How poisonous is an oleander?

Answer 1

Oleander which refers either Nerium Oleander (the common version) and Thevetia peruviana (yellow oleander) is very toxic to both humans and animals alike. It does not matter if the plant is dried, wilting, or fresh the results to human or animal will be the same. Even the sap of this plant can cause skin allergies- so if you are transplanting your oleander wear gloves! Also burning the plant can cause breathing problems. However, the plant is not all bad. There has been research done with oleander in the areas of cancer and congestive heart failure. It is believed that long term use of oleander can have postive effects on certain types of cancer. Due to the highly toxic nature of this plant research is slow and reliable research on humans has yet to be performed.
On a personal note, i have oleander in my yard and a while back i had a chicken who loved to peck at and eat the oleander leaves. I tried shooing the chicken away from the plant everytime i saw her near it because i was afraid she would kill herself. But she just kept eating the plant and it didn't seem to have any ill effect on her. Who knows, maybe oleander doesn't effect chickens as much as it does other animals.
The smartest thing is to resist temptation to take a bite of the plant and just enjoy it for its beauty.

Answer 2

It's toxic levels are too high even if consumed in small parts it can result in death.
All parts of the plant that is the leaves are also toxic whether dried or fresh
The symptoms are gastric irritation, death (sudden maybe)

Answer 3

I wonder how many kids or deranged people are now going to try to poison someone/something with it. Congratulations.

Answer 4

Every part of the shrub is toxic. Always wash your hands after handling them.