PLANT SMARTS

It is intended to make us all aware of the dangers plants can pose for our children every day. This list of plants is not all-inclusive. If you do not find our plant on this list, write to your Poison Control Center for additional information. In the event of a suspected poisoning, contact a physician or the Oklahoma Poison Control Center immediately.

Symptoms: Depresses heart action. Death is usually sudden without warning symptoms.

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting and difficulty breathing. May be fatal.

Symptoms: Severe gastroenteritis.

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May be fatal.

Symptoms: Burning in mouth and stomach pains. A single rosary pea seed or castor bean may be fatal.

Symptoms: Severe digestive upsets. Extremely toxic! A single leaf can kill a child.

Symptoms: Intense burning and irritation of the tongue and mouth. Death can occur if the base of the tongue swells blocking air passage.

Symptoms: Stomach pains, labored breathing and, possibly, coma.

Although previously considered a poisonous plant, recent studies have shown that the poinsettia is nontoxic. Ingestion of small amounts may result in mild gastrointestinal irritation.

Symptoms: Severe digestive upset.

Symptoms: Breathing difficulty, death.

Symptoms: Nausea, weakness and depression. May be fatal.

Symptoms: Affects kidneys gradually. Symptoms appear on after days or weeks.

Symptoms: Stomach cramps, thirst and difficulty breathing. May be fatal.

Symptoms: Abnormal thirst, distorted vision, delirium and coma. May be fatal.

Symptoms: Acute stomach and intestinal irritation and diarrhea. May be fatal.

Symptoms: Burning in mouth. Severe digestive upset, convulsions.

Click here to jump to our special Poision Ivy page!

The toxic part of the plant combines in the body to form cyanide.

Symptoms: Digestive disturbances and cardiac depression. May be fatal.

Know the plants in your area, home, and yard. Label all potted plants. Make a sketch of your yard, labeling the names of all plants, trees, and bushes.

Keep plants, seeds, berries and bulbs stored safely away from children and pets.

Teach your children at an early age to keep plants, berries, flowers or mushrooms out of their mouths

Do not eat wild plants. Heating and cooking do not always destroy plant poisons. Remove all mushrooms from your yard.

Do not allow children to suck on flowers or to make "tea" with plants and flowers.

Never chew on jewelry made from seeds or beans. Do not make "hot dog roasting" sticks or toys from unknown trees.

Avoid smoke from burning plants unless you know their exact identification.

Be especially cautious after spraying the yard or flower beds with a pesticide.

REMEMBER THAT NO PLANT IS COMPLETELY SAFE!

A plant leaf can easily block a child's airway.

PLANT TRUTHS

Plants that are safe for animals or birds can be poisonous to humans. If you see a plant or berry being eaten by an animal, this does not mean the plant is safe for people to eat. Birds safely eat poke and mistletoe berries, but these berries can be very dangerous if consumed by a human being.

The fluid from a poison ivy rash can not give a poison ivy rash to another person. Only the plant's oil can cause this reaction in susceptible people. If you touch poison ivy, wash the area as soon as possible with soap and water. Also, wash anything else, which may have been in contact, such as clothing, animals or camping gear.

Poinsettias may cause vomiting, but are not fatal.

Pokeberries can not be made safe for pies.

IF EXPOSED TO A POISONOUS PLANT,
FOLLOW THESE STEPS:


MOUTH

Remove any remaining portion of the plant, berry or mushroom.

Save and preserve a piece of the mushroom or plant in a dry jar or brown paper bag for later identification.

Have the patient wash out mouth with water or wipe with wet cloth.

Check for any irritation, swelling, or discoloration. Check if it is difficult for the patient to drink by offering a sip of water.

Call the Poison Control Center. Bring the patient and plant to the phone, if possible.


SKIN

A few plants may cause irritation, itching and/or rash to the skin. To prevent further irritation, remove contaminated clothing and wash skin well with soap and water.

Call the Poison Control Center. Bring the patient and plant to the phone, if possible.


EYES

Wash hands with soap and water to avoid further irritation to the eye.

Rinse eye well with lukewarm tap water for 15 minutes. Standing in a cool shower to wash out eyes is an easy way to rinse the eye.

Call the Poison Control Center. Bring the paient and plant to the phone, if possible.

The text content of this web page is based on information contained in the Oklahoma Poison Center publication, "Plant Smarts" published by the University of Oklahoma and available in brochure form created by the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy at the OU Medical Center.