Poisonous Plants of Georgia
	The Herbarium of the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia

	Common Name: Scientific Name: Hydrangea, Hortensia Hydrangea spp. L.
				Family: Hydrangeaceae
			Click on the photos to enlarge images and read a scientific description. This plant may be poisonous to both humans and animals. Please refer to the "Symptoms" section below for information regarding susceptiblity of animal species to poisoning.
		Description: Hydrangea is a shrub with brown flaking bark on older stems. The leaves are opposite with toothed edges or lobed leaves. The leaves may be smooth or hairy on the undersides. The flowers form flat-topped clusters up to 6 in wide. The flower color varies. The fruit is small, less than ¼ in in diameter, brown, ribbed, and spherical. Hydrangeas are popular ornamental shrubs and thrive in acidic soils with high moisture levels. Toxic Part: The entire plant contains compounds that can cause contact dermatitis. Toxin: Hydrangenol, an isocoumarin Symptoms: Prolonged contact with Hydrangea spp. may induce contact dermatitis that appears as eczema (scaly and reddish rash) on the hands. In reported cases, patients were exposed to hydrangea for one to ten years before the dermatitis developed. These people were landscapers and horticultural nursery workers. Treatment: Patients are treated with corticosteroids and instructed to wear protective gloves when handling hydrangea. References: 3, 4, 21, 102, 119 This site is NOT a substitute for the advice of medical physician. Plant poisonings can, in certain cases, result in SERIOUS HARM AND EVEN DEATH. Please contact a physician or your local poison control center if you suspect any plant poisoning. A link to the Georgia Poison Control Center can be found on the "References and Links" page of this site.