Oleander
Nerium oleander
- Plant type
- shrub
- Settings
- Landscaped and ornamental
- Risk
- High risk Our rating from the cited sources.
- Review
- Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian.
Photos
Planned.
How to tell it
Evergreen shrub or small tree; leaves in whorls with fine side veins underneath; showy white to deep pink flowers (Merck).
Look-alikes: Planned.
What to do on a site walk
- Fence off.
- Remove clippings.
- Tell the landowner never to toss prunings over the fence.
Why it matters
- Toxic principle
- Cardiac glycosides (oleandroside, nerioside and others)
- Toxic parts
- All parts, fresh or dry
- Basis for our rating
- Chewgrass rating. Cornell lists goats; Merck lists all animals, with severe gut upset, weakness and death.
Signs in goats
Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, irregular heartbeat, death (Merck, Cornell).
If you think an animal has been poisoned, call your vet right away.
Season
Evergreen and toxic all year; dried leaves and clippings stay toxic (Merck).
Sources
Links last checked: 2026-10-31