The Nerium oleander plant -- also known as Jericho rose -- captivates many with its delicate form and showy, fragrant flowers. This wonderfully easy-to-care-for native Asian plant, with its dark green foliage and ornamental appeal, can be used in hedges, backdrops and privacy barriers. So it is hard to imagine that this common evergreen ranks among the most toxic of garden plants.
Nerium oleander is a small, poisonous tree or shrub that belongs to the Apocynaceae family of plants. The plant, suitable to USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 11, grows to between 6 and 20 feet in height. Oleander plants have thick, lance-shaped leaves between 8 and 10 inches long. Flowers range between 1 and 3 inches in diameter and grow in colorful clusters of pink. Plants prefer well-drained soil and sun to partial shade. Oleander plants, however, adapt well to a variety of growing conditions, including wetlands, desert soils and salty seasides. The plants are drought- and insect-resistant and tolerate high temperatures. Nerium oleander plants also withstand high winds and light frost, making them suitable for many habitats.
Despite its toxicity, oleander makes a beautiful ornamental addition in parks and landscapes. Its dense foliage provides ample shade and privacy and protects against noise in busy commercial zones. Oleander leaves contain latex, which finds commercial use in the manufacture of rubber. Plant extracts make potent insecticide. The plant also has medicinal uses. Its extracts find use in the production of the antibiotic oleandomycin, which acts on various strains of Staphylococcus bacteria.
Oleander plants contain cardiac glycosides, which are highly toxic compounds. All their parts, including their twigs, stems, leaves, flowers, nectar, roots and even smoke from burning wood are noxious and cause a range of problems. Ingestion of any part of the plant brings on a range of unpleasant symptoms, including irregular pulse rate, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, persistent headaches, dizziness, drowsiness and blurry vision. More serious cases result in respiratory failure, convulsions, coma and even death. Physical contact with the sap and leaves of the plant produces skin rash. Oleander plant poisoning requires immediate medical attention.
Do not plant oleander plants around your home if you have small children or pets. Beautiful oleander flowers, despite their color and appeal, are best admired from a distance. Do not bring plant clippings or flowers inside the home for display. Wearing thick rubber gloves and eye protection is a wise precaution when handling, cutting or pruning oleander.
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