Dianthus (also called carnations and pinks) have flowers that are all edible and not poisonous. They are often used to decorate dishes and have a spicy clove-like flavor. The leaves and stems, however, may cause irritation and should not be consumed. They can cause mild skin irritations, so care should be used when working around these plants. You will want to wear garden gloves and long-sleeved work shirts.
If you do come in contact with the plant leaves, wash your skin with soap and water. You can also use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream on your skin for relief. If you do not see immediate relief or are uncertain of what plant is causing you discomfort, contact your physician or poison control center immediately. Symptoms can vary from person to person, so it is always advised to seek professional help if you have questions.
Is Dianthus Poisonous to Children
Dianthus leaves may cause skin irritations in children that come in contact with the plant. If your child has had contact with dianthus plants, wash their skin with soap and water. You may also want to give them a bath with a bit of oatmeal added to soothe and calm their skin. It is not common for children to become ill from dianthus, but if you are unsure as to what plant they may have had contact with, always call your physician or poison control center for advice on what to do next.
Is Dianthus Poisonous to Dogs
Yes, dianthus is toxic and poisonous to puppies and dogs. They may experience vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, pain in the abdominal region and difficulty breathing. If you suspect that your animal has ingested or come in contact with dianthus plants, call your veterinarian immediately.
Is Dianthus Poisonous to Cats
Yes, dianthus is toxic and poisonous to kittens and cats. They may experience vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, pain in the abdominal region and difficulty breathing. If you suspect that your animal has ingested or come in contact with dianthus plants call your veterinarian immediately.
Is Dianthus Poisonous to Other Animals
Yes, dianthus is toxic and poisonous to all animals. This includes horses, pigs, goats, chickens, and other homestead and domestic livestock. If you suspect that your animal has ingested or come in contact with dianthus plants, call your veterinarian immediately.
Symptoms of Dianthus Poisoning
Always check with your doctor or veterinarian for guidance if you suspect dianthus plant poisoning. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:
- Gastrointestinal pain
- Vomiting
- Bloody Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Difficulty breathing
Preventing Dianthus Poisoning
The best way to prevent dianthus poisoning is with planning and attention. If you have small children and animals and feel you cannot control where they play and roam, consider moving your dianthus to aprotected area. You can safely plant dianthus in elevated planters, hanging baskets, and behind fences, where children or animals will not have access.
Pet Poison Helpline
If something were to happen to your furry friend, and you suspect that they are suffering from dianthus poisoning, there is a poison control hotline to call for 24/7 vet advice. It is called the Pet Poison Hotline, and their phone number is (855) 764-7661.
FAQs
Dianthus caryophyllus, better known as carnations, are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Dianthus deltoides, or maiden pinks, are also toxic to these animals. The leaves are also mildly toxic to humans if eaten and can cause contact dermatitis if touched.
Are Dianthus safe to eat? ›
The petals of the Dianthus flowers are edible when grown organically, and often crystallized with sugar and used for decorating cakes. However, the leaves can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if eaten and mild dermatitis if touched, This plant is resistant to damage by deer but will be eaten by rabbits.
Is Dianthus toxic to cats in ASPCA? ›
Yes, dianthus is toxic and poisonous to all animals.
Does Dianthus have medicinal properties? ›
In addition to being favorite garden flowers, Dianthus have been part of traditional medicine in communities around the world for centuries. It has been used to treat fever, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, constipation and dysmenorrhea among other ailments.
How many years do Dianthus last? ›
How many years does dianthus last? Dianthus is a relatively short-lived perennial that lasts up to five years before it grows woody and unsightly. On the flip side, dianthus is so low-maintenance and drought-tolerant that your few years with this vibrant perennial will be completely carefree!
Are perennial dianthus edible? ›
As long as the plants are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, it should be safe to use spicy, clove-flavored Dianthus petals in drinks and edible concoctions, from cake and salad decoration to flavoring oils and vinegars.
What is dianthus good for? ›
With their enticing scent and long flowering season, pollinators love Dianthus. The best for attracting bees and butterflies are the more open shaped flowers such as Pink Kisses, Flutterburst and the co*cktail series. Dianthus are rich in pollen and nectar.
What eats dianthus plants? ›
Aphids are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can cause a lot of damage to Dianthus. These pests eat the sap that carries nutrients through the plant. Infested plants have curling and discolored foliage. Heavily infested plants will be covered in a sticky substance known as honeydew, the waste produced by aphids.
Do dianthus like pots or ground? ›
Given their relatively low growing height, Dianthus look good at the front of a border. They also grow well in pots and do not mind slightly dry conditions, which containers often have. They like well-drained soil and need at least six hours of sunlight each day, so choose a sunny spot.
Where is the best place to plant dianthus? ›
All dianthus prefer full sun (at least six hours per day.) They like rich soil that has two to four inches of well-rotted compost. Work the compost to a depth of 12 inches before planting and reapply a top dressing of compost in spring.
It is especially important to deadhead annual dianthus, to prevent the plant from producing seeds and spreading. If you want to collect seeds to grow more plants, or if you want the plant to spread naturally in the garden, then do not deadhead. Sterilize the shears or scissor with rubbing alcohol.
Is dianthus toxic to humans? ›
Research findings are clear: Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) is generally safe for humans. Despite some sources raising alarms, no substantial evidence supports the notion that Sweet William poses a health risk through handling or accidental ingestion.
What is the most toxic flower to cats? ›
Lilies. This beautiful unofficial symbol of Spring is among the most toxic flowers to cats. All varieties - including the Easter, Tiger, Stargazer, Red, Wood, and Day - are unsafe. With some flowers, the petals and the buds are the hazards for cats but, with lilies, it's also the pollen, the leaves, and the stems.
What is the most toxic house plant for cats? ›
Lilies. Beautiful though they may be, lilies are one of the most toxic house plants for cats. Ingesting even a small amount or licking a bit of pollen off their coat can cause kidney failure and death.
Is Dianthus toxic to pets? ›
The list of toxic plants available from the Animal Poison Control Center and the ASPCA does list Dianthus caryophyllus as a plant that is toxic to cats.
Are perennial Dianthus edible? ›
As long as the plants are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, it should be safe to use spicy, clove-flavored Dianthus petals in drinks and edible concoctions, from cake and salad decoration to flavoring oils and vinegars.
What happens if you don't deadhead Dianthus? ›
It is especially important to deadhead annual dianthus, to prevent the plant from producing seeds and spreading. If you want to collect seeds to grow more plants, or if you want the plant to spread naturally in the garden, then do not deadhead. Sterilize the shears or scissor with rubbing alcohol.
Is Dianthus a good plant? ›
Dianthus is a rewarding perennial to grow in the garden, creating a party for the senses from the early summer garden all the way through until frost.
