Scientific Name
Ilex opaca
Common Name
American holly

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Aquifoliaceae
Plant Description
Evergreen tree; leaves alternate, simple, with spiny margins, glossy green; flowers small, white, in leaf axils; fruit a red (or rarely yellow) berry.
Origin
USA, NC.
Distribution
Throughout.
Where Found
Forest or natural areas in low woods; landscape as cultivated ornamental evergreen tree or street tree.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Berries in large quantity.
Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Toxic Principle
Illicin, possibly saponic glycosides, and triterpenoids.
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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