Scientific Name
Calycanthus floridus
Common Name
Sweetshrub, Carolina allspice, sweet bubby bush

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Calycanthaceae
Plant Description
Deciduous shrub; leaves opposite, simple, smooth margined, oblong; flowers axillary, with many brown-maroon, strap-like petals, aromatic; brown seeds enclosed in an elongated, fibrous sac.
Origin
USA, NC.
Distribution
Throughout.
Where Found
Forest or natural area in low woods, clearings and along stream banks; landscape as native, cultivated flowering shrub.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Seeds.
Symptoms
Convulsions, elevated blood pressure.
Toxic Principle
Calycanthin and related alkaloids.
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.

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