Plant Toxicity

The following list covers common plants often encountered and questioned for toxicity. Plants are listed alphabetically by common name, followed by botanical names. Match the number following each plant with the toxicity rating descriptions below. If you have any questions or a plant is not included on this list, please call the Poison Center at 1-800-876-4766 or 1-800-8-POISON.

Note: In general, plants considered poisonous to humans are considered poisonous to animals. However, in some cases animals have been poisoned by plants considered safe for humans.

1. Non–toxic: Either these plants have proven non–poisonous or there is no record of a toxic exposure. Exposure to these plants is not expected to cause any symptoms.
2. Oxalates: The juice or sap of these plants contains oxalate crystals. Chewing these plants may cause pain and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue. Swelling of the throat may cause breathing difficulties.
3. Minor toxicity: Ingestion may cause some minor symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. Ingestions of small amounts may not cause any symptoms at all.
4. Major toxicity: Ingestion of these plants, especially in large amounts, is expected to cause serious effects to major organs such as the heart, liver or kidneys. If these plants are ingested call the Poison Control Center immediately.
5. Dermatitis: Exposure to juice or sap from the plant or a puncture would from the thorns may produce skin irritation or rash. Skin wounds from some plants can be extremely painful.
6. Possibly toxic: Although information about these plants is incomplete, ingestion of small amounts would not be expected to cause serious problems.
7. Animal toxicity: These plants are known to have caused problems in animals.

Reprinted with permission from University of California, Davis, Medical Center, Regional Poison Control Center. ©UC Regents. All rights reserved.