California Turtle and Tortoise Club
Poisonous Plant List
Many common plants are toxic and keepers must make sure that their herbivorous chelonians are kept away from them. A simple step to take to minimize the risks to your turtles and tortoises is to learn the names of all the plants in your home and yard so that you can prevent any untoward contact with poisonous plants. If you are unable to identify specific plants your local nursery may be able to identify them for you. Be sure to note the correct spellings of both the common and the botanical names, and keep a list of the names for future use. If you do take plants to your nursery for identification be sure to take a sufficient sample that represents the plant as a whole.
The following list is based on CTTC's poison plant list as published in the Tortuga Gazette 28(1): 8-10, January 1992 with periodic updates as more data becomes available. The list itself was 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, and the four levels are explained at the end of the article. Note that the treatments recommended are for humans. Use your own best judgment in applying them to your pets. Initially, be sure to remove any remaining parts of the plant from the mouth. If any symptoms of abnormal behavior or signs of irritation in the mouth occur, seek prompt medical attention.
 | Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum) 1 |
| Azalea (Rhododendron occidentale) 2 |
| Begonia 1 |
| Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) 2 |
| Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) 1 |
| Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) 2, 3 |
| Buttercup family (Ranunculus species) 2, 3 |
| Caladium 1, 3 |
| Calla Lily (Zantedeschia species) 1 |
| Candytuft (Iberis) 3 |
| Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) 2 |
| Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestum) 1 |
| Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) 2 |
| Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) 2 |
| Crowfoot (Ranunculus sceleratus) 2, 3 |
| Cyclamen 2 |
| Daffodil (Narcissus) 2 |
| Dianthus 2 |
| Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia amoena) 1 |
| Elephant's Ear (Caladium) 1, 3 |
| Euphorbia 2, 4 |
| Ficus Benjamina 3 |
| Fiddleleaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) 3 |
| Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) 2 |
| Gardenia 4 |
| Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia) 4 |
| Heart Ivy (Hedera helix) 2, 3 |
| Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica) 2 |
| Holly (Ilex) 2 |
| Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) 2, 3 |
| Ivy (Hedera helix) 2, 3 |
| Jerusalem Cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) 2 |
| Juniper (Juniperus species) 2, 3 |
| Lantana (Lantana camara) 2, 3 |
| Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus africanus) 2, 3 |
| Lily of the Valley (Convallaria species) 2 |
| Lobelia 2 |
| Majesty (Philodendron hastatum) 2 |
| Marigold (Tagetes species) 3 |
| Mistletoe (Phorodendron flavescens) 2 |
| Morning Glory (Ipomoea species) 2 |
| Mother-in-Law Plant (Caladium) 1, 3 |
| Mother-in-Law Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata) 4 |
| Mushrooms 2 |
| Needlepoint Ivy (Hedera helix) 2, 3 |
| Nephthytis (Syngonium podophyllum) 1 |
| Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) 2 |
| Oleander (Nerium oleander) 2 |
| Parlor Ivy (Philodendron cordatum) 2, 3 |
| Periwinkle (Vinca species) 2 |
| Philodendron 1, 3 |
| Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) 4 |
| Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) 1, 3 |
| Pyracanthra 2 |
| Rhododendron (Ericaceae) 2 |
| Rosary Bean (Abrus precatarius) 2 |
| Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica decora) 3 |
| Schefflera 1, 3 |
| Shasta Daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum) 2, 3 |
| Spider Mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) 2, 3, 4 |
| Split Leaf Philodendron (Monstera deliciosa) 1 |
| String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus or S. herreinus) 2 |
| Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus) 4 |
| 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:
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.