Yellow Oleander
Thevetia peruviana · Apocynaceae
How it looks
Yellow Oleander is a shrub or small tree of the dogbane family that produces yellow funnel-shaped flowers. The leaves are narrow, long, and glossy dark green, and at 10-33 ft (3-10 m) tall it grows outdoors. Cutting the stem releases a white latex.
Deadly — cardiac arrest
All parts of Yellow Oleander contain cardiac glycosides; even a small amount can cause arrhythmias, vomiting, and depression, and in serious cases this can progress to cardiac arrest.
Guide for parents
Yellow Oleander is sometimes grown as a garden or ornamental plant, but never bring it into a space where a cat lives. The leaves, flowers, stems, roots, and even the vase water are all dangerous. Don't leave cut stems lying around — dispose of them immediately. If you suspect ingestion, head to a 24-hour animal hospital right away even if there are no symptoms. Cardiac toxicity can appear late, so the golden window is very short.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 2–6 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Cardiac arrhythmia, vomiting, diarrhea
- Action
- Go to an animal hospital immediately. Don't wait, even if symptoms seem mild.
Details
- Scientific name
- Thevetia peruviana
- Common name
- Yellow Oleander
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Cardiac glycosides
- Source
- ASPCA
