Question
We  have a five year old granddaughter living with us and my wife had heard that the leaves or petals of African Violets could be fatal if ingested and she loves African Violets but not enought to jea- pardize  Rachels life.  IS THERE ANY TRUTH TO WHAT SHE HAD HEARD?  Thank you.
                            Darl Mills

Answer
Darl,

Please accept my apology for not answering you sooner.  I was poring over my books to find your answer.  All the years I have raised violets and I did not know the answer to this most basic question! I wanted to provide you with a definite answer, not just a 'guess'.  The answer is NO.  African violets are not toxic to people or animals.  While no houseplant should be "gobbled up", caring for, touching, or even getting a small piece of African violets in the mouth will not harm your little grand-daughter.  Tell your wife to continue enjoying them!

Just for your information, I am sending you a list of houseplants that ARE toxic.  See below.  Again, I apologize for taking such a long period to get back to you.  Hope this helps you and your wife.


                    PLANTS
  POISONOUS OR HARMFUL
  TO PEOPLE AND PETS
     
African milkbush                                  Ficus
Amaryllis                   Heliotrope
Anthurium                   Jerusalem cherry
Caladium                   Lantana
Chenille plant                 Mandevilla
Chinese evergreen                Natal plum
Clivia                      Oleander
Crinum lily                   Ornamental pepper
Croton                        Peace lily
Crown of thorns                Philodendron
Dumb cane (diffenbachia)             Pothos
English ivy                   Pregnant onion
Euphorbia                   Sago palm
Fern palm                   Swiss-cheese plant