Heavenly Bamboo, beautiful but poisonous
- naturalwellnessvitto
- Oct 22
- 2 min read
Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), also known as sacred bamboo or nandina, is poisonous to humans, pets, and wildlife if ingested in significant amounts. Despite the name, it is not a real bamboo but an evergreen shrub.
To identify:
Leaves:
2- to 3-pinnate, meaning each leaf is divided into many smaller leaflets arranged along a central stem and sub-stems.
Leaflets are narrow, lance-shaped, and about up to 5 cm long.
Young leaves often emerge pink or reddish, then mature to bright green, and may turn red or bronze in winter, giving the plant a colorful year-round appeal.
Flowers:
Small, white, and star-shaped, about 6 mm across.
Borne in large panicles (branched clusters) up to 30 cm long, appearing in late spring to early summer.
The blooms are mildly fragrant and attract bees.
Fruit:
Bright red or purplish berries, spherical, about 5–10 mm in diameter, ripening in autumn and often persisting through winter.
Each berry contains 1–3 hard seeds.
The berries are highly ornamental but toxic if ingested (especially to birds and pets).
Constituents:
Toxic Components
Cyanogenic glycosides — these compounds release cyanide when the plant is chewed or digested.
Found in berries, leaves, and stems, but berries are the most dangerous.
For Humans
Small amounts are usually not fatal but can cause:
Nausea, vomiting
Rapid breathing or heartbeat
Weakness or dizziness (if large quantities are eaten)
Children are at greater risk because the bright red berries look attractive.
For Pets (especially cats and dogs)
Toxic if ingested, with symptoms like:
Vomiting, difficulty breathing
Weakness, seizures, or even death (in large doses)
Safe Practices
Avoid planting it where pets or children might eat the berries.
If you already have it, trim off the berry clusters before they ripen.
Wash hands after handling plant parts.
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