WHICH PLANTS ARE TOXIC AND WHICH ONES ARE SAFE?
It is imperative that responsible adults maintain a safe home environment and be able to recognize possible symptoms of a poisoning.
I am often asked which plants are toxic and which ones are safe for the home and garden areas. Listed here are more than a few relatively safe plants which if ingested are not likely to cause serious health problems:
- African Violet
- Boston Fern
- Carnation
- Christmas Cactus
- Chrysanthemum
- Coleus
- Dandelion
- Eucalyptus
- Fern
- Forsythia
- Gardenia
- Honeysuckle
- Jade Plant
- Marigold
- Mint
- Rose
- Rubber Plant
- Snapdragon
- Spider Plant
- wedish Ivy
- Tulip
- Violet
Consider these as part of a garden that is as non-toxic as one can plan for. If you are interested in which plants are quite toxic and should be avoided, purchase a copy of the Peterson Field Guide to Venemous Animals & Poisonous Plants.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IF YOU SUSPECT A POISONING
Symptoms to observe for in an infant or child with suspected toxic ingestion include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Drooling (excessively and for no apparent reason)
• Throat pain/burning
• A seizure
• Unusually drowsy at an inappropriate time
