Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: Is Oxalis regnellii poisonous?
QUESTION:
I have a shamrock plant which I believe is an . It is a house plant which has
triangular leaves which are green on the top and purple underneath. It
grows from tubes in the soil and folds up and 'goes to sleep' at night. It
occasionally grows small white flower. I have 3 children in my house and
would like to know if this plant is toxic. I have not found it on any toxic
plant list yet when I was reading under garden sorrel it speaks of
it being poisonous because of oxalates. Since oxolates and oxalis sound very
similar, I am concerned that my shamrock may too be
poisonous.
ANSWER:
The sour, soluble oxylates in Oxalis species would be harmful to livestock if
they ate enough to interfere with blood calcium and magnesium homeostasis, but
if your kids were to nibble a little, they would be OK. Most other house plants
have oxylates in the form of razor sharp, microscopic raphide needles that,
together with other toxins cause extreme pain when chewed (Philodendrons, for
example), but rarely kill. Best to teach your kids not to eat the foliage of any
plant other than what you put on their plate.