Scientific Name
Caladium spp.
Common Name
Caladium

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

Characteristics

Family
Araceae
Plant Description
Tuberous, perennial herbs; leaves alternate, simple, arrow-shaped, variegated with white between the veins; flowers in a spadix surrounded by a yellow-green spathe.
Origin
South America.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape in flower garden as cultivated, tender herbaceous annual.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Burning and swelling of lips, mouth, tongue; also nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur. Contact with cell sap can cause skin irritation.
Toxic Principle
Calcium oxalate crystals and unidentified compounds.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. 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.

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