Can I eat dieffenbachia leaves?
Quick Answer
No
Dieffenbachia leaves are toxic if ingested. They contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause severe irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat.
What Is It?
Dieffenbachia is a genus of tropical flowering plants in the family Araceae. It is a popular houseplant due to its attractive foliage. However, all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
How to Tell
Symptoms of dieffenbachia poisoning include intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.
Why It Can Be Risky
Ingesting dieffenbachia leaves poses serious health risks.
- Severe irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat
- Difficulty breathing due to throat swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Damage to the cornea if the sap gets into the eyes