Probably a stupid question,

but here it is anyways. Today I was setting up a new, larger tank for my king. I'm thinking about getting him a live plant or two, something sturdy, and a few other natural bits and pieces. My sister was helping me find a good log outside (to be dried out for any bugs well beforehand) and picked up a handful or two of pine needles for decoration. My immediate thought was "NOOO."
But then I was I got to wondering if pine needles secrete the same oils that the pine wood does. I imagine it would, but then again there are plants like rhubarb, where one part is poisonous, but the other is regularly used in pies.
So, is it safe to use a handful of pine needles in the corner of his tank to make it more realistic? I don't think I'll put them in either way (they are a little sharp) but would they affect him in any way if I did?

Pine needles and cones are both used in the process of making pine oil, so they must have some oil in them. Pine needles are fairly high in it if I remember correctly. Anyway, I'd avoid it just to be safe.

Yeah, good idea :) i just gave him tons of dirt mix to dig around in, I think he's content :D

Yeah, think about it. If you take a handful of pine needles, and crush them a little in your first, you get a really strong pine smell. It is the toxic oil that makes that smell.

Interesting thought, though. I like seeing people who are brave enough to think outside the box, while also being cautious enough to not just act blindly on the new thought.