Now that summer is here and the kids are out of school, it may be a good time to take a look around the house, both indoors and outdoors, for potential dangers. Since kids will be spending more time at home during the summer, they are more likely to come in contact with the vegetation you have growing in the yard. Knowing the safe plants around children can help you avoid injury or sickness.
When dealing with very young children, it is wise to keep all plants out of reach just to be on the safe side. This is especially true of plants with flowers or berries that may be attractive to small children.
Plants We Suggest
If you are looking for safe plants that are non-poisonous to plant in your yard, consider the following suggestions:
| African violet | Alyssum | Asparagus fern |
| Astilbe | Baby’s breath | Baby’s tears |
| Bachelors buttons | Black-eyed Susan | Boston fern |
| Chinese evergreen | Christmas cactus | Coleus |
| Coral bells | Cosmos | Crocus |
| Dahlia | Dandelion | Daylily |
| Dracaena | Easter lily | Evening primrose |
| Ficus Benjamina | Freesia | Fuchsia |
| Gardenia | Gloxinia | Grape hyacinth |
| Hens and chicks | Hibiscus | Hollyhock |
| Honey locust | Hoya | Impatiens |
| Jade plant | Maple | Marigold |
| Money plant | Mountain ash | Mulberry |
| Peperomia | Persian violet | Petunia |
| Phlox | Poinsettia | Polka-dot plant |
| Portulaca | Prayer plant | Primrose |
| Purple coneflower | Rose | Rubber plant |
| Schefflera | Snapdragon | Spider plant |
| Spiraea | Statice | Tulip |
| Wandering Jew | Weeping Fig | Weigela |
| Yucca | Zinnia |
Still Be Careful With These Plants
It’s important to remember that, while these plants are harmless for most people, there is a chance that certain kids that may have an unusual reaction. Additionally, some plants may have leaves or bulbs that small children can choke on even though they aren’t poisonous. Be sure to check with your vet to find out what plants are safe for pets.
If your child does happen to come in contact with a poisonous plant, be sure to contact poison control or 911 right away especially if they are choking or having a hard time breathing. You shouldn’t taste the plant yourself. Some poisonous plants can cause itching, rashes and blisters just by touching them. Be sure to wash the infected area right away with soap and lukewarm water.
Do Your Plant Research
By taking the time to do your research before planting, you can easily avoid poisonous plants or other vegetation that may be harmful to your children. If you have a plant on your property now that you are concerned about, feel free to give ABC Scapes a call. We can take a look and give you our advice.
When it comes to safe plants and beautiful landscape, trust the experts at ABC Scapes. We have been providing quality landscaping services to Arizona for more than 20 years and are ready to put our knowledge to work for you.