The ‘Obsession Nandina’ is a popular ornamental shrub known for its vibrant foliage and belongs to the species Nandina domestica, often called Heavenly Bamboo. Despite its common use in landscaping, the plant is toxic if ingested by pets or humans. This cultivar is favored because it is a non-fruiting variety, which reduces one of the primary risks associated with the species. However, all parts of the Nandina domestica plant contain poisonous compounds, requiring careful management for safety.
Specificity of Nandina Toxicity
The primary toxic agents in the Nandina domestica plant are a group of chemicals known as cyanogenic glycosides. These compounds are safely stored within the plant’s cellular structure until the tissue is damaged by chewing or digestion. Once the plant material is ingested, enzymes in the digestive tract break down the glycosides, which then release hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Hydrogen cyanide is a rapid-acting systemic poison that interferes with cellular respiration, effectively preventing the body’s cells from utilizing oxygen.
While all parts of the plant are considered toxic, the concentration of cyanogenic glycosides is highest in the bright red berries. The leaves and stems also contain these compounds, posing a risk if consumed in quantity. Since the ‘Obsession’ cultivar is non-fruiting, it significantly reduces the most concentrated source of the poison.
Recognizing Ingestion Symptoms
The symptoms of poisoning are directly related to hydrogen cyanide interfering with the body’s ability to use oxygen. In severe cases, particularly in grazing animals and birds, signs can appear rapidly, often within minutes to a few hours of consumption. Highly susceptible animals, such as ruminants, have died after consuming the concentrated toxins in the berries.
Common symptoms in affected animals include gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea, followed by more severe neurological and respiratory issues. These can manifest as difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, uncoordinated movement, and lethargy. A tell-tale sign in severe cyanide poisoning can be a rapid drop in blood pressure and cherry-red colored mucous membranes, reflecting the body’s inability to use oxygen.
Human ingestion, especially of small quantities, typically results in milder effects, such as minor stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting. However, any suspected ingestion requires immediate professional attention due to the potential for severe consequences. If you suspect a pet has eaten the plant, contact a veterinarian or a pet poison helpline; for human exposure, contact the regional Poison Control Center.
Managing the Plant Safely
The ‘Obsession’ cultivar’s lack of berries is a primary safety advantage, but homeowners must still take preventative measures to minimize the risk of ingestion. The shrub should be planted in locations away from pet enclosures or areas where small children frequently play unsupervised.
Regular inspection of the plant is advisable to ensure no unusual development of berries occurs, although this is rare for the cultivar. If the plant requires pruning, it is best to wear garden gloves to prevent any potential skin irritation from the plant sap. Dispose of all pruned material safely, ensuring that trimmings are not accessible to grazing animals or household pets.