Here’s a puzzle for you: what plant is toxic, yet serves as a major food source for many countries in Asia? The answer: Colocasia, also known as elephant ear or taro. In many parts of the world, taro is a major food crop for both people and farm animals. The plant is traditionally served at Hawaiian luaus and the corms form the basis for poi, a favorite Hawaiian dish.

Yet, elephant ears contain calcium oxalate, or oxalic acid, the same toxin found in rhubarb and Dieffenbachia leaves. This chemical compound contains sharp crystals that can cause serious illness and even in death if consumed in large amounts.

So, what’s going on here? How can a poisonous plant provide food for people all over the world? First, the plant is always eaten cooked, rather than raw. Cooking it breaks down the crystals, rendering them harmless. Additionally, some species are more toxic than others and the plants used as a food source are not necessarily the same varieties found in your yard.

Learn more about how to grow elephant ear plants and when to plant elephant ear bulbs.

Elephant Ear Plant Safety

Although elephant ears are not as toxic as Dieffenbachia, it’s a good idea to be careful, especially if you have young children or pets. The leaves and stems are the most toxic parts of the plants. Even touching them can cause skin irritation and itching, and if you get the sap in your eyes, your eyes will sting and burn for several hours.

If your child or pet ingests the leaves, the first symptoms are a tingly or burning feeling in the mouth or lips. Elephant ear poisoning is rarely fatal, unless large amounts are eaten. Below are some of the other symptoms associated with this plant:

  • Severe burning or redness of the eyesSevere burning of the tongue, lips and mouthSwelling of the tongue, lips and eyesDiahrreaNauseaVomiting

First Aid

If you suspect your child has ingested elephant ear leaves, call your local poison control center or the national poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Don’t force vomiting, but keep your child calm and wipe out her mouth with a cool, wet cloth. Flush the eyes with water if they’re stinging. If your child’s lips or mouth begin to swell, call 9-1-1 or head to the nearest emergency room. If your pet eats elephant ears, contact your vet right away.

Growing Elephant Ears

How to grow elephant ears in containers

How to plant elephant ear bulbs

How to grow elephant ears

17 types of elephant ears to grow

Prevention

If you love elephant ear plants, but you’ve got young children or pets, you might try a few strategies to prevent accidental poisoning. First, place the plants where they’re out of reach. Grow the plants in the front yard, rather than the backyard, where children and pets are more likely to play. Teach your kids not to touch or eat any plant in the yard. Another option would be to grow smaller varieties of elephant plants in hanging containers. Just be sure to remove any fallen leaves promptly!

Other Options

Sometimes it’s better to err on the side of caution. If you’re worried about your child’s or pet’s safety, replace elephant ears with non-toxic substitutes. Many other plants will give you the feel of the tropics, but are perfectly safe for children and pets. Below are a few to try:

  • Acajou (Flame African Violet, Flame Violet, Red Violet)American Rubber PlantArrowroot (Canna Lily, Common Garden Canna)Bamboo PalmBamboo VineBanana (Plantain)Big Leaf Paper PlantBoston FernBromeliadCanary Date PalmCane PalmChristmas DaggerCocks CombCrisped Feather FernDwarf Date PalmElephant Foot TreeFishpole BambooFortunes Palm

Resources:

Plants and Pets Non-toxic Listings from Blue Mountain Humane Society

Some Plants Are Poisonous from Purdue University Consumer Horticulture