How to Eat Lantana camara? The Urgent Warning: Do Not Consume This Toxic Plant

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and numerous poison control centers, all parts of the common ornamental plant Lantana camara are toxic to both humans and animals. Despite persistent misinformation, this plant should never be eaten, as it contains potent toxins that can cause severe illness or death.

Quick Summary

This article provides a critical safety warning regarding the consumption of Lantana camara, explaining that all parts of the plant are poisonous and should never be ingested. It details the risks, addresses common misconceptions, and outlines the severe health consequences that can result from accidental poisoning.

Key Points

Never Consume: All parts of the Lantana camara plant are toxic to humans and animals.
Toxic Compounds: The plant contains pentacyclic triterpenoid toxins that can cause liver failure and other severe health problems.
Green Berries are Highly Toxic: Unripe, green berries are considered the most toxic part of the plant, but ripe, black berries are also unsafe.
Ignore Misinformation: Disregard unverified claims that some varieties or ripe berries are edible; the risk is too high.
Act Quickly if Ingested: In case of poisoning, contact a poison control center and seek immediate medical attention.
Handle with Care: The leaves can cause skin irritation (contact dermatitis) in some people, so wear gloves when handling.
Misidentification is Risky: Do not confuse Lantana camara berries with safe, edible berries like blackberries, as they can look similar.

The Dangerous Truth: Why Lantana is Never Safe to Eat

The Toxic Components of Lantana camara

The primary danger of Lantana camara lies in its toxic compounds, primarily pentacyclic triterpenoids such as lantadene A and lantadene B. These hepatotoxins can cause significant liver damage, leading to a condition called intrahepatic cholestasis, which impairs bile flow from the liver. The toxins affect various species, from livestock like cattle and sheep to household pets and humans, with severe cases potentially resulting in death. The unripe green berries are particularly dangerous and are associated with a higher risk of poisoning.

Dispelling the Myth of 'Edible Berries'

A persistent myth claims that the ripe, dark purple or black berries of Lantana camara are safe to eat. While some anecdotal reports suggest ingestion without immediate ill effects, this is a dangerous gamble. Authoritative sources, including the Queensland Poisons Information Centre, explicitly state that all parts of the plant, including the ripe fruit, are toxic. The variability in toxicity can be influenced by the plant's species, growth conditions, and the individual's physiology. The safest and most prudent approach is to treat all parts of the Lantana camara plant as poisonous and non-edible.

Symptoms of Lantana Poisoning

Ingestion of Lantana camara can lead to a range of symptoms, with severity depending on the amount consumed and the individual's sensitivity. Early signs often appear within 24 hours and can include:

Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Lethargy and weakness
Loss of appetite

In more severe cases, especially with larger quantities, the liver-damaging effects become apparent, manifesting as:

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Sun sensitivity (photosensitization), particularly in lighter-skinned areas
Increased urination
Severe gastrointestinal distress, sometimes with bloody diarrhea
Difficulty breathing

Comparison Table: Safe vs. Toxic Berries

To prevent accidental poisoning, it's crucial to correctly identify plants and avoid relying on appearance alone. This table compares Lantana camara berries to a safe, commonly foraged berry like a blackberry to highlight the risks of misidentification.


Feature	Lantana camara Berries	Blackberry (Rubus)
Appearance	Small, round berries in clusters. Progress from green (highly toxic) to dark purple or black (still toxic).	Compound fruit (aggregate of drupelets). Progresses from red to deep black when ripe.
Taste	Sweet but should never be tasted. Seeds are large relative to the size of the berry.	Sweet and juicy when ripe.
Toxicity	All parts of the plant are considered toxic to humans and animals.	Berries are safe and edible when ripe.
Plant Characteristics	A perennial shrub with square, sometimes spiny stems and rough, aromatic leaves.	A rambling shrub with thorny, arching stems.
Safety Status	DANGEROUS AND INEDIBLE.	Safe for consumption when ripe.

Immediate Actions for Suspected Ingestion

If you, a child, or a pet is suspected of ingesting any part of the Lantana camara plant, act immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Do not induce vomiting. Unless instructed by a healthcare professional, do not attempt to make the individual vomit, as this can cause further complications.
Contact Poison Control. In the U.S., call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Have as much information as possible, including the person's age, weight, the amount of plant ingested, and when it was consumed.
Seek Medical Attention. Follow the advice of the poison control operator or go to the nearest emergency room. Even if symptoms are mild, professional evaluation is critical.
Keep the Plant Sample. If possible, safely collect a sample of the plant for identification by medical professionals.

For more information on poisonous plants, you can visit the Poisonous Plants Informational Database from Cornell University.

Conclusion: Prioritize Safety Above All

While Lantana camara is a beautiful and popular ornamental plant for attracting pollinators like butterflies, its toxic nature makes it entirely unsuitable for human or animal consumption. Any claims suggesting that certain parts are safe to eat are either based on misinformation or are extremely risky anecdotes. The severe health risks, including liver damage and other systemic issues, far outweigh any supposed benefits. The definitive answer to "How to eat Lantana camara?" is to not eat it at all. Ensure this plant is kept out of reach of children and pets, and always err on the side of caution when dealing with unfamiliar plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. All parts of the Lantana camara plant, including the leaves, flowers, and berries, are considered toxic and should never be consumed by humans or pets.

This is a dangerous misconception. While some anecdotal reports exist of people eating ripe berries, reputable sources warn that all parts of the plant are toxic. The safest course of action is to assume all berries, ripe or unripe, are poisonous and avoid consumption entirely.

Ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, liver damage. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek immediate medical attention by calling a poison control center or emergency services.

Yes, all species of Lantana, especially Lantana camara, contain toxic compounds. There are no known edible varieties of lantana for human consumption.

No. While some traditional uses are referenced, experts and health authorities strongly advise against using Lantana leaves for tea or any herbal remedy due to their toxicity. The risk of liver damage and other complications is too high.

If you have Lantana camara in your garden, plant it in hanging baskets or elevated planters, or ensure it is in an area inaccessible to children and pets. Consider removing the berries as they form to minimize risk.

The first step is to call a poison control center or emergency services immediately. Do not try to induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional. If possible, have a plant sample ready for identification.