QUESTION
Are heavenly bamboo (Nandina Domestica) berries poisonous for children and pets?
ANSWER
The plant in question is Nandina domestica, commonly known as heavenly bamboo (not related to bamboo). The berries contain compounds that release cyanide, which can be toxic to birds, dogs, cats, livestock and humans. That said, it’s important to keep things in perspective. We’ve had a nandina hedge in our garden for over 100 years, and in 45 years I’ve never seen a dead bird, dog or cat as a result of eating the berries. Interestingly, nandina is commonly used in public landscapes, including around fast- food outlets and childcare centres, because it’s tough, tolerant of both drought and waterlogging, and makes an attractive specimen or hedge. It’s also worth noting that over 60 per cent of plants contain some level of toxicity, yet we don’t see hospital corridors full of people who’ve eaten plants by mistake.
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