Toxic Plants

Toxic part(s) Specific Toxin(s) and Symptoms


Table 1. Plants Toxic to Birds. This list is by no means all-inclusive

A-B-C-D-E-F -G-H-I-J-K -L-M-N-O-P -Q-R-S-T-U -W-X-Y-Z

Toxic Plant Toxic part(s) Specific Toxin(s) Symptoms
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) leaves, shoots, bark, twigs and pits cyanogenic glycosides Rapid Breathing, Low Blood Pressure, Red Comb Or Wattles, Seizures, Incoordination, Constipation, Weight Loss, Difficulty Breathing, Death.
Avocado (Persea americana) Pit, leaves, unripe fruit, stems Unknown but related to cardiac toxicity possiblly a fatty acid derivative called persin Weakness, inability to perch, labored breathing, feather fluffing
Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima) leaves cyanogenic glycosides Hypersalivation, Difficulty Breathing, Incoordination, Cyanosis, Staggering, Convulsions, Sudden Death.
Azalea (Rhododendron spp) leaves,stems, flowers cardiac glycosides Diarrhea Tremors, Cardiac Irregularities, Weakness, Edema, Weakened Heart Rate, Seizures, Death.
Bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypifolia) Bark, leaves, seeds purgative oil and curcin Appetite Loss, Diarrhea, Weight Loss, Dehydration, Dilated Pupils, Elevated Heart Rate, Death.
Bitter Almond (Prunus dulcis) leaves, seeds cyanogenic diglucoside amygdalin Blue-Purplish Comb/Wattles, Weakness, Sudden Death.
Bitter Root (Lewisia rediviva) entire plant cardiac glycosides Diarrhea, Weakness, Cardiac Arrhythmias, Increased Temperature And Pulse, Dilated Pupils, Cold Extremities, Loss Of Appetite, Discolored Mucous Membrane.
Black bean tree (Castanospermum australe) leaves, seeds saponins and castanospermine, an indolizidine alkaloid Depression,Weight Loss, Labored Breathing, Diarrhea, Sudden Death, Frequent Urination
Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) All parts robin, a toxalbumin Loss Of Appetite, Diarrhea (Possibly Bloody), Weakness, Depression, Paralysis, Death.
Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) All parts steroidal glycoalkaloids. Solanine is the principal toxin Diarrhea, Dilated Pupils, Loss Of Appetite, Loss Of Muscular Coordination, Convulsions, Sudden Depression.
Blue-green algae (Microcystis aeruginosa) All parts Anatoxin A, mycrocystin Inability to swim or fly, abnormal posture, frequent defecation, respiratory arrest
Boxelder (Acer negundo) seeds hypoglycin A Weakness, Stiffness, Reluctance To Move, Red-Brown Urine, Rapid Respiratory Rate, Difficulty Breathing<./td>
Calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopiea) All parts Oxalates Oral irritation, difficulty swallowing, vomiting
Carolina Jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens) All parts strychnine-related alkaloids gelsemine, gelseminine and sempervirine Wry Neck, Sudden Death, Weakness,
Castor bean (Ricinus communis) All parts Ricin I & II, glycosidase Vomiting, diarrhea (may be bloody) Note: similar symptoms may be seen with ingested prayer beans, rosary peas or Seminole beads used in beadwork and rattles)
Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) all parts tetranortriterpene neurotoxins Diarrhea, Incoordination, Depression, Weakness, Seizures, Paralysis, Death.
Cassava Manihot esculenta Roots and leaves cyanogenic glycosides, linamarin and lotaustralin. Vomiting, diarrhea, oral irritation, incoordination, irregular heart rate, collapse
Chokecherry (Prunus viginiana) All parts cyanogenic glycosides - amygdalin and prunasin Difficulty Breathing, Weakness, Hypersalivation, Seizures, Sudden Death.
Christmas cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) All parts including tubers and unripened fruit Solanine, atropine-like alkaloids, saponins Vomiting, diarrhea, irregular or rapid heart rate, difficulty swallowing, labored breathng, dilated pupils, no urine production, paralysis, seizures
Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) seed and cotyledons hepatoxin carboxyatractyloside, which is a sulfated diterpene glycoside Depression, Increased Respiratory Rate, Incoordination, Stiffness, Weakness, Reluctance To Move, Tremors, Seizures, Death.
Coffee beans, (Sesbania drumundii), Tea, Chocolate Beans (coffee) Leaves (tea), all chocolates especially dark Caffeine, theobromine, theophylline Nervous system stimulation, increased rate of breathing and heart rate, seizures, diarrhea
Coffee Senna Senna occidentalis seeds dianthrone Marked Decrease In Egg Production Death
Corn Cockle (Agrostemma githago) all parts saponin-like substances, githagin and agrostemmic acid Listless, Unkempt Appearance (Rough Feathering), Diarrhea, Cheesy Material In Mouth, Oral Lesions, Decreased Respiratory Rate, Decreased Heart Rate.
Cottonseed (Gossypium spp) Seeds gossypol, a poisonous phenolic Bluish-Purplish Comb/Wattles, Yellow-Colored Comb/Wattle, Sudden Death, Weakness, Loss Of Appetite.
Creeping Indigo (Indigofera spicata) All parts non-protein amino acid indospicine, 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) Depression, Appetite Loss, Incoordination, Recumbancy, Death.
Curly Dock (Rumex crispus) All parts anthraquinones, oxalates and tannins Listlessness, Dullness, Incoordination, Weakness, Coma, Excess Salivation, Tremors, Recumbency, Sudden Death.
Day Jessamine (Cestrum diurnum) All parts calcinogenic glycosides of vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3) Hypercalcemia, Nephrocalcinosis, Demineralization Of Bones, Calcinosis.
Deathcamas (Zigadenus venenosus) leaves, stems, bulbs, and flowers zygacine, a neurotoxic steroidal alkaloid Depression, Trembling, Incoordination, Respiratory Failure, Convulsions, Coma, Death.
Diffenbachia (Diffenbachia spp.) All parts Oxalates Oral irritation, difficulty swallowing, vomiting
Eggplant (Solanum melongena) Stem, leaves, sprouts (ripe fruits are OK) Solanine, atropine-like alkaloids Vomiting, diarrhea, irregular or rapid heart rate, difficulty swallowing, labored breathng, dilated pupils, no urine production, paralysis, seizures
Elephant's ear (Colocasia or Alocasia spp.) All parts Oxalates Oral irritation, difficulty swallowing, vomiting
Emerald Feather (Asparagus aethiopicus) stems unknown contact dermatitis in chickens
Ergot (Claviceps purpurea) All parts Ergopeptide alkaloids Poor blood supply to extremities, hyperexcitability, seizures
European Spindletree (Euonymus europaea) all parts digitalis-like cardioactive steroid and several alkaloids Diarrhea, Weakness
Fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii) All parts pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) Appetite Loss, Depression, Jaundice, Behavioral Changes, Frequent Yawning, Photosensitvity, Loss Of Condition, Head Pressing, Diarrhea, Weight Loss, Incoordination, Aimlessly Wandering, Awkward Gaits.
Fly Poison (Amianthium muscaetoxicum) Entire plant cevanine-type veratrum ester alkaloids, amianthine, and jervine toxins Difficulty Breathing, Weakness, Lameness, Collapse, Death.
Foxglove (Digitalis pupurea) Entire plant, including water from pot or vase Glycosides, digitalis Vomiting, diarrhea, oral irritation, incoordination, irregular heart rate, collapse
Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) Sap photosensitizing furanocoumarins; several of which are known to be carcinogenic and teratogenic Photosensitvity
Green Cestrum (Cestrum parqui) all parts tropane alkaloids, solanines, and carboxyatractyloside Depression, Difficulty Breathing, Incoordination, Stiffness, Seizures, Coma, Death.
Green Onion (Allium ascalonicum) all parts N-propyl sulfide, allyl disulfide, and methyl disulfide Dark Red Urine, Pale Comb And Wattles, Increased Heart Rate, Ataxia, Paralysis, Onion Breath.
Ground Mexican Poppy (Argemone mexicana) all parts isoquinoline alkaloids, dehydrocorydalmine, jatrorrhizine, columbamine, and oxyberberine. The seeds contain toxic alkaloids sanguinarine and dihydrosanguinarine. Depression, Extreme Swelling Of The Legs, Death.
Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa) all parts cyanogenetic glycosides. Labored Breathing, Convulsions, Excitability, Sudden Death.
Heliotrope (Heliotropium europaeum) all parts pyrrolizidine alkaloids Appetite Loss, Depression, Jaundice, Abdominal Swelling, Nervousness, Hyperexcitability, Death, Photosensitivity, Incoordination.
Holly Ilex opaca berries saponins, terpenoids, sterols, alkaloids, and cyanogenic glucosides Diarrhea, Depression.
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) seeds, bark aescin, a complex mixture of saponins, Diarrhea, Depression, Dilated Pupils, Coma, Seizures.
Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense) seeds, bark highly toxic alkaloids, solanine. Solanine is a glycoalkaloid Diarrhea, Weakness, Slow Breathing, Death.
Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale) all parts pyrrolizidine alkaloids---cynoglossine, consolidine, echinatine and heliosupine Weight Loss, Jaundice, Diarrhea, Photosensitivity.
Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) all parts accumulate high amounts of metals from the soil from where its grown Loss Of Appetite
Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) all parts accumulate high amounts of metals from the soil from where its grown Loss Of Appetite
Indian Pea (Lathyrus sativus)/td> Seeds β-N-Oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid or ODAP, a neurotoxic amino acid causes wasting and paralysis in humans
Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) Berries, roots, leaves needle-like calcium oxalate crystals Hypersalivation, Difficulty Swallowing, Blistering Mouth.
Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum) all parts syringin (ligustrin), which is an irritant glycoside Diarrhea, Renal Damage, Death.
Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) All parts, including tubers, sprouts, and unripe berries Solanine, atropine Vomiting, diarrhea, irregular or rapid heart rate, difficulty swallowing, labored breathng, no urine production, paralysis, seizures
Jimsonweed (Datura spp.) All parts, especially seeds and leaves Atropine, scopolamine, hyoscyamine Irregular or rapid heart rate, difficulty swallowing, labored breathng, dilated pupils, no urine production, paralysis, seizures
Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) All parts cyanogenic glycosides and nitrates Blue-Purplish Comb/Wattles, Weakness, Sudden Death.
Kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seeds and leaves phytohaemagglutinin, a lectin, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in humans
Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) all parts oxalates Difficulty Breathing, Weak Heart Rate, Tremors, Weakness, Death.
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) All parts Cardiac glycosides: convallatoxin Vomiting, diarrhea, oral irritation, incoordination, irregular heart rate, collapse
Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) Seed Pods linamarin, a cyanogenic glycoside. Vomiting, diarrhea, oral irritation, incoordination, irregular heart rate, collapse
Locoweed (Astragalus emoryanus) Leaves Swainsonine, alkaloids Hyperexcitability, incoordination, vomiting, drowsiness
Longstalk Springparsley (Cymopterus longipes) all parts furocoumarins, oxypeucedanin and isoimperitorin Redness And Swelling Of Unfeathered Areas, Loss Of Feathers In The Periorbital Area, Dried Serous Fluid On Comb And Edge Of Beak, Keratoconjunctivitis, Multiple Lesions On Feet And Legs, Tremors In The Legs, Limb And Beak Deformities.
Lupine Lupinus polyphyllus seeds leaves quinolizidine alkaloids Nervousness, Depression, Difficulty Breathing, Aimlessly Wandering, Muscle Twitching, Excessive Salivation, Convulsions, Coma, Death.
Marshmallow (Malva parviflora) all parts toxin is unknown Abnormal eggs
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum autumnale) all parts colchicine, a cytotoxic alkaloid Difficulty Swallowing, Diarrhea, Weakness, Shock, Respiratory Distress.
Mango (Mangifera indica) Sap and Peel urushiol, the allergen in poison ivy and poison sumac can cause urushiol-induced contact dermatitis in humans
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) All parts and latex (milky juice) Cardenoloids (cardiac glycosides) Oral and/or facial blisters, irregular heart rate, incoordination, collapse
Mistletoe (Phoradendron villosum) All parts, especially holly berries Viscumin, viscotoxin Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing, irregular heart rate, collapse
Monkshood (Aconitum napellus) leaves stem, roots alkaloids, aconitine, mesaconitine, jesaconitine, hypaconitine and deoxyaconitine Diarrhea, Tremors, Cardiac Failure, Convulsions, Death.
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) leaves berries grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins) and sodium channel activators Appetite Loss, Diarrhea, Depression, Weakness, Incoordination, Paralysis, Weak Heart Rate.
Nardoo (Marsilea drummondii) All parts thiaminase Weight Loss, Lethargy, Incoordination, Tremors, Weak Pulse, Seizures, Death.
Nightshade (Solanum spp.) All parts Belladonna, atropine-like alkaloids Vomiting, diarrhea, irregular or rapid heart rate, difficulty swallowing, labored breathng, dilated pupils, no urine production, paralysis, seizures
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) Seeds myristicin, a naturally occurring insecticide and acaricide with possible neurotoxic effects on neuroblastoma cells
Oak (Quercus spp.) All parts Tannins Loss of appetite, diarrhea, increased thirst
Oleander (Nerium oleander) All parts Glycosides: oleadrum, neroside Vomiting, diarrhea, oral irritation, incoordination, irregular heart rate, collapse
Paradoxa Grass *Phaloris paradoxa) all parts tryptamine alkaloids Sudden Death
Paterson's Curse (Echium plantagineum) all parts pyrrolizidine alkaloids, particularly echiumine and echimidine Appetite Loss, Depression, Jaundice, Behavioral Changes, Photosensitvity, Loss Of Condition, Incoordination, Aimlessly Wandering, Death.
Peach (Prunus persica) leaves, flowers, bark and seeds cyanogenic glycosides Weakness, Dilated Pupils, Tremors, Seizures, Difficulty Breathing, Sudden Death.
Physic Nut Jatropha curcas all parts Phytotoxins or toxalbumins are large, complex protein molecules of high toxicity Appetite Loss, Diarrhea, Weight Loss, Dehydration, Dilated Pupils, Elevated Heart Rate, Death.
Philodendron (Philodendron scandens) All parts, including roots Oxalates Oral irritation, difficulty swallowing, vomiting
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcheriama) Leaves, stem, white sap Phorbol esters Vomiting, diarrhea, facial or eye irritation
Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) all parts piperidine alkaloids, y-coniceine and coniine Salivation, Weakness, Nervous Signs, Paralysis, Diarrhea, Reduced Growth, Hepatic Congestion, Enteritis.
Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) Roots, leaves, berries Saponin Vomiting, tremors, collapse
Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) Stem, leaves, sprouts, green skins Solanine, atropine-like alkaloids Vomiting, diarrhea, irregular or rapid heart rate, difficulty swallowing, labored breathng, dilated pupils, no urine production, paralysis, seizures
Ragwort (Senecio jacobea) All parts pyrrolizidine alkaloids (jacobine, eruifoline, and senecionine) Lethargy, Aimlessly Wandering, Depression, Chronic Weight Loss, Photosensitization, Weakness, Listlessness, Jaundice, Diarrhea, Blindness, Circling.
Rangers Button (Sphenosciadium) All parts unknown Photosensitvity.
Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) All parts tryptamine alkaloids Difficulty Breathing Weakness, Lameness, Collapse, Death.
Rhododendron (Rhodedendron simsii), Rhododendron species (Azalea) All parts Andromedotoxin, grayanotoxin Vomiting, weakness, collapse, seizure, stupor, coma
Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) All parts oxalic acid, anthranoids, anthraquinone glycosides, aloeemodin, physcion, tannins (5-10%), pectin, phenolic, and carboxylic acids. Jaundice, Tremors, Hypersalivation.
Rosary Bean (Abrus precatorius) seed abrin, toxalbumin Diarrhea, Tremors, Elevated Heart Rate, Fever, Death.
Rubber Vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora) all parts Cardiac glycosides Sleepiness, Weakness, Diarrhea, Cardiac Arrhythmias, Cold Extremities, Sweating, Difficulty Breathing, Sudden Death.
Sabi Star (Adenium obesum) all parts cardioactive steroids and cardiac glycosides Bradycardia, Cardiac Arrhythmias, Hyperkalemia, Colic, Loss Of Appetite, Lethargy.
Sacred Bamboo (Nandina domestica) whole plant concentraied in seeds cyanogenic glycosides and alkaloids (nantenine) Weakness, Incoordination, Seizures, Difficulty Breathing, Death.
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) whole plant concentraied in seeds cycasin Increased Thirst, Jaundice, Sudden Death.
Showy Rattlebox (Crotalaria spectabilis) seeds pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) Appetite Loss, Depression, Ruffled Feathers, Necroitic Enteritis, Easily Excitable, Blood In Feces, Nasal Discharge (Blood), Weakness, Incoordination.
Spanish Gold Sesbania punicea whole plant pyrrolizidine alkaloids Weight Loss, Weakness, Listlessness, Incoordination, Jaundice, Aimlessly Wandering, Sudden Death.
Spring Parsley (Cymopterus watsonii) whole plant concentrated in seed furocoumarins xanthotoxin bergapte Redness And Swelling Of Unfeathered Areas Of Skin (Followed By Blistering And Scabs), Dried Serous Fluid On Comb And Edge Of Beak, Keratoconjunctivitis, Multiple Lesions On Feet And Legs, Leg And Feet Deformities, Beak Deformities, Reduced Eyesight.
SSt. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) whole plant quinone called hypericin/td> Photosensitivity, Listlessness, Dilated Pupils, Lameness, Diarrhea.
Star Of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) whole plant cardioactive steroids (convallatoxin and convalloside)/td> Weakness, Diarrhea, Weak Pulse, Difficulty Breathing, Death.
Sudan Grass (Sorghum bicolor) whole plant cyanogenic glycosides and ergotism/td> Stumbling, Paralysis, Ataxia, Ergot Toxicity.
Summer Pheasant's Eye (Adonis aestivalis) whole plant concentrated in leaves and flowers cardiac glycosides, adonitoxin, strophanthin, vernadigin, and cymarin/td> Lethargy, Loss Of Appetite, Colic, Sleepiness, Weakness, Diarrhea, Cardiac Arrhythmias, Muscle Tremors, Weak Peripheral Pulse, Ileus, Foul Odor, Sweating, Difficulty Breathing, Dark Mucus Membranes, Dehydration, Sudden Death.
Sweat Pea (Lathyrus odoratus) whole plant enzyme beta-aminoproprionitrile (BAPN), which can cause Lathyrism a paralysis syndrome Stumbling, Paralysis.
Strychnine tree Bark Flowers nurotoxin alkaloids strychnine and brucine muscular convulsions and eventually death through asphyxia
Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) seeds endophytic fungus, Neotyphodium coenophialum Reduced Growth Rate, Decreased Egg Production, Eggs Laid That Lack Shells
Tobacco (Nicotiana spp.) All parts Nicotine Vomiting, diarrhea, hyperexcitability, seizures, muscle twitching, coughing, eye irritation
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) Stem, leaves, sprouts (ripe fruits are OK) Solanine, atropine-like alkaloids Vomiting, diarrhea, irregular or rapid heart rate, difficulty swallowing, labored breathng, dilated pupils, no urine production, paralysis, seizures
Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) all parts concentrated in seeds cyanogenic glycosides. Labored Breathing, Frothing At The Mouth, Incoordination, Muscle Tremors, And Convulsions.
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolio) Berries, leaves Oxalic acid Vomiting, diarrhea (possibly bloody), drowsiness, stupor, renal failure
Water Hemlock (Cicuta virosa) all parts cicutoxin, a potent neurotoxin, and cicutol, an unsaturated aliphathic alcohol Nervousness, Hypersalivation, Tremors, Dilated Pupils, Grinding, Rapid Pulse, Rapid Breathing, Seizures, Death.
Wild Radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) flowers isothiocyanates irritate the bird's gastrointestinal tract.
Wild Lettuce (Lactuca virosa) leaves flavonoids, coumarins, and N-methyl-β-phenethylamine analgesic, sedative decreased level of consciousness, agitation, dry mucosa, mydriatic pupils, urinary retention
Wormseed Mustard (Chenopodium ambrosioides) flowers nitrates renal failure
Yellow Starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) all parts sesquiterpene lactones that consist of: solstitialin A, repin, subluteolide, acroptilin, janerin, cynaropicrin, lactones solstitiolide and episolstitiolide. Dehydration, Severe Weight Loss, Depression.
Yew (Taxus media) Wood, bark, seeds, leaves Alkaloids (taxines) Muscle tremors, difficulty breathing, collapse, sudden death

More information on specific plant toxins and symptoms


Table 2. Plants Safe for Birds (nowhere near exhaustive)
Indoor/House Plants
Outdoor Plants
African violet American bittersweet
Aloe Autumn olive
Areca palm Bamboo
Australian laurel Barberry
Bamboo palm Bayberry
Begonias American or European Beech
Bird's nest fern Bladdernut
Boston fern Blueberry
Bottle brush fern Comfrey
Canary Island palm Coralberry
Christmas cactus Cotoneaster firethorn
Coffee tree Crabapple
Corn plant Dogwood
Creeping fig Common, European or Red Elderberry
Danish ivy Balsam, Douglas, Subalpine or White Fir
Devil's ivy Grape vine
Dragon tree Huckleberry
European fan palm Marigold
Fiddle leaf fig Nasturtium
Fig tree Ponderosa, Spruce, Virginia, or White Pine
Flame nettle Pyracantha
Hawaiian scheffler Raspberry
Indian laurel Rose
Jade plant Snowberry
Kangaroo vine Black, Norway, Red, or White Spruce
Lace fern Viburnum
Lady palm Wax plant
Maidenhair fern White poplar
Ming fern Willow
Mother fern
Mother-in-law's tongue
Norfolk pine
Paradise palm
Parlor palm
Pepperomia
Prayer plant
Purple passion
Rubber tree
Spider plant
Umbrella tree
Wandering Jew