The Nerium, or Oleander, was brought from Jamaica to the port of Galveston, TX in the early 1840’s.

Although Oleander blooms are showy, they’re considered the most toxic plant in all of Texas. Sudden death by cardiac failure (with no warning signs) in livestock or pets can occur within four hours of ingestion.

 “The Santa Anas blew in hot from the desert, shriveling the last of the spring grass into whiskers of pale straw. Only the oleanders thrived, their delicate poisonous blooms, their dagger green leaves.
~ Janet Fitch