Scientific Name
Capsicum annuum (Longum group)
Common Name
Hot pepper, chili pepper

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
Solanaceae
Plant Description
Annual herb; leaves alternate, simple, smooth margined; flowers small, solitary, axillary, white or greenish, 5-parted; fruit a shiny, tapered berry of various colors.
Origin
Tropical America.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape in vegetable gardens; landscape as cultivated, tender, herbaceous annual.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
Leaves, fruit.
Symptoms
Burning or stinging of lips, tongue and throat; nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Burning sensation of the eyes and skin; blistering after prolonged exposure.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Fruit edible when raw or cooked.
Toxic Principle
Capsaicin and derivatives.
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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