Are Beautyberry Shrubs Poisonous?

About Beautyberry Shrubs

• Beautyberry shrubs are fast-growing and reach heights between 4 and 8 feet with a spread of the same size. They add color and interest to landscapes long after other plants lose their colorful flowers and foliage in the fall. Beautyberry blooms in shades of lavender and pink, and its foliage turns an appealing yellow in the fall. While it is not known to be poisonous, ingesting part of beautyberry or any other plant can lead to negative side effects such as stomach upset and vomiting or allergic reaction.

Common Poisonous Plants

• While beautyberry plants are not considered toxic to humans or animals, many other plants commonly found indoors and outdoors are. These include tulips (Tulipa spp.), lilies (Lilium spp.), oleander (Nerium oleander), nightshade (Salanum spp.), holly (Ilex spp.), amaryllis (Amaryllis hippeastrum), chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum), and English Ivy (Hedera helix). You can help prevent poisoning from occurring by monitoring children and pets closely around all plants and keeping houseplants where your children or pets can’t eat them.

Pet Poisoning

• If you suspect your pet has ingested beautyberry plant parts, remove any parts still in the mouth and rinse thoroughly with water. While this plant is not poisonous, because it is not part of your pet’s regular diet, it could cause an adverse reaction. Watch for signs of a problem, such as foaming at the mouth, drooling and changes in the skin around the eyes, mouth or paws. Seek medical attention for your pet immediately if it exhibits any unusual behavior. Do not attempt to treat an allergic reaction or poisoning at home. The American Humane Association advises pet owners to contact the National Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 if poisoning is suspected.

Human Poisoning

• Children who have ingested beautyberry might show signs of allergic reaction, such as skin rash, particularly in or around the mouth, or stomach upset. If you did not see your child eat from a beautyberry bush, or cannot identify the plant ingested, it is important to monitor for signs of poisoning. In humans, symptoms of plant poisoning can include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, burning in or around the mouth, irregular heartbeat and convulsions. Do not try to induce vomiting or treat symptoms at home. Poisoning should be treated by a medical professional. Contact your local emergency service or the U.S. Poison Center nationwide helpline at 800-222-1222 if you suspect poisoning in children or adults.