Page 74 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2026

THE
ISSUE
Hydrangea
Protecting Kids and Pets from Poisonous Plants
story by Lynn Lofton
While plants add beauty to home and lawn décor, there are some that are not safe for children and pets. According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, poisonous plants for children, if ingested, include the following:
• Azalea (Rhododendron)
• Foxglove (Digitalis)
• Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
• Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum)
• Lambkill (Kalmia angustifolia)
• Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis)
• Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
• Nightshade (Solanaceae)
• Oleander (Nerium oleander)
• Potato sprouts
• Rhododendron (ferrugineum)
• Squill (Urginea maritima)
• Unripe tomatoes
• Calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
• Elephant’s ear (Caladium)
• Mother-in-law’s tongue or snake plant (Sansevieria
trifasciata)
• Philodendron
Irritation in the mouth from these plants can be relieved
by offering the child a cool drink or snack such as a popsicle, applesauce or yogurt. If your child has swelling in the mouth or throat that causes difficulty breathing, go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Some common garden plants contain chemicals that irritate
the stomach and intestines, causing cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but symptoms typically last only a few hours. Plants with gastrointestinal irritants include:
• • • •
Carnation (Dianthus)
Daffodil (Narcissus)
Geranium (Pelargonium) Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)
Other plants can cause skin irritation if your child touches them. Poison ivy and poison oak are well-known hazards, causing allergic skin reactions. Some common garden plants have chemicals that cause a
different type of skin reaction. These plants include:
• Chrysanthemum
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• •
Marigold (Tagetes) Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
Skin irritation from plants can be relieved by washing the area with soap and rinsing with warm water. Hydrocortisone cream can be used to relieve chemical or allergic skin reactions.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends that the 10 most toxic houseplants for pets are: Lilies, Philodendron, Oleander, Aloe, Chrysanthemum, Hyacinth, Jade Plant, Sago Palm, Daffodil, and Asparagus Fern.
Snake Plant