Scientific Name
Andromeda polifolia
Common Name
Bog rosemary

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Ericaceae
Plant Description
Low, spreading shrub; leaves alternate, simple, narrow, leathery, sharp-tipped, whitish below; flowers white to pale pink, urn-shaped, in terminal, nodding clusters
Origin
Europe.
Where Found
Landscape as cultivated ornamental woody groundcover, shrub.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Watering of mouth, eyes, and nose; loss of energy, slow pulse, vomiting, low blood pressure, lack of coordination, convulsions, and progressive paralysis.
Toxic Principle
Andromedotoxin.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES 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.

Previous Species, Home, Next Species