Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: Are elephant ears poisonous?
QUESTION:
I have heard for along time that elephant ears are poisonous to both
children and animals. But here recently I have been told otherwise. I
love the look of the plant but want to be absolutly positive before
planting it around my family.
ANSWER:
Like so many house plants and their hardier cousins, this plant has sharp
microscopic oxylate crystals that puncture cells and cause pain and swelling of
the mouth and tongue and gastrointestinal distress. I know of no fatalities. Or
second helpings, for that matter...