Oleander is a common outdoor woody shrub in warmer regions and is grown occasionally as a large potted plant. Its flowers are show and very fragrant, but the belief that their perfume is dangerous is unfounded.
Oleander ranks with yew in toxicity.
Oleander contains a poisonous principle similar to digitalis in its effect on the heart, causing arrhythmia and cardiac arrest. A veterinarian should be consulted immediately for supportive treatment to reduce the damage caused by ingestion of poisonous plants. This information is provided as a public service, but we cannot guarantee that the information is current or accurate. Readers should verify the information before acting on it.