A certain percentage of our landscape plants are not only inedible, but they can also be downright toxic! There are many that come to mind – the oleander is probably one that everybody knows about. Do you know about oleanders’ toxic little cousin – the yellow oleander? Also called the be-still tree, tree daffodil, or lucky nut, this colorful yellow to apricot-colored (sometimes white) funnel-shaped flower belies its toxic properties which you need to be aware of. Do you have a yellow oleander?
Not readily available at nurseries or garden centers, the yellow oleander is often found in mature landscapes or shared as a pass-along plant from neighbor to neighbor. It is in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) which includes the common oleander. Originally found in many parts of tropical America, the yellow oleander – in its native habitat – can grow upwards to at least twenty feet tall eventually developing into a small tree. Growing up to around eight-feet tall locally, this woody shrub has attractive narrow evergreen almost willow-like waxy leaves which nicely showcase the three-inch long funnel-shaped yellow fragrant flower clusters appearing mostly from summer to fall. The yellow oleander has interesting eye-appeal which may have initially drawn gardeners into making these shrubs part of their landscape.
All parts of the yellow oleander are very toxic to people and animals. If yellow oleander is ingested, cardiac glycosides can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems and death. The sap is also hazardous and can cause contact dermatitis if exposed to the skin. The smoke from burning this plant can also be dangerous to breath. Although also called “Lucky Nut”, the hard seeds are very attractive to children who may put them in their mouth. Consider the serious ramifications of this plant if children or pets are present. For poisoning emergencies, call 1-800-222-1222).
Although yellow oleander does not appear as yet as an invasive plant, the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas has made an evaluation indicating that it has a “High Invasion Risk” predicted for the future. This issue – coupled with the yellow oleanders very toxic nature – really give this plant a double-whammy of horticultural avoidance in my book!
While yellow oleander specimens may only be available from a neighbor or on-line, I would caution against this plant – there are just too many chances of accidental poisoning. Besides that, we do not need another invasive plant cropping up with not only an invasive nature, but toxic characteristics that provide a dangerous threat. Consider this a cautionary tale of awareness! For more information on all types of toxic plants in the landscape to be aware of, or to ask a question, please visit https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyExtension. You can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas (2026) The University of Florida, IFAS.
North Carolina Extension Gardener Toolbox – Yellow Oleander: Cascabela thevetia. North Carolina State Extension Service. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cascabela-thevetia/common-name/yellow-oleander/.
Alban, D. (2026) Yellow Oleander: Tropical Fall Bloomer – Southwest Gardener. https://swgardener.com/yellow-oleander/.
Lucky Nut – Thevetia peruviana (2025) Plantiary. https://plantiary.com/plant/thevetia-peruviana_26461.html.
Florida Poison Information Center Network (2026) https://floridapoisoncontrol.org/poisoning-in-florida/plants/.
Wikipedia (2026) Cascabela thevetia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cascabela_thevetia.
Landre, C. (2026) Yellow oleander tree. South-Florida-Plant-Guide.com,
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