Oleander can be toxic if ingested!

[Midnightmom]

Did you know that oleander, though very pretty, is a toxic plant?

 

Saw this story tonight about a donkey who ingested some and got very sick. The owner didn't know what was wrong at first and called her vet. The vet couldn't figure it out either and they took her to a large animal hospital for testing and treatment. It was ultimatley discovered that the donkey had eaten some oleander. We have to be aware of everything we grow, gather, or ingest!

 

Quote

Donkey Saved After Oleander Poisoning

Oleander is a common ornamental plant found throughout California in both home gardens and in commercial areas. All parts of the plant are toxic to both animals and people. Even the dried leaves can be very dangerous to animals which may find them palatable. Ingestion can cause diarrhea, heart arrhythmia, kidney disease, and even sudden death.

 

https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/donkey-saved-after-oleander-poisoning

 

      

 

[Jeepers]

I knew about it after reading a book from Oprah's Book Club called, White Oleander. Sort of a coming of age story with a side order of oleander. 

[Littlesister]

My DH never really wanted flowers to plant. He said if you can't eat it you don't plant it. His parents were like that as well as his grandparents. He came from a small line of farmers. He was ok with flowers you could eat or use as herbal meds. and such. So, I am sticking with what we always did. 

Those flowers above are pretty but yes, they can make you sick. 

[Ambergris]

Azalea can be deadly too.

[Littlesister]

You are right Ambergris. I only have 2 more to dig up and that is the last of the Azalea's.  Taken all those out has opened me up for more garden space. And they are dying anyway. They are very old. Guess they have reached their limits.