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Are There Harmful Plants In or Around Your Home?
Northern New England Poison Center

Are There Harmful Plants In or Around Your Home?

Children are attracted to brightly colored plants and berries in and around the home. Here are some to watch out for...

Important: These lists include the common names of plants only. Be careful to identify your plants correctly.

Some Plants That Are Harmful to Children and Pets

House Plants Outdoor Plants
Amaryllis Amaryllis Hyacinth Poison hemlock
Caladium Apple seed Hydrangea Poison ivy
Calla lily Autumn crocus Iris Poison oak
Castor bean Azalea Jack-in-the-pulpit Poison sumac
Chrysanthemum Bittersweet Jimson weed Pokeberry
Cyclamen Bleeding heart Jonquil Pokeweed
Dog tick seed Boxwood Larkspur Primrose
Dieffenbachia Buttercup Laurel Privet
Elephant's ear Choke cherry Lily of the valley Rhododendron
English ivy Crocus Lupine Rhubarb
Ficus Daffodil Mayapple Rosary pea
Hyacinth Daphne Milkweed Skunk cabbage
Larkspur Delphinium Monkshood Snake berry
Mistletoe Eldreberry Morning glory Sweet pea
Oleander Foxglove Mushrooms Tobacco
Peace lily Golden chain Narcissus Tulip
Philodendron Hellebore Nettles Water hemlock
Pothos Holly Nightshade Wisteria
Rosary pea Horsechestnut Peony Yew

Remember: Anything that goes into a child's mouth-even a "safe" plant-is a choking hazard. Keep all plants out of reach.

For more information, please contact:

Maine Department of Agriculture: (207) 287-3841

Vermont Department of Agriculture, Food, and Markets: (802) 656-2992

Taking the following precautions will help to make your home safe:

  • Find out what types of plants you have in and around your home. Take samples to your local greenhouse, garden center, or agricultural extension office.
  • Keep a list of all the plants in and around your home.
  • Teach your children not to touch plants or put them in their mouths.
  • Keep all plants out of your child's reach, because he or she can choke on parts of any plant.
If anyone puts a piece of plant in their mouth:
  1. Carefully remove any pieces still in the mouth.
  2. Be able to give the name of the plant, if possible.
  3. Call the Northern New England Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.

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