Flower Properties

Property	Value
English Name	Oleander
MainColor	Pink
PlantType	Shrub
Growth Type	Cultivated
Season	August
ImageUrl	Nerium-002
Photographer	DP
Location	London
Human Toxicity	Highly_Toxic

Flower Details

Description

A dense, evergreen shrub with lance-shaped leaves and clusters of pink, white, or red flowers. Common in Mediterranean-style gardens and warm climates.

Distribution

Native to the Mediterranean region, often grown ornamentally in the UK (mainly in pots or conservatories).

Medicinal/Other Uses

Historically used in small doses for heart conditions, but now obsolete due to extreme toxicity.

Edibility

Highly poisonous — no part of the plant should ever be eaten.

Human Toxicity

All parts contain powerful cardiac glycosides similar to digitalis. Even small amounts can cause severe poisoning in humans and animals; smoke from burning oleander is also toxic.

Pet Toxicity

Extremely toxic — ingestion can cause vomiting, irregular heartbeat, collapse, and death.

Active Compounds

Oleandrin, neriine, digitoxigenin (cardiac glycosides).