Scientific Name
Dicentra spp.
Common Name
Bleeding heart, Dutchman's breeches, squirrel corn, turkey corn

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

Characteristics

Family
Fumariaceae
Plant Description
Perennial, short-stemmed herbs; leaves 2-pinnately divided, the ultimate segments deeply lobed; flowers in an elongated, terminal cluster, each nodding with 2 spurs on the upper side, white or pale to deep pink; fruit a many-seeded capsule.
Origin
USA, NC.
Distribution
Mountains and Piedmont.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; forest or natural area, native in rich woods; landscape in flower garden as cultivated herbaceous perennial.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Trembling, staggering, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, labored breathing. Skin irritation after repeated contact with the cell sap.
Toxic Principle
Several isoquinolone alkaloids.
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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