Poisonous plants

Numerous decorative, landscaped and wild plants provide easy access to potential poisons. Aside from well-known poisonous plants such as poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak, there are many plants and flowers that are poisonous if touched, smelled or ingested. The following is a list of toxic plant exposures commonly reported to the Mississippi Poison Control Center.

• Seeds/Pits
  • Seeds and pits are a potential problem when chewed and swallowed. When swallowed whole or intact, the potential for poisoning is minimized. Seeds and pits from certain Prunus species often contain cyanogenic glycosides, like amygdalin, capable of causing cyanide poisoning when large amounts are ingested. Common Prunus species include apples, pears, apricots, peaches, and chokeberries, crab apples, nectarines, plums, and cherries.

• Pokeweed/pokeberries
  • Pokeweed or pokeberries refers to species of the Phytolacca genus. This is a common plant responsible for several poisonings each year. They resemble a grape cluster and can leave a purple stain around the mouth or hands. Eating pokeberries may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Severity of illness depends on the amount ingested. While 1 or 2 berries may cause no symptoms, an excessive amount can lead to serious medical complications from intractable nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• Dieffenbachia, Philodendron, Peace lily, Elephant's Ear, Dumbcane
  • These genus and species represent common decorative plants and are responsible for numerous calls to the poison center each year. The leaves of these plants contain small sacs of needle-like calcium crystals that are released when crushed or chewed. Symptoms can range from minor irritation to severe blistering and edema, including difficulty breathing. The Mississippi Poison Control Center recommends cleaning the mouth out with a cold, wet washcloth. Giving the person something cold to drink or eat, such as a popsicle, may help ease the discomfort. Seek medical care immediately if oral swelling develops, especially when accompanied by drooling, stridor, or upper airway wheezing.

• Plants to be aware of
  • This is a list of common plants that have the potential to cause severe systemic toxicity when ingested.
    • Angel trumpet
    • Belladonna
    • Deadly nightshade
    • Devil's trumpet
    • Lily-of-the-valley
    • Periwinkle
    • Water hemlock
    • Jimsonweed
    • Star-of-Bethlehem
    • Foxglove
    • Certain azaleas
    • Witch hazel
    • Poison hemlock
    • Oleander
    • Yew
    • Hydrangea
    • Passion flower

• This list is not an all-inclusive list of toxic plants. Toxicity generally only occurs after ingestion and most of the plants are safe to touch and handle. Call the Mississippi Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222, and a poison specialist can determine if further treatment is needed based on the situation.