Is Daphne Poisonous? – Toxic Berries, Bark, and What to Do

Daphne is highly toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. Every part of the plant, including the berries, bark, leaves, and sap, contains potent toxins. The berries are bright red or yellow and visually appealing, which makes them a particular risk for children. Ingestion of even a small amount should be treated as a medical emergency and not a wait-and-see situation.

What Part of Daphne Is Toxic?

All parts of the plant are toxic. The primary toxins are mezerein and daphnetoxin, found in the berries, bark, leaves, and sap. The berries are the most common source of poisoning because they are accessible, brightly colored, and found at a height that children and dogs can reach easily.

Several species are grown as ornamental garden shrubs in temperate regions. Daphne mezereum (February daphne) and Daphne odora (winter daphne) are the most common in home gardens. All Daphne species should be treated as equally dangerous.

Symptoms of Daphne Ingestion

Daphne causes rapid-onset symptoms due to the potency of its toxins.

Dogs and cats: Drooling, oral blistering and swelling, vomiting, diarrhea that may be bloody, weakness, and collapse. The caustic toxins cause burning and blistering of the mouth and throat that can make swallowing difficult. Severe ingestion affects the kidneys and can be fatal.

Humans and children: Burning and blistering of the mouth and throat immediately on contact. Vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weakness, and severe abdominal pain follow. In serious cases, kidney damage and internal bleeding are possible. The immediate burning sensation may limit how much a child willingly ingests, but the toxic dose is low enough that even a small amount warrants emergency attention.

What to Do If Someone Ingests Daphne

1. This is an emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately if a human has ingested any part of the plant.
2. Call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 (US) while preparing to go. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
3. For pets, go directly to an emergency veterinarian. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 on the way.
4. Do not induce vomiting unless a medical professional specifically directs you to.
5. If the plant is known, take a photo or a small sample (handled with gloves) to help with identification at the hospital or clinic.

Time is critical with daphne poisoning. The caustic toxins cause rapid tissue damage that worsens with delay.

Safe Handling

• Wear gloves when pruning or handling daphne. The sap is irritating and the bark can transfer toxins to skin with prolonged contact.
• Wash hands thoroughly after any contact with the plant.
• If you have young children or pets, consider removing daphne from your garden entirely. Its ornamental appeal does not justify the risk in households where children or pets have garden access.
• If removal is not possible, fence off the shrub to prevent access.
• Teach children that bright berries growing on garden shrubs are not safe to eat unless an adult has confirmed they are.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many daphne berries are dangerous? The toxic dose is low. Even a small number of berries can cause serious symptoms in a child or a small dog. Treat any ingestion as requiring emergency evaluation rather than watchful waiting.

Is daphne safe to touch? Brief contact with the leaves or bark using bare hands is generally low risk. Wear gloves during any pruning or cutting. The sap is more irritating than a simple leaf touch. Wash hands after handling.

Can my dog be poisoned just from chewing on daphne in the garden? Yes. The bark and leaves are toxic, not only the berries. If your dog chews garden shrubs, removing or fencing off daphne is the safest option.

Is daphne more dangerous than other common garden shrubs? Yes. Among ornamental garden shrubs, daphne ranks among the most toxic to both humans and pets, due to the potency of its specific toxins and the low amount needed to cause serious harm.