KNOW YOUR PLANTS - California Poison Control System

know the name of the plant, take the plant or a part of the plant with leaves, berries or
flowers to a reputable plant nursery for a positive identification. Try to get the common
name and the Latin scientific name. Then call the California Poison Control System at
1-800-222-1222 for more help.
This is a guide to dangerous plants but it should not be used as a substitute for calling the
poison center if a person or an animal has eaten a plant. The California Poison Control
System is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-222-1222. If you are not in California,
calling 1-800-222-1222 will connect you to your nearest poison control center.
HOW TO USE THIS TOXIC PLANT LIST
An alphabetical list of the more common toxic plants, flowers, shrubs and trees follows.
This list is in two parts. The first list is alphabetical by common name and the second list
is alphabetical by Latin or scientific name.
Look at the list and see which number is in the last column. Read the rating information
guide below to see how the plant is dangerous.
TOXIC PLANT RATING GUIDE
Rating Definition What this means
1 Dermal Skin contact with these plants can cause symptoms ranging from
2a Oxalatesfast
onset
2b Oxalateslate
onset
redness, itching, and rash to painful blisters like skin burns.
The juice or sap of these plants contains tiny oxalate crystals that
are shaped like tiny needles. Chewing on these plants can cause
immediate pain and irritation to the lips, mouth and tongue. In
severe cases, they may cause breathing problems by causing
swelling in the throat.
These plants also contain oxalate crystals but they do not cause
immediate problems. These plants have tiny crystals that lodge
in the kidneys and can cause kidney damage as well as nausea,
vomiting and diarrhea.
3 Moderate Ingestion of these plants is expected to cause nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea and other symptoms that may cause illness but is not
life-threatening.
4 Major Ingestion of these plants, especially in large amounts, is
expected to cause serious effects to the heart, liver, kidneys or
brain. If ingested in any amount, call the poison center
immediately.
WHAT TO DO FOR A PLANT POISONING
• Do NOT induce vomiting.
• Remove any plant parts from the mouth or hands.
• Wash around the mouth and hands and give a few sips of water.
• Check for any irritation of the skin, mouth or tongue.
• Call the California Poison Control System at 1-800-222-1222