Toxic Oleander

TOXIC OLEANDER An infographic by HorseDVM Oleander (Nerium oleander) is an upright, rounded evergreen shrub or small tree in the dogbane family Apocynaceae. It is known for it's bright showy, usually pink (but not always) flowers. Oleander is commonly sold in nurseries and garden centers worldwide. It grows vigorously in warm subtropical regions, where it is extensively used as an ornamental plant for landscaping. All parts of the plant are highly toxic. What Oleander Looks Like 4.0 - 5.0 ft (1.2 - 1.5 m) 4.0 - 8.0 ft (1.2 - 2.4 m) A tree OR A shrub COLORS Fruit Leaves Flowers A long narrow pair of follicles, which splits open to release seeds. Thick, glossy, green, narrow lanceolate. In pairs or whorls of three. 5-petaled, fragrant, funnel-shaped. Grow in clusters. Oleander Toxins of oleander (fresh or dried) are highly toxic, due to the presence of cardiac glycosides----specifically oleandrin, folineriin, adynerin, and digitoxigenin. The flowers vary slightly in toxicity depending on their color. Ingestion of only 0.005% of the horse's bodyweight in dry leaves (e.g. 5-15 leaves) is lethal to an adult horse. All parts CARDIAC GLYCOSIDES FLOWER COLOR TOXICITY SCALE MORE TOXIC H HO. OH H OH HO H OLEANDRIN DIGITOXIGENIN WHAT THESE TOXINS DO Cardiac irregularities Sudden death Profuse, watery and bloody diarrhea Acute colitis LESS TOXIC How Horses are Exposed to Oleander When used for landscaping around horse stables and/or pastures. Poisoned horse treats (maliciously) When horses are given access to yard/garden clippings. HorseDVM