Catalog
Oleander botanical plate

Herb. No. 063 · Apocynaceae

RangeFig. atlas
Approximate native range — a teaching atlas, not a survey

Mediterranean and West Asian watercourses; a freeway shrub in warm climates.

Native · Mediterranean · West Asia

Native Also grown
OpenDeadlyplant

Oleander

Nerium oleander

Toxic

A freeway-median flower whose leaves can stop a heart — including as a 'tea' in folklore that should have died.

Handle as a poison-garden specimen. See Safety before any use.

Oleander contains cardiac glycosides related to, but not the same as, digitalis. Internet 'oleander tea' for cancer is a recurring cause of ICU admissions. Inhaling smoke from burning the shrub is also dangerous. Honey from the flowers has poisoned historically. Know it, do not brew it.

Flavor

Do not taste.

Parts used

None for self-care.

In favor

  • Teaches that pretty landscaping can be deadly

Against

  • Fatal tea
  • Toxic smoke
  • Toxic honey in theory

Field assistant

Ask about traditional use, safety, or the law. The assistant will not teach illegal cultivation or give medical orders.

Follow a complaint