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oleander/toxic plants

fionalasmolinas

18 years ago

Does anyone have any accurate idea of just how toxic oleanders are? I love them & wanted to plant the whole length of our track, but just this weekend discovered they're poisonous & maybe it's not such a good idea for the sake of my 3 year old son! However that might just depend on WHICH bits of the plant are poisonous & HOW they do their evil. Can anyone help me out?

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Comments (6)

shadowsmom
18 years ago
Hi-

Oleanders are an extremely common non-native plant here in Southern California in the US. They are mostly used in areas with few humans - on highway shoulders or as borders in industrial areas. They have been used here for 40 years as I can remember. I am not a medical professional, but I understand that the sap, leaves and even smoke are all poisonous if consumed in significant amounts. This said, there are very, very few cases of poisoning, probably due to the local knowledge that this plant is dangerous.

About 8 years ago, I recall two small children dying in Los Angeles from ingesting oleander leaves. Their mother had left then alone to play in a backyard and did not know that the oleanders were poisonous. Apparently the emergency staff also made a delayed diagnosis, which gives you an idea of how rare this is. I am not sure what the antidote is for oleander poisoning, but I am sure that it would involve an urgent trip to the hospital.

I would not plant oleanders if I had small kids or pets and I would not leave kids or pets unattended in an area with oleanders.

Best regards, ShadowÂs Mom
possie
18 years ago
Oleanders contain a very potent alcaloid. They are extremely poisonous. Four or five leaves would be enough to kill horse. It is said that Napoleon lost a few hundred soldiers in Spain because they had roasted meat on oleander sticks.
I would keep very far from them
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Schefflera. Don't know about cats, but I had one with my two cats for many years and they were never harmed. Here is a link that might be useful: Schefflera
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It's no hype. While a great many plants are toxic to some degree, oleander ranks extremely high. Ingestion of a single leaf has been reported to be fatal. All parts of the plant are considered to be highly toxic, including the smoke generated from burning stems or dried leaves. Even contact with bare skin can cause inflammation to those who may be sensitive. Although it is a widely planted and very popular ornamental shrub in warmer climates, it is a very good idea NOT to plant it where kids or pets can easily encounter it. Here is a link that might be useful: toxic properties of Nerium oleander
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When planted in the ground, they can be successfully grown in Z7. I have one that has braided stems, to form a tree and a friend has one that is several years old, in the middle of his front yard, unprotected. The standard species form can become quite large. I have seen them in downtown Savannah, GA that are at least 15x15ft. There is a dwarf form, which is planted in the median of I-95 through GA, that only grows to about 5x5ft. in size. I doubt that animals would be interested in this plant, as it is one of the most poisonous plants in the world. But humans don't have the sensitivity to avoid toxins. Placed near the South facing foundation of a heated building and covered with frost cloth, burlap or a "shrub coat" and protected from cold winds, you might be successful in growing them as a garden plant. For insurance, take cuttings before first frost and root them indoors, for planting next year. Rb
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capucine
18 years ago
yes, surely, don't plant oleander please - it is too much dangerous - truly ok for Napoleon'story
twoyorkie
18 years ago
I Have children and grandchildren that i believe will not suffer for my joy in Oleander flowers...that may sound ridiculous but having said that ,the Spanish authorities in my area (Malaga) use them as flora ,hedging ,and bushes in ALL the local parks and gardens ,even as perimeters of playgrounds .........please world .....don't protect ...TEACH
junebug-grow
18 years ago
Afriend, while in Stockholm, saw a sign to a garden she so wanted to visit. The name of the garden was,Millisgarten. Ihope I'm not posting wrong this is my first post so please excuse me if I am.My friend is going back to Stockholm and would still like to visit the gardn but we can't find it on the web.
User
18 years ago
Hi Junebug,
Click on the link below for some information on the garden.
Cheers,
Dee.

Here is a link that might be useful: Millesgarten, Stockholm

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