Oleander, Nerium oleander, is an ornamental evergreen that belongs to the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. The best-known oleander shrub, called rosebay, is native to the Mediterranean and Middle East regions and is distinguished by dark green leaves that are thick, leathery, and lance-like.

Beginning in spring and continuing through autumn, oleander flowers burst into beautiful roselike clusters of red, apricot, pink, or white. Common oleander is often found cultivated in greenhouses and is widely grown outdoors in warm regions, where it is often used as a freeway median divider. An adaptable root system allows the plant to root in many different types of terrain including unstable and pebbly ground.

Oleander is beautiful, but extremely deadly. A single leaf can kill an average size adult. In fact, all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested. The plant contains a poisonous glocosoid, a milky substance that is rich in salicine and other alkaloids. This poisonous sap can paralyze the hearts of humans and animals.