Scientific Name
Fagus spp.
Common Name
Beech

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Fagaceae
Plant Description
Deciduous tree; leaves alternate, simple, toothed with 1 tooth for each secondary vein; flowers small and inconspicuous; fruit a 3-angled nut inside of a weakly spiny husk.
Origin
North America and Eurasia.
Distribution
USA, NC and cultivated.
Where Found
Forest or natural area in rich woods; landscape as cultivated tree.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Unripe , raw nuts (seeds).
Symptoms
Stomach upset.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Nutmeats, in small quantities, edible raw or cooked. Young leaves can be cooked for greens in the spring. SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES: The nutmeats can be roasted and ground for a coffee substitute. SOURCE: Angier, B. 1974. Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, Pa, 255 pp.
Toxic Principle
Saponic glycoside.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF 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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