LIST OF POISONOUS PLANTS, GARDEN AND HOUSEHOLD SUBSTANCES

Common name

Botanical name

Details (if known)

Aconite (roots, foliage, seeds)

Aconitum species

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May also affect cardiac function – increased heart rate.

African violet (leaves)

Saintpaulia ionantha

Aloe vera

Aloe vera

Diarrhea

Amaryllis (bulbs)

Hippeastrum species

Upset stomach, hyperactivity, lethargy, coma, shock. Can be fatal.

Angels’ trumpets

Brugmansia species

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Angel wings

Caladium species

Upset stomach, oral irritation, asphyxiation, tremors, seizures, loss of balance. Can be fatal.

Apple (seeds)

Malus species

Seeds contain cyanide. Varied toxic effects.

Apple leaf croton

Apricot (kernels)

Prunus armeniaca

Kernels contain cyanide. Can be fatal.

Arborvitae

Thuja species

Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.

Arrow grasses (leaves)

Triglochin species

Asparagus fern

Asparagus setaceus

Contains a wide variety of poisons resulting in a large range of symptoms.

Autumn crocus

Crocus speciosus

Vomiting, nervous excitement. May cause dermatitis.

Avocado (fruit & pith)

Persea americana

Diarrhea, vomiting, laboured breathing. Can be fatal.

Azalea (all parts)

Rhododenron occidentale

Nausea, vomiting, depression, difficulty breathing and coma. Can be fatal if eaten in large enough quantities.

Baby’s breath

Gypsophila paniculata

Barilla (leaves & stems)

Salsola soda

Bird of paradise (seeds)

Strelitzia reginae

Gastrointestinal tract affected by the plant toxins.

Bittersweet

Celastrus angulatus

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Bleeding heart (foliage, roots)

Dicentra formosa

Poisonous in large amounts, contains convulsants. May also cause dermatitis.

Bluebell

Hyacinthoides

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Box (leaves)

Buxus sempervirens

Boxwood (leaves, twigs)

Hebe odora

Upset stomach, heart failure, excitability or lethargy. May also cause dermatitis.

Bracken

Pteridium aquilinum

Thiamine deficiency, acute haemorrhagic syndrome, blindness, tumours

Broom

Cytisus species

Buckeyes (nuts & immature growths)

Aesculus species

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Burning bush

Kochia scoparia

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May cause a skin allergy.

Buttercup

Ranunculus species

Juice may severely injure digestive system. May also cause dermatitis.

Caladium

Caladium species

Calico bush

Kalmia species

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Calla lily (leaves)

Zantedeschia species

(as above)

Caper Spurge

Euphorbia lathyris

Cardinal flower

Lobelia cardinalis

Castor bean (leaves and seeds)

Ricinus communis

May cause dermatitis. A single Rosary Pea or one/two Castor bean seeds can be fatal.

Ceriman

Monstera deliciosa

Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.

Chenille Plant

Acalypha hispida

Cherry (kernels)

Prunus species

Kernels contain cyanide.

Cherry laurel

Prunus laurocerasus

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

China Berry

Melia azedarach

Chinese evergreen

Aglaonema

Christmas rose (leaves, roots)

Helleborus niger

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Chrysanthemum (leaves & stems)

Chrysanthemum species

May cause dermatitis.

Cineraria

Senecio species

Clematis

Clematis armandii

Gastrointestinal tract and nervous system affected by plant toxins. May cause dermatitis.

Cocoa husks or mulch

Similar toxic effects to that of chocolate – hyperactivity, increased heart rate. Can kill if enough is eaten.

Corn cockle (seeds)

Agrostemma species

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Corn plant

Dracaena species

Crocus

Anemone species

Colchicum autumnale

Croton

Codiaeum species

Crown vetch

Coronilla varia

Cuckoo pint

Arum maculatum

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May cause a skin allergy.

Crowfoot

Anunculus species

Cycads

Encephalartos species

Cyclamen

Cyclamen species

Gastrointestinal tract affected. Convulsions and paralysis.

Daffodil (bulbs)

Narcissus species

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. May also cause dermatitis. Can be fatal.

Daphne

Daphne species

Gastrointestinal tract and kidneys affected. May cause dermatitis.

Datura

Brugmansia species

Deadly nightshade

Atropa belladonna

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Delphinium (seeds, young plants)

Delphinium species

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Devil’s fig

Solanum hispidium

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia species

Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis. Tremors, seizures, loss of balance, asphyxiation. Can be fatal.

Dragon tree

Dracaena species

Vomiting and diarrhea.

Dumb cane

Dieffenbachia amaena

Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis. Tremors, seizures, loss of balance, asphyxiation. Can be fatal.

Dwarf morning glory

Convolvulus tricolor

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Easter lily

Lilium longiflorum

(Especially poisonous to cats).

Echium

Echium species

Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.

Elder (leaves, root, bark)

Sambuccus species

Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Nausea and vomiting.

Elephant ears

Bergenia species

Intense burning, irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat. If tongue swells enough to block air passage can be fatal.

English ivy (berries & leaves)

Hedera helix

Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause dermatitis.

European spindle

Euonymus europaeus

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

False hellebore (roots, seeds, leaves)

Veratrum album

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Flannel flower

Phylica plumosa

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Flax

Linum usitatissimum

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Foxglove (leaves, seeds)

Digitalis species

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Fritillary

Fritillaria species

Fruit salad plant

Monstera deliciosa

Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.

Gaultheria

Gaulthera mucronata

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Geranium

Geranium species

German ivy (berries & leaves)

Delairea odorata

Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause dermatitis.

German primula

Toxic if eaten. May cause skin allergy.

Glory lily

Gloriosa superba

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Golden chain (seed capsules)

Laburnum

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Granny’s bonnets

Aquilegia vulgaris

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Heavenly bamboo

Nandina domestica

Hellebores

Helleborus species

Heliotrope

Heliotropum arborescens

Hemlock

Tsuga species

Henbane

Hyposcyamus niger

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus species

Holly (berries)

Ilex species

Upset stomach, tremors, seizures, loss of balance.

Horse chestnut (nuts, leaves)

Aesculus hippocastanum

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Hurricane plant (bulb)

Monstera deliciosa

Varied toxic effects. Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.

Hyacinth (bulbs)

Hyacinthus orientalis

Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.

Hydrangea

Hydrangea species

Iris (roots)

Iris species

Severe digestive upset. May cause dermatitis.

Ivy (entire plant)

Hedera helix

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Jack in the pulpit

Arisaema species

Causes burning to the mouth. Can cause hallucinations.

Japanese spindle

Euonymus sieboldianus

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Japanese yew

Taxus species

Jessamine (berries & sap)

Cestrum species

Digestive disturbance. Gastrointestinal tract and nervous system affected. Can be fatal.

Jerusalem Cherry (immature growths)

Solanum pseudocapsicum

Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause dermatitis.

Jimson weed (Thorn Apple)

Datura stramonium

Abnormal thirst, distorted sight, delirium, incoherence, coma. Can be fatal.

Jonquil (bulb)

Narcissus species

Juniper

Juniperus species

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe species

Depression, rapid breathing, teeth grinding, ataxia, paralysis

Kale

Brassica oleracea

Haemolytic anaemia, goitre, possible reduced fertility

Kingcup

Caltha palustris

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Laburnum (leaves, seeds)

Laburnum anagyroides

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Lantana

Lantana camara

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Larkspur (young plants & seeds)

Delphinium species

Digestive upset, nervousness, depression. Cardiovascular system affected. May cause dermatitis. Can be fatal.

Laurel

Prunus species

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Lenton rose

Helleborus orientalis

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Leopard lily

Belamcanda species

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May cause a skin allergy.

Leyland cypress

Cupressocyparis leylandii

Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.

Lily

Lilium species

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Lily of the valley (leaves, flowers, roots)

Convallaria species

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Lily of the valley bush

Pieris japonica

Lobelia

Lobelia species

Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.

Locust

Robinia species

Nausea and weakness

Lupin (leaves, seeds)

Lupinus species

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Mallow

Lavatera species

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Maple Tree

Acer species

Marijuana

Cannabis sativa

Contains hallucinogens.

Marsh marigold

Caltha palustris

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

May apple (apples, roots, foliage)

Podophyllum peltatum

Severe diarrhea. Nervous system affected.

Meadow rue

Thalistrum delavayi

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Mezereon

Daphne mezereum

Milkweed

Ascepias syriaca

Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.

Mistletoe (berries)

Phoradendron flavescens

Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause dermatitis. If eaten by a puppy, a few berries can be fatal.

Monkshood

Aconitum napellus

Digestive upset and nervous excitement. Cardiovascular system affected.

Morning glory (seeds, roots)

Ipomea species

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Moroccan broom

Cytisus battandieri

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Mother-in-law’s tongue (leaves)

Dieffenbachia amaena

Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis. Tremors, seizures, loss of

balance, asphyxiation. Can be fatal.

Mountain laurel

Kalmia latifolia

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Naked ladies

Colchium species

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Narcissus

Narcissus (bulbs)

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. May cause dermatitis.

Can be fatal.

Needlepoint ivy (berries & leaves)

Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause dermatitis.

Nerine

Nerine bowdenii

Nightshades

Solanum species

Intense digestive disturbances. Can be fatal.

Oak tree (foliage & acorns)

Quercus species

Affects kidneys. Symptoms appear after several days.

Oleander

Nerium oleander

Affects the heart, produces severe digestive upset, extremely poisonous. May cause dermatitis. Can be fatal.

Onion

Allium species

Causes anemia. Onions should not be fed to dogs in any form.

Paspalum (seeds)

Paspalum species

Dermatitis

Pasque flower

Pulsatilla vulgaris

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Peace lily

Spathiphyllum species

Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause dermatitis.

Peach (stones & leaves)

Prunus persica

Contain cyanide.

Pencil cactus

Opuntia leptocaulis

Peony (roots)

Paeonia species

Peruvian lily

Chlidanthus fragans

Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.

Philodendron

Philodendron species (leaves)

Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.

Pineapple broom

Cytisus battandieri

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Poinsettia (leaves, stems & sap)

Euphorbia pulcherrima

Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, delirium. Sap can cause irritation and if rubbed in eyes, blindness. May also cause dermatitis.

Poison hemlock

Conium maculatum

Nervous system affected. May cause dermatitis.

Can be fatal.

Poison ivy (leaves, bark & fruit)

Toxicodendron radicans

Poisonous. Can cause severe blistering dermatitis if they come into contact with skin.

Poison oak (leaves, bark & fruit)

Toxicodendron

May cause dermatitis.

Poison sumac

Toxicodendron vernix

Poisonous. Can cause severe blistering dermatitis if they come into contact with skin.

Pokeroot

Phytolacca americana

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Pokeweed

Phytolacca americana

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Poppy (unripe seedpod)

Papaver species

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Potato (green skin & sprouts)

Solanum tuberosum

Prickly poppy

Argemone mexicana

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Primrose (leaves)

Primula vulgaris

Upset stomach. May cause dermatitis.

Privet (leaves)

Ligustrum species

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Ragwort

Senecio species

Causes kidney failure and liver damage which is irreversible. Minute doses fatal, often wrongly diagnosed.

Raisins

Causes kidney failure. Can be fatal.

Rape

Brassicus napus

Haemolytic anaemia, blindness, damage to nervous system, digestive disorders, breathing problems

Red-ink plant

Phytolacca americana

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Rhododendron

Rhododendron species

Nausea, vomiting, depression, difficulty breathing and coma. Can be fatal.

Rhubarb (leaves)

Rheum species

Large amounts of raw or cooked leaves can cause convulsions and coma. Can be fatal.

Rosebay

Rhododendron aureum

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Rose periwinkle

Catharanthus roseus

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Rue

Ruta graveolens

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May cause a skin allergy.

Sago palm

Cycas revoluta

Can be fatal

Savin

Juniperus sabina

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Schefflera

Brassaia actinophylla

Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.

Silkweed

Asclepias species

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Snowdrops

Galanthus species

Solomon’s seal

Polygonatum

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Spider plant

Chlorophytum species

May cause vomiting and salivation.

Spruce Tree

Picea species

Spurge

Euphorbia species

Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.

Squill

Scilla species

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Star-of-Bethlehem (bulbs)

Ornithogalum species

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Starflower

Smilacina stellata

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

St Johns Wort

Hypericum perforatum

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

String of pearls/beads

Senecio rowleyanus or herreianus

Sweet pea (stem)

Lathyrus odoratus

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Swiss cheese plant

Monstera deliciosa

Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.

Taro vine

Monstera deliciosa

Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.

Tiger lily

Lilium

(Especially poisonous to cats)

Tobacco plant (leaves)

Nicotiana

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Tobira

Pittosporum tobira

Tomato plant (green fruit, stem & leaves)

Lycopersicon lycospersicum

Tulip

Tulipa species

Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.

Umbrella plant

Schlefflera species

Toxic if eaten, causing vomiting, diarrhea.

Varnish tree

Toxicodendron vernicifluum

Poisonous. Can cause severe blistering dermatitis if they come into contact with skin.

Walnut (green hull juice)

Juglans nigra

Water Dropwort (Hemlock)

Oenanthe crocata

Rapid-onset violent convulsions. Can be fatal

Water hemlock

Cicuta maculata

Violent painful convulsions. Can be fatal.

Wax tree

Toxicodendron succedaneum

Poisonous. Can cause severe blistering dermatitis if they come into contact with skin.

Weeping fig

Ficus species

Wild cherry tree (twigs & foliage)

Prunus avium

Gasping, excitement, prostration. Can be fatal.

Windflower

Anemone species

Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Wisteria (pods, seeds)

Wisteria

Nausea, repeated vomiting, stomach pains, severe diarrhea, dehydration and collapse.

Wolfsbane

Aconitum septentrionale

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Woody nightshade

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.

Yarrow

Achillea species

Yew (berries & foliage)

Taxus species

Dizziness, dry mouth and mydriasis develop within one hour, followed by abdominal cramping, salivation and vomiting. Foliage is more fatal than berries, death can be sudden without warning or symptoms. Can be fatal.

List of common potentially poisonous household and garden substances –as supplied by the VPIS (Veterinary Poisons Information Service)

Anticoagulant rodenticides difenacoum bromadiolone brodadiolone coumatetralyl

Ibuprofen

Nurofen Advil

Metaldehyde

Slug bait

Human oral contraceptives (very low toxicity)

Chocolate / theobromine

Diclofenac sodium (a similar drug to Ibuprofen)

Salbutamol

Ventalin inhalers

Alphachloralose rodenticides

Paraquat

Wallpaper paste (very low toxicity)

Borax / Boric acid ant killer gels

Bonemeal

Glyphosate based herbicides

Asprin

Cannabis

Batteries

Bendiocarb

powder ant killers

White spirit / barbecue lighter fluid

Antifreeze

Loperamide

anti-diarrhoea dru

Bleach

Pyrethrin-based insecticides

Creosote

Temazepam