Scientific Name
Codiaeum variegatum
Common Name
Croton

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Euphorbiaceae
Plant Description
Evergreen shrub with alternate, simple leaves mottled with white, yellow, or red; flowers white.
Origin
Asia.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape as tender annual planted outdoors in summer.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis from milky sap.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Allergic dermatitis with skin rash developing after repeated contact. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea when ingested.
Toxic Principle
Diterpene esters.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES 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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