Summer Fun and Garden Safety
Thousands of children are poisoned each year. And while you may naturally think first of household cleaners or medicines as the culprit, the lush greenery we enjoy may also be a threat.
Education about poisonous plants should begin early. Here are some plants to avoid if your children are small enough to be in danger.
- Azalea (all parts)
- Cotoneaster (those beautiful red berries!)
- Crocus (all parts, especially the bulb)
- Daffodil (all parts, especially the bulb)
- Foxglove (leaves and seeds)
- Ground Ivy (all parts)
- Holly (leaves, berries)
- Hyacinth (bulb)
- Hydrangea (leaves, buds)
- Iris (bulb, stem, leaves)
- Kentucky Coffee tree (seeds)
- Lily of the Valley (all parts)
- Mushrooms (many types – all parts)
- Oak (raw acorns)
- Yew (all parts)
And a few alternatives which are not known to be toxic:
- African Violet
- Christmas Cactus
- Coleus
- Dusty Miller
- Gardenia
- Hibiscus
- Jade plant
- Norfolk pine
- Palm
- Impatiens
- Schefflera (umbrella plant)
- Spider Plant
- Swedish ivy
If any member of your family has eaten plant parts which you suspect are toxic or poisonous, don´t hesitate: call the Poison Control Number (1-800-POISON1). They will be able to guide you through preliminary first aid steps. Better safe than sorry!