Scientific Name
Dahlia spp.
Common Name
Dahlia

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Asteraceae
Plant Description
Tuberous rooted, perennial herbs; leaves pinnately lobed or divided; flowering heads large, with many petals, variously colored.
Origin
Tropical America.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape in flower garden as herbaceous annual or perennial.
Mode
Dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
Leaves and tubers (resemble thickened roots).
Symptoms
Skin irritation following repeated handling of the tubers and contact with leaves and light.
Toxic Principle
Phototoxic polyacetylene compounds.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES 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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