Home - Garden
Why You Shouldn't Plant Hydrangeas
If You Have
Pets Or Kids
By CHRISTY RAE AMMONS
Hydrangeas can be toxic if ingested by mammals, so it’s imperative to keep pets that like to munch on plants, or toddlers that will put anything in their mouths, away from them.
Each part of the plant contains amygdalin which becomes cyanide when metabolized. When exposed to cyanide, pets and children can experience
a range of side effects.
Exposure can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and confusion in animals
and humans, along with problems breathing, headache, changes in heart rate, and dizziness.
To prevent exposure, outdoor hydrangeas should be fenced off or netted, while indoor ones should be stored at a height that kids and pets won’t be able to reach.