Things to Avoid

NEVER assume that your tortoise (or any other pet) will “know the difference” between toxic and non-toxic plants in your garden.

POISON PLANT LIST (MOST COMMON)

The list itself is based on the University of California Irvine, Regional Poison Center list of

plants that are toxic or potentially toxic to humans. They recognize four levels of toxicity,

indicated by a number following the plant name. The four levels are explained below.

In some plants, the toxin is present only in a certain plant part, such as the seeds or the leaves, or

some other part. In other plants, every part of the plant contains the toxin. It is always wise to err

on the side of caution and avoid exposure. 

COMMON NAME BOTANICAL NAME TOXICITY

• Amaryllis Amaryllis belladonna 2
• Asparagus Fern Asparagus sprengerii 2, 3
• Arrowhead Vine Syngonium podophyllum 1
• Avocado (leaves, seeds) Persea americana 2
• Azalea Rhododendron species 2
• Begonia Begonia 1
• Bird of Paradise Poinciana gilliesii 2
• Boston Ivy Parthenocissus tricuspidata 1
• Boxwood Buxus sempervirens 2, 3
• Buttercup family Ranunculus species 2, 3
• Calla Lily Zantedeschia species 1
• Candytuft Iberis species 3
• Carolina Jessamine Gelsemium sempervirens 2
• Castor Bean Ricinus communis 2
• Chinese Evergreen Aglaonema modestum 1
• Chinaberry Melia azedarach 2
• Columbine Aquilegia species 2
• Creeping Charlie Glechoma hederacea 2
• Crowfoot Ranunculus sceleratus 2, 3
• Cyclamen Cyclamen persicum 2
• Daffodil Narcissus species 2
• Delphinium, Larkspur Delphinium species 2
• Dianthus, Carnation Dianthus species 2
• Dumb cane Dieffenbachia amoena 1
• Elephant’s Ear Philodendron hastatum 1, 3
• Euphobia (all) Euphorbia species 2, 4
• Ficus (all) Ficus species 3
• Firethorn Pyracantha coccinea 1, 3
• Foxglove Digitalis purpurea 2
• Gardenia Gardenia 4
• Grape Ivy Cissus rhombifolia 4
• Heavenly Bamboo Nandina domestica 2
• Holly Ilex species 2
• Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis 2
• Hydrangea Hydrangea species 2
• Ivy Hedera helix 2, 3
• Iris (esp. rhizome) Iris species 2, 3
• Jerusalem Cherry Solanum pseudocapsicum 2
• Juniper Juniperus species 2
• Lantana Lantana camara 2, 3
• Lily of the Nile Agapanthus africanus 2, 3
• Lily of the Valley Convallaria species 2, 3
• Lobelia Lobelia 2
• Lupine Lupinus species 2, 3
• Marsh Marigold, Cowslip Caltha palustris ?
• Morning Glory Solanum species 2 (all parts are poisonous)
• Oleander Nerium oleander 2 (all parts are poisonous)
• Periwinkle Vinca species 2
• Philodendron Philodendron species 2
• Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima 4
• Pothos Epipremnum aureum 1, 3
• Primrose Primula species 3
• Rosary Bean Abrus precatarius 2
• Shasta Daisy Chrysanthemum maximum 2, 3
• Spider Mum Chrysanthemum morifolium 2, 3, 4
• Splitleaf Philodendron Monstera deliciosa 1
• String of Pearls Senecio rowleyanus,
• S. herrieanus 2
• Sweet Pea (seeds) Lathyrus odoratus 4
• Tomato (leaves, vines) Solanum lycopersicum 2
• Umbrella Tree Schefflera actinophylla 1, 3

Explanation of Toxicity Levels

1. Oxalates

These plants contain irritating substances known as oxalate salts. Contact with the sap may cause

burning, swelling and pain. Treatment: Rinse mouth, and if contact with skin, wash with soap

and water. Observe for problems in swallowing and breathing, and increased drooling. Also

check for irritation and swelling of mouth, lips, and tongue.

2. Toxic or Potentially Toxic

These plants can be toxic and should be considered with caution. May contain a wide variety of

substances which cause ill effects to various organs. Toxicity can range from mild irritation to

severe organ damage, depending on the plant. Treatment: Rinse mouth and dilute with fluids.

Call poison center for further recommendations.

3. Dermatitis

Contact with sap may produce a skin rash, itching, or irritation. Treatment: Wash skin with soap

and water. If irritation persists, call poison center or veterinarian. Be careful not to rub it into the

eyes.

4. Unknown/Incomplete

Information is incomplete, but some data indicates that these plants may cause ill effects.

Treatment: Rinse mouth. Dilute with fluids. Call the poison center for further information.