Scientific Name
Cyclamen persicum
Common Name
Persian violet, cyclamen, sowbread

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

Characteristics

Family
Primulaceae
Plant Description
Tuberous, perennial herb; leaves many, slender stalked, rounded and heart-shaped, finely toothed, variegated; flowers solitary, 5-parted, nodding, red, pink to white, fragrant.
Origin
Europe.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape, florist plant.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
Rhizomes (thickened roots).
Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, paralysis. Suspected of causing skin irritation following handling.
Toxic Principle
Triterpenoid saponins.
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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