How Much Do You Know About Poisonous Houseplants?

Houseplants help keep your indoor air clean, make a dramatic statement in your interior design, and provide a sense of well-being around the house. But some plants can poison children or pets. Take this quiz to find out how much you know about the safety of common houseplants.

1. One of the most common houseplants in the U.S. is the philodendron. It grows quickly and soon fills your home with lush, green growth. But chewing on those lush leaves can cause what?

A. Irritation to the mouth, lips, and tongue B. Diarrhea C. Slurred speech D. All of the above

2. Potted daffodils, hyacinth, and narcissus are common in early spring. What parts of these popular plants are poisonous to humans?

A. Flowers B. Stems C. Bulbs D. All of the above

3. Cats love to chew on green things, but chewing on an Easter lily can cause a cat to experience:

A. Sleepiness and loss of appetite B. Kidney failure and death C. Hyperactive behavior and heart failure D. Diarrhea

4. Oleander grows outdoors in warmer regions and is a common houseplant in the northern U.S. Fluid found in all parts of the beautiful oleander plant is considered toxic to both humans and animals.

A. True B. False

5. Rhododendrons and azaleas produce beautiful blooms. But those flowers, and especially the leaves and stems of these two plant species, contain a toxin that causes what symptoms in animals?

A. Hypersalivation B. Projectile vomiting C. Anorexia D. All of the above

6. English ivy is easy to grow, both indoors and out, which makes it a popular choice as a hanging houseplant. But one part of the plant can poison your child or your dog. Which is it?

A. Roots B. Leaves C. Stems D. All of the above

7. Colocasia, also known as elephant ear or dasheen, is prized for its large leaves and makes a delightful addition to your interior. But if eaten, it can cause:

A. Severe pain in the mouth and throat B. Vomiting C. Coma D. All of the above

8. The sago palm is one of the most spectacular houseplants. But if eaten, the leaves and berries of this beauty can produce severe symptoms in people and animals, including:

A. Muscle paralysis B. Diarrhea C. Seizures D. All of the above