Scientific Name
Dieffenbachia spp.
Common Name
Dieffenbachia, dumbcane

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN! SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Araceae
Plant Description
Tall, perennial herbs; leaves alternate, simple, large, mottled with white, yellowish, and different shades of green; flowers in a spadix surrounded by a spathe.
Origin
Tropics.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Burning and swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat; difficulty in speaking and swallowing; nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. Skin irritation if exposed to cell sap.
Toxic Principle
Calcium oxalate crystals, oxalic acid.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH 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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