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:
Carefully remove any pieces still in the mouth.
Be able to give the name of the plant, if possible.
Call the Northern New England Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.