Scientific Name
Dianthus spp.
Common Name
Carnation, clove pinks, rainbow pinks

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Caryophyllaceae
Plant Description
Perennial herbs; leaves narrow and often gray-waxy; flowers 5-parted, often fragrant, pink-lilac, pink-purple or white.
Origin
Eurasia.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; florist plants; landscape in flower garden as herbaceous perennial.
Mode
Dermatitis, ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Leaves.
Symptoms
No reports of ingestion. Skin irritation reported from contact with clove pinks.
Toxic Principle
Triterpenoid saponins.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF 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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