Hi-

Oleanders are an extremely common non-native plant here in Southern California in the US. They are mostly used in areas with few humans - on highway shoulders or as borders in industrial areas. They have been used here for 40 years as I can remember. I am not a medical professional, but I understand that the sap, leaves and even smoke are all poisonous if consumed in significant amounts. This said, there are very, very few cases of poisoning, probably due to the local knowledge that this plant is dangerous.

About 8 years ago, I recall two small children dying in Los Angeles from ingesting oleander leaves. Their mother had left then alone to play in a backyard and did not know that the oleanders were poisonous. Apparently the emergency staff also made a delayed diagnosis, which gives you an idea of how rare this is. I am not sure what the antidote is for oleander poisoning, but I am sure that it would involve an urgent trip to the hospital.

I would not plant oleanders if I had small kids or pets and I would not leave kids or pets unattended in an area with oleanders.

Best regards, ShadowÂs Mom

Oleanders contain a very potent alcaloid. They are extremely poisonous. Four or five leaves would be enough to kill horse. It is said that Napoleon lost a few hundred soldiers in Spain because they had roasted meat on oleander sticks.
I would keep very far from them

yes, surely, don't plant oleander please - it is too much dangerous - truly ok for Napoleon'story

I Have children and grandchildren that i believe will not suffer for my joy in Oleander flowers...that may sound ridiculous but having said that ,the Spanish authorities in my area (Malaga) use them as flora ,hedging ,and bushes in ALL the local parks and gardens ,even as perimeters of playgrounds .........please world .....don't protect ...TEACH

Afriend, while in Stockholm, saw a sign to a garden she so wanted to visit. The name of the garden was,Millisgarten. Ihope I'm not posting wrong this is my first post so please excuse me if I am.My friend is going back to Stockholm and would still like to visit the gardn but we can't find it on the web.

Hi Junebug,
Click on the link below for some information on the garden.
Cheers,
Dee.

Here is a link that might be useful: Millesgarten, Stockholm