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about plants. about
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The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. institution. opportunity equal an is Oklahoma of University The is staffed 24 hours a day by medical professionals with professionals medical by day a hours 24 staffed is
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The Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information Information Drug and Poison for Center Oklahoma The
taxpayers of the State of Oklahoma. of State the of taxpayers
of Oklahoma of 10,000 copies have been prepared and distributed at no cost to the to cost no at distributed and prepared been have copies 10,000
Services, is issued by the University of Oklahoma. Oklahoma. of University the by issued is Services,
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Drug Information at 1-800-222-1222 so that so 1-800-222-1222 at Information Drug
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Prevention Steps to Take After Exposure After Take to Steps
Around the House
Many house plants and outdoor ornamentals contain chemicals called oxalates in the leaves and other parts of the plant that can cause problems. Just touching the plant isn’t a problem; but if Dieffenbachia the plant is chewed or the juice from a broken leaf, flower, or stem is swallowed or gets in the eyes or on the Oleander Pokeweed skin, symptoms may occur. Eye exposure can cause The flowers, stems and leaves of the oleander plant All parts of pokeweed are toxic. If swallowed, are toxic. If swallowed, symptoms may include symptoms are usually self-limiting and include severe pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, diarrhea, vomiting, low blood pressure, severe vomiting, frothy diarrhea and a burning tears, swelling of the eyelids confusion, fainting or death. sensation in the mouth. Intestinal bleeding is or damage to the cornea. possible. May cause kidney damage, seizures Caladium and coma. Skin exposure may cause a rash, itching and blisters.
Chewing on any part of these plants may result in redness, pain, swelling of the lips, tongue, and inside of the mouth as well as difficulty swallowing. In rare cases, the swelling can be bad enough to interfere with breathing. English ivy Swallowing a large amount can also cause kidney problems.
Four plants which contain Poison Ivy Yew oxalates are pictured to the left. These are not the only plants that contain these All parts of the poison ivy plant are toxic. Common All parts of the yew plant are toxic. chemicals; if you have any symptoms include itching and a rash with blisters. If swallowed, common symptoms include questions about plants in and Symptoms may appear within 30 minutes to five days. nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and around your home, contact the Exposure can spread to other people by contact with headache. Seizures, low blood pressure Oklahoma Center for Poison plant oils, which can cling to clothing or furniture. and irregular heartbeat are possible with Peace lily and Drug Information at Severity depends on individual sensitivity. large ingestions. 1-800-222-1222. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Call the poison center right away.
Castor Bean seeds
Azalea Autumn Crocus Castor Bean All parts of the azalea are toxic. If swallowed, common All parts of the autumn crocus are toxic. If swallowed, The whole plant is toxic. The seeds, which contain symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, ricin, are especially dangerous to both humans and confusion, seizures, and death. abdominal pain, rapid heart rate and chest pain. animals. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, More severe symptoms may include low heart rate, diarrhea and severe abdominal pain. Can result in low blood pressure, or seizures. dehydration and low blood pressure, with severe toxicity resulting in death.
Daffodil Death Camas Foxglove All parts of the daffodil are toxic, with the bulbs All parts of this plant are potentially toxic if eaten All parts of the foxglove are toxic. The most having the highest toxicity. Chewing on any part in quantity. Because of its similar appearance, the common effects after eating are nausea, vomiting, of the plant can cause pain inside the mouth. death camus can be mistaken for a wild onion. abdominal pain, fatigue and slow heart rate. Vomiting and diarrhea may be the first sign of Vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms after Severe toxicity can cause shock, agitation and exposure. ingestion. Itching and rash may result after contact confusion. Life-threatening poisoning has been with the skin. reported after ingestion of plant extracts, teas, contaminated herbal products and deliberate ingestion of large amounts of the plant.
Hemlock Holly Jimson Weed All parts are of the hemlock plant are very toxic. Holly berries are mildly toxic. If several berries Also known as moon flower and loco weed. Hemlock is often mistaken for wild parsley. If swallowed, are swallowed, the results may include mild nausea, Common symptoms include dilated pupils, red skin, common symptoms include burning sensation in the vomiting and abdominal pain. The spiny leaves can dry mouth, increased heart rate, nausea and vomiting. mouth, nausea and vomiting. Severe symptoms may cause irritation to the mouth but are considered Agitation, hallucinations and confusion are seen with include difficulty breathing and death. non-toxic. moderate toxicity. In severe cases, symptoms can include delirium, psychosis, seizures and coma.
Morning Glory Mushrooms Silverleaf Nightshade Morning Glory seeds may contain toxins that The toxins vary depending upon the type of Nightshade leaves and berries are toxic. can cause hallucinations, dizziness, paranoia, mushroom ingested. Though severe toxicity is If swallowed, common symptoms include anxiety, large pupils and changes in mood. uncommon, certain types of mushrooms can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Drowsiness liver failure or other severe health problems. and slow heart rate are possible but uncommon. Mushrooms that are dangerous may look similar to those which are safe to eat. Nausea and vomiting are common initial symptoms.
This is not a complete list of poisonous plants found in Oklahoma. For additional information, visit our website at OklahomaPoison.org or call us at 1-800-222-1222