Of Mediterranean origin, oleander (Nerium oleander) is widespread in open ground, even on very poor soil in the form of hedges, beds or coppices in regions of southern France with a sunny, hot and dry climate. All its parts - stems, flowers, fruits and especially its leaves - are toxic to many animal species (herbivores, dogs, rodents, birds) and even humans. They contain oleandrine, a potentially lethal cardiotoxic glycoside with digitalis action.