Poisonous Plants

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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. 

Pesticide Safety Resources

Need help accessing these materials?

Some resources on this page are provided as PDF documents. If you need these materials in an alternative or accessible format, please call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or contact us—we will provide assistance.

If you have questions about plants or possible poisoning, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.