Jeremy Rhoden: Poisonous plants of Central Florida
Florida’s tropical climate is home to thousands of magnificent plant species that come in all shapes, sizes and different areas of the world, including those that are considered toxic or poisonous. Regardless of whether the flora originates from Florida or elsewhere, you should be aware of what landscape plants you have that could cause a reaction, hospitalization or even death to you, a loved one or your pets.
Be mindful that the content below is simply for your information, not to necessarily remove or hinder you from planting these beautiful plants in your landscape. They all have a place, and they truly are remarkable species. As with humans and animals, plants also must have a defense mechanism, and sometimes it is with toxins. These are just a few of the toxic and/or poisonous plants found throughout our state.
Oleander: Oleander is a beautiful, fast-growing shrub that blooms very heavily throughout the year and is considered a perennial in Florida, but be wary of this potentially deadly plant. Oleander naturally carries a toxin called cardenolide glycosides, and when ingested by humans and/or pets, it can be harmful or even fatal. Every part of the Oleander plant is toxic, including its roots, stems, leaves and blooms. If you already have Oleander in your landscape, be cautious when handling it and with how you discard pruned branches or cuttings. The smoke from burning oleander can be just as toxic if inhaled.
Traditional varieties of Oleander can get upward of 18 feet tall by 10 feet wide, while dwarf varieties, such as “Petite Salmon” and “Petite Pink,” typically reach about 4 feet in height and work great in smaller areas. The blooms come in shades of white, pink, coral, red and yellow. Avoid planting Oleander where there is a potential for small children or pets to consume plant parts.
Flame Lily: Flame Lily, also known as Gloriosa, has a unique flower that resembles a flame, hence the name. The flower petals produce a wavy look to them and curve upward. Flame Lily is a tuberous perennial vine that will certainly gain attention in your landscape for its beauty. Like Oleander, this plant is astonishing, and every part of the plant is poisonous. Gloriosa contains a toxin called colchicine and, when ingested, can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Sago Palms: The Sago Palm is not truly a palm, but a cycad — a gymnosperm with a crown or cone, large pinnately compound leaves, and it does not produce a flower. It resembles a palm and so it has received the common name Sago Palm. These plants grow well in full sun and can get up to 15 feet high. They stay green year-round and can produce a beautiful yellow cone (male) or a furry globe crown (female) in the center of the plant.
Whether male or female Sago, all parts of the plant (especially the seeds) carry a pair of toxic compounds called BMAA and cycasin that, when consumed, can cause multiple symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and liver failure. The seeds from Sago Palms are notoriously known for poisoning dogs, potentially resulting in fatal liver failure. As with other toxic landscape plants, plan accordingly when incorporating Sago Palms into your landscape.
Spotted Water Hemlock: Perhaps the most toxic of all native plants to Florida is the Spotted Water Hemlock. This plant is part of the same family as parsley and carrots. Spotted Water Hemlock, though not commonly intentionally used in landscapes, still appears to pop up if your landscape is near any type of fresh water, whether that be a small ditch of water or a large lake. This plant produces beautiful white flowers on top and are considered a native wildflower; however, every part of this plant is extremely toxic. Simply smelling the flower is enough to immediately cause severe breathing issues.
Spotted Water Hemlock consists of several toxins, including cicutoxin, a poisonous nerve toxin that is found in all parts of the plant, but especially in the roots. There have been multiple fatal cases reported of both adults and children who have eaten the roots thinking they were wild carrots or parsnips. Consuming this plant can cause convulsions or even death by respiratory or cardiac failure within hours of consumption. When removing this plant, you should be extremely careful and should not handle it with bare hands.
September to-do list
Annuals: Plant celosia, zinnia, ageratum, gazania and wax begonia. Start looking for fall colorations that will truly enhance your landscapes this season.
Herbs: Basil, rosemary, mint and Mexican tarragon will be great additions to the garden and will enjoy the temperatures of fall.
Vegetables: Now is a great time to start leafy greens! This includes Brussel sprouts, broccoli, collards, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi and much more! Strawberries also will do well being transplanted in the garden at this time.
Lawns: The final application of lawn fertilizer should be applied mid- to the end of September. Choose a fertilizer with little or no phosphorus unless a soil test indicates you need additional phosphorus. Be aware that several north Florida municipalities have local restrictions or ordinances that might be in place for your area. Prior to applying fertilizer, ensure your area does not have restrictions in place.
Upcoming programs at UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Office: Thursday: Fall Master Gardener Seed Sale. Sale goes until all seed packets sell out. Seed packets are $1 each or $5 for six packets, with an assortment of vegetables, herbs, flowers and natives. Seeds can be purchased in the Plant Clinic at the Extension Office. Oct. 1: 8 a.m.-noon: Master Gardener Fall Plant Sale located at the Extension Office.
For more information, or to register for programs, call the UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Office at 671-8400
— Jeremy Rhoden is the Urban and Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator at UF/IFAS Extension Marion County. For more information, contact the office at 671-8400. The Extension Service is located at 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala, FL 34470.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Jeremy Rhoden: Poisonous plants of Central Florida
