocados—toxic to birds, mice, rabbits, horses, cattle and dairy goats
Cherry pits
Candy (particularly chocolate, which is toxic to dogs, cats and ferrets, and any candy containing the sweetener Xylitol)
Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans)
Grapes
Hops (used in home beer brewing)
Macadamia nuts
Moldy foods
Mushroom plants
Mustard seeds
Onions and onion powder
Peach pits
Potato leaves and stems (green parts)
Raisins
Rhubarb leaves
Salt
Tea (caffeine)
Tomato leaves and stems (green parts)
Walnuts
Yeast dough


This information was compiled from various sources.
For a more complete list of Poisonous Plants
Scroll Down
Have you taken inventory of your medicine cabinets lately? Are you properly storing lawn and garden pesticide containers? When you
tidy up around the house, do you put food, liquor and tobacco products safely out of harm's way? These precautions are second nature
to households with children, but homes with animals must be just as secure.

Aspirin and other pain relievers are in every home, and these poisonings can be severe. When aspirin is prescribed for animals, the
dosage must be strictly followed. Too much aspirin can lead to anemia and gastric hemorrhage. Ibuprofen and naproxen will cause
painful gastrointestinal problems. One 200mg ibuprofen tablet is toxic to a small dog.

Never give acetaminophen to a cat or dog. The drug affect cats oxygen in the blood and it produces severe depression. It also
produces abdominal pain in dogs. If not quickly eliminated from the body, just two extra-strength tablets in 24 hours will most likely
kill a small pet. Clinical signs in cats develop within one or two hours and include excessive salivation, paw and facial swelling,
depression, and ash-gray gums. In dogs watch for anorexia, vomiting, depression, and abdominal pain. High doses are usually fatal.

There are neurological poisons found in lawn and garden pesticides, insecticidal aerosols, dips and shampoos products. Signs of toxicity
include apprehension, excessive salivation, urination, defecation, vomiting and diarrhea, excessive salivation, tremors,
hyper-excitability or depression and pinpoint pupils. If an animal has absorbed enough of any neurological toxin, sudden death may be
the only sign.

*Anti-Freeze (Ethylene Glycol) is sweet tasting and will be lapped up by many pets and is extremely poisonous. Ethylene Glycol
poisoning is 2 stage, at first, the ethylene glycol produces what appears to be drunkenness, (weaving, staggering, stupor, listlessness,
vomiting, frequent urination) then stage 2 is when the liver metabolizes the ethylene glycol into glycolic acid, glyoxylic acid and oxylic
acid which are highly toxic and cause renal failure, acidosis, and hypocalcemia. Widespread damage to the tissues of the liver, kidney  
and brain are the result and can easily lead to death in all animals no matter the size, and children, and especially in smaller animals, as
they need to ingest very little to be fatal.

*Coumarins, most recognizable as D-Con, a rat and mouse poison, affect the ability of the blood to clot. Mice that consume the
poisoned grain essentially bleed to death. Your pets will be affected the same way, and the severity of the symptoms often depends
on the amount ingested. Cats that eat poisoned mice can also become ill. If you find an empty box, look for labored breathing,
anorexia, nosebleeds, bloody urine or feces and pinpoint hemorrhages on the gums.

Garbage is not often regarded as poisonous. However, toxins are produced by bacteria fermenting the garbage. Rapid and severe
signs include vomiting, bloody diarrhea, painful abdominal distention, shivering, shock, and collapse.

How should pets be protected from these poisons? Some very simple rules to follow are:
Properly dispose of and store all pesticide containers up and out of sight of your pets. Make sure the lids are tight, the containers
undamaged.
Use cords or locking lids for garbage cans. Put them in a heavy frame to prevent knock-down.
Keep pets off lawns sprayed with chemicals. Consult with the lawn care company for proper information on drying time and compounds
used. Wash pets' feet with mild soap and water if exposed.
Keep your pets out of vegetable and flower gardens.
Encase compost piles or use commercially made containers.
Never assume that a human drug is applicable to an animal unless a veterinarian instructs you to use it.

What is poisonous?
Here is a quick reference guide to the more common house and garden plants and foods that are toxic to most all animals and children.
If you have these plants or foods, you need not dispose of them-just keep them away from pets and children. (* substances are
especially dangerous and can be fatal).

Cardiovascular Toxins
Avocado (leaves, seeds, stem, skin)*
Azalea (entire rhododendron family)
Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale)*
Bleeding heart*
Castor bean*
Foxglove (Digitalis)*
Kalanchoe*
Lily-of-the-valley*
Milkweed*
Mistletoe berries*
Mountain laurel
Oleander *
Rosary Pea*
Yew*

Gastrointestinal Toxins
Amaryllis bulb*
Azalea (entire rhododendron family)
Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale)*
Bird of Paradise
Bittersweet
Boxwood
Buckeye
Buttercup (Ranunculus)
Caffeine
Castor bean*
Chocolate *
Chrysanthemum (a natural source of pyrethrins)
Clematis
Crocus bulb
Croton (Codiaeum sp.)
Cyclamen bulb
Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia)*
English ivy (All Hedera species of ivy)
Garlic*
Hyacinth bulbs
Holly berries
Iris corms
Lily (bulbs of most species)
Marijuana or hemp (Cannabis)*
Narcissus, daffodil (Narcissus)
Onions*
Pencil cactus/plant*
Potato (leaves and stem)
Rosary Pea*
Spurge (Euphorbia sp.)
Tomatoes (leaves and stem)

Respiratory Toxin
Almonds*
Apricot*
Cherries*
   Chinese sacred or heavenly bamboo*
Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia)*
Elderberry, unripe berries*
Hydrangea*
Jimson weed*
Peaches*

Neurological Toxins
Alcohol (all beverages, ethanol, methanol, isopropyl)
Ethylene Glycol (Anti-Freeze)*
Amaryllis bulb*
Azalea (entire rhododendron family)
Bracken fern
Buckeye
Caffeine
Castor bean*
Chocolate*
Choke cherry, unripe berries*
Chrysanthemum (natural source of pyrethrins)
Crocus bulb
Delphinium, larkspur, monkshood*
Lupine species
Marijuana or hemp (Cannabis)*
Mistletoe berries*
Morning glory*
Poinsettia
Potato (leaves and stem)
Rosary Pea*
Tomatoes (leaves and stem)

Kidney/Organ Failure Toxins
Anthurium*
Begonia*
Caladium*
Calla lily*
Jack-in-the-pulpit*
Lantana*
Oak*
Philodendron*
Rhubarb leaves*
Scheffelera*
Shamrock*
Ethylene Glycol (Anti-Freeze)*

If you suspect your animal may have ingested any of the substances on this list or if you pet shows any symptoms indicating that they
may have been poisoned, (pet not acting/looking normally) you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Take a sample of the
suspected toxin and its packaging (if applicable) with you to the veterinarian.
Counter
Ferret Rescue and Adoption of South
Texas
Household Chemicals and
even Plants can be poisonous
to your pets and children,
Not just the items and
they're poisons like Ant and
Poisons, Flying Insect Sprays
and etc. Keep household
chemicals up & out of reach!
Poisonous Plants, Foods and Other Toxins