An extremely Toxic plant seen in may home gardens is the Plant ” Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”  (Brunfelsia australis or Grandiflora) very pretty  sweetly scented  flowers that  change colour as they age on the plant from violet colour, fading to Lavender blue and then white.  all 3 colours seen at once.   Often used as a hedge.   Seen often in Brisbane, Sydney & the tropics, warm frost free areas.The principle toxin is Brunsfelsamidine a neurotoxin that causes seizures. The toxin is contained in all parts of the plant. The leaves and flower heads are particularly palatable.

The initial stages, or small amounts ingested, the dog coughs & gags, drool copious amounts of saliva. May or may not have nystagmus and have a wide eyed, spaced-out look with mild to moderate agitation and anxiety.  If enough toxin is ingested, seizures similar to snail bait to Strychnine poisoning can occur and may prove fatal.

Peak times of number of cases occurs May and September.  This plant should be dug up immediately and put in the bin, not composted.    of Course Contact your vet for appropriate treatment.

(this information came from author Dr Aine Seavers and published in The Control and Therapy Series)