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PLEASE NOTE:
"Poisonous" does not mean deadly. Some manifestations of toxicity are subtle. The dose, as always, determines if a plant is safe source of nutrients or a toxic hazard.

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BRIEF: Could Laurentia longiflora be responsible for my fish dying?


QUESTION:
I would appreciate any information on Laurentia longiflora (Star of Bethlehem), as to it's toxins, and effects on animals, especially pond fish, if such information is available. This plant is growing on the berms of my pond and I am wondering if it could be the cause of some of my fish dying.

ANSWER:

It has a cardiac glycoside similar to foxglove or oleander or lily of the valley. It can cause nausea and GI symptoms at doses lower than those needed to stop the heart. I don't know if enough gets into your pond to affect the fish, though.