As gardening season is in full swing in Colorado, many of us are excited to tend to our flowerbeds and cultivate beautiful landscapes with our families – which makes child safe gardening practices all the more important. If you have young children around, it’s important to take extra precautions to ensure a safe environment. Child safe gardening involves being aware of the most poisonous plants and taking steps to eliminate them from your landscaping. By being informed and proactive, you can create a garden that is both visually appealing and free from potential hazards.
If you think your child has ingested a poisonous plant, call the American Association of Poison Control Centers immediately at (800) 222.1222.
Partial List of Poisonous Plants to Avoid
The following is a partial list of poisonous plants you may want to avoid when cultivating this season from The National Poison Control Center:
- Boxwood: When ingested, boxwood may cause diarrhea, convulsions, and respiratory failure.
- Calla Lily: If eaten, calla lily causes swelling of the mouth, stomach pain, diarrhea, and death.
- Cyclamen: Causes convulsions and paralysis when eaten.
- Daffodil: Causes digestive distress and convulsions and may be fatal if swallowed.
- Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia): These popular broad-leaf plants may cause oral swelling and irritation of the mouth. Severe swelling may be fatal.
- Elephant Ear: Swallowing sap may lead to diarrhea, nausea, burning, and swelling of the mouth and throat.
- Hyacinth: Ingesting these flowers may cause diarrhea, vomiting and can cause death.
- Iris: The leaves and blossoms of these common early-blooming flowers may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.
- Larkspur: May cause upset stomach, can cause death.
- Oleander: Affects digestive and circulatory system, and may be fatal.
Prioritizing Safety in Your Garden Journey
As you embark on your gardening journey this season, it’s crucial to prioritize the safety of your children by practicing child safe gardening. By familiarizing yourself with the list of poisonous plants to avoid, you can reduce the risk of accidental ingestion and potential harm to your little ones. Remember, if you suspect that your child has ingested a poisonous plant, don’t hesitate to contact the American Association of Poison Control Centers at (800) 222.1222 for immediate assistance or head into the Pediatric Urgent Care of Northern Colorado 365 days per year for urgent assistance from our providers – even on weekends and holidays! With a bit of knowledge and precaution, you can create a beautiful and safe outdoor space for your family to enjoy throughout the gardening season.