Scientific Name
Agapanthus orientalis (A. praecox ssp. orientalis)
Common Name
Agapanthus, African blue lily

CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN! SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Liliaceae
Plant Description
Herb with fleshy roots, the stem thick and short; leaves long and grass-like; flowers in a terminal cluster, each tubular, blue or white, with 6 petal-like parts.
Origin
South Africa.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape, flower garden as herbaceous perennial.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
Plant sap in leaves.
Symptoms
Irritation of skin and eyes from cell sap. Irritation and ulceration of mouth if ingested.
Toxic Principle
Unknown.
Severity
CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN! SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

"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.

Previous Species, Home, Next Species