The tough hedge with the narrow leaves and the pink, white or red flowers, along the roadside, around the pool, at the edge of the parking lot. It survives heat, salt, drought and neglect, which is why it is everywhere. It is also poisonous from root to petal.
Where you’ll see it
Roadsides, hedges, gardens and hotel grounds across the coast. It is one of the most planted ornamental shrubs in hot climates worldwide.
What to know
Oleander contains cardiac glycosides, the same family of compounds as digitalis, and all parts are toxic. It is bitter enough that accidental poisoning of adults is uncommon, but children and pets are a different matter, and the smoke from burning clippings is dangerous too. Prune in gloves, bag the cuttings, and do not plant it where a dog grazes or a toddler roams. Left alone it is a good, hard-working hedge.
