Lantana is a common, brightly flowering shrub (Lantana camara) favored in landscaping for its hardiness and vibrant, clustered blooms. Widely used in gardens and as ground cover, this ornamental plant possesses inherent toxicity. This article addresses the safety concerns surrounding the shrub, detailing which parts pose a threat and explaining the potential health consequences for both humans and animals.
Which Parts of the Plant Are Toxic
The entirety of the Lantana camara plant should be considered toxic, though the concentration of harmful substances varies by plant part and ripeness. The highest concentration of toxins is found in the unripe, green berries, which appear as small, dark green spheres. These berries are particularly hazardous to children and pets who might mistake them for edible fruit. The leaves, stems, and flowers also contain toxic compounds, though usually in lower concentrations. While ripe, dark purple or black berries are generally less toxic, they still pose a risk if ingested.
How the Toxins Affect the Body
The toxic effects of Lantana are primarily due to pentacyclic triterpenoids, often referred to as lantadenes. The two most significant compounds are Lantadene A and Lantadene B, which act as potent hepatotoxins. These toxins target the liver, causing intrahepatic cholestasis, a condition that inhibits the liver’s ability to excrete bile.
In humans, ingestion of the plant material, especially the unripe berries, typically results in signs of gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain, appearing relatively quickly after consumption. While human cases are often limited to these issues, ingesting a large quantity can potentially lead to severe outcomes, including liver failure.
The impact on household pets and livestock can be more severe, especially if a large amount is consumed. Initial signs in dogs and cats often mirror those in humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, and general weakness. In more significant poisoning cases, liver damage leads to serious complications like jaundice, identifiable by a yellowing of the eyes, gums, or skin.
Livestock, which may graze on the foliage over time, can also develop photosensitivity. This occurs when retained bile pigments in the skin cause extreme sensitivity and blistering when exposed to sunlight.
Responding to Ingestion and Managing Risk
Immediate action is necessary if you suspect a human has ingested any part of a Lantana plant. The first step is to immediately contact a poison control center or seek professional medical attention. Be prepared to provide information about the part and estimated amount of the plant consumed. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically advised by a medical professional.
If a pet is suspected of eating Lantana, contact your veterinarian or a Pet Poison Helpline immediately. Professionals can assess the level of risk based on the animal’s size and the amount ingested, providing guidance on whether immediate transport to a veterinary clinic is required. Quick intervention is important for managing the effects of lantadene poisoning.
Reducing Risk in the Garden
Homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of accidental poisoning by adopting preventative measures in the garden. For those with young children or curious pets, plant Lantana in hanging baskets or in areas that are completely inaccessible. Regularly removing the small, highly toxic green berries before they ripen is an effective risk-management strategy. Alternatively, choosing sterile varieties of Lantana that do not produce berries eliminates the primary source of severe toxicity.