The toxicity of rhododendrons must not be ignored: these basics you should know

Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) are common ornamental flowers, but many people do not know that some of their varieties carry a certain toxicity. Their toxicity mainly comes from grayanotoxin-type substances contained in the plant, which are commonly found in the leaves, petals and nectar, with the content in the leaves being relatively higher. These substances do not volatilize into the air, so simply placing them for viewing does not harm human health.

The main route by which the toxicity takes effect is accidental ingestion. If a person accidentally eats rhododendron leaves or flowers, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling, numbness of the mouth and tongue, and dizziness may occur, and in severe cases heartbeat and blood pressure may also be affected. Pets such as cats and dogs at home that chew on the branches and leaves also often show vomiting, listlessness and other signs, which likewise require attention.

In daily care, you can safely enjoy rhododendrons as long as you pay attention to a few points. First, do not pick the flowers and leaves to put in your mouth, and do not use the petals to make infused water or steeped liquor, or trust folk ways of eating them. If there are young children or pets at home, it is advisable to place the flower pots out of reach. When pruning or repotting, it is best to wear gloves, and wash your hands promptly after finishing, to avoid the sap touching sensitive areas such as the mouth and eyes.

Once accidental ingestion occurs, you should immediately stop eating and rinse your mouth; you can keep the leaves or flowers that were eaten as a sample, seek medical attention as soon as possible and truthfully inform the doctor of the situation, and do not induce vomiting on your own or use folk remedies. Overall, the toxicity of rhododendrons is not frightening; with the correct ways of caring for and viewing them, they remain an excellent flower suitable for growing at home.