DANGER OF THE OLEANDER - Though often grown as an ornamental, all parts of the plant contain poisonous cardiac glycoside toxins that interfere with the functioning of the heart if ingested. All parts of the oleander shrub are poisonous, from the nectar in the flowers to the stems, twigs and leaves. Water in a vase that has held oleander flowers is toxic, and honey produced by bees that have visited the shrub may also be toxic. Burning any part of the plant will result in smoke that can cause respiratory problems. The sap will often lead to skin rashes. Oleander poisoning can cause a range of symptoms, including but not limited to blurred vision, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain and nausea. People poisoned by an oleander may feel confused, dizzy or weak, with a slow or irregular heartbeat and a feeling of weakness. Extremities eventually become cold, and the person may tremble, collapse and fall into a coma. Death may follow. Toxins are especially dangerous for the very young and elderly.

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Danger of the Oleander

Michelle Wishhart

Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a flowering evergreen member of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) that grows easily in sunny, well-drained sites in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 10.

Though often grown as an ornamental, all parts of the plant contain poisonous cardiac glycoside toxins that interfere with the functioning of the heart if ingested.

Call the National Poison Control Center immediately if you suspect poisoning in yourself or someone else.

Toxicity

All parts of the oleander shrub are poisonous, from the nectar in the flowers to the stems, twigs and leaves.

Water in a vase that has held oleander flowers is toxic, and honey produced by bees that have visited the shrub may also be toxic.

Burning any part of the plant will result in smoke that can cause respiratory problems.

The sap will often lead to skin rashes. Oleander has not been proven to cause allergies, though some people dislike the fragrance of the flowers.

Symptoms

Oleander poisoning can cause a range of symptoms, including but not limited to blurred vision, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain and nausea.

People poisoned by an oleander may feel confused, dizzy or weak, with a slow or irregular heartbeat and a feeling of weakness.

Extremities eventually become cold, and the person may tremble, collapse and fall into a coma. Death may follow.

Toxins are especially dangerous for the very young and elderly, according to the University of Nevada.

Pets

Curious pets may nibble on the plant, with potentially fatal consequences.

Symptoms of poisoning in a cat or dog resemble symptoms in humans and may include drooling, vomiting, abnormal heart rate, trembling and seizures, according to the Pet Poison Helpline.

If poisoning is suspected, the University of Nevada recommends calling a veterinarian immediately and keeping the pet as calm as possible to reduce stress on their heart.

The sooner your pet gets medical care, the better their chance of surviving.

Prevention

Oleanders in the home garden must be regarded with caution. Wear protective gloves and eyewear, as well as long sleeves and pants, when pruning or handling the shrub.

Never burn or mulch with oleander plant debris: dispose of it in a landfill.

The shrub may not be suitable for households with pets or children and should not be grown near vegetable gardens or livestock areas such as pastures and corrals.

Oleanders should be kept away from pathways and entryways where people could potentially brush up against it.

Michelle Wishhart is a writer based in Portland, Ore. She has been writing professionally since 2005, starting with her position as a staff arts writer for City on a Hill Press, an alternative weekly newspaper in Santa Cruz, Calif. An avid gardener, Wishhart worked as a Wholesale Nursery Grower at Encinal Nursery for two years. Wishhart holds a Bachelor of Arts in fine arts and English literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

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