Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are bright flowers that are loved by many. They have yellow petals with dark centers, making them easy to spot. But are they safe? Let’s explore how they can affect people and animals.
Are They Poisonous to People?
Good news! Black-eyed Susans are not poisonous to people. Eating them won’t cause harm, but they don’t taste good, so people usually avoid them. Some people may have allergic reactions, like skin irritation or asthma, especially if they already have lung problems or allergies.
Here are two examples from Poison Control:
Case 1: A 14-month-old girl ate part of a petal. Her parents called Poison Control. She had no symptoms. Poison Control told them to give her a drink to rinse her mouth. The girl stayed fine and felt no problems.
Case 2: A boy tasted part of a black-eyed Susan. His parents called Poison Control. He had no symptoms. His dad had already rinsed his mouth with water.
Skin Reactions
The plant’s stems, leaves, and roots have tiny hairs that can irritate the skin. These hairs might cause redness, itching, or even blisters. If this happens, follow these steps:
- Move away from the plant.
- Take off any clothes that touched the plant and wash your skin with soap and water.
- Wash your clothes before wearing them again.
How They Affect Animals
Black-eyed Susans are mostly safe for people, but they can be harmful to some animals.
Are black-eyed susans toxic to dogs?
Dogs may get irritation on their mouth, face, or paws if they touch the plant. Eating too much could upset their stomach.
Are black-eyed susans toxic to cats?
Cats may have stronger reactions. Eating any part of the plant can make them vomit or cause mouth irritation.
For Livestock
Black-eyed Susans can harm grazing animals, like pigs and cattle. The plant’s hairy parts cause this. The bitter taste usually keeps animals from eating too much. If they do eat it, they might get rashes in their mouths or on parts of their body that touched the plant. The exact cause is not known, but it’s still important to be careful.
Signs of Poisoning
Serious reactions are rare, but look out for these signs:
- Rash or irritation on the skin or inside the mouth
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Asthma flare-ups (in people)
What to Do?
If you think you or your pet ate or touched a black-eyed Susan:
- For skin contact: Wash with soap and water and take off any clothes that touched the plant.
- For eating: Rinse your mouth with water. Drink small sips of water or suck on ice. If you feel sick, drink small amounts of clear fluids.
If your pet or livestock shows symptoms, call your vet. The Pet Poison Helpline is available at (855) 764-7661.
How to Prevent Poisoning?
Here are some ways to stay safe:
- Know what plants are in your garden.
- Teach kids not to eat plants without an adult’s help.
- Wear gloves and long sleeves when gardening.
Conclusion
Black-eyed Susans are safe for people, but they can cause mild problems for animals, especially livestock. Their bad taste keeps animals from eating too much. By understanding the risks and taking steps to avoid them, you can safely enjoy these flowers. If you think someone is poisoned, always ask a doctor.