Are Crepe Myrtles Poisonous? Protect Your Family with These Facts

Gardeners love crepe myrtles for their vibrant blooms and hardy nature. We also guided you on the maintenance of crepe myrtles for a long time. But some of our followers assumed their pets get sick from poisonous crepe myrtles. So, are crepe myrtles poisonous? As with many plants, questions about their safety, particularly regarding their potential toxicity, often arise. 

We don’t want any of our fellow garden lovers to lose their sweet puppies or kittens, which could be the last memory of their beloved ones, like John Wick’s very first dog! So, we will provide you with all the information about poisonous crepe myrtles, from their myths to their identification methods, in this blog. We hope you will get all the answers.

Why Do People Think Crepe Myrtles Are Poisonous?

The belief that crepe myrtles might be poisonous stems from a general wariness that many ornamental plants can be toxic. This caution is not unfounded; numerous beautiful plants, such as oleander, foxglove, and rhododendrons, contain toxic compounds that can be harmful to ingest or touch. As crepe myrtle falls under the creeper leaves, it is normal that people would assume them a wild, poisonous flower.

Moreover, the panic was spread even more 3 years ago when someone shared the story of their dog becoming sick on Reddit after ingesting grass and bushes. The dog started ignoring the owner, which is a symptom of dying soon. But later, they found out their dog had a “heart murmur” problem. This kind of disease influences dogs to eat leaves with dust and get sick. 

Given this context, some might assume that showy flowers like crepe myrtle could also pose a risk!

Are Crepe Myrtles Poisonous?

The short answer is no; crepe myrtles are not poisonous. Extensive research and evidence from reputable sources, such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), indicate that crepe myrtles are non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Unlike some other ornamental plants, crepe myrtles do not contain harmful compounds that can cause poisoning. 

This information is reassuring for gardeners, landscapers, and homeowners who want to enjoy the beauty of crepe myrtles without worrying about potential health risks. But wait! Crepe myrtles might not be toxic, but it is always a good practice to supervise children and pets around any plants to prevent accidental ingestion of leaves, flowers, or seeds. Swallowing such ingredients could cause minor digestive discomfort or diarrhea. 

Are crepe myrtles toxic to dogs?

As mentioned earlier, crepe myrtles are non-toxic to dogs. This means that if your dog happens to chew on the leaves, bark, or flowers of a crepe myrtle, it is unlikely to experience any serious health issues. The ASPCA specifically lists crepe myrtles in non-toxic zones as safe for dogs. Therefore, no more concerns should be there from pet owners with these plants in their gardens or yards.

It is essential to recognize that any plant material can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms might include vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. These symptoms are generally mild and resolve on their own, but if they persist or if your dog shows signs of more severe distress, it is always best to consult a veterinarian.

Is crepe myrtle poisonous to humans?

No, crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia) is not poisonous to humans. This popular ornamental tree is considered non-toxic and safe to have around people, including children. While it’s not meant to be eaten, accidental contact or ingestion of small amounts typically won’t cause harm. However, as with any non-food plant, it’s best to avoid consuming it and wash your hands after handling.

Is crepe Myrtle toxic to cats?

Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is not toxic to cats. This popular ornamental shrub is considered safe for cats and is not listed on the ASPCA’s toxic plant database.

If your cat nibbles on crepe myrtle leaves or flowers, they shouldn’t experience any poisoning symptoms. However, eating any non-food plant material can sometimes cause mild stomach upset in cats, such as vomiting or diarrhea, simply due to the irritation of plant matter in their digestive system.

While crepe myrtle is safe, it’s always a good idea to discourage cats from chewing on plants in general and to monitor them if they do eat plant material. If your cat shows any unusual symptoms after eating any plant, it’s best to contact your veterinarian.

Read More: Are Crepe Myrtles Deer Resistant

How to Identify Safe Crepe Martyles?

The term ‘poisonous crepe myrtle’ is a misnomer. Crepe Myrtle varieties are actually non-toxic, making them safe choices for gardens with children and pets. However, it’s still important to understand how to handle and manage genuinely toxic plants if they are present in your garden. There are 5 steps to take if you suspect a plant in your garden is poisonous:

Step 1: Research and Identify

Before introducing any new plant to your garden, research its properties and potential toxicity. Trusted sources such as the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants can provide valuable information. Also, contact us or any other garden experts to share your thoughts on new plants.

Step 2: Observe Plant Characteristics

Many toxic plants have distinctive features. For example, plants like oleander and foxglove have specific leaf shapes, flower arrangements, and colors that can help you identify them. Davey shared a guide on how to identify crepe myrtles in one of their old blogs.

Step 3: Consult Experts

Are you unsure about a plant’s safety? Consult a local horticulturist, veterinarian, or your local poison control center. These experts can provide reliable advice and help you identify plants in your garden. There are groups on social media with garden experts and lovers.

Step 4: Use Plant Identification Apps

There are several plant identification mobile apps available that can help you identify plants, providing information about their safety and care. The apps use the camera to take photos of your plants and match them with the database.

Step 5: Create a Safe Garden Space

If you have children or pets, consider creating a designated area with non-toxic plants. This can give you peace of mind and provide a safe environment for everyone to enjoy. Plus, teach your pets not to eat any random leaves and flowers.

What to Do with Poisonous Crape Myrtle Look-Alike?

The term ‘poisonous crepe myrtle’ is a misnomer. Instead, it is important to understand how to handle and manage genuinely toxic plants if they are present in your garden. There are 5 steps to take if you suspect a plant in your garden is poisonous:

• Remove the Plant: If a plant is confirmed to be toxic, it is best to remove it from areas where children and pets play. Carefully dig out the plant and ensure that all roots are removed to prevent regrowth.
• Wear Protective Gear: When handling potentially toxic plants, wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection to prevent skin contact and accidental ingestion.
• Dispose of Safely: Place the removed plant material in a sealed bag and dispose of it according to local guidelines. Do not compost toxic plants, as this can spread the toxic compounds into nutritional foods.
• Educate Your Household: Inform your family members about the dangers of toxic plants and the importance of not touching or ingesting unknown plants.
• Replace with Safe Alternatives: After removing toxic plants, consider replacing them with non-toxic alternatives like crepe myrtles. This way, you to maintain a beautiful garden without compromising safety.

You know that misinformation and myths often spread quickly with the advent of the internet. If you ever find any crepe myrtle or similar plants causing harm to pet animals, immediately consult experts and take necessary precautions. There could be some virus or parasites hidden under the body of the crepe myrtle’s milk ‘trojan horse.’ So save the plants even before the infections.

Final Thoughts

Do you know how many people have gardens throughout the country? Raleigh Realty Home’s gardening statistics showed that 80% of American households contributed to gardening in 2022. I can guarantee you that the majority of them have crepe myrtles planted in their lawn or nearby house areas. 

So, concerns about their potential toxicity are at high stake. Now, with all that research and myth-busting, we can mark crepe myrtles a safe and beautiful addition to any garden. If you have any questions, feel free to send your message.

FAQs

Are crepe myrtles poisonous to humans?

No. Humans cannot get poisoned by crepe myrtles. Containing zero poison is one of the main reasons crepe myrtle got so popular. Old gardeners shared that they used to eat the crepe myrtle’s berries in their meals, often in their childhood. 

Why do dogs and cats eat crepe myrtles?

Dogs and cats eat crepe myrtles to resolve their gas problems. When they think they have a bad stomach, they try to chew and swallow crepe myrtle leaves as their instinct. The owners think their pets have been poisoned after getting sick from eating a lot of dusty leaves.

Who eats crepe myrtles as the main food?

Japanese beetles eat crepe myrtles a lot as their primary food. It relies on the leaves and flowers to live on. Sometimes, you will see the leaves have only the skeleton. It means the beetles ate the rest of the green parts of the leaves.

Are crepe myrtle flowers edible?

Crepe myrtle flowers are not toxic, but they’re not considered edible or commonly used as food. While the plant is non-poisonous and won’t harm you if accidentally ingested, the flowers have no culinary tradition and aren’t palatable. They’re best appreciated for their ornamental beauty in gardens rather than as a food source. If you’re looking for edible flowers, consider options like nasturtiums, pansies, or roses instead.

Are crape myrtle berries poisonous?

No, crape myrtle berries are not poisonous to humans or pets. These small, round seed capsules are considered non-toxic and safe, though they’re not meant for consumption. While eating them won’t cause poisoning, the berries have no nutritional value and may cause mild stomach upset if consumed in large quantities due to their tough, fibrous texture.