The common garden plant known as Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila menziesii) is an annual herb native to western North America, widely cultivated for its delicate, cup-shaped blue flowers. This article addresses the safety profile of Nemophila menziesii for households with children and pets.
Toxicity Status of Nemophila menziesii
The common Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila menziesii) is classified as non-toxic to both humans and common household pets like dogs and cats. Major veterinary toxicology resources, such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), list this species as non-poisonous. This means the plant does not contain chemical compounds that cause severe, life-threatening poisoning.
While it is not considered poisonous, ingesting large amounts of any plant material can cause mild, temporary digestive upset. This reaction is typically due to the high fiber content of the plant matter, not from a systemic toxin. Symptoms may include minor vomiting or diarrhea, but these effects are usually brief and not medically concerning. Therefore, the plant poses a low risk in the landscape.
Distinguishing Baby Blue Eyes from Toxic Look-Alikes
Confusion about the toxicity of Baby Blue Eyes often stems from the use of similar common names for completely different, and sometimes dangerous, plants. Nemophila menziesii is easily identified by its bright cerulean blue flowers, often with a white center, and its delicate, deeply lobed leaves. The plant has a low, sprawling growth habit, typically forming dense patches in the garden.
Hound’s Tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) is often mistaken for Baby Blue Eyes, but it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are toxic, particularly to livestock and pets. Unlike the low-growing Nemophila, Hound’s Tongue is a much taller biennial plant, reaching heights of up to three feet. Its flowers are a dull reddish-purple or blue-red, and its leaves are hairy and shaped like a tongue.
Another plant with a similar name is “Blue-Eyed Grass” (Sisyrinchium species), which is generally non-toxic but looks nothing like Nemophila menziesii. Blue-Eyed Grass has small, star-shaped flowers and a grass-like, upright growth habit. Identifying Nemophila menziesii by its scientific name and specific visual characteristics helps eliminate concerns related to look-alikes.
Safe Gardening Practices and Exposure Response
Even with a non-toxic plant like Nemophila menziesii, general safety measures should be adopted in gardens frequented by children or pets. Discourage the habit of eating or chewing on any ornamental plants, regardless of their toxicity status. Creating designated play areas away from garden beds can help minimize accidental ingestion.
If a child or pet ingests an unknown plant, an immediate response is necessary. First, remove any remaining plant material from the mouth and rapidly identify the plant, if possible, by taking a picture or collecting a sample. Next, contact a medical professional, the national Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222, or a veterinarian immediately for guidance. Monitor for symptoms of distress, such as excessive drooling, vomiting, or lethargy, while waiting for professional advice.