Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Thursday - October 20, 2011
From: cha, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Lantana induced rash
Answered by: Anne Ruggles
QUESTION:
What should I use for a rash caused by a Lantana scratch on my armANSWER:
The genus Lantana (commonly known as lantana) includes more than 150 species of hairy-leaved and often prickly-stemmed shrubs and herbaceous perennials in the verbena family (Verbenaceae) that are native to tropical America. The hairs on the leaves can cause contact dermatitis (usually minor skin irritation) in some people. The berries are poisonous to people and animals.
The University of North Carolina has a complete description of Lantana and a key to the poisonous plants of North Carolina.
The Texas Poison Control Center lists the plant as poisonous and an irritant on contact and recommend that anyone encountering a problem call their hot line for more information.
The Mayo Clinic has directions for treatment of contact dermatitis. They further recommend, as you have no doubt already figured out, avoiding contact by complete avoidance or wearing gloves and long-sleeved shirt when handling the plant.
The National Health Service of the United Kingdom also has a series of recommendations for treating contact dermatitis.
From the Image Gallery
More Poisonous Plants Questions
is the rainbow Eucalyptus poisonous to horses in FL?
May 24, 2011 - Is the Rainbow Eucalyptus Tree poisonous to horses?
view the full question and answer
Allergy-causing plant in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex area
March 17, 2011 - Do you know what is growing (or floating in the air) in the DFW metroplex now, but not growing or floating the rest of the year?
I have a 3 year old that has gotten extremely itchy this time of the ...
view the full question and answer
Non-native vines poisonous from Bakersfield CA
May 17, 2013 - Are pink bower vines and stars and stripes mandevilla
toxic to dogs?
view the full question and answer
Bugbane Leaf Blotch
January 24, 2013 - My bugbanes (Cimicifuga/Actaea) seem to suffer from black blotches on the leaves in the summer. This happens even when they have adequate moisture. I also see it on the ones growing wild. Is this a fu...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen pet-safe shrubs for house and screening in McKinney TX
April 15, 2010 - Looking for shrub, preferably evergreen, to plant near the house that can handle wet ground and is pet (dog, cat, horse) safe. The area became boggy after we had an underground water leak that is now ...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
