Scientific Name
Buxus sempervirens
Common Name
Boxwood

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Buxaceae
Plant Description
Evergreen shrub with small, opposite, simple leaves, broadest near or below the middle; flowers small, in axillary clusters, 4-parted.
Origin
Eurasia and Africa.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape as cultivated woody shrub.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
Leaves.
Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, convulsions, respiratory failure. Contact with cell sap may cause skin irritation.
Toxic Principle
Steroidal alkaloids.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY 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.

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