Is Golden Dewdrop Poisonous? – Duranta Toxicity for Pets and People
Golden dewdrop berries are toxic to children, dogs, and cats. The attractive yellow-orange berries are the most dangerous part of the plant and are a particular hazard for young children, who may be drawn to their bright color and berry-like appearance. If a child or pet has eaten the berries, call poison control or a vet immediately.
What Is Golden Dewdrop?
Golden dewdrop (Duranta erecta, also sold as Duranta repens) is a tropical and subtropical shrub or small tree widely used as an ornamental plant in warm climates. It is also called sky flower, pigeon berry, and forget-me-not tree. It produces clusters of small lavender or white flowers followed by bright yellow-orange berries that persist on the plant for a long time.
The berries are the primary hazard. They grow in clusters and their appearance, combined with the plant’s common use in gardens and as a hedge, means they are frequently within reach of children and low-browsing animals.
What Parts of Golden Dewdrop Are Toxic?
The berries contain saponins and other compounds that are toxic when ingested. The leaves may also be mildly toxic in larger quantities. The flowers are generally considered the least hazardous part.
The berries are the most documented source of poisoning cases. Their bright color, size, and clustered growth make them visually appealing to young children.
Symptoms of Golden Dewdrop Poisoning
Dogs and cats: Vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy are the most common signs after ingestion of the berries. More significant ingestion can cause drowsiness, weakness, and in severe cases, convulsions.
Humans and children: Symptoms reported in children include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and rapid heartbeat. Convulsions have been reported in cases involving substantial ingestion. The time between eating berries and symptom onset is typically within a few hours.
Severity depends on how many berries were eaten and the size of the child or animal. Children and small pets are at greater risk from the same quantity of berries than adults or larger animals.
What to Do If Someone Eats the Berries
- Call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 (US) or your vet right away.
- If the child or pet is unconscious, having seizures, or having difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
- Remove any remaining berries from the mouth and rinse with water.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a medical professional directs you to.
- Try to estimate how many berries were eaten. Bring a sample or photo to the emergency room or vet clinic.
Safe Handling and Reducing Risk
Golden dewdrop is common in gardens and public spaces in warm regions. The berries persist for long periods, extending the window of risk.
- Trim berry clusters off the plant if young children or pets have access to the area.
- Teach children that these berries are not food, even though they look like they might be.
- Supervise pets around golden dewdrop plants when the berries are present.
- Place potted golden dewdrop specimens out of reach of toddlers and animals.
If you are choosing plants for a child-accessible garden, consider whether golden dewdrop’s persistent, colorful berries create more risk than you are comfortable with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all golden dewdrop berries equally toxic? The berries are all considered toxic. The degree of effect depends on how many were eaten relative to the body weight of the person or animal. More berries and lower body weight means greater risk.
My dog ate a few berries but seems fine. Should I call the vet? Yes. Even if your dog appears well immediately after eating the berries, contact your vet. Symptoms may take a few hours to appear, and a vet can advise whether monitoring at home is appropriate or whether your dog should be seen.
Are golden dewdrop flowers also toxic? The flowers are considered much less hazardous than the berries. The berries are the documented source of poisoning.
Can you touch golden dewdrop safely? Yes. Handling the plant, including the berries, does not typically cause skin reactions. The risk is from ingestion, not contact.
Is golden dewdrop the same as lantana? No. They are different plants with different toxin profiles, though both produce colorful berries and are used as ornamentals in similar climates. Both are toxic and should be kept away from children and pets.