Poisonous plants
Some common plants are poisonous or capable of causing allergic reactions. If your child is having difficulty breathing or unconscious, call 000.
First aid
- If the plant touched the skin, gently wash with clear running water.
- If the plant touched the eye, flush the eye with clear running water for 20 minutes.
- If the plant was swallowed, remove remaining pieces and wash out child's mouth.
- Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for further information.
Children under 2 years of age are most at risk of eating poisonous plants.
To reduce the likelihood of babies and young children eating anything poisonous take the following precautions:
- Teach children not to eat anything straight from a plant or bush.
- Fence off or remove known poisonous or dangerous plants.
- Keep the Poison Information Centre phone number 13 11 26 near your phone or in the contact list of your mobile phone.
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of plant. Most accidental exposures are unlikely to result in significant injury. They can include:
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Irregular heart beat
- Burns on the mouth, lips or tongue
- Convulsions (fits)
There are no common characteristics of shape, colour smell or taste which distinguish a poisonous plant from a harmless one.
As a general rule of thumb, plants with a bitter taste, funny smell, milky sap or red seeds or berries may be poisonous.
Explore more
Never eat wild mushrooms, it is hard to identify which are safe to eat. If anyone has eaten a wild mushroom, even if they have no symptoms, call 13 11 26.
Common house and garden plants can be poisonous or harmful to both children and adults.
Stinging plants have tiny hairs on them that can sting when touched.