Below is a list of the most common plants in Alberta. If the plant you are looking for isn’t on the list, or you have questions or concerns about exposure or eating these plants, please call
PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) at
1-800-332-1414 (Alberta)
- Non-toxic plants don’t make you sick if you eat them.
- Toxic plants can cause many symptoms. Some toxic plants can make you sick if you eat them.
Indoor Plants – Non-Toxic
- African violet
- Aloe
- Asparagus fern
- Azalea
- Begonia
- Boston fern
- Chinese evergreen
- Croton
- Dracaena
- Easter lily
- Fig tree
- Fuchsia
- Gloxinia
- Hoya
- Impatiens
- Jade plant
- Lipstick plant
- Snake plant
- Spider plant
- Umbrella tree
- Wandering Jew
- Weeping fig
- Yucca
Indoor Plants – Toxic
- Cactus
- Dieffenbachia
- Schefflera
- Peace lily
- Philodendron
- Rubber plant
Trees, Berries – Non-Toxic
- Caragana tree and pods
- Dogwood tree
- Maple tree
- Mountain ash berries
- Poplar tree
Trees, Berries - Toxic
- Cotoneaster berries
- Mayday tree
Holiday Plants – Non-Toxic
- Holly berry leaves
- Poinsettia (may cause skin irritation)
Holiday Plants – Toxic
- Holly berries
- Mistletoe
- Yew (needles more toxic than berries)
Outdoor Garden Plants – Non-Toxic
- Alyssum
- Aster
- Begonia
- Coleus
- Creeping Charlie
- Dandelions
- Dracaena
- Geranium
- Impatiens
- Marigold
- Nasturtium
- Pansy
- Peony
- Petunia
- Phlox
- Pussy willow
- Roses
- Snapdragon
- Viola
- Zinnia
Outdoor Garden Plants – Toxic
- Azalea
- Crocus
- Daisy
- Eucalyptus
- Foxglove
- Narcissus
- Hyacinth
- Jack-in-the-pulpit
- Jimson weed
- Larkspur water
- Lily of the valley
- Monkshood
- Oleander
- Hemlock
- Pokeweed
- Potatoes (green parts)
- Rhubarb leaf
- Tomato leaves
- Tulip bulb
- Walnut (green shell)
Fruit Pits, Seeds
The pits listed below are non-toxic if they are swallowed whole. If the pits or seeds are opened and the contents chewed, they may be toxic. Always remove pits and seeds before giving the fruits to your child, as they are a choking risk.
- Almond
- Apple
- Apricot
- Cherry
- Pear
- Peach
- Plum
Here’s what to do if you think someone has been exposed to a poisonous plant.
Skin
Some plants can cause itching, blistering, or a rash when the plant or its sap comes into contact with skin.
- Take off any soiled clothing
- Rinse the skin under running water for 15 minutes. Wash the skin gently with soap and water. Rinse again.
- Call
PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) at
1-800-332-1414 (Alberta)
Eye
If the person rubs their eyes after touching the plant or if a splash of plant sap gets in the eyes, the eyes may become irritated.
- Rinse the eye for 15 minutes with lukewarm water poured from a large glass 5 cm to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 inches) above the eye.
- Have the person blink as often as possible while rinsing the eye. Don’t force the eyelids open.
-
PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) at
1-800-332-1414 (Alberta)
Choking
Choking is the first concern when a child puts any plant part in his or her mouth. A piece of the plant may get stuck in the child’s throat and block the airway.
- If you can see the plant, take it out. If you can’t,
don’t stick your finger down the child’s throat to feel for it.
- Check the mouth for any irritation, swelling, and change in colour. Check if the child is having trouble swallowing.
- If the child isn’t having trouble swallowing, give half a glass of water or milk.
- Don’t force vomiting.
- Don’t wait for symptoms to show.
