Be Aware of Toxic Plants in Hawaii
Be Aware of Toxic Plants in Hawaii
Amongst the abundant foliage in Hawaii are a few poisonous plants that are best avoided, especially when accompanied by a dog like mine who, given the opportunity, kind of vacuums as he walks.
My focus for this page is identification of the most common and most dangerous plants. For additional information and a more comprehensive listing, there is a book titled, Poisonous Plants of Paradise: First Aid and Medical Treatment of Injuries from Hawaii's Plants (author: Susan Scott; publisher: University of Hawaii Press, 2000). The book is well-organized and has excellent photos to aid in plant recognition.
Oleander (Nerium oleander) and Yellow Oleander (Thevetia peruviana) (also called Be-Still Tree) These are very common plants in Hawaii and they are highly toxic. Oleander and Yellow Oleander are actually two different plants but their general appearance and toxicity are similar. Both plants are bushy with long thin leaves. Both plants contain digitoxin which affects heart rate and contractility. People have reportedly died from barbecuing over oleander branches. Puppies and dogs should not chew on branches or any part of these plants.
Angel's Trumpet so called because of its dramatic 10 inch long bell-shaped flowers. These trees are really very beautiful and quite common, at least in Kona. Toxic effects include really bad hallucinations, blindness, and death. Flowers attract bees; I've heard these trees buzz from 10 feet away. Best if appreciated from a distance.
Castor Beans (Ricinis communis)and Rosary Peas (Abrus precatorius) can be lethal in minute quantities. Best to avoid and not take any chances.
Click here for image of a castor bean
Click here for image of a castor bean plant
Click here for image of rosary peas
As with any reference, these pages are not a substitute for veterinary care. Veterinary practice is an eyes, ears, nose, and hands-on profession which cannot be accomplished over the Internet.