Scientific Name
Coleus X hybridus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)
Common Name
Coleus, painted nettle

SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Lamiaceae
Plant Description
Slightly succulent, perennial herbs with opposite, simple leaves on 4-angled stems; the leaves often blotched with various colors and patterns; flowers small, blue-violet, in slender, terminal clusters, irregularly shaped.
Origin
Asia and tropical Africa.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape in flower garden as cultivated, tender annual.
Mode
Dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
Leaves.
Symptoms
Allergic dermatitis with red rash after repeated and frequent contact.
Toxic Principle
Diterpene coleonol, coleon O.
Severity
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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