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      How Much Do You Know About Poisonous Houseplants?

      Houseplants help keep your indoor air clean, make a dramatic statement in your interior design, and provide a sense of well-being around the house. But some plants can poison children or pets. Take this quiz to find out how much you know about the safety of common houseplants.

      1. One of the most common houseplants in the U.S. is the philodendron. It grows quickly and soon fills your home with lush, green growth. But chewing on those lush leaves can cause what?
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      Philodendrons come in many varieties, but the most common type of leaf is heart shaped. Calcium oxalate is the primary poison in philodendrons, and all parts of the plant contain it. Other symptoms of philodendron poisoning include burning skin and upset stomach. Dieffenbachia and caladium—also popular house plants—contain similar toxins and cause comparable symptoms when chewed or eaten.
      2. Potted daffodils, hyacinth, and narcissus are common in early spring. What parts of these popular plants are poisonous to humans?
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      Bulbs from these plants resemble shallots and garlic, so it’s important to keep them separate from any foods. Eating these bulbs can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and may be fatal if early symptoms are left untreated.
      3. Cats love to chew on green things, but chewing on an Easter lily can cause a cat to have which of these symptoms:
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      Several species of lily are poisonous to cats. If a cat eats these, they can cause kidney failure. Keep all lilies out of the reach of your cat. Seek immediate help from your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has been eating lilies.
      4. Rhododendrons and azaleas produce beautiful blooms. But those flowers, and especially the leaves and stems of these two plant species, contain a toxin that causes what symptoms in animals?
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      The toxins in these plants can cause many problems in the animals that eat them. The problems include drooling, tearing, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, and convulsions. If you suspect that your pet has eaten either of these plants, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. These poisons can cause coma and death.
      5. English ivy is easy to grow, both indoors and out, which makes it a popular choice as a hanging houseplant. What part of the plant can poison your child or your dog?
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      Eating the leaves, fruit, berries, or seeds of English ivy can cause belly pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
      6. Colocasia, also known as elephant ear, is prized for its large leaves and makes a delightful addition to your interior. But if eaten, it can cause:
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      This attractive and showy houseplant can cause irritation of the skin, mouth, and tongue, throat swelling, trouble breathing, and upset stomach.
      7. The castor bean plant is a large tropical plant. What might happen if part of it is accidentally eaten?
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      The entire castor bean plant is poisonous. The seeds are especially so. It may cause severe symptoms such as intense vomiting and bloody diarrhea, and may lead to death.
      Your score was:

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