Scientific Name
Actaea spp.
Common Name
Baneberry, white cohosh, snakeberry, doll's-eyes, coralberry

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Ranunculaceae
Plant Description
Perennial herbs from a thick rhizome; leaves spreading, pinnately divided with toothed leaflets; flowers small, white, in a terminal, erect raceme; fruit white, red, or purplish black berries with black tips, often on thick, red stalks.
Origin
USA, Europe
Distribution
Mountains, Piedmont; gardens.
Where Found
Forest or natural area, rich woods; landscape, flower garden as herbaceous perennial.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
All parts, mainly berries and roots.
Symptoms
Burning of mouth and throat; salivation; severe stomach cramps, headache, diarrhea; dizziness and halucinations.
Toxic Principle
Unknown, glycoside or essential oil, protoanemonin.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN!

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology, and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences, North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming Miguel A. Buendia; graphics Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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