Plants and kids: staying safe
Which plants to keep out of reach, and what to do if a child eats one
Why it matters
Houseplants are a common cause of poisoning in young children, who explore by putting things in their mouths. Any plant can cause a reaction in some people, and a few are seriously poisonous. If you don't know a plant's name, have it identified before it goes anywhere a child can reach.
Plants to keep away from kids
These are among the plants poison centers hear about most.
- Castor bean, oleander, foxglove, lily of the valley, yew and azalea: can cause serious illness.
- Dieffenbachia, philodendron, pothos and peace lily: crystals cause painful mouth and throat swelling.
- Daffodil and other bulbs: store them out of sight and out of reach.
- Caladium, calla lily and rhubarb leaves: toxic too.
Safer choices
Poison centers list plants such as African violet, cast-iron plant, Christmas cactus, ferns, peperomia, prayer plant and spider plant as non-toxic. Non-toxic isn't the same as edible, though: any plant can still cause choking or an upset stomach.
Outdoors too
Yards and roadsides can hold dangerous plants such as poison hemlock and jimsonweed. Teach children never to put leaves, stems, bark, seeds or berries in their mouths, and never to eat wild mushrooms or berries unless an expert has identified them.
Simple habits
A few routines prevent most accidents.
- Know the name of every plant in your home. Poison centers can't identify a plant from a description over the phone.
- Keep poisonous plants up high, and pick up fallen leaves and berries.
- Store bulbs, seeds, fertilizers and pest sprays up high and out of sight, and follow their labels.
- Wash your hands, and your child's, after gardening.
If a child eats a plant
Stay calm. Take any plant pieces out of their mouth, rinse the mouth with water, and call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 in the US, or your doctor. The line is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day.
Have the plant or its name ready. Outside the US, call your local poison center.
Sources
- Utah Poison Control Center: Poisonous Plants: Safety and Prevention Guide
- University of California ANR: Safe and Poisonous Garden Plants: Toxic Plants
- Utah Poison Control Center: Poisonous Plants
- Upstate New York Poison Center: Poison exposures rise during the summer: Tips to keep children safe
General guidance, not a diagnosis. Written by PlantWiz in our own words from the sources above.