From: Gary W. Hickman, Horticulture Advisor
University
of California Cooperative Extension
July
25, 2001
QUESTION: CAN I USE OLEANDER LEAVES IN MY COMPOST
PILE?
BACKYARD HORTICULTURE
By Gary W. Hickman,
Horticulture Advisor
University of California
Cooperative Extension, Mariposa County
Answer: Oleander contains several toxic chemicals,
including oleandrin. It affects the
heart and, at high doses, causes heart failure. Research trials by the University of California have been
conducted on the fate of oleandrin in composted oleander. The researchers suspected that it would
break down during composting, and preliminary results did show a substantial
reduction of the toxic oleandrin chemical.
But, can oleander compost be used safely in vegetable gardens?
According
to U. C. toxicologists, the nature of the toxic chemicals in oleander make it
highly unlikely that they will be transported into crops. No studies were found showing a problem
using oleander compost in vegetable gardens, but none were found showing that
it does not occur either.
The
conclusion of Dr. Craigmill, U. C. Davis toxicologist, “I would use compost
containing oleander in my own vegetable garden without worry. Just don’t eat the compost.”
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