Is Wintersweet Poisonous to Dogs or Cats?

Wintersweet

is wintersweet (Acokanthera oblongifolia) poisonous
  • Scientific Name: Acokanthera oblongifolia
  • Also Known As: Bushman’s poison, poison bush, African wintersweet, dune poison bush, Hottentot's poison, poison arrow plant
  • Is It Toxic? Yes
  • Toxins: Cardiotoxic cardenolides
  • Symptoms: Arrhythmias, bradycardia; potentially hyperkalemia
  • Toxic Parts:
  • General:

Wintersweet (Acokanthera oblongifolia) is a plant species of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). It is cultivated as a houseplant even though it is toxic.

Wintersweet is also commonly known as Bushman’s poison, poison bush, African wintersweet, dune poison bush, Hottentot’s poison and poison arrow plant. The name poison arrow plant originates from the fact that the poison of the plant has been used as an arrow poison.

It is native to South Africa and is very commonly grown as an ornamental shrub throughout the subtropics and warm regions, as well as in colder regions in greenhouses.

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