☠️ Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)

☠️ Life-Threatening Toxicity

Sago palm is considered one of the most dangerous ornamental plants for dogs. Although commonly used in Florida landscapes and as a houseplant, every part of the plant is poisonous, with the seeds containing the highest concentration of toxins. Ingesting even a single seed can cause severe liver failure, neurological signs, and death. Any suspected ingestion should be treated as a veterinary emergency.

Identification

• Scientific Name: Cycas revoluta

• Common Names: Sago Palm, King Sago, Japanese Sago Palm, Cycad

• Plant Type: Evergreen cycad (not a true palm)

• Height: Typically 3–10 feet, though older specimens may grow taller

• Leaves: Dark green, glossy, feather-like fronds with stiff, narrow leaflets that emerge in a circular crown from the top of the trunk.

• Trunk: Thick, rough, brown trunk covered with old leaf scars.

• Seeds: Large, bright orange to red seeds produced on female plants.

• Cones: Male plants produce a tall, cone-shaped structure, while female plants develop a rounded seed structure containing numerous seeds.

Where Is It Found?

Distribution in Florida: Throughout the state

Sago palms are extremely popular ornamental plants and are commonly found in:

• Residential landscapes

• Apartment and condominium complexes

• Commercial landscaping

• Shopping centers

• Hotels and resorts

• Parks

• Botanical gardens

• As indoor houseplants

Because they are slow-growing, drought-tolerant, and require relatively little maintenance, they are one of the most widely planted ornamental cycads in Florida.

Toxic Parts

☠️ Every part of the plant is toxic.

This includes:

• Seeds (most toxic)

• Leaves

• Roots

• Trunk

• Cones

The bright orange-red seeds pose the greatest risk because they often attract curious dogs and are easily picked up and chewed.

How Toxic Is It?

☠️ Life-Threatening

Sago palms contain several toxins, including cycasin, which primarily causes severe liver damage. Neurological toxins may also contribute to tremors and seizures. Without prompt veterinary treatment, poisoning can rapidly become fatal.

Signs of Poisoning

Symptoms often begin within a few hours after ingestion and may include:

• Excessive drooling

• Vomiting

• Bloody diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

• Abdominal pain

• Weakness

• Lethargy

• Increased thirst

• Yellowing of the gums, eyes, or skin (jaundice)

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Difficulty walking

• Collapse

• Liver failure

• Abnormal bleeding or bruising

• Death

What Should You Do?

If you suspect your dog has chewed or ingested any part of a sago palm:

• Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's mouth if it can be done safely.

• Contact your veterinarian immediately.

• If your veterinarian is unavailable, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline.

• Do not wait for symptoms to develop. Early treatment dramatically improves the chances of survival.

Prognosis

The prognosis depends on:

• Which part of the plant was ingested

• The amount consumed

• How quickly treatment begins

• Whether liver damage has already developed

Even with aggressive treatment, sago palm poisoning carries a guarded to poor prognosis in severe cases. Dogs that receive immediate veterinary care before significant liver damage occurs have the best chance of recovery.

Interesting Fact

Despite its name, the sago palm is not actually a palm. It belongs to an ancient group of plants called cycads, which have existed since before the age of the dinosaurs. While admired for their tropical appearance, cycads rank among the most poisonous ornamental plants for pets.

Quick Identification Tips

☑️ Stiff, glossy, feather-like fronds arranged in a circular crown

☑️ Thick, rough brown trunk with old leaf scars

☑️ Bright orange to red seeds on female plants

☑️ Large upright cone on male plants

☑️ Frequently planted in Florida landscapes and commonly sold as a houseplant

☑️ One of the most dangerous ornamental plants for dogs in Florida

Descriptio☠️ Oleander (Nerium oleander)

☠️ Life-Threatening Toxicity

Oleander is one of the most dangerous ornamental plants found in Florida. Despite its beautiful flowers and widespread use in landscaping, every part of the plant contains potent cardiac glycosides, toxins that interfere with the heart's normal electrical activity. Ingesting even a small amount can cause severe poisoning, abnormal heart rhythms, and death in both dogs and humans.

Identification

• Scientific Name: Nerium oleander

• Common Names: Oleander, Rosebay

• Plant Type: Evergreen ornamental shrub or small tree

• Height: Typically 6–20 feet

• Leaves: Long, narrow, leathery leaves with smooth edges, usually arranged in pairs or whorls of three. Leaves are dark green with a prominent central vein.

• Flowers: Showy five-petaled flowers that may be pink, white, red, salmon, peach, yellow, or cream depending on the cultivar. Single and double-flowered varieties exist.

• Seed Pods: Long, slender pods that split open when mature to release numerous seeds attached to silky hairs.

Where Is It Found?

Distribution in Florida: Throughout the state

Oleander is one of Florida's most commonly planted ornamental shrubs and is frequently found in:

• Residential landscapes

• Apartment and condominium complexes

• Shopping centers

• Schools

• Parks

• Road medians

• Commercial landscaping

• Public gardens

Because of its drought tolerance and long flowering season, it is widely planted throughout Florida.

Toxic Parts

☠️ Every part of the plant is toxic.

This includes:

• Flowers

• Leaves

• Stems

• Bark

• Roots

• Seed pods

• Seeds

• Plant sap

Even dried leaves remain toxic, and water from a vase containing oleander flowers may contain enough toxins to cause illness if consumed.

How Toxic Is It?

☠️ Life-Threatening

Oleander contains cardiac glycosides, including oleandrin and neriine, which affect the heart's electrical conduction and pumping ability. Even small amounts can result in severe poisoning, particularly in smaller dogs.

Signs of Poisoning

Symptoms may develop within a few hours of ingestion and can include:

• Excessive drooling

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain

• Loss of appetite

• Weakness

• Depression or lethargy

• Tremors

• Dilated pupils

• Slow, rapid, or irregular heartbeat

• Difficulty breathing

• Collapse

• Seizures

• Sudden death

What Should You Do?

If you suspect your dog has chewed or ingested any part of an oleander plant:

• Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's mouth if it can be done safely.

• Contact your veterinarian immediately.

• If your veterinarian is unavailable, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline.

• Do not wait for symptoms to develop. Immediate veterinary treatment offers the best chance of recovery.

Prognosis

The prognosis depends on:

• The amount ingested

• The size of the dog

• How quickly treatment begins

Dogs treated promptly often recover, while delays in treatment significantly increase the risk of life-threatening heart complications.

Interesting Fact

Oleander is so toxic that people have become seriously ill after using its branches as skewers for cooking or roasting food over a fire. Even the smoke from burning large amounts of oleander can be irritating, so the plant should never be burned or used around food preparation.

Quick Identification Tips

☑️ Long, narrow, leathery evergreen leaves

☑️ Leaves grow in pairs or whorls of three

☑️ Showy flowers in pink, white, red, yellow, peach, or salmon

☑️ Large evergreen shrub commonly used in Florida landscaping

☑️ Long, narrow seed pods that split to release silky-haired seeds

☑️ One of the most common—and most dangerous—ornamental shrubs found throughout Floridan text goes here

Description text ☠️ Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)

☠️ Life-Threatening Toxicity

Castor bean is one of the most poisonous plants found in Florida. Although it is commonly grown as an ornamental for its dramatic foliage and colorful seed pods, the seeds contain ricin, one of the most potent naturally occurring plant toxins. Even chewing a small number of seeds can result in severe poisoning, and ingestion should always be treated as a medical emergency.

Identification

• Scientific Name: Ricinus communis

• Common Names: Castor Bean, Castor Oil Plant, Palma Christi

• Plant Type: Fast-growing ornamental shrub or small tree

• Height: Typically 6–15 feet, but can exceed 20 feet under ideal conditions

• Leaves: Large, glossy, star-shaped leaves with 5–11 pointed lobes. Depending on the cultivar, leaves may be bright green, bronze, burgundy, or deep purple.

• Flowers: Upright clusters of small cream, yellow-green, or bright red flowers. Female flowers develop into distinctive spiny seed capsules.

• Seed Pods: Round, spiny capsules that split open when mature.

• Seeds: Smooth, oval, highly decorative seeds mottled in shades of brown, tan, black, and cream that resemble beans or ticks.

Where Is It Found?

Distribution in Florida: Throughout the state

Castor bean is cultivated as an ornamental but has escaped cultivation in many parts of Florida. It may be found in:

• Residential landscapes

• Roadsides

• Vacant lots

• Canal banks

• Pastures

• Disturbed areas

• Natural areas

Toxic Parts

☠️ Every part of the plant is toxic.

The seeds contain the highest concentration of ricin and pose the greatest danger. The leaves, stems, and seed pods are less toxic but can still cause illness if ingested.

How Toxic Is It?

☠️ Life-Threatening

The severity of poisoning depends on how many seeds are consumed and whether they were chewed. Whole seeds may pass through the digestive tract with little damage, but chewed or crushed seeds release ricin, dramatically increasing the risk of severe poisoning.

Signs of Poisoning

Symptoms typically develop within several hours after ingestion and may include:

• Excessive drooling

• Vomiting

• Severe diarrhea (sometimes bloody)

• Abdominal pain

• Loss of appetite

• Weakness

• Dehydration

• Tremors

• Collapse

• Shock

• Organ failure

• Death in severe cases

What Should You Do?

If you suspect your dog has eaten any part of a castor bean plant—especially the seeds:

• Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's mouth if it can be done safely.

• Contact your veterinarian immediately.

• If your veterinarian is unavailable, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline.

• Do not wait for symptoms to develop before seeking veterinary advice.

Prognosis

The prognosis depends on:

• The number of seeds ingested

• Whether the seeds were chewed

• How quickly treatment begins

Dogs that receive prompt veterinary treatment have a significantly better chance of recovery than those whose treatment is delayed.

Interesting Fact

Although the castor bean plant is extremely poisonous, castor oil has been safely used for centuries in medicine, cosmetics, and industrial products. During commercial processing, ricin remains in the leftover seed material and is not present in properly manufactured pharmaceutical-grade castor oil. The raw seeds themselves, however, remain extremely dangerous and should never be considered safe for pets.

Quick Identification Tips

☑️ Large, star-shaped leaves with 5–11 pointed lobes

☑️ Green, burgundy, or deep purple foliage depending on the variety

☑️ Upright clusters of cream, yellow-green, or bright red flowers

☑️ Distinctive spiny seed pods

☑️ Glossy, marbled bean-like seeds in shades of brown, tan, black, and cream

☑️ Common ornamental plant that has become naturalized throughout much of Floridagoes here

☠️ Life-Threatening Toxicity

Despite its delicate, crocus-like flowers, autumn crocus is one of the most dangerous ornamental plants a dog can encounter. All parts of the plant contain colchicine, a highly toxic alkaloid that can cause severe gastrointestinal damage, multi-organ failure, bone marrow suppression, and death. Even small amounts may result in serious poisoning, making immediate veterinary care essential if ingestion is suspected.

Identification

• Scientific Name: Colchicum autumnale

• Common Names: Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron, Naked Lady*

• Plant Type: Perennial bulb (technically a corm)

• Height: 6–12 inches

• Flowers: Goblet-shaped flowers in shades of lavender, pink, or white with six petals and prominent yellow or orange stamens. Flowers emerge in autumn before the leaves appear.

• Leaves: Long, smooth, strap-like green leaves emerge in spring several months after flowering.

• Corm: Rounded underground storage organ covered by a papery brown outer layer.

• Seed Pods: Green capsules that develop among the spring leaves before drying and releasing dark brown seeds.

Note: The common name "Naked Lady" is also used for several unrelated plants, so scientific identification is important.

Where Is It Found?

Distribution in Florida: Primarily cultivated in ornamental gardens throughout the state. It is not native to Florida and is uncommon in natural areas due to the state's warm climate.

You may encounter autumn crocus in:

• Home landscapes

• Botanical gardens

• Specialty bulb gardens

• Ornamental flower beds

Toxic Parts

☠️ Every part of the plant is toxic.

This includes:

• Flowers

• Leaves

• Corm (bulb)

• Seeds

• Stems

The highest concentrations of colchicine are generally found in the corms and seeds, although ingestion of any part should be considered a medical emergency.

How Toxic Is It?

☠️ Life-Threatening

Autumn crocus poisoning is particularly dangerous because symptoms may be delayed for several hours after ingestion, allowing serious internal damage to occur before obvious clinical signs develop.

Signs of Poisoning

Symptoms may include:

• Excessive drooling

• Vomiting

• Severe diarrhea (sometimes bloody)

• Abdominal pain

• Loss of appetite

• Weakness

• Difficulty breathing

• Dehydration

• Tremors

• Collapse

• Bone marrow suppression

• Liver or kidney damage

• Multi-organ failure

Symptoms often begin 2–12 hours after ingestion, although severe complications may continue developing over the next 24–72 hours.

What Should You Do?

If you suspect your dog has ingested any part of an autumn crocus plant:

• Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's mouth if it can be done safely.

• Contact your veterinarian immediately.

• If your veterinarian is unavailable, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline.

• Do not wait for symptoms to develop—early treatment greatly improves the chances of recovery.

Prognosis

The prognosis depends on:

• The amount consumed

• Which part of the plant was ingested

• How quickly treatment begins

Because colchicine poisoning can continue causing damage long after the initial gastrointestinal signs appear, early veterinary intervention is critical.

Interesting Fact

Autumn crocus is frequently confused with true crocuses (Crocus species) because of their similar flowers. While true crocuses are generally considered much less toxic, autumn crocus contains colchicine, making it dramatically more dangerous to dogs. One of the easiest ways to tell them apart is that autumn crocus flowers appear in the fall without leaves, while true crocuses typically bloom with their leaves present.

Quick Identification Tips

☑️ Lavender, pink, or white crocus-like flowers

☑️ Flowers bloom before the leaves appear

☑️ Long, smooth leaves emerge in spring

☑️ Rounded underground corm (bulb)

☑️ Green seed capsules develop among the spring foliage

☑️ Commonly planted as an ornamental bulb in gardensescription

☠️ Life-Threatening

Yew is one of the most poisonous ornamental plants found in landscapes. Although it is more commonly planted in northern states, several yew species and cultivars are grown in Florida as ornamental shrubs, hedges, and container plants. Nearly every part of the plant is highly toxic to dogs, and ingestion can cause sudden, life-threatening effects on the heart. Because symptoms may develop rapidly, any suspected ingestion should be treated as a veterinary emergency.

Identification

• Scientific Name: Taxus species

• Common Names: Yew, English Yew, Japanese Yew, Hicks Yew

• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub or tree

• Height: 2–50 feet, depending on the species and cultivar

• Leaves: Soft, flat, dark green needles arranged in two rows along the stems. The undersides are lighter green.

• Stems: Woody branches with reddish-brown to gray bark.

• Flowers: Small and inconspicuous; not typically noticeable.

• Fruit: Bright red, fleshy berry-like structures (called arils) surrounding a single hard seed. The red flesh is not toxic, but the seed inside is extremely poisonous if chewed.

Where Is It Found?

Distribution in Florida: Primarily North and Central Florida, with occasional use in South Florida as a landscape ornamental.

Yew may be found in:

• Residential landscapes

• Commercial landscaping

• Botanical gardens

• Historic gardens

• Estate properties

• Container plantings

While it is less common than many other ornamentals in Florida, it is occasionally used in shaded landscapes and formal gardens.

Toxic Parts

☠️ Nearly every part of the plant is toxic.

This includes:

• Needles

• Leaves

• Bark

• Twigs

• Seeds (extremely toxic)

• Roots

Only the soft red fleshy covering (aril) is considered non-toxic, but because it surrounds an extremely poisonous seed, the fruit should always be considered dangerous.

How Toxic Is It?

☠️ Life-Threatening

Yew contains powerful alkaloids called taxine A and taxine B, which interfere with the heart's electrical conduction system. Even small amounts can trigger severe cardiac abnormalities, and sudden death may occur with little or no warning.

Signs of Poisoning

Symptoms may include:

• Excessive drooling

• Vomiting

• Weakness

• Difficulty breathing

• Dilated pupils

• Tremors

• Collapse

• Slow or irregular heart rate

• Cardiac arrhythmias

• Low blood pressure

• Seizures

• Sudden cardiac arrest

• Sudden death

Some animals may collapse suddenly with very few warning signs.

What Should You Do?

If you suspect your dog has eaten any part of a yew plant:

• Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's mouth if it can be done safely.

• Contact your veterinarian immediately.

• If your veterinarian is unavailable, proceed to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital without delay.

• Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline while traveling if additional guidance is needed.

• Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Rapid treatment offers the best chance of survival.

Prognosis

The prognosis depends on:

• The amount ingested

• Whether the seeds were chewed

• How quickly treatment begins

Dogs that survive the first 24 hours with aggressive veterinary treatment often recover. However, severe poisonings carry a guarded to poor prognosis because of the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.

Interesting Fact

The same plant responsible for fatal poisonings has also contributed to modern medicine. The Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) was the original natural source of paclitaxel (Taxol®), an important chemotherapy drug used to treat several types of cancer. Despite this medical significance, landscape yews remain among the most dangerous ornamental plants for dogs.

Quick Identification Tips

☑️ Evergreen shrub or small tree with soft, flat, dark green needles

☑️ Needles arranged in two neat rows along the stems

☑️ Bright red berry-like arils containing a single hard seed

☑️ Woody stems with reddish-brown bark

☑️ Often used as a hedge or ornamental foundation planting

☑️ Found primarily in North and Central Florida landscapes

Note: The bright red berries often attract curiosity, but the hard seed inside is one of the most poisonous parts of the plant. Even a small amount of chewed foliage or seeds can be fatal to dogs.

🟠 Moderate Toxicity

Lantana is a colorful flowering shrub commonly found throughout Florida in home landscapes, parks, and along roadsides. While prized for its vibrant blooms and ability to attract butterflies, every part of the plant is toxic to dogs, particularly the unripe green berries. Most cases involve gastrointestinal upset, but larger ingestions can lead to more serious complications, including liver damage.

Identification

• Scientific Name: Lantana camara

• Common Names: Lantana, Wild Sage, Shrub Verbena

• Plant Type: Evergreen or semi-evergreen flowering shrub

• Height: Typically 2–6 feet, though some varieties may grow larger.

• Leaves: Rough, textured, oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. When crushed, the leaves produce a distinctive pungent odor.

• Stems: Green to purplish, square, and covered with fine hairs. Older stems become woody.

• Flowers: Dense clusters of small tubular flowers that change color as they mature. Common color combinations include yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, white, and multicolored varieties.

• Berries: Small round berries that are green when immature and turn dark purple to black when ripe.

Where Is It Found?

Distribution in Florida: Throughout the state

Lantana is extremely common in Florida and may be found in:

• Residential landscapes

• Butterfly gardens

• Parks

• Commercial landscaping

• Roadsides

• Vacant lots

• Coastal areas

• Disturbed natural habitats

Because it tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils, lantana is widely planted throughout Florida and has become naturalized in many areas.

Toxic Parts

🟠 Every part of the plant is considered toxic.

This includes:

• Leaves

• Flowers

• Stems

• Green (unripe) berries

• Ripe berries

The unripe green berries generally contain the highest concentration of toxins.

How Toxic Is It?

🟠 Moderate Toxicity

Lantana contains compounds called lantadenes, which can affect the liver and digestive system. Most dogs that nibble small amounts experience mild gastrointestinal upset, but consuming larger quantities can result in more severe illness.

Signs of Poisoning

Symptoms may include:

• Excessive drooling

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

• Abdominal discomfort

• Lethargy

• Weakness

• Dehydration

With larger ingestions or more severe poisoning:

• Liver damage

• Yellowing of the eyes or gums (jaundice)

• Increased sensitivity to sunlight (rare)

• Collapse

What Should You Do?

If you suspect your dog has eaten lantana:

• Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's mouth if it can be done safely.

• Contact your veterinarian for guidance.

• If your veterinarian is unavailable, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline.

• Monitor your dog closely, even if only a small amount was consumed, as symptoms may take several hours to develop.

Prognosis

The prognosis is generally good for dogs that ingest only a small amount and receive prompt veterinary care. Dogs that consume larger quantities, particularly of the berries, may require hospitalization and supportive treatment. Severe cases involving liver damage carry a more guarded prognosis.

Interesting Fact

Lantana is one of Florida's most popular butterfly plants because its nectar attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. While it provides an important food source for pollinators, its leaves and berries can pose a risk to pets, making it a plant worth carefully considering if you have dogs that like to explore or chew vegetation.

Quick Identification Tips

☑️ Dense clusters of small flowers that often change color as they mature

☑️ Flower colors include yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, white, and multicolored combinations

☑️ Rough, textured leaves with serrated edges

☑️ Leaves have a strong odor when crushed

☑️ Square, slightly hairy stems that become woody with age

☑️ Small green berries that ripen to dark purple or black

Note: There are more than 100 cultivated varieties and hybrids of lantana, so flower colors and growth habits can vary considerably. Despite these differences, all varieties should be considered potentially toxic to dogs.

🔴 Highly Toxic

Azaleas are among the most popular flowering shrubs in Florida, prized for their vibrant spring blooms and evergreen foliage. Unfortunately, every part of the plant is toxic to dogs. Azaleas contain naturally occurring toxins called grayanotoxins, which interfere with normal nerve, muscle, and heart function. Even ingesting a small amount can result in serious poisoning, making prompt veterinary evaluation essential.

Identification

• Scientific Name: Rhododendron species

• Common Names: Azalea

• Plant Type: Evergreen or deciduous flowering shrub

• Height: Typically 2–10 feet, depending on the variety

• Leaves: Small to medium-sized oval leaves with smooth edges. Most Florida landscape varieties have glossy, dark green evergreen foliage.

• Stems: Woody, multi-branched shrub with smooth gray to brown bark.

• Flowers: Funnel- or trumpet-shaped flowers with five petals. Blooms may be pink, white, red, purple, lavender, salmon, peach, or bi-colored depending on the cultivar.

• Seed Pods: Small brown capsules that split open when mature to release numerous tiny seeds.

Where Is It Found?

Distribution in Florida: Throughout the state

Azaleas are one of Florida's most widely planted ornamental shrubs and are commonly found in:

• Residential landscapes

• Apartment and condominium complexes

• Commercial landscaping

• Parks

• Botanical gardens

• Schools

• Hotels and resorts

• Foundation plantings around homes and businesses

They thrive particularly well in North and Central Florida but are grown throughout the state.

Toxic Parts

🔴 Every part of the plant is toxic.

This includes:

• Flowers

• Leaves

• Stems

• Twigs

• Nectar

• Seed pods

The leaves and flowers are the parts most commonly ingested by curious dogs.

How Toxic Is It?

🔴 Highly Toxic

Azaleas contain grayanotoxins, which affect the digestive tract, nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Even chewing a few leaves may be enough to cause clinical signs in a dog. While fatalities are uncommon with prompt treatment, severe poisonings can become life-threatening.

Signs of Poisoning

Symptoms typically develop within a few hours after ingestion and may include:

• Excessive drooling

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

• Abdominal pain

• Weakness

• Lethargy

• Difficulty walking or stumbling

• Tremors

• Low blood pressure

• Slow or irregular heart rate

• Difficulty breathing

• Collapse

• Seizures

• Coma

What Should You Do?

If you suspect your dog has eaten any part of an azalea:

• Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's mouth if it can be done safely.

• Contact your veterinarian immediately.

• If your veterinarian is unavailable, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline.

• Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Early treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery.

Prognosis

The prognosis depends on:

• The amount ingested

• The size of the dog

• How quickly treatment begins

Most dogs recover with prompt veterinary treatment and supportive care. However, larger ingestions can result in serious cardiovascular and neurological complications requiring hospitalization.

Interesting Fact

Azaleas belong to the Rhododendron genus, meaning all azaleas are rhododendrons, but not all rhododendrons are azaleas. Both contain the same toxic compounds, called grayanotoxins. These toxins can also contaminate nectar, producing the rare phenomenon known as "mad honey," which has caused poisoning in both humans and animals.

Quick Identification Tips

☑️ Dense flowering shrub commonly found throughout Florida

☑️ Funnel-shaped flowers in pink, white, red, purple, lavender, salmon, peach, or bi-colored varieties

☑️ Small, glossy oval leaves

☑️ Woody branching stems

☑️ Brown seed capsules that split open to release tiny seeds

☑️ Heavy spring blooms, with some cultivars flowering again later in the year

Note: There are thousands of cultivated azalea varieties available. While flower color, size, and growth habit vary considerably, all azalea varieties should be considered highly toxic to dogs.

🟥 Highly Toxic

Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow is a beautiful flowering shrub commonly grown in Florida landscapes for its fragrant blooms that change color from deep purple to lavender and finally white over several days. Despite its ornamental appeal, every part of the plant is toxic to dogs, with the berries posing the greatest risk. The plant contains several toxic compounds that primarily affect the nervous system and digestive tract, and ingestion can quickly become a veterinary emergency.

Identification

• Scientific Name: Brunfelsia pauciflora

• Common Names: Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow, Kiss Me Quick, Morning-Noon-and-Night

• Plant Type: Evergreen flowering shrub

• Height: Typically 3–8 feet

• Leaves: Glossy, dark green, smooth-edged, elliptical leaves arranged alternately along the stems.

• Stems: Woody, branching shrub with grayish-brown bark.

• Flowers: Fragrant five-petaled flowers that change color over several days from deep purple to lavender and finally white, often displaying all three colors on the same plant simultaneously.

• Fruit: Small round berries that mature from green to yellow-orange or tan and may remain on the plant after flowering.

Where Is It Found?

Distribution in Florida: Throughout much of the state, particularly Central and South Florida.

Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow is commonly found in:

• Residential landscapes

• Botanical gardens

• Parks

• Commercial landscaping

• Tropical and subtropical gardens

• Foundation plantings

Because it prefers warm climates, it is especially popular in Central and South Florida.

Toxic Parts

🟥 Every part of the plant is toxic.

This includes:

• Flowers

• Leaves

• Stems

• Roots

• Berries (most toxic)

The berries are considered particularly dangerous because they are attractive to curious pets and contain high concentrations of the plant's toxins.

How Toxic Is It?

🟥 Highly Toxic

Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow contains several naturally occurring toxins, including brunfelsamidine, which can overstimulate the nervous system. Ingestion may cause severe neurological signs, and large amounts can become life-threatening without prompt veterinary treatment.

Signs of Poisoning

Symptoms may include:

• Excessive drooling

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

• Restlessness

• Muscle tremors

• Muscle rigidity

• Lack of coordination

• Hyperactivity

• Seizures

• Difficulty breathing

• Collapse

Clinical signs may develop within a few hours of ingestion and can progress rapidly.

What Should You Do?

If you suspect your dog has eaten any part of a Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow plant:

• Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's mouth if it can be done safely.

• Contact your veterinarian immediately.

• If your veterinarian is unavailable, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline.

• Do not wait for symptoms to develop. Early treatment greatly improves the chances of recovery.

Prognosis

The prognosis depends on:

• The amount ingested

• Which part of the plant was consumed

• How quickly treatment begins

Many dogs recover with aggressive veterinary care and supportive treatment. However, dogs that develop severe neurological signs or seizures often require hospitalization and intensive monitoring.

Interesting Fact

Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow gets its unusual name because each flower changes color over three days—opening deep purple, fading to lavender the following day, and turning nearly white before dropping from the plant. This means a single shrub often displays three different flower colors at the same time.

Quick Identification Tips

☑️ Purple, lavender, and white flowers often blooming simultaneously

☑️ Fragrant five-petaled flowers

☑️ Glossy, dark green leaves

☑️ Evergreen shrub commonly used in tropical landscapes

☑️ Small round berries that mature from green to yellow-orange or tan

☑️ Most commonly planted in Central and South Florida

Note: Because the colorful flowers and berries are attractive to both children and pets, Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow should be planted with caution in homes where dogs have access to the landscape.