Plant Safety

As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to get outside and explore nature with your little one. Just keep in mind not every plant around your home is safe for kids, and some can be harmful if touched or eaten.

Start by knowing what’s growing around you

When it comes to plant-related poisonings, one of the first questions experts ask is: What plant is it? That’s why it’s so important to identify the plants in your yard and inside your home. Try to learn both the common and scientific names, and keep that information somewhere easy to find.

Not sure what you have? Take photos or bring a sample to a local nursery—they can usually help you identify it. Once you know what’s growing, you can look up whether any of those plants are toxic using trusted sources like university or botanical garden websites.

Plants that can be poisonous if eaten

Some plants contain chemicals that can seriously affect the body. Early signs of poisoning might include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headaches. In more serious cases, they can affect heart rate or blood pressure.

A few common examples include:

-Azalea
-Foxglove
-Hydrangea
-Lily-of-the-valley
-Oleander
-Nightshade
-Potato sprouts
-Unripe tomatoes

Also, keep an eye out for wild mushrooms. They may pop up in your yard, and some types can be very dangerous if eaten.

If you think your child may have eaten something unsafe, call Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222.

Plants that can irritate the mouth, stomach, or skin

Not all harmful plants are deadly, but some can still cause uncomfortable reactions.

–Mouth irritants: Plants like calla lily, elephant’s ear, snake plant, and philodendron contain tiny crystals that can cause pain and swelling if chewed. A cold drink or soft food (like yogurt or applesauce) can help soothe symptoms. If your child has trouble breathing, seek emergency care immediately.

-Stomach irritants: Plants like daffodils, geraniums, carnations, and pokeweed can upset the stomach, causing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Symptoms are usually short-lived but still unpleasant.

-Skin irritants: Some plants can cause rashes or irritation just by touching them. Poison ivy and poison oak are well-known, but others like chrysanthemums, marigolds, and poinsettias can also irritate the skin. Washing the area with soap and water usually helps, and hydrocortisone cream can ease itching or redness.

The bottom line

Knowing what plants you have and which ones could be risky helps you create a safer space for your child to explore and learn.

For a more extensive list check out the Wisconsin Poison Center’s brochure on Common Poisonous Plants