Scientific Name
Dirca palustris
Common Name
Leatherwood, Wicopy

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

Characteristics

Family
Thymelaeaceae
Plant Description
Deciduous shrub with fibrous bark; leaves alternate, simple, elliptical; flowers in axillary clusters before the leaves develop, each 4-parted, yellow; fruit a green to red drupe.
Origin
USA, NC.
Distribution
Mountains and Piedmont.
Where Found
Forest or natural areas in rich woods, uncommon; landscape, occasionally cultivated as woody shrub.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Vomiting, diarrhea; contact with bark may cause skin irritation with blisters.
Toxic Principle
Resin.
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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