KNOW YOUR PLANTS - California Poison Control System

Y
Latin or scientific name Common name
Yucca brevifolia Joshua tree
Yucca spp Dagger plant
Yucca spp Spanish bayonet
Yucca spp Yucca
Z
Latin or scientific name Common name
Zanthosoma lindeni Indian kale
Zebrina pendula Inch plant
Zebrina pendula Wandering Jew
Zinnia spp Zinnia
TOXIC PLANTS
Introduction
Plants are considered poisonous if they can cause some type of negative reaction from the
exposure. Reactions can range from mild to serious, depending on the amount of the
exposure. Some plants cause only a red itchy rash. Some plants cause vomiting and
diarrhea. But some plants can be very dangerous and have effects on the heart, liver or
kidneys.
Each situation is unique. Reactions to plants can depend on factors such as the age and
size of the patient, health factors such as allergies and the amount of the exposure.
Always call the poison center for up-to-the-minute treatment advice.
In general, plants considered poisonous to humans are likely to be poisonous to animals
as well. Animals tend to eat larger amounts than humans so they may get sicker than
humans from eating plants.
It is essential to know the names of the plants in your house and in your yard. Keep the
name tags that come with new plants attached for future identification. If your child is
being cared for at a relative’s house or daycare, it is important to know if they have
dangerous plants to which your child could be exposed.
You must have a name of the plant (either the common name or the Latin (scientific)
name) to get the most reliable specific information. Poison center staff cannot identify
plants over the phone from the description of the plant. There are over 1000,000 species
of plants. A call to the poison center about an unknown plant described as having big
shiny green leaves is not enough information to know what the plant is. If you do not