Scientific Name
Celastrus scandens
Common Name
Bittersweet

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Celastraceae
Plant Description
Woody vine with alternate, simple, deciduous leaves with smooth margins; flowers in elongated clusters; fruit dry with a yellow-orange wall, splitting and exposing red seeds.
Origin
USA, NC.
Distribution
Mountains and Piedmont, gardens.
Where Found
Forest or natural area on rocky slopes and deciduous forests; weedy in disturbed areas at edge of woods and along fences; landscape as cultivated woody vine.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
All parts; seeds
Symptoms
Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of consciousness.
Toxic Principle
Unknown, possibly peptide, glycosides, and alkaloids.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF 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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