Scientific Name
Leucothoe axillaris
Common Name
Coastal leucothoe

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Ericaceae
Plant Description
Evergreen shrub with green and slightly arching stems; leaves alternate, simple, abruptly to gradually pointed; flowers on all sides of elongated, axillary clusters, each white, inverted urn-shaped with 5 small lobes; fruit a globular, 5-lobed capsule, more or less depressed at the apex.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Coastal Plain; gardens.
Where Found
Forest or natural areas in wet woodlands; landscape as cultivated woody ornamental shrub.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Leaves and nectar from flowers.
Symptoms
Salivation and nasal discharge, sweating, tingling sensation, headache, depression, weakness, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, paralysis.
Toxic Principle
Andromedotoxin.
Severity
HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL 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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